• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.242-247
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• 1986

This study is an attempt to investigate the effects of the water extracts of the whole plants of Prunella vulgaris (Labiatae) and Thesii chinense (Santalaceae) on the acute toxicity, the activities on central nervous system and the diuretic action. The acute toxicities shown by $LD_{50}$ were estimated to be more than 3000 mg/kg p.o. and 1,000 mg/kg s.c. in the extracts of Prunellae Herba and Thesii Herba, respectively, in mice. The extracts at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg p.o. did not show any activities on central nervous system, i.e, sedative, analgesic, hypothermic and anticonvulsant actions. The urination in rats was increased by 45.5% and 57.6% when 100mg/kg of each of the extracts were given orally. The results obtained revealed that the water extracts possessed weak diuretic actions without any of central nervous system activities. Furthermore, it is considered that the potassium in the extract may play a role in the diuretic action.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.232-241
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• 1986

The whole plants of Prunella vulgaris (Labiatae) and Thesium chinense (Santalaceae) are used as Hakocho(夏枯草) in the market in Korea. In oriental medicine, these herb drugs are prescribed as a diuretic or antiinflammatory drugs. In order to investigate the efficacy of the plants, the extracts were bioassayed for antiinflammatory action. The water extracts of Prunella Herba and Thesii Herba showed remarkable anti-carrageenin effect and significant inhibition of the swellings in adjuvant arthritis in rats. However, the extracts did not show any inhibition of leucocyte emigration in CMC pouch in rats.