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Mangosteen for Eczema and Psoriasis

March 20, 2009 Written by JP    [Font too small?]

Part of the reason I started this blog was to share observations that I’ve stumbled across in my personal life. In general I’ve been pretty fortunate in enjoying relative good health. But I’ve had my share of medical bumps along the road just like anyone else. One such event occurred last year when I had a rather severe inflammatory skin condition (a supposed combination of eczema and psoriasis). I went to see both conventional and holistic doctors and really wasn’t satisfied with the treatment plans that either of them laid out for me.

The dermatologist I visited suggested doing a course of prescription oral steroids. The holistic doctor recommended that I adopt a pretty radical diet and detoxification routine. He even mentioned that I might have to visit the Dead Sea in Israel to benefit from climatotherapy! Not what I had in mind!

Since I wasn’t receptive to either of these treatment protocols, I decided to experiment on myself instead. To that end, I recalled having encountered anecdotal reports about an extract from a tropical fruit called mangosteen, which aids with various skin conditions. This led me to scouring the PubMed scientific archives.

The Southeastern Asian Queen

The Tropical Fruit: MangosteenDuring my personal research expedition, I discovered that there had been over 30 years worth of scientific papers published about the possible health effects of mangosteen. I was actually quite surprised, because mangosteen had only recently become a popular fixture in the natural health marketplace. From an outsiders point of view, it appeared that it had all the earmarks of a faddish newcomer.

As I delved more deeply into the specific science, I noticed that there were, in fact, quite a few studies that suggest a very real application for mangosteen in the management of skin disorders. It appears as if the “queen of fruit” possesses anti-acne (1,2), anti-inflammatory (1,2) and UV radiation protecting properties.

In addition to its potential skin supporting role, I also found preliminary evidence that this obscure fruit may very well afford protection in other areas of health maintenance such as:

  • Allergies – A recent lab study indicates that a particular mangosteen extract can powerfully inhibit the release of both histamine and prostaglandin E2. If this same effect occurs upon oral consumption of mangosteen juice or supplements, it could allow for a natural alternative to over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines.
  • Cancer – The most active area of mangosteen research is in the field of cancer treatment. Laboratory studies hint at a therapeutic role for mangosteen in the development of new cancer therapies. The range of cancer cells that appear to be sensitive to mangosteen extracts is vast and includes breast cancer, colorectal cancer, leukemia and prostate cancer.
  • Heart Disease – A study conducted in a rat model found that a mangosteen prevented some of the damage brought about by a chemically induced heart attack. Therefore, the use of mangosteen may provide a preventive effect with regard to heart disease and the damage that would result from a heart attack.

These experimental findings add to the long list of uses that have been traditionally associated with the tropical fruit. In countries such as Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand mangosteen has historically been utilized for health concerns such as dysentery, infected wounds and ulcers. These benefits appear to be due to a specific class of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) found in the purple rind of this fascinating fruit. These substances are collectively known as xanthones and they are not found in high concentrations in more commonly consumed fruits and vegetables outside of southeastern Asia.

Skin Psoriasis

But let’s get back to my story. I was in a lot of discomfort. My rash was very dry and painful. It had taken hold over large portions of my arms, legs, face and neck, and was clearly visible to anyone who saw me. It hurt to move around too much and, quite frankly, I felt self-conscious about how I appeared in this state.

My holistic doctor expected me to follow his strict dietary and supplement recommendations. My dermatologist expected me to take her prescribed medicines. I was to follow their advice and then report back in two weeks. But instead, I did my best to clean up my diet and added a mangosteen extract to my daily routine.

Two weeks went by and I returned for my follow up doctor appointments. When they saw me they were visibly pleased with the results of their respective treatments. Then I told them that I didn’t follow their recommendations. The look of shock was priceless. My skin was nearly 100% healed. I felt better. I looked better. My dermatologist chalked it up to an unusual remission. She suspected that my skin troubles might be the type that come and go. My holistic doctor was more curious about my homegrown treatment program. He did ask to what I attributed my recovery, so I explained it to him.

