• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.109-116
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the discriminative criteria of 6 kinds of Achyranthis Radix by HPLC/DAD. Methods : 20-hydroxyecdysone is isolated by silica gel column chromatography ($CHCl_3$:MeOH, 7:1-1:1 v/v) and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance, A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with diode array detection was used to identify 20-hydroxyecdysone in A. japonica. The analysis was performed using $C_{18}$ column with isocratic elution consisted of 18% acetonitrile and 82% water and the detection was carried out by DAD at 254 nm. 6 kinds of Achyranthis Radix from different locations were extracted in MeOH. Each extracts was analyzed by HPLC in same condition as used in analysis of 20-hydroxyecdysone. The identities of each extracts were determined by comparing the retention time and UV spectrum with that of reference compound. Results : 1. A. japonica and A. bidentata showed the similar patterns of HPLC chromatogram and 20-hydroxycedysone was present in both of them because the peaks having the same retention time and UV spectrum as 20-hydroxyecdysone were shown in the HPLC chromatograms of A. japonica and A. bidentata 2. Cyathula officinalis and C. capitata showed the similar patterns of HPLC chromatogram. The peak having the same retention time and UV spectrum as 20-hydroxyecdysone was shown in the HPLC chromatogram of C. capitata but not shown in the HPLC chromatogram of C. officinalis. 3. Two species of medicinal drugs from Sacheon province showed similar patterns of HPLC chromatogram. Achyranthis Radix from Sacheon(wild) did not have 20-hydroxycedysone but Achyranthis Radix from Sacheon(cultivated) showed the peak having the same retention time as 20-hydroxyecdysone but UV spectrum of the peak was different from that of 20-hydroxyecdysone. Conclusions : These results suggested that 20-hydroxyecdysone could be the discriminative criteria for Achyranthis Radix contain 20-hydroxyecdysone though they belong to different genus and species. And the patterns of HPLC chromatogram also could be the discriminative criteria as the different species of Achyranthis Radix belonging to the same genus showed similar patterns of HPLC chromatogram.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.129-135
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• 2010

Objectives : The present study was undertaken to determine whether the water extract of Achyranthis Radix, which is the roots of Achyranthes japonica (Achyranthis Radix, AR), is efficacious against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice. Methods : Mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen and orally treated with AR-W (50 and 100 mg/kg/bw) from days 21 to 42 after immunization. Arthritis was evaluated by arthritic score, histological examination of knee joint and serological markers such as TNF-${\alpha}$, $PGE_2$ and anti-type II collagen (C II)IgG. Results : The results showed that comparing with untreated CIA mice, treated with AR-W significantly suppressed the clinical score and joint tissue pathological damages, reduced the serum levels of TNF-${\alpha}$, $PGE_2$ and anti-C II IgG in CIA-mice. These results suggest that AR-W can effectively alleviate inflammatory response on CIA, and anti-inflammatoy of AR-W can be attributed, at least partially, to the inhibition of inflamamtory mediators, $PGE_2$ and TNF-${\alpha}$, in CIA. Conclusions : This study suggests that AR-W has a therapeutic potential in inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.697-704
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• 2000

According to herbalogical bibligraphy and literature, therapeutic effects of Achyranthis Radix on arthritis was as follows, 1. Achyranthis Radix of Amaranthaceae is divided into five species-Achyranthes japonica, A. bidentata, A. longifolia, A. fauriei, Cyathula capitata, C. officialis and the characteristic, taste, channel entry, effects and main treatments were alike. 2. Winefrying stood for repairing treatement method for Achyranthis Radix Before repairing treatment method, Achyranthis Radix had three tastes(bitter, sour, and sweet) and calm and not poisoning characteristic. After repairing treatment method, the bitter taste was disappeared, and calm and not poisoning characteristic was changed into warm characteristic. 3. Effects of Achyranthis Radix were quicking the blood and dispelling stasis, liver-kidney supplement and strengthening musculo-skeletal system. Main treatments were relief of lumbar and knee joint pain, static menstrural block and wind-cold- damp impediment. 4. Contraindication of Achyranthis Radix was sympthom caused by spleen-kidney yang vacuity, upper burner disease and lower burner hemorrhage etc. Being used in pregnant woman, it could incur abortion. 5. Contraindication of Achyranthis Radix was beef, milk and mutton. It's fear was Radix Cynanchi Stauntonii and Semen Plantaginis. It's aversion was the firefly. Herba Taraxaci, Carapax Amydae, Carapax Testudinis and Radix Cynanchi Stauntonii. From above results, I suppose Achyranthis Radix has enough herbalogical foundation and could be used to treat arthritis and it is necessary to make a profound study of it.

