Abstract: Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Liang Xue Huo Xue decoction in the treatment of acute psoriasis vulgaris and to investigate the possible mechanisms. Methods Thirty five patients with psoriasis vulgaris had received the decoction for 8 weeks. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was used to monitor the disease activity. The levels of plasma Thromboxane B₂(TXB₂)、6-ketoprostaglandin F₁ alpha (6-K-PGF_1α) and serum IL-8 were measured before and after treatment. Results The mean PASI values fell and the levels of plasma TXB₂、6-K-PGF_1α and serum IL-8 decreased at the end of treatment. Moreover, the serum level of IL-8 correlated with PASI. Conclusion Liang Xue Huo Xue decoction is effective in the treatment of acute psoriasis. The possible mechanisms of its action might be to adjust the levels of plasma TXB₂、6-K-PGF1αand serum IL-8.

Key words: Psoriasis, Composite(CTD), Pharmacotherapy,CTD, Thromboxane B₂, 6-Ketoprostaglandin F₁ alpha, Interleukin-8