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The Effects of Lonicerae Flos, Forsythiae Fluctus and Hwangryunhaedok Decoction Pharmacopuncture on Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice※

Article information

Acupunct. 2015;32(4):119-131
Jung Suk Yu1, Jong Uk Kim1, Chang Hyun Lee2, Sang Ryong Lee3, Tae Han Yook1,
1Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University
2Department of Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University
3Department of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University
*Corresponding author: Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University, 46, Eoeun-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 560-833, Republic of Korea, Tel: +82-63-220-8625, E-mail: nasiss@naver.com
※

This work was supported by Woosuk University research funds 2015

Received 2015 December 12; Revised 2015 December 14; Accepted 2015 December 15.

Abstract

Objectives:

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic and erythematous skin lesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the suppressive effects of Lonicerae Flos, Forsythiae Fluctus and Hwangryunhaedok Decoction Pharmacop-uncture on the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga Mice.

Methods:

The Atopic Dermatitis was induced by biostir AD on the mice’s back skin. Experimental groups were divided into three including LFP (Lonicerae Flos Pharmacopuncture, EtOH extract), FFP (Forsythiae Fluctus Pharmacopuncture, EtOH extract) and HHP (Hwangryunhaedok Decoction Pharmacopuncture, Hydrodistillation extract). Every second day, the mice of three groups were treated with 0.1 ㎖ of pharmacopuncture using a syringe at right and left acupoints (BL13), alternatively. On the control group, normal saline was used instead of pharmacopuncture. Subsequently optical observation with a handscope, a clinical skin score, Tissue(general/immune) mast cell, Serum IgE level, Serum histamine level, and Serum lymphokine(IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γγ) were measured.

Results:

FFP and HHP decreased the clinical skin score, the total cell number of mast cells, and the Serum total IgE level and Serum histamine level. In Serum lymphokine levels, all groups were decreased to the IL-4 level, LFP and FFP were increased to the IL-2 level, and LFP was increased to the IFN-γ level.

Conclusions:

From the above results, Forsythiae Fluctus Pharmacopuncture (EtOH extract) and Hwangryunhaedok Decoction Pharmacopuncture (Hydrodistillation extract) exerted anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting a promising agent for improving atopic dermatitis related symptoms.

Keywords: Pharmacopu ncture; Lonicerae Flos; Forsythiae Fluctus; Hwangryun haedok Decoction
Fig. 1

Handscopic observation of atopic dermatitis like skin lesions for 3 weeks

1a. Normal mice; 1b∼d, atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mice model induced by biostir AD for 3 weeks; scaling/dryness and edema(1b), scaling/dryness, and erythema/hemorrhage(1c), scaling/dryness, erythema/hemorrhage and excoriation/erosion(1d).

Fig. 2

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment for 2 weeks on handscopic observation of atopic dermatitis

2a. control group; 2b. LFP group; 2c. FFP group; 2d. HHP group.

Handscopic features of FFP(2c) group were observed lower clinical skin scores graded on the skin lesions(scaling/dryness) compared to LFP(2b) and HHP(2d) groups.

Fig. 3

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment for 3 weeks on handscopic observation of atopic dermatitis

3a. control group; 3b. LFP group; 3c. FFP group; 3d. HHP group.

Handscopic features of FFP(3c) group and HHP(3d) group were observed lower clinical skin scores graded on the skin lesions(scaling/dryness) compared to control group(3a).

Fig. 4

Histological section of atopic dermatitis after pharmacopuncture treatment for 3 weeks (toluidin blue, × 200)

4a. control group; 4b. LFP group; 4c. FFP group; 4d. HHP group.

Distribution of mast cells in the skin of FFP(4c) and HHP (4d) groups were more decreased compare to that of control(4a) group. Degranulated mast cells were more increase in control group(4a) compare to the other groups(4b∼d).

Fig. 5

Numerical changes of mast cells of atopic dertitis after pharmacopuncture treatment for 3 weeks

The number of mast cells in skin was more decreased FP and HHP groups compare to control group. Valuse are mean±standard deviation. *; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 6

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IgE level atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 7

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum histamine level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.01.

Fig. 8

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IL-2 level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 9

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IL-4 level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 10

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IFN-γ level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.01.

Effects of pharmacopunctures on clinical skin score of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Effects of pharmacopunctures on numerical changes of mast cells of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IgE level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum histamine level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IL-2 level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IL-4 level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IFN-γ level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

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Article information Continued

Copyright © 2015 KAMMS. Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society. All rights reserved.

Fig. 1

Fig. 1

Handscopic observation of atopic dermatitis like skin lesions for 3 weeks

1a. Normal mice; 1b∼d, atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mice model induced by biostir AD for 3 weeks; scaling/dryness and edema(1b), scaling/dryness, and erythema/hemorrhage(1c), scaling/dryness, erythema/hemorrhage and excoriation/erosion(1d).

Fig. 2

Fig. 2

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment for 2 weeks on handscopic observation of atopic dermatitis

2a. control group; 2b. LFP group; 2c. FFP group; 2d. HHP group.

Handscopic features of FFP(2c) group were observed lower clinical skin scores graded on the skin lesions(scaling/dryness) compared to LFP(2b) and HHP(2d) groups.

Fig. 3

Fig. 3

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment for 3 weeks on handscopic observation of atopic dermatitis

3a. control group; 3b. LFP group; 3c. FFP group; 3d. HHP group.

