• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.61-69
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• 1995

Hyperlipidemia is a major predisposing factor of atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular accidents. In effort to develope a hypolipidemic drug from medicinal herb, We tested three prescriptions of traditional medicine for the lipid lowering effect on diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. GyejI-Bokryung-Hwan, Ohyak-Sunki-San, and Shihoga-Yongol-Moryu-Tang were selected based on the comnon prescriptions for patients with hyperlipidemia-related diseases. Water extract from each prescriptions was made by the method used in the clinical setting, and administered intragastrically once a day, for 4 weeks. Fenofibrate and lovastatin were given by the same method as the control drugs. Blood levels of total cholesterol(TC), high density lipoprotein(HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride(TG) were measured before, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after starting the drug administration. All of the traditional prescriptions did not show lipid lowering effect, while fenofibrate lower the blood cholesterol levels(TC;from 215mg/dl before to 182m41 at 4 weeks-point of drug administration, and LDL ;from 203mg/dl before to aut 161, and 163mg/dl at 3 and 4 week-point respectively). Oyak-Sunki-San increased the level of TC (from 283mg/dl to over 350mg/dl starting from the first week of drug administratin). Effects on TG variable in the cases of traditional medicines and control drug In conclusion, any of the three traditional medical prescriptions did not decrease the level of blood cholesterol.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.19 no.3 s.31
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• pp.34-54
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• 2006

The effects of four extracts of medicinal herbs, Rubus coreanum, Acorus calamus, Morus alba and Rehmannia glutinosa on hair growth activity and acnes control were investigated. In the course of screening natural extracts for hair growth, we found that the extract of dried root of Rubus coreanum has the hair growth promoting effect. After topical application of these extracts to the back of C57BL/6 mice, the earlier conversion of telogen-to-anagen phase was induced. The growth of dermal papilla cells and mouse vibrissae hair follicle cultured in vitro, however, was not affected by treatment of these extracts. Furthermore these extracts do not possesspotent inhibitory effect on $5{\alpha}-reductase$ I and II activity and anti-bacterial effect on Escherichia coli , Propionibacterium acnes, Pityrosporum ovale, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidemidis, and Candida albicans. RT-PCR analysis showed that these extracts did notinduce mRNA levels of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I, keratinocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in dermal papilla cells. These results suggest that Rubus coreanum has hair growth promoting effect. However, the effects of these materials on the hair growth promotion are not mediated through inhibition of $5{\alpha}-reductase$ I and II activity, stimulation of hair follicle cells and expression of growth factors in the dermal papilla cells.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.32 no.3 s.126
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• pp.226-232
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• 2001

To explore the possible cancer therapeutic application of "Bo-yang-hwan-oh-tang" (BH), a herbal medicinal recipe used for improvement of blood stasis, we have examined its direct cytotoxicity against tumor cell, and induction of cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes. Water extract of BH alone did not exhibit direct cytotoxicity to Yac-1 target cells even with high concentrations (10 mg/ml). By exposure for 3 days, BH did not induce any nonspecific cytotoxic activity of mouse spleen cells, either, when assessed in a 4 hr $^{51}Cr-release$ assay. However, when BH was added during CD3 stimulation of non-adherent spleen cells, non-specific CTL activity was markedly promoted in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, BH did not alter activated NK cell activity following IL-2 stimulation. These data suggest that BH does not induce but upregulates non-specific CTL effecter function and that activated NK cell does not respond to BH. For elucidation of the mechanism underlying this function of BH, time kinetic study for IL-2 production using ELISA was undertaken. IL-2 production following CD3 stimulation was significantly augmented and higher level of IL-2 is sustained over 3 days in the culture medium by BH treatment. Moreover, addition of exogenous IL-2 during CD3 stimulation resulted in a similar level of cytotoxicity between control and BH-treated culture. These data indicate that the BH-mediated upregulation of non-specific CTL activity is contributed by augmentation of IL-2 production. Our data imply the possible application of BH for combination therapy of cancer with non-specific activator.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.476-483
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• 2010

