• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.422-427
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• 2005

Our previous data showed the protein isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma (CRP) had antifungal activity. In present study, we examined mode of action of the CRP and its activity against subcutaneous candidiasis due to C. albicans yeast cells. Results showed that the CRP blocked hyphal production from yeast form of C. albicans. The CRP also activated RAW 264.7 monocyte/macrophage cell line, which resulted in nitiric oxide (NO) production from the cells. This activation seemed to increase macrophage phagocytosis to destroy the invaders. Like other antimicrobial peptides, CRP was influenced by ionic strength, thus resulting in a decrease of antifungal activity. In murine model of a subcutaneous candidiasis, the sizes of infected areas of the nude mice given the CRP after subcutaneous injection of C. albicans yeast cells to the dorsal skin were $90\%$ less than those of the nude mice groups that received DPBS instead of the CRP. All data indicate that the CRP, which appeared to act like an antimicrobial peptide and to inhibit the morphological transition from blastoconidia, was effec­tive against the subcutaneous disease.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.227-233
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• 2011

We previously reported the protein isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma (CRP), which has antifungal activity against a fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. In the current study, we investigated what portion in the CRP is responsible for the antifungal activity. For the investigation, the CRP was fractionated on a Shepadex G-50 column. Data resulting from the fractionation, seven fractions were obtained. Fractions (Fr.) I, II, and III eluted initially from the column showed no inhibitory effect on the growth of C. albicans, whereas Fr. IV, V, and VI eluted later revealed inhibition of the growth, and Fr. IV and VI showed potent antifungal activity by broth susceptibility analysis. However, Fr. VI was contained in the CRP more than Fr. IV, which led us to select the VI for the following experiments. In a murine model of a subcutaneous candidiasis caused by C. albicans, the Fr. VI displayed a therapeutic effect on nude mice pretreated with anti-neutrophil monoclonal antibody (RB68C5) and then infected subcutaneously with live C. albicans. At day 16, these mice were healed almost up to 78% of the infected area when compared to infected area of control nude mice that received diluent (Dulbecco's Phosphate-Buffered Saline; DPBS), instead of the Fr. VI (P<0.01). The Fr. VI blocked hyphal formation from blastoconidial form of C. albicans (P<0.01), which might prevent penetration of hyphae to the deeper site of skin and thus helps the healing. In the ionic strength test, the effect of Fr. was influenced by $Ca^{2+}$ ion just like other known antimicrobial peptides, but the influence was affected at an extremely high concentration such as 500 mM. Thus, such ion-concentration is considered to be meaningless in the clinical situation. Considering all data together, Coptidis Rhizoma is appeared to produce an antimicrobial peptide that has therapeutic effect on subcutaneous infection caused by C. albicans.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.799-806
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• 2006

Fungi cause a number of plant and animal diseases. Because fungi are more chemically and genetically similar to animals than other organisms, this makes fungal diseases very difficult to treat. Human fungal infections are uncommon in normally healthy persons, being confined to conditions such as candidiasis (thrush) and dermatophyte skin infections such as athlete's foot. However, in the immunocompromised host, a variety of normally mild or nonpathogenic fungi can cause potentially fatal infections. Furthermore, the relative ease with which people can now visit 'exotic' countries provides the means for unusual fungal infections to be imported into this country. Fungal infections or mycoses are classified depending on the degree of tissue involvement and mode of entry into the host. These are Cutaneous, Subcutaneous, Systemic, and Opportunistic. As listed above, in superficial mycoses infection is localised to the skin, the hair, and the nails. An example is 'ringworm' or 'tinea', an infection of the skin by a dermatophyte. Ringworm refers to the characteristic central clearing that often occurs in dermatophyte infections of the skin. Dermatophyte members of the genera Trycophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton are responsible for the disease. Tinea can infect various sites of the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis), the beard (tinea barbae) the foot (tinea pedis: 'athlete's foot') and the groin (tinea cruris). All occur in the United Kingdom although tinea infections, other than pedis, are now rare. Candids albicans is a yeast causing candidiasis or 'thrush' in humans. As a superficial mycoses, candidiasis typically infects the mouth or vagina. C. albicans is part of the normal flora of the vagina and gastrointestinal tract and is termed a 'commensal' However, during times of ill health or impaired immunity the balance can alter and the organism multiplies to cause disease. Antibiotic treatment can also alter the normal bacterial flora allowing C. albicans to flourish. If we study mycoses of the orient medicine, we can improve the medical skills about mycoses.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.1126-1134
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• 2006

Human fungal infections are uncommon in normally healthy persons, being confined to conditions such as candidiasis (thrush) and dermatophyte skin infections such as athlete's foot. However, in the immunocompromised host, a variety of normally mild or nonpathogenic fungi can cause potentially fatal infections. Furthermore, the relativeease with which people can now visit 'exotic' countries provides the means for unusual fungal infections to be imported into this country. Mycoses appear in many different forms and areas. Fungal infections or mycoses are classified depending on the degree of tissue involvement and mode of entry into the host. These are Cutaneous, Subcutaneous, Systemic, and Opportunistic. Cutaneous mycoses specially appears symptoms on the skin. They are treated by amphotericinB, nystatin, grycelfulvin, micronazole and ketaconazole, etc, but these medicines are been careful about using, because most of them have serious side effects and toxicities. So, on the purpose of finding safe novel medicines, we have researched oriental medicines and search them to treat mycoses. In oriental medicines treating mycoses, we pay attention to orient applications that directly have an effect on disorder lesions. Oriental applications consists of various herbs and have a lot of forms, so we try to classify them as herbs and forms