• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 2008

These days there is a constant possibility of exposure to UV radiation which can cause abnormal production of melanin and result in skin disease such as hyperpigmentation and melanoma. Many materials were investigated for skin whitening and protection against UV radiation. In this study, we assessed the melanogenesis inhibitory activities of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG, Ginseng Radix Rubra) and Ginkgo (EGb 761 Ginkgo Biloba) in an attempt to develop a new skin whitening agent derived from natural products. B16F10 melanoma cells were treated for 48 hr with KRG and EGb 761. The inhibitory effect on melanogenesis was measured and related cytokines and proteins expression were also investigated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In addition, we also assessed the effects of these substances on the skin of C57BL/6 mice. Cell growth, melanin content and tyrosinase activity were inhibited effectively in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with KRG and EGb 761. Moreover, tyrosinase mRNA expression was inhibited clearly and melanogenesis related proteins (MRPs) containing tyrosinase, TRP1 and TRP2 were also reduced by KRG and EGb761, while cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were induced. In the case of UV irradiated mice, we observed induction of cytokine mRNA levels and reduction of MRPs mRNA expression. In addition, a decrease in pigmentation from treatment with KRG and EGb 761 on the skin of mice was observed. These results indicate that KRG and EGb 761 inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 cells and have display protective activities against UVB. Therefore, we suggest that KRG and EGb 761 are good candidates to be used as whitening agents and UVB protectors for the skin.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.435-447
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• 2011

This study was investigated to determine the contents of sulfur dioxide residues in medicinal herbs in Seoul Yang Nyoung Shi in 2010 (1,522 samples of 189 kinds). Samples were measured by modified Monier-Williams method. of the total samples, 618 samples (84 kinds) were domestic, and 904 samples (158 kinds) were imported. The content of sulfur dioxide in the domestics showed the range of 0.0 to 1,298.0 mg/kg (average 12.7 mg/kg), while those in imported samples were the range of 0.0 to 3,982.2 mg/kg (average 42.4 mg/kg). The average (mg/kg) amount of sulfur dioxide by parts in medicinal herbs was as follows; Tuber 122.3, Radix 69.3, Rhizoma 37.4, Cortex 33.3, Fructus 8.8, Ramulus 4.9, Semen 4.6, Folium 3.4, Flos 2.7, Perithecium 1.4. of the total samples (1,522), 52 samples (3.4%) were violated the KFDA regulatory guidance of sulfur dioxide. Among these 52 unsuitable samples, 16 samples (7 kinds) were domestic, and 36 samples (23 kinds) were imported. Approximately 88.1% of the total samples was less than 10 mg/kg of sulfur dioxide and 6.3% of the total samples showed more than 30 mg/kg of sulfur dioxide.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.85-91
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• 2016

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of Scutellariae Radix extract (SRE) on lipids metabolism, oxidation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats fed highly oxidized fat. Methods: To induce obesity, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a highly oxidized fat diet for 10 weeks. SRE at 100 mg/kg were administered orally to obesity-induced rats for 6 weeks, and their lipid metabolism, oxidation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined. Results: The concentrations of free fatty acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol in plasma decreased in SRE-treated groups, although the difference was not significant between control and SRE-treated groups, while that of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly increased in SRE group. The concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver were tended to decrease in SRE-treated group. The concentrations of thiobarbituric acid in plasma and liver were lower in SRE group than in control group. The levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase in plasma were decreased in SRE group. Activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in liver were tended to increase in the SRE group. The plasma concentrations of interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 were lower in SRE group than in control group, while that of IL-10 was higher. The liver concentrations of $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-6 were tended to decrease while that of IL-10 tended to increase in SRE group. Conclusions: Finally SRE could be used in the production of nutraceuticals for lowering lipids and exerting anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory effects in obesity rats fed highly oxidized rat.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.461-469
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a mixture of ethanol extracts of Black oryzasativa, Sesamum indicum, Oryza sativa, Rhynchosia Nulubilis, and Polygoni multiflori radix (MIXEE) on melanogenesis to develop a natural product for black hair growth. An accumulation of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in hair follicles, which reduces melanin synthesis, is responsible for hair graying. In the present study, MIXEE showed scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and reducing power. In addition, it reduced the cellular $H_2O_2$ level, indicating that it could inhibit oxidation and promote melanin synthesis, which was decreased by $H_2O_2$. On the other hand, it did not affect tyrosinase activity in vitro but promoted the turnover of L-DOPA into melanin. MIXEE promoted melanin synthesis at the cellular level in B16F1 cells. Furthermore, MIXEE increased the expression levels of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and SOD3 in western blot analysis. In addition, MIXEE increased the expression levels of tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-2, which promoted melanin synthesis from L-DOPA. The results suggested that MIXEE could promote melanogenesis. Therefore, MIXEE may have potential as a natural product for promotion of melanin production and reversal of gray hair to black hair.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.791-805
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of DFPR on differentiation of mouse calvarial cell in vitro, to examine the possibility for periodontal regeneration. $10{\mu}g/ml$ of DFPR was used as experimental concentration. osteogenic medium only was assigned as control, Experimental 1 was supplemented with 10nM dexamethasone, Experimental 2 with $10{\mu}g/ml$ DFPR and Experimental 3 with l0nM dexamethasone + $10{\mu}g/ml$ DFPR. cellular activity was evaluated by MTT method at 8, 12, 16 days, expression of mRNA of ALP, osteopontin, osteocalcin, collagen type-l was detected by RT-PCR method at 4, 8, 12, 16 days of culture. extent of mineralization was observed by Von Kossa staining at 16 day of culture. The results are as follows 1)Any acceleration of differentiation was not observed at expression of differentiation marker, 2) Decrease in expression of extracelluar matrix and in bone nodule formation was observed The results suggested that DFPR have negative effect on the rate of differentiation on rat calvarial cell, decrease extracelluar matrix formation ,decrease bone nodule formation. Ongoing studies are necessary in order to determine effect of DFPR on periodontal regeneration.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.449-460
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• 2022

