Ginger as a remedy for psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease predominantly affecting adults. It is responsible for the appearance of red and thick plaques that shed. These can manifest on different areas of the body: scalp, soles of the feet, elbows... Biologically, psoriasis is explained by an excessive renewal and accumulation of epidermal cells, leading to a local inflammation .

Note : Psoriasis can also have a significant psychological impact and significantly impair the quality of life of patients. That's why it's crucial to manage it as early as possible.

A natural anti-inflammatory, the ginger appears to be a promising candidate to help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. However, it is important to note that to date, no studies have been conducted with individuals suffering from psoriasis. The only evidence of the usefulness of ginger and its components in relieving the symptoms of this disease is indirect.

One can notably mention the action of shogaol, a phenolic compound capable of inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB protein by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which consequently serves toprevent the induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), an enzyme involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Geranial, an isomer of citral found in ginger, on the other hand, reduces the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, triggering a pathway of inflammatory signalling and the synthesis of interleukin-1β and interleukin-4, pro-inflammatory cytokines.

healing power of ginger has been demonstrated in several studies. One of these particularly focused on the effect of a cream containing 3% ginger extract. This cream was applied daily for 21 days to half of a cohort of rats. A corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory drug, was then applied to all the rats for 15 days. After which, a superficial cut was induced on the treated area. The scientists then measured the healing time and observed that it was significantly faster for the cohort of rats pre-treated with ginger extract.

It was also measured that the production of collagen had been increased in the epidermis of pre-treated rats and that the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase-9 had been reduced. This is a complex that triggers the synthesis of an enzyme whose role is to degrade elastin. By ensuring better stability for elastin and collagen, ginger promotes epithelialisation. Moreover, this ingredient enhances the activity of glutathione, an antioxidant, and limits lipid peroxidation. This protects the cells of the epidermis and dermis, resulting in improved fibroblast migration at the wound site.

Key Takeaway : Ginger is a natural ingredient that appears to be beneficial for alleviating itchiness and improving the appearance of psoriasis plaques. However, although its anti-inflammatory and healing properties have been well-studied, it's important to remember that no studies have been conducted with psoriasis patients and the use of ginger does not replace medical treatment.

Ginger can be used both as a topical treatment and as a dietary supplement to alleviate the discomfort caused by psoriasis. Regarding the topical application of ginger, you can, for example, mix a little spice with water before soaking a clean cloth in it and applying it to the skin. It is also possible to use ginger extract or ginger essential oil , which should be diluted before applying to the skin and massaging.

Some dietary supplements containing ginger can also help to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. A daily intake of 0.5 to 1 g of ginger is generally recommended to relieve itching and plaques. However, before starting a course, we strongly advise you to discuss it with your general practitioner or dermatologist.

• ROSTAMI-YAZDI M. & al. Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Free radical biology and medicine (2009).

• KORLAKUNTA J. N. & co. Comparative study on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2010).

• DUFFY N. & al. Complementary and alternative medicine for psoriasis: what the dermatologist needs to know. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2015).

• ZAFRILLA P. & al. Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases. Molecules (2022).