A tropical daisy could be the answer for patients with skin disorders, according to research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester, England this week.
Seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica, or Purple Fleabane, contain a chemical that stops inflammation, according to the scientists from Kings College, London.
The researchers who have found the plant to be good at treating psoriasis, said they hope to develop a herbal product from the daisy, according to a BBC Online report.
The flower which grows in tropical countries is a traditional medicine in India.
"Normally, antipsoriatic compounds are either cytotoxic (eg. methotrexate) or anti-inflammatory (eg. steroids)," said Dr Amala Raman.
"What is exciting is that Vernonia has both activities. Our findings certainly show that the traditional use is not just an old wives' tale."
Current treatments for psoriasis, which affects between 1 per cent and 3 per cent of the population in the US and Europe according to the BBC report, are not completely effective and can have nasty side-effects.
Gladys Edwards of UK patient support charity, the Psoriasis Association, told the BBC Online :"Psoriasis is a difficult condition. It's long-term, it relapses and any new treatments that will help people manage the condition are welcome."
The research was funded by Phytopharm, a botanical pharmaceutical company set up to develop new medicines from plants.