Phytochemical Composition, Anti-psoriatic Activity, and Safety Evaluation of the Ethanolic Extract of Iraqi Anagyris foetida L. Leaves

Introduction: Anagyris foetida L. has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is rich in secondary bioactive constituents. It was used to treat eczema and as a cathartic, emetic, and vermifuge. However, its medical activities are poorly investigated. The current study explores the phytochemical composition, anti-psoriatic activity on keratinocytes, and the acute toxicity of the Anagyris foetida leaf ethanol extract. Methods: Ethanol was used as a solvent to extract the leaves of Anagyris foetida. The antiproliferative effect of the extract was evaluated in human keratinocytes. HPLC and FTIR were performed to quantify the bioactive compounds of the ethanolic extract. The safety of the ethanolic extract was evaluated using an acute toxicity study. Results: HPLC analysis showed that the alkaloid, N-methylcytisine, is present at a higher concentration than other alkaloidal compounds and isorhamnetin flavonoid in the ethanolic extract, which was supported by FTIR spectra. The extract exhibits a dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on keratinocytes. The acute oral toxicity showed that the ethanolic extract has low acute toxicity. Discussion: Quinolizidine alkaloids are known for their neuroactive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, isorhamnetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. Therefore, N-methylcytisine, cytisine, and isorhamnetin are likely responsible for the observed biological effects in this study. Conclusion: Anadyris foetida leaves have powerful anti-psoriatic activity with acceptable safety in the current study. This may be a promising medicinal plant for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.