• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.35-43
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Bo-du-san (BOS) on apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells, SNU-l cells. BOS, a drug preparation consisting of two herbs, that is, Crotonis Fructus (Strychni ignatii Semen, bodu in Korean) and Glycyrrhizae Radix (Glycyrrhizae uralensis FISCH, Gamcho in Korean). Methodss : In this study, methanol extract of BOS was examined for cytotoxic activity on human gastric cancer cells, SNU-1 cells, using XTT assay, with an IC50 value was 0.7 mg/ml and 0.3 mg/ml at 24 hrs and 48 hrs, respectively. Apoptosis induction by BDS in SNU-l cells was verified by the induction of DNA fragmentation, cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. Inhibitors of caspase-3, -8 and -9 (Ac-DEVD-CHO, Z-IETD-FMK and Z-LEHD-FMK) efficiently blocked BOS-induced cell death of SNU-l. Resultss : BOS-induced cell death was via caspase dependent apoptosis. Moreover, treatment of BOS result in the decrease the G1/S cycle regulation proteins (cyclin D1 and E) expression and increase CDK inhibitor proteins (p21 and p27) expression, and increase apoptotic protein, p53 expression. Thus, BOS induces apoptosis in SNU-1 cells via cell cycle arrested in G1 phase. Conclusions : These results indicated that BOS has some potential for use as an anti-cancer agent.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.172-176
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• 1999

The saponins are considered the main effective components in Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC.. In order to obtain the basic information for producing the high quality medicinal plant and processing, the crude saponin contents were analyzed with platycodi radix, the root of Platycodon grandiflorum by different cultivating years, parts, harvesting times and drying methods. The crude saponin contents were decreased by increasing cultivating years. The crude saponin contents were 2.74% in tail of root and 1.65 % in head of root, respectively. Besides, the contents of the crude saponin in cortex were 1.8 times more than that in core of root. The crude saponin contents in different harvesting times were 2.82% and 2.74% at March 10 and December 10, showing higher than that being harvested at June 10 and September 10. The crude saponin contents among drying methods were not significantly different at 5% level DMRT, but the hot air drying after steam showed the least crude saponin.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.221-225
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• 2009

Lithospermum erythrorhizon has been known well as one of traditional medicine for fever reduction, detoxication, and blood circulation improvement. This study was carried out to isolate biological active compounds from roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and to investigate their low density lipoprotein (LDL) antioxidant and anticancer activities. The hexane extract of Lithospermi Radix has been separated on silica gel chromatography and a naphthoquinone pigment compound 1 has been isolated. The structure of the compound 1 has been identified by spectroscopic technique, including MS and NMR, as acetylshikonin (1). Acetylshikonin showed significantly inhibitory activity on $Cu^{2+}$-induced human LDL oxidation with $IC_{50}$ value of $8.8\;{\mu}M$ and obvious anticancer effect by inhibiting farnesyl:protein transferase (FPTase) activity with $IC_{50}$ value of $23\;{\mu}M$, which suggested that acetylshikonin might be useful for the treatment of atherosclerosis and cancer.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.186-193
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• 2008

Astragali Radix, known as Huangqi, is the most important tonic in the traditional oriental medicine. It reinforces 'qi' (vital energy), strengthens the superficial resistance and promotes the discharge of pus and the growth of new tissue. It has long been used as an anti-perspirant, anti-diuretic or a tonic. Eleven compounds were isolated from the hexane and EtOAc fractions from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus (Leguminosae) and their structures were identified as four triterpenoids [lupenone (1), friedelin (2), lupeol (3), soyasapogenol E (9)] and seven sterols [${\beta}-sitosterol$ (4), stigmastane-3,6-dione (5), $7{\alpha}-hydroxysitosterol$ (6), $5{\alpha},6{\beta}-dihydroxysitosterol$ (7), $7-oxo-{\beta}-sitosterol$ (8), ${\beta}-sitosterol$ glucoside 6'-O-palmitate (10), ${\beta}-sitosterol$ glucoside (11)]. The chemical structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of spectroscopic methods and comparison with literature values. Among these compounds, lupenone (1), friedelin (2), lupeol (3), stigmastane-3,6-dione (5), $7{\alpha}-hydroxysitosterol$ (6), $5{\alpha},6{\beta}-dihydroxysitosterol$ (7), $7-oxo-{\beta}-sitosterol$ (8), soyasapogenol E (9), and ${\beta}-sitosterol$ glucoside 6'-O-palmitate (10) were isolated from this plant for the first time.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2020

The aim of this study was to examine pharmacopuncture treatment for lateral epicondylitis, and to contribute to developing a standardized treatment regimen by reviewing trends in clinical trials. Five randomized controlled trials, 1 case-control study, and 8 cohort studies published after 1999, that involved pharmacopuncture for lateral epicondylitis, were selected from Korean and international online databases (n = 8). The type of pharmacopuncture, dose, frequency, efficacy, and adverse events were analyzed. Seven types of pharmacopuncture were used, namely Bee Venom, Illicium henryi Diels, Akebiae Caulis, Angelicae sinensis Diels, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort, Hominis Placenta, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. Dose, treatment duration, and treatment frequency varied widely. One study assessed the treatment efficacy according to frequency. Nine studies lacked data on adverse events. The quality of 5 randomized controlled trials was low. Although pharmacopuncture treatment appeared to be effective for lateral epicondylitis, it was difficult to standardize the regimen for lateral epicondylitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.47-57
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• 2021

