Dithranol, a potential anti-psoriasis medication, may be used to study its safety, efficacy, metabolism and pharmacological profile. Dithranol may be used to study is physicochemical properties, as a reference compound and to develop effective drug delivery vehicles. Dithranol may be used as a matrix for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging on a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer.



Indications

Anthralin (Anthra-Derm) is a potent reducing agent whose mechanism of action is unknown. It is approved for the treatment of psoriasis and also may be helpful in alopecia areata. The major toxicities are discoloration of skin, hair, and nails and irritant dermatitis.