• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제18권1호
• /
• pp.63-71
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study was carried out to analyze the single-dose toxicity of Eun-Bi San pharmacopuncture injected into the muscle of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: All experiments were performed at Biotoxtech, an institution certified to conduct non-clinical studies under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations. Six week old SD rats reared by ORIENTBIO were chosen for this pilot study. The reason SD rats were chosen is that they have been widely used in safety tests in the field of medicine, so the results can be easily compared with many other databases. The Eun-Bi San pharmacopuncture was made in a clean room at the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute (KPI, K-GMP). The constituents of the Eun-Bi San pharmacopuncture are Angelicae gigantis radix, Strychni semen and Glycyrrhizae radix. These were extracted at low temperature and low pressure in an aseptic room at the KPI. Doses of Eun-Bi San pharmacopuncture, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mL, were administered to the experimental groups, and a dose of normal saline solution, 1.0 mL, was administered to the control group. This study was performed under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of Biotoxtech Co., Ltd. Results: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the four groups. No significant changes in weight, hematological parameters or clinical chemistry between the control group and the experimental groups were observed. To determine if abnormalities existed in any organs and tissues, we used microscopy to examine representative histological sections of each specified organ; the results showed no significant differences in any of the organs or tissues. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that treatment with Eun-Bi San pharmacopuncture is relatively safe and that its clinical use may be beneficial. Further evaluations and studies on this subject will be needed to provide more concrete evidence in support of these conclusions.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
• /
• 제25권3호
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2015

Objectives To evaluate Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture safety through analysis of potential single-dose intramuscular toxicity of Sinbaro Pharmacopucture in SD rats and Beagle dogs. Methods Single-dose intramuscular toxicity of Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture was assessed in accordance with Korea Food and Drug Administration Guidelines for toxicity testing of Medicinal Products. The SD rats were treated intramuscularly with Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture at doses of 0, 4.6, 9.2, and 18.5 mg/kg, respectively. The Beagle dogs were treated intramuscularly with Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture at doses of 2.3, and 4.6 mg/kg, respectively, and after 3 days, the procedure was repeated a second time at doses of 0.6, and 1.2 mg/kg, respectively, for toxicity testing. Mortality, change in body weight, and necropsy findings were examined for the study period. Results There were no mortalities, general symptoms, or body weight changes in the SD rats. While pyelectasis of the left kidney was observed in a male rat in the 4.6 mg/kg administration group, natural occurrence is common, and does not appear to be related with the test substance. No mortalities were observed in the Beagle dogs. In assessment of general symptoms, a female dog in the 9.2 mg/kg group displayed body weight decrease due to leftover food, but the change in body weight was within the normal range seen at 6~7 months, and the necropsy findings were not significant. The toxicity of the test substance appears to be minimal. Conclusions The results suggest that the lethal dose 50 ($LD_{50}$) and approximate lethaldose (ALD) value in single intramuscular administration of Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture in SD rats and Beagle dogs are higher than 18.5 mg/kg.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제26권3호
• /
• pp.43-54
• /
• 2009

Objectives : To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory rat model. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups; normal control (n=8), LPS control (n=8), LPS+Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at CV4 (CV4, n=8), LPS+Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at ST36 (ST36, n=8), and LPS+Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at CV12 (CV12, n=8). Pharmacopuncture was given every two days for 4 weeks followed by inflammation induction by peritoneal LPS injection (5mg/kg). Proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$), interleukin-10 (IL-10), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) from blood and liver tissue were compared before and 5 hrs after inflammation induction. Results : In CV4 and CV12 groups, plasma IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$ levels increased by LPS injection, significantly decreased 5 hrs after injection (p<0.05). For CV12 group, plasma IL-10 concentration significantly increased (p<0.05). Liver IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 levles significantly decreased in CV4 and CV12 groups (P<0.05), while normal and LPS control groups were not significantly different in TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-10 levels. Plasma TBARS concentration was significantly decreased in CV12 group, while there was no significant difference among LPS control and pharmacopuncture groups for liver TBARS concentration. Conclusions : Based on the present findings, Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at CV12 may have a potentially preventive anti-inflammatory effect in an LPS-induced inflammatory rat model.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제28권5호
• /
• pp.39-55
• /
• 2011

