• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.227-239
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• 2010

Objective : The purpose of this study was to develop the simulator which can analyze the anti-inflammatory effects of herbs based on e-cell, or the virtual cell. Method : We have ensured the medical herbs and its active compounds by investigating the oriental medicine records and NBCI(Biomedicine database). Also we have developed the web-based search system for confirming database related to anti-inflammation. We have researched the cell signal pathway related with inflammatory response control and established the mathematical model of herb interaction on selected signal pathway in e-cell. Finally we have developed the prototype which can confirm the result of this model visibly. Results : We constructed the database of 62 cases of anti-inflammatory active compounds in 61 cases of medical herbs which have been known anti-inflammation effects in the paper, 16 cases of inflammatory factors, 10 cases of signal pathways related with inflammatory response and 6,834 cases of URL(Uniform Resource Locator) of referenced papers. And we embodied the web-based research system, which can research this database. User can search basic and detailed information of medical plants related with anti-inflammatory by using information system. And user can acquire information on an active compounds, a signal pathway and a link URL of related paper. Among investigated ten pathways, we selected NF-${\kappa}B$, which plays important role in activation of immune system, and we searched the mechanisms of actions of proteins which could be components of this pathway. We reduced total network into IKK-$I{\kappa}B$ - NF-${\kappa}B$, and completed mathematic modeling by using ordinary differential equations and response variables of $I{\kappa}B-NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling model network which is suggested by Baltimore Group. We designed OED(Ordinary Differential Equation) for response of IKK, $I{\kappa}B$, $NF-{\kappa}B$ in e-cell's cytoplasm and nucleus, and measured whether an active compound of medicinal plants which is inputted by an user would have a anti-inflammation effects in obedience to change in concentration over time. The proposed model was verified by using experimental results of the papers which are listed on NCBI.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.157-167
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Hwangryunhaedok-tang on the gastritis treatment. Methods : A total of 20 subjects who visited Pusan National University Hospital from April 2nd, 2019 to September 2nd, 2019 were included. In this study, we evaluated the individual symptoms through questionnaires, laboratory test, BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), and adverse reaction according to medication. Statistical analysis was performed with paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Statistical significance was achieved if the probability was less than 5% (p < 0.05). Results : After medications, the total score of individual symptoms, primary outcome, was significantly decreased. In particular, individual symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn and trim showed significant improvement. However, no statistically significant differences were found in nausea/vomiting and anorexia. In additions, the laboratory test showed a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, but no statistically significant differences in results of BIA. In the safety evaluation, adverse reactions were not reported. Conclusions : Considering this results, we have confirmed the possibility of Hwangryunhaedok-tang to the gastritis treatment.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.239-252
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• 2021

Objectives : This study is to effect of improving muscle atrophy through water extract on the solid-phase fermentation extraction with Phellinus linteus of discarded Schisandra chinensis in an atorvastatin-induced atrophy C2C12 cell. Methods : C2C12 myoblast were differentiated into myotube by 2% horse serum medium for 6 days, and then treated solid-phase fermentation(S-P) extract at different concentrations for 24h. To investigate the effect of S-P extract on the induction of muscle atrophy and expression of atrophy-related genes and apoptosis in differentiated C2C12 myotubes using a GSH, ROS, real-time PCR, western blots analysis. Results : As a result of treatment with atorvastatin at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 uM on the 6th day of differentiation in C2C12 myotube cells, it was confirmed that the cell morphology was damaged in a concentration-dependent manner, and the length and thickness of the myotube also decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with S-P extract (50, 100 and 200 ㎍/㎖) increased of GSH and inhibited ROS in the atorvastatin-induced muscle atrophy cell model at a concentration that did not induce toxicity. In addition, it was confirmed that it has an effect on muscle reduction by inhibiting apoptosis of muscle cells as well as being involved in protein production and degradation of muscle cells. Conclusions : Atorvastatin-induced atrophy C2C12 cell, S-P extract activates related to differentiation/generation and proteolysis, and inhibits cell death of atrophy in C2C12 cell. Based on this, it is necessary to prove its effectiveness through animal models and human application test, but it is considered to be discarded Schisandra chinensis can present the potential for development as a recycling industrial material.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.321-329
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• 2021

