Cynanchum atratum Bunge (Apocynaceae) is a
folk medicine to treat skin inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of C. atratum on
atopic dermatitis have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of C. atratum (CA) and its molecular mechanism on
atopic dermatitis (AD). 1 and 100mg/mL CA were topically applied to
2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (
DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions for 11 days. The number of scratching behavior was evaluated for 20min. AD-like symptoms including elevated serum
IgE, skin
hyperplasia and mast cell infiltration were investigated. The expressions of pro-inflammatory
cytokines and mediators were analyzed in AD-like skin legions. In addition, pro-inflammatory
cytokine production was confirmed in human mast cells (HMC)-1 stimulated with PMA plus
A23187 (PMACI). Topical application of CA attenuated total serum
IgE level and scratching behavior. Skin
hyperplasia including epidermis and dermis was ameliorated in CA-treated skin legions. The number of infiltrated mast cells was significantly decreased by CA treatment. In addition, CA reduced pro-inflammatory
cytokines, such as
IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α and Th2
cytokine,
IL-4, in both of AD-like skin lesions and PMACI-sensitized HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, CA decreased the expressions of NF-κB, phospho-IκBα and MAP
kinase. These results suggest the inhibitory effects of CA on the development of AD by regulating pro-inflammatory
cytokines and mediators. CA could be an effective substance for the treatment of AD.