• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2001

Objectives : The following are the results of the experimental studies of Samjasan (SJS) extract on the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and the level of lipid peroxide in the penises of rats. Methods : Cnidii Fructus, Cuscutae Semen, Schizandrae Fructus constitute SJS. 150 g of crushed crude drug was extracted with methyl alcohol, under reflux, for 24 hours, three times; the total extractive was evaporated under reduced pressure to give 28.6 g. Results : In vitro, the SJS extract didn't effect the activity of NOS. However, the SJS extract decreased the activities, the ratio of type conversion of xanthine oxidase, the levels of lipid peroxide, In vitro, after administration of the SJS extract to rats, the activities and ratio of type conversion of xanthine oxidase decreased, but the activity of NOS and the content of nitrite increased. Also, the levels of the superoxide anion radical and lipid peroxide decreased in the penises of rats. But, after administration of the SJS extract to rats, the levels of glutathione did not increase. The effects of the SJS extract did better as the dosage and the length of treatment increased. Conclusions : These results suggest that the SJS extract decreases the activities of free radical generating enzymes which form lipid peroxide and increases the NOS activity in the penises of rats. Therefore, the SJS extract is capable of improving of sexual ability in rats.