This study was performed to reveal phenotypic characters and identity of symbiont bacteria of Nasutitermes as well as investigate their potential as antagonist of plant pathogenic fungi. Isolation of the symbiont bacteria was carried out from inside the heads and the bodies of soldier and worker termite which were collected from 3 locations of nests. Identification was performed using phenotypic test and sequence of 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA). Antagonistic capability was investigated in the laboratory against 3 phytopathogenic fungi i.e., Phytophthora capsici, Ganoderma boninense, and Rigidoporus microporus. Totally, 39 bacterial isolates were obtained from inside the heads and the bodies of Nasutitermes. All the isolates showed capability to inhibit growth of P. capsici, however, 34 isolates showed capability to inhibit growth of G. boninense and 32 isolates showed capability to inhibit growth of R. microporus. Two bacterial strains (IK3.1P and 1B1.2P) which showed the highest percentage of inhibition were further identified based on their sequence of 16S rDNA. The result showed that 1K3.1P strain was placed in the group of type strain and reference strains of Lysinibacillus fusiformis meanwhile 1B1.2P strain was grouped within type strain and reference strains Paenibacillus alvei. The result of this study supply valuable information on the role of symbiont bacteria of Nasutitermes, which may support the development of the control method of the three above-mentioned phytopathogenic fungi.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.521-531
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• 2023

Transmembrane protein TMEM16A, which encodes calcium-activated chloride channel has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Overexpression of TMEM16A is associated with poor prognosis and low overall survival in multiple cancers including lung adenocarcinoma, making it a promising biomarker and therapeutic target. In this study, three structure-related sesquiterpene lactones (mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone) were extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Aucklandiae Radix and identified as novel TMEM16A inhibitors with comparable inhibitory effects. Their effects on the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells were examined. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments showed that these sesquiterpene lactones potently inhibited recombinant TMEM16A currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The half-maximal concentration (IC50) values for three tested sesquiterpene lactones were 29.9 ± 1.1 µM, 19.7 ± 0.4 µM, and 24.5 ± 2.1 µM, while the maximal effect (E_max) values were 100.0% ± 2.8%, 85.8% ± 0.9%, and 88.3% ± 4.6%, respectively. These sesquiterpene lactones also significantly inhibited the endogenous TMEM16A currents and proliferation, and migration of LA795 lung cancer cells. These results demonstrate that mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone are novel TMEM16A inhibitors and potential candidates for lung adenocarcinoma therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.95-104
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• 2005