I can’t tell you for sure that it was mangosteen that allowed me regain my wellness. I just know that I was in really bad shape and I wasn’t expected to get well anytime soon. Except that I did. Could the research I found on mangosteen explain my experience? It’s possible, but there’s no way for me to prove it. My only tangible evidence is healthier skin.

Note: Please check out the “Comments & Updates” section of this blog – at the bottom of the page. You can find the latest research about this topic there!

Be well!

JP


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Heart Health, Nutritional Supplements

48 Comments & Updates to “Mangosteen for Eczema and Psoriasis”

  1. Mia B. Says:

    Fascinating!
    I wondered, to ask you:
    can this fruit be found [purchased?]. If so, is it eaten whole, or could you also find it in supplement form? [I read you used an ‘extract’; how much…& did you add it to another nutrition source, or ingest it alone?]
    Curious & Interested…

    M.B.

  2. JP Says:

    M.B.,

    Mangosteen fruit can be purchased. Though, in the US the juice is more easily found then the fruit itself. It’s commonly sold in health food stores.

    Mangosteen is also available in a supplement form. That’s what I used. In my case, I chose a product that provided a 250 mg mangosteen extract that was standardized to contain 50% xanthones.

    I followed the recommended dosage which was to take it twice a day – according to the product label.

    I hope this answers your questions. If I missed anything or if you have any additional questions, feel free to ask them.

    Be well!

    JP

  3. Kevin Says:

    Thanks JP! I used to buy it for my GF, but I didn’t know its health benefits. It’s available in many supermarkets and fruit stores in Shanghai. It’s quite expensive, about $7.5/KG.

  4. JP Says:

    That is expensive but I’m sure she’s worth it, Kevin! 🙂

    Be well!

    JP

  5. CBL Says:

    im in bad shape…got eczema on my ankles,back’elbows,face and just recently discovered more on my back….i just asked my friend at “Wholefoods” to get me the supliment in liquid form….my fingers are crossed on this working…..i’ve been “bathing” in 1% and Cetaphil for months with no effect…..

  6. JP Says:

    CBL,

    I certainly hope it works out well for you. I know how horrible those symptoms can feel like.

    If your diet isn’t great, please try improving that as well. I know I made it a point to eat a more natural diet (low in processed foods and sugar) during my skin’s recovery process. I included plenty of Vitamin D and also high dosages of probiotics (healthy bacteria, like those found in yogurt). I do however believe that mangosteen played an pivotal role in turning the tide in my case.

    Be well!

    JP

  7. Jim C. Says:

    My friends duaghter had eczema pretty bad on her arms and stomach. I introduced them to the mangosteen juice and after about 3 days of drinking the juice (3 glasses, 3 times a day) it started to clear up. Something the medications could not do. I witnessed it myself.

  8. JP Says:

    That’s pretty incredible, Jim! Thanks for sharing that!

    Be well!

    JP

  9. Anonymous Says:

    I think this is a fantastic supplement that not enough people are aware of. Because eczema and lots of other skin conditions are linked with a weakened immune system, supplements that can help strengthen the immune system and suppress the bodies inflammatory response are invaluable to successfully managing these debilitating conditions.

  10. JP Says:

    It does appear to be quite powerful. Speaking of the immune system, I posted a follow up blog that attests to mangosteens impact on immune function: https://www.healthyfellow.com/368/mangosteen-sleep-vitamin-d/

    I thought that might be of interest.

    Be well!

    JP

  11. Michael Says:

    Some have said that skin conditions are due to a weakened immune system, which may be true in some cases. However, above there is a picture of ‘normal’ vs. psoriais type-skin.. this may seem like a natural depiction but what is missing is the ENTIRE pathophysiology of this issue. The skin cells in the average person replicate at a regular rate. In people affected with psoriasis, the skin cells replicate at double the rate causing scaley, plaque like lesions on the skin. This has everything to do with an over productive immune system and nothing to do with under productive. That is why so many patients receive Methotrexate with is a PO/IV chemo. medication which suppresses the immune system therefore helping to alleviate symptoms.

