From Botanicals to Nanotech: Siddha and Herbal Innovations in Psoriasis Treatment

Abstract

This review brings together research on treating psoriasis using Siddha and herbal medicine to tackle the limited options and side effects that often come with conventional treatments. Our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these alternative therapies compared to standard treatments, identify the beneficial compounds found in these herbs, understand how they work at a molecular level, and explore how they can be integrated with advanced drug delivery systems using nanotechnology. We systematically analyzed literature from Indian traditional medicine published up to mid-2024, including clinical trials, case reports, studies on plant compounds, and applications of nanotechnology. Our findings show that Siddha and herbal formulations can significantly alleviate psoriasis symptoms and improve PASI scores while maintaining a favorable safety profile, backed by both laboratory and clinical evidence. Key bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and curcumin play a crucial role in modulating inflammatory cytokines like IL-17A and TNF-α, inhibiting the growth of skin cells (keratinocytes), and providing antioxidant effects. Additionally, using nanocarrier systems improves the delivery of these treatments, enhancing their effectiveness while reducing toxicity. However, it's important to note that the current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, differences in study designs, and a lack of long-term data. Overall, Siddha and herbal medicines show great promise in treating psoriasis, and the integration of nanotechnology can further enhance their effectiveness. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, standardized clinical trials and quality control to develop safe, cost-effective, and culturally relevant strategies for managing psoriasis.