• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.42-51
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• 2012

Objectives: This study used the basic principle of Oriental medicine, the sovereign, minister, assistant and courier principle (君臣佐使論) to investigate the effects of the component of ONGABO, which is composed of Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng), Angelica Gigantis Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae tuber on the viability of HepG2 cells. Methods: Single and mixed extracts of the component of ONGABO were prepared by lypohilizing powder of Red Ginseng (6-year root from Kanghwa), Angelica Gigantis Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Cuscuta Semen, Curcumae Tuber (from Omniherb Co., Ltd., Korea) at the laboratory of herbal medicine in Woosuk University and were eluted after being macerated with 100% ethanol for three days. The cell viability of HepG2 was determined by using an absorptiometric analysis with PrestoBlue (Invitrogen) reagent after the plate had been incubated for 48 hours. All of the experiments were repeated three times to obtain the average value and standard deviation. The statistical analysis was done and the correlation factor was obtained by using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Origin 6.0 software. Results: Although Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng) and Schisandrae Fructus did not enhance the viability of HepG2 cells, they were shown to provide protection of those cells. On the other hand, Angelica Gigantis Radix decreased the viability of HepG2 cells significantly, Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae Tuber had a small or no effect on the viability of HepG2 cells. Conclusions: In the sovereign, minister, assistant and courier principle (君臣佐使論), Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng) corresponds to the sovereign component because it provides cell protection effects, Angelica Gigantis Radix corresponds to minister medicinal because it kills cells, Schisandrae Fructus corresponds to the assistant medicinal to help red ginseng having cell protect effects. Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae Tuber correspond to the courier medicinal having no effect in cell viability in HepG2. We hope this study provides motivation for advanced research on the sovereign, minister, assistant and courier principle.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.249-255
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• 2015

Schisandrae fructus [Schizandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baillon] is a medicinal herb widely used for treating various inflammatory and immune diseases in East Asian countries. The Schisandrae Semen essential oil (SSeo) from this plant has pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumoral activities. Nevertheless, the biological activities and underlying molecular mechanisms of the potential anti-cancer effects of this oil remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential inhibition of apoptosis signaling pathways by SSeo in human leukemia U937 cells and evaluated the underlying molecular mechanism. Exposure to SSeo resulted in a concentration-dependent growth inhibition due to apoptosis, which was verified by DNA fragmentation, the presence of apoptotic bodies, and an increase in the sub-G1 ratio. Induction of apoptotic cell death by SSeo was correlated with the down-regulation of members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family (including X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), cIAP-1, and surviving) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and with up-regulation of death receptor (DR) 4 and DR5, depending on dosage. SSeo treatment also induced Bid truncation, mitochondrial dysfunction, proteolytic activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and concomitant degradation of activated caspase-3 target proteins such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Taken together, these findings suggest that SSeo may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for use in the control of human leukemia cells. Further studies are needed to identify its active compounds.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.23-27
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• 2000

The effect of seventy kinds of medicinal plants on the activities of GABA-metabolizing enzymes as glutamate dehydrogenase I (GDH I), glutamate dehydrogenase II (GDH II), GABA transaminase (GABA-T), succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) and succinic semialdehyde reductase (SSAR) were estimated. The following plants extracts from Acori graminei Rhizoma, Longnae Arillus, Gastrodiae Herba, Lycii Fructus, Ligusticum officinale, Ferula assafoetida, Corydalis Tuber, Eucommiae Cortex, Zizyphi spinosi Semen activated the activity of GDH I to more than 35%, and the following ones from Visci Ramulus, Ligusticum officinale, Myristicae Semen, Ferulae Resina, Scolopendrae Corpus, Corydalis Tuber, Eucommiae Cortex, Zizyphi spinosi Semen did that of GDH II. The plant extracts from Cynanchi Radix, Astragali Semen, Angelicae dahuricae Radix, Biotae orientalis Folium, Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus, Polygalae Radix, Cynomorii Herba inhibited that of GABA-T to 35% and over, and the following ones from Hyoscyamus niger, Cynanchi Radix, Acori graminei, Caesalpiniae Lignum, Cannabis Semen, Sedum aizoon, Sedum kamtschaticum, Schisandrae Fructus, Lilii Bulbus, Biotae orientalis Folium, Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus, Myristicae Semen, Akebiae Fructus, Cynomorii Herba, Buddleiae Flos, Mucunae Caulis, Zizyphi Fructus, Paeoniae Radix rubra did that of SSADH to 70% and over; the following ones from, Caesalpiniae Lignum, Sedum kamtschaticum, Schisandrae Fructus, Astragali Semen, Angelicae dahuricae Radix, Dioscorea nipponica, Myristicae Semen, Akebiae Fructus, Cynomorii Herba, Scutellariae Radix did that of SSAR.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2013

