EP_093. Antipruritic effects of natural compounds on scratching behaviour in mouse models of itch: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sharah Nurjannah Azminor¹, Ahmad Akira Omar Farouk¹, Mohamed Hanief Khalid², Tengku Azam Shah Tengku Mohamad¹, Mohd Roslan Sulaiman^1*

1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

2. Department of Medical Sciences 1, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: Dato’ Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan Sulaiman. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Chronic itch significantly affects quality of life, and current synthetic treatments often lack efficacy or cause adverse effects. Natural compounds have shown promising antipruritic effects in mouse models, but existing evidence is scattered.

OBJECTIVE(S): This study aims to systematically review and quantitatively analyse preclinical evidence on the antipruritic effects of natural compounds in mouse models, evaluate their impact on scratching behaviour using meta-analysis, and explore their mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases following PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-one eligible studies were included, and quantitative synthesis was performed using meta-analytical techniques. Eligible studies measuring scratching behaviour were selected and data were extracted for meta-analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to determine the overall effectiveness of natural compounds in reducing itch-related behaviours.

RESULTS: The pooled effect size across the included studies was (Cohen’s d = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.58 to 3.05) where Cohen’s d = 2.31, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.58 to 3.05, indicating a statistically significant reduction in itch-related behaviour following treatment with natural compounds. Despite these positive findings, Egger’s test indicated significant publication bias (B = 5.419, SE = 0.78, p<0.001), potentially attributable to high-dose-only comparisons, language bias, and citation bias.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights the strong antipruritic potential of natural compounds in preclinical models and provides mechanistic insight that supports their therapeutic relevance.

KEYWORDS: Pruritus, Natural Products, Animal Models, Scratching, Meta-analysis