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Table 1 Clinical experiment of treating psoriasis with indigo naturalis

From: From natural dye to herbal medicine: a systematic review of chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and clinical applications of indigo naturalis

Drugs

Clinic types of experiments

Types of psoriasis

Number of examinees

Usage time

Results

Refs.

Indigo naturalis oil extract

A non-controlled pilot study

Nail psoriasis

n = 28

24 weeks

The Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) decreased from 36.1 ± 14.7 to 14.9 ± 11.1, and the average Nasi score decreased from 11.7 ± 3.9 to 3.6 ± 3.2

[82]

Indigo naturalis ointment

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Moderate psoriasis

n = 24 (drug:16,

placebo: 8)

8 weeks

In 56.3% of patients, the psoriasis area and severity index scores were improved by 75%, and IL-17 in skin genes of these patients was significantly down regulated compared with placebo

[83]

Indigo naturalis ointment or vehicle ointment

A randomized, observer-blind, vehicle-controlled study

Recalcitrant psoriasis

n = 42

12 weeks

Compared with placebo, the scores of erythema, scale and lump and plaque area of indigo naturalis in treatment site were significantly reduced. The symptoms of psoriasis disappeared or nearly disappeared in 74% of patients with indigo naturalis

[81]

Indigo naturalis composite ointment

Pediatric psoriasis

8-year-old boy

8 weeks

After treating with indigo naturalis composite ointment, the lesions of systemic psoriasis disappeared completely, and the affected body surface decreased from nearly 80–0%. Remission has lasted for over 2 years without any adverse reaction

[84]

Indigo naturalis oil extract drops

Pediatric nail psoriasis with periodic pustular eruption

A 13-year-old girl

6 months

After treat in one month, the pustulation of the nails and the crusted, keratotic erythematous lesions disappeared. A completely normal nail unit without Beau’s lines was achieved after 6 months without any adverse reaction Remission has lasted for over 1 year

[85]