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<0.001, partial η²=0.73], with both groups showing an improvement over time. The difference between groups post-intervention was also statistically significant [F(1, 58)=10.552, P<0.01, partial η²=0.154].

Conclusion

Starch-fortified turmeric baths, as applied in this study, appears to improve psoriasis area and severity and can be used as a safe and inexpensive therapy in the management of psoriasis.