Asiatic Acid Exerts an Anti-Psoriatic Effect in the Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis Model in Mice

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a common skin disorder related to inflammation and immune response. However, many treatment modalities are present in the clinics, and drug conformity halts chronic treatment. Therefore, novel treatment options are still needed. In this study, the possible protective effect of asiatic acid is one of the active compounds present in Centella Asiatica, was investigated in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis murine model. Methods:Imiquimod (62.5 mg) was administered dorsal skin of the mice for 6 days. Animals were co-treated with low-dose (25 mg/kg, p.o.) and high-dose (100 mg/kg, p.o.) asiatic acid. The dorsal skin of the animals was daily scored for erythema, thickness, and scaling. At the end of the treatments, serum levels of IL-17A and IL-23 were determined by ELISA. Additionally, the dorsal skins of animals were histopathologically evaluated. Results: Asiatic acid (high-dose) prevented imiquimod-induced skin lesions and protected dermal integrity in addition decreasing mast cell infiltration due to the imiquimod. Furthermore, asiatic acid (high-dose) suppressed the imiquimod-induced increase in serum levels of IL-17A and IL-23. Conclusion: These results indicate that asiatic acid showed an anti-psoriatic effect in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model via mediating IL-17A and IL-23 pathways. Because wound healing properties of asiatic acid are described, further investigations should be carried out to understand deeper mechanisms and possible use in dermatological pathologies such as psoriasis.