• 셀메드
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.20.1-20.23
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• 2021

Background: The pandemic COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2 has spread like a forest fire. This disease may have serious consequences for pregnant women. Presently, no specific drugs or vaccines exist to battle this disease and researches are underway. Unani medicine has a unique role in prevention and management during epidemics. Here, we reviewed the overview of COVID-19 infection and pregnancy, concept and practices in Unani medicine for flu-like epidemics in general and pregnancy, and safety of Unani drugs for the prevention and treatment of mild symptomatic cases of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Methodology: Unani classical texts and pharmacopoeia were meticulously explored for concepts and practices for flu-like epidemic diseases. Further, we browsed scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus and others for an overview, epidemics and Unani medicine, effectiveness and safety of Unani drugs in COVID-19 and pregnancy. Results: Unani medicine includes prevention and management of flu-like epidemic include quarantine and isolation, aromatic herbal drugs fumigation and spraying for environmental disinfection, ilaj bid tadbir for health promotion and use of health-protecting drugs and symptom-specific drugs in general and related to pregnancy. Lahsun, asalussus, behidana, banafsha, zanjabeel, unnab, etc are in use since antiquity for the prevention and treatment of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic pregnant women during infectious and epidemic diseases. Conclusion: Currently, the aforementioned plants are proven for antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, probably useful in the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, scientific studies have provided new insight into the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Unani medicines that are safe in pregnancy.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.39-43
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this sutdy was finding out the origin and daily dose of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases. Methods : In order to estimate the origin and daily dose of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus, I researched the Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, Synopsis of Prescription of the Golden Chamber, Classified Emergency Materia Medica, Compendium of Materia Medica, and Huangdi's Internal Classic. Results : According to some important herbal textbooks, Allii Fistulosi Bulbus had no seed, was reproduced by rhizome, and its leaves were soft. Chongbaek in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases did not include word 'raw'. The unit of the dose of it was the number of article. So Allii Fistulosi Bulbus in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases was not Daepa but Jokpa, and was dried, and was round shaped bulb bigger than bean. The daily dose was 4, 9, 14 articles in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases and Synopsis of Prescription of the Golden Chamber. These were estimated equal to 1, 2, 3 Ryang. 1 Ryang equals to 6.5 g in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, so the daily dose of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus was estimated 6.5 g, 13.0 g, and 19.5 g. I weighed the middle-sized Allii Fistulosi Bulbuses, the result was remarkably consistent with the estimated numerical value. Conclusions : In Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, Allii Fistulosi Bulbus was dried bulb of Jokpa of Allium fistulosum Linn$\acute{e}$ and the daily dose was 4 or 9 articles, respectively equaled to 1 Ryang, 2 Ryang and 6.5 g, 13 g.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.53-60
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• 2014

Objectives : Bojungikgitang (BJT), the Oriental medical prescription has been traditionally used about improvement of immune response and infective disease at Asian nation. In this study, we has compared about the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on BJT of three countries including Korea (Korean Traditional Medicine, KTM), China (Traditional Chinese Medicine, CTM) and Japan (Japanese Traditional Medicine, JTM). Methods : We has basically using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The expression of these inflammatory mediators has measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also, free radical scavenging assay has tested for anti-oxidative activity as well as the contents of total flavonoid and polyphenol. Results : As a result, we were founded the inhibitory effects of BJT (KTM, CTM, JTM) on LPS-induced production of NO, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 as well as the anti-oxidative activities. Especially the KTM was most effective in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Conclusions : These results indicate that BJT (KTM, CTM, JTM) has a good anti- inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. But, there were degree of effects on between pharmacopoeia of the countries. Thus, further study is required that find appropriate methods for extracting as well as establish of standardized processes in order to improve the quality of BJT (KTM, CTM, JTM) as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agent for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.75-84
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• 2013

