Protective effects of Ginger Essential Oil (GEO) against chemically-induced cutaneous inflammation

Abstract The inhibitory effects of ginger essential oil (GEO) on chemically-induced cutaneous inflammation were investigated. Three kind of experimental murine models, such as xylene-induced ear edema model, carrageenan-induced paw edema model and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) model were exploited to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of GEO. Results showed that GEO lowered the ear swelling rate induced by xylene and decreased paw edema rate induced by carrageenan of mice with cutaneous inflammation significantly. Treatment with GEO significantly inhibited DNFB-induced ear swelling degree and rate, and alleviated the inflammatory symptoms of ear skin lesions of ACD model mice markedly. Treatment with GEO decreased the gene expression of the inflammatory cytokines of auricular tissues such as TLR-2, TLR-4, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, and increased the gene expression of cytokine IL-4 significantly. In conclusion, GEO has anti-inflammatory and protective effect on chemically-induced cutaneous inflammation.