Regulatory effects of chrysophanol, a bioactive compound of AST2017-01 in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis

The aim of this study is to determine whether AST2017-01 which consists of Rumex crispus and Cordyceps militaris would improve atopic dermatitis (AD). We analyzed anti-AD effects of AST2017-01 and chrysophanol, a bioactive compound of AST2017-01, using a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced AD murine model. AST2017-01 and chrysophanol relieved clinical severity in AD-like skin lesions and significantly decreased scratching behavior. The thickness of epidermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in AD-like skin lesions were reduced by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol. AST2017-01 and chrysophanol significantly suppressed the levels of histamine, immunoglobulin E, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum of AD mice. The protein levels of TSLP, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 were significantly inhibited in the skin lesions. The mRNA expressions of TSLP, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17, and C-C chemokine receptor 3 were inhibited in the skin lesions by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol. In addition, AST2017-01 and chrysophanol significantly suppressed the expressions and activities of caspase-1 in the skin lesions. Taken together, these results suggest that AST2017-01 has beneficial effects on AD and may be used as a health functional food in AD.