• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.17-24
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was to evaluate the single dose toxicity of Persicae Semen (PS) in ICR mice. Methods : Aqueous extracts of PS (Yield = 18.60%) were administered as an oral dose of 2,000, 1,000 and 500 mg/kg (body weight) according to the recommendation of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) guidelines (2009-116, 2009). Animals were monitored for the mortality and changes in body weight, clinical signs and gross observation during 14 days after dosing, upon necropsy; organ weight and histopathology of 12 principle organs were examined. Results : Amygdalin contents in PS aqueous extracts were detected as $32.50{\pm}5.96{\mu}g/ml$. We could not find any PS extracts treatment related mortalities, clinical signs, changes on the body and organ weights, gross and histopathological observations up to 2,000 mg/kg in both female and male mice, except for transient and slight loss of locomotion detected in female and male mice treated with 2,000 mg/kg. In addition, pharmacological immunomodulatory effects related findings were also demonstrated in 2,000mg/kg treated female and male mice as hypertrophy and hyperplasia of lymphoid cells in the submandibular lymph nodes. Conclusions : Based on the results of this experiment, the approximate lethal dose (ALD) of PS extracts after single oral treatment in female and male mice were considered above 2,000 mg/kg, respectively. It should be carefully used in clinics because the possibilities of respiratory or neurological disorders were observed when administered over 2,000 mg/kg of PS extract related to amygdalin.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.269-277
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• 2015

Herbal plant extracts are good resources to find functional compounds for cosmetic ingredient. In this study, the extract of Areca semen (A. semen) was studied for melanogenesis inhibition and antioxidant activity. The results showed that ethyl acetate fraction of A. semen contained phenolic contents, $301.35{\pm}0.88{\mu}g/mg$, and exhibited potent antioxidant activity with $IC_{50}$ value of $1.02{\pm}0.07{\mu}g/mg$. Further, FRAP value exhibited potent antioxidant activity with $9.07{\pm}0.36mM$. Disk diffusion assay was performed for antibacterial activity. Ethyl acetate fraction of A. semen showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) at $80{\mu}g/mL$, whereas it showed no significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results of cell viability indicated that ethyl acetate fraction did not show cytotoxicity to B16/F1 cells at $80{\mu}g/mL$ and showed significant cytotoxicity at $100{\mu}g/mL$ of concentration and showed inhibition of melanin synthesis inhibitory, $29.78{\pm}0.31%$ at $80{\mu}g/mL$. Furthermore, mRNA expressions of tyrosinase and MITF were decreased after treatment with ethyl acetate fraction in a dose-dependent manner. As a result, the ethyl acetate fraction of A. semen could be considered as potential as whitening agents.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.395-401
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• 2019

Phthalate is a chemical endocrine disrupter and interfere with the action of hormones, estrogens, androgens and thyroid hormones. It also affect cardiovascular, metabolic, immune and reproductive system in the human and animals. Curcumin is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and -cancer properties in the human. We studied whether phthalates damage viability, mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity of sperm in boar semen. We also treated curcumin with/without phthalates in the boar semen. Fresh boar semen was treated with phthalates and/or curcumin for examining sperm characteristics. Sperm characteristics, sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, and membrane integrity were determined during storage of boar semen. Sperm motility and viability in dose-dependent manner decreased by di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP, p<0.05). Phthalates also decreased mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity of sperm (p<0.05). However, sperm motility and viability were higher than untreated-curcumin when DBP, MBP and DEHP treated with a curcumin in boar semen (p<0.05). Mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity of sperm were higher in DBP- and MBP-treated semen with curcumin (p<0.05). In conclusion, phthalates can damage sperm viability and quality during the boar semen storage, and curcumin may protect the boar sperms from phthalates during storage term.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.637-641
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• 2002

