• Title/Summary/Keyword: herbal medicines

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Comparative Study about Academic Thoughts of Xu Lingtai and Yoshimasu Todo (I) - Focus on their Major Books - (서영태(徐靈胎)와 길익동동(吉益東洞)의 학술사상 비교 연구 (I) - 각자의 주요 저서를 중심으로 -)

  • Yoon, Cheol-Ho;Huang, Huang
    • The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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    • v.31 no.4
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    • pp.792-812
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    • 2010
  • In the 18th century, Xu Lingtai (徐靈胎) and Yoshimasu Todo (吉益東洞) were famous doctors advocating ancient medicine, though they lived in different countries, China and Japan. We compared their major books, analyzed their academic thoughts and then took conclusions as below. 1. The first, for instance "Classified Prescriptions of Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, 傷寒論類方" and "Classified Assemblage of Prescriptions, 類聚方". Based on essential thought that a prescription and a syndrome should correspond, these books arranged and classified the Zhang Zhongjing (張仲景)'s texts."Classified Prescriptions of Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases", based on the thought that principles, methods, formulas and medicinals (理法方藥) were integrated in prescriptions, tried to find out the implicit treatment rules in prescriptions and syndromes through analyzing "Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, 傷寒論". On the other hand, because Classified Assemblage of Prescriptions focused on the syndromes of ancient prescriptions (古方), it classified and collected the related texts of Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases and "Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber, 금궤요략", and then suggested only simple instructions on how to prescribe medicine. So in this book, the trend of experience was clear. 2. The second, there is "100 Kinds Records from Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica, 神農本草經百種錄" and "Description work of herbal pharmacology comprised of excerpts from Shanhanlun and medical experiences, 藥徵". Though both of these books are professional oriental pharmacology publications that advocate reactionism, there were remarkable differences in writing style between them. "Description work of herbal pharmacology comprised of excerpts from Shanhanlun and medical experiences" was based on "Treat on Cold Damage Diseases" and "Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber", just explained the effects of medications and discussed 'matter of course (所當然)', but not discussed 'the reason why (所以然)'. In explaining style of syndromes, it confirmed through research, and emphasized the inductive method. On the other hand, "100 Kinds Records from Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica based on "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica, 神農本草經", explained the nature of medications and discussed 'the reason why (所以然)'. In explaining style of syndromes, it annotated and explained, and emphasized the process of reasoning. 3. The third, there is "Discuss the Headwaters of Medicine, 醫學源流論" and Severance of Medical evils, 醫斷". Aiming the then medical theories fallen in confused state, these books brought order out of chaos, clarified the categories of medical research, and emphasized the scientific method that could put theories into practice and verify them. The difference is that "Severance of Medical Evils" researched only macroscopic viewable clinical phenomena, and even denied the existence of names of diseases and etiological causes. Thus, it emphasized the accumulation of experiences, laid emphasis on "watching and realizing (目認)", and "understand and taking in (解悟)". Discuss the Headwaters of Medicine extremely emphasized the research of 'something not occuring (未然)', that is to say, induced notions of a disease from observing clinical phenomena, furthermore based on these, predicted the 'something not occuring (未然)' and emphasized researching 'the reason why (所以然)'. As regards how they deal with the traditional theories and post-Zhang Zhongjing's medicines, "Severance of Medical evils" took completely denying attitudes. In case of "Discuss the Headwaters of Medicine", it could be used reasonably through specific situation and detailed analysis. Collectively speaking, there were some differences between medical theories of Xu Lingtai and Yoshimasu Todo. Actually, these differences were whether he tried to research the essence of disease, whether he tried to consider it rationally, and how he treated various opinions occurring in the theories of traditional medicine and clinical experience.

