• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.2 s.66
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• pp.70-85
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• 2006

Objectives; This study examined the neuroprotective effect of Hyulbuchookautang (血府逐瘀湯, HBCAT)against neural damage following focal cerebral infarction. Methods : Sprague-Dawley Rats were induced with focal cerebral infarction by temporal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The rats were divided into 2 groups. We treated extract of HBCAT to one group after operation (sample group), and the other group wasn't treated after operation (control group). We observed neurological scores and TIC-stained infarct area, total infarct volume in brain sections and Bax-positive neurons, HSP70- positive neurons in brain regions. Results : HBCAT treatment at 3 days after MCAO reduced neurological scores induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment at 5 days after MCAO reduced TTC-stained infarct area in brain sections induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment at 5 days after MCAO reduced total infarct volume in brain sections induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment after MCAO reduced Bax-positive neurons in cortex infarct core and cortex infarct penumbra and caudo-putamen of brain regions induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment after MCAO reduced HSP70- positive neurons in cortex infarct penumbra of brain regions induced by MCAO. Conclusions : These results suggest that HBCAT has a neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2009

Objectives : This study evaluates neuroprotective effect of Gastrodiae Rhizoma on apoptosis in the cerebral infarct. Methods : Cerebral infarct was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hours with intraluminal thread method in Sprague-Dawley rats. Then ethanol extract of Gastrodiae Rhizoma was administered orally for 3 days. Infarct area and volume were evaluated with TTC staining. Neuronal apoptosis was identified with TUNEL labeling. Apoptosis modulatory effect was observed with immunohistochemical Bax, Bcl-2, iNOS, and MMP-9 expressions in penumbra. Results : 1. Ethanol extract of Gastrodiae Rhizoma reduced infarct size partly and volume significantly of in the MCAO rat brain. 2. Ethanol extract of Gastrodiae Rhizoma reduced TUNEL positive cell ratio in the penumbra of MCAO rat brain significantly. 3. Ethanol extract of Gastrodiae Rhizoma suppressed Bax, iNOS and MMP-9 expression in the penumbra of MCAO rat brain significantly. 4. Ethanol extract of Gastrodiae Rhizoma did not change Bcl-2 expression in the penumbra of MCAO rat brain. But expression ratio of Bcl-2 against Bax was increased in the Gastrodiae Rhizoma group. Conclusions : These results suggest that Gastrodiae Rhizoma plays an anti-apoptotic neuroprotective effect through suppression of Bax, iNOS, and MMP-9 expressions and relative up-regulation of Bcl-2 in the ischemic brain tissue.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.71-78
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• 2014

Objectives : This study evaluates the neuroprotective effects of Sopung-tang, a mixture of Notopterygii Rhizoma, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma, Hoelen, Aurantii Nobilis Pericarpium, Pinelliae Tuber, Linderae Radix, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Cyperi Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Asari Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix on the cerebral infarct combined with hyperlipidemia. Method : The hyperlipidemia was induced by the beef tallow 30% diet for 14 days on Sprague-Dawley rats. The cerebral infarct was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hours with intraluminal thread method. Then the water extract of Sopung-tang was administered a day for 5 days at 3 hours after the cerebral infarct by MCAO. Effect of Sopung-tang was evaluated with the infarct volume and edema percentage by a TTC-stained brain section, and the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 in the brain tissue by a immunohistochemical stain method. Results : Sopung-tang reduced the infarct size partly in a TTC-stained brain section of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Sopung-tang reduced the infarct volume of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats significantly. Sopung-tang reduced the edema percentage of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats, but not significant statistically. Sopung-tang suppressed the Bax expressions in the cerebral penumbra and caudate putamen of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats significantly. Sopung-tang upregulated the Bcl-2 expression in the caudate putamen of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Conclusion : These results suggest that Sopung-tang plays an anti-apoptotic neuroprotective effect through the suppression of Bax and up-regulation of Bacl-2 expressions in the brain tissues.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.893-898
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• 2002

Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium extract(CRVP) have been used in oriental medicine for many centuries as a therapeutic agent for smoothing the liver and regulating the circulation of qi, and promoting digestion and removing stagnated food. The effects of CRVP on the inhibition of brain damage in cerebral ischemia is not known. Therefore, this Study was designed to investigate the cerebral protective effects of CRVP on the transient cerebral ischemia using modern techniques, and further to provide the possibility of scientification of oriental medicine. The size of cerebral infarct size was measured by morphometry, and brain edema was measured by morphometry and brain water content determination. The results were a$ follows ; 1. Water fraction of CRVP was reduced infect area of rats brain slices which were subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 2. Methylene chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly reduced infarct area of rats brain slices which were subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 3. Methylene chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly reduced infarct volume of rats brain which was subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 4. Methylene Chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly decreased brain edema induced by a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 5. Methylene chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly decreased brain water content of rats which were subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia. It is suggested that CRVP has an anti-ischemic effect through the inhibition of brain damage in a transient cerebral ischemia, and that in future further development of main effective constituent in CRVP can provide a novel therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.993-999
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• 2005

This research was peformed to investigate protective effect of Sophora Subprostrata fractions against focal ischemic brain damage after middle cerebral artery(MCA) occlusion using intraluminal suture. Rats were divided into six groups: MCA-occluded group(Control): each administered groups with Sophora Subprostrata total phase(Total), Sophora Subprostrata Aqueous phase (Aqueous), Sophora Subprostrata BuOH phase(BuOH), and Sophora Subprostrata Alkaloid phase(Alkaloid) after MCA-occlusion; sham-operated group(Sham). The right MCA was occluded by A poly-L-lysine coated 4-0 nylon suture thread through the internal carotid artery permanently. Sophora Subprostrata and fractions were administered orally(Smg/ml) for 7 days after MCA-occlusion. The Drain tissue was stained with $2\%$ triphenyl tetrazolium chloride on ischemic brain tissue(2mm section). The results showed that 1) Sophora Subprostrata total phase reduced infarct size and total infarct volume compared to the control group at 24 hours after MCA-occlusion, 2) Sophora Subprostrata Aqueous phase reduced infarct size and total infarct volume compared to the control group at 24 hours after MCA-occlusion, 3) Sophora Subprostrata Alkaloid phase reduced infarct size compared to the control group at 24 hours after MCA-occlusion, but 4) at 7 days after MCA-occlusion, Sophora Subprostrata did not show effective recovery compared with control group. Sophora Subprostrata has protective effects against brain damage at the early stage of focal cerebral ischemia. Sophora Subprostrata total and Aqueous phase produced more pronounced protective effect against focal ischemic brain damage.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.196-202
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• 2010

To investigate the neuroprotective effects of bovine colostrums (BC), we evaluate the ability of consuming BC after focal brain ischemia/reperfusion injury rat model to reduce serum cytokine levels and infarct volume, and improve neurological outcome. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; one sham operation and three experimental groups. In the experimental groups, MCA occlusion (2 h) and subsequent reperfusion (O/R) were induced with regional cerebral blood flow monitoring. One hour after MCAO/R and once daily during the experiment, the experimental group received BC while the other groups received 0.9% saline or low fat milk (LFM) orally. Seven days later, serum pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) levels were assessed. Also, the infarct volume was assessed by using a computerized image analysis system. Behavioral function was also assessed using a modified neurologic severity score and corner turn test during the experiment. Rats receiving BC after focal brain I/R showed a significant reduction (-26%/-22%) in infarct volume compared to LFM/saline rats, respectively (P < 0.05). Serum IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$ levels were decreased significantly in rats receiving BC compared to LFM/saline rats (P < 0.05). In behavioral tests, daily BC intake showed consistent and significant improvement of neurological deficits for 7 days after MCAO/R. BC ingestion after focal brain ischemia/reperfusion injury may prevent brain injury by reducing serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and brain infarct volume in a rat model.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.117-128
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• 2004

