• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.133-135
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• 2001

The edible part of cucurbita moschata Duch, which is commonly used as a Korean traditional medicine as well as a popular food source, was studied to isolate anti-complementary substance. Extracts of Cucurbita moschata Duch showed significant anti-complementary activities on the classical pathway of the complement system. Especially, the ripe Cucurbita moschata Duch had more activity than that of the complement system. Especially, the ripe Cucurbita moschata Duch had more activity than that of the green one in terms of the overall anti-complementary activity. Among the extracts of various organic solvents of the ripe Cucurbita moschata Duch, chloroform and ethyl-acetate extracts, which are non-polar solvent extracts, showed the strongest activities. These results suggest that the major difference in the solvent extraction for the anti-complementary substances depends on the change in the chemical composition such as the fatty acid with the degree of ripening.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2010

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is deciduous shrubs in the genus Hippophae, mainly cultivated in Europe and Asia. Sea buckthorn berries have a high vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, carbohydrates, protein, organic acids, dietary minerals, triterpenoids, polyphenolic acids and amino acids. Extracts of sea buckthorn berries have anti- obesity, anti-oxidantive, anti-microbial, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-diabetic and nutritional effects. Sea buckthorn used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, aid digestion, invigorate blood circulation and alleviate pain. Extracts of sea buckthorn branches and leaves was administered to humans and animals to treat gastrointestinal distress in Mongolia. This paper briefly reviews the most relevant experimental data on the pharmacological effects and isolated component of sea buckthorn. And, we also describe the importance of sea buckthorn as the environmental-friendly crops.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.141-149
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• 2007

Madhuca indica has been used ethnomedically in Indian folks. In the present study we have investigated anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and hypoglycaemic effect of ethanolic extract (EE) and crude alkaloid extract of Madhuca indica seed cake on albino rats. The study showed that the EE had a significant, dose dependent anti-edematogenic, anti-ulcerogenic and hypoglycaemic activity, whereas the crude alkaloid extract exhibited a significant only. Both the extracts possess dose dependent inhibitory activity on carrageenan-induced edema, inhibiting prostaglandins or mediators involved in prostaglandin synthesis, the second phase of inflammation. The EE was significantly effective in protecting pylorus-ligation-induced gastric ulcers at a higher dose level. The active principle of EE seems to be a selective inhibitor of the COX II (prostaglandin synthesis) without important effect on COX I since, EE exhibited both anti-edematogenic and anti-ulcerogenic effect. The EE was effective in reducing the plasma glucose level in normal albino rats in a dose dependent manner, producing hypoglycaemic effect by stimulating the release of insulin from the ${\beta}-cells$ and/or increasing the uptake of glucose from the plasma.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.7-13
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• 2014

Objectives : Anti-obesity drugs that have been developed so far have limited efficacies and considerable adverse effects affecting tolerability and safety. Therefore, most anti-obesity durgs have been withdrawn. We tried to develop anti-obesity agent by combinations from herbs that are used in food ingredients as well as in traditional medicines. Methods : The 80% (v/v) ethanol extracts from Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescence) leaf (BL) and Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) and their 1:1 combination (BLSB) was evaluated on high fat diet induced obese mice compared to Omega-3 as a positive control. The mice were divided into six groups (n=5), one group fed a normal diet (ND), and the others fed a high fat diets for eight weeks. Two weeks after starting feeding the diets, the high fat diet groups were orally administered vehicle and Omega-3, BL, SB, and BLSB at dosage of 200 mg/kg/day for six weeks. All groups were assayed for body weights, food efficiency ratio, blood biochemistry parameters, and organic tissue weights. Results : BLSB group showed significant reductions in body weight gain and fat weights of liver and epididymal adipose tissue compared to BL or SB alone as well as control. Total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels significantly decreased, and HDL-cholesterol level increased. In liver tissue, macrovesicular steaotisis was remarkably improved and its fat cell size was also significantly decreased. Conclusions : These results suggested that a combination preparation of bamboo leaf and S. baicalensis has anti-obesity effect and have synergistic effect compared to bamboo leaf or S. baicalesis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.45-49
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-inflammatory activity using various extracts of rice straw (DaoCao) extract (RS).Methods : To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of RS, we examined the effect of RS on cytokines production on THP-1 cell. Cells were cultured in incubator (37℃, CO₂5%, 0.5% FBS-RPMI, 1X10⁶cells/ml). One hour after,Dermatophagoides pteronissinus(Dp., 10 ug/ml) was treated into cell and at 6 hour after, each different concentrations(0.1, 1 and 10 ug/ml) of RS were treated. The cells were incubated for 16 hours and harvest the supernatant. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-αwere determined using a commercially available ELISA kit.Results : We investigated whether RS has the inhibition of inflammatory response in Jurkat cells and THP-1 cells. RS suppressed secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-αinduced by house dust mites in Jurkat cells. It showed significant effects for all concentrations. RS suppressed the increased expression of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 after treatment with mite in THP-1 cells. These results suggest that RS may be used as a valuable agent for treating allergic diseases such as atopy due to its anti-inflammatory property.Conclusions : RS showed significant biological activities with anti-inflammatory in the human T cells. These results suggest that RS may be used as a valuable agent for treating allergic diseases such as atopy due to its anti-inflammatory property. In terms of Korean traditional medicine, we expect the results to contribute to building of EBM (Evidence-Based Medicine).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.88-93
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Sibseonsan (SSS) is an effective antiinflammatory, anti-wrinkling, and whitening agent. Methods: To determine whether SSS had an anti-inflammatory effect, a murine macrophage cell line was used (RAW 264.7) and production of DPPH, NO, TNF-α, and PGE₂ were measured. To ascertain potential anti-wrinkle effects of SSS in these cells, collagenase and elastase production were measured. To verify whether SSS had a whitening effect, tyrosinase activity and DOPA staining were performed using a melanoma cell line (B16/F10). Results: There was no significant reduction in survival of SSS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, up to 400 ㎍/mL. Free radical scavenging (23.96 ± 1.85%) was observed in RAW 264.7 cells treated with SSS at a concentration of 400 ㎍/mL. The SSS treatment group (400 ㎍/mL) significantly inhibited NO production compared with the LPS stimulated treatment group. The SSS treatment of macrophage cells appeared to reduce production of TNF-α in a concentration dependent manner. There was a significant reduction in the concentration of PGE₂ by about 25% in the SSS treatment (400 ㎍/mL) group (p = 0.05). Compared with the control, the production of collagenase and elastase in B16/F10 cells treated with SSS (400 ㎍/mL) was greater by 26.37% and 45.71%, respectively. The SSS treatment (400 ㎍/mL) group showed a significant reduction by about 17% in tyrosinase production in B16/F10 cells. The SSS treatment group showed little change in DOPA staining. Conclusion: SSS extract may be useful for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases and may have anti-wrinkle and whitening effects. These results may support the use of SSS in clinical practice.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1-12
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• 2020

