From Leaf to Relief: Basella alba Ethanolic Extract Alleviates Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation in BALB/c Mice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20252246Keywords:
Basella alba, Psoriasis, Imiquimod, Balb/c Mice, TNF-α, MDAAbstract
Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can be challenging to manage due to adverse effects linked to long-term treatment. As a result, alternative therapeutic options are being investigated. Basella alba exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for the management of psoriasis.
Objectives: To investigate the antipsoriatic effect of Basella alba as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant targeting the serum level of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Malondealdehyde (MDA) and also the severity of psoriasis.
Materials and Methods: Psoriasis-like lesions were induced in thirty-six male BALB/c mice using 5% imiquimod (IMQ) cream. The Balb/c mice were assigned to six groups: G1 (normal control), G2 (psoriasis control, IMQ only), G3 (IMQ + methotrexate 1 mg/kgBW/day), G4 (IMQ + Basella alba extract [BAE] 250 mg/kgBW/day), G5 (IMQ + BAE 500 mg/kgBW/day), and G6 (IMQ + BAE 250 mg/kgBW/day plus methotrexate). Serum TNF-α, MDA, and modified PASI scores were measured at baseline and after 14 days of treatment.
Results: IMQ application increased TNF-α, MDA, and PASI scores. Treatment with Basella alba reduced these markers. The most prominent effects were observed in the combination therapy group, followed by the high-dose extract group. Serum TNF-α levels decreased by 55.8% in the G6 group and by 51.8% in the G5 group. Serum MDA levels declined by 85.4% in the G6 group and by 78.7% in the G5 group.
Conclusion: Basella alba extract demonstrated significant anti-psoriatic activity by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings support its potential use as a monotherapy at 500 mg/kg BW/day or as an adjunct to methotrexate in a lower dose.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Triasari Oktavriana, Harijono Kariosentono, Bambang Purwanto, Vitri Widyaningsih (Author)
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