• Advances in Traditional Medicine
• /
• 제10권3호
• /
• pp.155-164
• /
• 2010

Lycii fructus is the fruit of Lycium chinense Miller and is part of the Solanaceae family. Lycii fructus produces various effects such as hypotensive, hypoglycemic, anti-pyretic, and anti-stress activities. Lycii fructus is known to contain betaine, carotene, nicotinic acid, zeaxanthin, and cerebroside. In the present study, the effects of Lycii fructus aqueous extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in murine raw 264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. In this study we utilized the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and nitric oxide (NO) detection. Lycii fructus aqueous extract suppressed NO production by inhibiting the LPS-induced expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-$\alpha$) mRNA and iNOS protein in murine raw 264.7 macrophage cells. Also, Lycii fructus aqueous extract suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) in the nucleus. These results demonstrated that Lycii fructus aqueous extract causes an anti-inflammatory effect that was likely produced by the suppression of iNOS expression through the down-regulation of NF-$\hat{e}B$ binding activity.

• 동의생리병리학회지
• /
• 제25권2호
• /
• pp.217-226
• /
• 2011

The aim of this study is to identify central neural pathway of neurons following the projection to the large intestine and Hapgok(LI4) which is Won acupoint of the large intestine meridian of hand-yangmyeong. In this experiment, Bartha's strain of pseudorabies virus was used to trace central localization of neurons related with large intestine and acupoint(LI4) which has been known to be able to regulate intestinal function. The animals were divided into 3 groups: group 1, injected into the large intestine; group 2, injected into the acupoint(LI4); group 3, injected into the acupoint(LI4) after severing the radial, ulnar, median nerve. After four days survival of rats, PRV labeled neurons were identified in the spinal cord and brain by immunohistochemical method. First-order PRV labeled neurons following the projection to large intestine, acupoint(LI4) and acupoint(LI4) after cutting nerve were found in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal cord. Commonly labeled neurons were labeled in the lumbosacral spinal cord and thoracic spinal cord. They were found in lamina V- X, intermediomedial nucleus and dorsal column area. The area of sensory neurons projecting was L5-S2 spinal ganglia and T12-L1 spinal ganglia, respectively. In the brainstem, the neurons were labeled most evidently and consistently in the nucleus tractus solitarius, area postrema, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve, reticular nucleus, raphe nuclei(obscurus, magnus and pallidus), C3 adrenalin cells, parapyramidal area(lateral paragigantocellular nucleus), locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus nucleus, A5 cell group, periaqueductal gray matter. In the diencephalon, PRV labeled neurons were marked mostly in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence. These results suggest that overlapped CNS locations are related with autonomic nuclei which regulate the functions of large intestine-related organs and it was revealed by tracing PRV labeled neurons projecting large intestine and related acupoint(LI4).

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제46권3호
• /
• pp.435-443
• /
• 2022

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disease that develops following exposure to a traumatic event and is a stress-associated mental disorder characterized by an imbalance of neuroinflammation. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is the herbal supplement that is known to be involved in a variety of pharmacological activities. We aimed to investigate the effects of KRG on neuroinflammation as a potential mechanism involved in single prolonged stress (SPS) that negatively influences memory formation and consolidation and leads to cognitive and spatial impairment by regulating BDNF signaling, synaptic proteins, and the activation of NF-κB. Methods: We analyzed the cognitive and spatial memory, and inflammatory cytokine levels during the SPS procedure. SPS model rats were injected intraperitoneally with 20, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day KRG for 14 days. Results: KRG administration significantly attenuated the cognitive and spatial memory deficits, as well as the inflammatory reaction in the hippocampus associated with activation of NF-κB in the hippocampus induced by SPS. Moreover, the effects of KRG were equivalent to those exerted by paroxetine. In addition, KRG improved the expression of BDNF mRNA and the synaptic protein PSD-95 in the hippocampus. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that KRG exerts memory-improving actions by regulating anti-inflammatory activities and the NF-κB and neurotrophic pathway. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that KRG is a potential functional ingredient for protecting against memory deficits in mental diseases, such as PTSD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제41권1호
• /
• pp.7-15
• /
• 2024