A Study on Implication by Comparing Current Status of Educational Systems between Korea and China in connection with Traditional Medicine of Each Country (한국.중국의 전통의약 교육제도 현황 비교를 통한 시사점 연구)

  • Shin, Hyeun-Kyoo;Bae, Sun-Hee
    • Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.83-95
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    • 2005
  • Arriving in the '90s, the worldwide trend of longing for naturalism and popularity of complementary and alternative medicine in America has caused traditional Oriental Medicine and medicinal plants markets to develop rapidly. And China has been pursuing the globalization policy of Chinese medicine by the initiation of the society of traditional Chinese medicine. Under this situation, it is a time for us to think about in a serious manner whether existing organization and system of Oriental medicine and the department of Oriental medicine at the schools in Korea reflects reality or whether we should turn it to some different direction. The purpose of this research is to compare the educational systems in relation to the traditional medicine between Korea and China, and to seek and look into its implication, and also to make a contribution to further developments and changes of direction for Oriental medicine education in Korea. 1. I investigated carefully the educational system of the colleges of traditional Chinese medicine, and results from this survey revealed that the academic institutions for the medicinal training in China consists of varied systems, such as 7-year program for medicinal training linking with master degree course, 6-year program, 5-year program (more than 90%), 4-year program, and so on, so then China has been raising the specialists in their traditional medicine arena through those varied academic programs. Such an educational system as the department of Chinese medicine in order to educate and produce specialists or pharmacists specializing in traditional Chinese medicine is operated only by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in terms of 7-year academic program for medicinal major that linked with master degree course, and the rest of schools run 5-year program or 4-year program (more than 90%). And other human resources required for cultivation of medicinal plants and manufacturing herbal medicines are mostly trained at 3-year course colleges or 2-year course vocational schools. 2. In connection with traditional Chinese medicine, there are a variety of departments in the schools in China other than Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology: i.e. Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Preclinical Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, Materials of Medicine, Phrenology and Law, Languages and Literature, etc. Therefore, these programs constitute multi academic system and also an appropriate educational base that fits in varied needs of market. Particularly, the university having 7-year program emphasize, English proficiency so that it can be considered that this academic program is a specialized course in order to achieve globalization of Chinese medicine. 3. In Korea, there are only 11 Oriental medicine schools with 6-year program which have been established by the private foundations and 3 departments of Oriental medicine at 4-year university. Therefore, we need to establish varied departments related to branches of our traditional medicine like China. 4. It is necessary to establish varied new departments related to Oriental Medicine that will be able to take a professional role in the course of pursuing the strategic goals such as scientification, globalization, standardization of Oriental Medicine, also that will meet needs of the world alternative and complementary medicine and herbal medicine markets. In order to achieve such strategic goals, we need to organize an academic system that will be different from existing systems and programs, also we are required to research further on the educational and training programs.

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Ginseng Research in Natural Products Research Institute (NPRI) and the Pharmaceutical Industry Complex in Gaesong (생약연구소의 인삼연구와 약도개성)