    As for this juice people are referring to, I am not saying that it does or does not work, BUT, like an decent and well educated physician or derm. would tell you, conventional medicine accompanied by other complimentary therapies is the best practice. I know many argue that conv. medicine is only based on money, but how many of them are researchers, physicians, derms. and pharmacists that have actually had education based on this information? Going to the local organic food store may be a good step in overall healthy foods, but the earth child working there has no evidence to back them up espec. when it “worked for a friend of mine”. It is easy to complain about the drs. and all that and say it is all about the big drug companies, but the physicians have no link to them. What about the 10$ you just spent on an “organic” grapefruit or apple? Obviously, there is no conception of the link between these so called health foods and the radically, overpriced fruits and veg. they are offering.

  12. JP Says:

    Michael,

    It may surprise you to know that I don’t disagree with many of your points. However it’s important to note that certain nutritional supplements have been shown to modulate immune function – in addition to reducing inflammation. One such remedy is mangosteen. Preliminary (scientific) evidence suggests that it *may* affect the expression of immune and inflammatory factors.

    Be well!

    JP

  13. Farah Says:

    Hi JP,

    I have been looking all over the net to find alternative remedies. I outgrew my childhood eczema. 2 years ago, it came back with a VENGENCE and refuses to go away. although steroid creams have helped in controlling the inflammation, i know that i can’t keep “chasing” the inflammed skin which more often than not, starts weeping. I am at my wits end.

    Thanks to you, I shall give mangosteen supplement/juice a try. If you have any other alternative meds or practices, do email me alright?

    Thanks for giving me the hope.

    🙂 Farah

  14. JP Says:

    Farah,

    I’m sorry to hear about the flare up. I know how hard that can be.

    I’ll e-mail you this comment as well.

    There are number of strategies that I would personally consider:

    + A very low carbohydrate diet. I’d emphasize lots of non-starchy vegetables (cruciferous and green leafy vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (grass-fed meat, wild salmon). I would completely avoid grains and most dairy.

    + Supplement-wise, probiotics and Vitamin D would top my list. Mangosteen, fish oil or krill oil and GLA (evening primrose oil or blackcurrant seed oil) would be candidates to consider as well, IMO.

    + I’d get a reasonable amount of sunlight exposure during non-peak hours. Sunlight provides more than just Vitamin D.

    + Stress management. Deep breathing, massage, meditation, progressive relaxation, Tai Chi … whatever works for you.

    + Topicals: A chlorine filter for your bath or shower. Aubrey Organics makes a line of products that can be suitable for eczema. It goes by the name of Vegecol. I mostly used the lotion when I needed it.

    PS – I’d go with a mangosteen extract (capsule). That way you’ll get a standardized quantity of the active ingredients and avoid the sugar found in the juice.

    I hope you feel 100% better soon and never look back. Take good care.

    Be well!

    JP

  15. neelam Says:

    hi,

    which mangosteen extract/supplement did you use? i am hoping to find something which will help my 3 year old son who has severe eczema.

    thank you,
    neelam

  16. JP Says:

    Neelam,

    I used a mangosteen extract manufactured by Natural Factors. The name is: MangoSteen Super Strength Extract.

    Please consult with a holistically-inclined pediatrician about the appropriateness of giving this type of supplement to your son.

    Be well!

