A Comparative Study on The Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil Versus Clobetasol Propionate on Imiquimod Induced Model of Psoriasis in Thin Skin of Adult Male Mice. A Histological Study

Abstract

Psoriasis is considered to be one of the most researched skin diseases, although several psoriasis treatment modalities existed, management of psoriasis remained to be a challenging point in clinical medicine. This study was planned to assess the effect of oral N. sativa oil versus topical CP cream on IMQ induced model of psoriasis in thin skin of adult male mice. Thirty-five healthy adult male albino mice weighed about 30 - 40 gm with no apparent skin lesions were used. After 7 days of acclimatization, all mice were subjected to shaving of square shaped area of 2 x 2 cm at their backs using an electric shaver. The mice were divided into four groups: Group I (Control, n=15): equally subdivided into: Subgroup IA (Negative Control), Subgroup IB: received a daily dose of 20 mg N. sativa oil given orally using gastric tube. Subgroup IC: received topical CP cream. Group II (Psoriasis model): it included 10 mice. They were divided into two subgroups; Subgroup IIA: each mouse received a daily topical dose (62.5 mg) of IMQ cream on the shaved back skin for seven days and Subgroup IIB: each mouse received a daily topical dose of 62.5 mg IMQ cream on the shaved back skin for fourteen days. Group III (n=5): each mouse received a daily topical dose of IMQ cream for fourteen days (as in subgroup IIB) but on day seven after shaving, each mouse received a daily dose of 20 mg N. sativa oil given orally using gastric tube for seven days. Animals were sacrificed on day fifteen. Group IV (n=5): each mouse received a daily topical dose of IMQ cream for fourteen days (as in subgroup IIB) but on day seven after shaving, each mouse received topical CP cream once daily for seven days. Animals were sacrificed on day fifteen. After scarification of mice under anesthesia, thin skin specimens were processed for the appropriate histological, immunohistochemical techniques, morphometric analysis, and statistical studies.