MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF AN ALOE VERA–CURCUMA LONGA NANO GEL IN EXPERIMENTAL PSORIASIS THROUGH INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE GENE EXPRESSION AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and dysregulated inflammatory cytokine signaling. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an Aloe vera–Curcuma longa nano gel and investigate its anti-psoriatic efficacy through pharmaceutical characterization, pharmacological assessment, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression analysis.

Methods: The nano gel was prepared using curcumin-loaded nanoparticles incorporated into an Aloe vera-based gel matrix and characterized for physicochemical properties, particle size, zeta potential, drug content, and in vitro drug release. Anti-psoriatic activity was evaluated in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model. Disease severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), histopathological examination, oxidative stress biomarkers, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR analysis of IL-17A, IL-23, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, and STAT3 gene expression.

Results: The optimized nano gel exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics, sustained drug release, and excellent stability. Treatment significantly reduced PASI scores, restored normal skin histology, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, and markedly suppressed inflammatory cytokine gene expression compared with the psoriatic control group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed reduced NF-κB activation and keratinocyte proliferation.

Conclusion: The Aloe vera–Curcuma longa nano gel demonstrated significant anti-psoriatic efficacy through modulation of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, highlighting its potential as a promising herbal nanotherapeutic strategy for psoriasis management.