• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.75-88
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• 2007

Objectives : We investigated the effects of Hominis placenta Herbal acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : We investigated the Type II collagen-induced arthritis test, vascular permeability test, phenyl benzoquinone-induced writhing test, hot plate test, carbon clearance test, determination of prostaglandin $E_2$ content and cyclooxygenase-2 activity test. Results : Hominis placenta Herbal acupuncture suppressed Type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice and vascular permeability with 10.2% inhibition in ICR mice. We see the phenyl benzoquinone-induced writhing test and the hot plate test in the analgesic activity test. In the phenyl benzoquinone-induced writhing test, Hominis placenta Herbal acupuncture showed that it increased its analgesic effect more than the control(test?) by 85.5%. In the hot plate test, it was also shown that the analgesic effect increased more than the control(test) by 32.1%. In the carbon clearance test, the immuno-stimulatory effect showed more than the control(test) by 8.0%. The formation of prostaglandin $E_2$ was also reduced more than the control(test) by 10.1%. Finally, cyclooxygenase-2 activity was inhibitedwith 36.3%. Conclusions : Hominis placenta Herbal acupuncture may be useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after injection.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.1277-1283
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• 2002

Silsosangami(SSG) is a formula of treaditional korean medicines as an effective biological response modifier for augmenting host homeostasis of body circulation. Little is known of the biological activity of SSG and previous studies have focused mainly on their anti-thrombosis8). There is a growing interest in the pharmacological potential of the SSG due to the recent finding by our group that SSG and each constituent herbs of SSG were able to inhibit NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis in murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with bacterial endotoxin. In this paper, the effects of SSG on platelet aggregation and hemolysis in human blood were studied. SSG provoked remarkable inhibiting effect on platelet aggregation, and APTT were sensitive to the presence of this SSG. Using an in vitro system, APTT was delayed with the increment of the concentrations of these seven compounds. These results suggested that SSG might be used as a novel antithrombotic therapeutic agents in post-myocardial infarction. A SSG reduced NO production in mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, without the influence on the activity of iNOS being observed. SSG significantly reduced mouse paw edema induced by carrageenan. Western blot analysis showed that SSG reduced the expression of iNOS. The results indicate that SSG exerts anti-inflammatory effects related to the inhibition of NO production, which could be due to a decreased expression of iNOS.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.804-809
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• 2003

Kagam-bojungikgitang is the water extracts prepared from Ginseng Radix, Astragali Radix. Angelicae gigantis Radix, Astractylodis Rhizoma alba, Aurantii nobilis Pericarpium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Artemisiae iwayomogii Herba, and Scutellariae Radix. This is a modified prescription of Bojungikgitang, which has been used for the treatment of indigestion, and immunological disease in oriental countries. In this study, the effects of Kagam-bojungikgitang and Bojungikgitang on the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were examined using RAW 264.7 macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the release of PGE2 and expression of COX-2 caused by stimulation of LPS without cytotoxic effect. Kagam-bojungikgitang's inhibitory effects were better than Bojungikgitang in PGE2 production and COX-2 expression. Moreover, Kagam-bojungikgitang also attenuated markedly the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6 than Bojungikgitang in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that Kagam-bojungikgitang decreases PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages and these properties may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of Kagam-bojungikgitang.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.197-207
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• 2006