    JP

  17. Jim C. Says:

    My friends daughter had it all over her body, it was terrible. He used the mangosteen supplement by Xango. She’s only 7 and it cleared up in about a week. They liked that it was juice. She drank the juice with wonderful results. He had tried other ones but this one had results. Jeff shares it with other people after he saw it worked. Here’s his site with contact info if you want to ask anything questions about his daughters experience etc..
    http://www.mymangosteen.com/mianina/product

  18. MC Says:

    JC

    I totally agree with you.
    My 1 year old baby had been suffering from bad eczema since 6 months of age. We age him mangosteen juice and his eczema is 95% healed 1 month later.
    He went through a detoxification process for about 10 days and in those days his eczema has gotten worse. After the detoxification process, his skin has started getting better and better…
    eczema is almost gone!
    how amazing is that

  19. Hannah Says:

    I’m suffering from this chronic disease (psoriasis + psoriatic arthritis + allergy)since i was 10 years old. Now i am 36 already. One of the holistic pediatricians told me that there are cases where psoriasis patients could have all these 3 at once. I am the one! All sorts of medication i have tried but none seemed to work.. I’ve just stopped taking juice with acai berry at its main ingredient after a long try..I think i should turn to mangosteen pills now..Even though my mom grows the tree just beside our house, i just knew its healing properties to help cure or at least alleviate the psoriasis..

    Thanks JP for sharing your experience..

  20. JP Says:

    Hi, Hannah.

    I hope you find even greater success than I found with mangosteen.

    As an update, I just want you to know that I’ve avoided any recurrent skin issues by following a gluten-free, low carbohydrate diet for the past 2+ years. I also take some supplements. But, I believe my diet is an integral part of my successful recovery/remission.

    Be well!

    JP

  21. Kiran Says:

    Hi,

    i am suffring from Psoriasis from past 5 years and i have tried lot of medicines but no use . can you please tell me is Mangosteen is perfect cure for Psoriasis…

  22. JP Says:

    Hi Kiran.

    I wouldn’t call it a cure. Mangosteen seems to have helped me overcome my skin issues. And, I’m grateful for that. But, I believe my recovery was likely due to a more comprehensive approach to wellness – which included an improved diet, stress management and supplementation.

    Be well!

    JP

  23. Kiran Says:

    Hi,

    can any one tell me where this Mangosteen available as i heard about mangosteen for first time.. ? I am living in India , Hyderabad… Please help me… 🙂

    Kiran

  24. JP Says:

    Hi Kiran.

    Are there any health food stores in your area? Mangosteen is generally sold in such establishments in the United States. I’ve checked a few popular (US-based) online retailers and they don’t appear to ship to India.

    You might try contacting a local manufacturer and ask about the availability of their product in your region.

    http://ambegroup.trustpass.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-101564424/HEALTH_CARE_PRODUCTS.html#products

    Be well!

    JP

  25. Tanya Says:

    I also suffer from psoriasis. It seemed to get worse after gastic bypass surgery. I also have it on my scalp. I am going to try the mangosteen. Any other recommendations for the scalp?

  26. Dan Says:

    Thanks for sharing your experience with Mangosteen, I’ll definitely take a closer look and pick some up. It appears from your experience that what was diagnosed turned out to be likely fungal related.
    I had been treating a painful, cracking and sometimes bleeding condition on my hand for roughly 1 1/2 years that was misdiagnosed by two physicians as eczema. Turns out it was a fungus. I did research and came across Oil of Oregano with 70% Carvacrol as a potent anti-fungal treatment. The Oregano oil used is the variety Origanum vulgare. It can be obtained at most health and nutrition stores. It comes in capsule and in a liquid dropper bottle to either drink in very small quantities or apply directly to the area being treated. I took it internally and applied externally but only to my affected hand. The amazing thing was the fungus on my hand disappeared as did my split toenails. It was great. Had I known the split toenails were going to be cleared up, I would have applied the oil topically as well to get a quicker response. While I’ve read that Tea tree oil is a good anti-fungal treatment, you don’t want to take it internally. I swear by the Oil of Oregano and now take the capsule form as a supplement for management and general health. It’s nice to have options available.

  27. JP Says:

    Thank you for sharing your successful recovery with us, Dan. I’m thrilled to hear that you overcame your health products naturally and safely. Excellent!

