A UK trial found that a skin care range containing a plant extract called Oregon Grape Root, is effective in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a recurrent skin condition that affects around 10% of the UK population. It is caused by an acceleration of skin cell production. Normally a skin cell matures in 21-28 days. Psoriatic cells, however, turn over in 2-3 days and in such profusion that the live cells reach the surface and accumulate with the dead cells still in visible layers (hence the plaques).
The condition manifests itself as raised red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. It can occur on any part of the body although elbows, knees and the scalp are usual sites.
What is Oregon Grape Root?
Oregon Grape Root is a native plant of North America and has been examined as a treatment for psoriasis in several published studies.
What’ s the evidence that Oregon Grape Root works?
A two-month trial, carried out by a UK doctor on 50 people, found that a skincare range containing an extract of Oregon Grape Root improved psoriasis for 86% of the patients, with 75% of these experiencing a marked improvement after just four weeks.
Oregon Grape Root also appeared to be more helpful than standard treatments for almost half the sufferers. Overall, 50% of participants had previously been treated with steroids or Dovonex and, of those, 95% said that after eight weeks the Oregon Grape Root skincare range had improved all psoriasis symptoms (including itching, scaling, plaque thickness and redness) beyond the level of improvement already experienced on their existing steroid-based treatments.
Other published studies have found that compounds isolated from extracts of Oregon Grape Root can slow down the production of Lipoxygenase (an enzyme involved in psoriatic skin cell production).
At the cellular level, Oregon Grape Root has been shown to guard against accelerated activity during the process of keratinocytes (skin cell production).
Dr Vincent Forte, the doctor who carried out the UK trial, comments
“I found that Oregon Grape Root is an effective, well-tolerated and very acceptable treatment for psoriasis, with a very low incidence of side-effects. OGR compares favourably with topical steroids and Dovonex and the trial results indicate this is a well-liked treatment that psoriasis sufferers would use again.”
How quickly did Oregon Grape Root work?
Our psoriasis tester found that after four weeks of use daily of the entire Oregon Grape Root hair and skin care range, his patches of body psoriasis had reduced by approximately 40% and his scalp psoriasis by 50%. After eight weeks his body psoriasis had decreased by 60% and his scalp psoriasis by 80%.
How nice was Oregon Grape Root to use?
Our tester said the Oregon Grape Root skincare products were pleasant to apply and, most importantly, smelt odourless. They went on easily and were absorbed quickly and did not leave the skin sticky not did it stick to clothing. Our tester found the Oregon Grape Roo scalp spray was light and non greasy although hair did need to be washed daily to prevent greasiness.
Value for money?
Reasonable price for an entire skin and hair range and you can see what you need most of and then order top up invididual Oregon Grape Roo products as and when you need them.
Marks out of 10?
9/10
Skin Shop’s Oregon Total Care Range includes a daily maintenance body & face cream, an intensive skin rescue serum, a body & hand wash, a non-greasy scalp spray, a shampoo & conditioner. Click here for more details.
I have psoriasis on my scalp. It drives me mad. If i wear black tops it looks like i have a snow storm on my shoulders.
Hi Sandra, yes this is a very common problem, some psoriasis sufferers have to have two wardrobes, one for when they don’t have bad skin and one for when they do. Dark colours are a no-go when you have a flare up of scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is hard to treat as not many products are either suitable or pleasant to use on the scalp. Do try Skin Shop’s Oregon Grape Root Scalp Spray, we’ve had many positive comments from reader’s about it for use on scalp psoriasis.
I have this problem too & it is also in my nails. I was recommended Celadrin tablets & it has helped somewhat with the scalp and has totally gone from my nails. Think I’ll try this Oregon Grape Root to see if things improve even more.