• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.215-219
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• 2002

Over the past decade there has been a resurgence of interest in botanical products for their medicinal uses. This present study was designed to screen medicinal plants for the treatment of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or aging. We tested the effects of the water extracts from 41 species medicinal plants on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and antioxidant activity in vitro. Among them, Euodia rutaecarpa, Rubus coreanus, Achyranthes japonica, Morus alba, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Liriope platyphylla, and Rheum palmatum showed relatively AChE inhibition potency over 80%. Among the 7 medicinal plants investigated, E. rutaecarpa showed an 25%, 65%, and 93% inhibitions on AChE activity at 2.5, 12.5, and 25 ㎍/㎖ of the extract, respectively and was found to be one of most potent AChE inhibitor. The water extracts from 4 species (E. rutaecarpa, R. coreanus, A. iaponica, and M. alba) were tested on their antioxidant capacities using radical scavenging effect against ABTS/sup ㆍ+/. Among the 4 medicinal plants investigated, both R. coreanus and E. rutaecarpa showed significant antioxidant capacity. Therefore, E. rutaecarpa and R. coreanus are expected to ameliorate the clinical symptoms in Alzheimer's disease due to significant AChE inhibition and radical scavenging effect.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.13-24
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• 2007

Objectives : The plans such as Selaginellales, Equisetales and Psilotale have been used for treatment of diseases. Therefore, we examined their effects and distributions. Methods : We examined herbalogical books and research papers which published at home and abroad. Results : 1. There were totaled to 5 genera and 33 species in Selaginellales. Equisetales, Psilotales in Korea and among them medicinal plants are 4 genera, 21 species, about 64% in total. 2. Lycopodium genus is main kind enough that it has 13 species among 33species in the Selaginellales, Equisetales, Psilotales, of which medicinal plants are 10 species. 3. The herb is the main medicinal parts of medicinal plants in the Selaginellales, Equisetales, Psilotales which is used in 21 species. 4. On the bases of nature and flavor of medicinal plants in the Selaginellales, Equisetales. Psilotales, they were classified into neutral 15 species; bitter taste 15 in the order. 5. On the bases of meridian propism of medicinal plants in the Selaginellales, Equisetales. Psilotales, they were classified into liver meridian 11 species. 6. On the bases of the properties and principal curative action, they were classified into drugs for styptic 15 species, drugs for expel wind 14, drugs for drain damp 13 in the order. 7. It has been shown that one species in the Selaginellales, Equisetales, Psilotales is toxic. Conclusion : There were totaled to 5 genera and 33species in Farinales in Korea and among them medicinal plants are 4 genera, 21 species, About 63% in total.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.501-506
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• 2000

We examined the antifibrotic effect of a methanol extract from Stephania tetrandra (ST) on experimental liver fibrosis. liver fibrosis was induced by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S) in rats. In BDL/S rats, activity levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminse (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), concentration of total bilirubin in serum, and hydroxyproline content of the liver were significantly increased. The ST treatment (either 100 ${m}g/kg/day$ or 200 ${m}g/kg/day$, p.o. for 4 weeks) in BDL/S rats reduced the serum AST, ALT and ALP activity levels significantly (p<0.01). Similarly, when compared to the control group, the concentration of hydroxyproline in the livers of the BDL/S rats treated with 100${m}g$ or 200${m}g$ ST treated rats decreased by 40% and 33% respectively, when compared to the BDL/S control group (p<0.01). The morphological characteristics of fibrotic liver that were observed in the BDL/S control group, improved in the ST treated BDL/S group. In the fibrotic liver of BDL/S rats treated with ST, a marked reduction in the numbers of alpha smooth muscle cell actin positive stellate cells was observed. These results indicate that doses of either 100 or 200 ${m}g/kg/day$ of methanol extract from S. tetrandra, had an antifibrotic effect in rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation and scission.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.38-43
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• 2005

