• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.165-174
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• 2017

Background: Traditional plant drugs, are less toxic and free from side effects compared to general synthetic drugs. They have been used for the treatment of diabetes and associated renal damage. In this study, we evaluated effect of Hachimi-jio-gan against diabetic renal damage in a rat model of type 1 diabetic nephropathy induced by subtotal nephrectomy plus streptozotocin (STZ) injection, and in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and db/db mice as a model of human type 2 diabetes, and its associated complications. To explore the active components of Hachimi-jio-gan, the antidiabetic effect of corni fructus, a consituent of Hachimi-jio-gan, and 7-O-galloyl-${{\small}D}$-sedoheptulose, a phenolic compound isolated from corni fructus, were investigated. Methods and Results: We conducted an extensive literature search, and all required data were collected and systematically organized. The findings were reviewed and categorized based on relevance to the topic. A summary of all the therapeutic effects were reported as figures and tables. Conclusions: Hachimi-jio-gan serves as a potential therapeutic agent to against the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetic nephropathy. From the results of characterization active components of corni fructus, 7-O-galloyl-${\small}D$-sedoheptulose is considered to play an important role in preventing and/or delaying the onset of diabetic renal damage. 7-O-Galloyl-${\small}D$-sedoheptulose is expected to serve as a novel therapeutic agent against the development of diabetic nephropathy.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.38-43
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• 2023

Objectives: Psychiatric symptoms in epilepsy are very common, and the most common symptoms are depression, insomnia, and anxiety. These symptoms not only lower the quality of life of epilepsy patients, but also elevate the risk of epileptic seizures. There are no specific criteria for the available antiepileptic drugs to ameliorate these symptoms in patients with epilepsy, and there is a lack of evidence to support the efficacy and safety of existing drugs. The Shugan Jieyu capsule (SJC) is a traditional herbal medicine composed of Acanthopanax senticosus and Hypericum perforatum and is reported to be effective in relieving psychiatric symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of SJC as a treatment for psychiatric symptoms in epilepsy patients. Methods: Electronic databases will be investigated for publications in English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. The participants of the study are epilepsy patients with psychiatric symptoms diagnosed using any validated criteria. All types of controls will be compared-placebo, conventional treatments, and no treatment-to groups treated with SJC or modified SJC. We will measure the degree of improvement in psychiatric symptoms and check epileptic symptoms, such as the frequency of seizures. The study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers, who will also assess methodological quality using the risk-of-bias tool by Cochrane. We will use Review Manager software (RevMan) to carry out all statistical analyses. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed in accordance with the PRISMA-P statement. Conclusion: This systematic review is the first study to assess the efficacy and safety of SJC for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms in epilepsy. We expect that this study will provide clinically applicable evidence for patients with epilepsy when selecting drug treatments.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.309-316
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• 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the status of Kampo medicine services in Japan. Methods: We surveyed the literature or reports regarding health insurance, clinics for Kampo medicine, human resources and medical fees for Kampo medicine services. Results: The Japanese government abolished the system of the Oriental doctor in 1874, but Kampo medicine has been maintained and developed continuously. The national health insurance covers Kampo medicine services including acupuncture and moxibustion, and 674 products of 149 herbal drugs are now involved in items for health insurance. A total of 78 university medical schools or hospitals have Kampo clinics. As of 2012, 1,775 Kampo specialists, 100,881 acupuncturists and 99,118 moxibustion therapists provide Kampo medical services. Conclusions: Japan has a unique system of Kampo medicine which is much different from Korean medicine or traditional Chinese medicine. This study provides basic information about Kampo medicine, and can be useful to establish a globalization-strategy for Korean medicine for Japan.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.313-325
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• 2020

Objectives : To explore the associated potential pathways and molecular targets of Hwangryunhaedok-tang(HHT) by the approaches of network pharmacology and bioinformatics in traditional chinese medicine(TCM). Methods : Hwangryunhaedok-tang constituent drugs(Coptidis Rhizoma, CR; Scutellariae Radix, SR; Phellodendri Cortex, PC; Gardeniae Fructus, GF) and their processing types were searched from TCM systems pharmacology(TCMSP). The databases of TCMSP, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), MCODE and STRING were used to gather information. The network of bioactive ingredients and target gene was constructed by Cytoscape software(version 3.8). Results : A total of 94 HHT active compounds(CR, 12; SR, 35; PC, 33; GF, 14, respectively) were found, and HHT were identified by TCMSP. Applications of KEGG and MCODE analysis indicates that total of 6 bioactive ingredients in the top 10% ranking were obtained and 32 diseases of HHT were screened. The molecular pathway analysis revealed that HHT exerts cancer, inflammation and cerebrovascular diseases effects by acting on several signaling pathway. In addition, HHT found that three genes(e.g. SPIN1, TRIM25, and APP) correlate with the aforementioned diseases. Conclusions : This study showed that network pharmacology analysis is useful to elucidate the complex mechanisms of action of HHT.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.171-182
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• 2023