    In my case, I don’t think fungus was a primary contributor to my skin problems. I did make some changes that likely improved levels of beneficial microorganisms in my system. However, I suspect most of the benefits I found were do to shifts in my immune function and a reduction in systemic inflammation. This is just my hunch.

    Be well!

    JP

  28. Jitendra Says:

    Hi JP,
    I am suffering from scalp psoriasis.I Search for “MangoSteen Super Strength Extract ,manufactured by Natural Factors” but it seems that product get discontinued.So could you please tell me what should I Use.Meanwhile I am doing progressive relaxation.
    Please mail me .
    Thank you in advance .

    J

  29. JP Says:

    Hi Jitendra,

    You’re quite right. The Natural Factors product has been discontinued. However, there are other similar products available. I’ll provide a few links below:

    http://www.vitacost.com/ayurceutics-avesta-mangosteen

    http://www.vitacost.com/solaray-mangosteen-extract

    http://www.iherb.com/Paradise-Herbs-Mangosteen-60-Veggie-Caps/10475

    Also, please take a look at this recent column of mine:

    https://www.healthyfellow.com/1188/natural-dandruff-solutions/

    Be well!

    JP

  30. Jitendra Says:

    Thank you very much JP for your reply..

    You give me three links for so could you please tell me which one is good ?and what is dose of it ?what shampoo should I use ?

    Thanks in advance!And you are doing very wonderful job..it will really help affected people like me

    ~Jitendra

  31. JP Says:

    You’re most welcome, Jitendra.

    Personally, I would try the Ayurceutics product. But, all three products appear to be reasonable options. Availability may be the deciding factor.

    There’s an organic tea tree oil shampoo that I’ve used made by Giovanni. I think the ingredients are quite good and it’s economical.

    http://www.giovannicosmetics.net/item.asp?prodtype=HAIR%20CARE&category=ECO%20CHIC&model=SHAMPOO&item=TTS-8

    Be well!

    JP

  32. Terry Says:

    Hi JP:

    Thanks for sharing your information. I also have a rash that is a combination of Eczema and Psoriasis. It took them a long time to figure out what it was, they thought it was cancer at first. Once they figured it out they said they had only seen one other person with it. I was covered all over with the rash and it seemed to be following the track of my lymph nodes. I did try the steroids and it gave me immediate relief but it did not eliminate it. I have one spot left and I was told it will never go away and to use a steroid cream on it just to give me some relief. The rash is still trying to spread back so I use the cream other spots too when ever I feel it coming back up. This rash started after a trip to the Doctors for a large swollen lymph node, which the doctor burst during examination. I have had this rash for 2 1/2 years now. I will be looking for Mangosteen and I will also try a cleanse diet. Thanks so much for sharing.

  33. stela Says:

    Hi, I have psoriasis for the last 14 years, and now is has getting bigger with a new job. The wounds Started cracking and bleeding sometimes. Today I was having mangosteen for breakfast and I checked online to see the benefits. I am very excited to know it helps with psoriasis. I live in Dubai and here you can get the whole fruit very cheap in the supermarket. That’s why I got them last day. Could you please tell me how to use it? I know the rind can be used also but I don’t know how.
    Thanks everyone for sharing. All the best for all of you.

  34. JP Says:

    Hi Stela,

    I believe your opening statement may be quite telling. Stress can exacerbate many inflammatory conditions – including psoriasis. I encourage you to make stress management a priority. IMO, meditation and yoga are a few viable options worthy of consideration.

    As to your primary question, I’m unaware of any studies that have specifically looked at the effects of mangosteen fruit consumption and psoriasis. It’s hard to say whether eating the fruit regularly would impart the same benefits as concentrated mangosteen extracts. It’s also worth nothing that many therapeutic extracts derive most of their healthful components by utilizing the rind of mangosteen. I’ve come across a few websites that offer advice about how to juice the rind of the fruit, but I have never tried to do so myself.

    Please have a look at comment #14 for a few additional recommendations.

