Effect of starch-fortified turmeric bath on psoriasis: a parallel randomised controlled trial

Background Naturopathic medicine uses starch‐fortified turmeric baths (SFTBs) [i.e. a mixture of rice starch and turmeric (Curcuma longa)] to treat psoriasis. This study set out to understand the effects of SFTBs on psoriasis. Methods The study used a parallel‐group RCT design. Seventy‐seven patients were screened of which 60 psoriatic patients were recruited. The inclusion criteria were people with psoriasis, aged between 20 and 60 years, not taking any medications and without open lesions. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups of 30. The intervention arm (IA) received SFTBs along with naturopathy interventions whereas the control arm (CA) received naturopathy interventions only (e.g. massage, yoga, hydro, diet therapy). The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was completed at baseline and post‐intervention (day 10). Results A mixed‐ANOVA was conducted to compare scores within and between groups. There was a significant main effect for time [Wilks's λ=0.27, F(1, 58)=153.94, P