• Korean Journal Plant Pathology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.181-191
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• 1994

Occurrence of diseases in economic resource plants in Korea is poorly known. This paper reports short descriptions on symptom, occurrence condition, pathogen, and some phytopathological notes for each 10 fungal plant diseases new to Korea; leaf spot of Rosa multiflora with Seimatosporium discosioides causing leaf spot and defoliation, leaf blight of Equisetum arvense with Titaeospora equiseti causing leaf spot to leaf blight, leaf blight of Setaria viridis with Phyrenochaeta setariae causing leaf spot of Aster tataricus with Septoria astericola causing leaf spot and black spot, powdery mildew of Clematis fusca var. coreana with Erysiphe ranunculi causing powdery mildew and dwarfing, powder mildew of Ligularia stenocephala with Erysiphe galeopsidis causing powdery mildew and dwarfing, powdery mildew of Phlox subulata with Erysiphe cichoracearum causing powdery mildew and defoliation tar spot of Lonicera japonica with Rhytisma lonicericola causing tar spot and dwarfing, white rust of Pharbitis nil with Albugo ipomoeae-pandulatae causing white rust and deformation, and white rust of Achyranthes japonica with Albugo achyranthis causing white rust and defoliation.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.143-158
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• 2011

Objectives : Peripheral nerve injuries are commonly encountered clinical problem and often result in severe functional deficits. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Achyranthes japonica(AJ) on functional recovery in sciatic nerve after crushed sciatic nerve injury. Methods : In the present study, the animals in the AJ-treated groups received the aqueous extract of AJ at the respective doses orally for 13 consecutive days. In order to assess the effects of the aqueous extract of AJ on function recovery in crushed sciatic nerve injury, sciatic functional index(SFI) was performed. c-Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN) and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray(vIPAG), and neurofilament, and the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), nerve growth factor(NGF) following crushed sciatic nerve injury in rats were investigated. For this, immunohistochemistry and western blot were performed. Results : In the present study, crushed sciatic nerve injury showed characteristic gait changes showing decrease of SFI value and treatment with the aqueous extract of AJ significantly enhanced the SFI value. Neurofilament expression in the sciatic nerve was decreased by crushed sciatic nerve injury and treatment with the AJ increased neurofilament expression. The expressions of BDNF and NGF in the sciatic nerve were increased following crushed sciatic nerve injury and treatment with the AJ significantly controlled the sciatic nerve injury-induced increment of BDNF and NGF expressions. c-Fos expressions in the PVN and vIPAG were increased following crushed sciatic nerve injury and treatment with the AJ significantly suppressed the sciatic nerve injury-induced increment of c-Fos expressions. Conclusions : These results suggest that AJ treatment after crushed sciatic nerve injury is effective in the functional recovery by enhancing axonal regeneration and suppressing of pain.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.77-83
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• 2012

Objectives : This work was designed to investigate the effect of The root of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) water extract on serum deprivation reperfusion-induced apoptosis in PC-12 cells and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)-induced ischemic brains of rats. Methods : Apoptosis in PC12 cells was induced by serum deprivation and reperfusion. The cells were treated with AJN water extract at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml for 24 hr after inducing the apoptosis. Cell viability was determined by WST-1 assay. The expression of caspase-3 protein was determined by Western blot. Ischemic brains were prepared from tMCAO-induced ischemic rats after oral administration with AJN at dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg, and then brain infarction was measured by TTC staining. Results : AJN significantly increased the cell viability in apoptocic-induced PC-12 cells, and also decreased the expression of caspase-3 protein. Furthermore, the administration of AJN significantly inhibited tMCAO-induced brain infarction in rats. Conclusions : Our results suggest that AJN extract has a neuroprotective property via suppressing the apoptosis in PC12 cells and the infarction of ischemic brains.