The occurrence of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is a major problem for successful cancer treatment. This resistant phenotype of cancer cell frequently reveals a broad spectrum to structurally and/or functionally unrelated anticancer drugs, termed multidrug resistance (MDR). Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a transmembrane drug efflux pump, is a major mechanism of MDR. Accordingly, considerable effort has been directed towards to development of compounds that inhibit P-gp, reverse the MDR phenotype and sensitize cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy without undesired toxicological effects. In an effort to search for novel MDR reversal agent, we tested the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel, a well-known substrate of P-gp, against P-gp-expressing HCT15 and HCT15/CL02 human colorectal cancer cells in the presence or absence of benzotriazepin analogues, as well as against P-gp-negative A549 human non-small cell lung and SK-OV-3 human ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Among the compounds tested, the agents that have phenyl amide moiety at 3 position remarkably increased the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel against P-gp-expressing cancer cells, but not against P-gp-negative cancer cells. BTZ-15 and BTZ-16 at $4\;{\mu}M$ revealed similar MDR reversal activity to $10\;{\mu}M$ verapamil, a well-known MDR reversal agent.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.442-450
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the preventive effect of Korean White Ginseng and Red Ginseng on oxidative stress in $H_2O_2$-treated HepG2 cells. The roots of ginseng were extracted with 70% methanol and partitioned with butanol to obtain saponin fractions, which have been known as bioactive constituents of ginseng. 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured for evaluating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Also, mRNA expressions and activities of antioxidant enzymes were analyzed to determine the antioxidant activity of saponin or non-saponin fractions of ginsengs. According to DCF-DA assay, $H_2O_2$-induced MDA release and ROS generation were significantly reduced by treatment with saponin fractions of white and red ginseng roots. Also, saponin fractions increased effectively intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in $H_2O_2$-treated HepG2 hepatoma cells. In general, red ginseng was more effective than white ginseng for reducing oxidative stress. These results indicate that administration of red ginseng may certainly contribute relatively stronger than white ginseng to prevent from damaging liver function by oxidative stress.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.39-46
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• 2020

Objective: In this study, we analyzed the trend of patents registered prior to October 4, 2019, to understand the industrial trends in insect-derived medicinal materials used for the treatment of skin diseases. Methods: Using the WIPSON database, we collected information regarding the patents related to insect-derived materials for treating various skin diseases. Results: The patents registered prior to October 4, 2019, from Korea, Japan, the USA, China, and the EU, along with those registered under PCT were selected. There were 195 patents related to the use of insect-derived medicinal materials in treating various skin diseases such as psoriasis, inflammatory skin diseases, eczema, pruritus, and atopic dermatitis. China is mostly superior in total number of registered patents compared with the other countries. Korea was the major patent technology-holder for atopic dermatitis, but China dominated in the remaining categories of skin diseases. Upon first patent registration in 1992, there had been a continual increase in the number of patents. Especially, patents related to eczema, psoriasis, inflammatory skin disease were markedly increased. Most frequently used insect-derived medicinal materials was Scolopendra, Cicadidae Periostracum, Scorpions, Cantharides, and Batryticatus Bombyx. The insect-derived medicinal materials were generally used as a combined preparation with other medicinal materials in patents. Conclusion: This study could help to establish the basis for future research and development related treating skin diseases using insect-derived medicinal materials. In order to provide sufficient data, further study including analysis of rejected patents is needed.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.493-505
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• 2023

In recent years, an increasing number of reports have explored the wound healing mechanism of these two traditional Chinese herbal medicines- Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng, but there is no systematic research on the related core functions and different mechanisms in the treatment of wound healing up to now. Based on network pharmacology and meta-analysis, the present work aimed to comprehensively review the commonality and diversity of P. ginseng and P. notoginseng in wound healing. In this study, a wound healing-related "ingredients-targets" network of two herbs was constructed. Thereafter, meta-analysis of the multiple target lists by Metascape showed that these two medicines significantly regulated blood vessel development, responses to cytokines and growth factors and oxygen levels, cell death, cell proliferation and differentiation, and cell adhesion. To better understand the discrepancy between these two herbs, it was found that common signaling pathways including Rap1, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, HIF-1 and Focal adhesion regulated the functions listed above. In parallel, the different pathways including renin-angiotensin system, RNA transport and circadian rhythm, autophagy, and the different metabolic pathways may also explained the discrepancies in the regulation of the above-mentioned functions, consistent with the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory about the effects of P. ginseng and P. notoginseng.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.82-129
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• 2011

