What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to clarify the mechanisms by which Yin-Hua Li-Shi Formula alleviates atopic dermatitis symptoms.

March 26, 2026Open Access

Yin-Hua Li-Shi Formula Exerts Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Effects Through Luteolin Targeting AKT/MAPK-IL-6/IL-17 Axis

Key Points

This research aims to clarify the mechanisms by which Yin-Hua Li-Shi Formula alleviates atopic dermatitis symptoms.
Conducted chemical profiling using UPLC-MS/MS to identify active ingredients of YHLS.
Utilized network pharmacology to predict therapeutic targets related to AD and validate component-target binding using molecular docking.
Created an AD-like model in mice via topical application of MC903 to assess YHLS's efficacy and underlying mechanisms.
Evaluated dermatitis severity through various assessments, including ELISA and RT-qPCR.
Luteolin was identified as the primary bioactive component targeting atopic dermatitis.
YHLS treatment decreased symptoms in a dose-dependent manner, including reductions in severity scores and ear thickness.
High-dose YHLS significantly lowered serum IgE levels and inhibited phosphorylation of AKT1/MAPK1.
YHLS downregulated IL-6 and dramatically suppressed IL-17 levels, indicating strong anti-inflammatory effects.

Abstract

Background: Yin-Hua Li-Shi Formula (YHLS), a medically authorized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation for atopic dermatitis (AD), has a 30-year clinical application history in China, yet has not had its precise therapeutic mechanisms fully elucidated to date. Methods: Chemical profiling of YHLS was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Network pharmacology predicted YHLS’s active ingredients, therapeutic targets, and anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) pathways, with molecular docking validating component-target binding affinity. By intersecting network pharmacology/molecular docking results with mass spectrometry profiles, the key bioactive component was identified. For in vivo validation, an AD-like model was generated via topical MC903 application in C57BL/6 mice. Dermatitis severity, ear thickness, H all P < 0.05). High-dose YHLS decreased serum IgE ( P < 0.001) and inhibited AKT1/MAPK1 phosphorylation. RT-qPCR showed YHLS downregulated IL-6 (high-dose P < 0.05) and potently suppressed IL-17 (all doses P < 0.0001, dose-dependent), with TNF-α also reduced. Conclusion: Luteolin is the major bioactive component of Yin-Hua Li-Shi Formula (YHLS) that mediates its anti-atopic dermatitis effects by specifically targeting the AKT/MAPK-IL-6/IL-17 axis. Keywords: atopic dermatitis, AD, Yin-Hua Li-Shi formula, YHLS, network pharmacology, molecular docking, animal experiment, inflammation, AKT/MAPK pathway

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Yin-Hua Li-Shi Formula Exerts Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Effects Through Luteolin Targeting AKT/MAPK-IL-6/IL-17 Axis

Key Points

Abstract

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