In order to convert the one ryang of Guizhi-tang into the modern weights and measures, herbs whose dose was expressed by number in Treatise on Feverile Disease of Zhongjing were measured actually. The results obtained are as follows. 1. Size of Jujubae fructus in Guizhi-tang is an average and if remove the seed, 12 Jujubae fructuses corresponds to 20g. These weights are the same as Belamcandae Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Gleditsiae Fructus, Gardeniae Fructus and Armeniacae amarum Semen whose dose was expressed by number in Treatise on Feverile Disease of Zhongjing. If one ryang corresponds to 6.5g, 20g corresponds to three ryang. If one ryang corresponds to 15.6g, 20g corresponds to 1.3 ryang. When herbs were added in Guizhi-tang, the used weights were two more ryang. Almost unit of weights in Formulae of Zhongjing is the constantly multiplied. 2. Half sheng(升) of Pinelliae Rhizomae is 15 Pinelliae Rhizomas and corresponds to two and a half ryang. 14 Pinelliae Rhizomas are contained in 50 mL egg. 3.1 geun(斤), maximal amount of Gypsum Fibrosum and amount of one egg are the same weight supposing one ryang corresponds to 6.5g. 4. 2 ryang of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is the 6.8 balls(碁子) of baduk and similar as 5-6 balls of baduk of Jisilchijasi-Tang. 5. General dose of Glycyrrhizae Radix is two ryang and 20mL, the size of thumb is 13g. 6. Half geun approaches the 3 flattened spoons. Consequently the presumption that one ryang in Guizhi-tang is 15.6g is wrong. One ryang is assumed as 6.5g.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.57-61
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy is beneficial for improving semen parameters and clinical hypogonadism symptoms in hypogonadic oligozoospermic or severe oligozoospermic men with low or borderline testosterone levels. Methods: A weekly dose of 250 ㎍ (equivalent to approximately 6,500 IU) of hCG was administered subcutaneously for 3-6 months to 56 hypogonadic oligozoospermic or severe oligozoospermic men. Semen, biochemical, and genetic analyses were performed before the start of treatment followed by analyzing semen parameters every 3 months after the start of therapy. We grouped participants into responders and non-responders depending on positive changes in semen parameters. Results: Out of 56 men, 47 (83.93%) responded, while 9 (16.07%) did not. Upon statistical analysis, it was found that age did not affect the overall outcomes (p=0.292); however, men with higher body mass index (BMI; 28.09±3.48 kg/m²) showed better outcomes than those with low BMI (25.33±3.06 kg/m²) (p=0.042). The duration of therapy (in months) was higher in non-responders than in responders (p=0.020). We found significant improvements in sperm concentration (p=0.006) and count (p=0.005) after 3 months of therapy. Sperm motility and progressive motility were also found to be higher in responders, but did not show statistically significant changes. Conclusion: We conclude that hCG therapy can be beneficial in men with hypogonadic oligozoospermia or severe oligozoospermia.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.187-197
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• 1998

The study was aimed to investigate the effect cuscutae semen(CS) on the vascular systems including changes in blood pressure (BP), regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) and pial arteriolar diameter of male Sprague-Dawely rats. The changes in rCBF were determinated by laser-Doppler flowmetry, and the changes in diameter of pial arteriole were measured through a closed crainal window. 1. Blood pressure was not affected by CS in rats. 2. rCBF was increased by CS in a dose-dependent manner. 3. Pretreatment with methylene blue(Img/kg), and propranolol(1mg/kg) significantly inhibited CS induced increased in rCBF. 4. Pretreatment with indomethacin(1mg/kg) did not inhibited CS induced increased in rCBF. 5. Pial arterial diameter was increased by CS in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that CS causes a diverse response of blood pressure, regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF), and pial arteral diameter. The increased in rCBF is also mediated by adrenergic ${\beta}-receptor $ and guanylate cyclase.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.208-220
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• 2006

Objective: Eosinophils are typically characterized by a bilobar nucleus with highly condensed chromatin and cytoplasm containing two major types of granules, specific and primary granules, and lipid bodies. The role of inflammation in asthma and other allergic diseases of the airways is widely appreciated, and airway inflammation is now included as a defining feature of asthma. The importance of the presence of eosinophils in the airways of patients with fetal asthma has long been recognized, but the mechanism by which these cells are recruited and retained in the lungs are only now being elucidated. Eotaxin is a potent and specific eosinophil chemoattractant that is mobilized in the respiratory epithelium after allergic stimulation. Methods : Water extracts of Armeniacae Amarum Semen(AAS) and pulmonary epithelial cell lines A549(alveolar typeII epithelial cells) and human eosinophils were used. Cytotoxic effects of AAS and MIS assay were estimated, as well as the effects of AAS on chemokines from prestimulated A549 cells by sandwich ELISA and RI-PCR. Chemotaxis assay was conducted on prestimulated eosinophils treated with AAS. Results : In this study it is demonstrated that $TGF-{\alpha}$, IL-4 and $IL-1{\beta}$ induced the accumulation of chemokine mRNAs in the alveolar epithelial cell lines A549 in dose-dependent manner. Eotaxin and IL-8 were inhibited by AAS in dose-dependent manner(p<0.05). Eosinophil migration was inhibited at high concentrations of AAS(p<0.05). Conculusions : These findings are indicative of suppression of eotaxin and IL-8, and suggest that this is accomplished through AAS treatment. This raises the possibility that AAS is of therapeutic value in diseases such as asthma.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.209-218
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• 2002

