Anti-allergic Effects of Jagamcho-tang in Ovalbumin-induced Atopic Dermatitis Mouse Model

Activated T helper 2 (Th2) immune function is hallmark of various allergic diseases. We investigated the anti-allergic effect of Jagamcho-tang extract(JE) on ovalbumin(OVA)-induced atopic dermatitis mice model and OVA-stimulated splenocytes isolated from the mice. Mice were intraperitoneally injected OVA/alum solution 2 times at interval of 14 days, followed by oral administration of JE for 7 days. After administration, mice were subcutaneously injected with OVA in ear. JE treatment reduced ear swelling and infiltration of inflammatory cells in ear. Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and immunoglobulins, such as total-IgE and OVA-specific IgE, were decreased in JE treated group. Furthermore, JE treatment decreased OVA-induced Th2-associated cytokines like IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 mRNA levels in splenocytes. In conclusion, JE reduced allergic immune response via IgE production and Th2 response in OVA-sensitized mice, suggesting that JE could be useful prescription for allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis.