Pharmacological Evaluation Of Wrightia Tinctoria And Rubia Cordifolia In The Treatment Of Psoriasis In Rodents By Imiquimod Inducing Psoriasis In Laboratory Animals

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by erythema, scaling, and epidermal hyperproliferation, often associated with immune dysregulation and increased production of inflammatory cytokines. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-psoriatic potential of Wrightia tinctoria and Rubia cordifolia in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced

psoriasis-like rodent model. Ointment formulations containing plant powders were prepared and applied topically to experimental animals following induction of psoriasis using 5% IMQ cream. The severity of psoriasis-like symptoms was assessed using PASI-like scoring

parameters, including erythema, scaling, and skin thickness. Histopathological evaluation and measurement of epidermal thickness were also performed. The results demonstrated that both Wrightia tinctoria and Rubia cordifolia significantly reduced PASI-like scores and epidermal thickness compared to the IMQ control group, indicating notable anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. Among the treatments, the combination formulation (1:1) exhibited the most pronounced therapeutic effect, showing results comparable to the standard drug

clobetasol. The findings suggest that these medicinal plants possess significant anti-psoriatic activity and their combined formulation may serve as a promising natural alternative for the management of psoriasis.