Fermented barley extract suppresses the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, probably by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines.

We have found that fermented barley extract (FBE), prepared from barley shochu residue, alleviates allergic rhinitis in OVA-sensitized mice. In this study, we examined to determine whether FBE suppresses the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. The development of AD-like skin lesions in a 5% FBE containing diet group was significantly inhibited, and scratching behavior, one of aggravating factors, was also suppressed.