## 6 New Approaches in the Use of Natural Raw Materials in the Treatment of Soriasis
When using black cumin topically, the therapeutic effectiveness depends on the proper form of application. Thymoquinone is a lipophilic substance, which is why it is recommended to apply it locally in the form of oil, dispersion, or emulsion. Studies have shown that NS administered as a lipophilic substance achieves higher therapeutic effectiveness than when administered as an extract [112]. [PERSON] et al. (2019) [113] compared the effectiveness of topical psoriasis treatment using substances derived from black cumin seeds. The study analyzed the use of vesicles filled with thymoquinone and compared the results to those of using black cumin extract, pure thymoquinone (TQ), and tazarotene gel. The study results showed that the use of an endosomal gel containing thymoquinone led to the greatest reduction in the parakearatotic layer compared to the thymoquinone suspension, black cumin extract, and tazarotene [113]. Research conducted by scientists between 1994 and 2023, confirmed the effectiveness of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) in the treatment of dermatological conditions. St. John's wort exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activity [114]. It is responsible for wound healing by inhibiting fibroblast migration, increasing collagen deposition, or regenerating connective tissue [114]. Hyperforin has been shown to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. This phytochemical compound is the main component derived from the parts of the _Hypericum perforatum_ plant. Promising local use of hyperforin for alleviating psoriaticiS. [PERSON] and others in a study conducted in 2021 on mice. The application of hyperforin in their study showed similar effects in inhibiting epidermal thickening, reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines compared to methotrexate. Summarizing the study results, the effectiveness of hyperforin in psoriasis therapy involves its action on the immune system and keratinocytes [68]. Another perspective on the effectiveness of _Hypericum perforatum_ (HP) in psoriasis therapy was presented by [PERSON] et al. (2024) [115]. The authors conducted a study aimed at verifying that a nanogel made from _HP_ extract improves skin penetration and prolongs the action of topically applied medications for psoriasis. The study on psoriatic skin lesions in a rat model confirmed that the nanogel improved skin integrity and reduced the number of inflammatory mediators [115]. In another study, the authors highlighted that TNFa levels in psoriatic tissue samples decreased after topical application of St. John's word ointment. In addition, a significantly reduced PASI was noted on the skin of psoriasis patients [116]. Several studies have also been conducted on the efficacy of psoriasis treatment for curcumin [117; 118; 119]. Curcumin is a substance obtained from the herb long-stem (Curcuma longa). The legitimacy of curcumin (CUR) in the treatment of psoriasis is recommended by researchers around the world, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and keratinocyte proliferation inhibitory properties [119]. The anti-inflammatory properties are confirmed by a study conducted on psoriatic lesions in mouse models [117]. Application of curcumin at a concentration of 10 uM resulted in the inhibition of inflammatory factor release, such as interleukins (IL-17, IL-22, IL-2, IL-8, IFN-\(\gamma\)) and TNF-\(\alpha\) in T lymphocytes, by up to 60% [117]. [PERSON] et al. (2022) [119] conducted a review of previous studies to establish the rationale for using curcumin in psoriasis treatment. The review included 26 studies providing reliable information on the mechanism of action, effectiveness, and side effects of curcumin on psoriatic lesions. A meta-analysis of four studies demonstrated that the final effect of using curcumin in monotherapy did not significantly differ from combination therapy. However, the combination of curcumin and conventional treatment provided the most favorable results for patients.