The Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Pruritus Mechanisms of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease driven by a T-cell-mediated immune response, with inflammation and pruritus being its main clinical manifestations. Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDT), which is an ancient Chinese medicine herbal formula derived from Wai-Tai-Mi-Yao, is a potentially effective treatment for AD. We aimed to clarify the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritus mechanisms of HLJDT in AD treatment. We performed immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Luminex-based direct multiplex immunoassay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and flow cytometry to address the abovementioned aims. HLJDT significantly reduced clinical symptoms and ear swelling in AD-like mice by inhibiting the production of cytokines [histamine, interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-31, and IL-33], substance P (SP), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV-1), and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). Additionally, HLJDT significantly suppressed the protein expression levels and positive cell percentage of CD28, CD80, CD86, CD207, CD326, MHCII, and OX40 in the lymphoid nodes. Moreover, HLJDT significantly suppressed mRNA and protein expression of tyrosine–protein kinase (JAK1), histamine H4 receptor, and IL-4Rα, as well as the protein expression of GRP, SP, and TRPV-1 in the root ganglion. Our findings indicate that HLJDT can treat AD by regulating the antigen presentation function of dendritic cells, weakening T-lymphocyte activation, and subsequently exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritus effects.

Portulaca oleracea L. extracts alleviate 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice

“…It has been reported that external application of a mixture of herbal extracts can alleviate skin inflammation and restore skin barrier integrity in AD mice ( 28 ). Studies show that Huanglian jiedu decoction can treat AD by modulating the antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells and attenuating T-lymphocyte activation, in turn exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects ( 29 ). Considering the abundant resources and numerous medicinal values of PO, we wondered whether external application of PO could alleviate AD-like skin lesions.…”

Chinese herbal bath therapy for the treatment of Atopic dermatitis in children: A meta-analysis and systematic review

“…Studies have confirmed that Chinese medicine can play a therapeutic role by acting on immune response, skin barrier function, neuro-endocrine-immune system, microbial flora, et cetera. [34–36]…”

“…Studies have confirmed that Chinese medicine can play a therapeutic role by acting on immune response, skin barrier function, neuro-endocrine-immune system, microbial flora, et cetera. [34][35][36] This article systematically reviews the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal bath therapy in the treatment of AD in children. Eight studies were selected to evaluate the clinical efficacy from multiple perspectives, such as cure rate, recurrence rate, incidence of adverse reactions, and AD severity score (SCORAD).…”

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of chronic pruritus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein–lowering effects and can be used for treating uremic pruritus ( Pakfetrat et al, 2014 ). Animal experiments have shown that administering Huanglian Jiedu decoction can treat AD by regulating the antigen presentation function of dendritic cells, weakening T-lymphocyte activation, and subsequently exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritus effects ( Xu et al, 2021 ). Although several studies have treated CP with CHM or a combination of CHM and WM, systematic analyses and evidence synthesis of CHM treatment on CP are limited.…”