<![CDATA[Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a T cell–mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction characterized by epidermal inflammation, immune dysregulation and increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. CXC motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a key neutrophil-recruiting chemokine that sustains cutaneous inflammatory cascades in ACD. Plant-derived compounds such as Syzygium aromaticum (clove bud) have gained attention as potential anti-inflammatory agents. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic clove bud extract on CXCL1 mRNA expression in a murine model of DNCB-induced dermatitis and to determine the potential optimal concentration. A laboratory experimental study with a posttest-only control group design was conducted using 25 male Swiss mice divided into five groups: negative control (Vaseline), positive control (hydrocortisone 2.5%), and three extract-treated groups (10%, 20%, and 40%). Dermatitis was induced using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (2% DNCB) for 14 days, followed by 14 days of extract treatment. CXCL1 mRNA expression was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Significant differences in CXCL1 mRNA expression were observed across groups by Kruskal-Wallis test (p = 0.022). The 40% extract concentration produced the lowest CXCL1 expression among extract-treated groups, suggesting a dose-dependent modulatory pattern that diminished at the 40% concentration. Ethanolic clove bud extract suppresses CXCL1 mRNA expression in DNCB-induced ACD mice, with 40% identified as the potentially optimal concentration. These findings support the anti-inflammatory potential of S. aromaticum as a candidate for ACD management and warrant further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and in vivo safety profile.]]>