    Be well!

    JP

  35. Sonia Says:

    Dear JP,

    I have been taking Mangosteen Juice for 3wks now.

    My psoriasis has become flatter but very bright red.

    Is this a normal process & how long until it fades?

    Many thanks
    Sonia

  36. JP Says:

    Hi Sonia,

    I’m not certain. I didn’t have that reaction. In my experience, the symptoms simply began to fade gradually. Apart from the redness, do you feel as though your skin is less inflamed, itchy, etc? If so, it’s possible that the redness is part of the healing process. On the other hand, skin redness *could* be a sign of an allergic reaction. I’m sorry that I can’t be more precise.

    Be well!

    JP

  37. JP Says:

    Update: More support for natural topical preparations …

    Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014 Nov 11;7:321-7.

    A cosmeceutical formulation based on boswellic acids for the treatment of erythematous eczema and psoriasis.

    BACKGROUND: Boswellic acids (BAs) show anti-inflammatory properties in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma. A topical administration route is currently used to deliver active compounds in psoriatic and eczematous patients. In this double-blind study we compare a novel BA formulation (containing Bosexil(®), INCI [International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients]: lecithin, Boswellia serrata resin extract) with a placebo formulation. A third arm of the trial received a formulation of Vaccinium myrtillus seed oil, previously demonstrated as an effective local treatment for psoriatic lesions.

    METHODS: Patients with psoriasis or erythematous eczema were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to Bosexil(®), V. myrtillus seed oil, or placebo. In order to evaluate the effects of treatment, the changes of scales and erythema from diagnosis to the end of treatment were scored in psoriatic patients, while changes in itch and erythema were analyzed for erythematous eczema patients. Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Eczema Area and Severity Index scores were also calculated.

    RESULTS: In patients with psoriasis, scales and erythema improved both with Bosexil(®) and the V. myrtillus seed oil treatment in comparison with placebo. In particular, the treatment with Bosexil(®) formulation improved scales (70% of cases) and erythema (50% of cases) without any case of worsening. In patients with eczema, the administration of placebo did not result in any improvement in 90% of cases, and in the remaining 10% worsened both itch and erythema. Bosexil(®) formulation improved both itch (60% of cases) and erythema (60% of cases) without any case of worsening. V. myrtillus seed oil improved itch and erythema in 66.7% and 77.8% of patients, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: A topical formulation of Bosexil(®) may be promising for the treatment of psoriasis and erythematous eczema. Long-term studies are recommended to evaluate the adherence to this topical treatment and its clinical benefits in real life.

    Be well!

    JP

  38. JP Says:

    Update 06/30/15:

    http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/283634/

    Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:283634.

    Oral Curcumin (Meriva) Is Effective as an Adjuvant Treatment and Is Able to Reduce IL-22 Serum Levels in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris.

    Curcumin is a complementary therapy that may be helpful for the treatment of psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, and antiproliferative effects. In the present study we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of a bioavailable oral curcumin in the treatment of psoriasis. Sixty-three patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris (PASI < 10) were randomly divided into two groups treated with topical steroids and Meriva, a commercially available lecithin based delivery system of curcumin, at 2 g per day (arm 1), or with topical steroids alone (arm 2), both for 12 weeks. At the beginning (T0) and at the end of the therapy (T12), clinical assessment and immunoenzymatic analysis of the serum levels of IL-17 and IL-22 were performed. At T12, both groups achieved a significant reduction of PASI values that, however, was higher in patients treated with both topical steroids and oral curcumin than in patients treated only with topical steroids. Moreover, IL-22 serum levels were significantly reduced in patients treated with oral curcumin. In conclusion, curcumin was demonstrated to be effective as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and to significantly reduce serum levels of IL-22. Be well! JP

  39. JP Says:

    Update 06/30/15:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26066761

    Eur J Dermatol. 2015 Jun 12.

    Effects of Curcuma extract and visible light on adults with plaque psoriasis.