Objectives : The origin of Breeae Herba (So-gye) and Cirsii Herba (Dae-gye) is differently prescribed in Korean and Chinese modern pharmacopoeia. Since the similar morphological characteristics and chaotic plant names, moreover, the aerial part of Carduus crispus have been used as the Cirsii Herba. To develop a reliable method for correct identification of these herbal medicines and to evaluate the genetic relationship of these closely related plant species, we analyzed sequences of DNA barcode regions. Methods : Thirty-one samples of 6 medicinal plants (B. segeta, B. setosa, C. japonicum var. maackii, C. setidens, C. chanroenicum, and C. crispus) were collected from different habitate and nucleotide sequences of DNA barcode regions (rDNA-ITS, matK, and rbcL) were analyzed after amplification using appropriate primers reported in previous studies. The nucleotides of species-specific authentic marker and phylogenetic relations were estimated based on the entire sequences of DNA barcodes by the analysis of ClastalW and UPGMA, respectively. Results : In comparative analysis of DNA barcode sequences, we obtained specific nucleotides to discriminate the medicinal plant of Breeae/Cirsii Herba in species level and evaluated the phylogenetic relationship of these species. Futhermore, we identified distinct marker nucleotides enough to authenticate respective species. These sequence differences at corresponding positions were avaliable genetic markers to determine the botanical origins of Breeae Herbal as well as Cirsii Herba. Conclusions : These marker nucleotides would be useful to identify the official herbal medicines by providing of definitive information that can identify each plant species and distinguish from unauthentic adulterants and substitutes.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.9-14
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• 2013

Objectives : Cnidii Fructus is prescribed as the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson or Torilis japonica (Houtt.) DC. in Korea pharmacopoeia. Although there are differences in the composition of useful components, two species have been used without distinction. In order to discriminate them, DNA sequencing and taste pattern analysis were used in this study. Methods : Primers ITS 1 and ITS 4 were used to amplify the intergenic transcribed spacer(ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA from seven T. japonica and six C. monnieri samples. Taste pattern of samples were measured by using taste-sensing system SA402B equipped with five foodstuff sensors(CT0, C00, AAE, CA0, and AE1). The five initial taste(sourness, bitterness, astringency, umami, and saltiness) and three aftertaste(aftertaste of bitterness, astringency, and umami) of two species were compared. Results : According to the results of ITS region sequence analysis, two species showed 94 base pairs differences. The similarity of two sequences was 85%. From the taste pattern analysis, sourness, bitterness, aftertaste of bitterness(aftertaste-B), and umami showed a different pattern. Especially, bitterness and aftertaste-B of C. monnieri were significantly higher than T. japonica. In addition, two species were shown to have two markedly different clustering by these two flavors. Conclusion : T. japonica and C. monnieri were effectively discriminated using DNA sequencing and taste pattern analysis. These methods can be used to identify the origin of traditional medicine in order to maintain therapeutic efficacy.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.29-43
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• 2018

Objectives : Araliae Continentalis Radix(AC) is a medicinal herb belonging to the drug efficacy group treating musculoskeletal disorders(MSD) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic action. However, due to morphologic and onomastic similarity, adulterants(Angelicae Pubescentis Radix: AP, Gypsophilae Oldhamianae Radix: GO, Levistici Officinalis Radix: LO) have been included or replaced the standard. Methods : Multilateral methods were carried out on the identification of AC and its adulterants. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics were observed by using stereoscope and microscope. For the comparison of chromatogram pattern, standard compounds were analyzed simultaneously using high performance liquid chromatography. Results : 1. The macroscopic identification of original plants was determined by the phyllotaxis type, the inflorescence type, the leaf margin and the color of flowers. The macroscopic identification of herbal materials was examined by oil spots, the cambium, heteromorphic vascular bundles, and the pholem. 2. For the microscopic identification, the fact whether its xylem ray is proliferated or not was first determined. Then medicinal herbs were secondly divided by cellular inclusions, fiber bundles, the distribution of secretary canals and the shape of cambium. 3. AC and its adulterants showed different chromatographic fingerprints. AC was containing continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid. AP was containing osthole and columbianadin. LO was containing osthole and falcarindiol. None of the compounds were found in GO. Conclusions : This recent identification keys of might be helpful to discriminate the pharmacopoeia standard and its adulterants for the right usage in clinics.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제32권6호
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• pp.17-22
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• 2017

Objectives : Daily Dose of Apricot Kernel in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases is usually written in the number, sometimes in the volume. The seed coat and acute end of Apricot Kernel must be removed, so author want to know its daily dose and proportion of seed coat and acute end. Methods : Assuming dosage by editions of Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases. And comparing it with measured weight of Apricot Kernel distributed in market. Results : The number of prescriptions including Apricot Kernel is ten, and eight of that are made to decoction, two of that are made to pill prescription. And two of decoction are made by reducing and uniting prescriptions. The daily dose of six decoction are 70, 47 or 35 in numbers. The 70 Apricot Kernel except seed coat and acute end are 1/2 Sheong ($33m{\ell}$) in volume, 3 Ryang (19.5 g) in weight. Weight of Apricot Kernel the most common in market is 0.28 ~ 0.38 g. 70 Apricot Kernel are 23.10 g, seed coats of that are 1.15 g, acute ends of that are 2.43 g, 70 Apricot Kernel except seed coat and acute end is 19.5 g. So, seed coat is 5%, acute end is 10% by proportion, which is the same with it assumed based on writings. Conclusions : 70 Apricot Kernel except seed coat and acute end are 1/2 Sheong, 3 Ryang, and it is 33 mL and 19.5 g respectively. It also correspond with current market goods.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.63-70
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• 2019

