Effect of DHU001, a Polyherbal Formula, on Dinitrofluorobenzene-induced Contact Dermatitis (Type I allergy)

The effect of DHU001, a mixed herbal formula consisted of 7 types aqueous extracts for various respiratory disorders were evaluated on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) -induced contact dermatitis, type I allergic model. Contact dermatitis was induced by sensitization with dinitrophenyl-derivatized ovalbumin (DNP-OVA) and DNFB challenge as antigen. Two different dosages of DHU001 (300 and 150 mg/kg) were orally administered to DNP-OVA sensitization mice once a day for 7 days with reference material, dexamethasone (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal treatment) . End of 7 days oral administration of DHU001 extracts or intraperitoneal treatment of dexamethasone, the changes on the edematous changes and scratching behavior were measured. Immediate after DNFB challenge on ear or paw of DNP-OVA sensitized mice, increases of ear and paw thicknesses and weights were detected with anterior ear skin (dermis to epidermis) thickness and paw scratching behavior increases. However, these contact dermatitis signs induced by DNFB treatment were reduced by treatment of the both different dosages of DHU001 and dexamethasone, respectively. The results obtained in this study suggest that oral treatment of DHU001 extracts also has relatively favorable effects on contact dermatitis.