• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.167-173
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• 1997

We have tested 101 species traditional medicinal plants on Acetylcholinester ase inhibition. Among them. Caesalpina sappan. Cnidium offcinale, Coptis japonica, Ephedra sinica, Eribotrya japonica, Gardenia jasminoides, Liriope platyphylla, Lonicera japonica, Paeonia suffruticosa, Phyllostachys nigra, Polygonum multiflorum, Prunella vulgaris, Rheum undulatum, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Uncaria rhynchophylla showed strong inhibition potency over 88%. In addition, Aconitum carmichaeli, Caesalphina sappan, Cinnamomun japonica, Citrus unshiu, Hordeum vulgare, Glycine max and Rehmannia glutinosa showed relatively good inhibition potency over 80%.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.113-122
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• 2014

Objectives : This study investigated the improvement effects of Pakistani (DF-a) and Chinese Ephedra herba-containing Gangjihwan (DF-b) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a high fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old C57BL/6N mice were divided into five groups: a normal lean group given a standard diet, an obese control group given a high fat diet, and atorvastatin, DF-a, and DF-b groups given a high fat diet with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), DF-a (80 mg/kg), and DF-b (80 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, body weight gain, blood lipid markers, ALT concentrations, liver weight and histology were examined. Results : 1. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The extent of decreases was eminent in DF-a group. 2. Circulating concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The decreases were most effective in atorvastatin group. 3. Liver weights were decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. In particular, liver weight was significantly reduced in DF-b group. 4. Hepatic lipid accumulation was significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control, and the magnitude of which was most effective in DF-b group. 5. Circulating ALT concentrations were decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control, but ALS levels were significantly reduced only in DF-b group. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that DF-a and DF-b decrease body weight gain, improve blood lipid metabolism, and reduce liver weight and hepatic lipid accumulation, contributing to the improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, these effects were similar between Pakistani and Chinese Ephedra herba-containing Gangjihwan.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 2020

Purpose : This study compares prescriptions in the 1901 edition of the Donguisusebowon (東醫壽世保元) and the 1901 edition of 24 Revised Tae-eum constitution prescriptions (新定太陰人病應用要藥二十四方) (1901PCDT) with medical herbs found in classical texts. This study also examines whether to include patterns which compose medical herbs for the person of Tae-eum constitution (太陰人). Method : The prescriptions for Tae-eum-in in the Shinchukbon and the ingredients of medical herbs of the prescriptions of the Complete Works of Zhang Jingyue (景岳全書), Secret Works of Universal Benefit (廣濟秘笈), Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine (東醫寶鑑), Comprised Edition for Formulas (方藥合編), Protecting Essence for Longevity (壽世保元), Introduction to Medicine (醫學入門), New Book for Saving People (濟衆新編 ENGLISH), and Compendium of Local Medicinals and Formulas (鄕藥集成方) were input into a database. The prescriptions were examined and combinations of medical herbs used to treat the person of Tae-eum constitution were noted. Result : Among the prescriptions for the person of Tae-eum constitution, similar examples of the 17 prescriptions of Kudzu Decoction to Relieve the Muscles (葛根解肌湯), Regulate the Stomach and Coordinate the Purity Decoction (調胃升淸湯), Clear the Heart and Lotus Pip Decoction (淸心蓮子湯), Decoction for Stabilizing Asthma with Ephedra (麻黃定喘湯), Profuse Heat and Sparse Cold Decoction (熱多寒少湯), Decoction for Coordinating Qi with Kudzu (葛根承氣湯), Major Decoction for Coordinating Qi with Kudzu (葛根大承氣湯), Minor Decoction for Coordinating Qi with Kudzu (葛根小承氣湯), Decoction for Dispersing the Exterior with Ephedra (麻黃發表湯), Boost the Lung Essence Decoction (補肺元湯), Major Supplementing Decoction with Deer Antler Velvet (鹿茸大補湯), Boosting Black Essence Pill (拱辰黑元丹), Honeylocust Fruit and Rhubarb Decoction (皂角大黃湯), Kudza and Duckweed Decoction (葛根浮萍湯), Sweet Flag and Polygala Powder (石菖蒲遠志散), Liriopis and Polygala Decoction Powder (麥門冬遠志散), and Cattle Gallstone Formula to Clear the Heart (牛黃淸心元) were found in important ancient literature and Dried Chestnut and Holotrichia Decoction (乾栗蠐螬湯) and Dried Chestnut and Tree of Heaven Root Bark Decoction (乾栗樗根皮湯) are the combination originally set by Lee Jema. Conclusion : Because 70.8% of the prescriptions in 1901PCDT could be found in literature which were pervasive in the period of the Joseon Dynasty (the period of Ming and Qing), it corresponds with Lee Jema's view that medical men in the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties disclosed half of the prescriptions for Tae-eum person by studying these texts more.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.229-233
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• 2009