  • Park, Ju-young
    • Journal of Ginseng Culture
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    • v.3
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    • pp.54-73
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    • 2021
  • The Natural Products Research Institute (NPRI, 生藥硏究所), an institution affiliated with Keijo Imperial University (京城帝國大學), was the predecessor of the NPRI at Seoul National University and a comprehensive research institute that focused on ginseng research during the Japanese colonial era. It was established under the leadership of Noriyuki Sugihara (杉原德行), a professor of the second lecture in pharmacology at the College of Medicine in Keijo Imperial University. Prof. Sugihara concentrated on studying Korean ginseng and herbal medicine beginning in 1926 when the second lecture of pharmacology was established. In addition to Prof. Sugihara, who majored in medicine and pharmacology, Kaku Tenmin (加來天民), an assistant professor who majored in pharmacy; Tsutomu Ishidoya (石戶谷勉), a lecturer who majored in agriculture and forestry; and about 36 researchers actively worked in the laboratory before the establishment of the NPRI in 1939. Among these personnel, approximately 14 Korean researchers had basic medical knowledge, derived mostly from specialized schools, such as medical, dental, and pharmaceutical institutions. As part of the initiative to explore the medicinal herbs of Joseon, the number of Korean researchers increased beginning in 1930. This increase started with Min Byung-Ki (閔丙祺) and Kim Ha-sik (金夏植). The second lecture of pharmacology presented various research results in areas covering medicinal plants in Joseon as well as pharmacological actions and component analyses of herbal medicines. It also conducted joint research with variousinstitutions. Meanwhile, in Gaesong (開城), the largest ginseng-producing area in Korea, the plan for the Pharmaceutical Industry Complex was established in 1935. This was a large-scale project aimed at generating profits through research on and the mass production of drugs and the reformation of the ginseng industry under collaboration among the Gaesong Ministry, Kwandong (關東) military forces, Keijo Imperial University, and private organizations. In 1936 and 1938, the Gyeonggi Provincial Medicinal Plant Research Institute (京畿道立 藥用植物硏究所) and the Herb Garden of Keijo Imperial University (京城帝國大學 藥草園) and Pharmaceutical Factory were established, respectively. These institutions merged to become Keijo Imperial University's NPRI, which wasthen overseen by Prof. Sugihara as director. Aside from conducting pharmacological research on ginseng, the NPRI devoted efforts to the development and sale of ginseng-based drugs, such as Sunryosam (鮮麗蔘), and the cultivation of ginseng. In 1941, the Jeju Urban Test Center (濟州島試驗場) was established, and an insecticide called Pancy (パンシ) was produced using Jeju-do medicinal herbs. However, even before research results were published in earnest, Japanese researchers, including Prof. Sugihara, hurriedly returned to Japan in 1945 because of the surrender of Japanese forces and the liberation of Korea. The NPRI was handed over to Seoul National University and led by Prof. Oh Jin-Sup (吳鎭燮), a former medical student at Keijo Imperial University. Scholars such as Woo Lin-Keun (禹麟根) and Seok Joo-Myung (石宙明) worked diligently to deal with the Korean pharmaceutical industry.

Inhibitory Effects of Ginger and Beopje Ginger on DSS-induced Colitis in Mice (생강과 법제생강의 DSS(Dextran Sulfate Sodium)로 유도된 마우스의 대장염 억제 효과)

  • Kim, Sin-Jeong;Kim, So-Hee;Lim, Yaung-Iee;Kim, Yong-Gyu;Park, Kun-Young
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.43 no.4
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    • pp.477-484
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    • 2014
  • The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger on colitis induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in Balb/c mice. Beopje means a process that herbal medicines are treated by a specific Korean traditional method in order to obtain better pharmacological effects. Mice were fed saline or two different doses of ethanol extracts (ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger) once a day for 14 days. Colitis was induced from day 7 to 14 via administration of 2.5% DSS in drinking water. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: Nor (Normal, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline without 2.5% DSS-treated group), Con (Control, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline and 2.5% DSS treated group), G (500 mg/kg of ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group), and BG (500 mg/kg of Beopje ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group). Body weights of both ginger-administered groups increased compared to the control. Colon length increased to 7.6, and 8.0 cm in the G and BG groups, respectively, whereas that of control was 5.7 cm. Histological colon injury induced by DSS-induced colitis was reduced (P<0.05). In serum and DSS-treated colon tissues, mRNA expression levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-12 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly suppressed compared to those of the ginger-treated groups. Expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly reduced compared to those of the ginger-treated groups (P<0.05), and BG showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects on colitis. These results indicated that ginger exerted anti-inflammatory effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice, and its effects could be increased through Beopje.

Safety of Nano-sized Bee Pollen in both In-vitro and In-vivo Models (생체 외 및 생체 내 실험조건에서 나노화 벌 화분의 안전성 규명)

