Abstract
This study investigates the efficacy of monobenazone, a novel topical agent, in treating psoriasis-like lesions in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced murine model. Female BALB/c mice were allocated to four groups: negative control, IMQ-treated positive control, monobenazone treatment, and clobetasol propionate treatment. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), histopathological analysis, and cytokine quantification (TNF-α and IL-6) were used to assess treatment outcomes. Monobenazone significantly reduced PASI scores and ameliorated histopathological features, including acanthosis and dermal inflammation, compared to the positive control. Furthermore, monobenazone treatment resulted in decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. These findings suggest that monobenazone exhibits therapeutic potential in mitigating psoriasis-like symptoms, potentially through modulation of inflammatory responses. While promising, further research is necessary to elucidate its mechanism of action and clinical applicability as a novel psoriasis treatment.