Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with cutaneous hyper-reactivity to environmental triggers. In order to develop effective therapeutic herbal extracts for atopic dermatitis, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities were investigated for various herbal extracts. Among candidate extracts, we selected Aloe vera L. (AV), Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM), Punica granatum L. (PG), Dendrobium nobile L. (DN) and mixture of the above extracts (MX) for further investigations. All of them did not show cytotoxic activities to macrophage RAW264.7 cells below the concentration of 100 ppm. All showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, although to various extents. In antioxidant effects, AV showed the highest effect, followed by PG and VM, while DN did the lowest. In evaluation for anti-inflammatory activities in macrophage RAW264.7 cells, AV and DN inhibited almost completely the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, while AV, DN and VM showed strong inhibitory activities on the LPS-induced production of TNF-α. In anti-allergy effect in mast cell HMC-1, DN showed the highest effect, followed by AV and PG, while VM did the lowest. In the topical allergy reaction induced by compound 48/80 in Sprague-Dawley rat, DN exhibited significant anti-allergic effect, while PG, VM and AV did slight effect. These results suggest that AV, VM, PG and DN have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, and thus have the potential to reduce and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

The study surveyed care giver's perceptions of baby food and evaluated the quantitative and qualitative aspects of Korean websites related to the baby food for atopic dermatitis infants. Sources of care giver information about baby food were the internet (93%), clinics (57%), television (52%), oriental clinics (37%), and neighbors (6%). The five most commonly-used internet search engines (Daum, Google, Nate, Naver and Yahoo) were searched using the terms "atopic dermatitis", "weaning food" and "baby food". The searched websites included oriental medical clinics (38.8%), online merchant companies (13.4%), corporations (13.4%), medical clinics (11.9%), related associations (11.9%), public health centers (4.4%) and personal sites (4.4%). Website food and nutrition information included medical information about baby food for atopic dermatitis (92.6%), baby food for atopic dermatitis (67.6%), related community (58.8%), product information (32.4%) and baby food preparation for atopic dermatitis (23.5%). Qualitative evaluation was conducted based on the American Library Association website checklist; Website operator and information sources were provided for 62.7% and 38.8% of the websites, respectively. The purpose of a website was more explicitly stated in medical clinic sites than nonmedical sites. Only 24.2% of websites had a title that appropriately reflected the site's purpose. The majority (92.5%) of the sites were easy to read and understand. Information was judged to be sufficient in 65% of the medical sites and 74.1% of non-medical sites. A feedback menu and search function were enabled in 85.1% and 28.4% of the sites, respectively. The mean score for quality grade was 14.64 (range 9-19). In conclusion, in order to improve the information of baby food for atopic dermatitis infants in websites, accurate information by experts and continuing monitoring are highly required.

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children has increased dramatically in recent years. Although AD has genetic determinants, this rapid increase is most likely due to changes in environmental influences--for example, dietary changes. The purpose of this case-control study was to assess the relationship between the risk of developing AD and dietary factors, including eating habits, food intake, and the consumption of various functional foods in children at ages of 7 or 8 years. 143 AD patients and 335 healthy children participated in this study. A mini-dietary assessment was utilized to evaluate the food intake and dietary patterns of the children, and other information, including demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, eating habits, and the frequency of functional food use was collected using a questionnaire. The results demonstrated that, among the demographic and socioeconomic factors assessed in this study, female gender, mother's employment, and the family history of AD significantly increased the risk of AD. However, no differences in dietary habits and specific food intake between AD patients and healthy controls were identified. On the other hand, the frequencies of taking multivitamin supplements, Spirulina, or gamma-linoleic acid were significantly higher in AD patients than in the controls. These data indicate that alterations in eating habits and the intake of certain foods may not be a critical cause associated with the risk of AD in school-age children, and caution should be taken in recommending food elimination diets for the purpose of preventing AD. Further studies are required in order to determine whether the intake of specific nutrients could contribute to the increase or prevention of the development of AD in school-age children.

