Polyherbal composition for the treatment of psoriasis and skin diseases

Abstract

A therapeutic herbal composition for the treatment and management of psoriasis, skin inflammations and related conditions, the composition comprising the following: an extract of Tinospora cordifolia in an amount ranging from 5 to 20 percent by weight of the total composition; an extract of Smilax china Linn in an amount of 2 to 15 percent by weight of the total composition; a gum resin of Boswellia dentate Roxb in an amount in the range of 5 to 25 percent by weight of the total composition; a common castor oil in an amount of 2 to 12 percent by weight of the total composition; and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical compositions, in particular polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations with synergistic combinations of plant extracts for the therapeutic treatment of psoriasis and related skin diseases. Background of the invention

[0002] Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, erythematous plaques, and scaling. Current treatment options such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics offer symptom relief but are often associated with significant side effects, relapses after discontinuation, and high costs.

[0003] Traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, have long used herbal remedies to treat skin diseases. Several plants, such as Tinospora cordifolia, Smilax china Linn, and Boswellia serrata, are said to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. However, their isolated use is often associated with limitations in bioavailability, inconsistent efficacy, or a lack of synergistic effects.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a standardized polyherbal formulation that combines carefully selected plant extracts to achieve improved therapeutic benefits in the treatment of psoriasis and other associated inflammatory and pigmentary disorders, while ensuring safety and minimal side effects.

[0005] Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease whose treatment and quality of life remain significant challenges. It manifests as erythematous, scaly plaques resulting from hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes, combined with dysregulated immune responses involving T cells, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators. Despite the availability of several conventional therapies, including topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, systemic immunosuppressants, and biologics, psoriasis remains a disease with high relapse rates, variable response to treatment, and significant side effects. Therefore, continued research into alternative therapeutic solutions, particularly from natural and traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, is essential.

[0006] Topical corticosteroids are among the most frequently used treatments for psoriasis. Their effect is based on suppressing local inflammation and immune activity. Although they initially reduce erythema and scaling, their long-term use is associated with serious drawbacks. Discontinuation of treatment often leads to skin atrophy, telangiectasia, striae, and rebound flare-ups. Tachyphylaxis, or loss of efficacy over time, is another major limitation. Furthermore, topical corticosteroids primarily target symptom relief rather than the underlying immune dysregulation that drives the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This limitation makes them unsuitable for sustained disease control in moderate to severe cases.

[0007] Another important treatment category includes systemic immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin. Methotrexate, a folate antagonist, has been used for decades to control psoriatic plaques and joint involvement. However, it is hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic, and close monitoring of blood levels is necessary to avoid life-threatening side effects. Cyclosporine, a calcineurin inhibitor, is highly effective in severe psoriasis, but its efficacy is limited by nephrotoxicity and hypertension, and prolonged use carries a risk of malignant development. Acitretin, a systemic retinoid, may normalize keratinocyte differentiation, but it causes mucosal dryness, teratogenicity, and liver toxicity, and is therefore unsuitable for women of childbearing age.These systemic drugs also exhibit cumulative toxicity, so their use is limited to short treatment cycles, after which relapse is very likely.

[0008] Phototherapy, particularly narrowband UVB and PUVA (psoralen plus UVA), can reduce scaling and inflammation by inducing apoptosis of hyperactive T cells in psoriatic lesions. However, repeated exposure carries the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Furthermore, phototherapy requires frequent visits to specialized facilities, which is impractical for many patients, especially those in rural or resource-poor areas. In addition, a significant proportion of patients do not achieve complete remission, and relapses occur after discontinuation of therapy.

[0009] The introduction of biologic therapies has transformed the treatment of psoriasis over the past two decades. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-12 / 23, interleukin-17, and interleukin-23 signaling pathways have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in moderate to severe psoriasis. Drugs such as adalimumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, and guselkumab have achieved near-complete clearance in a substantial proportion of patients. Nevertheless, biologics remain prohibitively expensive and must be administered parenterally, limiting their availability in many parts of the world. Another challenge is immunogenicity, as patients can develop neutralizing antibodies that diminish therapeutic efficacy over time. The long-term safety of biologics continues to be investigated, as risks include infections, malignancies, and paradoxical autoimmune disorders.The reliance on such highly specialized and costly interventions underlines the limitations of current biomedical approaches.

