Abstract

SYNERGISTIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF ANDROGRAPHOLIDE AND URSOLIC ACID IN RAW264.7 MACROPHAGES: IMPLICATIONS FOR PSORIASIS THERAPY

Chintan R. Khunt, Deepti K. Jani*

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder marked by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and elevated pro-inflammatory mediators. The search for effective, safe, and affordable therapies remains a significant challenge. Natural phytochemicals such as andrographolide (AG) and ursolic acid (UA) are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, though their clinical utility is limited by poor oral bioavailability. This study investigated the synergistic anti-inflammatory potential of AG and UA as a novel therapeutic strategy for psoriasis. Using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, we found that AG and UA, individually and in combination, significantly suppressed nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β, and IL-6 production without cytotoxic effects. Synergy analysis with CompuSyn software revealed a combination index (CI) < 1 for NO inhibition, confirming synergism, with the strongest effect observed at AG (20 μM) and UA (10 μM). These findingsindicate that AG and UA act on complementary nodes within the inflammatory signaling network, and their combined use enhances anti-inflammatory efficacy beyond monotherapy. This study supports AG and UA as promising phytochemical-based candidates for managing psoriatic inflammation.

Keywords: Andrographolide; Inflammation; In vitro studies; Synergistic effects; Ursolic acid.