• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.265-273
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• 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypertensive effects of six different plant extracts using a N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced rat model of hypertension. All extracts were administered orally for six weeks. At the end of the study period blood pressure, blood flow, aortic histopathology, and hepatic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression were measured. Subsequently, we also measured the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide (NO), and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Based on these screening results, we selected extracts of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) and Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) for further evaluation. C. cassia and S. miltiorrhiza extracts ameliorated hypertension and atherosclerosis in L-NAME-treated rats in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, a mixture of C. cassia and S. miltiorrhiza had an additive effect to reduce blood pressure, increase blood flow, and normalize aortic tissue. This mixture demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. In conclusion, although further analysis of the therapeutic mechanism is required, the anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic effects of this mixture are likely mediated by increased eNOS expression, and its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.51-61
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of 4 herbal formulas for Sasang constitutional medicine (Yeoldahanso-tang: YDHST, Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang: YGSHT, Cheongsimyeonja-tang: CSYJT and Taeeumjowi-tang: TEJWT). Methods : The antioxidant activities of herbal formulas were studied by measuring free radical scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH. The inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation was evaluated by the formation of TBARS, REM and fragmentation of apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB). Effects of herbal formulas on macrophage lipid accumulation were determined in native LDL and LPS co-incubated macrophages using Oil Red O staining. Results : The scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH of herbal formulas were increased in dose-dependent manner (YDHST>YGSHT>CSYJT>TEJWT). Herbal formulas reduced the oxidation properties of LDL induced by $CuSO_4$. YDHST, YGSHT and CSYJT showed strong suppressive effect on LDL oxidation than TEJWT. In addition, YDHST, YGSHT and CSYJT significantly inhibited foam cell formation in LDL/LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that YDHST, YGSHT and CSYJT have potentials on anti-atherosclerosis by antioxidative effect and suppressive effect on LDL oxidation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2002.05a
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• pp.77-81
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• 2002

The scope of the research is investigation of immune-modulating activities of A. rugosa (Baechohyang) extract was preformed through the screening active constituents using in vitro assays and evaluating anti-inflammatory activity and anti-atherosclerotic activity of the extract and active compound (tilianin) in vivo. In addition, various functional foods using the extract and whole plant was developed. The extract showed strong anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced acute edema mouse model and anti-atherogenic lesion activity in LDLR (low density lipoprotein receptor) deficient mouse model. These activities were thought to be resulted from modulation activity of several pathways of inflammation process. Among the main constituents of Baechohyang, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), Phytosterols, oleanolic acid and rosmarinic acid showed anticomplement activity, and PUFA, acacetin and tilianin newly showed potent ICAM-1 expression inhibition activity. The processes of extraction, mixing ratio of additives and storage conditions were established for drinks, granule tea, leaf tea, mixed tea and furigake.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2024

Atherosclerosis, a disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, is a chronic inflammatory disease that is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipid deposits in the arteries, forming atheromas. This leads to the narrowing of the arteries and thrombosis. Recently, the need to develop bio-derived anti-atherosclerotic materials has been highlighted with concerns about the side effects of synthetic therapeutics. Accordingly, related research (such as the discovery of biomaterials for the improvement and treatment of atherosclerosis and the identification of mechanisms) has been actively conducted. Biomaterials including polysaccharides, polyphenols, and coenzyme Q10 have been reported to inhibit or delay symptoms by modulating factors involved in the development of atherosclerosis. For biomaterials with superior activity, in vivo anti-atherosclerotic activity has been confirmed. In this review, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis was investigated, and the current status and application prospects of biomaterials with anti-atherosclerotic activity were proposed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.988-999
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• 2008

Objectives : The study was conducted to evaluate antioxidative, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypertensive effects of natural remedies. Alisma Rhizome (AR) has been used for a long time in Asia in folk remedies for treatment of hypertension and stroke and has been used in Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of glycosuria, gonorrhea, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and jaundice and its diuretic effect. These pharmacological effects of AR might come from antioxidant properties of phytochemicals in these materials. Methods : In this study, the antioxidant activity of extract from AR was studied with in vitro methods by measuring the antioxidant activity by TEAC, measuring the scavenging effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) [superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical] and on reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [nitric oxide and peroxynitrite] as well as measuring the inhibitory effect on $Cu^{2+}$ induced human LDL oxidation and on ACE. Results : The AR extracts were found to have a potent scavenging activity, as well as an inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation and on ACE against all of the reactive species tested, with the water extract showing particularly strong antioxidant activities. Conculsions : The AR extracts have antioxidative, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypertensive effects in an in vitro system, which can be used for developing pharmaceutical drugs against oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2004