  • Pyeon, Hae-In;So, Soojeong;Bak, Jia;Lee, Seunghyun;Lee, Seungmin;Suh, Hwa-Jin;Lim, Je-Oh;Kim, Jung-Woo;Kim, Sun Youn;Lee, Se Ra;Lee, Yong Hyun;Chung, Il Kyung;Choi, Yun-Sik
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.28 no.5
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    • pp.605-614
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    • 2018
  • Bee pollen has an outer wall which is resistant to both acidic and basic solutions and even the digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the oral bioavailability of bee pollen is only 10-15%. A previous study reported on wet-grinding technology which increased the extraction of active ingredients from bee pollen by 11 times. This study was designed to investigate the safety of wet-ground bee pollen. First, a single dose of wet-ground bee pollen was tested in both rats and beagle dogs at dosages of 5, 10, and 20 g/kg and 1.5, 3, and 6 g/kg, respectively. In rats, compound-colored stools were found in those administered 10 g/kg or more of wet-ground bee pollen. In beagle dogs, 6 g/kg of wet-ground bee pollen induced diarrhea in one male for four hours. However, no obvious clinical signs were found through the end of the experiment in rats and beagle dogs. In addition, no histological abnormality was found in all animals. The data indicates that a single dose of up to 20 g/kg of wet-ground bee pollen is safe. Next, the genetic toxicity of nano-sized bee pollen was tested. This study employed a bacterial reverse mutation test, a micronucleus assay, and a chromosomal aberration assay. In the micronucleus assay, there was no genetic toxicity up to the dosage of 2 g/kg. There was also no genetic toxicity in the bacterial reverse mutation test and chromosomal aberration assay. This data provides important information in developing nano-sized bee pollen into more advanced functional foods and herbal medicines.

Effect of the Flavonoid Luteolin for Dextran Sodium Sulfate-induced Colitis in NF-${\kappa}B^{EGFP}$ Transgenic Mice (Dextran Sodium Sulfate 유발 장염 모델에서 루테올린의 치료효과)

  • Jang, Byung-Ik
    • Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.26-35
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    • 2006
  • Background: Luteolin, a flavone found in various Chinese herbal medicines is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties through its ability to inhibit various proinflammatory signaling pathways including NF-${\kappa}B$ and p38 MAPK. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of luteolin on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Materials and Methods: We used a transgenic mouse model expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the transcriptional control of NF-${\kappa}B$ $cis$-elements. C57BL/6 NF-${\kappa}B^{EGFP}$ mice received 2.5% DSS in their drinking water for six days in combination with daily luteolin administration (1mg/kg body weight, 0.1ml vol, intragastric) or vehicle. NF-${\kappa}B$ activity was assessed macroscopically with a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) camera and microscopically by confocal analysis. Results: A significant increase in the Disease Activity Index (DAI), histological score (p<0.05), IL-12 p40 secretion in colonic stripe culture (p<0.05) and EGFP expression was observed in luteolin and/or DSS-treated mice compared to water-treated mice. Interestingly, a trend toward a worse colitis (DAI, IL-12p40) was observed in luteolin-treated mice compared to non-treated DSS-exposed mice. In addition, EGFP expression (NF-${\kappa}B$ activity) strongly increased in the luteolin-treated mice compared to control mice. Confocal microscopy showed that EGFP positive cells were primarily lamina propria immune cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that luteolin is not a therapeutic alternative for intestinal inflammatory disorders derived for primary defects in barrier function. Thus, therapeutic intervention targeting these signaling pathways should be viewed with caution.

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Analysis on the Dermatosrugical Prescriptions in BangYakHapPyun(方藥合編) (方藥合編 皮膚外科 處方에 대한 分析)

