Abstract | AIM OF THE STUDY: Rehmannia glutinosa is known in Asia as a traditional herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease associated with enhanced T-helper 2 (Th2) lymphocyte responses to allergens that results in elevated serum IgE levels and leukocyte infiltration. Although some studies have shown that Rehmannia glutinosa extract (RGE) has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, these properties have not been demonstrated in AD. This study investigated the effectiveness of RGE as a therapeutic candidate in an AD model as well as its underlying mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RESULTS: RGE treatment of NC/Nga mice significantly reduced dermatitis scores, ear thicknesses, and serum histamine levels. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased thickening of the epidermis/dermis as well as dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. In the ear lesions, mRNA expression levels of IL-4, TNF-α, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were inhibited by RGE treatment. RGE also suppressed the production of TARC, MDC, and RANTES in both the ear lesions and keratinocytes. CONCLUSIONS: RGE inhibits the development of AD in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules.
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Authors | Yoon-Young Sung, Taesook Yoon, Ja Young Jang, Sang-Joon Park, Ho Kyoung Kim |
Journal | Journal of ethnopharmacology
(J Ethnopharmacol)
Vol. 134
Issue 1
Pg. 37-44
(Mar 08 2011)
ISSN: 1872-7573 [Electronic] Ireland |
PMID | 21129471
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Allergens
- DNA Primers
- Plant Extracts
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Topics |
- Allergens
(toxicity)
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cell Line
- DNA Primers
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(etiology, prevention & control)
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mites
(immunology)
- Plant Extracts
(pharmacology)
- Rehmannia
(chemistry)
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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