• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.221-231
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• 1996

The properties of cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ level$([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ movement of high KCl, carbachol and oxytocin were examined with myometrium isolated from non-pregnant rat(estrus cycle). High concentration of KCl$({\leq}23.3mM)$ induced rhythmic increases in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and muscle contraction. However, sustained $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and contracion were obtained at higher KCl concentration $({\geq}30.3mM)$ The rhythmic and sustained contraction closely associated with changes in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ induced by high KCl. Carbachol $(3{\sim}30{\mu}M$ generated rhythmic increases with tonic component in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and muscle contraction. Myometrial contraction stimulated by carbachol was also closely correlated with change in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. And the $[Ca^{2+}]_i/contraction$ relationships were similar when muscle strips were stimulated by high KCl and carbachol. Maximal concentration of carbachol $(10{\mu}M)$ and oxytocin(100 nM) increased $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and contraction which were slightly greater than that of high KCl in non-pregnant myometrium, respectively. However, the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and contraction were strongly inhibited by verapamil $(10{\mu}M)$, a 1-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker, as in the case of high KCl. Additionally, although carbachol further increased $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and contraction induced by high KCl, these changes also strongly inhibited by application of verapamil. These results suggest that uterotonic agents, carbachol and oxytocin, induced contraction by increase in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ through $Ca^{2+}$ influx than by a regulation of $Ca^{2+}-sensitization$ in non-pregnant myometrium.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2005

The flow of saliva is controlled entirely by nervous stimuli. The present study was aimed to explore the role of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in the regulation of sodium transporters and water channels in the salivary gland. Rats were denervated of their sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to the submandibular gland, and the expression of sodium transporters and water channels was determined. The expression of either ${\alpha}-1$ or ${\beta}-1$ subunit of Na, K-ATPase was not significantly affected by the sympathetic denervation. On the contrary, the expression of both subunits was decreased by the parasympathetic denervation. The expression of ${\alpha}-,\;{\beta}-$, and ${\gamma}$-subunits of ENaC was not significantly affected by the sympathetic denervation, but was increased by the parasympathetic denervation. On the contrary, the expression of NHE3 was markedly decreased by both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic denervation. The sympathetic denervation significantly increased the expression of AQP1, while the parasympathetic denervation was without effect. The sympathetic and parasympathetic denervation significantly increased the expression of AQP4. The sympathetic denervation did not affect the expression of AQP5, but the parasympathetic denervation significantly decreased it. These results suggest that sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves have tonic effects on the regulation of sodium transporters and AQP water channels in the salivary gland. The sympathetic and parasympathetic denervation may then result in alterations of secretory rate and electrolyte composition of the saliva.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-28
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• 2005

Spasticity has been defined as "a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increased in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one components of the upper motorneuron syndrome". Spasticity is one of the common symptoms of stroke patients and frequently interferes with the motor functions such as gait, posture and activities of daily living. Therefore, its management is becoming a major issue in physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to determined the effects of reciprocal inhibition by isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle on spasticity in hemiplegic patients through Hoffmann reflex. The subjects were consisted 45 patients who had hemiplegia due to stroke. All subjects randomly assigned to 3 group: manual reciprocal inhibition program group(manual group), neuromuscular electrical stimulation group(NMES group) and control group. The manual group received voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle. The NMES group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation on tibialis anterior. The control group was not received any therapeutic intervention. Before and after experiments, Hoffmann reflex, M-wave and Modified Ashworth scale was measure in all patients. The data of 30 patients who complete experimental course were statistically analysed. Modified Ashworth scale were significantly decreased after experiment in manual group(p<.01). The Hmax/Mmax ratios were significantly decreased after experiment in manual group(p<.o1). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with modified Ashworth scale in NMES group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with Hmax/Mmax ratios in NMES group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with modified Ashworth scale in control group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with Hmax/Mmax ratios in control group(p>.01). The present results revealed that reciprocal inhibition which produced by voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle can be reduce spasticity of gastrocnemius. Therefore, reciprocal inhibition is useful to improve functional activities in hemiplegic patient. Further study should be done to analyse the effects of intervention duration of reciprocal inhibition, appropriate muscle contraction, optimal time to apply the reciprocal inhibition in more long period.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.501-519
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• 1996

