Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Mahonia species, particularly Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape), have traditional uses in treating various skin conditions, including lesions. Modern research provides some scientific validation for these uses. The plant contains alkaloids such as berberine, which have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties in laboratory and clinical studies.

Most notably, topical preparations containing Mahonia extracts have been investigated for their efficacy in treating psoriasis, a chronic skin disease characterized by plaque lesions. Several small-scale clinical trials and case studies have reported that Mahonia-based creams or ointments can reduce inflammation, scaling, and lesion size in psoriasis patients. For example, randomized controlled trials have found statistically significant improvements in psoriasis lesion severity with Mahonia extract compared to placebo. Additionally, in vitro studies support the antimicrobial effects of Mahonia alkaloids, suggesting a rationale for use in infected skin lesions.

However, high-quality, large-scale clinical evidence remains limited, and most studies focus specifically on psoriasis rather than lesions of other etiologies. Safety profiles in topical use appear favorable, with mild skin irritation reported in some cases. Overall, while the evidence base is not extensive, there is a reasonable scientific rationale and some clinical data supporting the use of Mahonia extracts for skin lesions, particularly those related to inflammatory skin diseases.

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