Inhibitory effects of Drynaria fortunei extract on house dust mite antigen-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDrynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, and bone healing. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a 70% ethanol extract of Drynaria fortunei (DFE).Materials and methodsWe evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of topically applied DFE on house dust mite Dermatophargoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.ResultsTreatment of NC/Nga mice with DFE reduced the dermatitis score, ear thickness, and serum levels of IgE, IgG1, and IL-6. Histopathological analyses of ear and skin lesions showed inhibition of the thickening of the epidermis and reduced epidermal/dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells. In ear lesions, mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were reduced by DFE treatment.ConclusionsDFE inhibited the development of dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. These results suggest that DFE may be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of AD.

Graphical abstractThe anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of Drynaria fortunei extract (DFE) on house dust mite Dermatophargoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis model were evaluated by dermatitis score, ear thicknesses and histopathological analysis. DFE treatment significantly decreased the dermatitis score, ear swelling, dermis/epidermis thickening, and mast cell accumulation in the dermis of NC/Nga mice.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (277 K)Download as PowerPoint slide