[0010] In addition to these pharmacological therapies, alternative topical agents such as vitamin D analogs (calcipotriol), salicylic acid, and coal tar have been used. Vitamin D analogs regulate keratinocyte proliferation, but their effect is moderate when used alone, and they can cause local irritation. Salicylic acid effectively reduces scaling but can lead to salicylic acid poisoning when applied over large areas, especially in children. Coal tar preparations are among the oldest treatments for psoriasis, but they are sticky, foul-smelling, and often cosmetically unacceptable to patients, leading to poor adherence. Furthermore, their efficacy is only moderate compared to modern therapies.

[0011] Dietary interventions, lifestyle changes, and stress management are frequently recommended as complementary strategies for psoriasis treatment. While some patients report improvement through a gluten-free diet, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, or stress reduction through yoga, these approaches lack consistent, evidence-based validation. They cannot be considered primary treatment strategies but rather supportive measures that can complement conventional or herbal interventions.

[0012] Given these limitations, there is a growing global interest in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, which emphasize holistic approaches and the use of polyherb-based formulas. In Ayurveda, psoriasis-like conditions have long been treated under the term "Kitibha," and treatment with herbs possessing immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, blood-purifying, and detoxifying properties is recommended. Plants such as Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), Smilax china (Chopchini), and Boswellia are used. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects of Psoriasis serrata (Shallaki) are extensively documented in classical texts as well as modern pharmacological studies. Despite their promising effects, however, most Ayurvedic herbs have shown only limited efficacy when used in isolation in clinical practice.This is due to the variability of the phytochemical content, the low bioavailability, and the complexity of psoriasis pathophysiology. Standardization, synergistic blends, and modern formulation techniques are needed to translate traditional knowledge into sustainably effective therapeutic solutions.

[0013] Existing herbal preparations for psoriasis often suffer from a lack of clinical validation and quality control. Many commercial products consist of only crude powders or extracts from one or two herbs, failing to adequately address the multifactorial nature of psoriasis. Some formulations lack standardization of active phytochemicals, leading to batch-specific variations in therapeutic outcomes. Others neglect the role of bioavailability enhancers, resulting in suboptimal systemic absorption of active ingredients such as curcumin from Curcuma longa or withanolides from Withania somnifera. Furthermore, many of these formulations have not undergone systematic toxicity studies, limiting their acceptance by regulatory authorities and mainstream healthcare professionals.

[0014] A major drawback of conventional psoriasis treatments, both allopathic and herbal, is that they focus either on suppressing the immune system or alleviating symptoms, rather than modulating multiple target molecules. Psoriasis is now considered a systemic inflammatory disease with associations to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and mental health comorbidities. An ideal therapeutic approach should therefore not only reduce skin lesions but also address systemic inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and psychological stress, all of which contribute to disease progression and relapse. This necessitates a multi-component formulation that simultaneously exerts immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and adaptogenic effects.

[0015] Another limitation of existing solutions is poor patient adherence due to side effects, high costs, or cosmetic unacceptability. Many patients discontinue therapy prematurely, leading to relapses and a worsening of the condition. Herbal solutions that are safe, affordable, cosmetically acceptable, and effective have the potential to improve adherence and long-term outcomes. However, this potential remains untapped due to fragmented research, the lack of integration of traditional knowledge into modern pharmacological validation, and inadequate formulation strategies.

[0016] The drawbacks of existing treatments highlight a significant need in psoriasis management. Conventional therapies are limited by their toxicity, cost, accessibility, and insufficient efficacy. While herbal solutions show promise, they are underdeveloped and lack standardization. This situation necessitates the development of polyherbal Ayurvedic compositions that combine well-characterized extracts in synergistic ratios, are enriched with bioavailability enhancers, and are formulated in stable dosage forms suitable for both oral and topical administration. Such an approach can combine the safety and holistic benefits of Ayurveda with the precision of modern pharmaceutical technology, thereby providing sustainable, effective, and affordable solutions for psoriasis patients worldwide. Summary of the invention

[0017] The invention discloses novel polyherbal Ayurvedic compositions consisting of selected combinations of medicinal plants, including, but not limited to, Tinospora cordifolia, Smilax china Linn, Boswellia gezahnt Roxb., Ricinus communis, Cassia Fistel Linn, Vetiveria zizanioides, Alpinia Galangal, Vitex negundo, Citrullus colocynthis, Berberis aristata DC, Zingiber officinale Rosc., Piper longum, Rubia Cordifolia, Piper nigrum, Withania somnifera and Curcuma longa.

