Mitigation of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-related symptoms by Terminalia chebula Retzius.

To evaluate whether an aqueous seed extract of Terminalia chebula Retzius inhibited development of atopy in vivo, we used a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced animal model of atopic symptoms to investigate the effects of the extract. We measured CD4+ cell numbers by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and determined the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, interleukin (IL)-31, and T-bet genes, in this animal model. The data showed that a Terminalia chebula extract (100 µg/ml) exhibited strong anti-atopic activity, mediating a 52% reduction in the immune response, as measured by thickness of ear swelling, and resulting in decreased eosinophil levels in adjacent skin tissue. Collectively, the results indicate that a Terminalia chebula seed extract has potential for alleviation of atopy-like symptoms induced by DNFB in the mouse.