• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.6
• /
• pp.1045-1062
• /
• 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the latest clinical studies on Korean medicine treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. Methods: We searched the last 6 years of clinical studies discussing Oriental medicine-based treatments for ITP in the CNKI database. A meta-analysis of 13 RCTs was performed by synthesizing the outcomes, including the measured platelet count and total effective rate. The quality of the studies was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias (RoB) tool. RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 15 selected studies, 1 was a non-randomized controlled trial (nRCT), 2 were case series, and 12 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Treatments in all studies included oral herbal medicine. The most frequently used herbal decoction was the Liangxue Jiedu prescription (凉血解毒方), and the most commonly used herb was Agrimonia pilosa (仙鶴草), Astragali Radix (黃芪), Fossilia Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (甘草), and Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz ex Steudel (地黃). The meta-analysis showed significantly better improvement in platelet counts and total effective rate for ITP in the treatment group than in the control group. Conclusion: Treatment with herbal medicine was effective in treating ITP. However, the significance of this conclusion is somewhat limited due to the low quality of the available studies. Multifaceted and scientifically designed clinical studies are required to develop treatments for ITP based on Korean medicine. The results of this study could be used as basic data for further ITP studies.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.25-40
• /
• 2024

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the effects of clean-diabetes mellitus 3 (C-DM3), a herbal formula with Trichosanthis Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Crataegi Fructus, and Cinnamomi Cortex, on the pathological and serological symptoms of diabetes and its related molecular mechanisms in diet-induced obese mice. Methods: We prepared an obese mouse model using a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and then administered the C-DM3 extract for 4 weeks. The changes of pathological and serological biomarkers for diabetes assessment were measured in the mice and histological changes were observed in the liver and pancreas tissues. We also identified the main compounds in the C-DM3 extract using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed the molecular mechanism of the disease condition by network pharmacological analysis. Results: In the in vivo, the administration of C-DM extract to obese mice significantly reduced body weight gain, fatty liver symptoms, and muscle loss, and decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, aspertate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, C-DM extract significantly increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, protein kinase b (AKT), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and glucose transporter 4 in all pancreatic and liver tissues, with inhibition of histopathological changes in obese mice. HPLC analysis identified hyperoside, berberine, epiberberine, columbamin, coptisine, coumarin, jatrorrhizine, and citric acid as the main compounds. In the network pharmacological analysis, the molecular targets of C-DM3 extract on obesity and diabetes were shown as the insulin, AKT, PI3K, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways with the regulation of inflammatory molecules interleukin 6 (IL-6), jun proto-oncogene, and IL-1β, which matched our in vivo targets. Conclusions: Based on these results, C-DM3 extract is expected to be effective in improving obesity and preventing diabetic progression.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.39 no.7
• /
• pp.1038-1048
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg) in 52 commercial herbal pills used as general processed food, to identify weekly heavy metal intakes from herbal pills and to evaluate their potential health risks. The samples were digested with a microwave and determinations of heavy metal residues were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and mercury analyzer. The mean values of heavy metal contents for herbal pills used as general processed food were Pb 0.421 (0.032~1.630), Cd 0.157 (0.011~0.515), Cr 1.033 (0.112~9.933), Cu 6.923 (1.333~16.755), Hg 0.010 (0.001~0.088) mg/kg. Lead contents of herba and cadmium of algae, herba were high (ANOVA-test, p<0.05). Levels of cadmium concentrations exceeding WHO reference values (0.3 mg/kg) were observed in 10 samples (4 species). The significant correlation was observed between Pb and Cd (r=0.633, p<0.01). The weekly intakes of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg from herbal pills were 1.112 (0.072~5.088), 1.614 (0.029~9.257), 3.000 (0.252~23.690), 0.182 (0.008~1.235), 0.220 (0.000~0.420)%, respectively, as compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) established by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee for food safety evaluation. Our data suggest regulations limiting heavy metals in herbal pills used as general processed food.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.18-32
• /
• 2013

Objectives: In this research, the effect of Gyogam-dan (GGD) on depression and immunity were assessed in ovariectomized rats subjected to repetitive stress. GGD is the prescription consisting of Poria cocos and Cyperi Rhizoma. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were repeatedly stressed over a 2-week period. After GGD (100 or 400 mg/kg) were orally administered, Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST) were performed to evaluate depressive and anxiety response. As well, the change of corticosterone (CORT) and the change of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in blood serum and in brain were mesured. Results: 1. In the EPM, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups. 2. In the FST, immobility time significantly decreased in rats of each experiment group compared with the control group (p<0.01). 3. Serum CORT level were decreased in 400 mg GGD group (p<0.05). 4. On IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-4 measurement in the serum and brain, there were not significant increase or decrease compared with the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that GGD is effective to reduce depression-behavior in ovariectomized rats. However, GGD do not has significant efficacy to reduce anxiety-behavior in EPM test. Measurement of serum CORT level reveals significant decrease and it shows anti-depressant like effect. Results on immunity are not significant.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.1-17
• /
• 2013

