• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2015

Objectives : The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of Mori Folium (Morus alba L. of Moraceae) extract (MFE) on high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type II diabetes mellitus in mice. Methods : The mice (C57BL/6J) were fed HFD for 8 weeks and then was induced with a single injection of STZ (75 mg/kg). The diabetic mice were divided into four groups [(STD, HFD, HFD + MFE and HFD + quercetin (QUR)] and administered with MFE or OUR for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile (triglycerides and cholesterol etc.), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), insulin and leptin were measured every 2 weeks. Results : Body weight gain was lower in the MFE and QUR groups than HFD group. The fasting blood glucose was lower in the MFE and QUR groups. Oral glucose and insulin tolerance were decreased in the MFE and QUR groups. The levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol were reduced in the MFE and QUR groups. The HDL cholesterol was much higher in the MFE and QUR groups than HFD group. The levels of GOT, GPT and atherogenic index were decreased in the MFE and QUR groups. The serum insulin and leptin concentrations were reduced in the MFE and QUR groups. Conclusions : These results showed that MFE could decrease blood glucose level and lead to an amelioration in dyslipidemia states on HFD/STZ-induced type II diabetes mellitus in mice.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.11-22
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• 2011

Objectives : Hwangyeonhaedok-tang(HHDT) has been traditionally used for various clinical symptoms associated with gastrointestinal disorder, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation in the Oriental medicine. However, little is known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of HHDT on dextran-sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Methods : In this study, we investigated an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of HHDT on DSS-induced colitis in mice. An experimental colitis was induced by daily treatment with 5% DSS. HHDT was orally administrated the various concentrations(25-100 mg/kg, body weight/day) for 7 days with one time per day. Results : HHDT reduced significantly clinical sign of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, disease activity index(DAI), and histological colon injury. HHDT also inhibited significantly serum NO and prostaglandine $E_2(PGE_2)$ productions in DSS-induced colitis mice. Furthermore, HDDT increased significantly an superoxide anion(SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase(GPx) activity of the colon tissue in DSS-induced colitis mice. Conclusions : These results suggest that HHDT administration could reduce significantly the clinical signs and inflammatory mediators, and increase antioxidant activity in DSS-induced colitis model mice and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective anti-ulcerative agent.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.85-98
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• 2009

The fruits of Schisandra chinensis and Prunus mume have been traditionally used in the Oriental countries as an astringent against diarrhea and abdominal pain, a protectant for liver disease, an antimicrobial, and a blood tonic. However, little is known about the extract of Schizandrae Fructus and Mume Fructus (SMF-Ex) on dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SMF-Ex on DSS-induced colitis in mice. An experimental colitis was induced by daily treatment with 5% DSS. SMF-Ex was orally administrated the single dose (80 mg/kg, body weight/day) for 7 days with one time per day. SMF-Ex reduced significantly clinical sign of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, increased disease activity index (DAI), and histological colon injury. SMF-Ex also inhibited significantly nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandine $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) productions in DSS-induced colitis mice. Furthermore, SMF-Ex increased significantly an superoxide anion (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity of the colon tissue in DSS-induced colitis mice. These results suggest that SMF-Ex administration could reduce significantly the clinical signs and inflammatory mediators, and increase antioxidant activity in DSS-induced colitis model mice and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective anti-ulcerative agent.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.123-132
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• 2009

Acetaminophen (AP) is widely used as an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. AP-induced hepatotoxicity is a common consequence of AP overdose and may lead to acute liver failure. In this study, we investigated the liver damage in mice using single dose (300 mg/kg) of AP and the possible protective effects of administration (50-200 mg/kg body weight) of Joo-Juk on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were determined in the plasma of mice. The effect of Joo-Juk on lipid peroxidation product thiobarbituric reacting substances (TBARS) and some antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, d-aminolevulinate dehydratase ($\sigma$-ALA-D) activities, and gluthathione peroxidase (GPx), were also evaluated in the mouse liver homogenate. AP caused liver damage as evident by statistically significant increased in plasma activities of AST and ALT. There were statistically significant losses in the activities of SOD, catalase, $\sigma$-ALA-D, and GPx and an increase in TBARS in the liver of AP-treated group compared with the control group. However, Joo-Juk was able to counteract these effects. These results suggest that Joo-juk can act as hepato-protectant against AP toxicity and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective chemotherapeutic agent.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.183-191
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• 2008

Acetaminophen (N-acety1-p-aminophenol, paracetamol) is widely used as an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. Intake of a over dose of acetaminophen may result in severe hepatic necrosis. In this study, we investigated the liver damage in mice using single dose (300 mg/kg) of acetaminophen and the possible protective effects of administration (50-200 mg/kg body weight) of SB-Ex on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were determined in the plasma of mice. The effect of SB-Ex on lipid peroxidation product thiobarbituric reacting substances (TBARS) and some antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, d-aminolevulinate dehydratase (${\sigma}$-ALA-D) activities, and gluthathione peroxidase (GPx), were also evaluated in the mouse liver homogenate. Acetaminophen caused liver damage as evident by statistically significant increased in plasma activities of AST and ALT. There were general statistically significant losses in the activities of SOD, catalase, ${\sigma}$-ALA-D, and GPx and an increase in TBARS in the liver of acetaminophen-treated group compared with the control group. However, SB-Ex was able to counteract these effects. These results suggest that SB-Ex can act as hepatoprotectives against acetaminophen toxicity and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective chemotherapeutic agent.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.482-488
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• 2011

