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Review

New Perspectives on Nutraceutical Insulin Sensitizing Agents in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Other Dermatological Diseases

1
Outpatient Specialist in Dermatology, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale, 87100 Cosenza, Italy
2
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Dimed, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
3
Regional Center of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
4
Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
5
Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
6
CAOM—Centro Studi Applicati Erbe Officinali e Frutti Minori, 28100 Novara, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157538 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 14 June 2025 / Revised: 25 July 2025 / Accepted: 29 July 2025 / Published: 4 August 2025

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several dermatological diseases, including psoriasis, acne, acanthosis nigricans, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). These conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction, which are exacerbated by IR. This narrative review examines the emerging role of nutraceutical insulin-sensitizing agents (ISAs), including myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin D, vitamin C, and folic acid, in managing IR-related dermatological disorders. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Cochrane Library and MEDLINE (1965–May 2025), focusing on clinical trials involving nutraceutical ISAs in dermatological conditions associated with IR. Only human studies published in English were included. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies suggests that ISAs improve glycemic control, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammatory pathways in IR-related dermatoses. Notably, myo-inositol combined with magnesium and folic acid has demonstrated significant reductions in acne severity, hirsutism, and quality-of-life impairments in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Similar benefits have been observed in psoriasis and HS, though data remain limited. Nutraceutical ISAs offer a promising adjunctive approach for the management of IR-associated dermatological diseases, potentially addressing both metabolic dysfunction and skin inflammation. However, robust RCTs with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to establish optimal treatment regimens.
Keywords: insulin resistance; dermatological diseases; psoriasis; inflammation; oxidative stress; myo-inositol; vitamin D; folic acid insulin resistance; dermatological diseases; psoriasis; inflammation; oxidative stress; myo-inositol; vitamin D; folic acid

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MDPI and ACS Style

Morrone, P.; Caroppo, F.; De Pedrini, A.; Colletti, A.; Baj, G. New Perspectives on Nutraceutical Insulin Sensitizing Agents in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Other Dermatological Diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 7538. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157538

AMA Style

Morrone P, Caroppo F, De Pedrini A, Colletti A, Baj G. New Perspectives on Nutraceutical Insulin Sensitizing Agents in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Other Dermatological Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(15):7538. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157538

Chicago/Turabian Style

Morrone, Pietro, Francesca Caroppo, Alberto De Pedrini, Alessandro Colletti, and Germano Baj. 2025. "New Perspectives on Nutraceutical Insulin Sensitizing Agents in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Other Dermatological Diseases" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 15: 7538. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157538

APA Style

Morrone, P., Caroppo, F., De Pedrini, A., Colletti, A., & Baj, G. (2025). New Perspectives on Nutraceutical Insulin Sensitizing Agents in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Other Dermatological Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(15), 7538. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157538

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