• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.313-317
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• 1997

Twenty seven plant extracts were selected on the basis of ancient literature search for rheurnatoid arthritis or similar syndrome. Methanol extract of each plant was prepared and administered orally to rats everyday at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day. Experimental arthritis was induced by subplantar injection of heat-killed Mycobacterium butyricum to right hind paw of rats. This treatment provoked swelling of the treated paw in two phases, acute primary swelling and secondary arthritic swelling. An inhibition of secondary swelling was considered to be antiarthritic activity. Several plant methanol extracts such as Akebia quinata (caulis), Ephedla sinica (herba) and 5ophorae subprostratd (radix) were found to show significant inhibitory activity against secondary swelling at the dose tested. Our results strongly suggested an antiarthritic potential of these plant extracts.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was performed to analyze the quality of Ojeok-san extract powders distributed in Korea. Methods : HPLC analyses of Ojeok-san decoction produced in laboratory and 8 kinds of Ojeok-san extract powders were done. Also, quantity analyses of paeoniflorin in Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza uralensis, alkaloid in Ephedra sinica, Hesperidin in Citrus unshiu Markovich, and cinnamic acid in Cinnamomum cassia Blume were performed to investigate the accurate content of 6 kinds of Ojeok-san extract powders. Results : In the pattern analysis, the peaks were compared. The content of components in herbal extract powders was 14.7 to 15.8% of that of decoction in average. The range was measured from 8.5 to 25.7%. The pattern comparison showed significant differences among the pharmaceutical companies' products. As for the quantity analysis, one of herbal extract powder contained insufficient amount of Paeonia lactiflora components and one of herbal extract powder was in short of Ephedra sinica components. All of the others contained more than standard component(over 90%). Conclusions : Because herbal extract powders are also medicine, standardized manufacturing methods and consistent quality management are necessary. Therefore exaction and operation of national standards and various researches to improve the quality management of herbal extract powders is urgent.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.150-155
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• 1994

In order to evaluate the effect of the extracts of eidble and medicinalplant son the activation of immune cells, measurements were made by ELISA and radioimmunoassay on the degree of release for the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and neopterin by the edible and medicinal plants in peripheral blood cells. The results of measurements of TNF in the supernatant cultured liquid showed nothing in t도 control which does not have any edible and medicinal plants. However, measurements of TNF 9pg/ml) in the samples are given as follows : 716.7 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS 1 g/ml), 465.2 Rheum plamatum L.m302.7 Sanguisorba offciinalis L. 818.2 Rubus coreanus M, 328.3 Terminalia chebula R., 426.6 AReca catechu L. 227.0 Eugenia caryophiliata T., 272.9 Ephedra sinica S., 30.1 Caesalpinia sappan L., 474.0 Chaenomeles japonica L., 396.0 Cornus officinalis S.in edible and medicinalplants. ENopterin (n mole/L) value showed below the check point in the control group, however, the values are 11.0 in LPS, and edible and medicinal plants, 5.3 Rheum palmatum L., 11.6 Eugenia caryophiliata T., 5.5 Ephedra sinica S., 4.5 Caesalpinia sappan L., 4.3 Chaenomelees japonica L.3.7 Cornus officinalis S. In order to find m RNA levels of Cytokines increased by edible and medicinal plants, total RNA was separated from mononuclear cells treated 5 hrs with Rubus coreanus M. and then administrated for RT-PCR. The considerable increases of the m RNA of TNF, IL-1 $\alpha$ and IL-6 were observed.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.17-27
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• 2006

Objectives : Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) is frequently prescribed for obesity management in oriental medicine. The main component is ephedrine alkaloids which can have serious adverse side effects such as heart attack, stroke, sudden death. There are no scientific guidelines for Ma-huang usage in the safe treatment of obesity in oriental medicine. We reviewed published studies on its safety to make evidence based guidelines. Methods : We searched electronic databases up to May 2006. We limited evidence to controlled trials for efficacy or safety, case reports for safety, and studies for Ma-huang contents analysis. Results and Conclusions : In clinical trials for weight loss, Ma-huang and ephedrine promote modest short-term weight loss but have no serious adverse effects, have only a few adverse effects associated with increased risk of psychiatric, autonomic, gastrointestinal symptoms and heart palpitations. In case reports, there have been serious adverse effects including stroke, heart attack, and death using typical doses of ephedrine or no associated illness. There are factors related to serious adverse effects, such as overuse, lack of standardization, individual sensitivity, and interactions with other drugs. Studies relating to these factors should be analyzed for safe use of Ma-huang and ephedrine. After analyzing related studies, we suggest guidelines for Ma-huang usage. We propose that the dosage should be within 4.5-7.5g per day for up to 6 months for generally healthy individual. It's use is contraindicated in individuals with heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, glaucoma, urination disorders, enlarged prostate, persons using MAOIs, methyldopa and sympathomimetic agents.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.962-968
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• 2003

The purpose of this research was to investigate inhibitory activity of Sasang medicines on diabetes. Reduce 36 kind of medicines to powder, abstract add 100 times methanol. Examine inhibitory activity on α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro. Thirty six oriental herbs were screened for inhibitory activities against carbohydrate digesting enzymes in vitro. Methanol extract of Pleuropterus multiflorus Turez, Ephedra sinica, Moutan cortex Radicis, Magnolia obovata, Alpinia officinarum, Amomi Semen, Rubus coreanus, and Cinnamomi cortex inhibited yeast α-glucosidase activity and extract of Moutan cortex Radicis and Rubus coreanus inhibited porcine α-amylase activity by more 50%. Rubus coreanus showed the strongest inhibition against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Therefore, Rubus coreanus was the most effective medicice of 36 kind of medicines.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.25-32
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• 2019

