Preclinical evaluation of topical emulgel containing fixed dose allo-herbal combination in imiquimod induced psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a well-known autoimmune, progressive inflammatory condition having long-term impact on the patient's physical and psychological well-being with worldwide prevalence. The available allopathic and herbal medicines have their own merits and demerits. Allopathic drugs may produce potent beneficial as well as adverse effects while alone herbal drugs may exert slow and less potent effects. Hence the current study attempted to prepare and evaluate fixed dose combination of allo-herbal emulgel in order to minimize adverse effects and improve beneficial effects during the treatment of psoriasis. This study used a well-established, robust, and validated model (Imiquimod (IMQ)) for psoriasis induction. Emulgel was formulated and tested using phytochemical and physicochemical methods. The anti-psoriatic and anti-inflammatory activities of the prepared emulgel were investigated. In addition, percent release and in vivo absorption were done to ensure adequate release and absorption of emulgel content. Progress of psoriasis induction and treatment was analyzed by morphological and histopathological studies.The formulated emulgel was found to comply with the standard physicochemical test with the desired release pattern. Morphological and histological data showed induction of psoriasis using the IMQ model, and significant improvement was observed after emulgel treatment. All formulations were discovered to significantly reduce formalin-induced inflammation.The present study provided the rationale for the combination of C. amada and P. pinnata with salicylic acid. The selected allo-herbal combination and optimized dosage form are stable, biocompatible, and effective anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic with potentially fewer side effects.