Objective:: Psoriasis is an inflamed skin disorder associated with the activation of phosphorylation
signals in keratinocytes, which leads to proliferation. Phosphorylation signal inhibitors, such as
silibinin can inhibit cell proliferation. Unlike current psoriasis treatment approaches that are associated
with dangerous side effects; natural components can introduce new trends in psoriasis treatment. The
major problem in the topical treatment of psoriasis is drug localization through the psoriasis lesions.
Methods:: In this study, silibinin-loaded polymeric micelles prepared and characterized for drug loading
and release and ex vivo permeation through psoriatic and normal mice skin. The optimized batch was
used for the treatment of psoriasis lesions in the mice model.
Results::The optimized batch demonstrated mean particle size 18.3 ± 2.1 nm, entrapment efficiency
75.8 ± 5.8%, and prolonged silibinin release. % Silibinin permeated through psoriatic skin after 48
treated by polymeric micelle and aqueous control was 80.35, and 92.6, respectively. Polymeric micelles
increased silibinin localization in the psoriatic skin in comparison with control. In psoriatic skin after 7-
10 days treatment by silibinin- loaded polymeric micelle, there was no evidence of psoriasis and the
histological evaluation showed no sign of psoriasis. Silibinin-loaded polymeric micelles reduced Psoriasis
area index by more than 78% after 14 days.
Conclusion:: It seems that polymeric micelles increased the effectiveness of silibinin by drug localization
into the psoriatic plaque. Topical STAT- 3inhibitors can be introduced as a new strategy in psoriasis
treatment.