Nutraceutical combination ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice

Chem Biol Drug Des. 2023 Dec;102(6):1578-1587. doi: 10.1111/cbdd.14350. Epub 2023 Sep 13.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects both localized and systemic regions of the body. This condition is characterized by the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, resulting in skin thickening, scaling, and erythema. The severity of psoriasis depends on the extent of skin involvement, the location of the infection, and the symptoms that the person exhibits. While no cure exists, conventional therapies such as topical and systemic drugs are generally used to manage the exacerbation of symptoms. However, chronic use and overdose can lead to other severe adverse effects. Therefore, scientists and researchers are exploring potential nutraceuticals that can be considered as an alternative source of management for psoriasis. Current research aims to use different combinations of natural compounds like cannabidiol, myo-inositol, eicosapentaenoic acid, and krill oil to study the effect of these compounds in the prevention and treatment of psoriasis in the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mice model. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scoring system is used to analyze skin thickness, scales, and erythema. The results indicate that the krill oil combined with the cannabidiol and myo-inositol shows better results than other nutraceutical combinations. In the future, the natural products of krill oil can be combined with cannabidiol and myo-inositol to create an improved alternative to existing steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for psoriasis treatment.

Keywords: Psoriasis Area Severity Index; imiquimod; krill oil; psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cannabidiol* / adverse effects
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Erythema / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod / adverse effects
  • Inositol
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Psoriasis* / chemically induced
  • Psoriasis* / drug therapy
  • Skin

Substances

  • Imiquimod
  • Cannabidiol
  • Inositol