Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic and a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is experiencing an increasing predominance globally. This study examined the effects of anti-atopic dermatitis through the immunomodulatory effects of Dendropanax morbifera (DM) leaf water extract. NC/Nga mice induced by atopic dermatitis were used in this study. The mice were divided into six groups as follows: Normal control (Balb/c mice), Atopy C. (NC/Nga mice＋1% DNCB), positive control (Atopy C.＋dietary supplement of γ-linolenic acid), D (Atopy C.＋dietary supplement of dextrin), 100 (Atopy C.＋dietary supplement of DM leaf water extract 100 mg/kg b.w.), and 500 (Atopy C.＋dietary supplement of DM leaf water extract 500 mg/kg b.w.). The Atopy C. caused a significant increase in the skin damage compared to the normal control. In contrast, the groups of dietary supplement of DM decreased the skin damage significantly compared to the Atopy C.. The groups of dietary supplement of DM, particularly in the 500 group, also inhibited the AD-induced Th1/Th2 cytokines imbalance, and decreased the epidermal hydration, IgG1, and IgE. In addition, the level of serum histamine of the NC/Nga mice with dietary supplement DM showed a significant decrease compared to the Atopy C.. In conclusion, the DM extract may be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD through the immunomodulatory effect.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis, Dendropanax morbifera leaf water extract, NC/Nga mouse, immunomodulatory