Evaluation of the Antipsoriatic Activity of Sivanar Vembu Kuzhi Thailam in an Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis Model: Phytochemical, Computational, and Experimental Investigations

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and dysregulated immune responses. Long-term use of the current therapeutic agents is often limited by adverse effects, high costs, and variable efficacy. The present study evaluated the antipsoriatic potential of Sivanar Vembu Kuzhi Thailam (SVKT), a traditional Siddha formulation, using an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model. The drug was subjected to physicochemical characterization, microbiological evaluation, and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify its major phytoconstituents. Network pharmacology was performed to explore interactions between bioactive compounds and key psoriasis-associated inflammatory targets. Female BALB/c mice were induced to develop psoriasis-like lesions. SVKT (60, 100, and 200 mg/kg, orally) was administered to test prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy. Disease progression and therapeutic response were assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scoring, histopathological examination, and Baker’s pathological scoring. GC–MS analysis identified 95 compounds. Computational analyses indicated favorable interactions of selected phytoconstituents with TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-1β, and IFN-γ related to psoriasis. SVKT significantly reduced PASI scores, erythema, scaling, and epidermal thickening (p < 0.05), while histopathological evaluation demonstrated restoration of normal skin architecture and reduced inflammatory infiltration. The formulation complied with microbiological safety standards and showed no evidence of toxicity. These findings demonstrate that SVKT might possess significant antipsoriatic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its potential as a safe, effective, and economical therapeutic candidate for psoriasis management.