  • Park, Min-chul;Choi, In-hwa
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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    • v.16 no.1
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    • pp.42-62
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    • 2003
  • Subjects : We tried to analysis dermatosurgical prescriptions including 477 WonBang(元方) prescriptions for SangJungHaTong(上中下統) introduced by HwangDoYeon(黃道淵). Methods : Prescriptions in BangYakHapPyun(方藥合編) is generally categorized into SangTong(上統), JungTong(中統), HaTong(下統) which are called PoJe(補劑), HwaJe(和劑), KongJe(功劑) respectively. This study classified and analyzed major diseases and symptoms appeared in dermatosurgical prescription and composition of medicine, as well as in BangYakHapPyun(方藥合編). Results and conclusions : The results of examining dermatosurgical prescriptions in WonBang(元方) of SangJungHaTong(上中下統) in BangYakHapPyun(方藥合編) are as follows; 1. The proportion of dematosurgical prescriptions was SangTong(上統) $\frac{10}{126}$(7.9$\%$). JungTong(中統) $\frac{22}{181}$(12.1$\%$), and HaTong(下統) $\frac{16}{163}$(9.8$\%$), which means that JungTong(中統)(HwaJe 和劑) takes up relatively the largest portion. 2. As for SangTong(上統), upper level herbs used in medicine are Glycyrrhiza uralensis(甘草), Paeonia japonica(白芍藥), Angelica gigas(當歸). Astragalus membranaceus(황기). Ginseng(人蔘), Poria cocos(복령), Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma(白朮). Cinnamon(肉桂), Rehmaniniae radix preparat(熱地黃). And these herbs are the components of Sipjundaebo-tang(十全大補湯), one of the most well-known medicine for weak energy and blood(補氣血). 3. As for JungTong(中統), in addition to medicine for weak energy and blood. Ledebouriella seseloides(防風) that removes ill elements on skin surface and Pung(風) called "wind". Limonium tetragonum(桔梗) that eliminates discharges and sputum, Angelica dahurica(白芷) that removes discharge and suppress tumor are applied. Other herbs are Ostericum koreanum(羌活). Skullcap(황령),Schizonepeta tenuifolia(荊芥), Aurantii fructus(地殼), Cimicifuga heracleifolia(升麻), Bupleurum falcatum(柴胡), Lonicerae flos(金銀花). These herbs are more effective for wind-calming treatment. cooling down fever, clearing skin irritation, detoxication. removal of tumor and discharge than replenishing energy and blood. 4. As for HaTong(下統), Angelica gigas(當歸) and Ledebouriella seseloides(防風), the two major herbs for SangTong(上統) and JungTong(中統), are mostly used. In addition, Skullcap(黃芩), Gardenia jasminoides(梔子), Eisenia bicyclis(大黃) are other major components and their key efficacy is to lower fever and KongHa(功下). 5. Herbs applied for SangTong(上統), JungTong(中統), and HaTong(下統) in large quantity are Glycyrrhiza uralensis(甘草) that harmoniously combine different herbal elements and Poria cocos(복령) that discharges humidity and watery elements out of body, removes humid and hot elements, and strengthen gastrointestinal system. Based on this, it is inferred that prescriptions for this study focus largely on treatment of humid and hot elements. In the composition of this prescription, Angelica gigas(當歸), Paeonia japonica(白芍藥), and Cnidium officinale(川芎) are taking up relatively large proportion, which are basic herbs for Samul-tang(四物湯). Therefore, it is incurred here that the concept of "replenishing blood" bears importance in dermatosurgical treatment. 6. As for herb medicines used for more than two types of prescriptions of SangTong(上統), JungTong(中統), and HaTong(下統), most of them are simultaneously used for SangTong(上統) and JungTong(中統), or for JungTong(中統), and HaTong(下統) except for Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma(白朮) and Gleditsia sinensis(조각자). This finding implies that prescription or treatment that are simultaneously applied are replenishing and harmonizing, or harmonizing and attacking while replenishing and attacking never go together.

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Emodin Studies on Anti-inflammatory and Skin Barrier Improvement Activities (Emodin의 항염 및 피부장벽개선 활성 연구)

