Oral administration of SSC201, a medicinal herbal formula, suppresses atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions

J Med Food. 2014 Apr;17(4):496-504. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2013.2941. Epub 2014 Jan 29.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which requires safe and effective treatment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SSC201, a herbal formulation consisting of Stemonae Radix, Spirodelae Herba, and Cnidii Fructus, on the development of AD induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene in the NC/Nga murine model. Oral administration of SSC201 significantly reduced the severity of dermatitis and the tendency of mice to scratch their lesions. SSC201 significantly reduced the thickening of the epidermis/dermis and the infiltration of T cells, eosinophils, and mast cells into the dermis. These results were supported by findings of reduced numbers of CD4(+), CCR3(+), and CD117(+)FcɛRIα(+) cells in the skin. Furthermore, SSC201 significantly decreased the number of CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD3(+)CD69(+) T cells in lymph nodes. SSC201 not only decreased the plasma levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and the numbers of IgE-producing B cells (B220(+)CD23(+)), but also reduced the number of eosinophils and the levels of eotaxin as well as concentrations of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine in the periphery. Splenic levels of Th2 cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, were reduced, whereas the levels of IL-12, a Th1 cytokine, were increased. Taken together, our data suggest that SSC201 may be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Interleukin-12 / immunology
  • Interleukin-13 / immunology
  • Interleukin-5 / immunology
  • Male
  • Mast Cells / drug effects
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Mice
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-5
  • Plant Extracts
  • Interleukin-12
  • Immunoglobulin E