The therapeutic effect of glycyrrhizic acid compound ointment on imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like disease in mice

by Selleckchem | Jan 04 2024

Glycyrrhetinic acid, a drug with anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced the activity of antipsoriatic efficacy. In this research, an ointment with glycyrrhetinic acid was prepaired as the major component and several other herbal monomers (astilbin, osthole, and momordin Ic) have antipsoriatic activity as minor components. Then an Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model was established and the damaged skin condition of the administered group, the changes in the spleen index and the secretion of inflammatory factors in mouse skin were observed. Calcipotriol ointment was used as a positive control to compare the efficacy. Glycyrrhizic acid compound ointment significantly improved imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice and reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23 in mouse skin, and showed a stronger therapeutic effect than calcipotriol ointment. Calcipotriol ointment did not significantly alleviate imiquimod-induced splenomegaly and did not significantly reduce the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 in mouse skin. Glycyrrhetinic acid compound ointment was more effective than calcipotriol and was dose-dependent in the treatment of imiquimod-induced psoriatic dermatitis in mice. Meanwhile,calcipotriol was not suitable for the treatment of Imiquimod -induced psoriasis-like mice.

Comments:

The research findings you've shared indicate that a compound ointment containing glycyrrhetinic acid, along with other herbal monomers, demonstrated significant efficacy in treating psoriasis-like symptoms induced in mice compared to a calcipotriol ointment. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in red, scaly patches.

Here's a breakdown of the key points from the study:

1. **Ointment Composition:** The major component of the ointment was glycyrrhetinic acid, supplemented by other herbal monomers like astilbin, osthole, and momordin Ic, known for their antipsoriatic effects.

2. **Experimental Model:** The researchers used an Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model to mimic the symptoms of psoriasis in humans. Imiquimod is known to induce skin inflammation and can replicate psoriasis-like symptoms in mice.

3. **Observations:**
   - **Efficacy:** The glycyrrhetinic acid compound ointment significantly improved the induced psoriasis-like symptoms in mice.
   - **Reduction of Inflammatory Factors:** It reduced the secretion of various inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23) in the skin of mice.
   - **Comparison with Calcipotriol:** The compound ointment showed a stronger therapeutic effect compared to calcipotriol ointment.
   - **Spleen Index:** Unlike calcipotriol, the compound ointment might have helped alleviate splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) induced by Imiquimod.

4. **Dose Dependency:** The efficacy of the glycyrrhetinic acid compound ointment seemed to increase with dosage, indicating a dose-dependent response in treating psoriatic dermatitis in mice.

5. **Calcipotriol Suitability:** The study suggests that while calcipotriol is an established treatment for psoriasis in humans, it may not be suitable or as effective in treating the Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like condition in mice, especially in reducing the expression of IL-17 and IL-23.

This research implies that the compound ointment, particularly with glycyrrhetinic acid as a major component, might hold promise as a potential treatment for psoriasis by targeting inflammatory pathways more effectively than calcipotriol in this specific mouse model. However, further studies, especially in human clinical trials, would be necessary to validate these findings and assess safety and efficacy in human subjects.