Atopic Dermatitis among Children in Bamenda II, Cameroon: Prevalence and In-vivo Therapeutic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Cassia alata against DNCB Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Rats

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting populations worldwide, with various treatment approaches. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis among children in Bamenda II subdivision and to evaluate the biological activities supporting the use of aqueous extract of Cassia alata (C. alata) against atopic dermatitis in rats. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 300 children (5 to 14 years) and the prevalence of AD was determined. The 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) prepared in olive oil and acetone was applied topically to the ears of 8-week-old rats, after which aqueous extract of C. alata was applied for two weeks. The pre-scratching and scratching time were measured, erythema, plasma eosinophil, plasma IgE levels, and plasma TNF-α were all measured. The results of this study showed that a total of 248/300 (82.7%) children were positive for combined reports from both parents and physician-based prevalence and severity of 68/300 (22.7%) of infants with permanent rash on the body, and those kept awake at night by itchy rash at 25/300 (8.3%). Moreover, it is found that C. alata attenuated AD symptoms based on the ear erythema, scratching and pre-scratching time, levels of plasma eosinophil, IgE, and TNF-α. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that C. alata has a therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD owing to its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.