Alleviative effects of combined topical melatonin and rutin on imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model

Background: Psoriasis is a longstanding autoimmune dermatosis with thickened, reddish-brown, and flaking skin lesions. Melatonin is an indolamine hormone exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative actions. Rutin is a nutritional flavonoid possessing antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Aim: To explore the potential anti-psoriatic activity of combined topical melatonin and rutin. Methods: 70 albino mice were divided into 7 groups of 10 each. The impacts of clinical observation, histopathological examination, and biomarker analysis were estimated. Results: Combined topical melatonin and rutin effectively diminished imiquimod-induced elevated PASI and Baker's scores and corrected histopathological aberrations. Diminished inflammatory indicators like TNF-alpha and IL-17A, angiogenic elements like VEGF, oxidative elements like MDA, and proliferative elements like Ki-67 were also noted. Conclusion: Combined topical melatonin and rutin have profound anti-psoriatic effects.