COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOLVENT EXTRACTION METHODS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ANTI-PSORIATIC ACTIVITY OF MANGIFERA INDICA FLOWER EXTRACTS

Abstract

Mangifera indica (M. indica), commonly known as mango, is a widely recognized medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine and has traditionally been used for the management of various diseases and disorders. This study aimed to investigate the anti-psoriatic potential of M. indica flower extracts prepared using different solvents and to develop a topical spray formulation for psoriasis management.

Fresh M. indica flowers were collected from Multan Mango Farm and processed through maceration and grinding using n-hexane, ethanol, and olive oil as extraction solvents. The extracts were stored in airtight glass containers for seven days and subsequently filtered through double-layered muslin cloth. The obtained filtrates were concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 37 °C under reduced pressure and formulated into 5%, 10%, and 20% (w/v) concentrations using their respective solvents. These formulations were applied topically through spray bottles on Aldara (5% imiquimod)-induced psoriatic lesions in rabbits.

A total of 33 rabbits were included in the study, with 27 allocated to experimental treatments and the remaining animals assigned to positive and negative control groups. Corticosteroid ointment and distilled water were used as standard and placebo controls, respectively. Complete recovery from psoriatic symptoms was observed in rabbits treated with the olive oil-based M. indica flower extract, accounting for 33.33% of the experimental group. Statistical analyses of the collected data were performed using SPSS version 22.

The findings demonstrate the potential therapeutic value of M. indica flower extracts in reducing psoriasis-associated symptoms. Differences in treatment effectiveness among solvent-based extracts emphasize the critical role of solvent selection in enhancing the extraction and activity of bioactive compounds. These results highlight the potential of plant-based formulations as promising complementary alternatives to conventional therapies, which may be associated with undesirable side effects