The Efficacy of Topical Formulation Containing Ciplukan (Physalis angulata Linn.) in Modulating Interleukin-17 and Interferon Gamma Expression in Mice (Mus musculus) Psoriasis Model

Abstract

Background

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Topical corticosteroids are still utilised as first-line therapy for mild to moderate PV. However, long-term use of corticosteroid is associated with various side effects. Physalis angulata Linn. (Ciplukan) possesses anti-inflammatory properties that could serve as a potential alternative topical therapy for PV.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of topical ciplukan as an anti-inflammatory agent targeting the expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ.

Methods

Psoriasis was induced using imiquimod cream, therefore divided into five groups. Group I, the psoriasis control group, received only imiquimod cream. Groups C1 and C2 received imiquimod cream followed by a mixture of Ciplukan and vaseline in a 1:2 and 1:4 ratio, respectively. Group M, the standard therapy group, received imiquimod cream, followed by mometasone furoate cream. Lastly, group V, the vehicle group, received imiquimod cream followed by vaseline album. Expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ in mice’s skin tissue was analysed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after seven days of treatment.

Results

The mean expression of IL-17 in Group C1 (22.60) was significantly lower (p = 0.012) than in the psoriasis control group (23.60), and there was no significant difference (p = 0.613) in Group M (22.41). The mean expression of IFN-γ in Group C1 (26.97) and Group C2 (27.03) was also significantly lower (p = 0.026 and p = 0.026, respectively) than Group I (28.80), and there was no significant difference (p = 0.180 and p = 0.093, respectively) than Group M (26.03).

Conclusion

Expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ in the ciplukan group is lower than in the psoriasis control group, and there is no significant difference compared to the standard therapy group.

Keywords:

• IFN-γ
• IL-17
• Physalis angulata Linn
• psoriasis vulgaris

Ethical Approval

The guidelines for the welfare of laboratory animals by the Research Ethical Committee of Universitas Padjajaran refer to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition and National Research Council of the National Academies, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Eight Edition), 2011, with approval number: 933/UN6.KEP/EC/2022.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.