Chinese medicine treatment for psoriasis
Development of a Novel Chinese Medicine Formula for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Trial
This study is testing a Chinese medicine formula to see if it can help people with mild to moderate psoriasis feel better compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05295979 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a Chinese medicine formula called Inflammatory Skin Disease Formula (ISDF) in treating patients with mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the ISDF or a placebo for a duration of 12 weeks. The study aims to assess the clinical manifestations of psoriasis and the potential benefits of this natural treatment compared to conventional pharmacological options. The trial is led by experienced practitioners at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis who are willing to provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with pustular or generalized erythrodermic psoriasis or those who have recently undergone systemic therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a cost-effective and safer alternative for psoriasis patients who struggle with conventional therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific ISDF formula, other studies have shown promise in using traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating psoriasis.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis (PASI score 3 to 12). * Willingness to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pustular or generalized erythrodermic psoriasis. * Psoriatic arthritis with syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency according to Chinese medicine theory. * Systemic therapy for psoriasis 6 months prior to baseline. * Use topical medications for psoriasis 14 days prior to baseline such as retinoids, corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, tazarotene and tacrolimus. * Has taken any antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics 30 days prior to baseline. * UV light therapy 30 days prior to baseline. * Clinically significant laboratory abnormality in blood, liver or renal functions (≥1.5 times the upper limit of reference range). * History of allergy to Chinese herbs. * Unwillingness to comply with study protocol. * Any other condition that in the opinion of the investigators could compromise the study.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zhixiu Lin, PhD — Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zhixiu Lin, PhD
- Email: linzx@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 852-3943 6347
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.