20 species of plants were extracted with Methanol and were investigated for DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTs free radical scavenging activity to quest anti-oxidation ability depending on the proton beam irradiation quantity. In the proton beam irradiation, 15 species's activities increased but among them, Pharbities nil Choisy decreased at 10 KGray and 4 species' activity didn't change at all. In hydrogen ion radical elimination activity, Ulmus macrocarpa (84 %) showed the highest and Pharbitis nil Choisy showed 6 % decreasing at more than 1 KGray. By comparison with untreated $IC_{50}$ value, the beam-treated $IC_{50}$ value increased 6.3 times for Dioscorea batatas Decne. at 1 KGray, 2.1 times for Trichosanthes kirilowii Max., and 2.8 times for Dioscorea batatas Decne. at 5 KGray. In ABTs free radical elimination activity, the activity increased 60 % for Terminalia chebula Retzius compared with untreated one. Besides, the beam-treated $IC_{50}$ value increased 2 times for Gray Ephedra sinica Stapf, 2.5 times for Terminalia chebula Retz. and 2.4 times for Arctium lappa Linne at 1 KGray.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.106-114
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• 2007

Background : Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, Ephedra sinica $S_{TAPE}$) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in Asian over the past thousand years. The main ingredient of Mahuang is ephedrine, whose affects on the autonomic nervous system induce some adverse effects like vasoconstriction, hypertension, tachycardia, miosis, insomnia, dizziness, headache, etc. Although there were lots of reports about adverse effects of Mahuang, there were no clinical studies which evaluated the adverse effects of Mahuang on the autonomic nervous system by objective numerical value in the past decade. Objectives : The purpose of this report was to provide an objective assessment of state-trait anxiety that is caused by Mahuang, and to identify anxiety of Mahuang according to different Sasang constitution classifications. Methods : The study design was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The subjects of this study were 79 adults aged between 20 to 40 who agreed to participate. Because 8 adults dropped out, a total of 71 subjects entered the study. They were allocated through randomization to a Mahuang group (N=50) and placebo group (N=21). Each group took three opaque capsules (every opaque capsule containing 2g of Mahuang or none) twice a day. To compare the state and trait anxiety before and after taking Mahuang, we checked the anxiety by using STAI-KYZ. Results : The following results were obtained. Short-term administration of Mahuang significantly increased state-anxiety, but in the placebo group, there were no significant changes in state-anxiety. In the Mahuang group except females, there was more significant increase in state-anxiety of Soeumin than Soyangin and Taeumin in the 2nd measurement. Conclusion : It is suggested that the ingestion of Mahuang can increase sympathetic activity and induce anxiety. There was a significant difference among Sasang constitution classification. Especially, the response is stronger in Soeumin than other constitutions. If we use Mahuang according to the Sasang constitution classification in clinic, we could not only minimize the anxiety but maximize the potential curative value.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1 s.69
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• pp.105-116
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• 2007

Objectives : Mahuang (Ephedra sinica), well known as an herbal medicine in the East and West, contains a relatively high percentage of ephedrine known as sympathomimetic alkaloid. We investigated the effects of Mahuang on sympathetic nervous system with heart rate variety (HRV). Time and frequency domain analysis of HRV is a noninvasive technique capable of providing information on autonomic modulation of the sinus node. Methods : We investigated 57 healthy volunteers consisting of 37 subjects in the Mahuang group and 20 subjects in the placebo group. Study form was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. The 37 subjects in the Mahuang group took 3 Mahuang capsules (1 capsule equivalent to 2g herb Mahuang) twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.,., while the 20 subjects in the placebo group took 3 placebo-capsules filled with glutinous rice powder at the same times. Mahuang medicine and placebo medicine were made into opaque capsules. We measured HRV at 3 p.m. 1 or 2 days before medication and at 3 p.m. after medication. Results : Mean-RR and SDNN of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with that of the placebo group, but the heart rate of the Mahuang group significantly increased compared with the placebo. HRV-Index, RMSSD and SDSD of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with that of the placebo group, but PNN50 of the Mahuang group significantly increased compared with placebo. Ln(TP), Ln(VLF), Ln(LF) and Ln(HF) of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with those of the placebo group. There were no significant differences in normalized LF, normalized HF and LF/HF ratio between the Mahuang and placebo groups. Conclusion : The results suggest that Mahuang in healthy adults tends to reduce the autonomic nervous system within the normal range.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2020

