• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.10 no.2 s.23
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• pp.25-30
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• 2007

Objectives : Free radical metabolism seems to occupy a remarkably common position in the mechanisms of aging and aging related disease. Oxidative damage to DNA, lipids. proteins and other molecules may contribute to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and possibly neurodegenerative disease. This study was designed to find out whether Carthami Flos Herbal-Acupuncture Solution can scavenge Nitric Oxide(NO) or not. SNAP is NO generator. NO concentration was estimated after 2,6, 12 and 24 hrs in no treatment group, after treatment with Vit. C or 1, 10, 100${\mu}$g/m1 of Carthami Flos Herbal-Acupuncture Solution. There was no significant scavenging effect of Carthami Flos Herbal-Acupuncture Solutionon NO after 2 hrs. But there was a significant scavenging effect of Cafhami Flos Herbal-Acupuncture Solution on NO in 10${\mu}$/m1 group after 6hrs. And there was a significant scavenging effect of carthami Flos Herbal-Acupuncture Solution on NO in 1, 10${\mu}$g/ml group after 12, 24 hrs. These results suggest that Carhami Flos Herbal-Acupuncture Solution has scavenging effect on NO. This study shows that Carthami Flos Herbal-Acupuncture Solution can be used for aging related disease and further studies are required to investigate the antioxidative effects of it.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.86-87
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• 2015

Objectives: Condurango is widely used in various systems of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) against oesophageal and stomach ailments including certain types of cancer. However, until now no systematic study has been conducted to verify its efficacy and dose with proper experimental support. Therefore, we examined if ethanolic extract of Condurango could ameliorate benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced lung cancer in rats in vivo to validate its use as a traditional medicine. Methods: After one month of scheduled BaP feeding (50 mg/kg body-weight), lung cancer developed after four months. BaP-intoxicated rats were then treated with Condurango (0.06 mL) twice daily starting at the end of the four months for an additional one, two and three months, respectively. Effects of Condurango were evaluated by analyzing lung histology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant biomarkers, DNA-fragmentation, RT-PCR (Reverese Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and western blot of several apoptotic signalling markers and comparing the results against those obtained for controls. Results: A histological study revealed gradual progress in lung tissue-repair activity in Condurango-fed cancer-bearing rats, showing gradual tissue recovery after three months of drug administration. Condurango has the capacity to generate ROS, which may contribute to a reduction in anti-oxidative activity and to an induction of oxidative stress-mediated cancer-cell death. Condurango-activated pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, cytochrome-c, apaf-1, ICAD and PARP) and down-regulated antiapoptotic-Bcl-2 expression were noted both at mRNA and protein levels. Studies on caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage by western blot analysis revealed that Condurango induced apoptosis through a caspase-3-dependent pathway. Conclusions: The anticancer efficacy of an ethanolic extract of Condurango for treating BaP-induced lung cancer in rats lends support for its use in various traditional systems of medicine.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the bark extract (Ethanol: Water) in the ratio of (3:1) of Rhizophora mucronata (BERM) by intoxicating the $HepG_2$ cell lines with different toxicants viz, $CCL_4$, Ethanol and Paracetamol with different concentrations of the extract were used. The $HepG_2$ cell lines were subjected to MTT Assay for studying the cytotoxicity. Methods: $HepG_2$ cells were plated using 96 well plate in 10% bovine serum, exposed to different toxicants viz, 2% $CCl_4$, 60% Ethanol and 14 mM Paracetamol respectively. The various test concentrations (18.85, 37.5, 75, 150 and $300{\mu}g/ml$) of bark extract of Rhizophora mucronata was added and incubated for 24 hours. Medium was removed after incubation period and 0.5 mg/ml MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was added and again incubated for 4 hours at 37oC. Then MTT was removed the crystals was dissolved in DMSO and absorbance was measured at 570 nm. Results: The result showed that dose dependent increase in percentage of viability at the doses of 18.85, 37.5, 75, 150, $300{\mu}g/ml$. Te results for the $CCl_4$ intoxicated, at $300{\mu}g/ml$ of the concentration of the extract, the % of viable cells was found out to be 99.6%, for Ethanol intoxicated, 97.67%, and Paracetamol induced, 75.37%, IC50 was $21.53{\mu}g/ml$, $12.61{\mu}g/ml$ and $21.42{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that, the extract possesses defensive effect against different toxicants and can be used as an alternate drug for hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.153-164
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• 2021

