Scientists discovered that tiny particles from a common gut bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum might help reduce psoriasis, a painful skin condition that causes red, itchy patches. The researchers tested four different extracts from this bacteria and found that special particles called cytoplasmic membrane vesicles (CMVs) worked best at calming inflammation and reducing skin damage in mice with psoriasis-like symptoms. This research suggests that using these tiny bacterial particles could be a new way to treat inflammatory skin diseases, though more testing in humans is needed before this becomes a real treatment option.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether tiny particles from a helpful gut bacteria could reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with psoriasis
  • Who participated: Laboratory studies using human skin cells and immune cells, plus mice that were given a chemical to create psoriasis-like skin disease
  • Key finding: Special particles called CMVs from Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria significantly reduced skin inflammation, redness, and thickening in mice with psoriasis, and worked better than other bacterial extracts tested
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new treatment approach for psoriasis using bacterial particles, but it’s still in early stages—human testing would be needed before this could become an actual medicine you could use

The Research Details

Researchers took a systematic approach to this study. First, they looked at existing data about psoriasis and gut bacteria to understand the connection. Then they extracted four different types of material from Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria: cytoplasmic membrane vesicles (CMVs), bacterial lysate supernatant, bacterial lysate precipitate, and cell-free fermentation supernatant. They tested each extract on human skin cells and immune cells in the lab to see which ones reduced inflammation and stress. Finally, they tested the most promising extracts in mice that had been given a chemical to create psoriasis-like skin disease, measuring how well the treatments worked and whether they were safe.

This research matters because it helps explain how gut bacteria might help treat skin diseases. By testing different parts of the bacteria separately, scientists could identify exactly which components work best and understand the specific mechanisms. This approach—called ‘functional screening’—could help develop better, more targeted treatments for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

The study used multiple scientific techniques to verify results, including cell counting methods, genetic testing, and specialized imaging. The researchers tested their findings in both laboratory cells and living animals before drawing conclusions. However, this research has not yet been tested in humans, so results may not translate directly to real-world treatment. The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

The cytoplasmic membrane vesicles (CMVs) from Lactobacillus plantarum showed the strongest anti-inflammatory effects. In laboratory tests, CMVs reduced inflammatory molecules produced by immune cells and decreased harmful free radicals (oxidative stress) in skin cells. When tested in mice with psoriasis-like disease, CMVs significantly reduced skin thickening, redness, and scaling—the main symptoms of psoriasis. The CMVs also changed how immune cells called macrophages behaved, shifting them away from a pro-inflammatory state. These effects were stronger than other bacterial extracts tested, suggesting CMVs are the most effective component.

The bacterial lysate supernatant (BL-S) also showed some anti-inflammatory benefits, though not as strong as CMVs. Chemical analysis revealed that both CMVs and BL-S contained a compound called AEA (anandamide), which appeared to be responsible for much of the anti-inflammatory effect. Safety testing showed that both CMVs and BL-S were well-tolerated in mice with no harmful side effects observed. The research also confirmed that people with psoriasis have lower levels of Lactobacillus bacteria in their gut compared to healthy people.

This research builds on growing evidence that gut bacteria play a role in skin health through what scientists call the ‘gut-skin axis.’ Previous studies suggested probiotics might help psoriasis, but this is one of the first to identify the specific bacterial particles and compounds responsible. The finding that CMVs work better than whole bacterial lysates is novel and suggests that using purified bacterial particles might be more effective than traditional probiotic supplements.

This study was conducted in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans with actual psoriasis. Results in animals don’t always translate to humans. The sample size of mice used wasn’t specified in the research summary. The study doesn’t tell us what dose would be needed for humans or how long treatment would need to continue. Long-term safety in humans hasn’t been tested. Additionally, this is early-stage research, and many more studies would be needed before this could become an approved treatment.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, CMVs from Lactobacillus plantarum show promise as a potential future treatment for psoriasis (moderate confidence level). However, this is not yet ready for human use. Current psoriasis treatments recommended by dermatologists should continue to be used. People interested in gut health and skin health may consider maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber and fermented foods, which naturally support beneficial bacteria, though this won’t specifically replicate the CMV treatment tested here.

People with psoriasis and their doctors should follow this research as it develops, as it could lead to new treatment options. Dermatologists and immunologists will be interested in this work. People with other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or rosacea might eventually benefit if this research leads to approved treatments. However, people should not attempt to self-treat with Lactobacillus supplements based on this single study, as the specific CMV particles tested here are not available in commercial products.

This research is in the early laboratory and animal testing phase. If development continues, it would typically take 5-10 years of additional research before human clinical trials could begin. Even if human trials are successful, it could be 10-15 years before a CMV-based treatment might become available as a prescription medication. People with psoriasis should not expect this treatment to be available soon.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily psoriasis symptoms using a simple 1-10 scale for itching, redness, and skin thickness. Note any dietary changes, stress levels, and sleep quality, as these factors affect psoriasis. Take weekly photos of affected areas to visually monitor changes over time.
  • Users could log their current psoriasis treatments and symptoms, then set reminders to maintain consistent treatment routines. As this research develops, users could track their interest in emerging treatments and set reminders to discuss new options with their dermatologist at future appointments.
  • Establish a baseline of current symptoms and treatments. Monthly, review trends in symptom severity and note any correlations with diet, stress, or other factors. Share tracked data with healthcare providers to inform treatment decisions. Once CMV-based treatments become available (if they do), users could track response to the new treatment compared to their baseline.

This research is preliminary and has only been tested in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. It does not represent an approved treatment for psoriasis. People with psoriasis should continue using treatments prescribed by their dermatologist and should not attempt to self-treat based on this research. Consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to psoriasis treatment. This summary is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always discuss new or experimental treatments with a qualified healthcare professional before considering them.