The present study was performed to investigate the putative anxiolytic-like effects of the aqueous extract of the roots of Scrophularia buergeriana (SB-W) using elevated plus-maze (EPM) and hole-board apparatus in mice. SB-W was orally administered at doses of 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg to ICR mice, 1 h before the behavioral evaluation. Control group were administered with an equal volume of saline, and positive control group with buspirone (2 mg/kg, i.p.). The administration of SB-W significantly increased the percentage of time spent in open arms and entries into the open arms of the EPM compared with saline-treated control group (P < 0.05). Futhermore, those anxiolytic-like activities of SB-W were antagonized by flumazenil (a $GABA_A$ antagonist, 10 mg/kg), but not by WAY-100635 (a 5-$HT_{1A}$ antagonist, 0.3 mg/kg). Moreover, there were no changes in the locomotor activity and myorelaxant effects in any group compared with saline-treated control group. In the hole-board test, the administration of SB-W (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly increased the number of head-dipping compared with saline-treated control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, these findings suggest that Scrophularia buergeriana promotes the anxiolytic-like activity mediated by GABAergic nervous system in mice.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.249-257
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• 2018

Objectives: The hepatotoxicity induced by Acetaminophen (AAP) mostly mediated by effect on oxidative stress parameters. The Zataria multiflora (Z.M) is an herbal medicine with well-known antioxidant effect. The aim of this study is investigation of preventive effects of Z.M and Carvacrol (CAR) on AAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into four groups including: 1) Control, 2) Acetaminophen (AAP), 3) and 4) CAR. The saline, Z.M (200 mg/kg) and CAR (20 mg/kg) were administrated orally for 6 days, after that AAP (600 mg/kg) was administrated in the $7^{th}$ day. Blood sampling was performed on the first and last days. Also, the liver tissue was removed for evaluation of Malondyaldehide (MDA), Thiol content, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). Total Protein (tPro), Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT), Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in liver tissue were evaluated. The changes (${\Delta}$) of enzymes activities were presented. Results: The ${\Delta}GOT$, ${\Delta}GPT$ and ${\Delta}ALP$ in CAR group significantly decreased compared to AAP group (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001) and ${\Delta}GPT$ in Z.M group was significantly reduced in comparison with AAP group (P < 0.05). Also, MDA, Thiol, SOD and CAT levels in treated groups were attenuated compared to AAP group (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Conclusion: Z.M and CAR have a powerful hepatoprotective effect. CAR is more effective than Z.M. Based on the results. Z.M and CAR could be potent supplementary agents against hepatotoxicity of AAP in patients.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.71-76
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• 2018

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the single oral toxicity of HBX-6 in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods : Twenty SD rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 5 rats each and were administrated singly to female and male SD rats, as an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg. HBX-6 is a newly combined Korean herbal medicine formula 30 % Ethanol extract derived from The Dongui Bogam. Now we are developing the prescription for the aim of improving benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without undesirable side effects. HBX-6 is composed of nine medicinal herbs: Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata, Corni Fructus, Cistanchis Herba, Psoraleae Semen, Dendrobii Herba, Morindae Radix, Cuscutae Semen, Trigonellae Semen, Foeniculi Fructus. Animals were monitored for the mortality and changes in the body weight, clinical signs, gross observation and necropsy findings for the 14 days according to "Standard for Toxicity Study of Pharmaceuticals" of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) guideline and "Acute Oral Toxicity - Fixed Dose Procedure" of OECD Test Guideline. Results : We could not find any mortality. Compared with the control group, significant weight change was not observed in the experimental group. After administration, the more common symptoms were not observed. There were no gross abnormalities in all cases. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the approximate lethal dose of HBX-6 in both female and male SD rats were considered as over 2000 mg/kg.

• International Journal of Molecular Medicine
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.2171-2180
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• 2019

Pistacia weinmannifolia (Anacardiaceae) has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of influenza, dysentery and enteritis in China. It was recently observed that P. weinmannifolia root extract (PWRE) exerts anti-inflammatory effects both in in vitro and in vivo models. Based on the results from previous studies, the present study investigated the protective effect of PWRE on airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. Treatment with PWRE significantly decreased the number of eosinophils and the levels of Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13, in the bronchialveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of OVA-exposed mice. PWRE decreased the high serum levels of total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E. PWRE also effectively inhibited the influx of inflammatory cells into the lung, as well as airway mucus hypersecretion. In addition, the increased level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was significantly decreased with the PWRE treatment in the BALF of OVA-exposed mice and in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. These protective effects of PWRE on OVA-induced pulmonary inflammation were accompanied by the downregulation of mitogen associated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB activation. Thus, the results from the present study indicate that PWRE could be valuable adjuvant for the treatment of asthma.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2014

