Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin A is scientifically validated for use in the treatment of psoriasis, primarily in the form of its synthetic derivatives known as retinoids. Retinoids, like acitretin and formerly etretinate, are systemic medications derived from vitamin A and are approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Topical retinoids such as tazarotene are also used for milder forms or localized plaques.

The rationale for using vitamin A derivatives in psoriasis centers on their ability to normalize keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation. Psoriasis is characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of skin cells, leading to the formation of thick, scaly plaques. Retinoids modulate gene expression in skin cells, reducing their proliferation and promoting more normal maturation. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help decrease the inflammation associated with psoriatic lesions.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and clinical guidelines support the efficacy of retinoids in treating psoriasis, particularly when other therapies are ineffective or inappropriate. However, due to potential side effects—including teratogenicity, mucocutaneous symptoms, and liver toxicity—retinoids are generally reserved for carefully selected patients.

In summary, the use of vitamin A derivatives for psoriasis is grounded in robust scientific evidence, with established efficacy and a well-understood mechanism of action, though careful patient selection and monitoring are essential due to the risk of adverse effects.

More about vitamin A
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Agrimonia pilosa
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algal oil
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alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
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andrographolide
apigenin
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
astragalin
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avocado
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baicalin
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banyan
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bee propolis
beta-glucan
Bifidobacterium breve
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birch
black currant
black walnut
Borassus aethiopum
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bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butyrate triglyceride
caffeic Acid
cannabidiol
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Chinese salvia root
chirata
Cistus
Cnidium
cod liver oil
copaiba oil
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
emu oil
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
ethyl linoleate
European Elder
ferulic acid
Ficus religiosa
fish protein
frankincense
fumaric acid
gallic acid
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
Glucosylceramide
Glycolic acid
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
gooseberry
gotu kola
green tea
Hellebore
henna
hyaluronic acid
Hyperoside
isoliquiritigenin
jojoba oil
Kaempferol
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
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Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Ledebouriella
lingzhi
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
liverwort
loquat
luteolin
Lycium
magnesium
Marine fat
Marshmallow
melaleuca alternifolia
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mucilage
Mulberry
Naringenin
Nettle
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
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paeoniflorin
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perilla
PhosphatidylGlycerol
phospholipids
Piperine
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polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rockweed
Rubia cordifolia
Salmon Oil
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sarsaparilla
seaweed
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specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
sunflower
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turmeric
vegetable oil
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wheat grass
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