    INTRODUCTION: We conducted a phase IV randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of oral curcumin together with local phototherapy in patients with plaque psoriasis.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis received Curcuma extract orally with real visible light phototherapy (VLRT) or simulated visible light phototherapy (VLST) in the experimental area, while the rest of the body surface was treated with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The endpoints were the number of responders and the temporal course of the response. The secondary outcomes were related to safety and adverse events.

    RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. In the intention-to-treat analysis, no patients included in the VLRT group showed “moderate” or “severe” plaques after the treatment, in contrast to the patients included in the VSLT group (p<0.01). Parallelisms in the evolution of PGA, BSA, and PASI scores were observed in the two groups following the treatment. At the end of the study period, 76% of all patients showed a response in the BSA exposed to UVA. Lesions on the experimental area showed a response in 81% of the patients in the VLRT group and 30% of the patients in the VLST group. There were no study-related adverse events that necessitated participant withdrawal.

    CONCLUSION: The results suggested that moderate to severe plaque psoriasis should show a therapeutic response to orally administered Curcuma if activated with visible light phototherapy, a new therapeutic method that would be safer for patients than existing treatments.

    Be well!

    JP

  40. JP Says:

    Updated 08/20/15:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26286710

    Food Sci Nutr. 2015 Jul;3(4):342-8.

    Daily consumption of a mangosteen-based drink improves in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

    Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit cultivated mainly in Southeast Asia. Recent studies have shown mangosteen has many health benefits. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of a mangosteen-based beverage on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and immunity biomarkers in plasma of healthy adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted using 60 participants, 30 men, and 30 women, ages 18-60. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, placebo and mangosteen groups, with the same number of male and female participants in each group. The trial duration was 30 days. ORAC as an antioxidant biomarker was measured in both groups. It was found that after the 30-day trial, the group given the mangosteen-based drink formula showed 15% more antioxidant capacity in the bloodstream than did the placebo group. As for the inflammatory biomarkers, in the mangosteen group, between the preintervention and postintervention, the C-reactive protein level significantly decreased by 46%, while no significant decreases for the same biomarker was observed in the placebo group. Immunity biomarkers IgA, IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 were not affected in either group. In addition, the effects on hepatic function (Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase) and kidney function (creatinine) were investigated. Our results indicated that after the 30-day consumption of the beverage, there were no side effects on human hepatic and kidney functions. The outcome of this study showed that the mangosteen-based formula significantly increases antioxidant capacity and possesses anti-inflammatory benefits with no side effects on immune, hepatic, and renal functions for long-term consumption.

    Be well!

    JP

  41. JP Says:

    Updated 12/17/15:

    http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546634.2015.1117565?journalCode=ijdt20

    J Dermatolog Treat. 2015 Dec 10:1-4.

    β-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

    BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases with serious impact on quality of life. β-Glucans are natural substances with potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity.

    METHODS: In a multicentre open split-body study, we studied the effect of Imunoglukan P4H® cream in a group of 105 patients with AD (39 males, 37%). Evaluation of subjective (visual analogue scale, VAS) and objective (EASI score, eczema area and severity index) characteristics of AD was carried out.

    RESULTS: In total, 80 patients (76.2%) completed the study. Topical β-glucan application resulted in the significant improvement of both objective and subjective symptoms of AD. On the application side, significant decline in the number of days with AD exacerbation and its severity was observed. Moreover, the subjects experienced decline of pruritus on the β-glucan half of the body (VAS score: 1.68 vs. 1.95, p < 0.001). During the study, the continual and significant decline of EASI scores on the site of β-glucan application was observed (V4: 1.57 vs. 1.85, p < 0.001). The preparation was in general well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study evaluating and confirming the potential use of β-glucan-based cream as a supportive complementary therapy of atopic dermatitis. Be well! JP

  42. JP Says:

    Updated 06/11/16:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27283367

    Acta Derm Venereol. 2016 Jun 9.

