Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which requires safe and effective treatment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SSC201, a herbal formulation consisting of Stemonae Radix, Spirodelae Herba, and Cnidii Fructus, on the development of AD induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene in the NC/Nga murine model. Oral administration of SSC201 significantly reduced the severity of dermatitis and the tendency of mice to scratch their lesions. SSC201 significantly reduced the thickening of the epidermis/dermis and the infiltration of T cells, eosinophils, and mast cells into the dermis. These results were supported by findings of reduced numbers of CD4(+), CCR3(+), and CD117(+)FcɛRIα(+) cells in the skin. Furthermore, SSC201 significantly decreased the number of CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD3(+)CD69(+) T cells in lymph nodes. SSC201 not only decreased the plasma levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and the numbers of IgE-producing B cells (B220(+)CD23(+)), but also reduced the number of eosinophils and the levels of eotaxin as well as concentrations of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine in the periphery. Splenic levels of Th2 cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, were reduced, whereas the levels of IL-12, a Th1 cytokine, were increased. Taken together, our data suggest that SSC201 may be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.

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This study was carried out to investigate occurence of microbiales density and characteristics of xylanase produced by those in Janggyeong Panjeon. Cladosporium cladosporioides H1, Penicillium citreonigrum H3, Penicillilum toxicarium H4, Aspergillus versicolor H6, Acremonium alternarium H7 isolated from Janggyeong Panjeon produced xylanase, which had different production rates and specialized activities in an acidic condition. Cladosporium cladosporioides H1, Aspergillus versicolor H6, and Acremonium alternatum H7 produced xylanase at a faster rate than other fungi. A xylanase of Cladosporium cladosporioides H1 and Penicillilum toxicarium H4 showed a high thermostability in an acidic condition. As results, this study may lead to the development of a strategy for preservation of organic cultural heritages.

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