There are two kinds of commercially available ginseng root, red ginseng and white ginseng processed from fresh ginseng root Those ginsengs are primary product from fresh ginseng root and have the characteristic of keeping their original root shape Processed ginseng products are made from either red ginseng or white ginseng by way of complicated process of pulverization. Extraction. Condensation, fettering, sterilization, etc. Among them there are extracts. extract powder, powder, capsules tablets, Candy, drinks, nectar, jelly, gums. chicken soup. tonic. etc. to meet the demand for consumer's pretheronce . The 200 kinds of processed secondary products are approximately produced in the form of 20 kinds of ginseng products by about 60 domestic companies. In spite of about 213.000 million won of domestic market in 1993. it seems like that the ginseng market of the future has not a good prospects The total market sale of white ginseng in Korea has been continuously decreased since 1991 And 963 tons of white ginseng was consumed in domestic market in 1993 The domestic market sales of white ginseng in origina1 root shave. was 90, 000 million won in 1993 and market price of the fine root used as a source of processed products has not been changed in these ten years. The total market sale of red ginseng and its processed products was 58, 000 million won in 1993 9.800 mi11ion won of red ginseng in original root shape and 48.000mi11ion of processed red ginseng product. Ginseng products such as extracts, drinks, teas and tonics etc atre mostly exported to south-east Asia. And the total exports of ginseng pi.oducts (extracts, drinks teas) decreased to 54 million dollars in 1994, compared with 85 million dollars in 1992. Despite of extensive knowledge about ginseng little is still known about the development of new processed ginseng pl.oducts because of "Know-How". Some papars have presented the effects of extracting method(amounts of solvent. time. temperature, equipment. etc.) on the quality and yields of ginseng extr acts. Also. some researchers have carried out a few studies on the poriflcation of the extracts and the amounts of precipitation in the drink at variotas pH during the storage for preventinly drink from precipitation. A fell studies on the preservation of Korean ginseng powder. tea. Extract powder by irradiation and ozone treatment have been reported by some researcher for the improvement hygienic quality of ginseng products There are also some reports about the effects of ginseng components on the acid production by lactic acid bacteria or acetic acid bacteria. and alcohol production by yeast for the development of new ginseng products processed by fermentation. To make ginseng more able to contribute to the health of mankind in the future. consistent and considerable efforts should be focussed on improving the taste of ginseng and developing various new product as a health food or a function food.tion food.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.262-266
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• 2000

The rhizomes of Polygonatum odoratum(Dunggulle in korean name) have been used as a traditional medicine for a tonic, remedy of fevers of influenza, cough and lung trouble. In this experiment, water extract of Dunggulle was added in brewing korean traditional rice wine. Fermentation characteristics such as content of total acid, pH, temperature, total sugar and alcohol concentration were investigated during fermentation periods. Changes of fermentation characteristics were remarkable in the initial period(0~3 days), slow in the middle(4~6 days), and almost unchangeable in the final(7~10 days). Total acid content was remarkably increased during the initial period but slowly decreased afterward. As the content of Dunggulle extract is increased, total sugar content was slightly increased. At the first day of fermentation, total sugar content was 19.6% in control, 22.6, 23.3 and 25.6% in Dunggulle extract 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% added group, respectively. In the initial period, content of alcohol in control was highest than in Dunggulle extract added group. The content of alcohol in 4 kinds of wine showed highest value at the sixth day and those of control and Dunggulle extract 2.5% were 16.0, 16.1%, respectively. Sensory evaluation in taste was not significantly different among control and Dunggulle extract added group.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.323-327
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• 2011

A Jindo dog (8-month-old, intact male) was referred for hind limb lameness on the right side. The dog was diagnosed with a simple femoral fracture by radiological examination. After surgical fixation of the femoral fracture, tramadol: a narcotic-like synthetic analgesic was intravenously administrated for post-operative analgesia. After injection of the tramadol, generalized tonic clonic seizure was immediately occurred in the dog. Seventeen hours later, the dog died despite intensive care. We suspected that tramadol might induce the seizurogenic effect resulted in death. A necropsy was performed to examine the cause of the death. In consequence, the dog was diagnosed as necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) based on histopathological examination. We would be concerned that tramadol may be related to seizure activity in the NME patient. From this case, it is known that although tramadol has been proven to be a safe and effective agent for the control of pain in veterinary medicine, it would be carefully used to patient with history of neurological diseases including meningoencephalitis, hydrocephalus, and encephalopathy.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.474-485
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• 2013

Pharmacological studies and clinical practices have indicated that Radix Astragali, a dried root of Astragalus membranaceus possesses a lot of biological activities, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, tonic, diuretic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunological activities. These biological activities approved by the modern pharmacological studies are mainly due to the constituents of Astragalus membranaceus including polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, amino acids, and trace elements. In resent, the main constituents in the root part showing a lot of biological activities has been isolated also from the aboveground parts such as leaves and sprouts in our laboratory. However, the safety evaluation for the aboveground parts of Astragalus membranaceus should be checked before expanding their application as one of food. In the study, a 90-day rat oral gavage study has been conducted with the extracts from Astragalus membranaceus-above-ground parts at doses of 1000, 3000, and 5000mg/kg/day. The following endpoints were evaluated: clinical observations, body weight, gross and microscopic pathology, clinical chemistry, and hematology. Based on the analysis of these endpoints, it was estimated that NOEL (no observed effect level) for male rats and NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for female rats are 5000mg/kg/day of the water-extracts from Astragalus membranaceus-aboveground parts.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2000

