<i>Costus speciosus</i> extract: a natural immunomodulator for treatment of psoriasis in BALB/c mice by NF-κB pathway

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese therapy, and Unani offer a potential approach to treating psoriasis. This study explores the immunomodulatory effects of <i>Costus speciosus</i> petroleum ether extract (CSPE) on psoriasis-like symptoms in Balb/c mice. GC-MS analysis was done to detect bioactive phytoconstituents in the extract. Mice were treated with Imiquimod (IMQ) to induce psoriasis-like symptoms. Measurements of back skin thickness, skin length, mass, and body weight were used in the study, with an assessment of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The treatment group received doses of 110 mg/kg, 220 mg/kg, and 440 mg/kg of extracts. Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were estimated. Presence of diosgenin, tigogenin, aglycone of diosgenin, santamarine and reynosin in the extract was confirmed by GC-MS analysis. At 440 mg/kg, a significant effect was observed in the IMQ model. The extract significantly reduced levels of NF-kB, TNF-α, and IL-17. The research findings indicate that CSPE is a promising candidate for psoriasis treatment.