Therapeutic Potential of Ethanolic and Aqueous Fractions of Cassia alata (Leguminosae) in Reducing Phenotypic, Immunological and Tissue Damage in a Rat Model Atopic Dermatitis

Habiba Zaitune; Che Gwendoline; Oumar Mahamat; Tume Christopher

doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250804011005

Abstract
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is usually considered as chronic inflammatory skin condition. The present study aimed to present the actions of fractions of Cassia alata supporting its use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Methods: The effects of fractions of C. alata in the treatment of atopic dermatitis which is induced by the topical application of 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenezene (DNCB) were assessed in rats. After topical application, the presence of erythema, ear thickness and scratching frequency were recorded. The plasma levels of IgE, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were recorded using ELISA kits.
Results: Results of this study showed that the ethanolic and aqueous fractions significantly (p<0.05) reduced dose dependently the severity of atopic dermatitis characterized by the reduction of erythema, scratching frequency and ear thickness. Moreover, the application of C. alata also significantly (p<0.05) reduced the serum level of IgE, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg as compared to the non-treated rats with atopic dermatitis. In addition, the full blood counts also significantly (p<0.05) dropped in animals with DNCB-induced AD at the different doses of the fractions as compared to the non- treated rat with atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, both the ethanolic and aqueous fractions significantly (p<0.05) improved the histopathological features of ear skin by reducing the keratinization of epithelium and also reduced the thickness and inflammation of dermis, lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltration and edema in the dermis in DNCB-induced of atopic dermatitis.
Conclusion: Results indicate that the aqueous and ethanolic of C. alata has anti-inflammatory effects, which could justify its therapeutic potential in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Keywords: Atopic dermatitis, Cassia alata, Cytokines, Immunoglobulin E

Key words: Atopic dermatitis, Cassia alata; Cytokines; Immunoglobulin E