Inhibitory effect of persimmon leaf extract on development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions

Abstract

Inhibitory effects of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaf extract (PLE) on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice were investigated. Mice were orally administrated with or without a single dose of PLE (250 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Murine AD-like skin lesions were made by painting Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DfE) on mice. Efficacy of PLE was judged by measurement of clinical signs, scratching behavior, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and chemokine production. Oral administration of PLE significantly reduced the clinical severity score and scratching behavior in NC/Nga mice after DfE sensitization. The levels of serum IgE and T helper 2 (Th2) chemokines (CCL17, CCL22, and CCL27) were significantly reduced by PLE. PLE treatment also suppressed DfE-induced expression of Th2 chemokines in ear tissues. These results demonstrated that PLE has an inhibitory activity on the development AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice Indicating PLE may be an effective substance for the management of AD.