Cassia tora Linn Cream Inhibits Ultraviolet-B-Induced Psoriasis in Rats

The aim of present study was to determine the antipsoriatic activity of newly formulated O/W creams of methanolic extract of Cassia tora L. leaves by using ultraviolet-B-induced psoriasis in rat. The plant Cassia tora L. is traditionally claimed to be useful in the treatment of a number of skin diseases. However, there are no established scientific reports for its antipsoriatic activity. Methanolic Cassia tora L. leaves extract was used to prepare various concentrations of O/W creams and tested for acute dermal toxicity study. The different O/W creams showed good physical characteristics and passed the sensitivity, irritation, grittiness and bleeding test. The results of acute dermal toxicity showed that the creams were safe up to the dose of 2000？mg/kg. In case of psoriasis model, histopathological analysis revealed that there were absence of Munro's microabscess, elongation of rete ridges, and capillary loop dilation in the section in Test 2 (0.1%) and standard group. O/W creams and methanolic extract of Cassia tora L. leaves exhibited significant reduction in percentage of relative epidermal thickness and spleen index as compared to positive control. We concluded that topical O/W creams and crude extract containing methanolic extract of Cassia tora L. leaves have potent antipsoriatic activity in ultraviolet-B-induced psoriasis in rat. 1. Introduction Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that affects 2-3% of the population worldwide and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Classic lesion is a well-marginated, redness of the skin due to pathological changes, erythematous plaque with silvery-white surface scale, mainly distributed into extensor surfaces (knees, elbows, buttocks) and may also involve palms and scalp. Associated findings also include psoriatic arthritic and nail changes. There are inflammation, hyperproliferation of the epidermis, and vascular alterations which lead to the redness. Its exact etiology is unknown, but it is generally believed to be a complex autoimmune inflammatory disease with a genetic basis [1]. Histologically, psoriasis is characterized by acanthosis (thickened epidermis) and parakeratosis (nucleated cells in stratum corneum) and has been described as showing benign hyperplasia. The dermal blood vessels are abnormally tortuous and dilated, and lymphocytic infiltration is frequently seen in the dermis and occasionally in the epidermis [2]. Therefore, some effective therapies appear to act as antiproliferative agents and diminished rates of either epidermal DNA synthesis, mitosis or both.