Objectives: Despite the low cost and high accessibility of manual acupuncture (MA) treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this intervention has not been uniformly evaluated in systematic reviews (SR), and no SR has evaluated MA monotherapy for CTS. This review was conducted to summarize the findings and undertake a quality assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment methods for mild-to-moderate CTS to identify clinical evidence for the use of MA in CTS. Methods: We searched five databases for articles on relevant RCTs that were published until June 2021 without imposing specific restrictions, such as age or sex, on CTS patients. RCTs that evaluated MA were included without any restriction on comparator interventions. Measurement tools for evaluating pain reduction and functional improvement or for evaluating efficacy using electrophysiological indicators were included as outcome measures. Results: We included seven RCTs, of which three studies reported both post-treatment improvement effects and statistical significance using p-values for all outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant intergroup differences (p-values for all outcomes) in posttreatment improvement. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects of MA. In all of the RCTs, the reporting rates of the 2c, 2a, and 6a items of STRICTA 2010 were 14%, 29%, and 29%, respectively. PC7 (Daereung) was used to treat CTS in all of the included studies. Conclusion: MA can be used for CTS treatment without serious adverse effects. PC7 was the most commonly used acupoint. In order to ensure objective and reliable reporting, accurate standardization of acupuncture treatment methods acupoint terms should be undertaken in future RCTs.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2023

Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases worldwide. The disease initiates with bacterial adherence to the tooth surface followed by the formation of dental plaques. Mutans streptococci and Candida albicans are principal oral microorganisms involved in the initiation and development of dental caries. Phytochemicals have been shown to possess promising antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms and can be used for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Herein, we reviewed literature on plants that are traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties or possess promising anticariogenic activity. We selected aerial parts of Scrophularia striata (S. striata) and galls of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) and investigated their antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms. Methods: Water soluble fractions were obtained from hydroalcoholic extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria and their antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was evaluated separately and in combination. The extracts were then used for preparing an herbal mouthwash whose stability and tannic acid content were evaluated over 60 days. Results: Q. infectoria gall extract possesses efficient antimicrobial activity that was synergistically enhanced in the presence of S. striata extract. Mouthwash prepared using these extracts showed desirable organoleptic characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and stability. Conclusion: Extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria galls can be used together for preparing dental products with effective anticariogenic properties. Our study highlights the importance of extensive pharmacological investigations when using herbal products alone or in combination with other chemical substances.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.5-17
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• 2004

Objective : In order to measure the efficacy of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture by concentration level, we've treated A549 human lung cancer lines with different concentrations of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture and examined mRNA and proteins which take parts in apoptosis. Methods : A549 human lung cancer lines were treated with various concentration levels of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture and cell toxicity was carefully examined. From the analysis of DNA fragmentation, RT-PCR and Western blot, manifestation of mRNA and proteins which are associated with apoptosis were inspected. Results : The following results were obtained on apoptosis of A549 human lung cancer lines after administering various concentration levels of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture. 1. Measuring cell toxicity of lung cancer cells, strong cell toxicity was detected at high concentration level(1000ul, 1200ul), but no consistent concentration dependent reliance was detected. 2. Through DNA fragmentation, we were able to confirm cell destruction in all groups. 3. Experiment groups treated with cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture showed inhibition of Bcl-2 and COX-2 at mRNA and Protein level, whileas increase of Bax was shown. 4. Manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin Dl were confirmed in all groups. 5. Extrication of Cytochrome C was detected at all groups, as well as increased activity of the enzyme caspase-3 and caspase-9, and PARP fragmentation were confirmed. Conclusion : According to the results, we can carefully deduce cell destruction of A549 human lung cancer lines were induced by Apoptosis. At the fixed level, cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture showed decrease of Bcl-2 and COX-2, as well as increase of Bax. Since cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture increases manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin Dl, it affects cellular cycle and through these phenomena, we can consider extrication of Cytochrome C, increase of caspase, and PARP fragmentation are the results.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.9 no.3 s.21
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• pp.23-35
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Asthma-depression and Immunoregulation with PR-HAS(Herbal-acupuncture with Platycodi Radix infusion solution) infection at Joksamni(St36) on ovalbumin-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA(ovalbumin) for 12 weeks(once a week). The experimental group(OVA-PR-HA) was treated with concentrations(1%) of PR-HAS at Joksamni(St36) for the later 8 weeks(3times/week). The second experimental group(OVA-Needle prick) was treated with Needle-Prick at Joksamni(St36) for the later 8 weeks(3times/week). Results : 1. The weight and total cells in the mice lung treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with that of control group. 2. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased remarkably compared with those of control group. 3. The sticking of collagen on histological analysis of lung sections, the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 4. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IgE in BALF, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in serum of the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 5. The number of Gr-1+/CD11b+ and CD11b+ cells in the lungs of the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with that of control group. 6. The numbers of CCR3+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells in the lungs, and CD3e+/CD69+ in the lungs of the mice group treated with PA-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 7. The mRNA expression of ${\beta}$-actin, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in the mice group treated with PR-HA with RT-PCR decreased significantly compared with those of control group. Conclusions : These result suggests that Platycodi Radix Herbal-acupuncture at Joksamni(St36) in C57BL/6mice may be an effictive part to OVA-induced asthma in C57BL/6 mice.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 2016

Objectives: Cornu cervi pantotrichum (CCP) has been widely used in Korean and China, as an anti-fatigue, anti-aging, and tonic agent to enhance the functions of the reproductive and the immune systems. Because CCP has various growth factors that play important roles in the development of hair follicles, we examined whether CCP pharmacopuncture solution (CCPPS) was capable of promoting hair growth in an animal model. Methods: One day after hair depilation, CCPPS were topically applied to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice once a day for 15 days. Hair growth activity was evaluated by using macro- and microscopic observations. Dorsal skin tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Expressions of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-7 were examined by using immunohistochemical staining. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was also conducted to measure the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FGF-7. Results: CCPPS induced more active hair growth than normal saline. Histologic analysis showed enlargement of the dermal papilla, elongation of the hair shaft, and expansion of hair thickness in CCPPS treated mice, indicating that CCPPS effectively induced the development of anagen. CCPPS treatment markedly increased the expressions of BrdU and PCNA in the hair follicles of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, CCPPS up regulated the expression of FGF-7, which plays an important role in the development of hair follicles. Conclusion: These results reveal that CCPPS facilitates hair re-growth by proliferation of hair follicular cells and up-regulation of FGF-7 and suggest that CCPPS can potentially be applied as an alternative treatment for patients with alopecia.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.5-17
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• 2011

Objectives : Gliosis becomes physical and mechanical barrier to axonal regeneration. Reactive gliosis induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion is involved with up-regulation of CD81 and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein). The current study is to examine the effect of the Angelica gigas Nakai(intravenous injection. 100 mg/kg twice in a day) on CD81 and GFAP of the rat in the brain after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Methods : Cerebral infarction was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. And after intravenous injection of water extract of Angelica gigas Nakai, the size of cerebral infarction was measured. Examination of optical microscope were also used to detect the expression of CD81 and GFAP in the brain of the rat. Results : The following results were obtained : We found that size of cerebral infarcion induced by MCAO (Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion) in rats were decreased after intravenous injection of Angelica gigas Nakai. We injected the extract of Angelica gigas Nakai to the MCAO in rats, and the optical microscope study showed that Angelica gigas Nakai had effect on protecting the cells of hippocampus. We found that GFAP, CD81 and ERK of the brain in rats with cerebral infarction after MCAO were meaningfully decreased after intravenous injecting Angelica gigas Nakai. We found that c-Fos expression of the brain in rats with cerebral infarction after MCAO were significantly increased after intravenous injecting Angelica gigas Nakai. Conclusions : These results indicate that Angelica gigas Nakai could suppress the reactive gliosis, which disturbs the astrocyte regeneration in the brain of the rat with cerebral infarction after MCAO by controlling the expression of CD81 and GFAP. And the effect may be modulated by the up-regulation of c-Fos and ERK.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.106-113
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• 2022

Objectives: Herbal medicine is a worldwide health topic. Vitex agnus-castus L. (VAC) is a popular plant used for gynecologic problems due to its hormonal effects. The aim of this study is to reveal VAC extract effect on fetus when this herb is used started from antenatal period or during pregnancy. Methods: Performed from starting day of January 2019 till February 2019, 48 rats were assigned in randomly divided eight-member six groups: control (C1), treated group with 365 mg/kg VAC from initiation of insemination (T1) and 30 days prior to pregnancy (T2), control that underwent caesarean section on 15^th day of gestational age (C2) and treated group with 365 mg/kg VAC from initiation of insemination (T3) and 30 days prior to pregnancy (T4) that underwent caesarean section. Weight, sex and number of fetuses, abortion and still birth rate and estradiol level were evaluated using t-test by SPSS software. Results: We showed increased weight among T1 group considering totally and sex-dependent which is significant (all p-value < 0.05). We also detected significantly decreased weight in T2 in total (p-value < 0.0001) and when considering female fetuses (0.043) but not males (0.17). Although the results showed slightly non-significant increased weight among fetuses of T3 (totally or based on the fetus sex) compared to the control group (C2), T4 group had statistically decreased weight compared to control group. Pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcome were affected by VAC usage. The time of VAC initiation also affected live birth and abortion rates. Conclusion: VAC extract may affect pregnancy rate, live birth rate, abortion and stillbirth rates. Its effect on the weight and the sex showed dual pattern depends on the time of initiation and pregnancy trimester of evaluation. Prescribing this medicinal plant for patients being prone to pregnancy should be with caution. Further study is recommended.