Objectives: This was a double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study for evaluation of safety and effective dose finding of Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ in patients with chest pain and discomfort. Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ are composed of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (丹蔘), Notoginseng Radix (三七根) and Borneolum (龍腦). Major effects of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix and Notoginseng Radix are vasodilatation, sedation and analgesic action. Borneolum has an antibacterial effect, and can stimulate the central nervous system. All of these substances are oriental herbs that have been used for a long time in east Asia. Cardiotonic Pills fi received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA and 40 million people in the world take this pill. We performed a phase IV clinical study to confirm its efficacy and safety in patients who have probable cardiogenic or psychogenic chest pain or chest stifling. Methods: This study was planned for a multi-center clinical trial including four university hospitals of oriental medicine in Korea. This was the first time to evaluate the 'planning treatment according to diagnosis (辨證施治)' of chest pain or chest discomfort according to oriental medical guidelines. The patients who were included in this trial were adult volunteers from 20 to 70 years old who had chest pain or chest discomfort more than twice during a recent month, and we received written consent to participate in this study from all of them. After administration of Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ for 8 weeks, number of occurrences, duration, appearance and degree of chest pain or chest discomfort was observed and degree of symptoms (severity of illness, global improvement) were measured using a patient's global assessment composite scale. Results: In the patient's global assessment scale, the severity of illness of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ group (n=25) was 14/25=0.56 but of the placebo group (n=25) was 7/25=0.28 (p-value=0.0449). This result indicates Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$have a positive effect on the symptoms of chest pain and discomfort. However, the global improvement of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$group was 23/25=0.92, and of the placebo group was 22/25=0.88 (p-value=0.6374). The total symptom score of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ group was $1.68\pm20.06$, and of the placebo group was $16.76\pm72.l4$(p-value=0.2285). The number of symptom events of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ group was $72\pm29.78$, and of the placebo group (n=25) was $10.80\pm38.42$ (p­value=0.3660). We could not find any effects on the other factors examined besides the severity of illness, beyond the difference of standard deviations. Conclusions: Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ significantly reduced chest pain and chest discomfort in patients. Therefore, we expect that Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ will be helpful for patients with chest pain and chest discomfort not only caused by heart disease but also by other diseases.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.91-100
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• 2008

Background and Objectives : There are three kinds of formulas for purging the kidney to cure its sthenic syndrome based on the types of preparation formulas : Sashintang, Sashinhwan and Sashinsan. There are 4 kinds of Sashintang, 1 kind of Sashinhwan and 1 kind of Sashinsan. Combination of herbal medicines, carried out in formulas for purging the kidney, consists of various kinds depending on medical scientists' personal experience in medical treatment without any general principles, which makes it difficult to apply it to clinical use. The objectives of this study lie in theoretical establishment of Pyeongshintang for curing the sthenic syndrome of kidney through analyzing the component medicines and combination principles of Hyeongok's Pyeongshintang, and furthermore, maximizing the clinical use of Pyeongshintang. Methods : This study analyzed the component medicines and combination principles of Hyeongok's Pyeongshintang based on the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines from the "Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine", the theory for principal herbal medicine, assistant herbal medicine, adjuvant herbal medicine, dispatcher herbal medicine, and the five elements doctrine. Hyeongok's Pyeongshintang is an odd prescription, composed of 7 kinds of ingredients : No.1 Rhizoma Alismatis (2don;7.5g), No.2 Poria (1don;3.75g), No.3 Radix Paeoniae Alba (1don), No.4 Fructus Chaenomelis (1don), No.5 Polyporus (1don), No.6 Cortex Cinnamomi (1don), and No.7 Radix Glycyrrhizae (1don) Results : There are three methods for curing the sthenic syndrome of kidney according to the five elements doctrine : purging the kidney, purging the liver and invigorating the spleen. First, if you suffer from the sthenic syndrome of the kidney, you need to purge your kidney. There are two available methods, including taste and property purgation according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. They each imply the salty taste and the hot property purge the kidney. In the case of taste purgation, two herbal medicines with salty taste, Rhizoma Alismatis and Poria, are combined into the principal and assistant herbal medicine, respectively. For property purgation, two herbal medicines with the hot property, Polyporus and Cortex Cinnamomi, are combined into adjuvant herbal medicines. Secondly, if you suffer from the sthenic syndrome of the kidney, you need to purge your liver which is child in the mother-child relationship in inter-promotion among the five elements. There are two methods to purge the liver, including taste and property purgation according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. They each mean the sour taste and the cool property purge the liver. Therefore, it is important to use sour herbal medicines for taste purgation and cool ones for property purgation. Both sour and cool herbal medicines, Radix Paeoniae Alba and Fructus Chaenomelis, are combined into adjuvant herbal medicines. Lastly, if you suffer from the sthenic syndrome of the kidney, you need to invigorate your spleen which is an element being surpassed in the relationship between the elements surpassed and ones not surpassed in inter-restraint among the five elements. There are two methods to invigorate the spleen, which include taste and property invigoration according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. Taste invigoration means to invigorate the spleen with sweet taste and property invigoration to invigorate the spleen with warm property. Therefore, it is important to use sweet herbal medicines for taste invigoration and warm ones for property invigoration. Both sweet and warm herbal medicines, Polyporus and Cortex Cinnamomi, were combined to invigorate the spleen and purge the kidney. In addition, Radix Glycyrrhizae are combined as dispatcher herbal medicine, harmonizing all the herbal medicines composing the formula. Conclusions : First, to cure the sthenic syndrome of the kidney, the methods of purging the kidney and the liver, and invigorating the spleen should be used according to the five elements doctrine. Secondly, herbal medicines appropriate for those treatment methods should be chosen according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicine and thirdly, the combination of those herbal medicines should be carried out according to the theory for principal herbal medicine, assistant herbal medicine, adjuvant herbal medicine, dispatcher herbal medicine. As a good example, Hyeongok's Pyeongshintang is combined according to the above theories. In conclusion, this formula was created by applying to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2008