Objectives and Methods: This study was conducted to investigate the formula of ONGABO to composed of Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng), Angelica Gigantis Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Cuscuta Semen, Curcumae Tuber with the method to observe the cell viability of HepG2 in the basic principle of oriental medicine formula study, Sovereign, Minister, Assistant and Courier principle (君臣佐使論). Results: Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng) and Schisandrae Fructus were having a cell protection effect in HepG2 significantly. Angelica gigantis radix was decreased the cell viability of HepG2 significantly, and there were no effects for Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae Tuber to the cell viability of HepG2. Conclusions: As the above results, in the Sovereign, Minister, Assistant and Courier principle (君臣佐使論), Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng) corresponds to sovereign medicinal having cell protect effects, angelica gigantis radix corresponds to minister medicinal having cell killing effects, Schisandrae Fructus corresponds to assistant medicinal to help red ginseng having cell protect effects. Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae Tuber correspond to courier medicinal having no effect in cell viability in HepG2. We hope the advanced research on sovereign, minister, assistant and courier principle will be proceed in the tomorrow.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.191-195
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• 2014

Essential oils extracted or purified from various plants have shown various beneficial effects. Seed parts of Schizandra chinensis Baillon (Schisandrae Semen) have been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years in parts of Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of essential oils purified from S. fructus (S. chinensis Baillon) remain largely unresolved. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of Schisandrae Semen essential oil (SSeo) by a single- dose toxicity study in mice. SSeo was orally administered at a dose of 5,000 mg/kg in ICR mice. All animals were sacrificed after 14 days of treatment. After a single administration, mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, and gross pathological findings were observed for 14 days. We also measured parameters of organ weight, clinical chemistry, and hematology. No toxicological change related to the test substance or mortality was observed after administration of a single oral dose of SSeo. There were no adverse effects on clinical signs, body weight, or organ weight and no gross pathological findings in any treatment group. The clinical chemistry and hematological parameters were within the normal ranges except total bilirubin. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose for oral administration of SSeo in mice was considered to be over 5,000 mg/kg. The results on the single-dose toxicity of SSeo indicate that it is not possible to reach oral dose levels related to death or dose levels with any harmful side effects.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.121-135
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to establish and provide reliable information for general public, based on expert consensus, on the risks of misuse of medicinal herbs for food and pure food ingredients for the fetus during pregnancy. Methods: A panelist of seven traditional Korean medicine (TKM) gynecologists responded to a questionnaire summarizing the fetal safety literature for twenty-five medicinal herbs for food and pure food ingredients derived from medicated diet (藥膳, Yaksun) recipes during three online Delphi rounds anonymously. Results: Ginkgonis Semen (Ginkgo nut), Illici Veri Fructus (Star anise), lavender, bitter gourd, and parsley were agreed at the level 1 of "Do not consume". These five ingredients were recognized as having significant risks both in the literature evidence and in expert opinion. Rosemary, Citri Unshius Pericarpium, Discoreae Rhizoma, lemongrass, Schisandrae Fructus, Cassiae Semen, Foeniculi Fructus, Mori Fructus, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Astragali Radix were agreed at the level 2 of "consultation with TKM practitioner is required". Conclusion: Based on the consensus of a seven-member expert panel of TKM gynecologists, consumption of Ginkgonis Semen (Ginkgo nut), Illici Veri Fructus (Star anise), lavender, bitter gourd, and parsley should be avoided by pregnant women. For Rosemary, Citri Unshius Pericarpium, Discoreae Rhizoma, lemongrass, Schisandrae Fructus, Cassiae Semen, Foeniculi Fructus, Mori Fructus, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Astragali Radix, the level 2 advisory may be recommended to use with caution and to consult a TKM practitioner for advice on consumption, dose, and duration.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.582-593
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• 2009

Background and Objective : Allergy is defined as an altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. This study was to evaluate the effect of oriental materia medica on IL-5 secretion in the mouse spleen cell. Methods : We used the splenocytes of mouse 8 weeks after its birth, and then cultivated those into the 2 experimental groups and a control group for 48 hours. The culture media of the experimental groups were made of $1{\mu}g/ml$, $10{\mu}g/ml$ oriental materia medica, representative. And the culture media of control group was given no oriental materia medica. Then, we assayed the quantity of cytokine-expression by the sandwich ELISA. The quantities of cytokine-expression of the experimental groups were compared with that of the control group, which was standardized. These methods were used for all of the oriental materia medica treated. Results : Some oriental materia medica inhibit the secretion of IL-5 in both $1{\mu}g/ml$ and $10{\mu}g/ml$ culture media. These were Acori Rhizoma, Luffae Fasciculus Vascularis, Amomi Rotundi Fructus, Schisandrae Fructus, Biotae Semen, Clematis armandii, Dioscoreae Sativa Rhizoma, Coicis Semen, Sophorae Flos, Oroxyli Semen, Aurantii Semen, Pini Nodi Lignum. Conclusion : This study indicates that some oriental materia medica inhibit the secretion of IL-5 and are beneficial for allergic disease.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.1365-1380
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• 2007