Objectives: Obesity is becoming more popular disease worldwide. Because of the side effects of conventional obesity treatment modality, herbal medicine treatment is becoming more preferred. Gambihwan which including Ephedra sinica Staph is widely used in traditional Korean Medicine practice for obesity treatment. Garcinia cambogia is a kind of health functional food that has body fat reducing effect. Nowadays, ephedra and Garcinia cambogia are often used simultaneously in clinical practice of Korean Medicine. However, the effectiveness and safety of combination therapy in obesity treatment is not well established. Methods: We conducted retrospective observational study to explore effectiveness and safety of combination therapy. We evaluated effect of combined treatment of Gambihwan and Garcinia cambogia on body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, and waist hip ratio reduction. We also assessed safety via liver function test and adverse event. Results: Finally, 23 patients were included. In paired t-test, body weight significantly decreased from 64.50±14.50 kg to 62.94±13.85 kg (P<0.001) and body mass index were also significantly decreased from 24.43±3.79 kg/㎡ to 23.83±3.59 kg/㎡ (P<0.001). Body fat mass was also reduced. Aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase were not significantly increased. There were no drug-induced liver injury and no severe adverse event. Conclusions: In our retrospective review, we found combination therapy of Gambihwan and Garcinia cambogia reduce body weight, body mass index and body fat mass. There were no severe adverse event and drug induced liver injury which indicated safety of combination therapy in obesity treatment.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2003

Aqueous extracts from eleven species of Korean medicinal plants were screened for antiviral activity against transmissble gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhae virus (PEDV). Seven of eleven plant extracts were found to have cytotoxicity for ST cells at the concentration of 1mg/ml, and ten extracts except Ephedra sinica were found to have non-cytotoxicity for Vero cells at the same concentration, Extracts of Zanthoxylum piperium, Cudrina tricuspidata, Clerodendron trichomum, Sophora flavescens, effectively inhibited TGEV, respectively. There were the antiviral activity against TGEV in the extracts of Glesdistsia sinensis, Euonymus alatus, Ficus carica, Solanum nigrum, Ephedra sinica, Xanthium strumarium, Acanthopanax seeliflorus in spite of their cytotoxicities. Nine extracts except Xanthium strumarium and Acanthopanax seeliflorus were found to have the antiviral activitity against PEDV. Extracts of Zanthoxylum piperium, Sophora flavescens was shown to have antiviral activities against both TGEV and PEDV.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.143-150
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• 2010

This study showed the increase of antitumor activities of water soluble E. sinica extract by nano-encapsulation process with lecithin. Five groups of lecithin only group (LO), lecithin nano-encapsulated E. sinica group (LE), E. sinica only group (EO), one negative control group (NCO) and positive control group (PCO) were set for several anticancer experiment and fed into Sarcoma-180 injected mice. The cytotoxicity of LE on the human normal kidney cell (HEK293) showed 14.8% lower than 19.2% of EO and 18.4% of LO. Growth of human liver carcinoma cell and human stomach carcinoma cell as representative of digestive system in vitro was inhibited up to about 85.1% and 87.3%, in adding 1.0 mg/$m{\ell}$ of LE, which values 15% higher than that from conventional EO. The survival rates of each mice group were 40%, 63%, 48%, 33% and 100%, respectively after 40 days of injecting Sarcoma-180. The increment of their body weights of the extract feeding groups was suppressed down to 10~15%, compared to the negative control. The nano-particles also reduced the hypertrophy of the internal organs such as spleen and liver down to 15~20%, compared to those as the other groups. Among them, LE effectively reduced the size of tumor form to 20%. From these results, in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of E. sinica could be enhanced by using nano-encapsulation process with lecithin because of better permeation into the cancer cells by confocal observations.

• Journal of information and communication convergence engineering
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.576-579
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• 2009

Anti-HIV-1 activities for the extracts (buthanol, hexane, chloroform, and water) of medicinal plants widely used in the folk medicine were evaluated for screening of anti-AIDS agents. The activities of the extracts to inhibit HIV-1 replication were also analyzed. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of inhibition activity of the p24 production for chloroform extract of Saphora flavescens, chloroform extract of Herba ephedrae, and hexane extract of Pachyma hoelen Rumph showed 5.8, 29.9, and 37.3 2g/ml, respectively, as good activities. Hexane extract of Sophora flavescens, buthanol extract of Tulipa edulis, hexane extracts of Tulipa edulis, Herba ephedra, and Pachyma hoelen Rumph in the 50% cytotoxic concentration ($CC_{50}$) in inhibition activities of recombinant HIV-1 RT showed 12.9, 19.5, 11.6, 12.0, and 36.8 % at concentration of 200 ${\mu}g$/ml, respectively, as good activities. From these results, chloroform extract of Saphora flavescens, chloroform extract of Herba ephedrae, and hexane extract of Pachyma hoelen Rumph were very effective against HIV-1 among all extracts tested. Therefore, we expect these plants will be a useful for anti- HIV-1 therapeutics in future.