• 대한한의학회지
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.86-113
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• 2018

Objectives: We examined the effects of a mixed formula consisting of dried pomegranate concentrate powder (PCP) and the aqueous extracts of Eucommiae cortex (EC) and Achyranthis radix (AR) in rats with surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Two weeks after OA-inducing surgery, a PCP:EC:AR 5:4:1 (g/g) combination or single formula was orally administered. Changes in body weight, knee thickness, maximum knee extension angle, bone mineral density of the knee joints, femoral and tibial articular surfaces, and compressive strength of the femoral and tibial articular cartilage (AC) were assessed, along with the prostaglandin E2 level, 5-lipoxygenase, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity, and chondrogenic gene mRNA expression in the femoral and tibial AC with the synovial membrane (SM). In addition, the number of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, cyclooxygenase and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$-immunoreactive cells in the femoral and tibial AC with SM were monitored, and the rate of cell proliferation was determined with a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine uptake assay. Results : The signs of surgically induced OA in rats were significantly inhibited by both PCP, EC and AR combined and single formulas. In particular, the combination formula-treated OA model rats showed dose-dependent, significantly increased inhibitory activity against all tested criteria compared with single formula-treated rats. Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that the combination formula synergistically increased the anti-OA effects of its components through anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic activity in rats with surgically induced OA. In addition, 200, 100 and 50 mg/kg combination formula treatments showed dose-dependent inhibitory activity against all of the tested criteria.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.11-40
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• 2017

Objectives: We investigated whether a mixture of the main component of pomegranate concentrated powder (PCP) with appropriate proportions of Eucommiae Cortex (EC) and Achyranthis Radix (AR) could act synergistically as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: In order to evaluate the effects of PCP, EC, and AR against OA, knee thicknesses, maximum extension angle of each knee, anti - inflammation effects, the transcript levels of chondrogenic genes mRNA expressions in femur and tibia articular cartilage (AC) with synovial membrane (SM) were analyzed. In addition, the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the femur and tibia AC or SM were performed. Results: The surgically-induced OA signs in rats were significantly inhibited by 28 days of continuous treatment of PCP, EC and AR single formulas, and PCP with EC:AR mixed formulas. Especially, PCP with EC:AR 4:1, 2:1 and 1:1 mixed formula treatment constantly showed significantly more favorable inhibitory activities, as compared with those of single formula of PCP, EC and AR treated rats. Conclusion: PCP and EC:AR 4:1 mixed formula showed similar OA refinement effects through potent anti-inflammatory pathways as compared with those of diclofenac treatment, and showed additional chondrocyte proliferating effects on the both femur and tibia AC.