Ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybeans inhibits 2, 4-dinitrophenolfluorobenzene-induced allergic contact dermatitis

Cordyceps militaris is widely used in Asia as a functional food with high nutritional value and a wide range of therapeutic effects. Many studies have reported its various activities against an array of disorders, including hypersensitivity diseases, but there is no report that has focused on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In the present study, Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybean (GSC) extract was evaluated whether it alleviated ACD symptoms. GSC suppressed DNFB-induced allergic ACD with ear swelling and ear erythema in C57BL/6 mice. Infiltration of CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and mast cells was decreased in the skin lesion after GSC oral administration, compared to DNFB-treated group. GSC also suppressed con-A induced proliferation of T-cells. HPLC analysis results suggest that the anti-ACD activity of GSC might be related to its major biochemical markers, including cordycepin. Thus, this study suggests that GSC is a promising source of agent that alleviates ACD-like symptoms.