• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.299-305
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• 2017

P-methoxycinnamic acid and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid are the compounds found in Polygalae Radix, the root of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow, and have been reported to have hepatoprotective and anti-neurodegenerative effects. On the other hand, there are no reports of their effects on gastric lesions. This study examined the inhibitory effects of cinnamic acids, including p-methoxycinnamic acid, 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid, and 8 compounds (cinnamic acid, 2-(trifluoromethyl) cinnamic acid, 3-(trifluoromethyl) cinnamic acid, trans-4-(trifluoromethyl) cinnamic acid, 4-(dimethylamino) cinnamic acid, 3,4-(methylenedioxy) cinnamic acid and 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid), which were selected based on their presence in medicinal herbs and molecular weight, against gastric lesions. Animal models were used to confirm the protective effects on acute gastritis caused by the administration of HCl/EtOH. Gastric acid inhibition was examined by an acid-neutralizing test and the proton pump ($H^+/K^+$-ATPase) inhibiting activity. In addition, antioxidant tests were performed and the gastric emptying rate was determined. The results showed that cinnamic acid, p-methoxycinnamic acid, and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid had an inhibitory effect on gastric lesions.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.83-108
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• 1989

To discern general tendency in relatively pure even-aged pine stands, to group the stands and to perceive neighbourhood effects a total of 39 sites of pine stand was surveyed from nearby Seoul (12 sites), Chunsung, Kangwon (13 sites) and Sosan, Chungnam (14 sites), for herb and shrub species 32, 19; 37, 19 and 41, 14 in the respective areas from September 1987 to July 1988. In terms of detrended correspondence analysis (DECORANA), the stands were subjected to ordinate with 16 physical variables and the vegetational variables. The resource ratio (N:P, N:K, P:K) as physical variables also was tried out in the DECORANA as well as independent variable (N.P.K). The outcome did not show any meaningful difference. It is suggested that there seems to be no apparent interaction among the elements in the study. Three vertical vegetation componeent, that is, tree layer, shrub layer, herb layer were subjccted to DECORANA independently, pairwisely and as a whole (a total 7 combinations). Of those analysis herb layer trial alone seems to indicate relatively clearer differences among the physical variables. In the stands nearby Seoul first axis indicated soil field capacity and exchangeable cations (K, Ca and Na) and second axis did not show any tendency. For the Chunsung stands first axis also revealed soil field capcity and amount of arganic matter and second axis showed amount of exchangeable cation (K, Ca and Na), In the Seosan 1st axis indicated pH and exchangeable cations (K, Ca and Na). For the 39 sites 4 clusters in terms of herb layer might be defined: Peucedanum terebinthaceum-Cymbopogon tortilis-Polygala japonica-Festuca ovina (1); Atractylodes japonica-Patrina scabiosaefolia (2); Potentilla fragarioides-Atractylodes (3); and Cymbopogon tortilis (4). In the neighbourhood effects study in terms of the basal area distribution, Thiessen polygon area and Gini coefficient for the Pinus thunbergii stands of Seosan the Thiessen polygon area approach seems to indicate earlier (30 years old) neighbourhood effect than the others (45 years).

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.29-40
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• 2014

Objectives This study was designed to collect basic information about the herbal medicine used for dementia through analysis on Korean medicine prescriptions used in dissertations for a degree of Korean medicine related dementia (experimental study). Methods We searched dissertations in the National Assembly Library and oriental medicine advanced searching integrated system web DB by using keyword '치매' and 'dementia'. We reviewed and analyzed dissertations for the degree of Korean medicine, published from 2000 to 2013. Results As a result, We found 36 dissertations about Korean herbal medicines used for Dementia Yukmijihwang-tang, Chenwangbosim-dan were used much more than other prescriptions and Panax ginseng, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Acorus gramineus, Polygala tenuifolia, Pachyma hoelen were used more than 10 times in these dissertations. Conclusions In relieving symptoms and the treatment of dementia, it is difficult to find tendency. Because the purpose and perspective of using each Korean medicine prescriptions and their herbs are various. However, as referred to outcome of preceding researches, Yukmijihwang-tang is considered as a potential dementia medicine.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.237-245
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• 2016