Objectives : Inchinohryungsan has been used for treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Inchinohryungsan pharmacopuncture on hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Sprague Dawley(SD) rats of the control and experimental groups received intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg DEN, weekly for 12 weeks. Methods : Rats were divided into 5 groups. Normal group was not induced hepatocellular carcinoma and not treated. Control group was induced hepatocellular carcinoma and injected with Inchinohryungsan pharmacopuncture into the root of tail. Experimental groups were induced hepatocellular carcinoma. BL group was injected with Inchinohryungsan pharmacopuncture into the $BL_{18}$ and $LR_{14}$, BG group was injected into the $BL_{19}$ and $GB_{24}$ and CSC group was injected into the $CV_{12}$, $ST_{25}$ and $CV_4$. Thereafter, the changes of the body weight, the liver weight and the weight of liver/100g body weight, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte and the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, AFP and SOD were measured. And gross anatomy, light and electron microscopy were performed. Results : The significant results were as follows, 1. The activities of LDH were significantly decreased in CSC group compared with control group. 2. The activities of AFP were significantly decreased in the BL, BG, CSC groups compared with control group. 3. The activities of SOD were increased in the BL, BG, CSC groups compared with control group and CSC group was significantly increased than normal group. 4. According to the gross anatomical observation, the control and BL, BG, CSC groups showed multi-nodular hepatocellular carcinoma. But the size and numbers of the hepatocellular carcinoma in experimental groups were smaller than control group. 5. The numbers of hepatic p53 positive cells were decreased in the BL, BG groups compared with control group. 6. According to the light and electron microscopical observation, the BL, BG and CSC groups were mildly improved than control group in morphological and histopathological changes. Conclusions : These results suggested that Inchinohryungsan pharmacopuncture may have some effects on hepatocellular carcinoma induced by DEN in rats.

• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제18권2호
• /
• pp.67-75
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study was carried out to analyze the single-dose toxicity of ShinYangHur (SYH) herbal acupuncture injected into the muscles of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: The SYH herbal acupuncture was made in a clean room at the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute (KPI, Korea-Good Manufacturing Practice, K-GMP). After the mixing process with sterile distilled water, the pH was controlled to between 7.0 and 7.5. Then, NaCl was added to make a 0.9% isotonic solution by using sterilized equipment. All experiments were conducted at Biotoxtech, an institution authorized to perform non clinical studies under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). SD rats were chosen for the pilot study. Doses of SYH herbal acupuncture, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mL, were administered to the experimental groups, and a dose of normal saline solution, 1.0 mL, was administered to the control group. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Results: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the four groups. No significant changes in weight, hematological parameters or clinical chemistry between the control group and the experimental groups were observed. To check for abnormalities in organs and tissues, we used microscopy was used to examine representative histological sections of each specified organ; the results showed no significant differences in any of the organs or tissues. Conclusion: The above outcomes suggest that treatment with SYH herbal acupuncture is relatively safe. Further studies on this subject are needed to yield more concrete evidence.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제29권6호
• /
• pp.35-45
• /
• 2012

