Effect ofDangguibohyul-Tang, a Mixed Extract ofAstragalus membranaceusandAngelica sinensis, on Allergic and Inflammatory Skin Reaction Compared with Single Extracts ofAstragalus membranaceusorAngelica sinensis

You Yeon Choi,Kyuseok Kim,Mi Hye Kim,Jongki Hong,Woong Mo Yang

doi:10.1155/2016/5936354

Abstract

Dangguibohyul-tang (DBT), herbal formula composed of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Angelica sinensis (AS) at a ratio of 5 : 1, has been used for the treatment of various skin diseases in traditional medicine. We investigated the effect of DBT on allergic and inflammatory skin reaction in atopic dermatitis-like model compared to the single extract of AM or AS. DBT treatment showed the remission of clinical symptoms, including decreased skin thickness and scratching behavior, the total serum IgE level, and the number of mast cells compared to DNCB group as well as the single extract of AM- or AS-treated group. Levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) and inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, phospho-IκBα, and phospho-MAPKs) were significantly decreased in AM, AS, and DBT groups. These results demonstrated that AM, AS, and DBT may have the therapeutic property on atopic dermatitis by inhibition of allergic and inflammatory mediators and DBT formula; a mixed extract of AM and AS based on the herb pairs theory especially might be more effective on antiallergic reaction as compared with the single extract of AM or AS.

Highlights

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin diseases which affect environmental, genetic, immunologic, and biochemical factors [1]
AD symptoms including dryness, erythema, and swelling were seen in DNCB group
We confirmed that the dermis and epidermis were thickened in the DNCB-induced group compared to vehicle group

Summary

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin diseases which affect environmental, genetic, immunologic, and biochemical factors [1]. Most clinicians mainly focus on the regulation of T cell inflammation with corticosteroids, antihistamines, or immunosuppressive agents [5]. Long-term uses of these agents can induce serious side effects such as facial edema, skin atrophy, striae distensae, and perioral dermatitis [6]. A wide variety of plant-derived medicines with fewer side effects have been investigated as potential alternatives for allergic skin diseases instead of conventional therapy [7, 8]

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Conclusion