Results of a clinical study on the use of “Five medicinal springs” in psoriasis
- VernacularTitle:Хайрст үлд (Псориаз) өвчинд «Эмт таван рашаан» -ыг хэрэглэсэн эмнэлзүйн судалгааны дүн
- Author:
Fang Yuliang
1
;
Zultsetseg Narangerel
2
;
Ariunaa Zundui
2
Author Information
1. Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
2. Office of Academic Policy and Coordination, Mongolian University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Psoriasis;
psoriasis vulgaris;
Five medicinal Springs;
decoction bath;
balneotherapy;
randomized controlled trial;
DLQI;
PASI
- From:
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology
2026;28(1):29-42
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis characterized by
erythematous, scaly plaques that substantially impair physical, psychological, and social well-being. Although modern therapies—topicals, phototherapy, systemic agents, and biologics—have improved disease control, many patients experience incomplete remission, adverse effects, or limited accessibility. Traditional Mongolian soaking therapy, particularly the “Five medicinal Springs” decoction, has historically been used to alleviate psoriasis-like conditions; however, contemporary evidence generated through rigorous clinical study remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Methods:A total of 60 adults with psoriasis vulgaris were enrolled between October 2019 and February 2022
at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities. Participants were randomized equally into an intervention group (n=30) and a placebo group (n=30). The intervention group received daily decoction baths prepared from ledum palustre. L, Juniferus dahurica Pall, Myricaria longifolia Willd. Ehrenb, Ephedra monosperma S.G.Gmel ex C.A.Mey, and Artemisia frigida Willd, combined with composite glycyrrhizic acid and a hyaluronic biological membrane. The placebo group received warm-water baths with identical adjunct therapy. Treatment spanned 4 consecutive weeks. Clinical outcomes included PASI and its sub scores (erythema, scaling, infiltration), lesion area, pruritus score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and dermatoscopic grading. Statistical analysis employed Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and χ² tests, with significance set at p<0.05.
Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. After 4 weeks, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in erythema (3.23→1.50), scaling (2.90→1.37), and infiltration (2.57→0.77) (all p<0.001). Overall clinical efficacy was higher in the intervention arm (76% vs 53%; p=0.031). DLQI, pruritus scores, and dermatoscopic findings also improved more prominently in the intervention group. No serious adverse events or abnormal laboratory findings were observed.
Conclusion:Four weeks of “Five medicinal Springs” decoction bathing produced meaningful clinical improvement
in psoriasis severity, symptoms, and quality of life, with an excellent safety profile. Further multicenter, long-term randomized trials are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
- Full text:2026080123502806327MPPJ-2026-28(1)-29-42.pdf
