Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by scaly plaques, erythema, and thick skin. Psoriasis management is complicated and multifaceted as this disease is linked to serious systemic consequences like infections, psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological complications. In the current study, a mice model of psoriasis was established by topical application of 5% imiquimod (IMQ) cream on the shaved dorsal skin and left ear pinna of mice for 7 days. The animals in treatment groups were treated topically with different concentrations of clove oil (CO) (5, 10 and 20%), alone and in combination with flurbiprofen (FBR 5 and 10%), and betamethasone and salicylic acid combination (betasalic® ointment, a standard drug) for the next 7 days. Disease induction and treatment responses were assessed based on modified psoriasis area and severity index (modified PASI) score. On day 15, animals were euthanised, and blood and skin samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses, along with a quantitative assessment of psoriasis-associated inflammatory gene expression using RT-qPCR techniques. Phytochemical tests were performed to detect total tannin, flavonoid, phenolic, and saponin contents of CO. CO 20% and FBR 5% combination and betasalic ointment treatments resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in erythema, scaling, and skin thickness with an overall modified PASI score of 4.5 ± 0.29 and 4.33 ± 0.33 when compared with the DC group (PASI score = 12 ± 00). Complete blood count analysis revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes counts in the CO 20% and FBR 5% combination and betasalic ointment treated groups as compared with DC group. Moreover, a significant decrease in the spleen-to-body weight index (SBWI) was observed in the CO 20% and FBR 5% combination and betasalic ointment treated groups as compared with SBWI of DC group, highlighting the potential immune regulatory properties of CO and FBR. Histopathological analysis of skin tissues revealed a significant improvement in epidermal architecture and a reduction in inflammatory cells infiltration in the treated groups. RT-qPCR analysis revealed down-regulation in the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress-inducing genes. Phytochemical analyses confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and saponins in the CO. Overall, these findings suggest that the clove oil-flurbiprofen combination has the potential to reduce skin inflammatory conditions possibly via modulation of oxidative and inflammatory pathways.