In Oriental Medicine, Atopic dermatitis(AD) belongs to the category of the Naesun, Taesun(胎癬), Taeryumchang(胎斂瘡), Eczema(濕疹), Seupchang(濕瘡), Samanpung(四彎風), Chimumchang(浸淫瘡). The Basic Prescriptions which have been used for treatment of Atopic dermatitis are saengryusamultang(生料四物湯), Onchungeum(溫淸飮), Seungmagalgeuntang(升麻葛根湯),Hoichunryangkyuksan(回春凉膈散), Doghengsan(導赤散), Pyungweesan(平胃散), Heungbangpaedoksan(荊防敗毒散), Goomigangharltang(九味羌活湯), Baekhotang(白虎湯), Gaegytang(桂枝湯), Yukmigihyuangtang(六味地黃湯). AD can divide three groups, Acute-Type, Semiacute-Type, Chronic-Type, according to it's condition. This study shows that it can be applicate Seungmagalgeuntang(升麻葛根湯), Hoichunryangkyuksan(回春凉膈散), Doghengsan(導赤散), Heungbangpaedoksan(荊防敗毒散), Goomigangharltang(九味羌活湯), Baekhotang(白虎湯), Gaegytang(桂枝湯) for treatment of Acute-Type, Pyungweesan(平胃散) for treatment of Semiacute-Type, and saengryusamultang(生料四物湯), Onchungeum(溫淸飮) for treatment of Chronic-Type.

The purpose of this study was evaluate the perception on the relationship between feeding and atopic dermatitis of infants. The results are summarized as follows:. The feeding method of atopic dermatitis infant was composed of breast feeding 26.9%, bottle feeding 50.9%, and mixed feeding 22.2%. 95.3% of the subjects recognized mother's meal during breast feeding were transmitted to infant, but 30.8% of breast feeding restricted their foods. Weaning food was recognized as a nutritional supplement primarily. 61.5% of the subjects perceived the relation between food and atopic dermatitis and 58.8% of the subject perceived atopic dermatitis infants will be cured by growing. 39.9% of the subjects answered that special food developed and made worse atopic dermatitis in their infants. Egg, mackerel, milk, pork, chicken scored high as doubtful food related with atopic dermatitis. It is necessary to find out the food that develop atopic dermatitis symtoms and make guidelines for diet therapy for the infants with atopic dermatitis.

Under constant environmental pollution, the incidence of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) caused by air pollutants and allergens has increased. AD is an allergy inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, eczema, and skin dryness. In herbal medicine, Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma; AR) has been utilized to treat Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, and inflammation. The purpose of study evaluated the effect of AR in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions. After acclimatization for 5 days, the mice (6-week-old, male Balb/c) were divided into five groups (n=6/group): NC (normal control), DNCB (control), Dex (5 mg·kg-1, p.o.), AR100 (100 mg·kg-1, p.o.), and AR300 (300 mg·kg-1, p.o.). On days 1 and 3, 1% DNCB was applied to the skin and ears. After 4 days, 0.5% DNCB was applied once every 2 days for 2 weeks. Then, skin and ears eczema area and severity index (EASI); skin nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels; and plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were examined. The AR groups showed lower EASI, skin and ear thickness, mast cell count, and IgE levels than the control groups. Moreover, AR reduced iNOS, COX-2, and PGE2 levels. Therefore, AR possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can improve skin damage, indicating its therapeutic potential against AD.

본 연구는 하라케케(Harakeke)로 불리는 신서란(Phormium tenax)를 화장품 및 의약품산업의 기능성 소재로서의 이용 가능 성을 확인하기 위하여 신서란 잎을 대상으로 70% 에탄올 추출물과 용매 분획물을 제조하여, 이것들의 항염증 및 항아토피의 효과를 조사하였다. LPS로 유도된 RAW 264.7 세포에서 신서란 에탄올 추출물과 용매 분획물의 항염증 효과를 조사한 결과, methylene chloride와 ethyl acetate 분획물에서 NO와 PGE2 생성 억제 활성이 가장 높게 나타났으며, 농도 의존적으로 NO와 PGE2 생성 억제 활성을 보였다. 또한, 이들 분획물에서는 iNOS 및 COX-2 발현 억제 활성을 보였다. 신서란 잎 조추출물과 용매 분획물에 의한 NO, PGE2 생성 억제 활성이 NOS 및 COX-2 발현 억제에 의한 것임을 제시한다. 더불어, hIFN-γ로 자극된 HaCaT 세포에 용매 분획물을 처리하여 MDC 및 TRAC 생성억제 효과를 조사한 바, methylene chloride 분획물은 MDC 및 TATC의 생성을 각각 65%, 52% 생성억제 시켰으며, ethyl acetate 분획물은 MDC 및 TATC의 생성을 각각 93%, 84% 억제 효과를 보였다. 이상의 결과는 신서란 잎 조추출물과 용매 분획물을 이용한 항염증 및 항아토피 효능을 갖는 유효성분 분리 및 활용화 연구에 중요한 기초자료가 될 것이며, 기능성 화장품, 의약외품 및 의약품 소재 개발에 적용 가능성이 높다고 사료 된다.