Objectives : Saposhnikoviae Radix (SR) and Glehniae Radix (GR) have been frequently used in traditional medicine to treat diseases related to 'wind' syndrome, but there have been cases where it has been mixed in a state where the plant of origin is not clear. In this study, to select materials for conducting preclinical cerebral infarction research, the network pharmacology analysis method was used to select suitable medicinal materials for the study. Methods : In this study, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) based network pharmacology analysis method was used, and oral bioavailability (OB), drug likeness (DL), Caco-2 and BBB permeability were utilized to select compounds with potential activity. For the values of each variable used in this study, OB ≥ 20%, DL ≥ 0.18, Caco-2 ≥ 0, and BBB ≥ -0.3 were applied, then networks of bioactive compounds, target proteins, and target diseases was constructed. STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Results : It was confirmed that SR rather than GR has various target proteins and target diseases based on network pharmacological analysis using TCMSP database. And it was analyzed that the bioactive compounds only in SR act more on neurovascular diseases, and both drugs are expected to be effectively used for cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions : In our future study, SR will be used in an ischemic stroke mouse model, and the mechanism of action will be explored focusing on apoptosis and cell proliferation.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.295-313
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• 2023

Objectives : While treatments for cancer are advancing, the development of effective treatments for cancer metastasis, the main cause of cancer patient death, remains insufficient. Recent studies on Dichroae Radix have revealed that its active ingredients have the potential to inhibit cancer metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the cancer metastasis inhibitory effect of Dichroae Radix using network pharmacological analysis. Methods : The active compounds of Dichroae Radix have been identified using Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The UniProt database was used to collect each of information of all target proteins associated with the active compounds. To find the bio-metabolic processes associated with each target, the DAVID6.8 Gene Functional classifier tool was used. Compound-Target and Target-Pathway networks were analyzed via Cytoscape 3.40. Results : In total, 25 active compounds and their 62 non-redundant targets were selected through the TCMSP database and analysis platform. The target genes underwent gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis. The gene list applied to the gene ontology analysis revealed associations with various biological processes, including signal transduction, chemical synaptic transmission, G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, response to xenobiotic stimulus, and response to drugs, among others. A total of eleven genes, including HSP90AB1, CALM1, F2, AR, PAKACA, PTGS2, NOS2, RXRA, ESR1, ESR2, and NCOA1, were found to be associated with biological pathways related to cancer metastasis. Furthermore, nineteen of the active compounds from Dichroae Radix were confirmed to interact with these genes. Conclusions : The results provide valuable insights into the mechanism of action and molecular targets of Dichroae Radix. Notably, Berberine, the main active ingredient of Dichroae Radix, plays a significant role in degrading AR proteins in advanced prostate cancer. Further studies and validations can provide crucial data to advance cancer metastasis prevention and treatment strategies.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.924-934
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• 2010

Yaksung-ga is a short Chinese poem, written for easy memorizing of properties and effects of various herbal drugs. It is very useful for teaching herbalogy and for using in clinical practice. In spite of its importance, research of the Yaksung-ga is very insufficient. Thus, we investigated literary works of Tingxian Gong and Korean medical books in the late Chosun dynasty, to explain how Yaksung-ga had been received and modified in Korean medicine. Manbinghuichun(萬病回春) and Shoushibaoyuan(壽世保元), the literatures of Tingxian Gong, are the origin of Yaksung-ga. Jejungshinpyun(濟衆新編) is the first book which recorded Yaksung-ga in Korea, having influenced Juchonshinbang(舟村新方) and Euijongsonik(醫宗損益). The classification system of Yaksung-ga was remarkably changed in Euijongsonik, according to the method of Bencaogangmu(本草綱目). And the Yaksung-ga of Bangyakhappyun(方藥合編), which is generally used in Korea at present, was shortened from the form of 8 Chinese characters in each line to 7 characters, so that it can be easily recited. In the end, the authors of Korean medical books selectively cited the Yaksung-ga of Tingxian Gong, and added many novel Yaksung-ga.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.177-196
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• 2004