Ginsenf Radix (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) has been traditionally used as a herbal medicine for many therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in the oriental countries such as Korea, Japan and China for at least two thousand years and also extensively studied in the modern scientific field of chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology. The herb is now also indicated for use as tonic or a prophylactic and restorative agent for enhancement of mental and physical capacities, in case of weahess exhaustion tiredness loss of concentration, impotence, cold limbs, during illiness anuor convalescence. Ginseng is commonly used in the form of detections, extract and powderl and ginseng products, in the form of capsules tablets and drinks. And also ginseng radix has been widely traditionally prescribed as an important comuonents of manny Chinese prescriptions or alone in various diseases and for health with its different dosages. Nowadays since rinsenf can be generally classified into food or medicine in many nations, it is very difficult to give any exact desnition on the dosage, which may be of particular importance in clinical applications. In addition, the establishment of the reasonable dosage is currently of great significance to meet the demand for such wide applications. Accordingly in this review paper we summarized the dosage of ginseng on the basis of oriental medical books oriental and western pharmacopeias and modern scientific clinical data. The recent survey demonstrated that the averare dosare of finsenf is considered to be three to four grams per day unless prescribed apart, while one to two grams per day in western countries from the western viewpoint of classification of ginseng as a medicine, surrorted by the dosage of not more than one gram per day in most clinical studies. For that reason, it seems likely that the dosage in western countries is ascribed to the safety of ginseng considering side or unwanted effects. Consequently whether the differences of dosage between oriental and western countries depend on dietary habits and races should be closely investigated. Besides, further studies on the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of ginseng components in clinical trials need to be done to decide optimum dosage of ginseng.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.92-103
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• 2011

Ginseng has been used as a general tonic agent to invigorate human body. In the present study, we isolated novel glycolipoproteins from ginseng that activate $Ca^{2+}$-activated $Cl^-$ channel (CaCC) in Xenopus oocytes and transiently increase intracellular free $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) in mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. We named the active ingredients as gintonin. Gintonin exists in at least six different forms. The native molecular weight of gintonin is about 67 kDa but its apparent molecular weight is about 13 kDa, indicating that gintonin might be a pentamer. Gintonin is rich in hydrophobic amino acids. Its main carbohydrates are glucose and glucosamine. Its lipid components are linoleic, palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. Gintonin actions were blocked by U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, 2-aminoethxydiphenyl borate, an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor antagonist, or bis (o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N0,N0-tetracetic acid acetoxymethyl ester, a membrane permeable $Ca^{2+}$ chelator. In the present study, we for the first time isolated novel gintonin and showed the signaling pathways on gintonin-mediated CaCC activations and transient increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. Since $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ as a second messenger plays a pivotal role in the regulation of diverse $Ca^{2+}$-dependent intracellular signal pathways, gintonin-mediated regulations of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ might contribute to biological actions of ginseng.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.66-93
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• 1979

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, which has been known for more than EWO years. occupies a Particular prince in folk medicine as so called tonic remedy. The pharmacolgical investigations of ginseng, based on the scientific concepts and methodology, have been performed by many researchers through the past 50∼60 years at different parts of the world. The pharmacological action of Panax ginseng compiled from the numerous reports can be summarized as follows: 1. On central nervous system, the effect of Panax ginseng is timulatory in smaller doses and somewhat depressive in larger doses. From the psychopharmacological aspect, ginseng seems to increase the mental efficiency of man. 2. Ginseng has the effect tending to Protect organism from various physical and chemical stresses. 3. The growth and basal metabolic rates of experimental animals are stimulated by ginseng. Ginseng also prolongs the survival time of animals under adverse influences. 4. Increasing the physical and mental efficiency, ginseng postpones the onset of fatigue and increases the working capacities. 5. In the case of the intravenous administration of ginseng, a transitory and slight hypotensive effect is observed. These hypotensive effects seems to include that of a direct action and actions related to the release of histamine and/or serotonin by ginseng. 6. It is Presumed that ginseng lowers the elevated bleed ingar and cholesterol level. 7. Ginseng tends to increase the gastrointestinal motizity and tone 8. It is presumed that ginseng Promotes the iron metabolism and activates the hematopoietic factors. 9. Ginseng tends to stimulate the biosynthesis of nucleic acid and release of histamine and serotonin. 10. The toxicity end adverse reactions of ginseng appear to be nothing that warrants apprehension. 11. Anticancer erects of ginseng seem to be due to indirect action rather than direct action on cancer cell, by improving the host condition 12. Recent clinical trials of ginseng harts obtained sent good results, but Present trial is still limited in its range, so it is necessary to broaden the scope of trial covering many kinds of organs and diseases. From the above, although it appears that substantial advancements have been achieved in the studies on the Pharmacological actions of Panax ginseng there are many discrepancies noticed in the reported data. Furthermore the precise mechanisms of actions of ginseng are sometimes obscure, even unknown in other actions as the students stand now. The main reasons for this are considered to be that even though saponin has been identified at one of the active substances of ginseng, other components have not fully been identified and that the experimental approaches of the investigations varied with different researchers. Thus a thorough analysis of the chemical components and newer standardized concepts and metohds appear to be the pre-requisites for further study of the pharmacolgical effects and mechaisms of Panax ginseng.