Anti-inflammatory Effects of Sanguisorbae Radix on Contact Dermatitis Induced by Dinitrofluorobenzene in Mice

Objective To investigate the anti-inflflammatory effects of Sanguisorbae Radix on contact dermatitis (CD). Methods Mice were sensitized by painting 30 µL of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) onto each ear for 3 days. Four days later, mice were challenged by painting with 50 µL of DNFB onto the shaved dorsum every 2 days. Sanguisorbae Radix methanol extract (MESR) was applied onto the shaved dorsum every 2 days. The effects of MESR on skin thickness, skin weights, histopathological changes, skin lesions and cytokine production in DNFB-induced CD mice were investigated, as well as its effects on body weights and spleen/body weight ratio. Results Topical application of MESR effectively inhibited enlargement of skin thickness and weight ( P