[0018] These compositions are designed for topical and / or oral administration for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, pigmentary disorders, and inflammatory skin diseases. The invention also provides for the manufacture of these compositions using standardized extraction, concentration, mixing, and stabilization techniques to maximize efficacy and shelf life.

[0019] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a safe, effective, and cost-efficient polyherb-based composition for the treatment and management of psoriasis and related inflammatory skin diseases, wherein the formulation utilizes the synergistic therapeutic potential of carefully selected Ayurvedic plant substances. A further objective of the invention is to overcome the limitations of existing allopathic treatments such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics, which are often associated with severe side effects, high costs, and a lack of long-term safety, by introducing a natural formulation that is non-toxic, cosmetically acceptable, and suitable for extended use.A further objective is to ensure that the composition not only targets the visible manifestations of psoriasis, such as scaling, erythema, and itching, but also modulates the underlying pathophysiological processes, such as immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, in order to achieve holistic relief and reduce the relapse rate. The invention also aims to improve the bioavailability and systemic absorption of active phytochemicals, for example, by incorporating natural bioenhancers, so that therapeutic efficacy can be maximized even at lower doses.Furthermore, one objective is to provide compositions that can be formulated in multiple dosage forms, such as ointments, gels, capsules, tablets, syrups, and emulsions, thereby offering flexibility for both topical and oral administration, depending on patient needs. The invention also aims to establish a standardized manufacturing process that ensures batch consistency, stability, and the maintenance of phytochemical integrity, thus addressing one of the major drawbacks of existing herbal remedies: their lack of uniformity and reproducibility. Finally, another important objective is to contribute to integrative healthcare by validating traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern pharmaceutical and clinical methods, thereby creating a scientifically sound and globally accepted therapeutic option for the treatment of psoriasis. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] References in this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect”, or similar expressions mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, occurrences of the expressions “in one embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar expressions in this specification may all refer to the same embodiment, but need not.

[0021] The terms "includes," "include," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that includes a list of steps may not only contain those steps but may also include other steps not expressly listed or inherent in such process or method. Likewise, the statement "includes..." in the case of one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, or additional devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the invention. The system, methods, and examples provided here serve only for illustration and are not to be construed as a limitation.

[0023] In one embodiment, the present invention presents an Ayurvedic polyherbal composition for the treatment of psoriasis and skin diseases. The composition contains: an extract of Tinospora cordifolia in an amount of 5 to 20% by weight of the total composition; an extract of Smilax china Linn in an amount of 2 to 15% by weight of the total composition; a gum resin of Boswellia denticola Roxb in an amount of 5% to 25% by weight of the total composition; an oil of Ricinus communis in an amount in the range of 2 to 12% by weight of the total composition; and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers, wherein the composition is formulated to exhibit synergistic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity.

[0024] In one embodiment, the composition also comprises: approximately 5-12 percent by weight of Piper longum, approximately 5-10 percent by weight of Rubia cordifolia, approximately 5-12 percent by weight of Piper nigrum, approximately 5-12 percent by weight of Withania somnifera and approximately 5-10 percent by weight of Curcuma longa.

[0025] In one embodiment, Cassia fistula Linn pulp extract is also included in an amount of 3 to 10 percent by weight to achieve laxative and detoxifying effects that are beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis.

[0026] In one embodiment, Vetiveria zizanioides root powder or essential oil is incorporated in an amount of 1 to 8 percent by weight to achieve a cooling, antioxidant and antiseptic effect.

[0027] In one embodiment of Alpinia, to enhance the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory efficacy, galangal rhizome extract is added in an amount of 2 to 7 percent by weight.

