New Drug Combines Nature and Science in a Breakthrough to Treat Psoriasis<br />

The new product is called Reliéva and is currently being marketed by Apollo Pharmaceutical of Canada. Their research team refined a process for extracting beneficial ingredients from a plant that grows wild in Europe, North and South America. The plant has many common names including Barberry (Shining), Oregon grape and Berberis. The medicinal attributes of its root and wood have been studied during the past 20 years, but only recently have been considered for use in the treatment of psoriasis. The natural source ingredient they extracted is called Psorberine containing highly concentrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This natural ingredient is linked up with a patented ‘delivery system’ that enhances penetration of the skin surface of people suffering from this disease.

Psoriasis is a very common and incurable disease of the skin that affects more than one million Canadians. It is believed that psoriasis is caused by an imbalance of skin cell production. Simply described, scaling occurs when cells in the skin’s outer layer mature up to 10 times faster than normal and build up on the surface of the body resulting in patches of chronic irritation and sometimes disability. While slightly more prevalent in women, sufferers include men and children. The average onset of the disease is 28 years. It can affect any part of the body, may eventually restrict joint motion and is often the source of emotional distress. Its exact cause remains unknown and a completely successful treatment is still to be found.

Many conventional treatment options for psoriasis exist including light therapy steroid creams and traditional applications of coal tar ointments and shampoos. Such treatments including oral medications may also cause serious side effects. Now, Apollo as result of rigorous scientific development, has produced Reliéva, a non-prescription medication without any serious side effects.

In a recent Canadian clinical study conducted by Dr. Wayne Gulliver, Reliéva cream applied twice daily provided significant improvement for patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. He also noted that it provided a “safe therapy with no significant adverse events.” And in an overall evaluation by dermatologists, symptoms improved or disappeared in 81 per cent of patients, further supporting these impressive results.

Referring to the Mahonia aquifolium plant extract in Relieva, Dr. Howard Donsky, former head of Dermatology at Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto, said ” My study supports the results of previous European studies indicating 25 of 39 patients found products with Mahonia aquifolium to be as effective as prescription products which contain steroids …”

This breakthrough natural product is non-steroidal and available as a cream or lotion for application to larger surface areas. Cosmetically appealing to patients, it disappears quickly into the skin. This product is now available in pharmacies throughout Canada, providing relief and new hope to millions of psoriasis sufferers.

To learn more about psoriasis and its treatment, contact:
Judy Misner
Psoriasis Society of Canada National Office
PO Box 25015
Halifax NS B3M 4H4
1-800-656-4494