• Korean Journal Plant Pathology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.197-209
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• 1995

This paper is a third report about the new fungal diseases of economic resource plants in Korea. It contains short descriptions on symptoms, occurrence conditions, pathogen, and some phytopathological notes for each of 10 fungal plant diseases. They are angular leaf spot of Achyranthes japonica by Cercospora achyranthis causing leaf spot and defoliation in the shade of plants, leaf spot of Armoracia lapathifolia by Cercospora armoraciae causing leaf spot to blight from the rainy season to autumn, hypophyllous mold of Dioscorea tokoro by Distocercospora pachyderma causing leaf spot and yellowing, hypophyllous mold of Artemisia spp.by Mycovellosiella ferruginea causing leaf spot and yellowing, angular leaf spot of Aralia elata by Pseudocercospora araliae causing velvety leaf spot and defoliation, hypophyllous mold of Lycium chinense by Pseudocercospora chengtuensis causing velvety leaf spot and defoliation from the rainy season to autumn, angular leaf spot of Diospyros lotus by Pseudocercospora disospyri-morrisianae causing leaf spot and defoliation from summer to autumn, brown leaf spot of Impatiens textori by Pseudocercospora nojimae causing leaf spot to blight from the rainy season, leaf spot of Cephalonoplos segetum by Ramularia cirsii causing leaf spot to blight throughout the growing season, and white mold of Leonurus sibiricus by Ramularia leonuri causing leaf spot to blight mostly in autumn.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2015

The roots of Achyranthes japonica Nakai were extracted with 100% aqueous and concentrated subfraction was separated with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-based activity profiling. Three compounds were isolated from the subfraction 5 through the repeated prep- high performance liquid chromatography column chromatography. According to the results of physico-chemical and spectroscopic data including NMR and MS, the chemical structures of the compounds were determined as ecdysterone (1), 25S-inokosterone (2), and 25R-inokosterone (3). Three phytoecdysones were showed weak inhibitory activity for thymus and activation-regulated chemokine expression levels in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ plus IFN-${\gamma}$ induced HaCaT cells, respectively. However, those compounds 1-3 were exhibited the most potent inhibition (80-95% at $200{\mu}g/mL$) against TNF-${\alpha}$ expression levels in A23187 plus phorbol-myrisrate acetate-induced RBL-2H3 cells. As result, 100% aqueous extract of A. japonica has an excellent anti-atopy activity. It could be used to a large range of functional anti-atopy cosmetics.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.416-424
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• 2013

In the course of a study for the development of functional foods utilizing Woosul (Achyranthis radix), the components and various biological activities of Korean Woosul (AJN: Achyranthes japonica Nakai) and Chinese Woosul (ABB: Achyranthes bidentata Blume) were compared. Woosul in Korea, including AJN and ABB, are regulated and part of the Korean Pharmacopoeia. From AJN and ABB, ethanol extracts and their subsequent organic solvent fractions were prepared and their in-vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-diabetes activities were evaluated. Although AJN and ABB have no clear distinction in terms of usage in Korea, our results suggest that AJN has higher quantities of lipid-soluble components and lower amounts of water-soluble sugars than does ABB. ABB also appears to possess greater amounts of flavonoid and polyphenol substances than AJN. Analyses of biological activities showed that the fractions of AJN were more active as antibacterial agents, and possessed more pronounced ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities than those of the ABB fractions. However, the antioxidant activities of the ABB fractions, as determined by DPPH anion-, ABTS cation-, nitrite-scavenging activity and reducing power, were higher than those of the AJN fractions. Our results suggest that the components and bioactivity of the extracts and subsequent fractions of AJN and ABB are different. Therefore, usage of either AJN or ABB should be carefully considered, as regards their individual properties, when the active fractions of Woosul are employed in the development of functional foods or novel plant-derived medicines.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.655-663
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• 2014

Woosul (Achyranthis radix), a widely used material in food and oriental medicinal industry, has different origins of plant species in Korea, Japan and China. In Korea, woosul is designated as the radix of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) and Achyranthes bidentata Blume (ABB) in the regulation of The Korean Pharmacopoeia. However, the comparative study of hot water (HW) extracts between AJN and ABB is still rudimentary. In this study, HW extracts and its subsequent organic solvent fractions of AJB and ABB were prepared, and their in-vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-diabetes activities were evaluated. The HW extract of ABB has higher sugars and polyphenol compounds, and higher lightness and lower yellowness compared than those of AJN. Analysis of biological activities showed that the ethylacetate (EA) fraction of AJN and n-hexane fraction of ABB have antibacterial activities, and the EA fractions of AJN and ABB has strong antioxidation activities determined by radical scavenging activity and reducing power. In anti-diabetes activity assay, the EA fractions of AJN and ABB showed ${\alpha}$-amylase inhibitory activities, while the butanol fractions of AJN and ABB showed ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Our results suggest that the HW extracts of AJB and ABB have different components and extraction yields, and their subsequent fractions have different biological activity. Therefore it was concluded that the EA fraction of AJN is appropriate to develop as natural medicine, and the HW extract of AJN is suitable to woosul-tea or woosul-sikhye production.