PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHTS OF KIGELIA AFRICANA SEED OIL: PROSPECTS IN NANOEMULSION BASED PSORIASIS THERAPY

Abstract

This review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of Kigelia africana seed oil and its phytochemical components in treating psoriasis, placing special focus on drug delivery systems based on nanoemulsions. Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune inflammatory skin condition marked by red, scaly patches and related systemic issues, greatly impacting the quality of life for patients globally. Traditional treatments like topical corticosteroids, systemic medications, and phototherapy frequently lead to side effects, low patient adherence, and restricted therapeutic effectiveness. Consequently, urgently required are safer and more effective alternatives. Kigelia africana, often referred to as the sausage tree, has historically been utilized in African traditional medicine to address skin ailments, wounds, infections, inflammation, and cancers. The plant comprises various bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, iridoids, naphthoquinones, sterols, tannins, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immunomodulatory properties. These drug properties reinforce its possible function in easing psoriatic symptoms like redness, scaling, and increased epidermal proliferation. Experimental findings suggest that extracts from K. africana can reduce inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide synthesis, and oxidative stress mechanisms linked to psoriasis development. The review additionally addresses the growing importance of nanotechnology, especially nanoemulsions, in improving topical treatments for psoriasis. Nanoemulsion systems enhance drug solubility, skin absorption, bioavailability, and controlled release, all while reducing systemic toxicity and irritation. Different nano-formulations incorporating anti-psoriatic agents have shown better therapeutic results in animal studies by increasing skin retention and lowering inflammatory cytokine levels. In summary, the combination of Kigelia africana seed oil with nanoemulsion technology offers a potential approach for creating efficient, safer, and more user-friendly topical treatments for psoriasis, although additional clinical trials are needed to confirm their long-term effectiveness and safety