• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.475-483
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• 2016

The current study was conducted to evaluate beneficial effects of a new formula (CWC-9) using four traditional Oriental medicinal herbs, Cynanchum wilfordii, Rehmannia glutinosa, Polygala tenuifolia, and Acorus gramineus, on hippocampal cells and memory function. To examine the neuroprotective effects of a new four-herb extract, cell viability, cytotoxicity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were performed in HT22 cells and behavioral tests (Morris water maze and passive avoidance retention), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. In HT22 hippocampal cells, pretreatment with CWC-9 resulted in significantly reduced glutamate-induced cell death with suppression of ROS accumulation caused by glutamate. In a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia, we observed significant improvement of spatial and short-term memory function by treatment with CWC-9. Phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in hippocampus of ischemic mice were decreased by treatment with CWC-9, but phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were significantly enhanced. By immunohistochemical analysis, we confirmed higher expression of phosphorylation of CREB in the hippocampal neurons of CWC-9 treated mice. These results suggest that new multi-herb formula CWC-9 mainly exerted beneficial effects on cognitive function through regulation of neuro-protective signaling pathways associated with CREB.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 1998

Multiple shoots obtained in MS medium suppler with 5.0 mg/L BA though shoot-tip culture. The frequency of vitrified shoot was lower on Bacto-agar medium than on Gelrite as gelling agent. Addition of activated charcoal at concentrations of 0.1~0.3% reduced vitrification and markedly increased shoot growth, and formation and growth of roots, but significantly reduced the number of shoots formed. The ratio of fresh weight to dry weight was decreased by increasing light intensity and agar concentration. Eight-tenths times of macroelement of MS medium was observed to be effective for shoot formation. Addition of IAA effectively promoted shoot formation in both shoot tip and node-bud explants. Supplement of 5.0 mg/L BA, 0.3 mg/L IAA to MS medium was most effective in shoot proliferation on shoot tip and node-bud explants.Multiple shoots obtained in MS medium suppler with 5.0 mg/L BA though shoot-tip culture. The frequency of vitrified shoot was lower on Bacto-agar medium than on Gelrite as gelling agent. Addition of activated charcoal at concentrations of 0.1~0.3% reduced vitrification and markedly increased shoot growth, and formation and growth of roots, but significantly reduced the number of shoots formed. The ratio of fresh weight to dry weight was decreased by increasing light intensity and agar concentration. Eight-tenths times of macroelement of MS medium was observed to be effective for shoot formation. Addition of IAA effectively promoted shoot formation in both shoot tip and node-bud explants. Supplement of 5.0 mg/L BA, 0.3 mg/L IAA to MS medium was most effective in shoot proliferation on shoot tip and node-bud explants.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.151-158
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• 2006

Objectives : The purpose of the present study is to observe the neuroprotective effect of the $NeuBo153^{\circledR}$ on transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods : $NeuBo153^{\circledR}$ was made by mixing the herbs, mainly the root of Panax ginseng, the root of Rehmannia glutinosa and Poria cocos, the stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus, the root of Scutellaria baicalensis and Mel, and heating for 96 hours. Transient Focal cerebral ischemia (2 h of ischemia, 22 h of reperfusion) was induced by intraluminal suture method with SD rats. Sensory motor function was tested by rotarod test, prehensile traction test, beam balance test and foot fault test at 24 h after ischemia. The brain slices were stained by 2% 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and the infarct volume was measured by graphic analyzer at 24 h after ischemia. Results : $NeuBo153^{\circledR}$ treated group did not show significant differences compared with vehicle treated group in body temperature. Oral administration of $NeuBo153^{\circledR}$ reduced brain infarct volume by 29.7% compared with vehicle treated group. $NeuBo153^{\circledR}$ also showed protective effects on sensory motor functional deficits. Conclusion : $NeuBo153^{\circledR}$ treatment reduced brain damage and improved functional deficits induced by MCAo. It showed neuroprotective effects even when treatment was relayed 2 h after injury. Further research is required to evaluating long term functional recovery am accurate therapeutic range and mechanisms.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.11
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• pp.1521-1527
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• 2012

Medicinal herbs have long been used as a remedy for diverse diseases in Asia owing to their various pharmacological effect. In this study, the immuno-enhancing activity of medicinal herbs was investigated using macrophage cell lines. Specifically, we examined the effects of extracts of twelve medicinal herbs on nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells, and selected five that were highly effective (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica gigas, Platycodon grandflorum, and Actinidia polygama) for further immune related studies. The effects of extracts from five theses medicinal herbs, which were mainly composed of polysaccharides and proteins on the production of immune-related cytokines in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line and the Molt-4 T cell line were investigated. The extracts of all investigated medicinal herbs increased the production of NO and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-1beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Additionally, they slightly increased the proliferation of T-cells when compared to the control. Overall, the result of this study suggests that the five medicinal herb extracts investigated herein are useful natural immune enhancing agents.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2013