[0028] In one embodiment, Vitex is combined with Negundo leaf extract in an amount of 2 to 10 percent by weight to achieve a muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effect.

[0029] In one embodiment, Citrullus colocynth seed oil or extract is incorporated in a controlled subtoxic dose of 0.1 to 3 percent by weight to achieve antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties without causing systemic toxicity.

[0030] In one embodiment, Berberis Aristata DC root or stem extract, standardized to a berberine content of 2-5%, is included in an amount of 2% to 10% by weight to provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties.

[0031] In one embodiment, Zingiber officinale is used. To further enhance the anti-inflammatory effect, Rosc extract enriched with gingerol and shogaol is added in an amount of 1 to 6 percent by weight.

[0032] In one embodiment, Boswellia serrata resin is extracted and concentrated with ethanol at 50 °C to obtain a boswellic acid content of at least 65% by weight. The extract is further purified by column chromatography to remove volatile terpenes, which reduce the stability of the formulation.

[0033] In one embodiment, Curcuma longa rhizomes are subjected to supercritical CO2 extraction at pressures between 250 and 350 bar and temperatures of 40 to 50 °C. The resulting curcumin-rich fraction is dispersed into liposomal carriers by thin-film hydration, generating vesicles with a mean size of less than 200 nm to improve both solubility and dermal penetration.

[0034] In one embodiment, Piper nigrum seeds are subjected to ethanol extraction, concentrated and standardized to 95% piperine, with the standardized extract being added in the final mixing phase to avoid thermal degradation and thus act as an enhancer of systemic bioavailability in oral formulations.

[0035] In one embodiment, the topical carrier comprises castor oil, white petrolatum, and paraffin in ratios optimized for occlusion and penetration enhancement. The formulation exhibits a uniform distribution of curcumin, boswellic acids, and berberine, with less than 5% variation in content uniformity across 20 randomly selected units.

[0036] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, starch or magnesium stearate, in an amount in the range of 1 to 10 percent by weight of the total composition.

[0037] In one embodiment, the final oral dosage form is manufactured as capsules or tablets, each unit containing 250-750 mg of the mixed standardized extracts with excipients selected from starch, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. The oral dosage disintegrates within 15 minutes and dissolves to at least 80% of the curcumin under USP dissolution conditions within 45 minutes.

[0038] The present invention describes a polyherb-based composition for the therapeutic treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin diseases. The invention combines principles of Ayurveda with modern extraction, standardization, and formulation science to create a reproducible, stable, and synergistic herbal formulation. The inventive aspect lies not only in the selection of individual plants but also in the specific sequence of processing steps, the standardization of the phytochemicals, the synergistic blending in defined ratios, and the incorporation into pharmaceutically compatible carrier substances. Together, these lead to a predictable and improved therapeutic outcome compared to the use of raw herbs.

[0039] The process begins with the careful selection and authentication of the raw plants. The plant species are identified and verified using pharmacognostic and botanical parameters to ensure the correct use of the medicinally valuable parts. For example, the stems of Tinospora cordifolia are harvested and shade-dried for their thermolabile immunomodulatory compounds, while the roots of Smilax china Linn. are collected for their anti-inflammatory saponins and flavonoids. Similarly, the gum resin of Boswellia denticola Roxb. is obtained for its boswellic acids, which are potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase and TNF-α-mediated inflammation. Other plants include Curcuma longa (rhizomes rich in curcuminoids), Rubia cordifolia (roots containing anthraquinones such as alizarin), and Berberis aristata DC.(Bark rich in berberine) are selected for their specific role in blood purification, antimicrobial action and anti-inflammatory support.

[0040] After harvesting, the plant materials undergo pretreatment, such as washing, shade drying, pulverization, and sieving to obtain uniform particle sizes. Each plant part then undergoes a defined extraction process optimized for stability and yield of the active phytochemicals. For example, Tinospora cordifolia is extracted with hydroalcoholic solvents at a controlled temperature between 40°C and 60°C, ensuring the recovery of both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble alkaloids. Boswellia serrata resin is extracted with ethanol at approximately 50°C, concentrating the boswellic acids to at least 65% by weight. Curcuma longa rhizomes are extracted with supercritical CO2 at pressures of 250–350 bar and temperatures of 40–50°C, resulting in a highly enriched curcumin fraction.Piper nigrum seeds are extracted with ethanol and standardized to a piperine content of 95%, which improves bioavailability.