Objectives : Ephedra regeliana, although similar to the other E. sinica, E. intermedia, and E. equisetina, is not authorized by The Korean Pharmacopoeia and yet has also been imported under the name of 'Ma-Hwang'. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative anatomical evaluation of Ephedrae Sinicae Herba (ESH), Ephedrae Intermedicae Herba (EIH), Ephedrae Equisetinae Herba (EEH) and Ephedrae Regelianae Herba (ERH). Methods : Permanent paraffin-embedded specimens were produced using the paraffin-tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) method, to visualize their anatomical features via light microscopy. Results : ESH and ERH transverse sections were in the shape of a long ellipse, while those of EIH and EEH were in the shape of a circle. These anatomical characteristics substantiated the results of external morphological examination. The sections revealed that each of the four samples showed significantly different cortexes. The cortex of ESH was wider than two thirds of the section, unlike that of the other samples which was relatively narrow. The xylems of ERH, EIH, and EEH demonstrated interconnectivity with other adjacent xylems, contrary to those in ESH. Therefore, the characteristic development of the xylems over time was used to distinguish ERH from the other. Furthermore, parenchymal morphology in the central cylinder was also a good criterion to differentiate between EIH and EEH, since EIH demonstrated parenchymal cells that were shaped like a rounded-triangle, whereas EEH parenchymal cells were chrysanthemum-shaped. Conclusions : The identification-keys established in this study would facilitate the accurate identification of microscopic features of the four varieties of 'Ma-Hwang'.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.293-299
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• 2007

1. Objectives The main ingredient of ephedra is ephedrine which affects on autonomic nervous system induce some adverse effects just like vasoconstriction, hypertension, tachycardia, miosis, insomnia, dizziness, headache, and etc. and heart disease. If we use Mahuang according to the Sasang constitution classification in clinic, we could not only may minimize the anxiety but maximize the potential curative value in Asthma Treatment. 2. Methods On a day three times in Mahangjungchentang taken patients who with Ventricular septal defect in the aftermath of the RBBB. We are observed that the main symptoms of change, vital sign, sleep, stool, urine, heart disease. 3. Results Teaumin with asthma, the effect of Mahuang, and the side effects are fewer. The individual effects of herbs are important. but Sasang constitutional effects are important too. 4 Conclusions Mahuang can increase heart disease. But there was a difference among Sasang constitution classification. This has no side effects from Teaumin than other constitutions. If we use Mahuang according to the Sasang constitution classification in clinic. We have an excellent effect on the treatment of asthma.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2007

Background : Mahuang (Ephedra sinica) has been used widely to treat respiratory disease in traditional medicine for over thousands years. Mahuang preparations contain approximately $0.75{\sim}1%$ ephedrine alkaloids. Recently in North America, the Eephedra alkaloids has aroused a controversy due to its adverse effects in those using whole extracts as "dietary supplements" for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement. Objective : To discuss the need for clinical practice guidelines on the use of Mahuang. Results and Conclusion : It is widely assumed that Mahuang is one of the useful medicines and is safe for human body. Most of scientific literatures support that the safety of Mahuang prescription in common dosage. However, it has been claimed that there were some warnings and apprehensions about the harmfulness of Mahuang as dietary supplements. This article does not negate the fact that it is necessary to pay more attention for use of Mahuang in clinical situations. We assert that the establishment of clinical practice guideline on the use of Mahuang, which is based on scientific materials and consensus, is required in traditional medicine.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.55-74
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• 2024

Objectives: This study reviewed the status of adverse event (AE) reporting in VigiAccess using anti-obesity agents as examples and explored the possibility of its use and future challenges. Methods: AE reports related to some representative drugs among herbal medicines (HMs), complex HM prescriptions, ingredients of supplements, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines were investigated using VigiAccess on February 1, 2024. Results: AE reports on prescription drugs were overwhelmingly higher than those on HMs or supplements. Although most reports were submitted from North America, reports on Ephedra sinica and green tea extract (GTE) were more from Asia and Europe, respectively. The female population reported more, and the difference in the sex ratio was the smallest for Ephedra spp. The age group was concentrated on young adults, but many older patients reported GLP-1 receptor agonist-related AEs. Symptoms related to the gastrointestinal and nervous systems were most commonly reported, but mental and cardiac disorders were common in Ephedra-type HMs. Hepatobiliary disorders are also commonly found in GTE-related reports. Conclusions: VigiAccess was useful for easily checking the global status of AE reporting for prescription drugs. However, several limitations were observed in using VigiAccess for HMs because of the few reports. Thus, it is necessary to increase the number of reports by education and to promote AE reporting among HM prescribers and users. The full range of HMs should be included in the pharmacovigilance system, and the coding and classification of HMs should be revised.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.32 no.4 s.127
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• pp.257-268
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• 2001

Analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of several herbal medicines were investigated in order to develop the antiinflammatory drugs from oriental herbal medicines. 80% Ethanol extracts of Ephedra sinica, Chaenoleles sinensis, Asiasarum siboldi, Nelumbo nucifera, Scolopendra subspinipes mutians, Evodia officinalis, Aremarrhenae asphodeloides, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Gardenia jasminoides, Piper longum, Carthamus tinctorius, Piperus nigrum, Magnolia officinalis and Siegesbeckia glabrescens showed significant inhibitory effects on hyaluronidase, trypsin, and albumin denaturation in vitro. They also decreased the acetic acid-induced pain and vascular permeability induced by histamine in mice.