Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Anisole on Psoriasis in Mice Based on the JAK1/STAT3 Pathway

Safe and effective treatments for psoriasis are limited. Anisole is an active ingredient in citrus and basil volatile oils; however, its potential for psoriasis treatment remains unexplored. To investigate the effects and mechanism of anisole transdermal administration as a treatment for psoriasis. Imiquimod (IMQ) was used to establish a C57 mouse psoriasis model. The severity of psoriasis lesions in each group was assessed by evaluating the thickness of skin lesions, erythema, and scales. Pathological changes within the epidermis organization were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining using light microscopy. Serum inflammatory factor levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB) were performed to analyze the mRNA levels of relevant inflammatory factors and the expression of key proteins at the skin lesion sites in psoriatic mice. In model mice, applying anisole hydrogels significantly reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-17A, (IL)-23, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ. H&E staining revealed significantly attenuated stratum spinosum thickening and lymphocyte infiltration in the treatment group. RT-qPCR results further demonstrated that the skin tissues from the treatment group exhibited significantly reduced Il1b, Il17a, Il22, and Tnfa mRNA expression. Western blotting revealed inhibition of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway within anisole-treated psoriatic tissues. Anisole potentially reduces psoriatic-associated inflammation through the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, alleviating IMQ-induced psoriasis.