• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.707-713
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• 2002

Astragali radix (AR) is one of the oldest and mast frequently used crude drug for traditional medicine in many Asian countries. This study designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extracted AR (ARE) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. APAP at the dose of 450 mg/kg i.p produced liver damage in ICR mice. Serum enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenese was dramatically decreased up to control level by pretreatment of ARE. However, hepatic glutathione level did not show a significant change between the tested groups. We also investigated TNF α mRNA gene expression on APAP-induced liver damage by RT-PCR. APAP dramatically induced TNF α mRNA gene expression in ICR mice. Pretreatment of mice with ARE led to a marked decrease of TNF α mRNA gene expression. These data indicate that 1) ARE has clearly revealed a hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice, and 2) the protective effect of ARE may be, in part, associated with the regulation of TNF α mRNA gene expression.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.187-194
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• 2011

Objective : Astragali Radix (AR) and Cinnamomi Cortex (CC) are used to enhance immune response in Asian traditional medicine. Immuno-potentiation of the combination of AR and CC were evaluated on the cellular and humoral immune response using murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and OVA-immunized mice. Methods : This study was designed to investigate the immuno-potentiative effects of AR, CC, and AR with CC on nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells and proliferation and production levels of Intereukin-2 (IL-2) in mouse splenocytes. In addition, we evaluated the plasma-specific antibody responses and splenocyte proliferation on ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice treated with herbal extracts. Results : Combination treatment with AR and CC increased nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells and IL-2 level in splenocytes (p<0.001). Combination of AR and CC significantly enhanced the Concanavalin A- (Con A ; T cell mitogen) and lipopolysaccharide-(LPS ; B cell mitogen) induced splenocyte proliferation on the OVA-immunized mice. Combination of AR and CC also significantly enhanced plasma levels of OVA-specific IgG (p<0.01), IgG1 (p<0.05) and total IgM (p<0.01) compared with the OVA-immunized control group. Conclusion : These results suggest that combination of AR and CC could be used as therapeutic profile on activation of immune response.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.898-904
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• 2019

This study was carried to investigate the antidiabetic effect of ethanol extract of Astragali Radix(A.R) in Streptozotocin(STZ) induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of STZ at a dose of 45mg/kg dissolved in citrate buffer. The ethanol extract of A. R was orally administrated once a day for 7 days at a dose of 1,000mg/kg. The contents of serum glucose, triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol were significantly decreased in A.R treated group compared to the those of STZ-control group. The content of hepatic glycogen and activities of glucokinase(GK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G-6-PDH) were significantly increased, and activity of glucose-6-phoshatase(G-6-Pase) was significantly decreased in A.R treated group compared to the those of STZ-control group, These results indicated that ethanol extract of A.R would have antidiabetic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.109-121
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• 2022

Objective : This study is conducted to investigate the effect of Astragali Radix on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) induced by the Single Proposed Stress(SPS). Methods : The experiment was conducted with five groups; SAL groups with only saline treatment, SPS group, SPS + ARX25 group, SPS + ARX50 group, and SPS + ARX100 group. After applying SPS, saline and ARX were administered for 14 days to identify the change of body weight, sucrose intake amount, and behavioral changes through Open Field Test(OFT) and Forced Swimming Test(FST). After the behavioral experiment, plasma corticosterone levels, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay in medical prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the hippocampus was measured using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results : Weight change has significantly decreased in the SPS group compared to the SAL group(p<0.05). On day 14, the sucrose intake of rats has significantly increased in the SPS + ARX100 group compared to the SPS group(p<0.05). In OFT, the number of staying in the central space has significantly increased in the SPS + ARX100 group(p<0.01). In FST, immobility has significantly decreased in SPS + ARX50 group and SPS + ARX100 group(p<0.05). The concentration of serotonine, dopamine and BDNF expression has increased significantly in SPS + ARX100 group compared to SPS group(p<0.05) Conclusions : In the SPS-induced PTSD experiment, ARX increased sucrose intake and the numbers of crossing in the central zone space in OFT, decreased immobility time in FST, and increased concentration of serotonin, dopamine, and BDNF. It can be postulated that the ARX could be effective for the treatment of PTSD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.931-938
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• 2002