Background : Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic, inflammatory skin disease. Here, we focused on the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fructus extracts (GFE) in DNCB treated NC/Nga mice. Methods and Results : In an in vivo study, GFE treatment significantly decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and cytokines expression in spleen and serum of treatment groups mice, compared with the negative controls (administered 0.2% DNCB only). Mice treated with GFE had fewer inflammatory cell infiltrates in the dermis and hypodermis compared to the negative controls. In addition, we also studied β-Hexosaminidase release assay and possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of GFE in RBL-2H3 cells. GFE suppressed the expression of COX-2 and TNF-α, the translocation of NF-κβ, and the phosphorylation of Syk, p38, JNK, and Erk1/2 in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusion : These results strongly suggest that GFE inhibits the allergic response by reducing mast cell activation and may have therapeutic potential as an anti-atopic dermatitis agent.

본 연구는 AD의 주요 증상인 가려움으로 인한 피부상태 변화에 대한 국내자생허브로부터 추출한 ART오일의 회복효과를 확인하 고, AD 환자에 대한 치료방법으로서 활용가능한지를 확인하기 위 하여 시도되었다. ART오일이 AD 피부상태 변화로 증가된 피부두 께, 비만세포 및 탈과립된 비만세포를 감소시킴으로서 ART오일 이 AD 환자 치료방법으로의 가능성을 제시하였다. 동물실험 단계 에서의 나타난 효과를 치료적 측면에서 사람에게 적용하기 위해서 는 기초연구단계에서 보다 다각적인 방향으로 연구가 진행되어야 할 필요성이 있다. 또한 아로마 오일을 이용한 AD 치료효과를 보고 자 하는 연구가 계속되고 있는 만큼 각각의 오일에 대한 반복적 연 구의 시도 및 선행연구에서 긍정적인 결과를 나타낸 아로마 오일간 의 비교 연구에 대한 필요성이 지속적으로 요구된다.

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, indigestion, circulatory problems and pain. The associated anti-inflammatory effect of this agent is achieved via the inhibition of Nf-kB signaling, a property that has been demonstrated to effectively control the symptoms of various skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Sea Buckthorn in reducing the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting the Nf-kB pathway, as measured by the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) occurring secondarily to inflammation and immune dysregulation. Our data demonstrate that Sea Buckthorn significantly decreased the LPS-induced production of NO (p〈0.001). Atopic dermatitis was induced by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to the dorsal skin of mice. Topical application of 5% Sea Buckthorn extract improved the symptoms of AD, specifically reducing disease severity scores, scratching behaviors and epidermal thickness. When compared to the control group, animals treated with Sea Buckthorn exhibited increased serum IL-12 levels and decreased serum TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-5 levels. Such a modulation of biphasic T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokines may result in a reduction in serum IgE levels. Our findings suggest that mechanism of action of Sea Buckthorn in the treatment of AD is associated with a marked anti-inflammatory effect as well as an inhibition of Th2-mediated IgE overproduction via the modulation of biphasic Th1/Th2 cytokines. Such results suggest that topical Sea Buckthorn extract may prove to be a novel therapy for AD symptoms with few side effects.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-atopic-dermatitis effect of Angelica keiskei extract using a DNFB-induced animal model of atopic-dermatitis symptoms. A. keiskei was prepared via extraction with DW, 50% ethanol, and 100% ethanol in addition to fresh juice. All the extracts reduced the thickness levels of the ears and ear epidermis against swelling by DNFB inducement, especially in the aqueous-extract-treated group. The mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), however, were not observed, which may indicate that Angelica keiskei extract alleviates the atopic-dermatitis symptoms in an MMP-independent manner. Finally, the level of the inflammatory cytokine IL-4 was inhibited only in the juice-treated group, although the IL-13 level was inhibited in the juice-, 50%-ethanol-extract-, and 100%-ethanol-extract-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner, and was not inhibited in the aqueous-extract-treated group. Taken together, these results suggest that Angelica keiskei extract has an inhibitory effect on atopic dermatitis, and may be a useful biomaterial for the development of cosmeceuticals.