Based on the theories and clinical data of oriental medicine, traditional medicinal prescriptions known to be effective to diabetic nephropathy were collected. The prescriptions were carefully examined and analyzed in order to be used as fundamental material for experiments and in clinicals. More than 40 publications related to diabetes were arranged and analyzed. Of the complications, diabetic nephropathy part of the publications were specifically focused during analysis. Data were analyzed and classified according to the quantity, prescription, differentiation of symptoms, signs and addition and subtraction of each medicine. Frequently used medicines were statistically analyzed. The most frequently used prescription was Yukmigihwang-tang(六味地黃湯) based medicine and prescriptions of its addition and subtraction, which was 15% of the total prescriptions cited. The most frequently used medicine was Astragali Radix, mentioned 192 times in the prescriptions. Hoelen was next with 180 citations, followed by Dioscoreae Rhizoma with 147 times, Rehmanniae Radix with 140, Corni Fructus with 131, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix with 106, Angelicae Gigantis Radix with 101, Alismatis Rhizoma with 95, Rhei Rhizoma with 90, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba with 84, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata with 78, Leonuri Herba with 74, Moutan Cortex Radicis with 66, Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix with 66 Cnidii Rhizoma with 65, Pseudostellaria heterophylla with 62, Liriopis Tuber with 55, Lycii Fructus with 52, Rhei Rhizoma with 49, Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix with 44, Paeoniae Radix Rubra with 44, Schisandrae Fructus with 42, Polyporus with 42, Achyranthis Radix with 41 and Euryales Semen with 40. Medicines prescribed more than 30 grams a day included Astragali Radix, Imperatae Rhizoma, Benincasae Pericarpium, Leonuri Herba, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Plantaginis Semen, Polyporus, Hoelen, Halloysitum Rubrum, Achyranthis Radix, Arecae Pericarpium, Phaseoli Angularis Semen, Coicis Semen, Rhei Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, Sargassum, Ostreae Concha, Pseudostellaria heterophylla, Epimedii Herba, Rehmanniae Radix, Scrophulariae Radix and Polygonati Rhizoma. No scientific reports on the traditional medicinal aspects of diabetic nephropathy was searched. This analysis report would be able to provide the basis of developing new drug candidates for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, as well as securing the EBM for the traditional medicines already being prescribed to the patients.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.54-72
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• 2018

Objectives: The aim of this review is to investigate studies on Estrogen-like activity and to contribute to the utilization of herbal medicines including phytoestrogens. Methods: Electric searches were performed with Pubmed from 2013 to June 2018, for the words, 'herb and estrogen', 'traditional Chinese medicine and estrogen', 'Oriental medicine and estrogen', and 'Korean medicine and estrogen'. 49 papers are investigated and classified into 'in vitro', 'in vivo' and 'in vivo and in vitro' experimental studies. Results: 1. In vitro experimental studies have shown that estrogen-like effects of the components extracted from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Rubi Fructus, Sparganii Rhizoma, Epimedii Herba, Spatholobi Caulis, Evodiae fructus, Curcumae longae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Bupleuri Radix, Astragali Radix, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, Puerariae Radix, Scutellariae Radix are present. 2. In vivo experimental studies have shown that estrogen-like effects of the components extracted from Phytolaccae Radix, Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, Alismatis Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix, Puerariae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Cyperi Rhizoma, Cistanchis Herba, Cynomorii Herba, Granati fructus, Astragali Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Crudus, Epimedii Herba, Polygalae Radix, Artemisiae Annuae Herba are present. 3. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies have shown that estrogen-like effects of the components extracted from Cirsii Herba, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, Cynomorii Herba, Cinnamomi cortex, Drynariae Rhizoma, Psoraleae Semen, Schisandrae Fructus, Epimedii Herba, Astragali Radix are present. Conclusions: Future studies will require additional research on numerous herbal medicines used in clinical practice.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.145-163
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• 2018

Objectives: The study was designed to provide clinical evidence of homogeneity in analysis of the herbal medicine, Guipi decoction in treating insomnia, using a t-test of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: This study included RCTs that verified homogeneity of Guipi decoction in treating insomnia. Literature studies of CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database) were performed. The basic components group was made to the Guipi decoction of the Yixuerumen?s text. The excluded group was created with the number of herbs excluded from the basic components group. T-test performed that the effective rate in the basic components group and excluded groups. Results: The basic components of Guipi decoction contain Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, Poria Sclerotium (Poria Sclerotium Cum Pini Radix), Polygalae Radix, Astragali Radix, Zizyphi Semen, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Aucklandiae Radix, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer, Ginseng Radix (Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix), Longanae Arillus. Herbs excluded from the basic components group were Longanae Arillus, Ginseng Radix (Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer and herbs added to the basic components group were Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg, Schisandrae Fructus, Salviae Militiorrhizae Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba (in order from the most used to the least). T-test revealed the effective rate in the basic components group was not statistically significant compared to the excluded groups (p=0.161/p=0.162/p=0.103). Conclusions: Effectiveness in treatment of basic components of Guipi decoction and excluded groups were revealed to be homogeneous in treating insomnia. As the number of herbs in the basic components group decreased, mean value in effectiveness of treatment also decreased consequentially. However, there were no statistical significances.