Medicinal Plants in Dermatology: Anthralin
Learn about the history, composition, and modern applications of a scientifically proven plant-derived therapy for skin conditions.
This post is part of a series where I break down the topics covered in our recently published review article on plants used in dermatology. Today, we’re covering anthralin.
Israyilova, A., T.V. Peykova, B. Kittleson, P.C. Sprowl, T.O. Mohammed, C.L. Quave. (2025) From Plant to Patient: A Historical Perspective and Review of Selected Medicinal Plants in Dermatology. JID Innovations, 5:1: 100321
Discovery and Composition
Anthralin (dithranol) is a compound derived from chrysarobin, a natural substance first extracted in Brazil from the araroba tree's sap (Vataireopsis araroba (Aguiar) Ducke in the Fabaceae family). Known as Goa powder or Bahia powder, chrysarobin was used in India and China for ringworm treatment. Harvesters wore face protection to avoid its skin-irritating effects. In 1876, Dr. Alexander Squire from Hong Kong popularized Goa powder for treating psoriasis. Anthralin, synthesized in 1916, mimics chrysarobin's structure, with specific hydroxyl and oxo groups, and remains an important psoriasis therapy today.
History as a Drug
Over 100 years ago, Galewsky in Germany developed the first anthralin-based treatment for psoriasis, using formulations of anthralin in ointments or acetone. Early studies showed promising results, with Galewsky and Kromayer successfully treating 600 patients over 10 years. The Ingram regimen, combining coal tar, light therapy, and anthralin, achieved complete resolution of psoriatic lesions in 95% of 2,120 patients, clearing skin in about 19.5 days for outpatients and 15.2 days for inpatients. Other studies found anthralin as effective as PUVA therapy but faster to work. For example, 82% of anthralin-treated patients cleared in 20.4 days, compared to 34.4 days for 91% of PUVA-treated patients. Early U.S. studies also demonstrated success, but skin irritation and staining were common side effects. Today, anthralin is still used, though it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (Category C).
Mode of Action
The exact way anthralin works is unclear, but it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-growth effects. Studies show it reduces inflammatory proteins like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 and decreases EGFR expression in skin cells. Anthralin also affects mitochondria, triggering cell death by disrupting their function.
Uses in Dermatology Today
Psoriasis
Anthralin was one of the first topical treatments for psoriasis, widely used in Germany and Great Britain but less favored in the U.S. due to side effects like skin irritation and staining. Modern use often involves short-contact therapy or reduced doses to minimize side effects. Brands like Drithocreme, Anthra-Derm, and Micanol offer formulations in creams or petroleum bases. Micanol’s unique design reduces oxidation and side effects. FDA-approved Psoriatec is effective for plaque and scalp psoriasis. A 2015 study found 1% anthralin shampoo significantly improved symptoms in most patients with moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis. More studies comparing anthralin to other treatments are needed.
Alopecia Areata
Anthralin is sometimes used off-label for alopecia areata, including severe cases and in children. Alopecia areata is a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. A study found 72% of patients treated with anthralin and DPCP had full hair regrowth, compared to 36.4% with DPCP alone. In children, complete regrowth occurred in 32–33% of cases, with relapse rates of 9.5–64%.
Mycosis Fungioides
Anthralin may help treat plaque/patch mycosis fungoides, a skin lymphoma. In a study, 12 patients used 0.25–1% anthralin ointment overnight, with 6 achieving complete clearance and 1 partial improvement after 1–2 weeks of treatment. Its effects resemble those of UVB light and topical carmustine therapies.
I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about this important plant-derived medicine!
Yours in health, Dr. Quave
Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a Guggenheim Fellow, CNN Champion for Change, Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, recipient of The National Academies Award for Excellence in Science Communication, and award-winning author of The Plant Hunter. Her day job is as professor and herbarium curator at Emory University School of Medicine, where she leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription to Nature’s Pharmacy or donation to her lab research.
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