[0041] Following extraction, the concentrated masses are dried under reduced pressure to remove residual solvent and preserve bioactivity. Each extract is then standardized to marker compounds using chromatographic techniques such as HPLC or HPTLC. For example, Rubia cordifolia extract is standardized to a minimum of 2% alizarin, while Berberis aristata is standardized to a minimum of 3% berberine. Withania somnifera extracts are titrated to contain no less than 5% withanolides, while Zingiber officinale is enriched to ensure a minimum gingerol content of 10%. This standardization ensures reproducibility and therapeutic consistency across batches, addressing one of the major drawbacks of traditional herbal formulations.

[0042] The blend of standardized extracts is prepared in a specific sequence to ensure stability and optimize synergistic effects. The blending technique begins with the combination of the core triad of Tinospora cordifolia, Smilax china Linn., and Boswellia serrata Roxb., which together form a potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory base. Secondary herbs such as Curcuma longa, Rubia cordifolia, and Berberis aristata are then introduced to enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The blend is further enhanced with adaptogens like Withania somnifera and bioenhancers such as Piper nigrum, which improve systemic efficacy. The ratios are precisely maintained, with Tinospora cordifolia comprising 15–30%, Smilax china 10–20%, and Boswellia serrata 10–25% by weight, while supporting botanicals occupy proportionally higher proportions.

[0043] To improve patient compliance and therapeutic targeting, the blended extracts are incorporated into pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. For topical formulations, the carrier may contain white petrolatum, paraffin, or castor oil derived from Castor bean (Castor communis), which acts not only as a base but also as a penetration enhancer. For oral formulations, excipients such as starch, microcrystalline cellulose, and gelatin are used to produce tablets or capsules, with each single dose containing 250–750 mg of standardized extract blend. Syrups and emulsions can be prepared for patients requiring liquid formulations. In all cases, stability studies are conducted under accelerated conditions to ensure a shelf life of at least 24 months without loss of phytochemical efficacy.

[0044] The therapeutic mechanism of this composition is multifactorial and results from the combined action of its components. Tinospora cordifolia and Smilax china regulate the immune response and reduce aberrant T-cell activation and cytokine secretion. Boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase-mediated leukotriene synthesis, thereby reducing chronic inflammation. Curcuma longa curcuminoids suppress NF-κB signaling and inhibit keratinocyte hyperproliferation, while Withania (sleep plant) adaptogens modulate stress responses that exacerbate psoriasis flare-ups. Rubia cordifolia and Berberis aristata have detoxifying and antimicrobial effects and reduce secondary infections associated with psoriatic lesions. The inclusion of Piper nigrum ensures improved systemic absorption of curcumin and withanolides, which otherwise have low bioavailability.

[0045] Preclinical validation of the technical composition demonstrated inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-23 in in vitro keratinocyte models, as well as a visible reduction in scaling and erythema in mouse models of psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Pharmacokinetic studies confirm increased plasma levels of curcumin and withanolides in the presence of piperine, thus validating the bioenhancer strategy. The overall formulation therefore shows not only symptomatic relief but also disease-modifying potential by targeting underlying pathophysiological processes.

[0046] In this way, the invention offers reproducible raw material selection, extraction under controlled conditions, standardization to defined phytochemical markers, sequential mixing in synergistic ratios, and incorporation into pharmaceutically compatible carriers. This ensures therapeutic efficacy, batch consistency, long-term stability, and patient acceptance. In contrast to raw herbal powders or non-standardized traditional remedies, the invention represents a modern, scientifically validated advancement of Ayurvedic medicine for psoriasis and related inflammatory diseases.

[0047] In one embodiment, the composition comprises an extract of Tinospora cordifolia in combination with Smilax china Linn and Boswellia gezahnen Roxb., wherein the extracts act synergistically to modulate immune responses, suppress hyperkeratinization and reduce local inflammation.