Hair loss affects both men and women of all ages and often significantly affects social and psychologic health. Recent therapeutic approach for hair loss such as finasteride and minoxidil focused on regulation of hormonal system blood flow. However, long-term use of these drugs caused adverse effects. To develop herbal medicine for therapeutic effect on hair growth, here we screened the 10 medicinal herbs (Red ginseng, Licorice, Ulmus, Barberry root, Lycium root, Rehmanniae radix crudus, Sophora root, Sweet flag, Polygala root, Achyranthes) based on oriental medicine literature. We measured cytotoxicity, anti-oxidant activity, and $5-{\alpha}$ reductase inhibitory effect of the herbal medicine on human dermal papilla (DP) cells to investigate therapeutic effect of the herbal medicine. Treatment of the 1% herbal medicine did not show any cytotoxic effects, and cell growth was increased by treatment of the 0.1% herbal medicine. In addition, the herbal medicine showed stronger antioxidant activity than resveratrol and comparable inhibitory activity of $5-{\alpha}$ reductase with finasteride. Furthermore, when applied to in vivo mouse model, we also observed increases in the number and length of hair of the herbal medicine-treated group. These results suggest that the herbal medicine promotes hair growth by its antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity of $5-{\alpha}$ reductase and might therefore be a promising hair growth-promoting agent.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.115-125
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• 2005

Objectives : Polygalae Radix (PR) from Polygalae tenuifolia (Polygalaceae) has been clinically used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial agent. To extend pharmacological effects of PR in the central nervous system (CNS) on the basis of its CNS protective effect, the present study was conducted to identify the effect of PR, whether it shows the neuroprotective action against excitatory neurotoxicity. Methods : To identify the protective effect of PR to excitatory neuro-toxic agent, the present study was focused on the PR effect on cell death, that was caused by applying NMDA to nerve cell, elevation of $(Ca^{2+})_i$, releasement of glutamate, and ROS generation. Result : 1. PR methanol extract, at the concentration range of 0.05 to 5 g/ml, significantly inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced neuronal cell death as well as MK-801 (non competitive NMDA antagonist). 2. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium concentration $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. NMDA application in the presence of MK-801 $(10\;{\mu}M)$ failed to produce the increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ through all the measurement time. 3. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited the NMDA-induced elevation of glutamate release. Also, MK-801 showed similar protective effects. 4. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited the NMDA-induced elevation of ROS generation. Also, MK-801 showed similar protective effects. Conclusion : The present study provides the availability of PR to exert its protective effect on the neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative pathophysiological conditions.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.105-111
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• 2001

We performed this study to determine the effect of Jiegeng(Platycodon grandiflorum), Danggui(Angelica sinensis), Gancao(Glycyrrhiza glabla), Chaihu(Bupleurum falcatnosa), Shoudehuang(Rehmannia glutinosa), Huangqi(Satragalus membranaceus), Muxiang(Saussurea lappa), Yuanzhi(Polygala tenuifolia), Rensen(Panax ginseng) and Baishaoyao(Paeonia lactiflolia), as Oriental radices herbs, on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells of mice irradiated with high and low dose of ${\gamma}-radiation$. Jiegeng(p<0.005), Danggui(p<0.0005), Gancao(p<0.005), Chaihu(p<0.05), Muxiang(p<0.05), Rensen(p<0.005) and Baishaoyao(p<0.005) were effective in intestinal crypt survival. Danggui(p<0.05), Chaihu(p<0.05), Shoudehuang(p<0.05), Huangqi(p<0.05), Rensan(p<0.005) and Baishaoyao(p<0.05) increased the formation of endogenous spleen colony. The frequency of radiation induced apoptosis was also reduced by pretreatment with Chaihu(p<0.05), Muxiang(p<0.005), Yuanzhi(p<0.05), Rensan(p<0.05) and Baishaoyao(p<0.05). Although the mechanisms of this effect remain to be elucidated, these results indicated that Danggui, Chaihu, Muxiang, Rensan and Baishaiyao might be a useful radioprotector, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.298-305
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• 2003

