Comparative Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Contemporary Treatments for Psoriasis Vulgaris

Lijiaming Zhou,1,2,* Zhengchun Wang,2,3,* Yan Wang,2,* Manning Wu,1,2 Yuemin Zou,1,2 Yueyue Ma,2,3 Wenbo Liu,2,3 Jingxia Zhao,1 Dongmei Zhou,2 Ping Li2 1Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Dermatology, Clinical Medical School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Dongmei Zhou, Email [email protected] Ping Li, Email [email protected]: This scoping review synthesizes existing research comparing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and contemporary treatments (CTs) for managing psoriasis vulgaris (PsV). A thorough literature search was conducted across multiple databases through February 2024, identifying relevant systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental, and observational studies that contrast TCM approaches with CTs for PsV. From an initial pool, 195 articles were analyzed, indicating a growing interest in this comparative area, with most studies involving sample sizes between 30 and 100 participants. Key interventions included both internal and topical applications of Chinese herbal medicines, notably Rehmanniae Radix, Arnebiae Radix, and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma. Outcomes focused on PASI scores, quality of life metrics, and adverse effects. Results suggest that TCM offers efficacy in improving PASI scores and quality of life; however, evidence concerning toxicity profiles, recurrence rates, and comorbidity outcomes remains sparse. Notable research gaps include a lack of comprehensive data on newer treatment modalities, particularly biologics. Future studies should aim to delineate subjects and interventions in greater detail to support clinical applicability.Keywords: psoriasis vulgaris, traditional Chinese medicine, evidence map, clinical study, scoping review