Topical Application of Ursolic Acid Cream Ameliorates Imiquimod-induced Plaque Psoriasis in BALB/c Mice

The valued studies of alternative psoriasis treatment options are in a much higher need among the Scientific Community. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-psoriatic activity of ursolic acid cream in imiquimod-induced psoriasis in BALB/c mice. The creams containing ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid at percentages of 0.1 and 0.2% were formulated. The pH, spreadability, physical characteristics and acute dermal irritation of the cream were assessed. Animals were grouped into five each having 6 animals. Clobetasol, a topical corticosteroid, was used as the standard. One group was used as control and four groups were treated with the formulated imiquimod cream while receiving treatment. Parameters such as skin inflammation severity, ear thickness, plasma level of interleukins (IL)-17, histology of the back of the skin and spleen weight were evaluated. Erythema and scales were scored on a daily basis with the 0.1 and 0.2% ursolic acid cream significantly ameliorating psoriatic-like symptoms in a manner comparable to clobetasol. Imiquimod-induced epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation were inhibited by topical application of ursolic acid as shown by the results of histopathology. Spleens of the positive control group were larger in comparison with the rest of the groups. BALB/c mice treated with ursolic acid creams exhibited a decrease in the plasma levels of cytokines IL-17 when compared to the positive control group. The result of this study provided an insight that topical application of ursolic acid can be a potential treatment for psoriasis.