Background: LIGHT (TNFSF14) is a member of tumor necrosis factor superfamily and is the ligand for TR2 (TNFRSF14/HVEM). LIGHT is known to have proinflammatory roles in atherosclerosis. Methods: To find out the expression pattern of LIGHT in atherosclerotic plaques, immunohistochemical analysis was performed on human carotid atherosclerotic plaque specimens. LIGHT induced atherogenic events using human monocytic cell line THP-1 were also investigated. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of LIGHT and TR2 in foam cell rich regions in the atherosclerotic plaques. Double immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed the expression of LIGHT in foam cells. Stimulation of THP-1 cells, which express TR2, with either recombinant LIGHT or immobilized anti-TR2 monoclonal antibody induced interleukin-8 and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-9. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that LIGHT induces nuclear localization of transcription factor, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$. LIGHT induced activation of MMP-9 is mediated by $NF-{\kappa}B$, since treatment of THP-1 cells with the $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) completely blocked the activation of MMP-9. Conclusion: These data indicate that LIGHT is expressed in foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques and is involved in atherogenesis through activation of pro-atherogenic cytokine IL-8 and destabilization of plaque by inducing matrix degrading enzyme.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.974-979
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• 2009

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC) is one of the key features in onset of atherosclerosis and restenosis after vascular surgery such as stent implant. Atherosclerotic plaques are usually composed of collagen, elatsin and smooth muscle cells. Release of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) is considered to have correlation with development of atherosclerotic plaques. Based on the hypothesis that MMP inhibition would be helpful in the treatment of atherosclerosis, we investigated inhibition of MMP activity and migration of TNF-$\alpha$-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell(HASMC) by Cinnamomi Ramulus(CC). The result from gelatin zymography showed that CC inhibited MMP-9 activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CC considerably inhibited the migration of HASMC induced by TNF-$\alpha$, while it showed little cytotoxic effect on HASMC. These results suggest that CC can be a potential anti-atherosclerotic agent through inhibition of MMP-9 activity and SMC migration.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.652-657
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• 2020

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional medicinal plant widely used in Asian countries for its pharmacological activities (e.g., amelioration of cardiovascular diseases). In this study, we investigated the anti-atherosclerotic activity of raw danshen root extract prepared using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 550 MPa for 5 min and hot water extraction. This method was useful for elimination of bacteria from cultured danshen plants and for better extraction yield of active principles. The HHP-treated danshen extract (HDE) inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and induced autophagy that was assessed by LC3 conversion and p62 degradation. HDE suppressed foam cell formation in oxLDL-induced RAW264.7 macrophages; lysosomal activity simultaneously increased, measured by acridine orange staining. HDE also reduced atherosclerotic plaque development in vivo in apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high cholesterol diet. Taken together, these results indicated that HDE exhibited anti-atherosclerotic activity via autophagy induction.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.64-65
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• 2003

Investigation of immunomodulating activities of the Agastache rugosa (Bae-cho-hyang) extract and its components was preformed through screening in vitro assays and evaluating anti-inflammatory activity and anti-atherosclerotic activity of the extract and tilianin in vivo. The extract showed strong anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced acute edema mouse model and anti-atherogenic activity in LDLR (low density lipoprotein receptor) deficient mouse model. (omitted)

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.135-143
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• 2009

There is currently increased interest in the identification of antioxidant compounds that are pharmacologically potent and have low or no side effects. Plants produce significant amounts of antioxidants to prevent the oxidative stress caused by photons and oxygen, therefore they represent a potential source of new compounds with antioxidant activity. Moutan Root Sark (MRS) has been frequently used as analgesic. antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and remedies for female diseases. In this study. the antioxidant activity of extract from MRS was studied in vitro methods by measuring the antioxidant activity by TEAC, measuring the scavenging effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) [superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical] and on reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [nitric oxide and peroxynitrite] as well as measuring the inhibitory effect on $Cu^{2+}$ induced human LDL oxidation and the inhibitory effect on collagen induced platelet aggregation. The MRS extracts were found to have a potent scavenging activity, as well as an inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation and on platelet aggregation. In conclusion, the MRS extracts have anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic effects in vitro system, which can be used for developing pharmaceutical drug against oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.