• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5553-5565
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• 2013

Plants play important roles in human life not only as suppliers of oxygen but also as a fundamental resource to sustain the human race on this earthly plane. Plants also play a major role in our nutrition by converting energy from the sun during photosynthesis. In addition, plants have been used extensively in traditional medicine since time immemorial. Information in the biomedical literature has indicated that many natural herbs have been investigated for their efficacy against lethal irradiation. Pharmacological studies by various groups of investigators have shown that natural herbs possess significant radioprotective activity. In view of the immense medicinal importance of natural product based radioprotective agents, this review aims at compiling all currently available information on radioprotective agents from medicinal plants and herbs, especially the evaluation methods and mechanisms of action. In this review we particularly emphasize on ethnomedicinal uses, botany, phytochemistry, mechanisms of action and toxicology. We also describe modern techniques for evaluating herbal samples as radioprotective agents. The usage of herbal remedies for combating lethal irradiation is a green anti-irradiation approach for the betterment of human beings without high cost, side effects and toxicity.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-27
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• 2020

Objectives : We selected three herb-combined remedies, Bigihwan (BGH), Daechilgitang (DCGT) and Mokwhyangbinranghwan (MHBRH), through Donguibogam text-mining analysis, and evaluated their anti-cancer effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells. Methods : Cytotoxicity was assessed by an MTT assay. Apoptosis rate, autophagy and ROS level were detected by flow cytometry. The autophagy was also observed by Cyto-ID staining fluorescence microscopy. The expression of autophagy, mitophagy and pexophagy regulatory proteins was detected by Western blot analysis. Results : BGH showed the strongest effect among the three prescriptions in inhibiting Hep3B cell viability, which was associated with the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Autophagy blockers improved cell viability and reduced apoptosis after BGH and DCGT treatments, indicating that autophagy by these prescriptions enhanced Hep3B cells against their cytotoxicity. However, MHBRH enhanced the reduction of cell viability and apoptosis by autophagy blockers. Induction of autophagy by BGH treatment was associated with mitophagy due to mitochondrial dysfunction than DCGT and MHBRH-treated cells. In addition, induction of apoptosis by BGH treatment was ROS-dependent and showed the possibility of pexophagy involvement. Conclusion : Although further studies need to be conducted to study the efficacy and mechanism of accurate anticancer activity, the present results will serve as important sources of understanding the mechanism of action of herbal remedies prescribed for liver disease as documented in Donguibogam.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.247-252
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• 2007

Objectives : Fructus Amomi has been widely used to treat patients with anorexia and dyspepsia induced by moisture or cold. In addition, it is known to have preventive effects on miscarriage. But, this preventive effect of Fructus Amomi has controversial point. For this reason, this study was designed to investigate the preventive effects of Fructus Amomi on miscarriage in the framework of usage. Methods : We investigated the preventive effects of Fructus Amomi on miscarriage in terms of checking frequency in use of Fructus Amomi in Dongeui-bogam. Results : Fructus Amomi was used by 192 times in Dongeuh-bogam. it was used by 36 times in major drug, the others used in complementary drug. 14 remedies were used to treat patients with gynecologic diseases. In these remedies, 7 remedies were related to preventive effects of Fructus Amomi on miscarriage. In thses 7 remedies, 6 were used with samul-tang or Radix Scutellariae and Rizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae. Conclusions : These results suggest the possibility that preventive effects of Fructus Amomi on miscarriage is not involved in direct efficacy, which was explained with gimi-ron, but in usage of the herbal medicine.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.159-173
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• 2000

Objectives : First, to restore reliability of oriental prescriptions that are effective against incurable diseases, Second, in the short term, to secure the validity of traditional remedies with the help of accumulated data and in the long term, develop new therapeutic methods and prescriptions in order to broaden its aspect in the field of medicine. Third, to maintain predominance on oriental therapeutic methods and put it into practical use based upon the results obtained by this paper. Methods : In the primary sub-thesis(herbalogical analytic methods applied on unknown oriental prescriptions), models of analytic method and in gathering information that could be put into practice are being revised In the secondary sub-thesis(method in gathering and analysing in dealing with oriental prescription), several statistical approaches and analysis on data that has been gathered are being revised. In the tertiary sub-thesis(research on legal guarantee of the offerer rights), an alternative scheme that covers the limitations of the legislative content in dealing with offerer rights is being revised Results : This research has revealed several problems, including those which were foreseen, in proceeding with the project. The prospect of the involvement of the medical personnel engaging in the field of oriental medicine was remarkably bright. Given the condition that the project will proceed as it follows, unknown oriental prescriptions and remedies which have been particularly ignored will eventually play an important role in clinical practice. Conclusions : It is clear to everyone that these oriental remedies will remain ignored by the public unless they gain popularity. Strict verifications on these oriental remedies are definitely needed in order to overcome this limitation. Finally, it should provide a momentum in the field of medicine in gaining popularity to the public.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.558-570
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• 2009