Handscopic features of FFP(3c) group and HHP(3d) group were observed lower clinical skin scores graded on the skin lesions(scaling/dryness) compared to control group(3a).

Fig. 4

Fig. 4

Histological section of atopic dermatitis after pharmacopuncture treatment for 3 weeks (toluidin blue, × 200)

4a. control group; 4b. LFP group; 4c. FFP group; 4d. HHP group.

Distribution of mast cells in the skin of FFP(4c) and HHP (4d) groups were more decreased compare to that of control(4a) group. Degranulated mast cells were more increase in control group(4a) compare to the other groups(4b∼d).

Fig. 5

Fig. 5

Numerical changes of mast cells of atopic dertitis after pharmacopuncture treatment for 3 weeks

The number of mast cells in skin was more decreased FP and HHP groups compare to control group. Valuse are mean±standard deviation. *; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 6

Fig. 6

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IgE level atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 7

Fig. 7

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum histamine level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.01.

Fig. 8

Fig. 8

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IL-2 level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 9

Fig. 9

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IL-4 level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.05.

Fig. 10

Fig. 10

Effects of pharmacopuncture treatment of LFP, FFP, HHP for 3 weeks on the serum IFN-γ level of atopic dermatitis

Values are mean±standard deviation.

*; p-value<0.01.

Table 1

Effects of pharmacopunctures on clinical skin score of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Groups Clinical Skin Score
1 week 2 week 3 week
Control 6.5±0.3 6.2±0.5 5.4±0.3
LFP 6.4±0.5 5.6±0.4 5.2±0.4
FFP 4.2±0.2* 3.5±0.3* 2.8±0.2*
HHP 6.2±0.4 4.8±0.6 4.0±0.2*

a) Control group, AD+Saline pharmacopuncture;

LFP group, AD+Lonicerae Flos EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

FFP group, AD+Forsythiae Fructus EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

HHP group, AD+Hwangryunhaedok Decoction pharmacopuncture.

b) Values are mean±standard deviation.

*

p-value<0.05.

c) Total clinical skin score for atopic dermatitis like lesions of NC/Nga mice was defined as the sum of individual scores graded as 0(none), 1(mild), 2(moderate), 3(severe) for each 4 signs and symptoms(erythema/hemorrhage, scaling/dryness, excoriation/erosion) on the back skin.

Table 2

Effects of pharmacopunctures on numerical changes of mast cells of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

Mast cells(No.)
Control 32.9±5.4
LFP 23.4±4.5
FFP 13.8±2.3*
HHP 16.2±2.6*

a) Control group, AD+Saline pharmacopuncture;

LFP group, AD+Lonicerae Flos EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

FFP group, AD+Forsythiae Fructus EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

HHP group, AD+Hwangryunhaedok Decoction pharmacopuncture.

b) Values are mean±standard deviation.

*

p-value<0.01.

Table 3

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IgE level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

IgE(ng/ml)
Control 423.9±7.5
LFP 636.3±9.2
FFP 354.0±5.2*
HHP 388.7±6.3*

a) Control group, AD+Saline pharmacopuncture;

LFP group, AD+Lonicerae Flos EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

FFP group, AD+Forsythiae Fructus EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

HHP group, AD+Hwangryunhaedok Decoction pharmacopuncture.

b) Values are mean±standard deviation.

*

p-value<0.05.

Table 4

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum histamine level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

histamine(nM)
Control 62.3±2.6
LFP 55.5±4.3
FFP 33.6±3.2*
HHP 12.9±2.3*

a) Control group, AD+Saline pharmacopuncture;

LFP group, AD+Lonicerae Flos EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

FFP group, AD+Forsythiae Fructus EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

HHP group, AD+Hwangryunhaedok Decoction pharmacopuncture.

b) Values are mean±standard deviation.

*

p-value<0.01.

Table 5

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IL-2 level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

IL-2(pg/ml)
Control 75.1±3.0
LFP 93.4±0.8*
FFP 82.3±3.6*
HHP 51.6±0.5

a) Control group, AD+Saline pharmacopuncture;

LFP group, AD+Lonicerae Flos EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

FFP group, AD+Forsythiae Fructus EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

HHP group, AD+Hwangryunhaedok Decoction pharmacopuncture.

b) Values are mean±standard deviation.

*

p-value<0.05.

Table 6

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IL-4 level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

IL-4(pg/ml)
Control 117.2±0.0
LFP 81.9±0.2*
FFP 103.2±1.7*
HHP 99.3±1.0*

a) Control group, AD+Saline pharmacopuncture;

LFP group, AD+Lonicerae Flos EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

FFP group, AD+Forsythiae Fructus EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

HHP group, AD+Hwangryunhaedok Decoction pharmacopuncture.

b) Values are mean±standard deviation.

*

p-value<0.05.

Table 7

Effects of pharmacopunctures on the serum IFN-γ level of Atopic Dermatitis induced by biostir AD in NC/Nga mouse

IFN-γ (pg/ml)
Control 257.6±3.1
LFP 428.6±1.2*
FFP 260.0±12.7
HHP 193.3±13.7

a) Control group, AD+Saline pharmacopuncture;

LFP group, AD+Lonicerae Flos EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

FFP group, AD+Forsythiae Fructus EtOH extract pharmacopuncture;

HHP group, AD+Hwangryunhaedok Decoction pharmacopuncture.

b) Values are mean±standard deviation.

*

p-value<0.01.