The objectives of this study were to develop porridge with medicinal herbs and chicken breast meat and to find out the optimum mixing ratio. Several herb extracts such as Acanthopanacis senticosus, Rehmannia glutinosa, Disocorea japonica, and Poria cocos Wolf were used in the ratio of 2, 1, 1, and 1, respectively. The optimum processing condition for herbal chicken porridge was determined by a design expert program. Seventeen experimental points were selected, and herb extracts (82~101 g), chicken breast meat (30~50 g), and glutinous rice (40~60 g) were chosen as the independent variables. The measured responses were preference of taste, DPPH radical scavenging, SOD-like activity, and cost. The optimum formulation of herbal chicken porridge using the numerical analysis was set at herbal extracts (101 g), chicken breast meat (38.66 g), and glutinous rice (41.34 g) with a 0.714 desirability value. DPPH radical scavenging effect, preference of taste and the cost showed a linear model, whereas SOD-like activity showed a quadratic model indicating a higher interaction among the mixture. As a result of proximate composition of optimized herbal chicken porridge, the contents of moisture, carbohydrate, crude protein, crude lipid, and ash contents were 76.4, 9.0, 1.4, 0.5, and 1.6%, the calories of the porridge was 46.1 kcal/100 g.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.38-60
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• 2004

We made an experiment if the extracts of DanGuiBoHyulTangGami-Bang(DBTG) and 15 kinds of the medical herbs used the materials of DBTG were effective on the hair formation palpation and the falling out of hair, and came to the following conclusions. 1. The extracts of Paeonia lactiflora, Cuscuta chinensis and Angelica tenuissima of DBTG consisted of the 15 kinds of the medical herbs kept the activity of 5${\alpha}$-reductase type Ⅱ from being active 75.3$\%$, 63.8$\%$. 75.5$\%$. 2. The hair growth index, 1.6(control group 0.8) of the extracts of DBTG bas a little effect on the hair growth palpation and that of Rubus coreanus 1.8(control group 0.4) was the most effective one of the medical herbs, and Paeonia lactiflora 2.3(control group 1.7) and Vitex rotundifolia 2.3(control group 1.5) showed the effect on hair formation palpation. 3. The hair growth period couldn't be extended by DBTG in this experimental stage. 4. The 15 kinds of constitution medicines of DBTG didn't have effects in dermal papilla cells DNA increase, IGF- I, KGF, HGF the revelation of a gene heredity, the protein synthesis of the hair follicle tissues. 5. All of the 15 kinds of constitution medicines of DBTG didn't have the antibacterial activity in Paper disc rule. 6. The results from the test of a radical scavenging activity of the 15 kinds of constitution medicines of DBTG showed that the extracts of Paeoria lactiflora, Scutellaria baicalensis, Rubus coreanus have the superior antioxidant activity in the concentration of 0.01$\%$ and 0.001$\%$ 7. In the formation controlled experiment, Vitex rotundifolia (70.6$\%$), Scutellaria baicalensis (47.1$\%$, Saposhnikovia (44.8$\%$) of the 15 kinds of constitution medicines of DBTG in the 50㎍／㎖ concentration controled NO forming and Vitex rotundifolia (12.7$\%$) controled NO forming in the 5㎍／㎖ concentration in order. 8. MTT(lC／50) of the extracts of Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Scutellaria baicalensis, Lycium chinense, Rubus coreanus of the 15 kinds of constitution medicines of DBIG was more than 500㎍／㎖ and had the least cell virulence.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.232-238
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• 1998

To analyse the management and production of medicinal crops in Uisong region, cultural conditions and standard income of 147 farms were investigated. Location quotient of medicinal crops cultivated was high as following order ; Paeonia lactiflora > Cornus ofidnalis> Bupleurm falcatum > Anemarhena asphodeloides > Rehmannia glutinosa > Eucommia ulmoides > Paeonia suffruticosa > Angelica dahurica. The average cultivated area per farm was 1.92ha : 1.35ha of upland field, 0.56ha of paddy field. Distribution of agricultural land in each farm was average 10.2 fields in 3.1 locations. Ratio of labor input in the medicinal plant sector was 31.1 %. The number of medicinal crops cultivated was 36 species among 147 farms and 2.4 species per farm. Among the cultivated medicinal plant, peony (Paeonia lactiflora) was the most popular medicinal plant, which was cultivated in 30.72ha of 85 farms. Income from medicinal plants was high in order of Carthamus tinctorius, Polygonatum stenophyllum, Angelica genuilexa. Medicinal crops should be selected based on farm condition, risk level and price settlement in order to maximize productivity and income.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2007

