Ginger and Psoriasis: naturally reducing plaques, IL-17/IL-23 inflammation, and itching

Psoriasis: a rising Th17 autoimmune disease

Plaque psoriasis affects 2–3% of the Belgian population (200,000–300,000 patients). Central mechanism: Th17 immune dysregulation → overproduction of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-23 → keratinocyte activation → epidermal hyperproliferation (cycle of 3–4 days instead of 28 days) → thick, scaly, itchy plaques. Preferred locations: elbows, knees, scalp, lumbosacral area.

Psoriasis is also a systemic disease: cardiovascular comorbidities, psoriatic arthritis (20% of patients), metabolic syndrome, depression. Systemic inflammation is the common denominator.

Mechanisms of ginger in psoriasis

1. Inhibition of the Th17/IL-17/IL-23 axis

The most effective biologics against psoriasis specifically target IL-17 (secukinumab, ixekizumab) or IL-23/p19 (guselkumab, risankizumab). These medications cost €10,000–€20,000/year. Ginger acts upstream: 6-gingerol inhibits the differentiation of Th0→Th17 lymphocytes by reducing IL-6 and TGF-β (cytokines necessary for this differentiation). Result: less Th17 → less IL-17 → less keratinocyte activation.

2. NF-κB inhibition in keratinocytes

Psoriatic keratinocytes have constitutively activated NF-κB → production of IL-8 (neutrophil attraction), IL-6, CXCL1 → maintenance of the inflammatory loop. Ginger inhibits NF-κB in keratinocytes → reduction of this chemokine production → less immune cell influx into the plaque → regression of lesions.

3. Reduction of keratinocyte proliferation (Nrf2)

Abnormal keratinocyte proliferation is mediated by EGF-R and JAK-STAT. Nrf2, activated by ginger, modifies the expression of cell cycle regulators → slows down epidermal proliferation. At the same time: less oxidative stress → less keratinocyte activation by ROS.

4. Psoriatic arthritis: joint protection

Psoriatic arthritis combines skin inflammation with joint inflammation (synovium, entheses). Ginger → MMP-3 and COX-2 inhibition in joints → less bone erosion and joint pain → double cutaneous and articular benefit.

Topical vs systemic use

• Oral (shots): systemic action on the Th17 axis, NF-κB, reduction of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular comorbidities
• Topical (diluted ginger oil): local anti-proliferative and anti-itch action. Diluted to 2–3% in a carrier oil (jojoba, argan). Do NOT apply undiluted — risk of irritation on damaged ginger skin.

Psoriasis protocol

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