QBD Based Formulation, Development and Evaluation of In Vivo Anti-Psoriatic Potentials of Polyherbal Gel and Winsoria Oil on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br., Rubia cordiofolia L., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. are traditionally used to treat various skin-related diseases. Conventionally, these plants are used in combination with or individually for treating and managing psoriasis-related symptoms. Winsoria oil is a formulation designed by Kerala Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. is a blend of poly-herbal ingredients used in the treatment of psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: In the present research, an attempt was made to develop a QbD-based formulation, evaluation and in vivo analysis of the anti-psoriatic potentials of Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br., Rubia cordiofolia L., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. extracts loaded poly-herbal gel and Winsoria oil in Imiquimod-induced Psoriasis.

METHODS:  The polyherbal gel was prepared and optimized using the quality by design (QbD) approach (Version 13, 32 factorial design) and evaluated for its anti-psoriatic potenstials using Imiquimoid induced psoriasis model.

RESULTS:  The QbD based polyherbal gel was prepared and evaluated for its color, consistency, homogeneity, appearance, greasiness, washability, pH, spreadability and viscosity. The Imiquimod-induced Wistar rat model demonstrated significant anti-psoriatic efficacy for both formulated poly-herbal gel and Winsoria oil, as evident through the PASI index grading and Histopathological study.

Treatment with formulated poly-herbal gel and Winsoria oil confirmed a reduction in the severity of the psoriasis-associated symptoms in the treatment group, as there was a notable diminution in redness, inflammation, thickness and scaling of the skin.

CONCLUSION: The Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br., Rubia cordiofolia L., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. Extracts loaded poly-herbal gel and Winsoria oil formulation showed significant results in the reduction of psoriasis-associated symptoms and can help treat and manage psoriasis. The current investigation scientifically validated the anti-psoriatic potential of the formulated poly-herbal gel and Winsoria oil.