  • Kim, Se-Gie;Choi, Jae Gurn;Jang, Young-Ah
    • Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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    • v.38 no.6
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    • pp.1383-1392
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    • 2021
  • It has been reported that emodin, a major pharmacologically active ingredient of herbal medicines such as Polygonum cuspidatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Rheum palmatum, and Aloe vera, is effective in antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and liver protection. In this study, to investigate the potential of emodin to be used as a skin disease and functional material, the activity related to the improvement of inflammation and skin barrier function was confirmed. To observe the anti-inflammatory effect on HaCaT cells, which are human keratinocytes, cytokine inhibition was confirmed by ELISA kit and protein expression by western blot. In HaCaT cells activated with TNF-α (10 ng/mL)/IFN-γ (10 ng/mL), emodin was treated with each concentration (5, 10, 20, 40) µM. As a result, It was confirmed that the production amount of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 decreased as the concentration of emodin increased. In the experimental results on the expression levels of inflammation-related proteins iNOS and COX-2, it was confirmed that 48% of iNOS and 29% of COX-2 were inhibited compared to control at a concentration of 20 µM of emodin. As an indicator of skin barrier function improvement, the mRNA expression level of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricirn and the production amount of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricirn were confirmed. and excellent results were obtained with an emodin concentration-dependent increase. In particular, filaggrin, which was produced twice as much as the control at a concentration of 20 µM, is a protein involved in the formation of NMF, a natural moisturizing factor, and is known to play an important role in moisturizing the stratum corneum. In conclusion, it was confirmed that emodin can be used as a material for improving inflammation and improving skin barrier function, which is part of the potential for use as a skin disease and functional material. It is believed that if additional research is performed in the future, the scope of its application can be further expanded.

Single Dose Oral Toxicity Test of Water Extract of Corni Fructus in ICR Mice (ICR 마우스를 이용한 산수유 건피 추출물의 단회 경구투여 독성시험)

  • Hwang-Bo, Hyun;Kwon, Da Hye;Kim, Min Young;Ji, Seon Yeong;Choi, Eun Ok;Kim, Sung Ok;Jeong, Ji-Suk;Hong, Su Hyun;Choi, Sung Hyun;Park, Cheol;Choi, Yung Hyun
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.29 no.1
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    • pp.112-117
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    • 2019
  • Herbal medicines are widely used as therapeutic products in many countries. Corni fructus (CF), the dried ripe sarcocarp of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc (Cornaceae), has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and has been reported to be effective for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as kidney diseases and diabetes. Recent research on CF has documented a wide spectrum of therapeutic properties, which include anti-inflammatory, ant-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, there is no information on its safety. Therefore, in this study, the toxicity of water extract of CF to ICR mice was investigated. The mice received a single dose of water extract of CF (1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 mg/kg of body weight) via the oral route. Mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, gross findings, and weights of the principal organs after 14 d were then assessed. The results revealed no adverse effects of CF as determined by clinical signs, body weights, or organ weights and no gross pathological findings in any of the treatment groups. These results suggest that the 50% lethal dose and approximated lethal dose of CF extract is over 5,000 mg/kg. The findings provide scientific evidence for the safety of CFs.

Ethanol Extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Protects Against Oxidative Stress-induced DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells (망막색소상피세포에서 감초 추출물의 산화적 스트레스에 의한 DNA 손상 및 apoptosis 유발의 차단 효과)

  • Kim, So Young;Kim, Jeong-Hwan;Kim, Sung Ok;Park, Seh-Kwang;Jeong, Ji-Won;Kim, Mi-Young;Lee, Hyesook;Cheong, JaeHun;Choi, Yung Hyun
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.29 no.11
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    • pp.1273-1280
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    • 2019
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly population, and damage to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells due to oxidative stress contributes to the development of AMD. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer is one of the most widely used herbal medicines for the treatment of various diseases in Asian countries. Although recent studies indicated that treatment with G. uralensis can protect cells from oxidative stress, its mechanisms in RPE cells remain unknown. We evaluated the effect of a G. uralensis ethanol extract (GU) on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative injury in ARPE-19 RPE cells. The GU pretreatment attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by $H_2O_2$, which was associated with induced expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). GU also suppressed $H_2O_2$-induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. The inhibitory effect of GU on $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis was associated with the protection of caspase-3 activation. Overall, GU appeared to protect RPE cells from oxidative injury by inhibiting DNA damage and reducing apoptosis. Further studies are needed to determine the regulation of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression, but our results suggest the possibility of using GU to reduce the risk of AMD.