###### Abstract  
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the _Coptis chinensis_, _Glycyrrhiza uralensis_, and fermented _Glycine max_ (3 Hb) extract on lipid barrier recovery and the alleviation of atopic dermatitis (AD). The 3 Hb extract was administered to lipid barrier-eliminated mice (3 HbT) for 5 days. Subsequently, the effect of the 3 Hb extract on general skin features and the regulation of filaggrin, inflammatory response, Th2 differentiation, and the skin micro-environment for defense, was evaluated. In the 3 HbT, filaggrin was effectively recovered. The clinical skin score was significantly lower in the 3 HbT compared with control groups. In addition, significant decreases in pH and TEWL as well as in the levels of kallikrein 7, PAR-2, TSLP, IL-4, Fc \(\epsilon\) receptor, and phosphate-NF-kB p65 were observed in the 3 HbT, compared with the other control groups. Further, compared with control groups, the 3 HbT showed a significant increase in those of claud, cathelcidin, TLR, and NHE-1. Our results indicated that the 3 Hb extract effectively recovered filaggrin. Through the recovery of filaggrin, inflammation and the Th2 differentiation process can be regulated, and microenvironments for defense can be recovered. Therefore, we confirmed the potential of the 3 Hb extract for use in the proactive therapy of AD. atopic dermatitis; filaggrin; proactive therapy; inflammation; Th2 differentiation; herbal medicine +
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the skin barrier results in dry skin, an elevated pH, and itching. Itching further impairs the skin barrier, which increases TEWL and pH [4]. Damage to the skin barrier, dry skin, rise in skin pH and itching are therefore linked, and become the basis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Hence, skin barrier recovery is the most basic treatment for preventing the exacerbation of skin diseases. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by reduced skin barrier function. Decreased expression of FLG is observed in AD and is caused by a type 2 helper T cell (Th2)-polarized inflammatory reaction [5; 6]. Therefore, AD is characterized by dry skin, itching, increased TEWL, and increased penetration by antigens. AD progresses more quickly in children with FLG-null mutations. Hence, recovery of FLG is key for the treatment of allergic diseases [7]. _Rhizome_ of _Coptis chinensis_, _Rhizome_ of _Glycyrrhiza uralensis_, and fermented _Semen_ of _Glycine max_ (3 Hb), that constitute the 3 Hb extract used in this study, are herbs that are frequently used in traditional Korean medicine. In traditional Korean medicine, each of the three aforementioned herbs are applied not only in response to internal symptoms, but also in response to AD, and therefore have both external and internal applications [8; 9; 10]. Previous studies on these herbs have revealed the potential effects of the extract of 3 Hb on the recovery of FLG and the regulation of inflammatory reactions in AD [11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16]. _Rhizome_ of _Coptis chinensis_ has wide pharmacological effects, such as antimicrobial, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects [8]. Berberine, the main active component of _Rhizome_ of _Coptis chinensis_, exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1, IL-6, and NF-kB [17]. Palmatine, an active component of _Rhizome_ of _Coptis chinensis_, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects [18]. _Rhizome_ of _Glycyrrhiza uralensis_ has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. Liquiritin and liquiritigenin, flavonoids of _Rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis_, have anti-inflammatory effects [19; 20]. Fermented _Glycine max_ contains isoflavuces such as daidzein, glycitin, genistein, daidzin, glycitin, and genistin. Isoflavuces have anti-inflammatory effects and are involved in the regulation of Th2-skewed conditions [10; 21; 22; 23].