While working with your dermatologist on a psoriasis treatment plan, you may wonder whether any natural treatments might help reduce your 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 know a few key facts about it. Read on to discover the research regarding its potential 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’d 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 to a vine.

Other names for this plant include:

• Creeping mahonia
• Mountain grape
• Tall Oregon grape
• Tall mahonia
• Oregon holly-grape
• Holly-leaved barberry
• Mahonia aquifolium

Oregon grape has been used as medicine for hundreds of years. Some Native American tribes prepared tea with the root to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis and stomach issues. They also used the berries to boost appetite.

In recent years, people have begun to revisit whether Oregon grape root can be used alongside standard medical treatments.

Can Oregon Grape Root Help With Psoriasis?

Researchers have evaluated whether Oregon grape root can treat psoriasis symptoms. Some results have shown promising outcomes.

One study evaluated the outcomes of 375 people with psoriasis. They used an ointment containing Mahonia aquifolium for 12 weeks. More than 81 percent of participants saw their symptoms improve or disappear over the study period. Plus, the number of people with severe or significant symptoms dropped from 30.1 percent at the study’s start to 5.6 percent at the end.

Other researchers reviewed several prior studies that evaluated the use of topical Mahonia aquifolium. These studies included people with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (the most common subtype of eczema). In five of the sevens studies focusing on psoriasis, participants saw their symptoms improve. In addition, no significant side effects occurred.

The review included a 2006 clinical study that evaluated people with mild to moderate psoriasis, who were treated with a topical cream that contained Mahonia aquifolium. The researchers said the cream helped improve psoriasis severity and was safe to use.

In another reviewed study, 32 people with psoriasis applied the Mahonia aquifolium cream to one side of their body. They applied a medical psoriasis treatment, such as calcipotriene (Dovonex), on the other side. More than 60 percent of participants said the Mahonia aquifolium cream worked at least as well as the medical treatment.

The specific product used in the studies is no longer available. However, many topical products made with Mahonia aquifolium extracts are available over the counter. These typically contain measurable amounts of the active plant compounds studied in clinical trials.

Not every study of Oregon grape root showed such positive results. One older clinical trial evaluated 82 people with psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis). They applied an ointment containing Mahonia aquifolium bark extract on one side of the body. They then applied a placebo (inactive) ointment on the other side. Most participants said their symptoms improved, but the doctors didn’t agree. Overall, though, researchers said the extract was “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 helpful for treating psoriasis. If you’re considering using it, talk to your dermatology team first. In addition, don’t start using Oregon grape root unless your dermatologist confirms that it won’t interfere with your psoriasis treatments.

No clinical studies have been done to support oral use of Oregon grape root for psoriasis. Plus, Oregon grape root may interact poorly with common medications. Check with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before consuming this product. This includes using it in powders, teas, supplements, or any other form.

Some people have side effects after using Oregon grape root. These include:

• Burning sensation
• Rash
• Itching
• Allergic reaction

Some people with psoriasis have other health conditions, too. For that reason, it’s important to ensure that Oregon grape root won’t make those symptoms worse. You should also avoid Mahonia aquifolium if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

What MyPsoriasisTeam Members Say About Oregon Grape Root

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members say they use Oregon grape root in products like shampoos and ointments. Others buy tea that contains 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,” one member said, prompting another member to respond, “Oregon grape root is amazing.”

Consult Your Dermatologist

Oregon grape root may help ease psoriasis symptoms in some people. But it isn’t a replacement for medical treatments and your doctor’s advice. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying a new home 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.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you tried an herbal medicine like Oregon grape root? Let others know in the comments below.