Effects of Bambusae caulis in Liquamen on the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in hairless mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Bambusae caulis in Liquamen (BCL) is a nutritious liquid extracted from heat-treated fresh bamboo stems. It is an important traditional herbal medicine used to treat coughs and asthma in East Asia. In recent years, it has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and immune-regulating properties. Aim of the study: To examine whether BCL Suppresses the development of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-inducecl atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in hairless mice. Materials and methods: The effects of BCL were analyzed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin content, and erythema in the skin, leukocyte numbers and IgE levels in the serum. and mRNA expression of relevant cytokines in the spleen. Results: The transdermal administration of BCL to hairless mice inhibited the development of DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions by suppressing TEWL, melanin production and erythema of skin, the number of leukocytes and the level of IgE in serum,and the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-alpha in the spleen. However, BCL administration increased the expression of IFN-gamma in the spleen. Conclusions: These findings indicate that BCL Suppresses the development of DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions in hairless mice, suggesting that BCL may be a potential therapeutic agent for AD in a clinical setting. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.