Objective : For the purpose of developing Convoivulaceae plants recorded in Korean Herbology in Korea, the literatures of the successive generations have been thoroughly investigated to prepare this article. Methods : Books and research papers about Herbology which published at Korea and other countries were examined. Results : A list was made about Convoivulaceae plant which were cultivated or grew naturally in Korea, after investigated the data on domestic and foreign Convoivulaceae plants. Convoivulaceae(grew in Korea) were divided into 6 classes with 18 species. Out of those, 6 classes with 13 species were found serviceable which indicates approximately 72% of all. Out of all 18 species of Convoivulaceae family, Calystegia genus were found 6 species, which were shown the most. Among 4 genus of Calystegia species, medicinal plants were all one species each. Out of all serviceable parts in Convoivulaceae, Herb·Radix·Tuber·Semen·Flower·Stem and Folium parts took first place as 8 species. There are 2 species toxic, the survey said. 6 Classifying medicinal plants among the Convoivulaceae plants by part, whole Herbs are found to be 8 separate species each. When it comes to the nature of taste, 10 kinds of taste without action and 7 kinds of sweet taste are the most common. For channel tropism, kidney channel has the largest number of 7 types. Conclusion : A total of 6 genera and 18 species of Convoivulaceae was found in the Korean among which 6 genera and 13 species(approximately 72%) were medicinal plants. Two species toxic drugs were detected.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2002

Objective : We aimed to identify the dose-dependent inhibitory effects of Sabaek-san(瀉白散) and Sabaeksan plus Sasam(Adenophorae Radix) 瀉白散加沙蔘) on the mRNA expressions of Interleukin(IL)-6, IL-8 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) involved in the asthma model. Materials and Methods : Through this study, BEAS-2B cell lines, human epithelial cells were used. These cells were stimulated by tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ and histamine for artificial inflammatory expression. ${\beta}$-action messenger RNA(mRNA) was used for standards. After each 24hours of Sabaeksan and Sabaeksan plus Sasam treatment, total cellular RNAs were collected by treating RNA zol directly on living cells, Then the transcriptional activities of IL-6, 8 and GM-CSF were measured by RT-PCR with electrophoresis, Results : The mRNA expressions of IL-6 are significantly inhibited compared to those of controlled group at 40 and 100ug/ml of Sabaeksan extract and $100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract (p<0.05). The mRNA expressions of IL-8 are significantly inhibited compared to that of controlled group at 2.40 and 100 ug/ml of Sabaeksan extract and $40.100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract(p<0.05) THe mRNA expressions of GM-CSF are significantly inhibited compared to those of the controlled group at $100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan extract adn $40.100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract.(p<0.05) Conclusions : This study shows that Sabaeksan and Sabaeksan plus Sasam have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF in human epithelial cells. Therefore, these types of herb medicine may inhibit the inflammatory process of asthma. Advanced studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of inhibition by herb medicine in the asthma model.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.267-280
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• 2023

This study investigated the contents of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg for 4333 samples with 2 09 types of herbal medicines distributed in Seoul area from 2019 to 2021, and evaluated risk assessment according to medicinal part used and origin. The contents of heavy metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and mercury analyzer. The average contents (mg/kg) of heavy metals by medicinal parts were 0.123 to 1.290 for Pb, 0.018 to 0.131 for Cd, 0.034 to 0.290 for As, and 0.003 to 0.015 for Hg. The contents of Pb were higher in Leaves and Whole Herbs (above-ground part) than underground part (Radix & Rhizoma) (ANOVA-test, p < 0.05). The contents of Cd were high in Leaves, Radix & Rhizoma, and Stems & Woods (ANOVA-test, p <0 .05), and exceeded regulatory limits in various types. Levels of Pb, Cd concentrations exceeding regulatory limits were observed in 8, 22 samples (8, 14 types). No sample exceeded regulatory limits of As and Hg. In the comparison between countries of origin, the contents of Cd, As, and Hg were high in imported herbal medicines (t-test, p < 0.05). As a result of the risk assessment, except for Thujae Orientalis Folium and Spirodelae Herba, the MOE values of Pb were all 1 or more, and most samples were safe. The Hazard Index (HI) for Cd, As, and Hg were evaluated to be less than 100 % even if the risk (%) of each heavy metal was added, and the risk from taking herbal medicines was evaluated to be safe.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.334-347
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• 2008

Background and Objective : Haeyeol-tang, composed of Houttuyniae Herba, Lonicerae Flos, Taraxaci Herba, and Scrophulariae Radix, is widely used for alleviating the symptom of various kinds of inflammatory pulmonary disease, including asthma and COPD. We want to know whether Haeyeol-tang has an anti-inflammatory effect by analyzing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Materials and Methods : We differentiated the THP-1 cells into macrophage-like cells by treatment with PMA. Inflammation was induced by treatment with LPS and PMA. We found the safe concentration of Haeyeol-tang by using MTS assay and used PD98059 as a negative control for comparison of anti-inflammatory effect of Haeyeol-tang. Results : The RT-PCR analysis results show that the cell survival rate is over 100% within 1 ng/mL to 1 ug/mL of Haeyeol-tang and begins to decrease under 100% at 10 ug/mL. The gene expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $TGF-{\beta}$ levels were down-regulated when Haeyeol-tang was treated at concentrations between 1 ng/mL an 1 ug/mL on monocyte-derived macrophages. Interestingly, 1 ug/mL Haeyeol-tang-treated samples showed that the transcriptional activities of IL-8, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-10 and $TGF-{\beta}$ were more down-regulated than those of PD098059 $(TNF-{\alpha}$ inhibitor). At protein level, the ELISA analysis results showed that there were more remarkable (p<0.001) decreases in expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ on both the 1 ug/mL Haeyeol-tang-treated group and the PD98059-treated group than the LPS-treated group. Conclusion : We conclude that Haeyeol-tang has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines at mRNA and protein levels. These results may provide us a promising way to care for general inflammatory diseases as well as inflammatory pulmonary disease, including asthma and COPD, with further clinical study.