Objective : This study was undertaken to examine whether Carthami Semen aquacupuncture (CSA) exerts protective effect against Hg-induced cell injury in rabbit liver. Methods : The cell injury was evaluated by ALT activity and lipid peroxidation was estimated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA). Results : Hg caused an increase of ALT activity and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent-manner over concentrations of 0.1-1 mM, which were prevented by addition of 0.005% CSA. The protective effect of CSA was dose-dependent in concentration range of 0.001 to 0.01%. The increase of ALT activity and lipid peroxidation induced by 0.5 mM Hg were almost completely decreased by addition of 0.01% CSA. When the liver tissues were exposed to 0.5 mM Hg, GSH content was decreased, which was significantly restored by 0.01% CSA. 0.5 mM Hg caused decrease in the amount of total and nonprotein sulfhydryl groups, and 0.01% CSA prevented Hg-induced reduction of nonprotein sulfhydryl group but not protein sulfhydryl group. Conclusions : These results suggest that CSA exerts protective effect against Hg-induced cell injury by antioxidant action resulting from enhancement of nonprotein sulfhydryl group content including GSH in liver.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.151-160
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was undertaken to examine whether Juglandis Semen herbal acupuncture (JGA) exerts protective effect against oxidant-induced cell injury in rabbit liver. Methods : The cell damage was estimated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and lipid peroxidation was estimated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) in rabbit liver slices. Results : t-Butylhydroperoxide (tBHP) caused an increase in LDH release and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner over concentrations of 0.5-2 mM, which were prevented by addition of 0.05% JGA. The protective effect of JGA was dose-dependent in concentration range of 0.005 to 0.1%. The concentrations of 0.005 and 0.1% JGA completely prevented the LDH release and lipid peroxidation by 1 mM tBHP. When liver tissues were exposed to 1 mM tBHP, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the medium was significantly increased, which was prevented by 0.05% JGA. tBHP (2 mM) decreased GSH content and the effect was prevented by 0.05% JGA. Conclusion : These results suggest that JGA exerts protective effect against oxidant-induced cell injury by antioxidant action resulting from enhancement of GSH content in the liver.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.314-319
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• 2012

Itching is one of the major diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis (AD) and one of its most troublesome symptoms that provokes the desire to scratch. Effective control of itching is believed to be one of the basic approaches in controlling AD. The purpose of this study was undertaken to investigate the antipruritic effect of ethanol extracts from Perillae Japonicae Semen leaves (PJSL) and Chaenomelis Fructus (CF) on the scratching behavior induced by pruritogen such as compound 48/80 or substance P in hairless mice. PJSL or CF treatment inhibited histamine release in HMC-1 stimulated compound 48/80 or substance P in a dose-dependant manner. In particularly, co-treatment PJSL ($50{\mu}g/mL$) plus CF ($100{\mu}g/mL$) significantly inhibited histamine release in HMC-1 stimulated compound 48/80 or substance P. PJSL, CF or PJSL plus CF was administered orally for 2 h and then compound 48/80 ($50{\mu}g/site$) or substance P ($100{\mu}g/site$) was injected into rostral back, and scratching of the injected site by the hind paw was counted for 1 h. PJSL or CF administration reduced the scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 as well as substance P in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, co-administration of PJSL and CF markedly suppressed the scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 as well as substance P. These suppressive effects were synergistically increased by their combination. From the preliminary observations, we considered that ethanol extracts from PJSL and CF could be an effective natural materials for itching treatment.