Inhibitory effect of ethanolic extracts of Sargassum confusum C. Agardh on atopic dermatitis in DNCB-stimulated mice

The present study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of an ethanolic extract of Sargassum confusum (SCEE) on acute atopic dermatitis (AD) using a murine model. AD-like symptoms were induced in BALB/c mice by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), followed by topical administration of SCEE. Clinical evaluation revealed that SCEE treatment significantly reduced dermatitis severity scores and white blood cell counts. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, total IgE, and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) were markedly suppressed, while the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and interferon-γ were significantly elevated in both serum and splenocytes. These results suggest that SCEE may have therapeutic potential as a natural functional material for the prevention or treatment of atopic dermatitis through modulation of immune responses.