This study was performed in order to investigate the antioxidant properties of hot water extract from the root and aerial part of the Syneilesis palmata in respect to its potential use as food, cosmetics material, or medicinal resource. The results showed that the S. palmata root hot water extract (RHW) possessed a higher content of total flavonoid compounds (4.58 mg/g) and total polyphenol compounds (59.11 mg/g). The SOD-like activities of the RHW and APHW were 23.74% and 21.61%, respectively, at a concentration $2,000{\mu}g/mL$. In the nitrite scavenging ability of a $2,000{\mu}g/mL$ concentration, the RHW showed 63.06% (pH 1.2) and 47.16% (pH 3.0). The $IC_{50}$ values of the nitrite scavenging abilities were $99.93{\mu}g/mL$ (ascorbic acid), $1,150.85{\mu}g/mL$ (RHW), and $1,610.25{\mu}g/mL$ (APHW). The $IC_{50}$ values of DPPH free radical scavenging abilities were $99.87{\mu}g/mL$ (RHW) and $118.29{\mu}g/mL$ (APHW). The inhibition values ($IC_{50}$) of xanthine oxidase were $139.62{\mu}g/mL$ (RHW) and $111.11{\mu}g/mL$ (APHW). In all of the experiments, the S. palmata root hot water extracts have higher activities than the aerial hot water extract, except for the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. These results suggest that the S. palmata is a potentially useful antioxidant source for the development of functional nutraceuticals, cosmetics and medicine.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.476-483
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• 2005

This experiment was planned to develop a functional supplement by food resources to prevent and lessen the deleterious effects caused by environmental pollutants such as polluted food, air, water and heavy metals. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of peking-duck extracts supplemented with six kinds of medicinal herbs (DJ) on the intoxication of lead and mercury in rats. Sprague-Dawley rat weighing $150g\pm15g$ g, were randomly assigned to 5 groups, basal diet only (NCG), heavy metal without DJ injection (HCG), heavy metals and DJ (3 mg/mL) injection (HMLD), heavy metal and DJ (30 mg/mL) injection (HMMD), heavy metal and D] (300 mg/mL) injection (HMHD). Mecury (Hg) and lead (Pb) injected at the level of 50 ppm for 17 days. Also DJ oral feeding was continued for 31 days. The result of this study were as follows; Food intake and body weight gain in heavy metal administered groups were lower than those of control group (NCG). The activities of GOT, GPT and BUN level were significantly reduced in DJ-treated groups as compared to HCG. DJ was shown to suppress the accumulation of Hg and Pb in serum. The results suggest that DJ might have protective effect on Hg and Pb intoxication.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.1034-1041
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• 2010

The oriental medicine Jangwonhwan, which is a boiled extract of 12 medicinal herbs/mushroom, has been prescribed for patients with cognitive dysfunction and it is originally from the Korean medical text, DonguiBogam(amnesia chapter). Recently, a modified recipe of Jangwonhwan (LMK02-Jangwonhwan) consisting of seven medicinal plants/mushroom, was shown to reduce ${\beta}$-amyloid deposition in the brain of Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer disease. The toxicity of LMK02 was investigated in SD rats by oral repeated adminstration for 4 weeks and we tried to determine test does for 13 weeks repeated study. Quality control of tablet form of LMK02 was established by estimating indicative components, Ginsenoside Rg3 of Red Ginseng and Decursin of Angelicagigas Nakai. The toxicity of LMK02 was investigated in 6 weeks old specific pathogen free (SPF) Sprageu-Dawley rats by oral administration. Each test group were consist of 5 male and 5 female and they received doses of 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day of test substance for 4 weeks. The clinical signs, death rate, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematological and serum biochemistry, organ weight and pathological changes were examined and compared with those of control group. Urinalysis : We observed increase of PRO(p<0.01), SG(p<0.01) in female rats of 1,000 mg/kg/day and 2,000 mg/kg/day(p<0.01). Also, we observed increase of pH and KET in female rats of 1,000 mg/kg/day(p<0.05) and of 2,000 mg/kg/day(p<0.01). WBC in female rats in 1,000 mg/kg/day and 2,000 mg/kg/day were on increase. Hematological test : We observed increase of MCV in male rats of 250 mg/kg/day. (p<0.05) Serum biochemistry test : We found increase of CHO in female rats of 2,000 mg/kg/day(p<0.05). During the experimental period, there were no animals dead or moribund. There were no treatment related changes of general symptom, food and water consumption, organ weight and autopsy According to the results of 4-week repeated dose range finding study, the highest dose was established as 1000 mg/kg for 13-week repeated dose toxicity study and we determined to put 2 more groups by common ratio two.