While working with your dermatologist on a psoriasis treatment plan, you may wonder whether any natural treatments might help reduce your psoriasis symptoms. Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have discussed the potential benefits of Oregon grape root for treating psoriasis.

“Thinking about using Oregon grape root. Has anybody tried this route?” one member asked. Another replied, “Try Oregon grape extract or tea.”

Anyone considering adding Oregon grape root to their home treatment regimen should understand a few key facts about it, including the research regarding its benefits, safety, and use.

What Is Oregon Grape Root?

A small bush that grows naturally in North America, Oregon grape is unrelated to the grapes you can buy in the grocery store. With its shiny leaves, seasonal yellow flowers, and sour berries, this shrub is more similar to a holly bush than a vine. Other names for this plant include:

• Mahonia aquifolium
• Berberis aquifolium
• Faux houx
• Tall Oregon grape
• Holly leaved barberry
• Oregon holly-grape

Some people use the roots of the plant for medicinal purposes. The extract can be incorporated into topical treatments like creams and ointments or taken orally in tea, supplements, syrups, or powders.

People have used Oregon grape for hundreds of years. Native Americans prepared tea with the root to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis and stomach issues, and used the berries to boost appetite. In recent years, people have begun to revisit whether Oregon grape root can be used alongside standard medical treatment.

Can Oregon Grape Root Help With Psoriasis?

Researchers have investigated the effectiveness of Oregon grape root in treating psoriasis symptoms. Some results have shown promising outcomes for these medicinal plants.

One study evaluated the outcomes of 375 people with psoriasis who used an ointment containing Mahonia aquifolium for 12 weeks. Dermatologists noted that more than 81 percent of participants saw their symptoms improve or disappear over the study period. Further, the number of participants with severe or significant symptoms dropped from 30.1 percent at the start of the study to 5.6 percent at the end. The authors noted that Mahonia aquifolium ointment was well tolerated and effective among the participants.

In a review of clinical trials, researchers examined prior studies evaluating the use of topical Mahonia aquifolium in people with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (the most common subtype of eczema). Five of the seven studies focusing on psoriasis demonstrated significant improvements among participants. In addition, the authors reported no significant side effects from using Oregon grape root.

The review included a 2006 clinical study in which participants with mild to moderate psoriasis were treated with a topical cream containing Mahonia aquifolium. The researchers concluded that the cream helped improve psoriasis severity and was safe to use.

In another reviewed study, 32 people with psoriasis applied the Mahonia aquifolium cream on one side of their body and calcipotriol (Dovonex) on the other side. More than 60 percent of the participants said the Mahonia aquifolium cream worked at least as well as calcipotriol in treating psoriasis.

Although the product used in the studies is no longer available, many homeopathic formulations of Mahonia aquifolium can be found. (Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine that involves using very diluted amounts of plants and minerals.)

However, not every study showed overwhelmingly positive results. In one clinical trial, researchers asked 82 people with psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis) to apply an ointment containing Mahonia aquifolium bark extract on one side of the body and a placebo (inactive) ointment on the other side. Although most participants believed their symptoms improved, the physicians did not agree. Overall, though, researchers concluded, “we regard Mahonia aquifolium bark extract as a potent and safe therapy of moderately severe cases of psoriasis vulgaris.”

Potential Risks of Oregon Grape Root

More studies are needed to confirm whether Oregon grape root is a beneficial option for treating psoriasis symptoms. If you’re considering using it, talk to your dermatology team about which treatment course would have potential health benefits for you. In addition, don’t start using Oregon grape root unless your dermatologist confirms that it won’t interfere with your psoriasis treatments.

Although some scientific evidence demonstrates the safety and efficacy of Oregon grape root for topical use, no clinical studies have been done to support oral (by mouth) consumption. In addition, there are several concerns about serious interactions between Oregon grape root and common medications. Check with your medical provider and pharmacist before consuming this product in powders, teas, supplements, or any other nontopical form.

As with any treatment — herbal or pharmaceutical — you may experience side effects if you use Oregon grape root, including:

• Burning sensations
• Rash
• Allergic reactions

Because some people with psoriasis also have other skin conditions or general health conditions, it’s important to ensure that Oregon grape root won’t worsen those symptoms. You should also avoid trying Mahonia aquifolium if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

If your doctor says Oregon grape root is safe for you, they may suggest starting with a very small dose and increase it only after evaluating you for any side effects.

Oregon grape root can also stain clothing, so be careful when applying it.

What MyPsoriasisTeam Members Say About Oregon Grape Root

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members say they use Oregon grape root in products like shampoos and ointments, while others buy tea containing the remedy and drink it every day.

“I have had psoriasis for 10 years now,” one member wrote. “I’ve started using Oregon grape root cream.” Another said, “I use Aveeno daily moisturizer and Oregon grape root lotion.”

“Oregon grape root shampoo has been great for me,” another member said, prompting a member to respond, “Oregon grape root is amazing.”

Consult Your Dermatologist

Although Oregon grape root may help ease psoriasis symptoms in some people, it isn’t a replacement for medical treatments and your doctor’s advice. Always check with your health care provider before trying a new remedy — even if it’s something that’s been around for hundreds of years. Your dermatology team is your best source of information when it comes to managing your psoriasis with the safest, most effective treatment plan for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 116,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried an herbal medicine like Oregon grape root? Did it work for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.