Objectives : This study aimed to predict the effectiveness and potential of Schizonepeta tenuifolia as an anticancer treatment for non-small cell lung cancer through network-based pharmacology and cellular experiment. Methods : To identify the major bioactive compounds in Schizonepeta tenuifolia, we used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems. The target genes for the cancer treatment were selected using the UniProt database and the networked using Cytoscape. We performed functional enrichment analysis based on the Gene Ontology Biological Process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathways to predict the mechanisms. To investigate the effect of Schizonepeta tenuifolia on lung cancer cell growth, we treated A549 cells, a lung cancer cell line, with different concentrations of the drug and used the MTT assay for cell viability. Results : Research has shown that the most effective mechanism of active compounds from Schizonepeta tenuifolia is through the pathway of cancer. The results of the network pharmacology analysis indicate that Schizonepeta tenuifolia has potential medicinal value as an adjuvant in anticancer treatment. The concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability was observed on A549 cells. Furthermore, synergistic anticancer activity with Doxorubicin was also observed. Conclusions : Through a network pharmacological approach, Schizonepeta tenuifolia was predicted to have potential as an anticancer agent, and its efficacy was experimentally demonstrated using A549 cells. These findings suggest that Schizonepeta tenuifolia is a promising candidate for future research.

• 혜화의학회지
• /
• 제22권1호
• /
• pp.23-36
• /
• 2013

J$\bar{i}$n ji$\acute{e}$(根結) has been recognized as one of a meridian pathway. If you want to study a defense qi(衛氣) and nutrient qi(營氣)'s nature, function and operation, you could find a relationship of J$\bar{i}$n ji$\acute{e}$(根結) and the defense qi(衛氣). We proposed that, especially, J$\bar{i}$n ji$\acute{e}$(根結) has got a close relationship with a operation of the defense qi(衛氣). The ji$\acute{e}$(結) of three yang(三陽) located in ears and eyes, that are a starting point of the defense qi(衛氣) operation in the daytime and a one of five sense organs(五官). Gin, Liu, Zou and Ru (根, 溜, 注, 入) of the three yang(三陽) distinguished between the three yang(三陽) in the extremities. and in the symptoms of a disease of the three yang(三陽) on the bolt - leaf - hanges(關闔樞) theory, Greater yang(太陽) is related to the skin and flesh, Yang brightness(陽明) is related to the flesh and Lesser yang(少陽) is related to the muscle or bone. These skin, flesh, muscle and bone belonged to the five bodies(五體). The five bodies(五體) have relationship with the defense qi(衛氣)'s operation and function part. The ji$\acute{e}$(結) of three yin(三陰) located in neck, chest and abdomen. If we could catched the concepts on the ji$\acute{e}$(結) of three yin(三陰) and The Gin, Liu, Zou, Ru and ji$\acute{e}$(根, 溜, 注, 入, 結) position of three yang(三陽) altogether, we could suggested the theory of the entire area completed in the surface of body. so the defense qi(衛氣)'s protecting function of the whole body surface is achieved. In the symptoms of a disease of the three yin(三陰)'s the bolt - leaf - hanges(關闔樞) theory, greater yin(太陰) and reverting yin(厥陰)'s symptoms indicates the defense qi(衛氣)'s main action of a chest and abdomen. And lesser yin(少陰)' symptoms is about a vessle, that is not to mention on the five bodies(五體) of the three yang(三陽)'s symptoms, so here is mentioned the relationship of the defense qi(衛氣) and the five bodies(五體) strengthened. In the "J$\bar{i}$n ji$\acute{e}$ chapter(根結編) of Lin Shu(靈樞)", as the meridians of the foot (足經) was described, except the meridians of the hand(手經), it is reasonable to infer that the defense qi (衛氣) is relevant to the meridians of the foot(足經) than the meridians of the hand(手經).

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제39권2호
• /
• pp.43-53
• /
• 2022

Objectives : Paeonia lactiflora Pallas (PLP) have been reported to have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic. However, it is not yet known whether PLP extract has anti-inflammatory effect on HaCaT cells, human keratinocyte. Methods : To confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of PLP on keratinocyte, TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated HaCaT cells were used. HaCaT cells were pre-treated with PLP for 1h before stimulation with TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾. Then HaCaT cells were stimulated with TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾 for 24 h, the cells and media were harvested to measure the inflammatory cytokines levels. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1𝛽), and TNF-𝛼 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression of thymus and activation-regulated chemokines (TARC), IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also investigated the inhibitory mechanism of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) including ERK, JNK, and p38 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-𝜅B) by PLP using western blot. Results : PLP did not show cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. In TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated HaCaT cells, PLP significantly inhibited the expression of GM-CSF, MCP-1 IL-1𝛽, TNF-𝛼, TARC and IL-6. PLP inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and translocation of NF-𝜅B into the nucleus. Conclusions : These results indicate that PLP could ameliorate the TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated inflammatory response through inhibition of MAPK and NF-kB signal pathway. This suggests that PLP could be used beneficial agent to improve skin inflammation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제47권1호
• /
• pp.97-105
• /
• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.