Anti-psoriatic activity of biotechnologically produced Harpagophytum procumbens extract in an imiquimod-induced psoriasiform skin inflammation model

Psoriasis is an autoimmune chronic disease for which effective and long-term therapy remains under development. The search for therapeutic solutions includes the exploration of plant extracts. Among these, Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. Ex Meisn. is traditionally used for treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Utilizing biotechnological approaches as sustainable means for production of plant-derived bioactive compounds, the present study evaluates the anti-psoriatic potential of a topical formulation containing H. procumbens (Devil’s claw) hairy roots extract (HPE) in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis murine model. The HPE was produced through optimized submerged cultivation. Metabolite profiling was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), identifying verbascoside (VER) and leucosceptoside A (LEU) as the predominant secondary metabolites. Flow cytometric analysis of skin-derived cells and spleen T-lymphocytes revealed that neither HPE nor VER altered T-lymphocyte populations but modulated chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3), transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFβRI) expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokines abundance (IFN-γ and IL-17F). To evaluate its therapeutic activity, HPE was incorporated into a topical emulsion and applied to mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. Histological assessment and morphological scoring of the adapted psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), demonstrated that the 5 % HPE cream significantly reduced psoriatic skin lesions, including scaling, erythema, and epidermal thickening. These findings indicate the protective potential of biotechnologically produced HPE for local psoriatic features.