"Beijijiufa" is a medical book republished by Sun Ju Qing in 1245. He compiled this book having added "Qizhumajiufa" and "Zhugejingyanbeijiyaofang" to the contents of "Beijijiufa" authored by Wen Ren Qi Nian. In "Beijijiufa" the author described treatment methods making use of moxibustion methods in connection with 22 cases of acute diseases. The author had collected the moxibustion methods used to treat acute diseases, which had been practiced by the medical practitioners of many generations, and quoted total 13 medical men's practices. In the book, the greatest parts of details were quoted especially from the writings of Sun Si Miao and Ge Hong, and this shows that the medical philosophies of both Sun Si Miao and Ge Hong were reflected onto "Beijijiufa". He had differed on his moxibustion practice: the size of moxa wool, the number of moxibustion treatment, and method of moxibustion for male and female were differed from one another according to the disease. As to the area of moxibustion, he chose the body parts around under four limbs and joints, and mostly used extraordinary acupoints rather than twelve main meridians. In his descriptions of finding meridian points, he did not describe it by its specific name of the reaction point, but explained the location of moxibustion points in detail through pictures. "Qizhumajiufa" is related to moxibustion method and prescriptions to treat surgical diseases, like skin boils or furuncle on the back, etc. He easily explained the method to find the meridian points for moxibustion treatment by using particular way through diagrams and pictures. Eight prescriptions he used were the collections among the historical practices of medical practitioners of many generations for skin boils which showed excellent therapeutic actions. In "Zhugejingyanbeijiyaofang", there are prescribed for 36 disease, also is the records of treatment methods for medical emergency which would be encountered easily in everyday life. As to therapeutic remedies, varied treatment methods, including the treatment by means of pasting and attaching medicinal substance to the spot, the treatment by means of mixing medicinal substance with alcoholic beverage, cleansing method, smoke inhalation remedy etc. were introduced. In "Beijijiufa" moxibustion was regarded as a top priority for treatment of acute disease, and the author strived to present remedies to the readers as easily as possible through 19 pictures. Regarding prescriptions, the author introduced diverse treatment methods with respect to various disease symptoms, and described the method to treat disease symptoms making use of medicinal ingredients which can easily be found in daily life. Likewise, "Beijijiufa" compiled by Sun Ju Qing was intended for clinical practice, and was indeed a medical book having been utilized for treatment of acute diseases in those days.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.202-207
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• 2019

Background: Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae and is used in traditional oriental medicine. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of plug-seedling cultivation for replanting of R. glutinosa. Methods and Results: The seed rhizomes of Rehmannia glutinosa 'Jihwang 1' were harvested in the middle of March, 2018. Direct seedling cultivation was conducted after air curing for 3 days. The seedlings for transplanting were cultivated for 30 (30D), 45 (45D), and 60 days (60D). The mat formation rates of the 30D, 45D and 60D treatment seedling were 81.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Of the tree treatment groups, flowering occurred only in the 45D and 60D treatment groups, and their flowering rates were $7.3{\pm}3.06%$ and $13.3{\pm}1.15%$, respectively. The agronomic characteristics and active components of the three treatment groups were evaluated in comparison with the DS1 (directly seeded group, control) and DS2 (directly seeded group, replanting) groups. As a result, the leaf length and leaf width of the 30D seedlings were higher than other treatment groups, but the number of leaves per plant was statistically the same. In addition, root diameter and yield of the 30D seedling were statistically the same as DS1. Moreover the catalpol contents of 30D, 45D, DS1 and DS2 group seedlings were 2.23%, 1.86%, 2.50% and 2.08%, respectively. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest it is feasible to use the plug-seedling cultivation method for replanting of R. glutinosa. seedlings. However, further evaluation of the economic aspect is needed.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2021

Objectives This study aimed to assess the role of complex Korean medicinal treatment with Chuna manual therapy in two patients with chronic pain after posterior lumbar fusion surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 2 patients postoperatively based on their medical records. The surgery regions were verified using T2-weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with chronic pain after spondylolisthesis posterior lumbar fusion surgery received complex Korean medicinal treatment with Chuna manual therapy during hospitalization. Numeric rating scale (NRS) in the degree of 0-10 and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were measured before and after treatment. Results Case 1 had an improved NRS score from 7 to 4, and Case 2 had an improved NRS score from 7 to 5. In addition, ODI score improved in both cases. Conclusions Complex Korean medicinal treatment with Chuna manual therapy is effective for relief from chronic pain after posterior lumbar fusion surgery.