ABSTRACT
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is characterized by itching, skin inflammation, and allergic responses caused by release of immunoglobulin E and T helper 2-specific cytokines. The aim of this study is to investigate the ameliorative and synergic effects of herbal formula, Derma-H, containing Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge (AM) and Nepeta tenuifolia Benth (NT) which have been used as traditional medicinal herbs for the cure of dryness, edema, and pruritus. 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was applied for ACD induction. AM, NT, and a mixture of AM and NT was topically applied to skin lesions for 11 days. Dermatitis score and number of scratches were significantly diminished in AM, NT, and AM + NT (Derma-H)-treated groups. Especially, Derma-H was more effective than single treatment of AM and NT on skin hyperplasia and mast cell infiltration. Also, NGF expression decreased by NT and a mixture of AM and NT. Additionally, series of TrkA, Raf-1, MEK, and ERK were significantly inhibited by topical AM and NT application. Those findings suggested AM and NT treatment has a synergic effect on DNCB-induced ACD in mice.
ABSTRACT
Soshiho-tang (SSHT) has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In this experiment, we investigated the protective effect of SSHT on inflammatory liver injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized mice. Male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 weeks were randomly placed in 6 groups (n = 5): normal mice (CTR), LPS-sensitized mice (LPS), LPS-sensitized mice treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and LPS-sensitized mice treated with 0.05, 0.55, and 5.55 g/kg of SSHT (SSHT 0.05, SSHT 0.55, and SSHT 5.55). Various doses of SSHT was given once a day for 7 days. After 2 h of LPS injection, the liver tissue was collected. SSHT pretreatment recovered hemorrhage of liver tissues in LPS-induced acute liver injury. The expressions of MAP Kinase, NF-κB, IκBα, p-IκBα, COX-2, and iNOS protein levels were markedly decreased by SSHT-treated liver tissues. Additionally, SSHT pretreatment significantly regulated the expressions of MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 cytokines. These results suggest the potential of SSHT on the protection of acute liver injury.
Subject(s)
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy , Inflammation/drug therapy , Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects , Liver/pathology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Acute Disease , Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BLABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: (R)-(+)-pulegone (PLG), a biotransformation of monoterpene ketones, is one of essential oils of Labiatae family. Although PLG was reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects, the therapeutic effects of PLG on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the anti-AD effects and underlying mechanisms of PLG in AD-induced mice. METHODS: BALB/c male mice were challenged with 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB, 1%) to induce AD. After 4 days of rest, PLG (0.1, 1 and 10 µM) were topically applied to dorsal skin for 2 weeks with secondary elicitation using 0.5% DNCB. Histological changes were identified by H&E staining and mast cells were evaluated by toluidine blue staining. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum IgE levels were analyzed by ELISA. Inflammatory mediators were measured by western blotting assay. RESULTS: Topical treatment with PLG significantly suppressed skin thickness and scratching behavior compared with control group. Expression of nerve growth factor was also decreased by PLG treatment. PLG administration decreased serum IgE levels and the number of mast cells in mice model of DNCB-induced AD. The levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1ß in dorsal skin of PLG-treated group were lower than those in the control group. PLG inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs, as well as IκBα degradation and NF-κB activation. CONCLUSIONS: PLG attenuated the symptoms of AD by suppressing cytokines production, the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the activation of NF-κB signaling. These data suggest that PLG may be an effective natural compound for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