The growth of enterobacteria, Bifidobacterium infantis KCTC 3270, was promoted by natural products bearing antioxidative capacity and mixed combinations of two, three and four kinds of them. B. infantis was expressed a good growth by Aurantii nobilis pericarpium majus L., Astragali radix, Epimedii herba, alone, and two mixed combinations of Epimedii herba and Theae folium, Epimedii herba and Crataegi fructus, Epimedii herba and Eucommiae cortex, and three mixed combinations of Theae folium, Epimedii herba and Chelidonium majus L., Theae folium, Epimedii herba and Aurantii nobilis pericarpium, Theae folium, Chelidonium majus L. and Auantii nobilis pericar pium, Theae folium, Chelidonium majus L. and Astragali radix, Theae folium, Aurantii nobilis pericarpium and puerariae radix, Epimedii herba, Chelidonium majus L. and Aurantii nobilis pericarpium, and four mixed com-binations of Theae folium, Chelidonium majus L., Astragali radix and Epimedii herba, and Theae folium, Chelidonium majus L., Astragali radix and Puerariae readix, and Theae folium, Epimedii herba, Aurantii nobilis pericarpium and Puerariae radix, and Theae folium, Chelidonium majus L., Aurantii nobilis pericarpium and Puerariae radix. The best four mixed combination ofr the growth of B. infantis was Theae folium, Chelidonium majus L. Astragali radix and Epimedii herba, which promoted 2.1 times than that of control, and its antioxidative capacity was also 5 times higher, and the ratio of elimination of hydroxyl radical was more than 80% in each dilution rate. As these combinations of natural products might activate some parts of body, they could be applied to pharmaceutical applications, functional foods, antiaging tea, also expected to promote useful bacterial growth for fermentative beverage bearing multifunction.

• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.299-306
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• 2010

This study was performed to develop new functional red ginseng drinks with Astragali Radix and Opuntia humifusa. Optimum extraction conditions such as solvent property and temperature for Astragali Radix were determined by distilled water vs. ethanol (95%) ratio (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25) and 60 vs. $80^{\circ}C$. Water-soluble extracts at $80^{\circ}C$ showed higher antioxidant activities than fat-soluble extracts at $60^{\circ}C$. Viscosities of 1-2% (w/v) of Opuntia humifusa solution were similar to that of the 0.1% guar gum solution. Addtion of Astragali Radix (3% and 5%, w/v) and Opuntia humifusa (1.2%, w/v), especially, had effect on the changes of pH of the red ginseng solution(5%, w/v) during storage for 7 days. A significant difference during the storage was shown in total plate counts by addition of Opuntia humifusa (1.2%, w/v) and microorganisms were reduced by six log cycles. Significant antiproliferation effects of red ginseng (5%, w/v) solution with Astragali Radix (3% & 5%, w/v) and Opuntia humifusa (1.2%, w/v) on Colon26m-3.1 carcinoma (colorectal carcinoma) cell and U87-MG neuronale glioblastoma (brain carcinoma) cell were not observed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.43-53
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• 1999

The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of honey-fried Astragali Radix extract on the nephrotoxicity in rats induced by cyclosporin A(CsA). The experimental rats were divided into three groups of ten. The Normal group was given nothing. The Control group was given only saline water every day for 14 days after the subcutaneous IV injection of 50mg/kg in CsA every other day during a period of 14 days. The sample group was administered 4.8mg/200g of Astragali Radix extract daily for 14 days after the subcutaneous IV injection of 50mg/kg in CsA every other day for 14 days. These groups were observed for 14 days. This experimental research focused on measuring the levels of BUN, creatinine, total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, AST and ALT in the serum and specific gravity and creatinine in the urine. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Changes in serum The levels of BUN, creatinine. AST and ALT in the serum were significantly decreased in the sample group as compared with those of the control group. Total Protein level in the serum was significantly increased in the sample group as compared with that of the control group. Sodium and Potassium levels in the serum in the sample group were a little lower than those of the control group but no significance was noted. The chloride level in the serum in the sample group significantly increased as compared with that of the control group on the 7th day but in the sample group was significantly decreased as compared with that of the control group on the 14th day 2. Changes in urine Urinary specific gravity in the sample group showed significant increase, compared to the control group on the 7th day but were a little higher than that of the control group on the 14th day. Creatinine level in the urine were a little higher than that of the control group but no significance was found. These results suggest that honey-fried Astragali Radix might be effective on the nephrotoxicity in rats caused by CsA.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.7-13
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• 2012