This study was designed to investigate a natural medicinal multi-plants extract (BG515), which consisted of multi extracts of Mori folium, Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz, Dioscorea japonica, Lycii fructus, and Astragalus radix, on blood glucose, insulin levels, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) induces a type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats. Type 1 is usually characterized by the presence of islet cell autoantibodies (ICA), autoantibodies to insulin (IAA), and autoantiboides to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which identify the autoimmune process that leads to $\beta-cell$ destruction. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats weighing $150\sim170g$ each (6 weeks old) were randomly divided into one control (Group A) and 4 STZ-induced diabetic groups, and were subjected to one of the following treatment for 12 weeks. Groups A and B were fed basal diets and Group C, D, and E received the same diets as groups A and B, but with supplements of 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg of BG515 orally for 12 weeks, respectively. Diabetes was induced in Groups B, C, D, and E by intravenous injection of 45 mg/kg of STZ per body weight in sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.5) via the tail vein. In the BG515 groups, we found increases in serum insulin levels, compared to the STZ-control group, but these data were not significant. In contrast, blood glucose and serum MDA concentrations decreased in the BG515 groups compare to the STZ-control group. At the 5th week, in all the BG515 administered groups, there were decreases in serum blood glucose levels compared to the STZ- control group, and this activity was very strong in the BG515-1 group at the 12th week. These results suggest that natural bio-complex compounds (BG515) may slightly suppress STZ-induced changes in serum MDA concentration via the maintenance of serum insulin levels, due to the prevention of $\beta-cell$ and glucagon destruction by STZ.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.1288-1294
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• 1997

For screening antimutagenic effects, the effects of 95 medicinal plants on the mutagenicity of aflatoxin $B_1$ $(AFB_1)$ and benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] were investigated using the SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37. The mutagenicity induced by $AFB_1$ or B(a)P was reduced over 26% by 2 kinds and 8 kinds of medicinal plant, respectively. Eight plants (Bupleurum falcatum, Corydalis ternata, Gasfrodia elata, Ostericum koreanum, Pinellia ternatia, Poncirus trifoliata, Prunus armeniaca and Rehmannia glutinosa) were also shown to have inhibitory effects on both $AFB_1$ and B(a)P. The mutagenicity induced by $AFB_1$ or B(a)P was increased over 20% by 46 kinds and 2 kinds, respectively, and 8 medicinal plants (Chrysanthemum indicum, Cinnamomum cassia, Cyperus rotundus, Morus bombycis, Patrinia scabiosaefolia, Petasites japonicus, Polygonum multiflorium, Thyja orientalis) increased significantly the mutagenicity of both mutagens. However the 8 plants themself did not show the mutagenicity in SOS Chromotest with S-9 mix alone. This result suggests that the above 8 plants may have the co-mutagenic activities. In two bacterial mutation system, SOS Chromotest and Ames test, the mutagenic or antimutagenic activities of some medicinal plants wire similar except Ostricum koreanum, Eugenia caryophyllata and Scutellaria baicalensis.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.60-67
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• 2000

This study was conducted to elucidate extraction efficiency by microwave in comparison with Soxhlet for extraction of pesticide residues in dried medical herbs; red-ginseng, white-ginseng, Bupleuri Radix, Angelica gigas Nakai, Rehmannia glutinosa. The acetone extraction by microwave of tolclofos-methyl and quintozene in medical herbs was efficient. The extraction efficiency by microwave with power 45 to 150 watts, extraction time 1 to 5 minutes and solvent volume 30 ml was compared with that of Soxhlet with extraction time 7 hours and solvent volume 150 ml. The extraction efficiency by microwave with extraction time 3 to 5 minutes was similar with extraction time of 7 hours by Soxhlet. When medical herbs spiked with tolclofos-methyl and quintozene was analyzed to how the extraction efficiency of microwave by kind of medical herbs, the extraction efficiency by microwave with extraction time of 3 to 5 minutes was the same as Soxhlet extraction. The optimal condition for extraction of tolclofos-methyl and quintozene in medical herbs by microwave was 45 to 90 watts of power supply, 3 to 5 minutes of extraction time and acetone 30 ml of solvent volume.