Evaluation of anti-psoriatic activity, mechanistic insights, nanoformulation, and GC-MS profiling of Commiphora gileadensis essential oil

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated skin disease with complex pathophysiology, reflecting the need for effective treatment. Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C.Chr. has long been used traditionally for skin disorders; however, its anti-psoriatic potential remains unexplored. This study investigated the GC-MS chemical profile of C. gileadensis hydro-distilled essential oil from its aerial parts, revealing sabinene and viridiflorol as the major compounds. Nanoemulgel formulations of the oil (Eg: 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w/w) were evaluated in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like model in BALB/c mice. Treatment with Eg significantly decreased the psoriasis area and severity index and spleen index in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest efficacy at 1%. It exhibited antioxidant properties by increasing glutathione and decreasing malondialdehyde, and an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB and inflammatory interleukins IL-17, IL-23, IL-1β, and IL-18. It attenuated tissue pyroptosis and restored cellular autophagy, supported by histopathology and reduced Ki67 expression. These findings highlight nanoemulgel of C. gileadensis essential oil as a potential therapy to alleviate psoriasis.