Tripterygium wilfordii Combined with Narrowband Ultraviolet B in the Treatment of Chronic Psoriasis: Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Abstract

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect and clinical efficacy of combining Tripterygium wilfordii with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) for chronic psoriasis. A total of 206 patients treated between March 2021 and November 2023 were analyzed. Patients were divided into a Control group receiving NB-UVB monotherapy (n = 102) and a Combination group receiving NB-UVB plus Tripterygium wilfordii (n = 104). Key outcomes assessed included immune markers (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+), inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α, etc.), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body surface area (BSA), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and safety. After 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, both groups showed significant improvement from baseline in all measured parameters (P < 0.05). Importantly, the combination group demonstrated statistically superior outcomes compared with those in the control group at both time points. This included greater increases in CD3+, CD4+, and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, higher clinical and IGA response rates, and more pronounced reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, PASI, BSA, and DLQI scores (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of Tripterygium wilfordii did not lead to an increased incidence of adverse events such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash, pigmentation, or infections. In conclusion, Tripterygium wilfordii significantly enhances the anti-inflammatory and clinical efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy in chronic psoriasis without compromising safety, supporting its role as a valuable synergistic treatment.