Objective : Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that pathogenesis is not fully understood and one of the most intractable musculoskeletal diseases. The concern in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis has been increased since 1980's and many immunotherapeutic agents including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were developed and became the mainstay of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the cure of the disease has hardly been achieved. In oriental medicine, rheumatoid arthritis is related to Bi-Zheng(痺證), that presents pain, swelling, andlor loss of joint function as major clinical manifestations, and also known to be deeply involved in suppression of immune function related to weakness of Jung-Ki(正氣). The herbal medicine, empirically used, could be a potential resource of development of new immunotherapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : We developed a search strategy using terms to include "rheumatoid arthritis and herbal medicine" combined with "Chinese medicine" and/or "Oriental medicine". The search was focused on experimental studies of herbal medicine (January 1999 to May 2004), which is known to have effects on immune function of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Computerized search used Internet databases including KISS and RISS4U (Korea), CNKI (China), MOMJ (Main Oriental Medicine Journal, Japan), and PubMed. The articles were selected from journals of universities or major research institutes. Results : The literature search for experimental studies on effects of herbal medicine on immunity of rheumatoid arthritis retrieved a total of 21 articles (Korea; 8, China ; 12, Japan ; 1). Of 21 articles, 10 were related to single-drug formula, 2 to drug interaction, and 9 to multi-drug formula. Single-drug formula was mainly used for aqua-acupuncture and researches on active components. Studies of drug interaction emphasized harmony of Ki-Hyul(氣血) and balance of Han-Yeul(寒熱). Multi-drug regimen was mainly found among formulas for Bo-Ki-Hyul(補氣血) and Bo-Sin(補腎). Conclusion : Studies on rheumatoid arthritis were performed both in vitro and in vivo in vitro study, LPS-stimulated splenocytes and synoviocytes were treated with herbal medicine, resulting in proliferation and activation of immune cells and suppression of cytokine activities in vivo study CIA animal model demonstrated that herbal medicine decreased antibody production and improved function of immune cells. In cellular and molecular study herbal medicine showed profound effects on the level of mRNA expression of certain cytokines related to immune function. This study revealed that herbal medicine has significant immune modulatory action and could be used for recovery of immune dysfunction of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• THE JOURNAL OF KOREAN ORIENTAL ONCOLOGY
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.91-100
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• 1996

Radiotherapy is an irreplaceable method of cancer treatment but, it has various side effects, especially damage to the hemopoietic system. A lot of radioprotectors have been found but they also have toxic effects. Many kinds of crude drugs(Oriental Chinese medicine)with low toxicity have been reported to promote the recovery from radiation damage. Recently, the trial to combine radiotherapy with herbal treatment of cancer patients shows a desirable result, an enhancement in recovery of the blood system.. This study was performed to determine whether prescriptions to support the healthy energy and strengthen the body resistence, Buzhongyiqi-tang and Siliu-tang, promote the recovery of splenocytes of N:GP(s) mice from radiation damage. We investigated the proliferative effect of Buzhongyiqi-tang, Siliu-tang and EIB(ethanol insoluble fraction of Buzhongyiqi-tang) on N:GP(S)mice splenocytes before or after ${\gamma}$-irradiation. We also investigated the morphology of splenocytes cultured with these herbs. Buzhongyiqi-tang and Siliu-tang promoted the proliferation of splenocytes in a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml compared with normal control(p<0.001). After 1-5Gy of ${\gamma}$-irradiation they also showed the effect of recovery of hemopoietic cells, especially in Buzhongyiqi-tang(4Gy:p<0.005; 5Gy:p<0.05). In addition, EIB(ethanol insoluble fraction of Buzhongyiqi-tang) showed the highest proliferative effect of all agents suggesting that more effective fractions could be found from crude herbs or prescriptions. These results suggest that it is possible to make use of Buzhongyiqi-tang, Siliu-tang or EIB as radio-protective agents.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.253-265
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• 1986

Among 230 species of herbal drugs screened, thirty one show the anthelmintic activities in vitro against Clonorchis sinensis, the chinese liver fluke. The active substances have been isolated and their structures identified. Some of the active substances and their derivatives have been synthesized, followed by anthelmintic activity tests. The extracts from the active drugs cause damages in organs of the adult worm in the hepatic duct of rabbit. Some fresh water fish, which function as bad hosts for the fluke, excrete defense substances against the cercaria of the fluke. The defense substances have been isolated from Cyprinus carpio and Cyprinus carpio nudus, followed by structural identification. The results are summarized as follows: l) The bark of Machilus thunbergii as well as the seed of Schizandra chinensis contain meso-dihydro-guaiaretic acid as the anthelmintic component. Among derivatives synthesized, 4-phenyl-1-((3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-, 4-phenyl-1-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy phenyl)-and 4-phenyl-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl)-2, 3-dimethyl butanes show considerable activities. Administration of the bark extract mainly damages the bladder of the adult worm. 2) The active substance from the roasted fruit of Prunus mume is 2-hydroxymethylfurfural. This substance is produced during the roasting process. Administration of the fruitextract causes a damage of the bladder of the adult worm. 3) The active substance from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis is 5.2'-dihydroxy-6, 7, 8, 6'-tetramethoxyflavone. 4) Beside alantolactone, a very strong anthelmintic component is contained in the root of Inula helenium. Administration of the root extract causes irreversible damage on the worm, affecting mainly the reproductive organs. 5) The cercaricidal substances from the epidermis of C. carpio and C. carpio nudus are ethyl linoleate and linoleic acid, respertively. 6) The cercaricidal substances from various kinds of fresh water fish have different $R_f$ values, implying that the defense substances are species-specific. Unexpectedly, the fish with good host function, for example Pseudorasbora parva, excrete the defense substances, too. The defense substances are possibly organ-specific in individual species; the organs essenstial for the existence of the species excrete the defense substances, allowing other parts to be invaded by the cercaria. 7) The cercaricidal fraction of Carassius carassius is detected only in the fish which have been collected during the summer time from May to September, Its secretion is not dependent on water temperature. Thus, it seems to be possible that the secretion of the defense substance would be stimulated through a contact between the fish and cercaria.