Hibiscetin-Loaded Nanogel Ameliorated the Severity of IMQ-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation in Mice via Down-Regulating Interleukins/TNF-α/NF-κB

Introduction: The rising incidence of inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis, has necessitated new treatment approaches. This paper focuses on the development of a hibiscetin-impregnated nanogel that reduces the severity of skin inflammation. Methods: Imiquimod (IMQ) was used to induce psoriasis-like inflammation in animal models, and the nanogel's worthiness was compared. Nanogel was prepared in different concentrations of hibiscetin, namely F1 (1) and F2 (2), and characterized in terms of appearance, size, charge, spreadability, pH, release kinetics of the drug, skin penetration and stability. Results: Lab analyses showed that the nanogel possessed desirable characteristics, with an average particle size of 205 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.385, and a surface charge of -69.5 mV. Its morphology was confirmed to be spherical by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nanogel demonstrated powerful anti-inflammatory properties, including the disappearance of redness and skin thickening, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations, reduced oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis-mediated cell death in vivo. Hibiscetin, as an effect of IMQ, also had a reparative effect on damaged skin as evidenced by histopathological studies. Conclusion: The results imply that hibiscetin-conjugated nanogels offer an option for improving the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of inherent compounds in the management of skin inflammation.