An important compound derived from Chamaecyparis obtusa in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is elemol, which decreased IgE serum levels, infiltration of mast cells into the hypodermis and dermis, and expression of TNF-α, IκBα, IL-6 and IL-1β in the skin of the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced animal models of atopic dermatitis. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is atopic eczema.