• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.55-63
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• 2010

Objectives : In this study, we investigated anti-allergic effect of Okbyeongpungsan-Hap-Changijasan (KOB01) in allergic rhinitis(AR) experimental animals and mast cells. Methods : The potential anti-allergic effect of KOB01 was investigated in a rat model of compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock and a mouse of ovalbumin(OVA)-induced AR, and human mast cell line, HMC-1 culture. Each animals were divided into four groups: normal, control, KOB01-treated(100 and 200 mg/kg) and anti-histamine drug, dosodium cromoglycate (DSCG)-treated(50 mg/kg). Animals were orally treated with KOB01 and DSCG and intraperitoneally injected with compound 48/80($10\;{\mu}g/kg$) or sensitized with 0.1% OVA. The mortality and serum histamine levels were measured in compound 48/80-induced anaphylatic rats. The histological changes in nasal mucosa were investigated in OVA-induced AR mice. Also, mast cell degranulation was observed in compound 48/80-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Results : KOB01 increased mortality and significantly decreased serum histamine levels in compound 48/80-induced anaphylatic rats. The abnormal histological changes such as expansion of grandular cells and hypertrophy of epithelium in nasal mucosa of OVA-induced AR mice was improved by KOB01 treatment nearby a normal group. Therefore, KOB01 inhibited compound 48/80-induced degranulation in HMC-1 cells. Conclusions : These results indicate that KOB01 decrease allergic response through suppressing the mast cell activation in AR and suggest a potential role for KOB01 as a source of anti-allergic agents for use in allergic disorders including of AR.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.74-86
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aimed to assess the scientific evidence for the use of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang, a traditional herbal formula, in the treatment of rhinitis, and prepare the basis for the investigational new drug application by analyzing the experimental studies. Methods : Ten electronic databases were searched up to December, 2016 without language limitation. Experimental studies on the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang against rhinitis were included. We extracted data about study design, characteristics of intervention, outcomes, and pharmacological effects from the included studies and summarized them. Results : Eight hundred and thirty-three potentially relevant studies were identified, of which 18 experimental studies met our inclusion criteria. Of 18 included studies, 5 had conducted cell viability test, and all studies had reported that Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang was non-cytotoxic. Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang exhibits anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the inflammation-related cytokines including nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$, interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$ in vitro and in vivo. Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang exhibits anti-allergic effect by suppressing eosinophil, and histamine levels. Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang helps in the recovery of nasal mucous membrane by supressing goblet cells, heat shock protein 70, and substance P. Conclusions : This study suggests that Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang has the potential to be developed as therapeutic agent for rhinitis. Further experimental and clinical studies needed to be performed to prove the safety and efficacy.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.15-24
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• 2011

Background: Type I allergy is involved in allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis which are accompanied by an acute and chronic allergic inflammatory responses. Rehmannia glutinosa is a traditional medicine in the East Asian region. This study examined whether a Rehmannia Glutinosa pharmacopuncture solution (RGPS) had anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory effects in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Methods: We determined the effect of RGPS on cell viability using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We also examined the effect of RGPS on the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and the secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using ELISA. In addition, we evaluated the effect of RGPS on the mRNA expression of various cytokines; IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using RT-PCR. Furthermore, we assessed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}$B using Western blotting after RGPS treatment. Results: We found that RGPS ($10^{-4}$ to $10^{-1}$ dilution) did not cause any cytotoxicity. We observed significant inhibition of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release and suppression of the protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and mRNA expression of multiple cytokines in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells after RGPS treatment. Additionally, RGPS suppressed not only the phosphorylation of MAPKs, but also the transcriptional activation of NF-${\kappa}$B in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that RGPS inhibits degranulation and expression of cytokines including IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ via down-regulation of MAPKs and NF-${\kappa}$B activation in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. In conclusion, RGPS may have beneficial effects in the exerting anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory activities.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.113-116
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• 2012

