LAUSR

ABSTRACT 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. 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. 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. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT