The Ameliorating Effect of Swertiamarine against the Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Inflammation in Mice

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the skin and hair. This study evaluates the impact of Swertiamarine on inflammation induced by Imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice. Swertiamarine ointment was topically administered before Imiquimod application, and mice were divided into five groups for various treatments. The control group received a daily cream application (62.5mg/2cm) on the shaved back along with an oral vehicle dose for 14 days. The Imiquimod group applied a topical vehicle dose one hour before Imiquimod 5% (62.5 mg/2 cm) on the shaved back for 14 consecutive days. The Swertiamarine-treated group applied Swertiamarine topically one hour before Imiquimod 5% (62.5 mg/2 cm) for the same duration. The clobetasol-treated group received clobetasol ointment (62.5mg/2cm) one hour before Imiquimod 5% (62.5 mg/2 cm) for 14 days. The Swertiamarine-only group received topical Swertiamarine doses for 14 days. Results showed a significant reduction in TNF-α, IL-23, IL-17 levels, and improvements in severity index, psoriasis area, skin thickness, spleen index, and decreased gene expression of TNF-α, Nf-KB, IL-1B, IL-17 in the Swertiamarine group compared to the vehicle group with Imiquimod. In summary, Swertiamarine demonstrated a potent ameliorating effect, surpassing clobetasol in the context of Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice.