• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.129-142
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• 2005

Objective : Asthma is known as chronic airway inflammatory disease. This inflammation is conducted by various inflammatory cells including eosihophil. Chemotaxis is one way that circulating inflammatory cells invade a specific lesion. This study examines the degree to which Lonicerae Flos inhibits eosinophil chemotaxis at pulmonary epithelium after allergic stimulation. Material and Methods : Water extracts of Lonicerae Flos and pulmonary epithelial cell lines A549(human type II-like epithelial cells) and human eosinophils were used. Cytotoxic effects of Lonicerae Flos via MTS assay were estimated, as well as the effects of Lonicerae Flos on chemokines from prestimulated A549 cells by sandwich ELISA and RT-PCR. Chemotaxis assay was conducted on prestimulated eosinophils treated with Lonicerae Flos. Result : In this study $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-4, $IL-l{\beta}$ were seen to induced the accumulation of chemokines mRNA in the pulmonary epithelial cell lines A549 in a dose-dependent manner. Chemokines were inhibited by Liripois Tuber in a dose-dependent manner and especially, IL-8 and ICAM-l were inhibited considerably at $100\;{\mu}g/ml$ concentration of Lonicerae Flos. The eosinophil migration is inhibited in high concentration of Lonicerae Flos in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These findings indicate that the supression of the expression of chemokines can be accomplished by Lonicerae Flos treatment, raising the possibility that Lonicerae Flos might be of therapeutic value in diseases such as asthma.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.630-637
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• 2010

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lonicerae Flos, aqueous extracts of the dried flower bud part of Lonicera japonica on the 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced rat hypothyroidism. Aqueous extracts of Lonicerae Flos (LF yield = 23.80%) were administered, once day for 42 days from 2 weeks before start of PTU treatment as an oral dose of 500 and 250 mg/kg (body weight), and hypothyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous treatment of PTU 10 mg/kg for 28 days. The changes on the body weight, thyroid gland weights, serum thyroid hormone - thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), tri-iodothyronine ($T_3$) and thyroxine ($T_4$), serum lipid profiles - total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride were observed with liver antioxidant defense system - lipid peroxidation, $H_2O_2$, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and serum asparte aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) analysis. Results were compared with Levothyroxine ($LT_4$) 0.5 mg/kg treated rats. As results of PTU treatment, marked decreases of body weights, serum thyroid hormone levels and triglyceride contents, liver $H_2O_2_3$ and SOD activities were observed with increases of serum AST and HDL contents, liver CAT activities, thyroid gland weight. However, these PTU induced hypothyroidism were dose-dependently inhibited by treatment of LF extracts, and LF extracts effectively regulated the hypothyroidism related changes on the antioxidant defense system. The results obtained in this study suggest that LF extracts have favorable effects on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effects on the hypothyroidism mediated by the modulatory effects on the antioxidant defense system.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.642-647
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• 2005

Lonicerae Flos was extracted with methanol and successively fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol to investigate their antimicrobial effects against food-borne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria using paper disc method. Ethyl acetate extracts of L. Flos showed highest antimicrobial activity against Shigella dysenteriae. Synergistic effect in inhibition was observed when L. Flos extract was mixed with Artemisa capillaris extract as compared to using each extract alone. Growth inhibition curves were determined using ethyl acetate extracts of L. Flos against Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. dysenteriae. Ethyl acetate extract of L. Flos had antimicrobial activity against S. dysenteriae at 3,000 ppm, retarding growth of S. dysenteriae up to 12 hr.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 2011

Objectives This study was designed to examine antimicrobial effects of Fermented Coptidis rhizoma and Lonicerae Flos against pathogens. Methods Lactobacilli MRS broth was added to 200mL glass bottle containing 20% herb powder(w/v) followed by 30 minute sonication and then shaking at 70 rpm in $70^{\circ}C$ water bath for 3 hours in order to extract fermented herb. Fermented herb extract was autoclaved at $121^{\circ}$ for 15minutes. $2{\times}10^7$ CFU/mL subcultured bacteria was inoculated and cultured for 24 hours and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes. After transferring to 15 mL conical tube, the viable cells were counted. Results and Conclusion Fermented Coptidis rhizoma and Lonicerae Flos both showed antimicrobial effect on pathogens especially when Fermented Coptidis rhizoma was experimented against Staphylococcus aureus.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.121-132
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• 2010

Inflammatory reaction is characterized by over-production of inflammatory mediators due to an up-regulation of inflammatory pathways, which produce pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-$\alpha$), prostaglantin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and nitric oxide (NO) in U937 cells. We investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of water extracts from Lonicerae Flos and Scutellariae Radix in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated U937 cells. Each extract suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-$\alpha$, and $PGE_2$) and the expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS- stimulated U937 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These suppressive effects were synergistically increased by their combination. Their combination extract also inhibited NF-${\kappa}B$-DNA complex of NF-${\kappa}B$ binding activity and translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ from cytosol to nucleus. These results suggest that the combination of water-extractable components of Lonicerae Flos and Scutellariae Radix may be useful for therapeutic drugs against inflammatory immune diseases, probably by suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.539-553
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• 2010

Objectives : The object of this study was to obtain accurate information (single oral dose toxicity) of Lonicerae Flos (LF; Dried flower bud parts of Lonicera japonica Thunb (Caprifoliaceae)), which has traditionally been used in Korean medicine for treating various inflammatory diseases. Methods : In order to observe the 50% lethal dose (LD 50), approximate lethal dosage (ALD) and target organs, test articles were once orally administered to female and male ICR mice at dose levels of 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 0 (control) mg/kg (body weight.). The mortality and changes on body weight, clinical signs and gross observation were monitored for 14 days after single oral treatment of LF aqueous extracts with organ weights and histopathological observations of 12 types of principle organs. Results : 1. After single oral treatment of LF aqueous extracts, we could not find any mortality and toxicological evidences up to 2,000 mg/kg treated group, the limited dosages in rodents at body and organ weights, clinical signs, gross and histopathological observations. 2. Slight diarrhea was detected in most mice treated with 2,000 mg/kg of LF aqueous extracts and male mice of LF aqueous extracts 1,000 mg/kg within 2 days after end of treatment, respectively. Conclusion : The results obtained in this study suggest that the LD 50 and ALD of LF aqueous extracts in both female and male mice after single oral treatment were considered as over 2,000 mg/kg because no mortalities were detected up to 2000 mg/kg, the highest dose recommended by KFDA and OECD. However, we also observed the possibility of digestive disorders like diarrhea when over 1,000 mg/kg of LF aqueous extracts were administered in the present study.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.24-32
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was to investigate the antioxiative capacity, antiobesity effects of Atractylodes Rhizoma Alba, Houttuyniae Herba, Lonicerae Flos, Scutellariae Radix, and Coptidis Rhizoma on Raw 264.7 and 3T3-L1 cell lines. Methods: Three different types of herb extracts (A. Rhizoma Alba, H. Herba, L. Flos, S. Radix, and C. Rhizoma; water 100%, ethanol 30%, ethanol 100%) were used in this study. Total polyphenol compound, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, NO production and cell proliferation were measured. Results: Total polyphenol compound measurement of L. Flos, A. Rhizogenes, and C. Rhizoma extracts were higher than A. Rhizoma Alba, H. Herba. DPPH radical scavenging activity, ROS activity and NO production of S. Radix, C. Rhizoma extracts were lower than L. Flos, A. Rhizoma, and H. Herba. Conclusions: Metformin and S. Radix, C. Rhizoma, A. Rhizoma Alba, and L. Flos extracts combination groups showed synergistic effect on adipocyte differentiation inhibition and antioxidative activity.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Metformin and Lonicerae Flos, Agrobacterium Rhizogenes, Coptidis Rhizoma, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, Houttuyniae Herba extracs combinations on hypoglycemia in RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: Expressions of Sirt1, p-adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (p-AMPK), AMPK-alpha, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha, PPAR-gamma, X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Results: The level of gene expression of Sirt1, p-AMPK, AMPK-alpha, PPAR-alpha and XBP-1 in relation to that of beta-actin were increased or decreased significantly with the Metformin and Lonicerae Flos, Agrobacterium Rhizogenes extracts combination groups. The level of gene expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were increased significantly with the Metformin and Houttuyniae Herba, Coptidis Rhizoma extracts combination groups. Conclusions: Metformin and Lonicerae Flos, Agrobacterium Rhizogenes extracts combination groups showed synergistic hypoglycemic effects by increasing AMPK and PPAR gene expression in RAW 264.7 cells.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.40-59
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts from Forsythia viridissima Lindley's fructus and Lonicera japonica Thunberg's flos in vitro, which has been frequently used in inflammatory diseases. Methods: In this experiment, the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts from Forsythia viridissima Lindley's fructus and Lonicera japonica Thunberg's flos were evaluated by checking the following substances of LPS-activated Raw264.7 cell: Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), Nitric oxide (NO), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible Nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Interlukine-1β (IL-1β), Interlukine-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Inhibitor of kappa B-α (IκBα), Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). And additionally measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals to check the antioxidant effect of ethanol extracts from Forsythia viridissima Lindley's fructus and Lonicera japonica Thunberg's flos which affect inflammatory responses. Results: As a result of measuring anti-inflammatory efficacy, PGE2, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α production amounts were reduced in the ethanol extracts from Forsythia viridissima Lindley's fructus and Lonicera japonica Thunberg's flos groups compared with the control group, and decreased the amount of COX-2 mRNA, iNOS mRNA gene expression. Expression of MAPK (ERK, JNK, p38) pathway was decreased. Expression of IκBα was increased and NF-κB was decreased. It is demonstrated that ethanol extracts from Forsythia viridissima Lindley's fructus and Lonicera japonica Thunberg's flos, by reducing NF-κB, regulate the expression of the inflammatory genes and reduce the inflammatory mediators. Ethanol extracts from Forsythia viridissima Lindley's fructus and Lonicera japonica Thunberg's flos also decreased ROS production and free radicals, which shown to have antioxidant efficacy and influence anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions: These data suggest that ethanol extracts from Forsythia viridissima Lindley's fructus and Lonicera japonica Thunberg's flos can be used to treat various inflammatory diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.530-541
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• 2011

Objectives : Categorized as 'cheongyeol' herbs, Herba Prunellae, Flos Lonicerae and Radix Scutellaria have been proven to have effect on degenerative brain disease, cerebrovascular disease and brain tumor because of their anti inflammation, antioxidant, or anticancer effects. In this study, we studied activity against reactive oxygen species and anti inflammation effect of these three 'Cheongyeol' herbs. Methods : We measured each herb's yield of ethanol extracts, phenolic contents and activities against DPPH, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion. Also through 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line, we measured antioxidant effect and NO activity of the three herbs. From the three herbs, we chose Prunella Herba, which showed the highest antioxidant effect, and studied its cell survival rate and anti inflammation effect through COX-2 and iNOS. Results : All three herbs showed significant results, and especially Prunella Herba showed significant effect on phenol contents, antioxidant effect on various active oxygen and antioxidant, and anti inflammation effect through cell line. Conclusions : Further study of the origin concept of 'cheongyeol' and research into specific mechanisms and role in treatment of cranial nerve disease, seems warranted.