Evaluation of the Efficacy of Xyloglucan, Pea Protein and Opuntia ficus-indica Extract in a Preclinical Model of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal gene abnormalities, epidermal barrier defects and inflammation. Corticosteroids are considered to be standard treatments, but often come with side effects and lose efficacy with long-term use. Alternative treatments targeting the epidermal barrier defect are needed to manage the disease. Film-forming substances such as xyloglucan, pea protein and Opuntia ficus-indica extract (XPO) have generated interest for their ability to restore skin barrier integrity and may pose an alternative approach to disease management. Thus, the aim of this two-part study was to evaluate the barrier-protective properties of a topical cream containing XPO on the membrane permeability of keratinocytes exposed to inflammatory conditions and compare its efficacy to dexamethasone (DXM) in an in vivo model of psoriasis-like dermatitis. XPO treatment significantly reduced S. aureus adhesion, subsequent skin invasion and restored epithelial barrier function in keratinocytes. Furthermore, the treatment restored the integrity of keratinocytes, reducing tissue damage. In mice with psoriasis-like dermatitis, XPO significantly reduced erythema, inflammatory markers and epidermal thickening with a superior efficacy to dexamethasone. Given the promising results, XPO may represent a novel steroid-sparing therapeutic for epidermal-related diseases such as psoriasis, thanks to its ability to preserve skin barrier function and integrity.