While much about psoriasis is yet to be discovered researcher believe that psoriasis is associated with high levels of arachidonic acid in the plaques and significant changes in the metabolism of eicosanoids leading to an increase in proinflammatory agents that cause the physiological and visible effects of psoriasis. It has been shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), found in
fish oil, can counteract the formation of these proinflammatory agents. Some studies have actually shown that oral supplementation with fish oils can in deed benefit psoriasis patients.
Gamma-Linoeic Acid (GLA) is the result of the body's first biochemical step in the transformation of the main essential fatty acid linoleic acid into important prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are essential to the proper functioning of each cell, while essential fatty acids formed from GLA are required for each cell's structure.
Nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%). A great deal of scientific research has been conducted with supplements rich in GLA, resulting in significant interest regarding health ailments, as well as those affected by pre-menstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, eczema, psoriasis, obesity, and vascular disorders.
In some individuals, B vitamins and
folic acid have been very helpful. They're definitely worth trying, though, since no toxicity or unwanted effects have been reported.
In psoriasis, cells divide at a much more rapid rate than usual. This abnormally rapid division is attributed to an abnormal ratio of two cell growth regulating factors.
Forskolin, a naturally occurring remedy derived from an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to normalize this ratio. As no toxic effects have been reported from
Forskolin, it appears to be a very promising herbal remedy for psoriasis.
A controlled, double-blind study published in 1996 in Tropical Medicine and International Health found that aloe vera was very effective in the treatment of psoriasis.