Electrospun natural product-based Shidu Formula for the management of psoriasis†

Abstract

The Shidu Formula (SDF) ointment is a natural product-based medicine that has a long history of use in treating psoriasis. Compared to standard first-line clinical medications, SDF remedies present certain advantages, particularly in terms of causing minimal skin irritations. However, several challenges have limited their widespread applications. These include the sticky nature of SDF ointments, which can hinder drug penetration and lead to staining of the skin and clothing, and delayed onset of effects that often necessitates higher dosages. Therefore, the development of innovative topical solutions is highly required to deliver the complex components of SDF effectively. In this study, we developed an amphiphilic blended membrane of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) using electrospinning, successfully transforming the SDF ointment into nanofibrous meshes. We confirmed that it was feasible to incorporate a maximum of 5% SDF through morphological, physiological, and pharmacological assessment. The release profile of the principal active components verified that berberine chloride and gallnut were released in bursts. In vivo experiments further demonstrated the benefits and biocompatibility of the SDF–PCL/PEO membrane in the management of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation, as demonstrated by severity index scoring and pathological evaluations. Notably, converting the ointment into nanofibrous meshes addressed the typical challenges associated with conventional SDF ointment, resulting in significantly improved efficacy, short application times, controllable dosages, and reduced staining of the skin and clothes. This work provides a promising approach for transforming complex natural products into effective external treatment options for psoriasis.