Gamma-terpinene counteracts in vivo dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice

Authors

  • Sara Raquel de Moura Bandeira Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Camila Maria Batista Lima Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Antônio Carlos dos Reis-Filho Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Lucas Solyano Almeida de Oliveira Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml , Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil
  • Rodrigo Lopes Gomes Gonçalves Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml , Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil
  • Diana Carvalho de Rezende Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Daniel Barbosa Nunes Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Flaviano Ribeiro Pinheiro Neto Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Gabriela do Nascimento Caldas Trindade Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Benedito Pereira de Sousa Neto Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Bruno da Silva Gomes Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Rômulo Oliveira Barros Research Laboratory in Information Systems, Department of Information, Environment, Health and Food Production, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil , Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology image/svg+xml
  • Ricardo Martins Ramos Research Laboratory in Information Systems, Department of Information, Environment, Health and Food Production, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
  • Maria das Graças Freire de Medeiros Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Fernanda Regina de Castro Almeida Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Massimo Lucarini CREA-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Rome, Italy
  • Alessandra Durazzo CREA-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Rome, Italy
  • Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , LAFMOL–laboratory of Functional and Molecular Studies in Physiopharmacology, Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml
  • Francisco de Assis Oliveira Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil , Federal University of Piauí image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902026e24410

Keywords:

Cytokines, Dermatological, Dinitrochlorobenzene, Monoterpenes, Skin pharmacology

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by impaired barrier function and underlying inflammation. Monoterpenes, a diverse class of secondary metabolites commonly found in essential oils, have been extensively documented for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of gamma-terpinene (GT) on dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis in a murine model. Macroscopic and histopathological analyses were conducted to assess skin lesions and ear edema, along with the assessment of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in skin tissues. Histopathological analysis revealed a reduction in skin thickness, spongiosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, along with the presence of blisters and vesicles in both the epidermis and dermis. Additionally, cellular disarrangement and dermal fibrosis were observed. GT significantly decreased ear edema, serum IgE, and LDH levels, along with the expression of tissue IL-4, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Therefore, the potential anti-inflammatory response induced by GT in atopic dermatitis suggests its potential for the development of GT-based therapies for chronic inflammatory skin disorders.

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Published

2026-07-10

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Data available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Vol. 62 (2026)

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How to Cite

Gamma-terpinene counteracts in vivo dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. (2026). Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 62, e24410. https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902026e24410