[0048] In another embodiment, the formulation contains Ricinus communis oil, which improves local penetration and provides wound-healing properties, while Cassia fistula Linn has additional anti-inflammatory and skin-detoxifying effects.

[0049] In other formulations, supporting plant substances such as Vetiveria zizanioides and Alpinia galangal have a cooling, antioxidant and antimicrobial effect, thus complementing the basic antipsoriatic effect.

[0050] The extracts are produced by hydroalcoholic or supercritical CO2 extraction of plant parts (stems, roots, bark, leaves, or rhizomes) and subsequent concentration under reduced pressure. The concentrated extracts are incorporated into pharmaceutically compatible carriers such as oils, ointment bases, capsules, or tablets. Stabilizers, emulsifiers, or bioenhancers such as Piper nigrum extract (piperine) can be added to improve bioavailability.

[0051] Dosage forms include topical ointments, gels, emulsions, oral capsules, syrups, and granules. The preparations are administered to human subjects in therapeutically effective amounts of 100 mg to 2 g per day (for oral formulations) or applied twice daily in thin layers (for topical formulations).

[0052] The present invention lies in the field of medicinal and pharmaceutical compositions of plant origin, more precisely in the area of ​​Ayurvedic polyherb formulations for dermatological applications. The invention relates in particular to compositions comprising synergistic combinations of standardized extracts of selected plant substances, including Tinospora cordifolia, Smilax china Linn., Boswellia dentate Roxb., Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, Piper nigrum, and others, produced by controlled extraction, concentration, and mixing processes to obtain stable, reproducible, and pharmaceutically compatible dosage forms. The invention further relates to the production of such compositions, which ensure improved bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, for use in the prevention and treatment of psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, pigmentary disorders, and other inflammatory skin diseases.

[0053] Advantages, further benefits, and problem solutions have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, benefits, problem solutions, and all components that can lead to an advantage, benefit, or solution occurring or becoming more apparent are not to be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or components of individual or all claims.

Claims

[1] A therapeutic herbal composition for the treatment and management of psoriasis, skin inflammation and related conditions, the composition comprising: an extract of Tinospora cordifolia in an amount ranging from 5 to 20 percent by weight of the total composition; an extract of Smilax china Linn in an amount of 2 to 15 percent by weight of the total composition; a gum resin of Boswellia dentate Roxb in an amount in the range of 5 to 25 percent by weight of the total composition; a common castor oil in an amount of 2 to 12 percent by weight of the total composition; and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers. [2] Composition according to claim 1, wherein Cassia fistula Linn pulp extract is also included in an amount of 3 to 10 percent by weight to achieve a laxative and detoxifying effect which is advantageous for the treatment of psoriasis. [3] Composition according to claim 1, wherein Vetiveria zizanioides root powder or essential oil are incorporated in an amount of 1 to 8 percent by weight to achieve a cooling, antioxidant and antiseptic effect. [4] Composition according to claim 1, wherein Alpinia. To enhance the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory efficacy, galangal rhizome extract is added in an amount of 2 to 7 percent by weight. [5] Composition according to claim 1, wherein Vitex In addition, Negundo leaf extract is included in an amount of 2 to 10 percent by weight to achieve a muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effect. [6] Composition according to claim 1, wherein Citrullus colocynth seed oil or extract is incorporated in a controlled subtoxic dose of 0.1 to 3 percent by weight to achieve antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties without causing systemic toxicity. [7] Composition according to claim 1, further comprising: approximately 5-12 percent by weight of Piper longum, approximately 5-10 percent by weight of Rubia cordifolia, approximately 5-12 percent by weight of Piper nigrum, approximately 5-12 percent by weight of Withania somnifera and approximately 5-10 percent by weight of Curcuma longa. [8] Composition according to claim 1, wherein Berberis Aristata DC root or stem extract, standardized to a berberine content of 2-5%, is included in an amount of 2% to 10% by weight to provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. [9] Composition according to claim 1, wherein Zingiber officinale. To further enhance the anti-inflammatory effect, Rosc extract enriched with gingerol and shogaol is added in an amount of 1 to 6 percent by weight. [10] Composition according to claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, starch or magnesium stearate, in an amount in the range of 1 to 10 wt.% of the total composition.