This case study reports the effects of complex Korean medicine treatment, including Nangan-jeon, on Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) accompanied by chronic constipation and abdominal pain as the main symptoms. A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with LEMS with major symptoms, including chronic constipation and acute abdominal pain, received Western treatment. The treatment efficacy was weak and symptoms recurred, so the patient received outpatient treatment and 13 days of hospitalization for active Korean medicine treatment, including Nangan-jeon. During outpatient treatment and hospitalization, defecation frequency and the numeric rating scale (NRS) for abdominal pain and abdominal cold feeling were measured. The NRS for abdominal pain and cold decreased from 8 at admission to 3 and 0, respectively, at discharge. Defecation frequency increased significantly from once or twice a month to once every 2-3 days during hospitalization. This study results that complex Korean medicine treatment, including Nangan-jeon may be useful for treating patients who mainly complain of autonomic neurological symptoms, among patients diagnosed with LEMS. In addition, it is believed that it could be basic data applicable to more LEMS patient treatment cases.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.295-306
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• 2018

Schisandra chinensis (SC) and Lycium chinense (LC) were widely distributed in Asia and the fruit has been used traditionally for medicinal herbs. The processing method was solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus oryzae for 48 h after stir-frying treatment at $220^{\circ}C$ for 12 min. In this study, in vitro the anti-inflammatory effect and in vivo hangover reduction were compared to unprocessed SC and LC water extract. Anti-inflammatory effects have been evaluated in pro-inflammatory mediators which were secreted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric oxide (NO) was determined using Griess reaction. Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ and interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities were compared to processed SC or LC and mixtures thereof (1:1). In vivo study was compared to hangover relief in alcohol-fed mice. After administering a mixture of SC and LC (300 mg/kg) water extract (1:1), mice were fed 3 g/kg of ethanol. Serum was collected at 1, 3, and 5 h intervals to analyze ethanol and acetaldehyde levels using a colorimetric assay kit. The processed SC and LC water extracts compared to raw materials significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO and inflammatory cytokine production in RAW 264.7 cells. The results of the hangover mouse model are also consistent with anti-inflammatory effects. These results suggest that processed SC and LC extracts may be functional materials for the treatment of inflammation and hangover.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.101-120
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• 2019

PURPOSE : Euonymi Lignum Suberalatum (EL) is the stem fin of Euonymi alatus. In traditional Korean medicine, EL is used for treatment of uterine bleeding, metritis and static blood. Recently, many studies have reported several pharmacological effects of EL including anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic activity, and anti-oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory effects by the EL is not established. METHODS : To investigate anti-inflammatory effects of Euonymi Lignum Suberalatum Water (ELWE), Raw 264.7 cells were pre-treated with $10-300{\mu}g/mL$ of ELWE, and then exposed to $1{\mu}g/mL$ of LPS. Levels of NO, IL-6, $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were detected by ELISA kit. Expression of pro-inflammatory proteins were determined by immunoblot analysis. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, rat paw edema volume, and expressions of COX-2 and iNOS proteins in carrageenan (CA)-induced rat paw edema model. RESULTS : NO production activated by LPS, was decreased by $30-300{\mu}g/mL$ of ELWE. Production of inflammatory mediators such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, ILs, $PGE_2$ were decreased by ELWE 100 and $300{\mu}g/mL$. In addition, ELWE reduced LPS-mediated iNOS and COX-2 expression. Moreover, ELWE increased $I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ expression in cytoplasm and decreased $NF-{\kappa}B$ expression in nucleus. In vivo study, ELWE reduced the increases of paw swelling, and expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in paw edema induced by CA injection. CONCLUSION : The results indicate that ELWE could inhibit the acute inflammatory response, via modulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Furthermore, inhibition of rat paw edema induced by CA is considered as clear evidence that ELWE may be a useful source to treat acute inflammation.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.127-145
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Daeganghwal-tang on knee cartilage in monosodium iodoacetate(MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods : Forty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups(n=8/group): normal group was SD rats group injected with normal saline at left knee joint and administrated orally distilled water, control group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally distilled water, Indomethacin group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally indomethacin 2 mg/kg, DGHT(L) group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally 1280 mg/kg of Daeganghwal-tang, and DGHT(H) group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally 2560 mg/kg of Daeganghwal-tang. After orally administration of drugs for 4 weeks, gross appearance and histological analysis were used to evaluate the degree of knee cartilage damage. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines, bone degrade factor and bone defence factors were analyzed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and cartilage protection effects of Daeganghwal-tang. Also, hematological test, biochemical test, and liver and kidney tissue were analyzed to determine the safety of Daeganghwal-tang. Results : Daeganghwal-tang inhibited the damage of the knee cartilage, and significantly prevented the reduction in cartilage thickness. In addition, the pro-inflammatory cytokines and the bone degrade factor significantly decreased, and the bone defence factors significantly increased. In the safety assessment of Daeganghwal-tang, there were no significant differences among the experimental groups and no abnormal findings were observed. Conclusions : Daeganghwal-tang has anti-inflammatory effect, inhibits cartilage damage, and protects cartilage in MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2021

