Antipsoriatic anthrones: aspects of oxygen radical formation, challenges and prospects
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2026

Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Radical Anion by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from Cells using Spin Traps
Published on: August 18, 2012
1Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Germany.
Abstract:
1. Antipsoriatic anthrones are among the most commonly used topical agents for the treatment of psoriasis. 2. These drugs generate reactive oxygen species during their auto-oxidation under physiological conditions. 3. Recent studies have indicated that activation of molecular oxygen by anthrones may play a critical role in their mechanism of action at the molecular level. 4. This article summarizes the evidence pointing toward the significance of oxygen activation and radical formation in the antipsoriatic action and induction of skin inflammation of anthrones. 5. Also, the role of oxygen radical formation in the development of novel anthrones devoid of inflammatory and staining properties is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Radical Formation: Overview
Radicals from spin-paired molecules:
Radicals can be obtained from spin-paired molecules either by homolysis or electron transfer. While two radicals are formed in the former, an electron is added in the latter, also known...
Radical Formation: Addition
Similar to charge conservation in chemical reactions, spin conservation is implicit for radical reactions. Accordingly, the product formed must possess an unpaired...
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals
Radical Autoxidation
Radical Oxidation of Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols

