Effect of L-theanine in the prevention of 2,4- dinitrochlorobenzene induced atopic dermatitis: A study in BALB/c mice model

Literature suggests that tea (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>) is a potent therapeutic agent and acts against many skin diseases. L-theanine, also known as γ-glutamyl ethylamide, is a non-protein amino acid, naturally obtained from tea and has structural similarity with the neurotransmitter glutamate. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of L-theanine, in the prevention of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) mediated atopic dermatitis (AD) in BALB/c mice. To achieve our goal, serological, histological, immunohistochemical and behavioural analyses, biochemical assays, immunophenotyping, skin scoring, etc. were carried out. L-theanine and DNCB docking with filaggrin protein was also checked as a part of <i>in-silico</i> analysis. No significant changes in serological profile were found, however, a substantial rise in leukocytes and macrophages were observed in the DNCB administered animals. L-theanine treatment altered such effects. ProTox profiling of L-theanine didn't show cytotoxicity. No significant changes were observed in any other profiling assays except in the skin histology. Further, L-theanine was found to bind more effectively at the active site of filaggrin (key protein affected in AD) than DNCB. Therefore, L-theanine represents itself as a potent ameliorative agent against DNCB induced atopic dermatitis.