Inhibitory effects of polysaccharide-rich extract of Phragmites rhizoma on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

Abstract

AIMS:

Phragmites rhizoma was reported to have anti-oxidative and free radical scavenging activity. It also has been traditionally used to suppress inflammation. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the topical effects of the polysaccharide-rich extract of P. rhizoma (PEP) on atopic dermatitis.

MAIN METHODS:

We induced AD-like skin lesions by an extract of the house-dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Dfb) in NC/Nga mice, and then performed macroscopic analysis, immunohistochemical staining and measurement of total serum IgE and cytokine production by ELISA.

KEY FINDINGS:

Topically applied PEP suppressed dermatitis with a decrease in dermatitis score and scratch number. The histological manifestations of atopic skin lesions including thickened epidermis and increased numbers of mast cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and nerve fibers were significantly attenuated. The activation of IgE and the levels of cytokines such as IFN-γ IL-4 and IL-10 were also decreased.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Our results indicated that PEP might have an inhibitory effect on atopic dermatitis-like lesion and be a promising natural resource in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

• Authors: Yunsung Nam, Yoon Hee Chung, Li Ying Chu, Ho Sung Lee, Eon Sub Park, Kwang Woo Hwang, Dong-Seok Kim, Hyeong-Dong Kim, Hyun Dong Je, Yong Kyoo Shin, Ji Hoon Jeong
• Journal: Life sciences (Life Sci) Vol. 92 Issue 14-16 Pg. 866-72 (May 02 2013) ISSN: 1879-0631 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 23517777 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Plant Extracts
• Polysaccharides
• Immunoglobulin E

Topics

• Animals
• Cytokines (metabolism)
• Dermatitis, Atopic (drug therapy, immunology, pathology)
• Dermatophagoides farinae (immunology)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Female
• Immunoglobulin E (blood)
• Mast Cells (metabolism)
• Mice
• Nerve Fibers (metabolism)
• Neutrophils (metabolism)
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology)
• Poaceae (chemistry)
• Polysaccharides (isolation & purification, pharmacology)