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate Effects of Sujeom powder(SJP) pharmacopuncture Injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) in rats with caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis(AP). Methods : We examined changes of organ weight, histology, immunohistochemistry and gene expression of cycolooxygenase 2(COX-2) in the pancreas. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups as follow: normal(Nor), caerulein-induced(Con), caerulein+SJP pharmacopuncture 0.2mL injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$)(SA), and caerulein+SJP pharmacopuncture 0.8 mL injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$)(SB) groups. Pancreatic tissues of rats from all groups were removed for histological observation and light microscopic examination. Interleukin-6(IL-6) levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Results : The ratio of pancreas/body weights was significantly(p<0.05) increased in the Con, the SA and the SB compared with the Nor, but was slightly decreased in the SA and in the SB groups compared with the Con. Caerulein administration has significantly(p<0.05) increased in the levels of amylase, but the SA, the SB significantly(p<0.05) decreased in the levels of these enzyme. The levels of amylase were increased significantly with caerulein administration, but were inhibited significantly in the SA and in the SB groups. Interleukin-6(IL-6) levels were significantly(p<005) increased in all groups compared with the Nor, especially in the SB. were significantly increased. The levels of Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$ levels were significantly increased in all groups compared with the Nor. In the conclusion, the datum of IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ are suggested that the inflamation was still existed actively at a point of measurement(24 hours later). The COX-2 positive materials are observed in the pancreas from the Con, but these positive materials are decreased in the SJP pharmacopuncture at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) treatment group. Conclusion : SJP pharmacopuncture injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) is potentially capable of limiting pancreatic damage during AP by restoring the fine structure of acinar cells and tissues. Therefore we can say that SJP pharmacopuncture Injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) may have beneficial effects in the treatment of caerulein-induded AP. Further studies about the adequate amount of the SJP pharmacopuncture and about more effective route of administration is still required.

• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제17권3호
• /
• pp.40-49
• /
• 2014

Objectives: The gastric ulcer is a common disorder of the stomach and duodenum. The basic physiopathology of a gastric ulcer results from an imbalance between some endogenous aggressive and cytoprotective factors. This study examined whether Ganoderma lucidum pharmacopuncture (GLP) would provide protection against acute gastric ulcers in rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 4 groups of 8 rats each: normal, control, normal saline (NP) and GLP groups. The experimental acute gastric ulcer was induced by using an EtOH/HCl solution and the normal group received the same amount of normal saline instead of ethanol. The NP and the GLP groups were treated once with injections of saline and GLP, respectively. Two local acupoints were used: CV12 (中脘) which is the alarm point of the Stomach Meridian, and ST36 (足三里), which is the sea point of the Stomach Meridian. The stomachs from the rats in each group were collected and analyzed for gross appearance and histology. Also, immunohistochemistry staining for BAX, Bcl-2 and TGF-${\beta}1$ was performed. Results: Histological observations of the gastric lesions in the control group showed comparatively extensive damage of the gastric mucosa and necrotic lesions had penetrated deeply into the mucosa. The lesions were long, hemorrhagic, and confined to the glandular portions. The lesions were measured microscopically by using the clear depth of penetration into the gastric mucosal surface. The length and the width of the ulcer were measured and the inhibition percentage was calculated. Wound healing of the acute gastric ulcer was promoted by using GLP, and significant alterations of indices in gastric mucosa were observed. Such protection was shown by gross appearance, histology and immunohistochemistry staining for BAX, Bcl-2 and TGF-${\beta}1$. Conclusion: These results suggest that GLP administered at CV12 and ST36 can provide significant protection to the gastric mucosa against an ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer.

• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제17권4호
• /
• pp.61-65
• /
• 2014

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the oral toxicity of Gami-Jakyak Gamcho buja Decoction (Mecasin) to develop safe treatments. Methods: All experiments were conducted at the Medvill, an institution authorized to perform non-clinical studies, under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations. In order to investigate the oral toxicity of Mecasin, we administered Mecasin orally to rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of five male and five female animals per group: group 1 being the control group and groups 2, 3, and 4 being the experimental groups. Doses of Mecasin, 500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg and 2,000 mg/kg, were administered to the experimental groups, and a dose of normal saline solution, 10 mL/kg, was administered to the control group. We examined the survival rate, weight, clinical signs, and gross findings. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Results: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the four groups. Although slight decreases in the weights of some female rats were noted on the third day, no significant changes in weights or gross findings between the control group and the experimental groups were observed. To check for abnormalities in organs, we used microscopy to examine representative histological sections of each specified organ; the results showed no significant differences in any of the organs. Conclusion: The results showed that administration of 500 - 2,000 mg/kg of Mecasin did not cause any changes in weight or in the results of necropsy examinations. It also did not result in any mortalities. The above findings suggest that treatment with Mecasin is relatively safe. Further studies on this subject are needed to yield more concrete evidence.

• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제16권1호
• /
• pp.21-29
• /
• 2013

Objective: The study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Ziziphus mucronata (ZM) fruit extract. Methods: The different types of fruit extract were prepared by soaking the dry powdered fruit in different solvents followed by rotary evaporation. Each extract was tested for its phenol content and antioxidant activities. An in vivo study was performed in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Thirty adult male SD rats (aged 21 weeks) were divided into six groups of five rats each and treated as follows: The normal control (NC) received distilled water while the dimethoate control (DC) received 6 mg/kg.bw.day-1 dimethoate dissolved in distilled water. The experimental groups E1, E2, E3, and E0 received dimethoate (6 mg/kg.bw) + ZMFM (100 mg/kg.bw-1), dimethoate (6 mg/kg.bw) + ZMFM (200 mg/kg.bw-1), dimethoate (6 mg/kg.bw) + ZMFM (300 mg/kg.bw-1), and ZMFM (300 mg/kg.bw-1) only. Both the normal control and the dimethoate control groups were used to compare the results. After 90 days, rats were sacrificed, blood was collected for biochemical assays, and livers were harvested for histological study. Results: High phenol content was estimated, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) spectrophotometric, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and 2, 2-Azobis-3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays showed a high antioxidant activity among the extracts. The preventive effects observed in the E1, E2 and E3 groups proved that the extract could prevent dimethoate toxicity by maintaining normal reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and E, superoxide dismutase, catalase, cholineasterase and lipid profiles. The preventive effect was observed to be dose dependent. The EO group showed no extract-induced toxicity. Histological observations agreed with the results obtained in the biochemical studies. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that ZM methanol fruit extract is capable of attenuating dimethoate-induced toxicity because of its high antioxidant activity.

• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제13권3호
• /
• pp.47-62
• /
• 2010

Objectives: Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by colonic mucosal inflammation and chronic relapsing events represents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate effects of pharmacopuncture of anti-inflammatory herbal compound (AiC) applied to the different acupoints in the acute colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) intracolonic injection in rats. Methods: In Male Sprague - Dawley rats, weighing 250~400g, TNBS (5 mg/kg) was infused intrarectally through a silicon rubber catheter into the anus under isoflurane anaesthesia. Acupoints of LI4 (Hapkok), ST25 (Cheonchu), ST36 (Joksamni), and BL25 (Daejangsu) were intramuscularly injected by AiC, respectively (injection volume & times: 0.2 ml / acupoint, twice times on the 2nd & 3rd day). Expressions of cFos protein in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), locus coeruleus (LC), nucleus of solitary tract (Sol), and the 6th lumbar spinal cord (L6 s.c.) were observed at 24 hr after TNBS induced colitis by immunohistochemistry. Results: The expression of c-Fos protein in the L6 s.c., Sol, LC and PAG increased 24 hr after TNBS injection into colorectum as compared to normal and 50% ethanol treated group. AiC to LI4 inhibited the expression of c-Fos protein in Sol and PAG but not L6 s.c. and LC. AiC to ST36 showed significant inhibition the c-Fos expression in L6 s.c., Sol and PAG. AiC to ST25 only showed the effects in L6 s.c. and PAG. AiC to BL25 inhibited significantly the expression of c-Fos protein all over the areas. To investigate whether or not endogenous opioids are involved, intrathecal injection of naltrexone (30ug/30ul) was applied before the 2nd pharmacopuncture treatment 24 hr after TNBS-induced colitis in rat. Naltrexone reversed the inhibition of c-Fos protein expression in the spinal cord and brainstem. Conclusions: These data show that pharmacopuncture of Aic potently inhibits signal pathways ascending hypersensitivity of colorectum after TNBS induced colitis and depends on the endogenous opioids according to acupoints.