Objectives: In this research, the effect of samul-tanggahyangbuja on depression and learning in ovariectomized rats subjected to repetitive stress were assessed. Samul-tanggahyangbuja is the prescription consisting of Samul-tang and Cyperi Rhizoma. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were repeatedly stressed over a 2-week period. After being orally medicated with samul-tanggahyangbuja (100 or 400 mg/kg), rats performed the Morris water maze test and forced swimming test, and social exploration was assessed in a behavior test. As well, sucrose intake was measured and measurements of blood serum corticosterone and the change of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in blood samples were made. Results: 1. In the Morris water maze test, rats medicated with 100 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja mastered the maze in a shorter time on the 4th day in comparison with the control group, while rats medicated with 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja mastered the maze more quickly (p<0.05 on the 3rd day ; p<0.01 on the 4th day, as compared to control). 2. Immobility time in the forced swimming test was significantly decreased in rats receiving 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja compared with the control group (p<0.05). 3. Sucrose intake and active social behavior of rats receiving 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja were markedly increased in comparison with the control group (p<0.01). 4. Blood serum corticosterone measurements revealed decreased blood serum corticosterone level after medicating with samul-tanggahyangbuja. But it was not statistically significant. 5. Treatment with either dose of samul-tanggahyangbuja significantly reduced IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that samul-tanggahyangbuja possesses the anti-depressant and cognitive-enhancing activities related to menopause.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.14-29
• /
• 2013

Objectives: Samul-tang and Rhizome of Cyperus rotundus L. have been frequently used in gynecologic disease. The purpose of the present study is to explore the behavioral and neurobiological effects of Samul-tanggahyangbuja (SGH) on ovariectomized rats and to form a basis for clinical treatment. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were repeatedly stressed for over 2 weeks. After orally medicated with SGH (200 or 400 mg/kg/day), the anxiety response was tested using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) in rats. The serum levels of estradiol and IL-4, and immunohistochemical changes of IL-4 in the Locus coeruleus (LC) and Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN) were measured. Results: 1. In the EPM, SGH 400 mg significantly increased time spent on the open arms and decreased time spent on the closed arms, compared with the control group (p<0.05). 2. SGH tended to increase numbers of crossings in the open and closed arms in the EPM. However, it did not reach statistical significance. 3. SGH significantly increased the serum levels of estradiol compared with the control group (p<0.05). 4. SGH 400 mg significantly increased the serum levels of IL-4 compared with the control group (p<0.05). 5. IL-4 immunoreactivity was reduced in the control group compared with the normal group (p<0.05). However, SGH groups (200 and 400 mg) did not produce any significant effects on levels of IL-4 in the LC and PVN. Conclusions: These results suggest that SGH possesses the anti-depressant and immuno-modulatory effects on ovariectomized rats.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.3 s.71
• /
• pp.37-44
• /
• 2007

Objectives : The objectives of this study lie in theoretical establishment of Bopyeo-tang for treating asthenic syndrome of the lung through analyzing the component medicines and combination principles of Hyeongok's Bopyeo-tang, and furthermore, maximizing the clinical effectiveness of Bopyeo-tang. Methods : This study analyzed the component medicines and combination principles of Hyeongok's Bopyeo-tang 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 Bopyeo-tang is an unusual prescription, composed of 7 kinds of ingredients. Results : There are three methods for curing asthenic syndrome of the lung according to the five elements doctrine: invigorating the lung, invigorating the spleen and purging the heart. There are two available methods to invigorate the lung, taste and property invigoration, according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. They each imply the sour taste and the cool property invigorate the lung. In the case of taste invigoration, two herbal medicines with sour taste, Sarcucarpium Corni and Fructus Schisandrae, are combined into the principal and assistant herbal medicine, respectively. For property invigoration, two herbal medicines with the cool property, Colla Corii Asini and Radix Ophiopogonis, are combined into adjuvant herbal medicines. There are likewise two methods to invigorate the spleen, including taste and property invigoration according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. They each mean the sweet taste and the warm property invigorate the spleen. Therefore, it is important to use sweet herbal medicines for taste invigoration and warm ones for property invigoration. Both sweet and warm herbal medicines, Radix Ginseng and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, are combined into adjuvant herbal medicines. Lastly, there are two methods to purge the heart, which include taste and property purgation according to the theory for properties and tastes of herbal medicines. Taste purgation means to purge the heart with sweet taste and property purgation to purge the heart with cold property. Therefore, it is important to use sweet herbal medicines for taste purgation and cold ones for property purgation. Both sweet and cold herbal medicines, Colla Corii Asini and Radix Ophiopogonis, were combined to purge the heart and invigorate the lung. In addition, Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata is added as a dispatcher herbal medicine, harmonizing all the other herbal medicines comprising the formula. Conclusions : First, to treat asthenic syndrome of the lung, the methods of invigorating the lung and the spleen and purging the heart 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, and dispatcher herbal medicine. As a good example, Hyeongok's Bopyeo-tang is combined according to the above theories. In conclusion, this formula was created by applying the theory of properties and tastes of herbal medicines.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.45 no.7
• /
• pp.948-957
• /
• 2016

