Chicoric acid (dicaffeoyl-tartaric acid), is a natural phenolic compound found in a number of plants, such as chicory (Cichorium intybus) and Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and analgesic activities. Although these biological effects of chicoric acid have been investigated, there are no reports of its antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effects in human mast cells (HMC)-1 or anaphylactic activity in a mouse model. Therefore, we investigated the antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effect of chicoric acid and its underlying mechanisms of action using phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Chicoric acid decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. We studied the inhibitory effects of chicoric acid on the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activation of caspase-1. However, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was not sufficient to abrogate the stimulus. In addition, we investigated the ability of chicoric acid to inhibit compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in vivo. Oral administration of chicoric acid at 20 mg/kg inhibited histamine release and protected mice against compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic mortality. These results suggest that chicoric acid has an antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effect that involves modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses. Therefore, chicoric acid could be an efficacious agent for allergy-related inflammatory disorders.

Seaweed fulvescens (SF) is a green alga rich in chlorophyll with unique flavor and taste. It is also called Maesaengi which has antioxidant and other physiological activities. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of SF in a mouse model of Dermatophagoides farinae body-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) and in tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. SF treatment (200 mg/mouse) inhibited the development of AD symptoms, compared to that in the control group, as evidenced from the improved dorsal skin lesion, reduced thickness and infiltration of inflammatory cells and smaller lymph nodes, and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In HaCaT keratinocytes, SF (10, 25, and 50 μg/mL) suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SF reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, which is one of the major signaling molecules involved in cellular inflammation. These results suggested that SF could be a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of AD.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medicine treatment on occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by mortar. Methods : The patient treated by herbal medicine, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and external therapy. The progress is evaluated by Numerical Rating Scale(NRS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI). Results : NRS and DLQI score were significantly decreased as a result of Korean medicine treatment. Conclusions : Korean medicine treatment should be effective for the occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by mortar. More studies are needed to confirm stability of these treatment.

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Objectives : The aim of this study is to report the effect of Korean medicine treatment on bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia without abnormal findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging.Methods : The patient was treated by using acupuncture, electroacupuncture treatment and hominis placenta pharmacoacupuncture. The change of eye movement and strabismus were evaluated by comparison the photographs of the extraocular movements of patient. Strabismus also was evaluated by corneal reflex test.Results : Adduction of both eyes were improved after Korean medicine treatment. The amplitude and frequency of nystagmus showed a tendency to decrease in both eyes.Conclusions : Korean medicine treatment should be effective for the idiopathic bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia.