The stem of

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic, inflammatory skin disorder. While the stem of Schisandra chinensis has been extensively studied for its pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects, its therapeutic potential in AD remains to be elucidated. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of Methods: Chemical profiling of SCSE via UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS revealed 45 constituents, with lignans comprising 80%. The primary active component was identified through activity-guided assays employing hyaluronidase inhibition and HPLC. The therapeutic efficacy of SCSE and its constituent Schisandrin B (Sch B) was assessed in an AD mouse model. Furthermore, network pharmacology predicted the involved signaling pathways, and these predictions were subsequently validated experimentally. Results: Sch B was identified as the core active component. Both SCSE and Sch B significantly improved skin barrier function in AD mice, as evidenced by reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and upregulation of key barrier proteins (Filaggrin, Loricrin, and Claudin-1). They also alleviated pruritus by suppressing Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and mitigated the allergic-inflammatory response, as shown by reduced Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and inhibited release of mast cell (MC) mediators (IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α). These effects were potentially mediated through modulation of the NF-κB pathway. Conclusion: By simultaneously mitigating skin barrier dysfunction, immune inflammation, and pruritus, SCSE and Sch B hold promise as therapeutic candidates capable of disrupting the self-perpetuating cycle of AD. These findings position SCSE and Sch B as a novel therapeutic strategy for this disease.