Abstract
We previously reported that persimmon leaf extract inhibits the release of histamine by a basophilic cell line. In this study we examined the effects of persimmon leaf extract on atopic dermatitis in a model mouse strain, NC/Nga. After skin lesions had developed, NC/Nga mice were orally administered a control diet or the control diet plus persimmon leaf extract for four weeks. The severity of skin lesions, serum IgE levels and scratching behavior were then measured. Persimmon leaf extract significantly decreased the severity of these three parameters compared to the control diet. In addition, oral administration of persimmon leaf extract suppressed the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction more markedly than tien-cha or perilla extract. These results suggest that persimmon leaf extract exerts an anti-allergic action.