Cadmium (Cd) is well known as a spermatotoxic and gonadotoxic heavy metal ion. This study was performed to assess the possible protective effect of Enerbalance on Cd-induced spermiotoxicity and testicular damage. The control group received isotonic saline; Cd group received Cd (2 mg/kg BW per day) orally; extract-treated groups were orally administrated with Enerbalance (50 mg and 100 mg/kg BW per day) and Cd for 10 days. Morphological changes of testicular tissue, sperm characteristics, oxidative/antioxidative parameters from testis, and serum sexual hormone level were determined. Enerbalance was significantely increased sperm amount in cauda epididymis without changes of ratio of epididymis/body weight and testis/body weight. Cd caused a marked decrease in epididymal sperm concentration and chemotactic sperm motility, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Enerbalance was significantly ameliorated loss of epididymal sperm concentration, sperm chemotactic motility, antioxidative parameters, and male hormone whereas decreased abnormal architecture by testis damage. Enerbalance was successfully attenuated these adverse effects of Cd and offers a dose-dependent protection. Our study demonstrated that Enerbalance could proffer a measure of protection against Cd-induced testicular damage and spermiotoxicity by possibly reducing oxidative stress and increasing the antioxidant defense mechanism in mice.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.178-185
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• 2020

In this study, the effect of complex hot water extracts of Cirsium jaonicum, Artemisia annua and Curcuma longa (CAC) on the improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was investigated. CAC inhibited fatty acid synthesis and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells cultured with free fatty acid (FFA). In the NAFLD animal model, CAC extract suppressed the increase in body weight, liver, and epididymis fat weight, and suppressed the increase in hepatocyte fat and blood triglyceride. In addition, by blocking the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, cells were protected from oxidative stress in hepatocytes. Moreover, CAC inhibited the expression of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-17 in hepatocytes. These results suggest the possibility that CAC extract can be applied in the field of health functional foods and pharmaceuticals for improvement and prevention of NAFLD.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.922-927
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• 2005

In the present study, baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, a major flavone isolated from Scutellaria Radix were examined for their effects on PMA-induced Interlukin-6 (IL-6), $interferon-\gamma(IFN-\gamma)$, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-\alpha$, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 productions in the PMA-stimulated $CD4^+$ Jurkat T cells. These three compounds inhibited PMA-induced Th1 cytokine $(IL-6,\;IFN-\gamma,\;TNF-\alpha)$ and Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) productions in a concentration-dependent manner. But wogonin, but not baicalin baicalein, increased PMA-induced IL-10 production. These results suggest that baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, a major flavone modulate Th1 and Th2 cytokine productions in $CD4^+$ Jurkat T cells and these properties may contribute to the anti-atopic dermatitis activity of Scutellaria Radix.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.302-309
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• 2010

Oxidative stress has been implicated in cutaneous damage in various inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). Atoberry is the herb medicine extract which is composed with Spirodelae Herba, Xanthii Fructus, Houttuyniae Herba, Taraxaci Herba, Retinervus Luffae Fructus, Platycodi Radix, and Scutellariae Radix. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Atoberry in AD-like skin lesion NC/Nga mice. Murine AD-like skin lesions were made by painting Dermatophagoides farinse (Df) extract. Atoberry significantly increased electron donating ability (DPPH), nitrite scavenging (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in dose dependant. Topically applied Atoberry significantly reduced clinical severity score, ear thickness and histological grade in AD-like skin lesion NC/Nga mice. In addition, the serum levels of IgE, NO and prostaglandin E2 were significantly reduced by Atoberry. Futhermore, skin tissue levels of SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly reduced by Atoberry. These results demonstrate that topical application of Atoberry may be improve the AD-like skin lesion by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.258-265
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• 2010

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing pruritic inflammatory skin disease. To find new anti-inflammatory products for skin inflammatory disease such as AD and contact dermatitis, we produced the effective microorganism fermentation substance (EM-S) by fermentation of medicinal plants with effective microorganisms including photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeast, screened the effects of EM-S on NC/Nga model mice. Murine AD-like skin lesions were made by painting Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) extract. Topically applied EM-S significantly reduced clinical severity score, ear thickness and histological grade in AD-like NC/Nga mouse model by Df antigen sensitization. In addition, the serum IgE and Th2 chemokine levels (TARC/CCL17, MDC/CCL22 and CTACK/CCL27) were significantly reduced by EM-S. Futhermore, skin tissue expressions of Th2 chemokines were significantly reduced by EM-S. These results demonstrate that topical application of EM-S may be improve the AD-like skin lesion by suppressing IgE and Th2 chemokines.