Polygalae Radix (PR) from Polygala tenuifolia. (Polygalaceae) is traditionally used in China and Korea, since this herb has a sedative, antiinflammatory, and antibacterial agent. To extend pharmacological actions of PR in the CNS on the basis of its CNS inhibitory effect, the present study examined whether PR has the neuroprotective action against kainic acid (KA) -induced cell death in primarily cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons. PR, over a concentration range of 0.05 to $5{\mu}g/ml$ inhibited KA $(500\;{\mu}M)$-induced neuronal cell death, which was measured by a trypan blue exclusion test and a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. PR $(0.5{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited glutamate release into medium induced by KA $(500\;{\mu}M)$, which was measured by HPLC. Pretreatment of PR $(0.5{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited KA $(500\;{\mu}M)$-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_c)$ which was measured by a fluorescent dye, Fura 2-AM, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results suggest that PR prevents KA-induced neuronal cell damage in vitro.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2001

This study was performed to determine the effect of several herbs on radiation-induced apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells. Longyanrou(Euphoris longana), Suanzaoren(Zizyphus vulgaris), Yuanzhi(Polygala tenuifolia), Rensan(Panax ginseng), Fuling(Poria cocos), Muxiang (Saussurea lappa), Chuanxiong(Cnidium officinale), Baishaoyao(Paeonia lactifolia), Shengma (Cimicifuga heracleifolia), Chaihu (Bupleurum falcatum) and Dongchongxiacao ( Paecilomyces japonica) reduced the frequency of radiation-induced apoptosis(p<0.05). Although the mechanisms of this effect remain to be elucidated, these results indicated that Longyanrou, Suanzaoren, Yuanzhi, Rensan, Fuling, Muxiang, Chuanxiong, Baishaoyao, Shengma, Chaihu and Dongchongxiacao might be useful inhibitors of apoptosis, especially since these are relative nontoxic natural products.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.327-340
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• 2019

Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease accompanied by slow impairment of memory and coordination leading to behavioral changes. To date, the only treatment option is to delay the progress of the disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of combination treatment with donepezil and three herbal extracts SIP-3 in the AD mouse model induced by amyloid-β (Aβ). Methods: We tested SIP-3 extracts for the cytotoxicity on Aβ-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Then the synergistic effects of SIP-3 and donepezil were evaluated in the AD mouse model using animal experiments and the next generation sequencing (NGS) study. Results: We found that co-treatment with SIP-3 extracts and donepezil increased the viability in Aβ-treated SH-SY5Y cells. The beneficial effects of the co-treatment were also observed in the Aβ-induced AD mouse model. The NGS study was performed to show that the co-treatment of SIP-3 and donepezil restored the disease phenotype closely to the normal level in the AD mouse model in terms of mRNA expression. However, the phenotypes were only partially restored. Conclusions: This study suggests that the combination treatment has a potential to be used for the treatment of AD. However, longer periods of treatment may be required.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.208-217
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• 2013

Objectives Modified Yeolda-Hanso tang (MYH) is a traditional herbal formula in Korea for various diseases. MYH is containing the 10 herbs : Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, Angelica tenuissima Nakai, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq), Angelicae Dahurica, Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom, Raphanus sativa L., Polygala tenuifolia (Willd), Acorus gramineus Soland and Dimocarpus longan Lour. The 10 herbs is constituted as a ratio of the 6:4:2:1:2:2:2:4:6:6. We investigated neuroprotective effects of MYH on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and evaluated the ability of MYH to prevent and treat for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease via basal autophagy enhancement. Methods Pharmacological induction of Autophagy by MYH in SH-SY5Y cells: Induction of autophagy by MYH in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells was carreid out by immunoblot analysis with several autophagy markers. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with MYH at the concentration of 400 and $800{\mu}g/ml$ for 24 hr. Specifically, the autophagosome proteins LC3 II and Atg5 levels were increased and autophagy pathway related proteins such as beclin-1, PI3 Kinase class III protein, ULK1, mTOR and AMPK were activated. Conclusions MYH can enhance the induction of autophagy through key regulator AMPK, mTOR, and Beclin-1 and it should be considered as a possible candidate of neuroprotective agents for such as Parkinson's disease.