Objective : Arnebiae Radix, the roots of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. or A. guttata Bunge, is a well-known traditional herbal medicine in East Asia. In the Korean Pharmacopoeia, three authentic species, including two Arnebia and Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. have recognized as a Lithospermi Radix. But, the morphological and taxonomic information of two authentic Arnebia species lacks date since their distribution and difficulty of accessing the natural habitats. Methods : A full description of the external morphological characteristics of vegetative and reproductive organs in the original plants was carried out using digital calipers and stereoscope. For providing their taxonomic and nomenclatural synonyms, we reviewed various plant checklists and taxonomic literature. Results : This study provides taxonomic information of A. euchroma and A. guttata based on a morphological examination of authentic plant individuals and field observations. Detailed descriptions of the two Arnebia species, major quantitative and qualitative characteristics, nomenclatural reviews, distribution maps, and lists of voucher specimens examined are provided. The shape of leaves, root length, stem number, calyx length and pubescence as well as corolla color were useful characteristics for identification. Moreover, we confirmed that A. euchroma and A. guttata are clearly heterostylous species. Conclusion : Our research provides valuable basic information that could be used as quality control for distinguishing between Arnebiae Radix and its adulterants. These results will help in the understanding of authentic plants and also provide the verified materials and voucher information.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.25-32
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• 2019

Objectives : Ephedra regeliana, although similar to the other E. sinica, E. intermedia, and E. equisetina, is not authorized by The Korean Pharmacopoeia and yet has also been imported under the name of 'Ma-Hwang'. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative anatomical evaluation of Ephedrae Sinicae Herba (ESH), Ephedrae Intermedicae Herba (EIH), Ephedrae Equisetinae Herba (EEH) and Ephedrae Regelianae Herba (ERH). Methods : Permanent paraffin-embedded specimens were produced using the paraffin-tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) method, to visualize their anatomical features via light microscopy. Results : ESH and ERH transverse sections were in the shape of a long ellipse, while those of EIH and EEH were in the shape of a circle. These anatomical characteristics substantiated the results of external morphological examination. The sections revealed that each of the four samples showed significantly different cortexes. The cortex of ESH was wider than two thirds of the section, unlike that of the other samples which was relatively narrow. The xylems of ERH, EIH, and EEH demonstrated interconnectivity with other adjacent xylems, contrary to those in ESH. Therefore, the characteristic development of the xylems over time was used to distinguish ERH from the other. Furthermore, parenchymal morphology in the central cylinder was also a good criterion to differentiate between EIH and EEH, since EIH demonstrated parenchymal cells that were shaped like a rounded-triangle, whereas EEH parenchymal cells were chrysanthemum-shaped. Conclusions : The identification-keys established in this study would facilitate the accurate identification of microscopic features of the four varieties of 'Ma-Hwang'.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제34권5호
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

Objectives : The consumption of licorice is large in Korea, but domestic production is insufficient due to the lack of adaptability. This study aimed to provide a morphological basis for adding interspecific hybrid licorice with improved adaptability to pharmacopoeia. Methods : This study was to establish identification criteria for the original plants, external and internal morphology of the authentic herbal medicines (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra and G. inflata), market products and artificially interspecific hybrid forms of licorice. For this purpose, previous studies were investigated and visual and histological observations were carried out. We focused on the internal morphology by microscopic observation for securing objectivity. Finally, we proposed the identification keys for precise classification of each part. Results : 1) Original plant : Licorice species in the compendium were distinguished by the number of leaflets, presence of hair on the fruit, curvature and swelling of the fruit. 2) External morphology : Licorice species were distinguished by degree of powderiness, tearing gap, radial structure in the cross section and existence of protrusion of outer epidermis. 3) Internal morphology : Licorice species were distinguished by the degree of development of phloem fiber bundle, development of obliterated sieve, whether the secondary medullary ray are branched. In the case of interspecific hybrids, the characteristics of both species used for hybridization were mixed in all observation methods. Conclusions : These results suggest that the interspecific crossbred licorice is suitable for the pharmacopoeial standard. Therefore, it can be applied as a herbal medicine through additional supplementary study.