Background : Since March 2009, when the first patient of novel influenza A (H1N1) was reported, many deaths have occurred in North and Central America. The start of the 2009 influenza pandemic was declared by WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan on 11 June 2009, and the level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 5 to phase 6. There was no vaccine yet developed, and many experts worried that the novel H1N1 virus could kill as many or more as did the influenza pandemic in 1918-1919. Objective : To evaluate the possibility of treatment for 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) using herbal remedies and other non-conventional therapies. Methods : We researched the clinical studies for novel H1N1 influenza virus-related herbal medicine or non-conventional medicine treatment using internet search engines including PubMed and CNKI. In addition, we reviewed many reports and clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for influenza A (H1N1). Results : Two case series were selected after reviewing 701 papers, and two CPG published by the Chinese government and Jilin province identified. They reported that the clinical symptoms were no more significant than seasonal influenza, and the condition of patients more than 45 years old was milder than those less than 45 years old. There are no patients with gastric problems, and oseltamivir has been used at the same time in all patients. Conclusion : The efficacy and effectiveness of herbal medicine and other non-conventional treatments for the novel influenza A (H1N1) is questionable, and more studies are needed to draw a firm conclusion. However, in the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) experience in 2002/2003, it was demonstrated that herbal medicine can relieve all symptoms of SARS patients, promote absorption of lung inflammation, improve the degree of blood oxygen saturation, regulate immunological functions, reduce the required dosage of glucocorticoid and other medicines, and reduce case fatality rate. In light of the current situation that there is no vaccine or conventional treatment yet available, the study of herbal medicine and other non-conventional therapies are also necessary for appropriate evaluation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.8015-8015
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• 2015

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.129-137
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• 2012

Objective : Herb-drug interactions have become an important issue because of the consumption of herbal remedies has increased in the world. Yangguksanhaw-tang (Liang ge san huo-tang) and Taeumjowi-tang (Tai yin tiao wei-tang) are typical herbal formulas on Sasang constitution medicine (four-constitution medicine). This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Yangguksanhaw-tang and Taeumjowi-tang on drug metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isozymes. Methods : Vivid$^{(R)}$ CYP450 Screening Kits were used to measure of CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 activities. This method is based on the use of fluorescent CYP450 substrates that are efficiently metabolized by specific CYP450 isozymes to yield a product with altered fluorescent properties. The percent inhibitions of CYP450s by herbal formulas were calculated. Results : Yangguksanhaw-tang inhibited CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 activities higher than that other CYP450 isozymes. The $IC_{50}$ values of CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 were 159.83 ${\mu}g/mL$ and 261.40 ${\mu}g/mL$, respectively. The CYP2E1 activity was inhibited ($IC_{50}=215.17{\mu}g/mL$) higher than that other CYP450 isozymes by Taeumjowi-tang. Conclusions : These results suggest that Yangguksanhaw-tang may inhibit the metabolism of co-administered drugs whose primary route of metabolism is via CYP2C19 or CYP2E1. Taeumjowi-tang could inhibit the metabolism of co-administered drugs, which are substrates for CYP2E1. Therefore, co-administration of the herbal formulas and other conventional drugs should be undertaken with care.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2007

This study was investigated to make sure the range of Gypsum treatment, the nature of disease, the pathology and the dosage of it in Dongeuybogam. The following conclusions were reached through investigations on the prescriptions that use Gypsum as a key ingredient. The Gypsum blended prescriptions are utilized in 23 fields of treatment such as cold, head. ect. Prescriptions that use Gypsum as the main ingredient are used commonly in the treatment of cold, head disease, fever, skin disease, diabetes, stroke, ophthalmic disease, jaundice, ENT disease and dental disease. The Gypsum is used for nature of disease which of cold, heat(fever), summer heat, phlegm, malfunction of liver, malfunction of liver and kidney, heat of stomach, malfunction of spleen and fever of stomach. The clinical dosage of Gypsum has ranged at a wide variety of amount from 1.6g to 16g per dose with 4g ${\sim}$ 8g being the typical dose for most treatment. The Gypsum is applied as a fundamental prescription with several herb remedies for the pathology.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.497-508
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• 2013

In addition to our previous study on the diseases and symptoms described in Juan Wooden Slips(居延漢簡), here we focused on therapeutics of Juan Wooden Slips, including herbal medicines, acupuncture, and moxibution. In Juan Wooden Slips, there are 36 species of medicinal herbs and 17 herbal prescriptions. Among the medicinal herbs, 75% of herbs were also used in Shanghanzabing-lun(傷寒雜病論). In terms of efficacy and therapeutic range of the medicinal herbs and prescriptions, Juan Wooden Slips is very similar to Shanghanzabing-lun. In addition, acupuncture were used as a combined with moxibution or herbal remedies similarly to Shanghanzabing-lun. Thus, we suggest that the medical thoughts and technologies shown in Juan Wooden Slips might influence on the establishment of Shanghanzabing-lun.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2009

In the oriental medicine, the Persicae Semen is a useful material for promoting blood circulation through removement of the extravasated blood in a blood vessel. This study is based on Dongueibogam, which has been widely used for herbal clinic in Korea. And this study is investigated to make sure of the range of Persicae Semen treatment, the nature of disease, the pathology and the dosage of it in Dongueibogam. The following conclusions were reached through investigations on the main prescriptions that used in Dongueibogam as a key ingredient. 1. The prescriptions of blending with the Persicae Semen are utilized in 25 fields of treatments such as feces, uterus, blood diseases, etc. 2. The Persicae Semen is used in the treatment of constipation, removement of blood stasis of gynecology. 3. The average mass of the Persicae Semen is 0.352g, the standard limited range of adding the Persicae Semen to medical prescription is 0.5$\sim$40g or 6$\sim$40pieces per dose. But, in most case of treatment medicines, an typical and regular adding dose is the range of 2$\sim$4g. 4. The Persicae Semen is one of basic materials for a fundamental prescription among several herbal remedies for the pathology.