Various kinds of positive effects of green tea extracts had been studied for long time which included anti-inflammation, anti-aging, and cardiometabolic effects. Although topical steroid and non-steroidal calcineurin inhibitors may control clinical symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, some of patients also present allergic reaction to these topical agents. Therefore, we have tried green tea extracts for managing this skin disorder with expectation of anti-inflammatory effect without potential side effects including skin irritation and toxic responses. The toxicity test of green tea extract also did not show any sign of irritation in the skin throughout the test period. Moderate severity of allergic contact dermatitis presented satisfactory clinical outcome at second week follow-up which was final visit of outpatient. This result mean that green tea extract has a positive effect for managing allergic contact dermatitis but its potency and efficacy seem to be so not strong enough to control moderate severity allergy skin lesion. In this pilot study, we were able to conclude that green tea cell extracts might be applied for potential anti-inflammatory soaking without skin toxicity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.283-290
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• 2016

Oroxylum indicum has long been used in Asian traditional medicine to prevent and treat respiratory diseases, diabetes, diarrhea and other conditions. Oroxylin A is a flavone that is present in Oroxylum indicum and in Scutellaria baicalensis. Because the root extracts of both plants have been shown to have anti-allergic effects, the authors investigated whether oroxylin A is likely to have beneficial effects on allergic asthma using female Balb/c mice and rat RBL-2H3 mast cells. Antigen-induced degranulation was measured in vitro by measuring b-hexosaminidase activity. A murine ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model was used to test the in vivo efficacy of oroxylin A. Sensitization and challenge of ovalbumin induced allergic asthma responses, the accumulations of eosinophils and Th2 cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues. Oroxylin A administration decreased numbers of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils, and reduced the expression and secretion of Th2 cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-13, in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histologic studies showed oroxylin A reduced inflammatory signs and mucin production in lungs. These findings provide evidence that oroxylin A has potential use as an anti-allergic therapeutic.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.189-195
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although aged black garlic has various biological activities such as anti-allergy, anti-inflammation and neuroprotection, effect of aged black garlic on chemically contact dermatitis is unclarified. MATERIALS/METHODS: To evaluate anti-dermatitic activity of aged black garlic extract, we investigated effects of a fraction of aged black garlic extract (BG10) on both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: BG10 almost inhibited formation of nitric monoxide and interleukin-6 (IL-6; $IC_{50}$, $7.07{\mu}g/mL$) at $25{\mu}g/mL$, and dose-dependently reduced production of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$; $IC_{50}$, $52.07{\mu}g/mL$) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($IC_{50}$, $38.46{\mu}g/mL$) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, BG10 significantly inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear $NF-{\kappa}B$, and improved that of cytosolic levels of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ in the cells. Consistent with in vitro studies, BG10 (0.5 mg/mL) not only reduced ear edema but also suppressed the formation of IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in ear tissues of mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest BG10 has anti-dermatitic activity through inhibiting activation of macrophages. Therefore, such effects of BG10 may provide information for the application of aged black garlic for prevention and therapy of contact dermatitis.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.213-220
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• 2022

In this study, a functional study was conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of IL-6 and TFN-α, which are allergic inflammation inhibitory effects, using natural extracts 640 types of substances. Of the 640 types, 36 substances showed 100% cell viability, and among the extracts showing the IL-6 inhibitory effect, 8 substances showed an inhibitory effect similar to that of cyclosporin A, and 5 substances showed an inhibitory effect on TFN-α. In particular, two types of extracts showing a common inhibitory effect on IL-6 and TFN-α showed an anti-allergic anti-inflammatory effect and a strong anti-allergic anti-inflammatory effect in Hagocho and Snow lotus extract. It is thought that these contents can be used as a functional natural cosmetic material for allergy-inflammation suppression using natural extracts.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.321-327
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• 2015