Objective : This study was conducted to observe the anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the metabolic benefits, of pear extract and herbal drug mixture (Lycii Fructus, Coicis Semen, Alimatis Rhizoma, and Astragali Radix) on rats fed with a high fat diet. Methods : The animals used were male rats and the control group was fed a high fat diet only. The experimental groups were divided into four. Exp I group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Lycii Fructus; Exp II group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Coicis Semen; Exp III group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Alimatis Rhizoma; and Exp IV group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Astragali Radix for 4 weeks. Results : The body weight gain increased in all groups, but attenuated gradually in the experimental groups compared to the control group. The food intakes were significantly lower in Exp I and Exp III groups than the control group. The concentrations of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in Exp II than in the control group, and lower in Exp III group than in the control group. Also the concentration of serum free fatty acid was significantly lower in the Exp III group than in the control group. In inflammatory activities, the Exp II group was significantly lower than the control group. Conclusion : The results indicated that Exp III group (administered a mixture of pear extract and Alimatis Rhizoma) most efficiently reduced fat accumulation and body weight, while the Exp II group (administered the mixture of pear extract and Coicis Semen) had the highest elevated lipid metabolism and immune activity.

• Korean Journal of Korean Medical Institute of Dermatology and Aesthetics
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.53-90
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• 2005

Purpose: Contents of astragaloside I, II and IV, cytotoxicity, anticancer activity, immunomodulatory activity and antioxidant capacity were to be compared as a function of the cultivated years as one, three, five and seven years. Method: Major components of Astragali membranacei Radix were separated as astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV by HPLC analysis. Cytotoxicity and anticancer activities were measured by MTT and SRB assay. For immunomodulatory activity, the secretion of IL -6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$, NK cell activation and macrophage activation were observed as well as kinetics of responding to human T cells by a microphysiometer. In vitro antioxidant activities were measured by several radical scavenging activities of superoxide anion radican, DPPH, LDL and linoleic acid. For in vivo activity, the activation of SOD, GSH-px, catalase, ALDH and ADH was measured as well the relative weight of liver. Result : 1. For HPLC analysis, the contents of all of astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV were in order of three, five, one and seven years. 2. The cytotoxicity of normal human lung cell line, HEL299 showed lower than 18% in adding 0.25 mg/ml, and 28.9% in adding 1.0 mg/ml of water extract of seven year root. For methanol extracts, three year root showed highest cytotoxicity as 35.2 % and there was no difference between the cultivated years. 3. For anticancer activities, methanol extracts of one and three year roots showed relatively high inhibition of human stomach cancer cells, AGS, breast cancer cells, MCF-7, lung cancer cells, A549 and liver cancer cell, Hep3B as well as high selectivities. 4. The water extract of seven year root could yield high secretion of IL-6 from both human Band T cells while the methanol extracts of three and five year roots secreted high amounts of IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ from both Band T cells. 5. As a result of in vitro antioxidant activities, both water and methanol extracts from five and seven year roots showed high activities for superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, inhibiting linoleic acid peroxide and contents of total phenols. 6. For in vivo tests, Mn-SOD and GSH-px activities and weight of liver were better in adding seven year root. For ALDH activity one year root was better and for ADH activity five year root. Overall speaking, seven year root showed relatively better antioxidant activities. Conclusion:There was difference of the contents of astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV according to cultivation year. Methanol extract showed better activities of anticancer and immune activation rather than water extract Interestingly enough, for methanol extracts, overall activities were improved as the cultivation year increased. There might be further investigation required for the clinical uses of the results as several biological activities varied according to the cultivated year of Astragali membranacei Radix.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.90-93
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• 2003

Six heavy metals (lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, mercury and arsenic) were analyzed in 9 oriental medical materials(Paeoniae Radix Alba, Zizyphi Fructus, Cnidii Rhizoma, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Astragali Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus, and Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus) by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The heavy metal contents of Zingberis Rhizoma Crudus and Angelicae Gigantis Radix were 44.0 and 37.3 mg/kg, respectively, which were 1.47 and 1.24 times higher than the guideline set by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Washing with deionized water lowered the heavy metal contents by 20-38%, and reduced levels to below the guidelines set by KFDA.