    Efficacy of Biofeedback and Cognitive-behavioural Therapy in Psoriatic PatientsA Single-blind, Randomized and Controlled Study with Added Narrow-band Ultraviolet B Therapy.

    Increasing data suggests that there is a connection between stress and the appearance of psoriasis symptoms. We therefore performed a clinical trial enrolling 40 participants who were randomly allocated to either an 8-week cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) (treatment group) plus narrow-band UVB phototherapy or to an 8-week course of only narrow-band UVB phototherapy (control group). We evaluated the clinical severity of psoriasis (PASI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12, Skindex-29 and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at baseline and by the end of the study. Sixty-five percent of patients in the treatment group achieved PASI75 compared with 15% of standard UVB patients (p = 0.007). GHQ-12 cases were reduced from 45% to 10% in the treatment group and from 30% to 20% in the control group (p = 0.05). The Skindex-29 emotional domain showed a significant improvement in the CBT/biofeedback group compared with control patients (-2.8 points, p = 0.04). This study shows that an adjunctive 8-week intervention with CBT combined with biofeedback increases the beneficial effect of UVB therapy in the overall management of psoriasis, reduces the clinical severity of psoriasis, improving quality of life and decreases the number of minor psychiatric disorders.

    Be well!

    JP

  43. Sven Says:

    I live in Thailand with my family, starting nine years ago after child birth my wife has had recurring skin conditions, seems to flare up near menstruation and also after eating the chilli/pickled food here (which means basically everything she loves).

    Tried all sorts of things to control it, one is avoiding these foods but that is difficult. She could feel the itch coming straight after a meal. A couple of weeks ago she noticed if she ate mangosteen after eating the itch did not come, since then she has been doing so after each meal and feels no itch, on the odd occasion when she does not eat mangosteen after a meal she feels a noticeable itch coming on.

    So, at least for us, it has made a difference.

  44. JP Says:

    Thanks a lot for sharing your wife’s experience, Sven! Really interesting!

    Be well!

    JP

  45. Jannie Myburgh Says:

    Can Mangosteen be given to a 6 month old baby who has bad eczema ?

  46. JP Says:

    Hi Jannie,

    Unfortunately, I’m unaware of any published/verifiable research on mangosteen in infants.

    If possible, it may be helpful to see a functional or integrative dermatologist in your area. Often times, eczema in infants responds very well to dietary changes (avoiding allergens, including more healthy fats and essential nutrients, supporting gut health aka intestinal permeability) and addressing gut microbiota imbalances – typically by consuming and/or supplementing with specific pre- and probiotics.

    Be well!

    JP

  47. MV Says:

    Hi JP thank you for sharing about the mangosteen that works for you. I am so desperate to find cure for what I’m having right now I’ve been going to so many doctors that is trying to find out whats wrong with me and my flare up. It is horrible it looks like psoriasis and or both since it was so bad my arm was swollen looks like infected I went to the dr and she prescribe a steroid cream. Since the first visit in November i went on a Light Theraphy and steroid cream and also prednisone tablets. I didn’t take the prednisone. But 3 days ago i have to due to my face was so red and itchy and i have to go to work. I believe is from trying the kambucha tea and it didn’t like that at all and it itches my whole body. I didn’t know that any fermented vegetables or tea i cannot have it. So, to make the story short i am on prednisone and today i take the mangosteen together with it and i have a bad reaction right now my face was all so red and my forehead had tiny rash. It was my fault i should have waited until I am finished with the prednisone.

  48. JP Says:

    Hi MV,

    I’m really sorry to hear of your skin troubles. I understand how frustrating it can be!

    Have you sought a second opinion? Some skin conditions are difficult to diagnose. Many times, it’s helpful to have an additional opinion that either confirms or refutes the original diagnosis. Also, you might consider seeing a naturopathic (or integrative) dermatologist since you seem to be interested in natural remedies.

    I hope you feel better soon.

    Be well!

    JP

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