We previously developed an herbal composition (HemoHIM) based on the water extracts of Angelica gigas radix, Cnidium officinale rhizoma, and Paeonia japonica radix to protect and recover hematopoietic and intestinal tissues against radiation injuries. In this study, to develop a composition with improved activities based on enhanced fat-soluble polyphenol contents, we prepared a new herbal composition, MH-30, from the above three herbs by 30% ethanol extraction and hot water extraction. HPLC analysis of the ethanol fractions of MH-30 and HemoHIM revealed that MH-30 had higher contents of many fat-soluble polyphenol compounds than HemoHIM (8.7-fold increase for decursin), whereas contents of water-soluble polyphenol compounds showed little differences between the two compositions. Then, we evaluated MH-30 and HemoHIM for their in vitro antioxidant and immune cell-stimulating activities as well as in vivo protective effects against radiation injuries in hematopoietic and self-renewal tissues. In antioxidant activity assays, MH-30 showed higher hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than HemoHIM (1.4- to 1.9-fold for compositions and 2.3- to 4.5-fold for ethanol fractions). On the other hand, MH-30 and HemoHIM exhibited similar immune cell-stimulating activities as measured by in vitro lymphocyte proliferation. MH-30 increased endogenous spleen colony formation, decreased bone marrow cell apoptosis, and enhanced survival of intestinal crypts in irradiated mice, demonstrating effective protection of MH-30 against radiation-induced injuries in hematopoietic and self-renewal tissues. The 30-day survival rate of lethally irradiated mice, a comprehensive index for radioprotective efficacy, was also elevated by MH-30. Noticeably, MH-30 showed higher protective effects than HemoHIM in all mouse experiments. These results demonstrate that MH-30 can protect hematopoietic and self-renewal tissues against radiation injuries more effectively than HemoHIM. Therefore, MH-30 can be a good candidate to reduce radiation injuries in hematopoietic and self-renewal tissues incurred by radiation accidents or cancer radiation therapy.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.196-204
• /
• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the in vivo and in vitro inhibitory effect of a traditional herbal complex (HC) extract prepared from a mixture of four oriental herbs (Dioscorea Rhizoma, Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc, Bombycis corpus, Fermented Glycine soja) that have been widely used for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus on hyperglycemia. The water extract of HC showed potent inhibitory effect on $\alpha$-glucosidase with $IC_{50}$ value of 1.24 mg/mL. Additionally, the ethanol extract of HC was also found to exhibit significant inhibitory effect against protein tyrosine phosphatase $1{\beta}$ ($PTP1{\beta}$), which is known as a major regulator of both insulin and leptin signaling. In the $PTP1{\beta}$ inhibitory assay, the most active n-hexane fraction obtained from the ethanol extract of HC, was identified as a mixture of fatty acid derivatives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In high-fat diet-low dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat, the water extract of HC improved the oral glucose intolerance as compared with rosiglitazone. HC also caused a marked decrease of body weight and fasting blood glucose and a significant improvement on glucose tolerance in metabolic syndrome mice model. These findings support that this traditional HC may be useful in the control of blood glucose in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.12 no.5
• /
• pp.595-604
• /
• 2002

The growth promoting effect of Clostridium hutyricum KCTC 1785 was investigated with natural products bearing antioxidative capacity, and combined two, three and four kinds of them. C. butyricum was showed a good growth by Lycii fructus, Sophorae flos, Chelidonium majus L., Atractylodis rhizoma alba, Paeonia japonica, alone, and two mixed com-binations were composed of Paeonia japonica and Epimedii herba, Paeonia japonica and Aurantii nobilis pericarpium, Paeonia japonica and Puerariae radix, Pneonia japonica and Angelicae gigantis radix, and three mixed combinations were organized with Epimedii herba, Sophorae flos and Nnelumbo nuclfera gaertner, and Epimedii herba, Sophorae flos and Scutellaria haicalensis george, and Epimedii herba, Sophorae flos and theae folium, and Epimedii herba, Paeonia japonica and Angelicae gigantis radix, and four mixed combinations were formed with Epimedii herba, Puerariae radix, Nelumbo nuclfera gaertner and Paeonia japonica, and Epimedii herba, Puerariae radix, Nelumbo nuclfera gaertner and Theae folium, and Epimedii berba, puerariae radix, Nelumbo nuclfera gaertner and Angelicae gigantis radix, and puerariae radix, Nelumbo nuclfera gaertner, paeonia japonica and Theae folium. As these combinations of natural products could activate some parts fo body, they might be applied to pharmaceuitcal applications, functional foods, antiaging tea, also expected to promote useful enterobacterial growth for multifunctional fermentative beverage.