This experiment focused on MAPK activation in host cell invasion and replication of T. gondii, as well as the expression of CC chemokines, MCP-1 and $MIP-1\alpha$, and enzyme, COX-2/prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ in infected cells via western blot, $[^3H]-uracil$ incorporation assay, ELISA and RT-PCR. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in infected HeLa cells was detected at 1 hr and/or 6 hr postinfection (PI). Tachyzoite proliferation was reduced by p38 or JNK MAPK inhibitors. MCP-1 secretion was enhanced in infected peritoneal macrophages at 6 hr PI. $MIP-1\alpha$ mRNA was increased in macrophages at 18 hr PI. MCP-1 and $MIP-1\alpha$ were reduced after treatment with inhibitors of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPKs. COX-2 mRNA gradually increased in infected RAW 264.7 cells and the secretion of COX-2 peaked at 6 hr PI. The inhibitor of JNK suppressed COX-2 expression. $PGE_2$ from infected RAW 264.7 cells was increased and synthesis was suppressed by PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125. In this study, the activation of p38, JNK and/or ERK1/2 MAPKs occurred during the invasion and proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in HeLa cells. Also, increased secretion and expression of MCP-1, $MIP-1\alpha$, COX-2 and $PGE_2$ were detected in infected macrophages, and appeared to occur via MAPK signaling pathways.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.136-142
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• 2006

New herbal formula (NHF) is the ethanol extract mixture of Puerariae radix, Artemisia capillaries and Perilla frutescens. We have Investigated the effects on anti-inflammation by NHF and attempted acetic acid induced writhing to verify the analgesic effect. Macrophages and chondrocytes were obtained from mouse and rabbit. Inflammation was induced bγ interleukin-1, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, $interferon-{\gamma}$, and lipopolysaccharide. NHF showed strong inhibitory efficacy against cytokine-induced proteoglycan degradation, $PGE_2$ production, NO production, and MMP-9 expression in rabbit articular chondrocyte. In the writhing test, NHF exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of writhing. Futhermore, NHF increased the activity of SOD. NHF have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and could be a good herbal medicine candidate for curing of osteoarthritis.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.46-49
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• 2010

Purpose: It has been reported that the ear perfusion can maintain by a very small pedicle because the ear has good vascularized system. Replantation of an amputated ear with vascular anastmosis, has been reported before and offers the succeessful reconstructive results. But, in this paper we report a case of complete nonmicrosurgical salvage of a nearly amputated ear based on 7 mm-wide small skin pedicle with adjunctive therapies. Methods: A 49-year-old man was referred with a nearly complete detachment of left ear. The blood supply to the ear was maintained exclusively on 7 mm-wide small skin pedicle in the lobule. After we identified the fresh bleeding at the distal margin of the detached ear, we performed the primary repair. At the end of the procedure, the areas of the concha bowl and helical root appeared to be congested. So the immediate postoperative treatment for improving the tissue survival was done with Lipo-Prostaglandin E1 (Eglandin$^{(R)}$) injection, leech apply and antibiotics medications. Results: Assessment of the replanted ear on postoperative day 14 revealed a nearly viable auricle including the helical root. The ear appeared to be entirely healed, with excellent projection and fully restored normal elasticity. Conclusion: We found the complete salvage of a nearly amputated ear based on 7 mm-wide small skin pedicle with adjunctive therapies including Lipo-Prostaglandin E1 (Eglandin$^{(R)}$) injection, leech apply and antibiotics without microsurgery.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.115-128
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• 2003

Bojungikgitang is the water extracts prepared from Ginseng Radix, Astragali Radix, Angelicae gigantis Radix, Astractylodis Rhizoma alba, Aurantii nobilis Pericarpium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Bupleuri Radix, Cimicifugae Rhizoma, which has been used for the treatment of indigestion, and immunological disease in oriental countries. In this study, the effects of Bojungikgitang on the productions of nitiric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were examined using RAW 264.7 macrophages activated with $interferon-{\gamma}\;(IFN-{\gamma})$ plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bojungikgitang (10-400 ${\mu}$g/ml) per se had no cytotoxic effect in unstimulated macrophages, but this compound dose-dependently reduced the release of NO and $PGE_2$ caused by stimulation of $LPS/IFN-{\gamma}$. The levels of iNOS and COX-2 protein were markedly suppressed by the treatment with Bojungikgitang in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, Bojungikgitang also attenuated the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (1L)-1${\beta}$ and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that Bojungikgitang decreases the NO and $PGE_2$ production in macrophages by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression and these properties may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of Bojungikgitang.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.247-266
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• 1990

