A new trial has found that a cream containing a natural plant extract called Oregon Grape Root (OGR), is highly effective in reducing the symptoms associated with the skin condition psoriasis.
BY Rebecca Laske 3 July, 2007
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.
OGR is a native plant of North America and has been extensively examined as a treatment for psoriasis in several published studies. These studies have found that compounds isolated from extracts of OGR possess inhibitory activity against Lipoxygenase (an enzyme involved in psoriatic skin cell production).
At the cellular level, OGR 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 OGR 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.”
Our team has reviewed here the Oregon Grape Root cream.