Honokiol suppresses 2,6-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice

Magnolia officinalis constitutes a traditional Korean medicine used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and honokiol is an active diphenyl compound present in Magnolia officinalis.The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of honokiol on atopic dermatitis in vivo.The therapeutic effects of honokiol were evaluated in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis model.Administration of honokiol (10 mg/kg) significantly suppressed mast cell accumulation and inflammation induced by DNCB in skin tissues. Moreover, DNCB-induced increases in serum immunoglobulin E levels were reversed by honokiol treatment. In addition, DNCB-induced elevation of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-17, and interferon-γ) in the skin and lymph nodes was significantly ameliorated by honokiol administration. Furthermore, the increase in lymph nodes sizes induced by DNCB treatment was reduced by honokiol administration.DNCB-induced atopic responses in the ears and lymph nodes were significantly suppressed by honokiol treatment. These results suggested that honokiol is a potential therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis.