• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.617-624
• /
• 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of 25 herbal formulas on acetaminophen (APAP) or D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity in primary rat hepatocytes. Cell viability was measured using by Cell Counting Kit-8. 15 kinds of herbal formulas significantly reversed the cell viabilities of D-GalN-treated rat hepatocytes compared with D-GalN alone (p<0.05). In particular, 9 herbal formulas (Bangpungtongseong-san, Bojungikgi-tang, Galgeun-tang, Gumiganghwal-tang, Guibi-tang, Sagunja-tang, Samsoeum, Pyeongwi-san and Yijin-tang) showed the potent protective effects. However, 8 herbal formula exerted weak protective effects and 2 herbal formula did not exert effects on hepatotoxicity by D-GalN. On APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, 7 kinds of herbal formulas increased the viabilities of hepatocytes compare with APAP alone (p<0.05). These results could be provide a valuable information for the future in vivo or clinical studies to predict the hepatoprotective effects of herbal formulas.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.47-59
• /
• 2014

Objectives: Most drug interactions are attributed to the inhibition or induction of the activity of cytochrome P450s (CYP450). Although the regulation of CYP450s by drugs has been widely reported, there have been few studies on influence of traditional herbal formulas on the drug-metabolizing enzymes. Because herbal formulas have been used traditionally to treat various diseases and because herb-drug interactions are crucial factors determining therapeutic efficacies, a systematic evaluation of the effects of herbal formulas is important. Methods: The effects of Galgeun-tang (GGT, gegen tang), Gumiganghwal-tang (GMGHT, jiuweiqianghuo tang), Insampaedok-san (ISPDS, renshenbaidu powder), Samsoeum (SSE, shensu drink), Socheongryong-tang (SCRT, xiaoqinglong-tang) and Sosiho-tang (SSHT, xiaochaihu tang) that are traditional herbal formulas used to treat common cold, on drug-metabolizing enzymes were evaluated through an in vitro CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 inhibition assay to assess its interaction potential with synthetic drugs. The inhibitory effects of herbal formulas were characterized with $IC_{50}$ values. Results: These six herbal formulas inhibited the activities of CYP3A4, 2C19, 2D6 and 2E1, in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the six herbal formulas, GGT critically inhibited CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1. GMGHT also inhibited CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 to a greater extent than the other CYP450 isozymes. Additionally, SSE and SSHT may change the effects of medicines that depend primarily on the CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 pathways. On the other hand, ISPDS and SCRT were not inhibited CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1-mediated metabolism. Conclusions: These findings provide useful information regarding the safety and effectiveness of herbal formulas.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.200-208
• /
• 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf-life of Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang in Chinese) by long-term storage test. Experiments were performed to evaluate the stability such as the selected physicochemical, pH, identification, heavy metal, microbiological experiment, and amount of marker compounds under a long-term storage test of Bojungikgi-tang decoction. The significant change was not showed in pH, heavy metal, microbiological, and identification test based on long-term storage test. Furthermore, the HPLC analysis was performed for the determinations of liquiritin, glycyrrhizin, nodakenin, and hesperidin in Bojungikgi-tang by long-term storage test. We were calculated shelf-life of Bojungikgi-tang decoction based on the amount change of four constituents. Consequently, Shelf-life by four compounds at room temperature was predicted 23 month. The suggested shelf-life would be helpful on the storage and distribution of herbal medicine.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.104-115
• /
• 2014

Objectives: As treating acne is difficult and demands of cosmetic are increasing, the development of new Korea traditional herbal formulation and functional cosmetics of acne is required. The aim of this study is the discovery and composition for the development of new Korea traditional herbal formulation and functional cosmetics of acne. Methods: Searched patent informations related to herbal cosmetics published in 1996~2014, we extracted the patent information and analysis component about effecting of anti-inflammatory and anti-acne. Results: Out of 759 patent informations we searched, 72 those about effecting anti-inflammatory and anti-acne were selected. Also, 159 components of 72 patent informations were reclassified by frequency and characteristic. Conclusions: We expect the effect and safety of new traditional herbal formulation which is composed of high frequency herb in patent informations related to herbal cosmetics.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2013

Objectives: Galgeun-tang (GGT, gegen-tang, kakkon-to), an herbal formula, is used to treat the common cold, fevers, headaches, hangovers and neck and upper back stiffness. The drugs currently used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) are limited by the significant adverse effects associated with their long-term usage. The need to efficiently manage the AD response while reducing side effects has led to the development of alternative remedies. Methods: To assess the effects of GGT on AD, the anti-inflammatory and anti-AD properties of GGT were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Results: Nitric oxide (NO) and histamine production on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells and phorbol-12 myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/A23187-treated MC/9 cells, respectively, were inhibited by GGT. GGT reduced thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) release on TNF-${\alpha}$/IFN-${\gamma}$ stimulated HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner. GGT reduced both plasma levels of IgE and histamine and the dermatitis score in house dust mite induced atopic dermatitis-like lesions on NC/Nga mice. However, there were no significant histopathological differences observed between the GGT group and the AD-induced group, such as AD-like lesions in the dorsal skin or ear or mast cell infiltration in the dorsal skin. Conclusions: These results indicate that GGT inhibits chemokine production by keratinocytes and the atopic dermatitis response in NC/Nga mice, suggesting that GGT may be useful as a therapeutic remedy for treating AD and allergic inflammation-related diseases.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.362-367
• /
• 2013

Ojeok-san has been commonly used to treat low back pain disease. We performed the experiments on simultaneous analysis of 11 compounds and antioxidant effects of Ojeok-san. A HPLC method was established for simultaneous analysis of 11 compounds. The detection wavelengths were set at 230, 254, 280, 320, and 330 nm. The detected 11 compounds from Ojeok-san water extract showed good linearity($r^2{\geq}0.9997$). Limit of detection(LOD) and limit of quantification(LOQ) were 0.04-0.87 ${\mu}g/mL$ and 0.13-2.63 ${\mu}g/mL$, respectively. The antioxidant effects of Ojeok-san water extract were investigated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Ojeok-san water extract significantly increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects in a dose-dependent manner. The $RC_{50}$ value of Ojeok-san on DPPH radical was 284.71 ${\mu}g/mL$ and that of ABTS radical was 96.16 ${\mu}g/mL$.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.28-33
• /
• 2014

Background: Samul-tang (Si-Wu-Tang, SMT) is a traditional herbal formula, which has been widely used to treat various diseases such as menstrual irregularity, bleeding and leucorrhea. Although many studies have investigated the pharmacological properties of SMT, its toxicity information has not yet been fully elucidated. Methods: Five Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of each sex were given a single dose (5000 mg/kg) of SMT by gavage; control rats received the vehicle only. After the single administration, mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes and gross findings were monitored for 15 days in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles. Results: In a single oral dose toxicity study, there was no adverse effect on mortality, clinical sign, body weight change or gross finding in any treatment group. Conclusions: The results indicate that SMT did not induce toxic effects at a dose level up to 5000 mg/kg in rats and its median lethal dose ($LD_{50}$) was considered to be over 5000 mg/kg/day body weight for both genders.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.168-173
• /
• 2015

Bangpungtongseong-san(BPTSS, Fangfengtongsheng-san in Chineses) is a traditional herbal formula comprising 18 medicinal herbs. In the present study, we performed the simultaneous analysis for four compounds of BPTSS and examined anti-allergic effects in human keratinocytes and mouse splenocytes. The column for separation of four compounds was used Luna C18 column and maintained at 40℃. The mobile phase for gradient elution consisted of two solvent systems. The analysis was carried out at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with PDA detection at 254 and 280 nm. To evaluate production and expression of Th2 chemokines, ELISA and RT-PCR were conducted in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells with or without BPTSS or silymarin, a positive control for skin inflammation. To measure Th2 cytokines, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with BPTSS and performed ELISA for interleukin (IL)-4, 5, 13. Calibration curves were acquired with r2>0.9999. The contents of geniposide, liquiritin, baicalin, and glycyrrhizin in BPTSS were 5.06 ㎎/g, 7.33 ㎎/g, 27.56 ㎎/g, and 7.81 ㎎/g, respectively. BPTSS reduced TARC and RANTES production and mRNA expression in TNF-α and IFN-γ-treated HaCaT cells. BPTSS inhibited IL-4, 5, and 13 production in mouse splenocytes. Our data will be a helpful information to upgrade quality control and anti-allergic effects of BPTSS.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.15-24
• /
• 2014

Objectives : Gwakhyangjeonggi-san (GJS) which consists of 13 herbal medicines has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders caused by common cold. This study was performed to compare GJS decoctions produced using different pressure levels for various extraction times. Methods : Decoctions were prepared by the pressure levels of $0kgf/cm^2$ (non-pressurized) or $1kgf/cm^2$ (pressurized) for 30-180 min. The extraction yield, total soluble solid content (TSSC), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) were measured, and the contents of the nine marker compounds were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Results : The higher pressure and longer extraction time significantly increased TSSC value, while decreased the pH value. However, only extraction time affected the extraction yield of pressurized decoction. Variation of the amounts of chemical compounds was shown in pressurized and non-pressurized decoctions during extraction time. The result of regression analysis showed that pressure and extraction time can influence to extraction yield, TSSC, pH, and the content of chemical compounds. Conclusions : This study suggests that the pressure and extraction time can significantly affect the extraction efficiency of components from GJS decoctions.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.60-69
• /
• 2014

Background: Herbal formulas are generally served as a type of decoction. However, there is no scientific evidence for determining preservation and circulation period of herbal medicine decoctions. Thus, we investigated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of the Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction according to its preservation period. Methods: Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction was stored for 0, 1, 2 or 3 months at room temperature. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effects, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) assay were conducted using the culture supernatant from RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The antioxidant activities were studied by measuring free radical scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH. Results: Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction maintained the inhibitory effects on TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and NO productions after up to 2 months of storage in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. No inflammatory response was observed in 3 months of storage. In addition, the scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction were reduced time-dependently and showed less than 50% inhibition after 3 months of storage. Conclusions: Our results suggest that preservation period of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction is recommended within 2 months after storage.