Given the intricate etiology and pathogenesis of
atopic dermatitis (AD), the complete cure of AD remains challenging. This study aimed to investigate if topically applying N-benzyl-N-methyldecan-1-amine (
BMDA), derived from garlic, and its derivative [decyl-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-methyl-1-
amine] (
DMMA) could effectively alleviate AD-like skin lesions in
2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (
DNCB)-treated mice. Administering these compounds to the irritated skin of
DNCB-treated mice significantly reduced swelling,
rash, and excoriation severity, alongside a corresponding decrease in inflamed epidermis and dermis. Moreover, they inhibited spleen and lymph node enlargement and showed fewer infiltrated mast cells in the epidermis and dermis through
toluidine-blue staining. Additionally, they led to a lower
IgE titer in mouse sera as determined by ELISA, compared to vehicle treatment. Analyzing skin tissue from the mice revealed decreased transcript levels of inflammatory
cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6),
IL-4, iNOS, and COX-2, compared to control mice. Simultaneously, the compounds impeded the activation of
inflammation-related signaling molecules such as JNK,
p38 MAPK, and NF-κB in the mouse skin. In summary, these findings suggest that
BMDA and
DMMA hold the potential to be developed as a novel treatment for healing inflammatory AD.