A 50-year-old male visited the outpatient clinic and complained of fever, poor oral intake, and weight loss. A chest X-ray demonstrated streaky and fibrotic lesions in both lungs, and chest CT revealed multifocal peribronchial patchy ground-glass opacities with septated cystic lesions in both lungs. Cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed lymphocyte-dominant leukocytosis, and further analysis of lymphocyte subsets showed a predominance of cytotoxic T cells and few T helper cells. Video-assisted wedge resection of the left upper lobe was performed, and the histologic examination was indicative of a Pneumocystis jirovecii infection. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was orally administered for 3 weeks; however, the patient complained of cough, and the pneumonia was aggravated in the follow-up chest X-ray and chest CT. Molecular studies demonstrated mutations at codons 55 and 57 of the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene, which is associated with the resistance to TMP-SMX. Clindamycin-primaquine was subsequently administered for 3 weeks replacing the TMP-SMX. A follow-up chest X-ray showed that the pneumonia was resolving, and the cough was also alleviated. A positive result of HIV immunoassay and elevated titer of HCV RNA indicated HIV infection as an underlying condition. This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring of patients with P. jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) during the course of treatment, and the molecular study of DHPS mutations. Additionally, altering the anti-PCP drug utilized as treatment must be considered when infection with drug-resistant P. jirovecii is suspected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of TMP-SMX-resistant PCP described in Korea.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.413-419
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• 2020

Eosinophilia occurs commonly in many diseases including allergic diseases and helminthic infections. Toxocariasis has been suggested as one cause of eosinophilia. The present study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia and to identify the risk factors for toxocariasis. This prospective cohort study recruited a total of 81 patients with eosinophilia (34 males and 47 females) who visited the outpatient clinic at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2017 to February 2018 and agreed to participate in this study. The prevalence of toxocariasis was examined by T. canis-specific ELISA, and the various risk factors for toxocariasis were evaluated by a questionnaire survey. Among 81 patients with eosinophilia, 18 were positive for anti-T. canis antibodies (22.2%); 88.9% were male (16/18) and 11.1% were female (2/18). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that males (OR 21.876, 95% CI: 1.667-287.144) with a history of consuming the raw meat or livers of animals (OR 5.899, 95% CI: 1.004-34.669) and a heavy alcohol-drinking habit (OR 8.767, 95% CI: 1.018-75.497) were at higher risk of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia. Toxocariasis should be considered a potential cause of eosinophilia when the patient has a history of eating the raw meat or livers of animals in Korea. A single course of albendazole is recommended to reduce the migration of Toxocara larvae in serologically positive cases with eosinophilia.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1118-1126
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti allergic effect in vivo and in vitro, and to observe single and four weeks repeated toxicity in mice of Bangpung-galgeun-tang (BGT). We investigated anti DNP IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rodents and compound 48/80-induced active systemic anaphylatic shock in mice after oral administration with BGT of 0.4 g/kg and 0.8 g/kg for 8 days, and also examined MTT assay, ${\beta}-hexosaminidase$ activity, IL-4 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ from RBL-2H3 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ from Raw264.7 after pre-treatment with BGT of 0.25 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml. To ascertain safety and toxicity of BGT, we divided into single and four weeks repeated administration test. In single test, three groups were administrated different dosages and routes (2 g/kg/i.p., 4 g/kg/i.p. and 15 g/kg /p.o.) of BGT, and in four weeks repeated test, 0.8 g/kg BGT was administrated. Control groups were administrated with only saline according to on Korean Food and Drug Administration, respectively. We observed attentively motality, abnormal clinical sign, body weight change, organ weight, AST and ALT of mice after BGT administration. BGT inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and active systemic anaphylatic shock by oral administration. All the concentrations of BGT from 0.25 to 2 mg/ml didn't have an effect on cell viability and cytotoxicity. In RBL-2H3, ${\beta}-hexosaminidase$ release, IL-4 and $TNF-{\alpha}$, and in Raw264.7, $TNF-{\alpha}$ were significantly reduced by treated all concentrations of BGT. During toxicity experiment period, there was no difference in body weight change, organ weight, AST and ALT among different dose groups. Death were found 3 mice from day 2 to day 3 in single test i.p. group. (2 g/kg, 4 g/kg). Several individuals of single test i.p. group were observed that decreased locomotor activity, exophthalmos, bloodshot eyes, loss of eyesight and so on in early period after administration. But there was no difference in clinical signs among p.o. group. These results indicate that BGT have inhibition effects on allergy and suggest that no observable effect level of the test orally administration was considered to be more than 2 g/kg in mice under the conditions employed in this study.