Anti-Psoriatic Activity of Smilax china Linn. Rhizome

Objectives: The rhizome of the plant Smilax china Linn. has been used in Siddha and Ayurveda in the treatment of Psoriasis and various skin diseases. In the present study, the methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Smilax china Linn. rhizome was evaluated for antipsoriatic activity. Methods: Mouse tail test was used for the evaluation of antipsoriatic activity. The methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. were evaluated for antipsoriatic activity in Swiss albino mice using mouse tail test. The parameter studied in the mouse tail test was percentage orthokeratotic values. In vitro antiproliferant assay on HaCaT cell lines and determination of serum nitric oxide levels were also carried out. Result and conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of Smilax china rhizome (200 mg/kg) showed maximum antipsoriatic activity (increased orthokeratotic region by 29%) when compared with methanol extract.