The effects of Baekho-tang on 1-Fluoro-2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced allergic contact dermatitis in BALB/c mice

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a cutaneous inflammatory response that is characterized skin lesion, increased cytokines secretion and splenomegaly. Baekho-tang (BHT) has been clinically used for the treatment of heat-related illnesses in Korea. Recently, it was reported that has an effect on epidemics such as hepatitis B, pneumonia, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis and Japanese encephalitis. However, the effects of BHT on ACD is not yet fully studied. Therefore, the aims of this study was to determine the anti-allergic effects of BHT on 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced ACD mice by investigating histopathologic examination of DNFB-induced inflamed tissues. Also, cytokines secretion in serum was determined using multiplex assay. The topical repeated application of DNFB on the dorsal skin of BALB/c mice were manifested the typical ACD. Treatment of different dose of BHT (20 or 80 mg/kg) attenuated DNFB-induced inflamed tissues such as erythema and crust. In addition, there is a trend for decreased serum cytokines levels in the treatment of high dose of BHT. Our results recommend that the high dose of BHT enhances the DNFB-induced ACD in mice.