Objectives : This study investigated cellular-protective effects of Nardotidis seu Sulculii Concha water extract (NSCE) against oxidative stress induced by arachidonic acid (AA)+iron or tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP). Methods : In vitro, MTT assay was assessed for cell viability, and immunoblotting analysis was performed to detect expression of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and autophagy related proteins. In vivo, mice were orally administrated with the aqueous extract of NSCE of 500 mg/kg for 3 days, and then injected with CCl₄ 0.5 mg/kg body weight to induce acute damage. The level of liver damage was measured by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analysis. Results : Treatment with NSCE inhibited cell death induced by AA+iron and tBHP. NSCE induced the phosphorylation of AMPK, and this compound also induced the phosphorylation of LKB1, an upstream kinase of AMPK, and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a primary downstream target of AMPK. NSCE increased the protein levels of autophagic markers (LC3II and beclin-1) and decreased the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and simultaneously increased the phosphorylation of unc-51-like kinase-1 (ULK-1) in time-dependent manner. Conclusions : NSCE has the ability 1) to protect cells against oxidative stress induced by AA+iron or tBHP. NSCE 2) to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and 3) to regulate autophagy, an important regulator in cell survival.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.33-44
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• 2021

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI), an important cause of acute renal failure (ARF), cause increased renal tubular injury. Jesaeng-sinkihwan (JSH) was recorded in a traditional Chines medical book named "Bangyakhappyeon (方藥合編)". JSH has been used for treatment of diabetes and glomerulonephritis with patients. Here we investigate the effects of Jesaeng-sinkihwan (JSH) in a mouse model of ischemic acute kidney injury. The animals model were divided into four groups at the age of 8 weeks; sham group: C57BL6 male mice (n=9), I/R group: C57BL6 male mice with I/R surgery (n=9), JSH Low group: C57BL6 male mice with surgery + JSH 100 mg/kg/day (n=9) and JSH High group: C57BL6 male mice with surgery + JSH 300 mg/kg/day (n=9). Ischemia was induced by clamping the both renal arteries during 25 min, and reperfusion was followed. Mouse were orally given with JSH (100 and 300 mg/kg/day during 3 days after surgery. Treatment with JSH significantly ameliorates creatinine clearance(Ccr), Creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in obtained plasma. . Treatment with JSH reduced kidney inflammation markers such as Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). JSH also reduced the periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining intensity and picro sirius red staining intensity in kidney of I/R group. These findings suggest that JSH ameliorates tubular injury including renal dysfunction in I/R induced ARF mouse.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.81-91
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• 2021

Objectives : This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a complex mixture of natural substances of ginseng and baeknyeoncho on the arthritic rats. Methods : In vitro experiments were conducted to ensure the stability of the complex. After setting toxicity and concentration by MTT assay, the antioxidant effect was measured through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of the complex, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were measured in LPS-treated macrophage cell lines (RAW264.7). We injected monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) 50 μl (60 mg/ml) into knee joints of rats to induce osteoarthritis. The rats were divided into three groups (normal (n=5), control (n=5), and OR (n=5) group). The control group consumed 2 mg/kg of physiological saline once a day for 4 weeks, and the OR group was mixed at a concentration of 416.5 mg/kg of Baengnyeoncho (O) and 208.25 mg/kg of red ginseng (R) and ingested 1 mL each 5 days a week. Results : This complex increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rate. The complex decreased NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of macrophages. In the OR group, the secretion of cytokine in serum was decreased. In histopathological examination, the joint tissue of the composite showed less damage to the synovial membrane, cartilage, and fibrous tissue than the control group. Conclusions : As a result of this study, natural complexes have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cartilage protection effects. Therefore, we expect the complex to be effective in treating osteoarthritis.