Low dose naltrexone in treatment of psoriasis: a pilot study.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and systemic inflammation. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has shown promising immunomodulatory effects in various autoimmune conditions. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LDN (5 mg daily) in the treatment of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods: This pilot study included 5 patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Patients received oral LDN 5 mg once daily for three months. Disease severity was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline and monthly for three months [1]. Results: At the end of the study, DLQI scores improved significantly, indicating enhanced quality of life. LDN was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. Mild and transient side effects were observed in some patients, which resolved spontaneously. The small sample size and short follow-up period are limitations that warrant further investigation. Conclusion: LDN appears to be a safe and effective alternative for managing moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, offering both clinical and quality-of-life benefits. Its affordability and minimal side effects make it particularly attractive in settings with limited resources. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate these preliminary findings.
Institutions: Minia University, Armed Forces College of Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413174230