Background: Use of herbal remedies for common dermatologic conditions is increasing worldwide, yet their integration into evidence-based practice remains inconsistent. Botanicals such as Aloe vera, Curcuma longa (curcumin), Mahonia aquifolium, Indigo naturalis, Matricaria recutita (chamomile) and green tea polyphenols are frequently promoted for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and photoaging, but clinicians and patients often lack clear, mechanism-informed guidance on their efficacy and safety.
Objectives: This review aimed to
1) Synthesise clinical evidence on selected herbal therapies used in dermatology,
2) Summarise their key molecular and cellular mechanisms relevant to skin disease,
3) Describe their safety and tolerability profiles, and
4) Derive practical recommendations for rational clinical use and future research.
Methods: A structured literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library was undertaken from database inception to the most recent updates of key systematic reviews and clinical trials. Randomised or controlled clinical studies, prospective series and mechanistic in vitro or in vivo investigations evaluating defined herbal preparations in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis/eczema, photoaging/photodamage and other inflammatory dermatoses were included. Data on study design, interventions, outcomes and adverse events were extracted and synthesised narratively because of heterogeneity in formulations and endpoints.
Results: Across indications, most controlled trials reported greater improvement with herbal therapies than with placebo or vehicle, and in some cases non-inferiority to low-potency topical corticosteroids. Aloe vera, curcumin, Mahonia aquifolium and Indigo naturalis showed the most consistent benefit in mild–moderate psoriasis, while chamomile-based preparations improved symptoms and severity in atopic dermatitis and eczema. Green tea polyphenols demonstrated photoprotective and anti-ageing effects in experimental and early clinical studies. Mechanistic data supported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and barrier-restoring actions. Short-term safety was generally favourable, with predominantly mild local reactions; however, reports of allergic contact dermatitis, photoirritation and limited long-term data highlight the need for careful monitoring and standardized products.
Conclusions: Evidence suggests that selected, quality-assured herbal preparations can provide clinically meaningful adjunctive benefit in chronic inflammatory skin diseases and photoaging, particularly in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Nevertheless, small sample sizes, variable standardisation and methodological limitations prevent definitive recommendations. Herbal therapies should currently be integrated cautiously as complementary options within guideline-based regimens, while larger, rigorously designed trials and robust pharmacovigilance are undertaken to clarify their long-term efficacy, safety and optimal clinical roles.
International Journal of Herbal Medicine
Research Journals