Influence of phytochemicals in induced psoriasis (Review)
Elena Niculeț, Diana Sabina Radaschin, Florentina Năstase, Miruna Drăgănescu, Liliana Baroiu, Magdalena Miulescu, Manuela Arbune, Alin Laurențiu Tatu
Abstract
Cytokines involved in pathogenesis of psoriasis such as interleukins (IL‑1β, IL‑6, IL‑17, IL‑22, IL‑23), interferon‑α, tumor necrosis factor‑α and interferon‑γ can also become therapeutic targets. Research currently uses murine models of imiquimod‑induced psoriatic‑type dermatitis in order to analyze potentially helpful phytotherapeutics for psoriasis treatment: Curcuma longa, Aloe vera, Nigella sativa, Rubia cordifolia, Smilax china, Thespesia populnea, Wrightia tinctoria, Scutellaria baicalensis, Cassia tora, Pongamia pinnata and various Chinese herbal formulas. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with complex pathogenic mechanisms that yield abnormal immune responses with clinical and morphological echoes (erythematous, scaly plaques with a histopathological basis made up of alterations i.e. keratinocyte aberrant proliferation, parakeratosis or chronic inflammation). The current therapeutic approach has only been able to manage the disease, without ensuring a certified treatment, thus giving rise to the need for better medications. This novel therapeutic approach has shown promising results in preclinical studies, giving hope for future phytochemical animal‑based studies.