A clinical trial at the famous Beijing Guan Anmen hospital, Department of Dermatology by professor Zhu Renkang enrolled 108 patients with widespread plaque psoriasis to investigate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating this stubborn disease.
The patient group were assigned to one of two groups – either “Hot blood type”, or “Dry blood type” of psoriasis (in accordance to principles of Chinese medicine where the morphology of the lesions and other symptoms and signs, including the appearance of the tongue, is taken into account). The administration of Chinese herbs continued for up to 24 weeks (average was 18 weeks). The following results were recorded:
“Hot blood” group (54 patients)
72.2% had total clearing of skin; 11.1% had significant improvement (over 80% improvement); 11.1% had some improvement (between 30-80% improvement); 3% had no change.
“Dry blood” group (54 patients)
59.2% had total clearing of skin; 16.7% had significant improvement (over 80% improvement); 18.5% had some improvement (between 30-80% improvement); 6% had no change.
The patients from both groups who had total clearing were followed up for 12-32 months and assessed for the condition of their skin. 63.6% remained stable, 5% had mild relapse, whilst 25% had total relapse.
(Reported in the Zhongyi Zazhi (The Journal of Traditional Chinese medicine) 1981. 4. P22-24 Author Zhuren Kang)