http://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/life/202412/t20241223_895692.shtml
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874124014089?via%3Dihub
A research group led by Professor QIU Shengxiang at the CAS South China Botanical Garden has investigated the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of stilbene-enriched extracts from the leaves of Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.(hereinafter referred to as “C.cajan“) as a potential therapeutic agent for psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin condition that affects approximately 125 million people worldwide. The typical features of psoriasis include thick, red, well-defined patches of skin with flaky, silvery scales. Stress, infections caused by bacteria or viruses, skin injury, and immune system abnormalities can promote the development of psoriasis.
C.cajan, also known as pigeon pea, is an important food and forage crop in Egypt, Africa, and Asia. In ancient times, the juice extracted from “C.cajan” leaves was used to treat inflammations and various skin conditions. This historical practice provides key evidence that underscores the potential of “C.cajan” leaves in skincare development.
The researchers extracted the stilbene-enriched active components, such as cajaninstilbene, longistylin A, and longistylin C, from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of C. cajan leaves (hereinafter referred to as “EXT”). They found that EXT was effective in alleviating the symptoms of IMQ-induced psoriasis in a mouse model. Using transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, the researchers found significant downregulation of several chemokines (Ccl2, Ccl20, and Cxc5, etc.), pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as Il17a, Il19, Il22, and Il23, etc.), and genes associated with keratinocyte differentiation (such as Lce and Sprr family genes). They concluded that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and genes of the cytochrome P450 family are activated by EXT.
The findings suggest that EXT has significant potential as a plant-derived therapeutic agent for the treatment of psoriasis.
