Objectives : The present study was undertaken to determine whether an ethanol extract of Citri Pericarpium (CP-E), which is the pericarp of Citrus unshiu Markovich is efficacious against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods : CIA was induced in male DBA/1J mice by intradermal injection of bovine collagen-II in Freund's incomplete adjuvant (IFA). The mice in the onset of arthritis were treated daily with oral administration of CP-E ethanol extract at different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg/bw) for 28 days. Arthritis index, histopathologic changes and the levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ as well as anti-CII IgG in blood were evaluated to confirm the anti-arthritic effect of CP-E on CIA in rats. Results : The results showed that comparing with untreated CIA mice, treated with CP-E extract significantly decreased the arthritic scores and the pathological changes of knee joint tissues, and also reduced the serum levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ and anti-CII IgG in CIA-mice. These results indicate that CP-E extract may effectively alleviate inflammatory response on CIA, and its anti-inflammation can be attributed, at least partially, to the inhibition of proinflamamtory cytokine, TNF-${\alpha}$ in CIA. Conclusions : This study suggest that CP-E has a therapeutic potential in inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Object : This study evaluated the effects of Daeseungkitang(DSK) on cerebral infarct of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). Method : Sprague-Dawley rats are used for observing to induce cerebral infraction closing its middle cerebral artery temporarily and take DSK by mouth the next 5 days, observe the amount of feces and urine. It is investigated the correlation between them after examining neurological score. Results : It is resulted the below. On the 2nd day of taking DSK, the total amount of feces of the cerebral infarct rats is increased significantly. After taking DSK, the urine volume of the cerebral infarct rats does not change at all. Taking DSK significantly improves neurological score of the cerebral infarct rats. There is a significant correlation between total amount of feces of the cerebral infarct rats and neurological score, otherwise there is no significant correlation between total amount of feces and neurological score which is taken DSK. By taking DSK, the volume of cerebral infarction does not decrease significantly. Taking DSK restrains the expression of iNOS in the cerebral cortex and striatum of the cerebral infarct rats. Taking DSK restrains the expression of MMP-9 in the cerebral cortex of the cerebral infarct rats. Taking DSK restrains the edema of astrocytes of the positive reaction of GFAP in the cerebral cortex of the cerebral infarct rats. Conclusion : According to above results, Daeseungkitang(DSK) is assumed that showing reaction of protecting neuron cell by restraint brain tissue edema thorough controlling water balance.

Objectives : The application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the discrimination of the herbal medicine Leonuri Herba (Leonurus japonicus) was evaluated by the comparison of the DNA sequence with Lamiaceae herbal medicine. Method : Genetic analysis showed that phylogenetic tree and comparing sequences through the DNA analysis of rbcL (ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphatecarboxylase) region and trnL-F (tRNA-Leu, trnL-trnF intergeni cspacer, and tRNA-Phe) region of chloroplast DNA from six Lamiaceae sold in market. And we developed IMCF and IMCR primers in order to distinction Leonuri Herba in six Lamiaceae using rbcL and trnL-F sequences. Results : Genetic analysis showed that six Lamiaceae showed individual group on phylogenetic tree. PCR amplification product of Leonuri Herba and another five Lamiaceae were developed for amplification of a 281 bp sequence and the specific PCR amplification of a 460 bp sequence that was exclusive to Leonuri Herba was designed using IMCF and IMCR primers. Conclusion : PCR analysis based on the chloroplast DNA sequences allows the discrimination of Leonuri Herba-based medicine.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract from Scolopendrae Corpus (SC) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response. Methods : To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of SC, we examined the inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, inteleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6) on RAW 264.7 cells. We also examined molecular mechanisms such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitory kappa B a ($I{\kappa}$-Ba) using western blot. Furthermore, we also investigated the effect of SC on LPS-induced endotoxin shock. Results : Extract from SC itself had not any cytotoxic effect in RAW 264.7 cells. Aqueous extract from SC inhibited LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression. SC pre-treatment also inhibited IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 production in RAW 264.7 cells. To investigate inhibitory effects of SC on inflammatory mediators, activation of MAPKs was examined. SC inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 kinases (p38), c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK) and also the degradation of $I{\kappa}$-$B{\alpha}$ in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. Furthermore, SC administration reduced LPS-induced endotoxin shock. Conclusion : SC down-regulated LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators through inhibition of activation of p38, JNK and degradation of $I{\kappa}$-$B{\alpha}$. Taken together, our results suggest that SC may be a beneficial drug against inflammatory diseases such as sepsis.

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the effect of water extracts from Phyllostachys Folium(PF) on hyperlipiderma and liver damage induced by alcohol. Methods : Except for the normal group, we fed rat on 25% alcohol for 55 days. And extract was administrated for the same period. We measured the serum component in rat's blood, body weight and weight of liver. Results : At first, we observed effects of PF on hyperlipidemia induced by alcohol. PF group didn't show significant change of total cholesterol in comparison with those of the control group. PF group showed significant increase of HDL(High-Density lipoprotein) cholesterol in comparison with those of the control group. PF group showed significant decrease of triglyceride in comparison with those of the control group. PF group showed significant increase of body weight in comparison with those of the control group at 4weeks and 8weeks. At second, I observed effects of PF group on liver damage induced by alcohol. PF group showed significant decrease of GOT, GPT, ALP and LDH in comparison with those of the control group. PF group showed significant increase of liver weight in comparison with those of the control group. Conclusions : Reviewing these experimental results, it appears that water extracts from Phyllostachys Folium(PF) have pharmaceutical efficacy on hyperlipidemia and liver damage induced by alcohol. Therefore further additional study should be conducted to elucidate in depth the pharmaceutical efficacy of these.

Objectives : This study focused on Schisandrae Fructus (SF) and Perilae Folium (PF), traditional medicine herbs and health functional food in Korea, Japan and China. We investigated various pharmacological activities that include a potential source of free radical scavenging, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory activities. Methods : We conducted an investigation of total contents of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in these single herbal extraction with/without combined to mixture. We also measured antioxidant activities such as DPPH free radical scavenging, SOD-like scavenging, nitrite scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, xanthine oxidase inhibition, linoleic acid peroxidation inhibition, and reducing power. Results : As the results, contents of total phenoilc compounds and flavonoids were higher in those of PF than those of SF. Those of SF+PF mixture showed the synergy effects compared with those of SF and PF single extractions. Activities of DPPH free radical and SOD-like scavenging in 1 mg/mL concentration increased in dose dependent manners. That of SF increased compared with that of PF. That of SF and PF mixture also increased compared with that of BHA as a positive control. The other antioxident activities also showed similar to patten of activity of DPPH free radical scavenging. When combined to SF and PF extractions, there was showed synergic effect compared with those of BHA, excepted activities of xanthine oxidase inhibition and reducing power. Taken together, SF and PF have high phenolic and flavonoid compounds content furthermore, antioxidant activities in SF and PF mixture showed more synergy effect compared with those of BHA. Conclusions : Therefore, these findings suggest that SF and PF mixture may offer functional materials potential for development of functional beverage. But further studies are needed for the identification of the active compounds.

Objectives : This study investigated whether the water extract of Spatholobi Caulis (SCE) has the ability to protect hepatocyte against oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP) in vitro and $CCl_4$ in vivo. Methods : In vitro, HepG2 cells pre-treated with Spatholobi Caulis water extract (1, 3, 10, $30{\mu}g$/ml) for 12h and further incubated with tBHP ($100{\mu}M$) for the next 12h. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. In vivo, rats were orally administrated with the aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis (SCE; 50, 100 mg/kg) for 4 days and then, injected with $CCl_4$ 1 mg/kg body weight to induce acute liver damage. Results : Treatment with SCE inhibited cell death induced by tBHP, as evidenced by alterations in the levels of the proteins associated with apoptosis:SCE prevented a decrease in $Bcl_2$, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase and pro-caspase-3. Moreover, SCE inhibited the ability of tBHP to generate $H_2O_2$ production, thereby restoring GSH content. Moreover, SCE treatments in rats effectively decreased liver injuries induced by a single dose of $CCl_4$, as evidenced by decreases in hepatic degeneration and inflammation as well as plasma alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Consistently, treatments of SCE also protected liver in rats stimulated by $CCl_4$, as indicated by restoration GSH and prevention of MDA in the liver. Conclusions : SCE has the ability 1) to protect hepatocyte against oxidative stress induced by tBHP and 2) to prevent $CCl_4$-inducible acute liver toxicity. Present findings may be informative not only in elucidating the pharmacological mechanism of Spatholobi Caulis, but in determining its potential application for oxidative cellular damage in the liver.