The alveolar bone remodeling is essential in tooth movement by orthodontic forces. The collagen and chondroitin sulfate are acting as an important roles in bone remodeling. This study was performed to measure out the quantity of the collagen and chondroitin sulfate in the alveolar bone of rats applied by experimental orthodontic forces. The 150 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into the $PGE_2$ treated group, indomethacin treated group and the normal group. A 80gm force rubber band was used as a orthodontic appliance between upper incisors and right upper 1st molar, and left side of experimental rats with no appliance was regarded as a control side. The samples of alveolar bones were obtained from pressure and tension sites in all three groups. respectively, and in control sides, too. The results were as follows. 1. The change in total collagen remains stable in both pressure and tension sites of all three groups, compared with control side by the time consuming. 2. The change in soluble collagen showed the most highest level in tension site, lowest level in pressure site of $PGE_2$ treated group in 5th. experimental day. 3. The change in chondroitin sulfate showed the most highest level in pressure site, lowest level in tension site of $PGE_2$ treated group in 5th. experimental day. 4. In indomethacin treated group, the change of soluble collagen and chondroitin sulfate showed small range of variance compared with $PGE_2$ treated and normal group.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.81-89
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• 2008

Objectives: In this study, the pharmacological effects of the ethylacetate extract of Ostericum koreanum(North Kangwhal; NK) on allergic inflammation were investigated in activated human mast cells. Methods: North Kangwhal was extracted with 80% methanol for 24 h, and then fractionated with ethylacetate(NK-EtOAc extract). HMC-1 cells, an human mast line, were pre-incubated with different concentrations of NK-EtOAc extract for 30 min, and then stimulated with PMA(50 nM/ml) and A23187($1{\mu}M/ml$) at indicated times. The cell toxicity was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and cytokines(TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-8) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Results: NK-EtOAc extract($10{\sim}50{\mu}g/ml$) significantly inhibited the productions of $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 in PMA/A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells without cell toxicity($0{\sim}50{\mu}g/ml$). NK-EtOAc extract also inhibited PMA/A23187-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAPK and the NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 subunit translocation into the nuclear of HMC-1 cells. Conclusions: This study suggests that NK-EtOAc extract may have an anti-inflammatory property through suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators in activated mast cells and its molecular mechanism underlies the blocking of NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.25-34
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the Mulberry Extract Complex in a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial and animal study on degenerative arthritis. Methods : Animal study: Mulberry Extract Complex is composed of extracts of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit, mulberry leaves and black beans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). To evaluate the serum level of interleukin-2, interferon-$\gamma$, and prostaglandin E2, an animal model of degenerative arthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate was employed. Clinical study: The efficacy index (VAS, K-WOMAC) was compared among patients with symptoms of degenerative arthritis before and after Mulberry Extract Complex ingestion as well as the one in groups. Evaluations of the improvement by the subjects and by doctor assessment were also performed. Results : Animal study: Mulberry Extract Complex reduced the serum level of interferon-$\gamma$ and prostaglandin E2 in an animal model with degenerative arthritis. Clinical study: The VAS change showed statistical significance in the experimental groups after 4 weeks (PP set) and 8 weeks (ITT set) of ingestion. When the K-WOMAC was analyzed using a modified ITT set to determine the effectiveness, statistically significant results were obtained in the fields of pain & symptom within the Mulberry Extract Complex group as well as between the Mulberry Extract Complex and placebo groups after 8 weeks of ingestion. Results from the improvement evaluation by subjects and the assessment of improvement by doctors showed statistical significance in the experimental groups (PP set) after 8 weeks. Conclusions : Mulberry Extract Complex could be useful for the improvement of various symptoms of degenerative arthritis based on its anti-inflammatory activity and its reduction of VAS and K-WOMAC pain scores.