Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic and gut microbiota-modulating effects of Qingreliangxuefang (QRLXF) on psoriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used network pharmacology, a computational approach, to identify key bioactive compounds and biological targets, and explored the molecular mechanisms of QRLXF. The effects of QRLXF on keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation were evaluated using a mouse model of psoriasis. Changes in the gut microbiota were analyzed via 16SrDNA sequencing, and T cell subsets were assessed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Network pharmacology analysis suggested that QRLXF ameliorated psoriasis by modulating Th17 cell differentiation. Further experiments confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects and relief of psoriatic lesions in IMQ-induced mice. 16SrDNA sequencing revealed significant shifts in the gut microbiota, notably increases in Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus genera and decreases in Anaerotruncus, Negativibacillus, Bilophila, and Mucispirillum, suggesting a potential relationship between specific microbiota changes and Th17 cell differentiation. CONCLUSION: QRLXF alleviated psoriatic dermatitis by regulating Th17 cell responses and modifying gut microbiota profiles, highlighting its therapeutic potential for psoriasis treatment.