title: The Efficacy of Gynura pseudochina DC. var. hispida Thv. Ointment in Treating Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A recent study showed that Gynura pseudochina DC. var. hispida Thv. leaf extract (GP) can reduce the activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) 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-κB 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-κB 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.
authors.affiliation: 1 Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital , Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand .|2 Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok, Thailand .
authors.forename: Pawinee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rerknimitr
authors.affiliation: 2 Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok, Thailand .
authors.forename: Jantakan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nitinawarat
authors.affiliation: 2 Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok, Thailand .
authors.forename: Sinee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weschawalit
authors.affiliation: 2 Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok, Thailand .
authors.forename: Jade
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wititsuwannakul
authors.affiliation: 3 Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University , Samutprakarn, Thailand .
authors.forename: Paveena
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wongtrakul
authors.affiliation: 4 Division of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University , Samutprakarn, Thailand .
authors.forename: Aranya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jutiviboonsuk
authors.affiliation: 5 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok, Thailand .
authors.forename: Boonjeur
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dhorranintra
authors.affiliation: 2 Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok, Thailand .
authors.forename: Pravit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Asawanonda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts