• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2009

Objectives : Inflammation is important event in the development of vascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis. Bodusan (BDS) was a traditional Korean herbal medicine and widely used in treatment of gastrointestinal complaint and stomach ulcer. The aim of this study was to determine whether BDS and its components inhibit production of nitrite, PGE2 and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cytotoxic activity of BDS and its components on RAW 264.7 cells was using 5-(3caroboxymcrophages. eth-oxyphenyj)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess reagent system. And proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were detected by western blot. Results : Our results indicated that BDS and its components significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production. Moreover. BDS and its components inhibited iNOS and COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-11${\beta}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 formation in macrophages. Conclusions: These results indicate that BDS and its components have potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.149-157
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Cheunggyeongsamul-tang extract on the growth of longitudinal bone in adolescent female rats. Methods : Longitudinal bone growth was measured by fluorescent microscopy. To examine the effects on the growth plate metabolism, the total height of growth plate, the induction of local insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), BMPR-1A, indian hedgehog (IHH), and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-rP) were measured. Results : Cheunggyeongsamul-tang extract enhanced longitudinal bone growth and total height of the growth plate. Also, it promoted the induction of local IGF-1, BMP-2, IHH and PTH-rP of the growth plate. Conclusions : This study shows that the Cheunggyeongsamul-tang extract effects longitudinal bone growth in adolescent rats and might be used for both stunted adolescents and inherent growth failure patients.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.117-134
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• 2009

Purpose: In the theory of traditional medicine, Scutellariae Radix (SR) can clear away heat and remove dampness, purge the sthenic fire and remove toxic materials, cool blood and stop bleeding to prevent miscarriage. Recently, SR is known to have anti-cancer activity. For this reason, the present author designed to investigate the effect of SR on proliferation rates of cervical cancer cell line, then effects on genetic profile by SR. Methods: The genetic profile for the effect of SR on human derived cervical cancer cell line, SNU-703, was measured using microarray technique, and the functional analysis on these genes was conducted. Results: Total 519 genes were up-regulated and 606 genes down-regulated in cells treated with SR. Genes induced or suppressed by SR were all mainly concerned with metabolic process, regulation of biological process and protein binding. The network of total protein interactions was measured using cytoscape program, and some key molecules, such as TNFRSF1A, AKT1, MAPK3, and STAT3 that can be used for elucidation of therapeutical mechanism of medicine in future were identified. Conclusion: These results suggest possibility of SR as anti-cancer drug and also suggest that related mechanisms are involved in TNFRSF1A, AKT1, MAPK3, and STAT3 related signalling pathways.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2024

Dried fruits of Amomum villosum Lour. have been used an korean medicine to treat digestive diseases for a long time. It has been reported that Amomum villosum extracts(AVE) have effects for diabetes and steatosis in experimental models. But we did not find the report about the cholesterol synthesis inhibition effects of AVE. The objective of this study is to clarify the inhibitory effect of AVE against oleic acid and glucose-induced hypercholesterolemia in HepG2 cells. The results show that AVE had a significant inhibitory effect against oleic acid and glucose-induced cholesterol accumulation. Those effects seem to be caused by inhibition of AVE on oleic acid and glucose-induced decrease of HMG CoA reductase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis in liver. It is believed that the results of this study can provide basic data for the drug and functional food development of hypercholesterolemia treatments.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.83-90
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• 2024

Objectives : As a substitute for high-price ginseng, this study attempted to examine a possibility of the ferment extract of Panax ginseng sprout whether leaves and roots can be used together as a cosmetic ingredient with anti-oxidative and wrinkle-care effects. Methods : In terms of a test method, antioxidant activities were confirmed through total polyphenol contents, total flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity using the Panax ginseng sprout. In addition, to assess wrinkle-care effectiveness, the cytotoxicity of the extract was analyzed through MTT assay, and inhibition of collagenase activity in the cells was tested using the Panax ginseng sprout fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Resuits : The content of polyphenols and flavonoids in natural plants was highest in Panax Ginseng Sprout Extract at 100℃, which also demonstrated high DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity. MTT assay demonstrated that the Panax Ginseng Sprout Ferment Extract did not have a cytotoxic effect in CCD-986SK cell. Also, Panax Ginseng Sprout Ferment Extract was found to inhibit MMP-1 expression by 51.85±6.09% at a concentration of 10%. Conclusions : Therefore, this study has confirmed a possibility of Panax ginseng sprout ferment extract as a cosmetic ingredient with MMP-1-inhibitory effects.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.223-233
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• 2024

Objectives : Natural products containing bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity are potentially important sources that can contribute to the improvement of various diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate phenolic compounds of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) ethanolic extract (CCEE). And then we evaluated the antioxidant effect. Methods : We used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify the compounds in CCEE. LC-MS/MS was performed in positive ion mode using Shimadzu, Nexera HPLC system and IDA TOF mass system. Solvent A was distilled water and solvent B was acetonitrile as mobile phase. The analysis was performed at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min, column temperature of 35 ℃ and wavelength of 284 nm. The antioxidant effect of CCEE was analyzed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)). In addition, total phenolics and total flavonoids contents were measured to determine antioxidant effects. Results : Analysis using LC-MS/MS identified four compounds: Coumarin, Trans-cinnamaldehyde, Trans-cinnamic acid, and 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde. Free radicals decreased in a concentration-dependent manner starting from 10 ㎍/ml of CCEE, and decreased to a level similar to Ascorbic acid (AA) from a concentration of 60 ㎍/ml onwards. Conclusions : Based on the findings, CCEE exhibits strong antioxidant activity as evidenced by the presence of Coumarin, Trans-cinnamaldehyde, Trans-cinnamic acid, and 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde. Consequently, this study suggests that CCEE can serve as an important source of natural antioxidants and can be efficiently used in the management of oxidative stress diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.19-29
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• 2021

Objective : This study was designed to investigate anti-oxidative, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities of Zingiber officinale Roscoe water (ZD) and 50% ethanol extracts (ZE). Method : The antioxidant capacity of ZD or ZE was analyzed by DPPH, ABTS scavenging activities and reducing power, respectively. The anti-aging efficacy was performed with tyrosinase and collagenase inhibition activities. The anti-inflammatory activities were confirmed through inhibition of nitric oxide production and TNF-�� expression in LPS-treated Raw 264.7 cells. Result : As a result of measuring DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, both ZD and ZE extracts increased in concentration-dependent manners. The ABTS radical scavenging activities of water and 50% ethanol extract were similar to that of positive control at high concentration. On reducing power, both ZD and ZE showed higher activities than the positive control at high concentration. On inhibition activities of tyrosinase and collagenase both ZD and ZE showed the large inhibition rates at low concentration. Also, the inhibitory efficacy of ZD on NO and TNF-�� production was better than ZE in RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion : These results suggest that ZD and ZE have anti-oxidative, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Especially, ZD was more effective than ZE. Thus, Ginger extract is considered to be highly useful as a cosmetic or food material with anti-oxidative, anti-aging (prevention of whitening and wrinkle) and anti-inflammatory effects. Also these effects may vary depending on the extraction solvent.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.13-27
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• 2022

목적 : 본 연구는 인간피부각질형성세포(HaCaT keratinocytes) 모델을 TNF-α와 IFN-γ로 자극하여 내복자(萊菔子)의 피부염증 감소 및 만성 염증성 질환에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 방법 : 내복자(萊菔子) 에탄올 추출물(RSE)이 세포생존율에 미치는 영향을 확인하기 위하여 MTT assay를 시행하였다. 또한 RSE가 TNF-α와 IFN-γ로 자극한 HaCaT 세포에서 p-IκBα, p-ERK, p-JAK2, p-STAT1, p-STAT6의 발현과 periostin, TSLP 단백질 발현에 미치는 영향을 확인하였다. 결과 : RSE는 200㎍/㎖ 이하에서 세포 독성을 보이지 않았고, HaCaT keratinocytes에서 TNF-α와 IFN-γ자극에 의하여 증가된 IκBα, ERK의 인산화를 억제하였다. 또한 JAK2와 STAT1, STAT6의 인산화를 억제하였으며, periostin과 TSLP의 발현을 감소시켰다. 결론 : RSE는 HaCaT keratinocytes에서 pro-inflammatory cytokines 및 transcription factors의 발현을 감소시켜 피부염증 감소 효능을 보였고, 만성 염증성 질환에서 내복자(萊菔子)의 사용 가능성을 확인하였다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.140-150
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• 2021

Objectives : The increase of osteoclasts could cause osteoporosis and bone-related diseases. Also, the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation is important in treating bone-related diseases. Traditionally, Psoraleae Semen has been used for geriatric diseases, aging and musculoskeletal diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Psoraleae Semen ethanol extract (PS) on osteoclast differentiation and its function. Methods : To confirm the effect of PS on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption activity, various levels of concentrations of PS (5, 10, 20 and 40 ㎍/ml) were tested on RAW 264.7 cells cultured with RANKL. We measured tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells, TRAP activity, pit formation and F-actin ring formation. The expressions of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1) and c-Fos were confirmed through western blot and reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also, the expression of bone resorption and fusion-related genes in osteoclast was confirmed by RT-PCR. Results : PS decreased the number of TRAP-positive cells and the TRAP activity. In addition, PS significantly inhibited the formation of pit and F-actin ring. Furthermore, PS decreased the expression of osteoclast related genes. Conclusions : PS inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability through inhibition of the expression of osteoclast-related genes. This indicates that PS may be a potential therapeutic agent to osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.107-114
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• 2012

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of water extract from leaves of Ligustrum japonicum (WLJ) in db/db mouse. Methods : The db/db mice were treated orally with WLJ (300 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks to examine the long-term effects on hyperglycemia and glomerular tissue as well as biochemical and functional abnormalities in the kidney. Results : WLJ treatment markedly reduced plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride, creatinine, and systolic blood pressure in diabetic db/db mouse. Treatment of WLJ significantly increased plasma level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. We also found that overexpressions of vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and endothelin (ET)-1 were observed in aortic tissue of db/db mouse, whereas, WLJ suppressed both expression of VCAM-1 and ET-1 in aorta. In renal tissue, overexpressions of ICAM-1 and TGF-${\beta}1$ were found in untreated db/db mouse, however, significantly decreased those levels by WLJ treatment. The insulin immunoreactivity of the pancreatic islets remarkably increased in WLJ treated db/db mouse compared with untreated db/db mouse. Taken together, WLJ treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia via improvement of insulin secretion and lipid metabolism, respectively. Furthermore, WLJ treatment also ameliorated hypertension via inhibition of inflammatory process in vascular and renal tissues. Conclusions : Ligustrum japonicum has an anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in db/db mouse. Thus, these results suggested a beneficial effect of Ligustrum japonicum in treatment with diabetes and diabetic vasculopathy.