Objectives : This research was performed to investigate effect of Samul-tang-gamibang against focal cerebral ischemic damage after middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). Methods : This research was used rats which were against focal cerebral ischemic damage by MCAO. It was used Zea Longa's theory and Belayev's methods to give rise to focal cerebral ischemic damage by MCAO. After 7days later, we drew out the brain and then had frozen and dyeing it and we had taken a picture to measure of the damaged area in each brain section. We determined the Neurological Index and tested the Foot-fault test and Roatated test to appraise the fall of motion ability result from cerebral ischemic damage. Results : The results of the experiment are as follows. 1. Samul-tang-gamibang reduced infarct size of sample group compared to control group at 7 day after MCAO. 2. Samul-tang-gamibang reduced infarct volume of sample group compared to control group at 7 day after MCAO. 3. Samul-tang-gamibang reduced foot-fault index of sample group compared to control group at 5,7 day after MCAO. Conclusions : Samul-tang-gamibang has protective effects against ischemic brain damage and had significant reduced infarct size and infarct volume of Rt-MCAO.

• The Journal of the Korean life insurance medical association
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• v.28 no.1_2
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• pp.11-14
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• 2009

It is common to find cerebral infarct and hemorrhage without definite neurologic signs but with lesions on neuroimaging. These lesions are called silent lacunar infarct and cerebral microbleed. Silent lacunar infarct are frequently seen in the elderly and are associated with clinically apparent stroke and vascular dementia. Known stroke risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and heart problems may increase the risk of silent lacunar infarct. Metabolic syndrome, homocysteinemia, renal failure and intima media thickness(IMT) are also other risk factors of the silent lacunar infarct. Cerebral microbleed, lacunar infarct and intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH) have similar pathology and pathogenesis. So, cerebral microbleed are coexisted with lacunar infarct, leukoaraiosis, hypertensive ICH and vascular dementia. Cerebral microbleed are associated with volume and recurrence of ICH. Also cerebral microbleed may reflect baseline status of blood brain barrior disruption. Silent lacunar infarct and cerebral microbleed are very important to clinical management, but in the aspect of insurance medicine and independent medical examiners, these lesions are not subject of evaluation for handicap.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.246-253
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• 2005

This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Guh-Poong-Chung-Sim-Hwan(GCH) on ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) in Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of GCH administration on the size of the brain infarct and the functional status of the rats after ischemia were examined, as well as the expression of COX-2 in acute phase. The recovery of motor functions for 7 days and the brain infarct were examined to find out the delayed effects of daily GCH-administration as well. In conclusion, we found that GCH reduced both functional deficits and brain damage in the MCAO rat model of stroke. In addition, high doses of GCH reduced COX-2 expression in the penumbra. It is well known that herbal medication including GCH is very safe for humans. Accordingly, our results support the clinical use of this GKM for the treatment of stroke and offer the possibility that a potent neuroprotective agent could be developed from Korean herbal medicines.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.23-30
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• 2014

Objectives : Dodam-tang has been reported to have a control effect against the hyperlipidemia and thrombosis. Based upon these previous reports, this study investigates the effects of Dodam-tang on the cerebral ischemic damage of the hyperlipidemic rats. Methods : Hyperlipidemia was induced by the beef tallow 30% diet for 14 days on Sprague-Dawley rats. Ischemic damage was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hours with the intraluminal thread method. Then water extract of Dodam-tang was administered daily for 5 days. The effect of Dodam-tang was evaluated with the serum lipids, infarct volume and edema percentage, and immunohistochemical expressions of iNOS, MMP-9, and GFAP in the brain tissue. Results : The obtained results were as follows; Dodam-tang reduced significantly the infarct size in a TTC-stained 5th brain section of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Dodam-tang suppressed the infarct volume of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats, but not significant statistically. Dodam-tang suppressed the edema percentage of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats significantly in the brain tissue. Dodam-tang suppressed significantly the iNOS expression in the cerebral penumbra and caudate putamen of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Dodam-tang suppressed significantly the MMP-9 expression in the cerebral penumbra of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Dodam-tang suppressed significantly the GFAP-expressed atrocytes in the cerebral penumbra of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Conclusions : These results suggest that Dodam-tang suppresses the brain edema formation through the suppression of the iNOS, MMP-9 and GFAP, but the neuroprotective effect against the cerebral infarct are not distinct.