Inflammation-modulating effects of an Albizia julibrissin Durazzini extract in an animal model of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

The cortex of Albizia julibrissin Durazzini has been traditionally used in Korean medicine to treat dermatitis depression, and insomnia. However, its potential for treating atopic dermatitis remains to be explored. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Albizia julibrissin Durazzini cortex extract in cell and animal models. In vitro, inflammatory responses were induced in human mast cells (HMC-1) using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore, and in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) using tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), followed by cytokine analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vivo, a mouse model of atopic dermatitis was treated with low and high doses of the extract, and disease severity was evaluated using a scoring system for atopic dermatitis (SCORAD), scratching behavior, and serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Histological analyses were performed to assess immune cell infiltration and dermal thickness. The extract reduces cytokine production in mast cells and keratinocytes in vitro. In vivo, it improved atopic dermatitis scores, reduced scratching behavior, dermal thickness, and serum interleukin-6 levels, and inhibited the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells. Notably, the high-dose group showed enhanced efficacy and reduced p38 mitogen-activated phosphorylation. These results suggest that Albizia julibrissin Durazzini cortex extract exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and has the potential to manage atopic dermatitis.