Background and Objectives : There are four kinds of formulas for invigorating the kidney to cure its asthenic syndrome based on the types of preparation formulas : Boshintang, Boshinhwan, Boshinsan, and Boshingaeng. There are 16 kinds of Boshintang, 28 kinds of Boshinhwan, 3 kinds of Boshinsan, and one kind of Boshingaeng. Combination of herbal medicines, carried out in formulas for invigorating the kidney, consists of various kinds depending on medical scientists' personal experience in medical treatment without any general principles, which makes it difficult to apply it to clinical use. The objectives of this study lie in theoretical establishment of Boshintang for curing the asthenic syndrome of kidney through analyzing the component medicines and combination principles of Hyeongok's Boshintang, and furthermore, maximizing the clinical use of Boshintang. Methods : This study analyzed the component medicines and combination principles of Hyeongok's Boshintang based on the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines from the ${\ulcorner}$Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine${\lrcorner}$ , the theory for principal herbal medicine, assistant herbal medicine, adjuvant herbal medicine, dispatcher herbal medicine, and the five elements doctrine. Hyeongok's Boshintang is an even prescription, composed of 6 kinds of ingredients : No.1 Fructus Lycii (3don;11.25g), No.2 Radix Polygoni Multiflori (1don:3.75g), No.3 Sarcucarpium Corni (1don), No.4 Fructus Schisandrae (1don), No.5 Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (5poon: 1.875g), and No.6 Cortex Phellodendri (5poon) Results : There are three methods for curing the asthenic syndrome of kidney according to the five elements doctrine : invigorating the kidney, invigorating the lung and purging the spleen. First, if you suffer from the asthenic syndrome of the kidney, you need to invigorate your kidney. There are two available methods, including taste and property invigoration according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. They each imply the bitter taste and the cold property invigorate the kidney. In the case of taste invigoration, two herbal medicines with bitter taste, Fructus Lycii and Radix Polygoni Multiflori, are combined into the principal and assistant herbal medicine, respectively. For property invigoration, two herbal medicines with the cold property, Rhizoma Anemarrhenae and Cortex Phellodendri, are combined into adjuvant herbal medicines. Secondly, if you suffer from the asthenic syndrome of the kidney, you need to invigorate your lung which is mother in the mother-child relationship in inter-promotion among the five elements. There are two methods to invigorate the lung, including taste and property invigoration according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. They each mean the sour taste and the cool property invigorate the lung. Therefore, it is important to use sour herbal medicines for taste invigoration and cool ones for property invigoration. Both bitter and cool herbal medicines, Rhizoma Anemarrhenae and Cortex Phellodendri, are combined into adjuvant herbal medicines. Lastly, if you suffer from the asthenic syndrome of the kidney, you need to purge your spleen which is an element being surpassed in the relationship between the elements surpassed and ones not surpassed in inter-restraint among the five elements. There are two methods to purge the spleen, which include taste and property purgation according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. Taste purgation means to purge the spleen with bitter taste and property purgation to purge the spleen with cool property. Therefore, it is important to use bitter herbal medicines for taste purgation and cool ones for property purgation. Both bitter and cool herbal medicines, Rhizome Anemarrhenae and Cortex Phellodendri. were combined to purge the spleen and invigorate the kidney. In addition, Rhizome Anemarrhenae and Cortex Phellodendri are combined as dispatcher herbal medicine, reinforcing the kidney energy. Conclusions : First, to cure the asthenic syndrome of the kidney, the methods of invigorating the kidney and the lung, and purging the spleen should be used according to the five elements doctrine. Secondly, herbal medicines appropriate for those treatment methods should be chosen according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicine and thirdly, the combination of those herbal medicines should be carried out according to the theory for principal herbal medicine, assistant herbal medicine, adjuvant herbal medicine, dispatcher herbal medicine. As a good example, Hyeongok's Boshintang is combined according to the above theories. In conclusion, this formula was created by applying to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines.