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Abstract

Monoterpenes, and especially d-Limonene, display anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects which could be efficient in such inflammatory diseases as psoriasis. A pilot study was initiated to test this hypothesis in an open non-randomized setting enrolling nine patients. Orange peel extract containing known amounts of d-Limonene were given twice daily as soft gel capsules ingested and/or emptied and massaged on skin lesions, for 45 days. In spite of the small size of the cohort, highly significant positive effects were observed, with a reduction of clinical scores such as Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Videodermoscopy Scalp Psoriasis Severity Index. Moreover, adding to the global subjective satisfaction of the patients and improvement of the objective Dermatology Life Quality Index was also recorded. This encouraging pilot study should serve to prompt a larger randomized blind study. Indeed, implementation of a non-toxic substance of natural origin in the widespread condition of psoriasis could represent a significant advance in the treatment of this disease.