The effect of fermented Rhus verniciflua extract on DNCB (1-chloro 2, 4-dinitro-benzene) induced atopic like dermatitis and associated inflammatory responses was evaluated in BALB/c mice. Controlled experiment was performed in 25 BALB/c mice randomly distributed into five groups each consisted of five mice. DNCB induced-atopy like dermatitis was formed on the back skin of mice in treatment and positive control groups. The induced-atopy like dermatitis of mice in treatment groups was topically treated with fermented Rhus verniciflua extract for two weeks and a day after the last treatment skin lesion was scored for severity. The mean±SD plasma histamine level of mice in Rhus verniciflua extract treated groups was lower than those in DNCB group. The eosinophil and basophil counts of Rhus verniciflua extract treated mice in FRV3 and FRV30 groups were significantly lower than values in DNCB group (P<0.05). The TNF-α level observed for mice in FRV30 group was significantly lower than DNCB group (P<0.05). The severity score of the skin lesions revealed significantly lower values in FRV30 than DNCB group (P<0.05). The results obtained in this study suggest the therapeutic potential of fermented Rhus verniciflua extract in reducing progression of atopic dermatitis.

Key words: 1-chloro 2, 4-dinitro-benzene, Atopic dermatitis, BALB/c mice, Rhus verniciflua