Dithranol: An insight on its novel delivery cargos for psoriasis management.

OBJECTIVE Dithranol (DTH) is a promising well known moiety that has long been used to impede and treat skin disorders, particularly psoriasis. Now a days, a rekindled interest in the use of DTH for this disorder has been observed. Side effects associated with conventional topical formulations of this moiety have aroused interest of scientific community in novel cargos for psoriasis management. Keyfinding: Dithranol is a frequently prescribed active molecule in the management of alopecia areata, warts, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Previous research have evidenced anti inflammatory and anti-proliferating potential of DTH. Numerous studies have indicated that DTH inhibits polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte, modulate epidermal cell receptors and promotes anti-psoriatic action. However, some deterrent factors like poor solubility, stability, toxicity, staining and skin irritation hampers its use as a potential therapeutic agent. With the adoption of novel drug delivery technologies, the above mentioned inherent limitations of DTH have been compensated to reestablish this drug moiety. CONCLUSION This article reviews novel drug delivery aspects, safety concerns, clinical evidences, current status, and future opportunities of DTH in the management of psoriasis. Further, it will update researchers on this promising drug moiety, which is free from systemic adverse responses in comparison to other therapeutic molecules like steroids for psoriasis treatment.