Objectives : Phyllostachys pubescens and Scutellaria baicalensis are considered to be effective in promoting blood circulation in traditional medicine. In this study, we examined whether a mixture of P. pubescens leaves and S. baicalensis root (BS21) had any anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia, or anti-hyperuricemia effects and the possible mechanisms of action. Methods : We examined the effects of BS21 in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Mice were fed HFD with BS21 (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg) or Garcinia cambogia extracts (245 mg/kg) as a positive control for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, body weight, liver and adipose weight, adipocyte size, plasma lipid profiles, adipokine and uric acid levels, and adipose tissue expression levels in obesity and uric acid production-related genes were examined. Results : BS21 decreased body weight gain, white adipose tissue, liver weight, adipocyte size, and liver triglyceride accumulation. It also reduced levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transaminase, leptin, and uric acid. In contrast, BS21 increased adiponectin levels. Furthermore, BS21 decreased the expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase, as well as xanthine oxidoreductase, which is involved in uric acid production. Conclusions : These results suggest that BS21 may exert anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-hyperuricemia effects in HFD-induced obese mice by regulating the expression of xanthine oxidoreductase and adipogenesis-related genes.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1320-1331
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• 2009

Oxidative stress and inflammation are important events in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases including arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension. Cynomorium songaricum (CS) has been used as a traditional Korean herbal medicine, and it is currently used in traditional clinics to treat frequent urination, spermatorrhea, weakness of the sinews and constipation in the folk medicine. The aim of this study was to determine whether fractionated extracts of CS inhibit free radical generation such as DPPH radical, superoxide radical, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, production of nitrite an index of NO, $PGE_2$, iNOS, COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cytotoxic activity of extracts on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using 5-(3-caroboxymeth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. Our results indicated that the most superior extract which scavenged DPPH radical, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and RNS was CS ethyl acetate extract (CSEA). Moreover, CSEA significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO, $PGE_2$ production and iNOS, COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 formation in macrophages. Furthermore, CSEA treatment also blocked LPS-induced intracellular ROS production and the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$. These findings indicate that CSEA inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines via the suppression of ROS production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Take together, these results indicate that CSEA has the potential for use as an natural anti-oxidant and an agent of anti-chronic inflammatory diseases.

• 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.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.61-68
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• 2017

Objectives : Jema-sunghyangjungkisan (JSGS, Jima Xingxiang Zhengqi san) and yeoldahanso-tang (YDHST, Reduo hanshao decoction) are traditional herbal formulas which commonly used to prevent and treat stroke in traditional korean medicine. However, JSGS and YDHST extracts have not been previously reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, We measured the anti-inflammatory effects of JSGS and YDHST extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of JSGS and YDHST extracts, tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) were examined in RAW 264.7 cells with LPS of $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Results : JSGS and YDHST extracts did not have any cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. $TNF-{\alpha}$ concentration decreased 49.67% at $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ by JSGS but, YDHST has no statistically significant effect at all concentration. IL-6 accumulation on JSGS and YDHST extracts in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells reduced 22.03% and 41.44% at $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ respectively. In addition, JSGS has no inhibitory effects on NO accumulation and YDHST reduced 10.08% at $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Moreover, JSGS and YDHST treatment does-dependently reduced the $PGE_2$ production. In particular, YDHST ($500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) extract was more effective compared with $10ng/m{\ell}$ of indomethacin which is the $PGE_2$ positive control. Conclusions : Our results suggest that treatment of JSGS and YDHST extracts decreased the LPS-stimulated inflammation. Therefore, in the present study, we demonstrated that JSGS and YDHS may be used as a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent.