• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.257-267
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish experimental evidence for the antimicrobial effects of 51 herbal formulae commonly used in traditional Korean medical institutions. Methods: The antimicrobial activities of herbal formulae were screened using the disc diffusion method against 10 pathogenic microorganisms (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli DH5α, E. coli O157, Salmonella enteritidis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella flexneri, and Helicobacter pylori). Of the 51 herbal formulae, 13 herbal formulae with antimicrobial activity were selected and their dose-dependency were confirmed. Results: Nine herbal formulae, including Gyeji-tang, Dangguisu-san, Saengmaek-san, Samul-tang, Ssanghwa-tang, Socheongryong-tang, Yukmijihwang-tang, Jakyakgamcho-tang, and Paljung-san, presented antibacterial activity against B. cereus. The effects of Saengmaek-san and Paljung-san was sustained for 48 hr. On L. monocytogenes, Dangguisu-san and Hyangsapyeongwi-san showed antimicrobial activity, but only Hyangsapyeongwi-san maintained the activity for 48 hr. Thirteen herbal formulae such as Galgeun-tang, Gyeji-tang, Dangguisu-san, Mahwang-tang, Banhasasim-tang, Saengmaek-san, Socheongryong-tang, Yukmijihwang-tang, Jakyakgamcho-tang, Cheonwangbosim-dan, Palmijihwang-tang, Paljung-san, and Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang showed antimicrobial activity against V. parahaemolyticus, and the activity was maintained for 48 hr. The 51 herbal formulae did not show any antimicrobial activity against seven strains such as E. coli DH5α, E. coli O157, S. aureus, S. enteritidis, Y. enterocolitica, S. flexneri, and H. pylori. Conclusions: Nine, two, and thirteen herbal formulae showed antimicrobial activities against B. cereus, L. monocytogenes, and V. parahaemolyticus in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. The results of antimicrobial activity of 51 herbal formulae against 10 microorganisms might be used as the basis for new application of herbal formulae.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.1-16
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 56 herbal formulae covered by the National Health Insurance Corporation (NHIC) on dementia-related biomarkers and neuronal cell changes. Methods: The 56 herbal formulae were extracted with 70% ethanol at $100^{\circ}C$ for 2 h. The antioxidant properties was measured by radical scavenging assay using ABTS+ radical. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was tested by Ellman's assay and $amyloid-{\beta}$ ($A{\beta}$) aggregation was determined using fluorescence method. To estimate the inhibitory effects of herbal formulae on neuronal cell death and inflammation using HT22 hippocampal cells and BV-2 microglia, respectively. Results: Among the 56 herbal formulae, Dangguiyukhwangtang, Banhasasimtang, Samhwangsasimtang, Cheongwiesan, Hwangryunhaedoktang, Banhabaekchulchunmatang, Jaeumganghwatang, Cheongseoikgitang, and Hoechunyanggyuksan has a significant inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Doinseunggitang and Samhwangsasimtang exerted the effect on the inhibition of $amyloid-{\beta}$ ($A{\beta}$) aggregation. Additionally, 10 herbal formulae affected AChE and $A{\beta}$ aggregation revealed antioxidant activity as well as neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammation effects in neuronal cell lines. Conclusions: 10 herbal formulae that have been shown to be effective against the major dementia markers have been shown to have antioxidant activity, neuronal cell protection and inhibition of brain inflammation. Further investigation of these herbal formulae will need to be validated in dementia animal models.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2022

Objectives: Drug-induced blockade of the human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium ion channel causes acquired long QT syndrome, which is known to cause cardiac arrhythmias and be fatal. To establish safety evidence of herbal formulae, we evaluated the effects of 31 herbal formulae on hERG channel activity. Methods: The current through hERG channel was measured by changing the membrane voltage before and after treatment with 31 herbal formulae in HEK 293 cell overexpressing hERG channel using a whole-cell patch clamp system. The current-voltage curves and the activity curves were fitted, and the hERG activity and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) according to each herbal formula were calculated. Results: Chokyungjongok-tang, Oncheong-eum, and Cheongsangbangpung-tang strongly inhibited the hERG activity, with IC₅₀ values of 67.67, 141.2, and 296.3 ㎍/mL, respectively. Yeonkyopaedok-san, Eunkyo-san, Ukgan-san gajinphibanha, Daegunjoong-tang (except Oryzae gluten), Insamyangyoung-tang, Banhahubak-tang, SokyungHwalhyul-tang, Jodeung-san, Hyeonggaeyeongyo-tang, and Bangkeehwangkee-tang weakly inhibited hERG activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 400 to 1000 ㎍/mL. The other 18 herbal formulae showed very weak hERG activity inhibition of less than 50% at the highest concentration (1000 ㎍/mL). Conclusion: This study provided safety information on cardiotoxicity by cardiac arrhythmia risk assessment of herbal formulae, and is expected to be a reference data for predicting the safety and risk of herbal formulae.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.77-89
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• 2015

Objectives : This Study aims to extract the actual prescriptions used frequently in the clinical settings and the frequently used prescription list of textbook on herbal formulae by comparing the prescriptions recorded in the textbook on herbal formulae, and to examine the range of the efficacies of the corresponding prescription on the basis of the records of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Methods : By making comparison of the herb weight ratios of the prescriptions recorded in the textbook on herbal formulae with those recorded in EMR, the frequency is measured on the basis of the textbook on herbal formulae prescription and the frequency indication is computed for the clinical prescriptions with lower level of differences. Results & Conclusions : On the basis of the details of the clinical prescriptions used at the P Hospital, Yugmijihwang-tang, Samlyeongbaegchul-san, Jugyeobseoggo-tang, Maegmundong-tang, Olyeong-san and Baegho-tang, among the similar prescriptions for which the title prescriptions of the textbook on herbal formulae and the herbal composition coincide by more than 80%, are not included in the list of prescriptions covered under the national health insurance system even though they are frequently used prescriptions.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.1-9
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• 2015

Objectives : The main aims of this study were to identify candidate anti-aging herbal formulae(CAHF) from Dongeuibogam. Methods : We analyzed the terms describing effect of 3,901 herbal formulae on Dongeuibogam and selected the terms describing the anti-aging effect of herbal formulae(TAEHF). Finally, we generated a list of CAHFs based on TAEHFs. Results & Conclusions : 1. We finally selected 162 TAEHFs on Dongeuibogam. 2. We finally selected 138 CAHFs on Dongeuibogam(15CAHFs for external use, 123CAHFs for internal use). 3. TAEHFs are classified into 9 types. 4. CAHFs are classified into 9 types.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.96-102
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• 2009

Objectives: Traditional Korean herbal formulae are composed of multiple medicinal plants. This situation of multiple-ingredient mixtures has been considered as a major obstacle to new drug development using herbal formulae in the world market, despite the effectiveness of such mixtures. This study reviewed Liv-52 as a representative model of successful drug development using a multiple-herb mixture. Methods: All articles for Liv-52 were collected from the PubMed database. The history, composition of Liv-52, its pharmaceutical efficacy and mechanisms, and data from clinical studies including its market size were analyzed. Results: Liv-52 is composed of seven herbal plants and it is the best known in Ayurvedic medicine for treating liver disorders. Since its 1955 introduction, forty four international papers have been published based on pre-clinical and clinical trials. The efficacy and mechanisms of Liv-52 were intensively studied. Currently, Liv-52 is one of the top-selling products, with over 10 million dollars sales annually, in the world market. Conclusions: These results indicate that Korean herbal formulae could be new global drugs if scientific evidence for efficacy and standardization are produced via literature researches.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.91-107
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate which herbs and herbal formulae are frequently used for the treatment of osteoporosis since 2000. Methods : We searched the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, Scopus, KISS, Korea MED, KERIS, Kmbase, Dbpia, J-STAGE, CNKI, J Oriental Rehab Med., J Korean Oriental Med., J Oriental Gynecol. using search key words osteoporosis, osteopenia, bone density and bone loss combined with herbal, botanical plant and phytomedicine. Results : 73 studies were reconfirmed and 83 herbs have been found. For single herb, most of them were categorized into Boyik-yak(補益藥, Buyi-yao). For herbal formulae, various herbal formulae are used. Calculating each herb in consisted in each herbal formula, Angelica Gigas Radix(當歸) and Rehmanniae Radix Preparat(熟地黃) turned out to be the most frequently used herb. Conclusions : Further studies regarding herbal medicines on osteoporosis are needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.34-42
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• 2022

Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra pars compacta. PD is known to be linked with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. In this study, anti-cytotoxic and anti-oxidative effect of 12 herbal formulae were compared. Methods : According to experts' advice, 12 types of herbal formulae (Gamisoyosan, Galgeuntang, Galgeunhaegitang, Banhabaekchoolcheonmatang, Bojungikgitang, Boheotang, Sihogyejitang, Sihosogantang, Sihocheonggantang, Ojeoksan, Cheongsanggyeontongtang and Palmultang) were selected from 56 types of herbal formulae covered by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. To detect anti-oxidative effect, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was performed, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to detect anti-cytotoxic effect of 12 herbal formulae using SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Results : In DPPH assay, anti-oxidant activity was increased in a dose-dependent manner and half maximal inhibitory concentration was highest in the order of Galgeuntang, Gamisoyosan, Galgeunhaegitang, Ojeoksan, Palmultang, Sihogyejitang, Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihocheonggantang, Bojungikgitang, Boheotang and Banhabaekchoolcheonmatang. In MTT assay, concentration of 80% cell survival was highest in the order of Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihocheonggantang, Sihogyejitang, Bojungikgitang, Galgeuntang, Ojeoksan, Boheotang, Palmultang, Galgeunhaegitang, Banhabaekchoolcheonmatang and Gamisoyosan. Formulae with more than 50% DPPH radical scavenging activity at concentrations for 80% cell survival were Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihogyejitang, Galgeuntang and Sihocheonggantang. Conclusions : Sihosogantang, Cheongsanggyeontongtang, Sihogyejitang, Galgeuntang and Sihocheonggantang extracts can be candidate medicines for PD, but the effect should be validated in PD models.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.89-103
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• 2020

Objectives This study has been conducted to verify frequently used herbs and herbal formulas to treat obesity in Korea during 2015 to 2019. Methods Publications related to treatment of obesity using herbal medicines from 2015 to 2019 were retrieved from 12 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], Koreanstudies Information Service System [KISS], National Digital Science Library [NDSL], Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], DBPIA, KMBASE, KoreaMed, KoreanTK, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS]). Extracted articles were analyzed in terms of publication year, journal, and type of herbs. Results A total of 136 studies have been included in this study. 33 herbal formulaes and 129 herbs have been analyzed. Taeyeumjowui-tang was the most frequently studied herbal formulae and Ephedrae Herba was the most frequently studied herb. Ginseng Radix was the most frequently studied single herb in isolation from herbal formulae. Conclusions These results suggest that various herbs and herbal formulae can be used to treat obesity. Since this study includes every type of study, additional studies based on clinic are thought to be necessary.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Objective: The study aimed to review all randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) performed in Korea with herbal medicine, to produce further useful information for herbal-drug development. Methods: All papers reporting RCT with herbal drugs were collected via public database of Korea Science and Technology Integration Services, and various Oriental medicine journals. Then, the clinical question, herbal medicine, result, RCT design, and its conductor were analyzed. Results: A total of 20 RCTs were finally selected, and most of them were performed after 2003. The main subjects of RCT were related to heart and blood circulation, dermatitis, respiration disorder, Sasang constitution, or psychiatric disorders. Eight RCTs were done with a single herb while 12 RCTs were with multiple herbal formulae. In particular, three RCTs for atopic dermatitis with three formulae showed positive results. The quality of RCT was considered as better than average. Conclusions: This study revealed the current status of RCT using herbal drugs. This result would provide helpful information for research and drug development using traditional herbal medicine.