Phytochemical evaluation and antipsoriatic activity of n-hexane and methanol extracts of Iraqi Euphorbia trigona against imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation

Background/Aim: Euphorbia trigona Mill is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antipsoriatic activity of extracts of E trigona grown in Iraq and to investigate their phytochemical constituents.Methods: n-Hexane and methanol extracts were obtained using a Soxhlet apparatus. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard chemical tests and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Twenty-five mice were divided into five groups of five. Psoriasis-like inflammation was induced with imiquimod (IMQ) in all groups except Group I, which received Vaseline ointment. Group II received IMQ without additional treatment. Groups III, IV and V received topical 0.05 % clobetasol propionate, 5 % hexane extract ointment and 5 % methanol extract ointment, respectively, once daily from day 7 to day 14. Lesion severity was assessed using a modified psoriasis area and severity index (PASI).Results: Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and coumarins. HPLC retention-time comparisons suggested the presence of campesterol, β-sitosterol and lupeol in the n-hexane extract and gallic acid, daidzein and luteolin in the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol extract. The methanol extract reduced erythema, skin thickness, scaling and total PASI scores, whereas the hexane extract aggravated psoriasis-like inflammation compared with Group II (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The methanol extract showed antipsoriatic potential in this mouse model, whereas the hexane extract aggravated inflammation. Phenolic constituents may have contributed to the observed benefit, but the active compounds and mechanisms require confirmation.