Effect of Sophora flavescens Aiton extract on degranulation of mast cells and contact dermatitis induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The dried root of Sophora flavescens Aiton (Sophorae radix, SR) has long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever and swelling in eastern countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study investigated the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of SR using 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis mouse model and in vitro using RBL-2H3 cells. RESULTS: In mice, the topical application of 10 mg/mL of SR effectively inhibited enlargement of ear thickness and weight induced by repeated painting with DNFB. Topical application of SR also inhibited hyperplasia, edema, spongiosis and infiltration of mononuclear cells in ear tissue. In addition, production levels of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were decreased by SR in vivo. Finally, the release of histamine and ß-hexosaminidase, and migration were inhibited by treatment with SR. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate the potential of SR in treating patients with allergic skin diseases and also suggest that related mechanisms are involved in anti-inflammatory action on the Th 1 skewing reaction and inhibition against recruitment and degranulation of mast cells.