Anti-inflammatory effects of HC001 on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice

Abstract

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of external application of HC001 on atopic dermatitis. HC001, newly composed herbal medicine combinations contains 9 medicinal herbs which are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of HC001 on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. Methods : Seven-week-old BALB/c mice were sensitized with DNCB to develop atopic dermatitis. Animals were divide into three group: Normal, DNCB (Negative control group), HC001 (Experimental group, treated with DNCB and HC001). Skin sections were stained with H&E to measure the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis, respectively. The expression of NF- protein was measured by western blotting analysis in skin lesion. Results : Topical HC001 treatment significantly restored the skin thickening and hyperplasia of the epidermis and dermis compared with DNCB-sensitized group in histopathological analyse. In addition, HC001 inhibited the expression of NF- protein increased in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. Conclusions : These results suggest that HC001 may be useful as an external application agent for atopic dermatitis based on reductions of various inflammatory responses.