• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.166-178
• /
• 2003

Objectives : Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in normal and pathophysiological cells as a messenger molecule, neurotransmitter, microbiological agent, or dilator of blood vessels and arteriosclerosis, respectively. This study was undertaken to understand the mechanism of NO production and effect of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) on NO production in cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Methods and Results : VSMC was isolated from aorta and cultured. Cultured primary cells were identified as VSMC with anti--smooth muscle actin antibody. A large amount of NO was produced in cultured VSMC treated with $IFN-{\gamma}$ plus TNF in a time- and dose-dependent manner. $TNF-{\alpha}$ was a more efficient stimulator than $IFN-{\gamma}$ in NO production of cultured VSMC. iNOS protein wasdetected within 3 hrs and it increased up to 12 hrs in a time-dependent manner. However, accumulated NO in cytokine-treated VSMC was not detected within 3 hrs. NO production in cytokine-treated VSMC showed the dose- and time-dependent manner, and increased up to 48 hrs. The activated VSMC produced a large amount of NO (about 60 uM). Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) alone did not induceNO production, but it potentiated the effect of $TNF-{\alpha}$ on NO production and increased NO production by about 20%. Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) did not affect the transcriptional activity of iNOS gene, but increased the accumulation of iNOS. These results indicate that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) could modulate the translational level of iNOS. PKC did not modulate NO production, but calcium ionophore A23187 decreased NO production. However, Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) elevated the decreased NO production in A23187-treated VSMC by modulating the stability of iNOS transcripts. Half-life of the synthesized transcripts appeared to have about 6 hrs. PDTC, an $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor, blocked the accumulation of iNOS mRNA, indicating that $NF-{\kappa}B$ served as an important modulator in the transcriptional regulation of iNOS. As Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) potentiated the effect of the $TNF-{\alpha}$ on NO production but had no additional effect on PDTC-modulated NO production, it is suggested that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) enhances the $TNF-{\alpha}-mediated$ NO production of VSMC by modulating the iNOS activity and the stability of iNOS transcripts in activated VSMC having the elevated intracellular calcium ion. Conclusions : This study suggests that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) has a potential capacity for preventing and treating diseases of the circulation system, including arteriosclerosis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.164-174
• /
• 2011

Objective: The antiplatelet agent aspirin has been widely used for treating atherosclerosis in western medicine, and its efficacy has been proven in cardiac and extracardiac vascular diseases. On the other hand, Hyeolbuchukeo-tang has been widely used for treating blood stasis syndrome in traditional medicine. Therefore we investigated whether Hyeolbuchukeo-tang could have a synergic effect along with aspirin. Methods & Materials: Male $ApoE^{(-/-)}$ mice were randomly divided into three different experimental groups: a non-treated group(Control group), an aspirin-treated group(AP group), and an aspirin with Hyeolbuchukeo-tang-treated group(APH group). The control group was fed only an atherogenic diet, the AP group an atherogenic diet plus Aspirin 5 mg/kg, and the APH group an atherogenic diet plus Aspirin 5 mg/kg with Hyeolbuchukeo-tang 100 mg/kg. We investigated plasma lipid with liver function test, and performed the histological investigation of liver and abdominal aorta. Results: 1. We investigated photomicrographic changes of liver and abdominal aorta tissue. They showed that histological injury of aorta and lipid accumulations of the liver were lower in the AP and APH groups than in the control group. 2. In the APH group, plasma triglyceride levels were significantly lower than those in the control and AP groups. 3. There were no differences in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels among the control, AP and APH groups. Conclusion: The above results show that a combined treatment of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang and aspirin has a somewhat synergic effect in terms of inhibiting vessel injury and decreasing lipid deposits on liver cells without liver toxicity.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.319-332
• /
• 2017

Objectives: The present study aimed to provide clinical evidence on the effect of herbal medicine, Hyeolbuchukeo-tang or Xuefu Zhuyu decoction for the treatment of primary insomnia using a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: This study included RCTs that verified the effects of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang or Xuefu Zhuyu decoction for the treatment of primary insomnia. Literature searches of English, Chinese and Korean databases were performed, and the selected literature was assessed for investigating the risk of bias. Results: The analysis included 10 RCTs. The Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders-3 was most frequently used to define the diagnostic criteria for Hyeolbuchukeo-tang or Xuefu Zhuyu decoction intervention in patients with primary insomnia. The effective rate was the most commonly used outcome measure. A meta-analysis revealed that the effective rate, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Athens Insomnia Scale in the Modified Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (MXZD) group were higher compared to Western Medicine (WM) group (RR: 1.17, 95% Cl: 1.08 to 1.26, p<0.0001, $I^2$=0/MD: -1.29, 95% Cl: -2.09 to -0.49, p=0.002, $I^2$=0%/MD: -0.99, 95% Cl: -1.81 to -0.18, p=0.02, $I^2$=15%). The effective rate of the MXZD+WM group was significantly different compared to the WM group (RR: 1.28, 95% Cl: 1.11 to 1.47, p=0.0006, $I^2$=2%). The included RCTs were of relatively poor quality and had small sample sizes. Conclusions: Treatment with Hyeolbuchukeo-tang or Xuefu Zhuyu decoction was found to be effective in treating primary insomnia. However, the included RCTs were of relatively poor quality and had small sample sizes. It is hypothesized that this study could serve as a foundation for further clinical studies on the development of diagnosis and treatment methods for primary insomnia based on Korean medicine.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.19-27
• /
• 2002

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the effect of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (HCT) on NO production and the molecular mechanism of NO production modulated by HCT in the primary VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cells). Method : Primary VSMC was established from aorta and cultured VSMC used in this study. NO production of VSMC was assayed by Griess reagent and the expression of iNOS gene was assayed by Western, RT-PCR. Result : $TNF-{\gamma}$ induced NO production, but $IFN-{\gamma}$ or HCT alone did not induce NO production in cultured VSMC. However, $IFN-{\gamma}$ or HCT potentiated NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC in a time- and dose-dependent manner. $TNF-{\gamma}$ induced the iNOS gene expression corresponding to NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC. HCT potentiated NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC by about 20%, but HCT did not increase the level of iNOS mRNA in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC. HCT slightly increased the level of iNOS protein in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC. Calcium ionophore A23187 decreased NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC, but HCT attenuated the effect of A23187. Conclusion : As NO is deeply involved in the development of arteriosclerosis and dilation of blood vessels, drugs or chemicals modulating NO production in VSMC could be used for preventing and treating arteriosclerosis. Considering the effect of HCT on the modulation of NO production in VSMC, MCT has a potential capacity for preventing and treating diseases of the circulation system including arteriosclerosis.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.65-76
• /
• 2004

Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a geriatric dementia that is widespread in old ages. In the future AD will be the largest problem in public health service. From old times, much medicines have been used for treatment of dementia, but there is no medicine having obvious effects. AD is one of brain retrogression disease. So we studied on herbal medicine that have a relation for brain retrogression. From old times, in oriental medicine, senile disease such as dementia and AD is treated by exclusion of Tan(痰). But Vascular Dementia(VsD) is due to YuXue(瘀血). So in recent studies, Hua Xue Hua Yu(活血化瘀) medicine is used for precautionary and medical treatment. We studied on the effects for anti-Alzheimer in pCT105-induced neuroblastoma cell lines by Hyeolbuchukeo-tang(HCT). As the results of this study, in HCT group, the apoptosis in the nervous system is inhibited, the repair against the degeneration of Neuroblastoma cells by CT105 expression is promoted. These results indicate that HCT possess strong inhibitory effect of apoptosis in the nervous system and repair effect against the degeneration of neuroblastoma cells by CT105 expression.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.25-40
• /
• 2023

Background: Although not clarified, the overall prevalence of visual field loss after stroke was estimated at 52% of stroke survivors and for visual acuity loss, at 70% of them. Among visual field loss patients after stroke, homonymous hemianopia is the most common symptom. Visual defect degrades the quality of life by disrupting independent life and affecting the survival of the patients, but highly-evidenced treatment has not been found until now. ■Case report A 51-year-old female with left-side homonymous hemianopia and central vision loss by a right occipital-temporal hemorrhage was treated with Hyeolbuchukeo-tang, Ikgibohyeol-tang, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion. We used a confrontation visual field exam, automated perimetry and visual analog scale, and visual acuity test to observe changes in the patient's symptoms and evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. After 61 days of such interventions, the patient's subjective discomfort lessened, followed by positive changes in the scales of tests mentioned above. ■Conclusion This case suggests that combined Korean medicine treatment might be an effective tool for treating post-stroke homonymous hemianopia and central vision loss. More studies should be conducted to support the effectiveness of the treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.43-65
• /
• 2012

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Hyeolbuchukeotang( HCT) on the Estradiol Valerate(EV) induced Polycystic Ovaries and the Implantation of rats. Methods: PCO was induced by single intramuscular(IM) injection with EV in female rats. Normal group(n=8) were injected with sesame oil and orally administrated distilled water for 60 days. Control group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated distilled water for 60 days. HCT treated group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated HCT for 60 days. At the end day of experiment, we measured weights of body, ovaries, adrenal glands, uterus and contents of serum LH, FSH, ADD. The histomorphometrical changes of ovaries were also evaluated. And we observed the NGF and CRF expression by immunohistochemistry. Also we observed the mating and count the number of implantation. Results: - The weights(mg) of ovaries in HCT treated group($58.9{\pm}6.5$) were significantly increased (p<0.01) compared with control group ($42.3{\pm}8.5$). - The number of mature follicles in HCT treated group($9.8{\pm}2.6$) was significantly increased (p<0.01) compared with control group($6.1{\pm}2.1$). - The number of cystic follicles in HCT treated group($1.6{\pm}1.2$) was significantly decreased (p<0.01) compared with control group($3.8{\pm}1.5$). - The value of serum FSH(mIU/ml) in HCT treated group($3.870{\pm}2.151$) was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared with control group($10.476{\pm}6.294$). - The expression of NGF-immunoreactive cells in the ovarian cells in HCT treated group was lesser observed than control group. - The number of implantation in HCT treated group($7.4{\pm}1.8$) was significantly increased (p<0.05) compared with control group($3.1{\pm}4.4$). Conclusions: Hyeolbuchukeo-tang(HCT) is effect on polycystic ovaries and the implantation of rats by EV-induced.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.308-322
• /
• 2021

Objectives: This study investigates the latest clinical studies on Korean medicine treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in China. Methods: A CNKI search investigated the last 10 years of clinical studies of Korean medicine treatments in Chinese medical journals for CSDH. The search focused on authors, publication years, types of studies, purposes of studies, methods and duration of treatment, evaluation criteria, and results of treatment. Results: In 19 studies, there were 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 4 case series, and 1 case-control study. In all 19 studies, Korean medical treatment and Western treatment were combined. Herbal medicine was used in 19 studies and acupuncture treatment in 2 studies. The most frequently used prescription was Hyeolbuchukeo-tang-gagambang, and the most frequently used acupoint was PC6. In all 19 studies, the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment performed in parallel with Western treatment was confirmed. Conclusions: In this study, Korean medicine combined with Western treatment for CSDH was effective. More clinical studies and case reports are required to develop a guided treatment for CSDH.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.271-279
• /
• 2014

Chronic prostatitis is a common disease among male. However, its cause and treatment are not known and it does easily come to the patients again after some treatment. Chinese has got an active research on chronic prostatitis of traditional Chinese medicine. We researched the Chinese publications from 2003 to 2013. After translating those publications, we analyzed total 64 publications by classifying those according to frequently used prescriptions, differentiation of symptoms, signs, addition and subtraction of each medicine and the quantity of frequently used medicines. Frequently used medicines were statistically analyzed. The prescription of chronic prostatitis was classified according to its stage. Paljeongsan(八正散) or Yongdamsagan-tang(龍膽瀉肝湯) was used during the early stage of chronic prostatitis, Sobokchukeo-tang(少腹逐瘀湯) or Hyeolbuchukeo-tang(血府逐瘀湯類) was used during the middle stage, and Jibaekjihwang-tang(知柏地黃湯) or Gyebujihwang-tang(桂附地黃湯) was used during the late stage. The most frequently used medicine was Phellodendri Cortex(黃柏), mentioned 43 times in the prescriptions. This analysis report would be able to provide the basis of taking a research on chronic prostatitis. In addition, it could be applied on a stereotype of chronic prostatitis as well as a variety of symptoms with frequently used prescription and addition and subtraction of each medicine.