Turmeric for Psoriasis: What the Evidence Shows

Turmeric is one of the most extensively studied natural ingredients for psoriasis, and unusually for a traditional remedy, it has multiple real human clinical trials — including a meta-analysis — behind it. Here's the full picture.

The Clinical Trial Evidence

Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials have tested turmeric's active compound, curcumin, specifically for psoriasis:

• Serafian et al. — a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 40 patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis, comparing a turmeric gel to placebo applied on opposite sides of the body for 9 weeks. The turmeric gel was found significantly more effective than placebo.
• Bahraini et al., 2018 — a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a topical "turmeric tonic" in 40 patients with mild-to-moderate scalp psoriasis over 9 weeks. The turmeric group showed significantly reduced PASI scores and improved quality of life (DLQI) scores compared to placebo, with no adverse effects reported.
• Antiga et al., 2012 — a randomized trial finding that oral curcumin supplementation alongside topical steroids reduced PASI scores more than topical steroids alone in moderate plaque psoriasis.
• A 2012 open-label trial of oral curcumin (published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology) found a modest but real response rate, with responders achieving significant PASI improvement — though the study notes its own limitations, including small sample size and no placebo group.

A meta-analysis pooling clinical trial data found that both curcumin monotherapy and combination therapy significantly improved PASI scores compared to controls, and preclinical (animal and cell) studies consistently support curcumin's anti-inflammatory mechanism, including reduced expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-17, TNF-alpha, and IL-22 that drive psoriasis.

Why Turmeric Is Different From Most Natural Ingredients

Unlike many traditional remedies where the evidence is theoretical or preclinical only (see our reviews of tea tree oil and neem for comparison), turmeric's curcumin has a specific, well-characterized mechanism that aligns directly with psoriasis biology — inhibiting the same inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, Th17 cytokines) that current pharmaceutical treatments target. This is why it's attracted more rigorous clinical investigation than most other natural ingredients.

The Catch: Bioavailability

Turmeric contains curcumin at a relatively low concentration — roughly 3% by weight — and curcumin itself is poorly absorbed when taken orally, which limits how much reaches the bloodstream from dietary turmeric alone. This is why oral curcumin trials often use concentrated, standardized extracts rather than turmeric powder, and why topical application (bypassing digestion) has shown more consistent results in the trials above.

How to Use It

• Topical turmeric gel or extract — the form with the most direct clinical trial support for psoriasis specifically
• Oral curcumin supplements with enhanced bioavailability — often combined with piperine (black pepper extract), which meaningfully improves absorption
• Turmeric as part of a normal diet — reasonable as a general dietary habit, though the concentration is far below what clinical trials have used
• Patch test topical formulations first — turmeric can occasionally stain skin and fabric temporarily

Frequently Asked Questions

Is turmeric a proven psoriasis treatment?

It has more human clinical trial support than most natural ingredients, with multiple positive RCTs and a supportive meta-analysis — genuinely strong evidence, though still on a smaller scale than pharmaceutical treatments.

Should I use topical or oral turmeric?

Both have supporting trials, though topical application avoids the bioavailability challenges of oral curcumin. Many people use both as part of a broader approach, alongside — not instead of — prescribed treatment for moderate-to-severe symptoms.

Next Steps

For the full evidence-graded comparison across natural psoriasis treatments, see our complete review.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Sources & References

• Karger, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. Clinical Studies on Topical Curcumin
• Bahraini P, et al. Turmeric tonic as a treatment in scalp psoriasis: A randomized placebo-control clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2018. PubMed
• Efficacy and safety of curcumin in psoriasis: preclinical and clinical evidence and possible mechanisms. PMC9477188
• Kurd SK, et al. Oral curcumin in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008. JAAD