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Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L (TT) is used in the Chinese medicine to treat various dermal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti psoriatic effect of TT. The mouse model of psoriasis was developed by sensitization with 100 µl of 1.5% oxazolone application on dorsal lumbar region for six days followed by elicitation with 20 µl of 1% oxazolone applying on both sides of ear on day 7, 10 and 13. The first three groups of mice comprised as vehicle (mixture of acetone and olive oil (4:1)) control, positive control (dermatitis induced by oxazolone) and treatment with dexamethazone at the dose level of 0.1% topical application on upper surface of the ear. Animals of another three groups were applied 0.5%, 1% and 2% of the T. terrestris extract on both the ears after induction of dermatitis by oxazolone. The ear of the positive control mice showed erythema, edema and/or indurations and occasionally abrasion. Oxazolone treatment of sensitized animals produced a significant increase in ear weight as compared normal control animals. A dose dependent decrease in ear weight was observed in TT treated groups. Gross macroscopic examination revealed a relatively swollen ear in the disease model as compared to the control animals. Histopathological examination of the ear belonging to the disease control revealed prominent epidermal hyperplasia and marked infiltration of inflammatory cells like monocytes, granulocytes, macrophages mainly into the dermis and some into epidermis. This investigation suggests that the protective effect of TT for oxazolone induced contact dermatitis.