The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(4):272-282 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15410

Review Article

Psoralea corylifolia and Curcuma longa: An unexplored synergy for acne treatment: A review

Yadira Yuritzi Lara-Sánchez^1,2 , Nancy Lara-Almazán¹ , Abraham Kuri-Cruz^3,4

Yadira Yuritzi Lara-Sánchez,Nancy Lara-Almazán,Abraham Kuri-Cruz

1. Departamento de Forense Nuclear y Química Analítica, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Ocoyoacac, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
2. Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
3. Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
4. Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 7th June, 2026 / Accepted: 24th August, 2026 / Published : 31st August, 2026

Abstract

The use of herbal medicines and dietary supplements has grown by a significant margin in recent decades. This reflects the need to have safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. The trend has been encouraged by increased antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects of synthetic drugs. This has revived interest in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine. These are relevant sources of bioactive compounds with clinical use. There is very little research on mixtures of plant extracts. There is, however, emerging evidence that some mixtures exert synergistic effects greater than those of individual extracts. Mixtures complement each other by targeting several pathophysiological pathways. There are still important gaps in terms of their safety, standardization, and mechanisms of action. This highlights the necessity of conducting additional research. In this regard, Psoralea corylifolia and Curcuma longa have received considerable attention. The two plants exhibit multiple pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tissue-regenerative effects. These effects could be improved when they are used together, especially in the treatment of skin disorders like acne vulgaris. Acne is a multifactorial disorder which is not entirely dependent on the microbial load. It is also accompanied by changes in taxonomic structure and functional signature of the skin microbiota. This involves various lineages of Cutibacterium acnes, which correlate with the severity of the disease and response to treatment. Therapeutic interventions that simultaneously target inflammation, sebum production, bacterial virulence factors, and microbial balance are of special interest. This review critically analyzes the evidence that is available regarding the bioactive compounds, the mechanisms of action, as well as the possible synergistic interactions of P. corylifolia and C. longa. It highlights their suitability as candidates for topical or combination agents in acne and other inflammatory skin diseases.