Shi Du Ruan Gao

Shi Du Ruan Gao (SDRG) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal ointment used for the topical treatment of plaque-type psoriasis. It is a multi-herb formulation containing Indigo naturalis (Qing Dai), Cortex Phellodendri (Huang Bai), Gypsum fibrosum preparatum (Duan Shi Gao), Calamine (Lu Gan Shi), and Galla chinensis (Wu Bei Zi). According to the principles of TCM, the ointment works by "clearing heat and cooling blood". Clinical studies have shown that SDRG is a safe and effective therapy for mild to moderate chronic plaque-type psoriasis, significantly reducing the Total Severity Score (sum of erythema, scaling, and plaque elevation) compared to a placebo. The mechanism of action is not fully understood in Western medical terms but is thought to involve regulation of the immune system, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Its constituent herbs possess various properties; for instance, Indigo naturalis is believed to modulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and inhibit T-cell infiltration. Cortex Phellodendri has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and IL-1β and inhibiting pathways such as NF-κB. The ointment has been used for treating psoriasis at Guang'anmen Hospital in China for nearly 60 years.

Brand names

Shi Du Ruan Gao

Other names

湿毒软膏