Background : A recent study showed that Gynura pseudochina DC. var. hispida Thv. leaf extract (GP) can reduce the activation of the nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) pathway and suppress the release of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor –α, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

          Methods : Twenty-five patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis completed a 4-week trial. Twice daily, they applied the GP ointment on psoriatic lesions on one side of the body, and they applied 0.1% triamcinolone (TA) cream on the other side. The Targeted Area Score (TAS), Psoriasis Severity Index (PSI) scores, and Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) scores were assessed at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4. Pre-and post-treatment skin samples were taken. Phosphorylation of NF-kB p65, Ki-67, and epidermal thickness were analyzed through immunohistochemistry.

          Results : The TAS for erythema, scaling, and induration and PSI scores decreased on both treated sides. A statistically significant difference was observed beginning at the first week of treatment. The GP ointment significantly decreased scaling scores. However, no significant differences were observed between the TAS for erythema and induration or the PSI and PGA scores. Immunohistochemical staining revealed diminution of phosphorylated NF-kB p65, Ki-67, and epidermal thickness in the lesions treated with the GP ointment. The ointment was well tolerated, with minimal side effects. No laboratory abnormalities were detected.

          Conclusions : The GP ointment demonstrated efficacy similar to that of 0.1% TA cream for mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis. In addition, its short-term side effects were minimal.