Evaluation of efficacy, safety and antioxidant effect of Nigella sativa in patients with psoriasis: A randomized clinical trial

Objective: Various drugs are used for treatment of psoriasis such as retinoids, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, and infliximab with variable benefits, but these drugs are associated with side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy, safety of topical and oral doses of Nigella sativa (NS) in psoriatic patients. Methods: sixty patients with mild to moderate plaque and palmoplanter psoriasis were recruited for the study from January 2010 to March 2011. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: Twenty patients (group 1) were treated with (10% w/w) ointment of (NS), group 2 (20 patients) treated with crude powder of (NS), 500mg capsule t.d.s; group 3 (20 patients) were treated with the combination of ointment and capsule of (NS).PASI score was used for clinical evaluation of effect, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidative status. Results: (NS) ointment achieved complete cure of psoriatic lesions, excellent and good response in 65% of patients, with a relapse rate of 31% four weeks after cessation of treatment. Oral doses of (NS) produced good response in 50% of patients, with a relapse rate of 50% noticed four weeks after treatment cessation. The combination of (NS) ointment and oral doses achieved complete cure of lesions, excellent and good responses in 85% of patients, with a relapse rate of 18%. (NS) was well tolerated, no side effects were observed. Conclusion: (NS) has anti psoriatic effect with the best effect obtained with the combination of ointment and the oral dosage form of (NS).