Anti-psoriatic potential of nanocarrier formulated with Deverra tortuosa DC. and Deverra triradiata hochst aerial extracts: in vivo evaluation in mice

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder marked by rapid skin cell proliferation, causing red, scaly patches. Current treatments often show limited efficacy and adverse effects. The family Apiaceae is traditionally valued for its medicinal uses, particularly anti-inflammatory effects, and among its members are
Deverra tortuosa
(Desf.) DC. (
D. tortuosa
) and
Deverra triradiata
Hochst. ex Bioss. (
D. triradiata
) with recognized therapeutic value. As nanotechnology-based formulations enhance skin penetration and therapeutic efficacy, this study investigated the antipsoriatic activity of plant-based nanocreams (NCs). Phenolic content of
D. tortuosa
and
D. triradiata
aerial parts was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). Nanoparticles were prepared with droplet sizes of 300–470 nm and a positive surface charge. Mice were divided into five groups: control (cream base), imiquimod (IMQU; 62.5 mg/day for 7 days), a commonly used inducer of psoriasis-like dermatitis, standard (tacrolimus 20 mg/kg/day, 2 h after IMQU), IMQU + 
D. triradiata
NC (2% once daily, 2 h after IMQU), and IMQU + 
D. tortuosa
NC (2% once daily, 2 h after IMQU).
D. tortuosa
and
D. triradiata
NCs significantly alleviated IMQU-induced systemic and skin-related psoriatic changes in mice by reducing spleen index, inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), and Ki-67 expression. Histological analysis confirmed marked restoration of normal skin architecture, with
D. tortuosa
showing the highest therapeutic efficacy. These findings suggest that
D. tortuosa
and
D. triradiata
NCs possess promising anti-psoriatic potential, through immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, with
D. tortuosa
demonstrating superior efficacy. They may serve as effective natural alternatives to conventional psoriasis treatments.