Objectives : Peucedani Radix ('Jeonho' in Korean) is the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum or Angelica decursiva. However, the root of Anthriscus sylvestris has usually been distributed as Jeonho. This study was performed to determine the discriminative criteria of Jeonho, focused on distribution in Korean markets. Methods : We have determined identification keys to discriminate each Jeonho samples, through observation of external morphology of original plants, and the research of external and internal morphological features of dried Jeonho herbs. Results : Because of identical to the Korean plant name 'Jeonho', Anthrisci Radix had been came into use as a substitute of Jeonho in Korea during the time of Japanese colonial rule. The original plants of Jeonho and its substitute are discriminated with shape of leaf, leaf margin and color of stem. External morphological features of the medicinal herbs of Jeonho are different in the color of cross-sections, pellucid dot, white powder. Internal morphological points, such as fiber bundle of xylem, seconadary mudullary ray and ray of xylem were also used as discriminative criteria for Jeonho. Further details(e.g. identificaion keys) are in the article. Conclusions : We think that these discriminative criteria will be meaningful in identifying the substitutes and adulterants of Jeonho.

Objectives : The present study was evaluated the protective roles of Spatholobi Caulis in hepatotoxic rats due to APAP overdose. Methods : In experiments, rats were orally administrated with the aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis (SCE; 50, 100 mg/kg) for 4 days and then, orally gavage with APAP (1.2 g/kg) to induce acute liver damage. Results : Oral injection of APAP caused severe hepatic injury. Plasma ALT, AST and LDH levels were significantly elevated, but SCE significantly decreased ALT, AST and LDH to the normal level. In histopathological analysis, peripheral hemorrhage around portal triads and central necrosis around central veins were founded after APAP treatment. However, these histopathological changes were recovered by SCE pretreatment. SCE also decreased the percentage of generative hepatic regions (%/$mm^2$ hepatic parenchyma), the numbers of inflammatory cells (cells/$mm^2$ hepatic parenchyma) and the number of degenerative hepatic cells (N/100 hepatic cellls) which were significantly elevated after APAP injection. Furthermore, SCE down-regulated the contents of hepatic MDA and up-regulated hepatic GSH. SCE also inhibited the decrease in the expression of pro-caspase-3 by APAP treatment. Conclusions : Collectively, these data indicate that SCE protected APAP-induced hapatic damages through antioxidative and anti-apoptotic process. These findings the significant therapeutic potential of SCE during APAP-induced liver injury.

Objectives : In this study, we evaluated the effect of Chungganhaeju-hwan(CGHJH) on hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$)-induced and ethanol(EtOH)-induced neuronal damage in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Methods:We carried out the anti-oxidant effects of CGHJH against hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$)-induced toxicity in HT22 and PC12 cells using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide. Then, to investigate the protective effect on CGHJH against EtOH-induced memory impairment and hippocampal cell damage in male ICR mice, we performed novel object recognition test(NORT), and analysed the brain tissues after immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results:CGHJH showed protective effect from $H_2O_2$-induced cell toxicity at doses of $1\sim100{\mu}g$/mL in both HT22 and PC12 cells. CGHJH had also recovery effect from EtOH-induced memory impairment in ICR mice from NORT and it protected hippocampal cells against EtOH toxicity in the result of cresyl violet and NeuN immunoreactivity. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that CGHJH has protective effect in neuronal cells against $H_2O_2$ and EtOH toxicities and this effect could be a main role of recovery effect on EtOH-induced memory loss.

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the influence of black ginseng radix extracts (BG) and ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5 on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induced proliferation, migration and capillary tubule-like formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods : HUVECs were cultured with BG and ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5 at different concentrations (60, 125, 250, 500, $1,000{\mu}g/m\ell$) for 2 day In the presence of bFGF, respectively. XTT was used to detect the proliferation. Migration and tube formations were examined to detect the antiangiogenesis. Also, the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was performed to detect the antiangiogenesis. Results : BG and ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5 significantly inhibited bFGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Tube formation in bFGF-induced HUVECs were suppressed by BG and ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5. Moreover, BG and ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5 (30-$50{\mu}g$/egg) inhibited new blood vessel formation on the growing CAM. Conclusions:Based on the present results, it can be suggested that BG has a potential chemopreventive agent via antiangiogenesis.