Identifying Herbal Candidates and Active Compounds for Psoriasis Through Multiscale Network Analysis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and immune system dysregulation, with significant needs due to the limitations and adverse effects of current treatments. In this study, we sought to discover novel herbal candidates and their active compounds for psoriasis by leveraging a multiscale network analysis. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from 348 medicinal herbs and their active compounds, identifying Piperis longi fructus, Pini koraiensis semen, Schisandrae fructus, and Cnidi fructus as top candidates without reported evidence. Key active compounds, such as piperine, piperlongumine, α-humulene, schizandrin A, schizandrin II, and torilin, were prioritized for their ability to target psoriasis-associated proteins, including STAT3, TNF, IL-6, and NF-κB. These compounds are involved in the modulation of critical inflammatory pathways, notably the MAPK signaling cascade, which plays a central role in psoriasis pathogenesis. Our findings suggest that these herbal compounds may not only mitigate inflammation but also regulate keratinocyte hyperproliferation, addressing fundamental mechanisms underlying the disease. This approach highlights the utility of multiscale network analysis in identifying promising natural therapies, offering new insights and potential avenues for safer and more effective psoriasis management.