EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOLVENT EXTRACTION METHODS ON THE ANTI-PSORIATIC POTENTIAL OF MANGIFERA INDICA FLOWER EXTRACTS

Abstract

Mangifera indica (M. indica), commonly known as mango, is a well-established medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine and has traditionally been used for the management of various diseases and disorders. This study aimed to evaluate 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 a mango farm in Multan and extracted through maceration and grinding using n-hexane, ethanol, and olive oil as extraction solvents. The prepared extracts were stored in airtight glass containers for seven days and subsequently filtered through double-layered muslin cloth. The filtrates were concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 37 °C under reduced pressure, and 5%, 10%, and 20% (w/v) formulations were prepared using the respective solvents. These formulations were applied topically through spray bottles on Aldara (5% imiquimod)-induced psoriatic lesions in rabbits.

A total of 33 rabbits (mean age: 34.62 ± 5.11 years) were included in the study, with 27 animals assigned to experimental groups and three each allocated to positive and negative control groups. Corticosteroid ointment was used as the standard treatment, whereas distilled water served as the placebo control. Complete recovery from psoriasis-like symptoms was observed in rabbits treated with the olive oil-based M. indica flower extract, representing 33.33% of the experimental group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.

The findings demonstrate the potential therapeutic efficacy of M. indica flower extracts in alleviating psoriasis-like symptoms. Variations in treatment response among solvent-based extracts highlight the importance of solvent selection in maximizing the extraction of bioactive compounds. Overall, this study supports the potential application of plant-derived formulations as complementary therapeutic options and emphasizes the need for further investigations to validate their safety, efficacy, and clinical applicability