Nano-based formulations of thymoquinone are new approaches for psoriasis treatment: a literature review

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology 2024-08, Vol.15, p.1416842
• Main Authors: Modarresi Chahardehi, Amir, Ojaghi, Hamid Reza, Motedayyen, Hossein, Arefnezhad, Reza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - administration & dosage; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use; Benzoquinones - administration & dosage; Benzoquinones - chemistry; Benzoquinones - therapeutic use; Drug Compounding; Humans; Immunology; nano-formulation; nano-thymoquinone; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nigella sativa - chemistry; psoriasis; Psoriasis - drug therapy; Psoriasis - immunology; thymoquinone; topical therapy
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1416842

Psoriasis, a persistent immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition, affects approximately 2-3% of the global population. Current treatments for psoriasis are fraught with limitations, including adverse effects, high costs, and diminishing efficacy over time. Thymoquinone (TQ), derived from seeds, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties that could prove beneficial in managing psoriasis. However, TQ's hydrophobic nature and poor bioavailability have hindered its usefulness as a therapeutic agent. Recent research has strategically addressed these challenges by developing nano-thymoquinone (nano-TQ) formulations to enhance delivery and efficacy in treating psoriasis. Preclinical studies employing mouse models have demonstrated that nano-TQ effectively mitigates inflammation, erythema, scaling, epidermal thickness, and cytokine levels in psoriatic lesions. Various nano-TQ formulations, including nanoemulsions, lipid vesicles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and ethosomes, have been explored to improve solubility, facilitate skin penetration, ensure sustained release, and achieve site-specific targeting. Although clinical trials are currently scarce, the outcomes from and animal models are promising. The potential co-delivery of nano-TQ with other anti-psoriatic agents also presents avenues for further investigation.