Topical Mongolian Lycium ruthenicum extract attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and itch signaling in atopic dermatitis models

Abstract

Mongolian Lycium ruthenicum (LR) are rich in anthocyanins and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their therapeutic potential in inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), remains unclear. This study investigated the antioxidant and ‍anti-inflammatory properties of topical LR extract and its therapeutic potential in experimental models of AD. Antioxidant activity was assessed in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes (HaCaT) by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Anti-inflammatory effects were examined in TNF-α/IFN-γ–stimulated HaCaT and LPS-induced DC2.4 cells. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in NC/nga and HR-1 mouse models of AD. LR extract significantly suppressed UVB-induced ROS production and enhanced Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. It reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation in HaCaT cells. Topical LR treat­ment in vivo attenuated trans-epidermal water loss, epidermal hyperplasia and immune cell infiltration, and Th2 cytokine levels in the lymph nodes. Dorsal root ganglion calcium imaging revealed decreased neuronal responsiveness to pruritogens following LR application. Topical application of LR extract amelio­rated AD-like inflammation and pruritus through antioxidative and immunomodulatory mechanisms. These findings highlight LR as a natural therapeutic agent for managing oxidative stress-related skin inflammation and barrier dysfunction.