• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.173-183
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• 2010

Perilla frutescens var. acuta Kudo (PF) is a traditional Korean medicinal herb for allergic reaction regulation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 30% ethanol extract powder of PF (EPPF) and rosmarinic acid (RA), the active compound of EPPF on various allergic reactions using in vivo and in vitro models. EPPF and RA significantly inhibited compound 48/48-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction and histamine release (P < 0.05). In addition, EPPF and RA significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). These effects were stronger than those of disodium cromoglycate, the reference drug tested. EPPF and RA also significantly inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-a interleukin (IL)-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor on the PCA reaction and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, EPPF and RA showed an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-4 production from whole spleen cells. Finally, EPPF and RA significantly decreased IL-4-dependent IgE production by LPS-stimulated whole spleen cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that EPPF has potent anti-allergic activities.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2020

Objectives: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a disease that occurs evenly in many social classes. Despite the long experience of drug treatment, the preference is low due to various side effects. The aim of this study was to discover herbal medicine resources through network pharmacology analysis predicted to be useful for Tourette syndrome. Methods: We used Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) to identify herbal medicines that can be used for TS by using network pharmacology research methods and to predict the mechanism of action. After evaluating compounds of each identified herb, molecular target proteins and mechanisms of action were analyzed, focusing on compounds that are likely to exhibit clinical activity in consideration of the pharmacokinetic parameters of these individual compounds. Results: Fifty nine ingredients such as atropine, veraguensin, and nuciferin among the compounds contained in 48 types of medicinal herbs such as Daturae Flos (洋金花), Salviae Radix (丹参), and Nelumbinis Plumula (蓮子心) act on the D(2) dopamine receptor, which is a protein involved in the development of TS. It has been found that atropine, veraguensin, and nuciferin are highly likely to exhibit activity by acting on the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway. Conclusions: It can be used in conjunction with non-invasive treatment means such as FCST Yinyang Balancing Appliance with herbal therapy to bring about a significant therapeutic effect, and it will be possible to develop a treatment that can replace drug therapy used in Western medicine.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.202-207
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• 2019

Background: Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae and is used in traditional oriental medicine. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of plug-seedling cultivation for replanting of R. glutinosa. Methods and Results: The seed rhizomes of Rehmannia glutinosa 'Jihwang 1' were harvested in the middle of March, 2018. Direct seedling cultivation was conducted after air curing for 3 days. The seedlings for transplanting were cultivated for 30 (30D), 45 (45D), and 60 days (60D). The mat formation rates of the 30D, 45D and 60D treatment seedling were 81.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Of the tree treatment groups, flowering occurred only in the 45D and 60D treatment groups, and their flowering rates were $7.3{\pm}3.06%$ and $13.3{\pm}1.15%$, respectively. The agronomic characteristics and active components of the three treatment groups were evaluated in comparison with the DS1 (directly seeded group, control) and DS2 (directly seeded group, replanting) groups. As a result, the leaf length and leaf width of the 30D seedlings were higher than other treatment groups, but the number of leaves per plant was statistically the same. In addition, root diameter and yield of the 30D seedling were statistically the same as DS1. Moreover the catalpol contents of 30D, 45D, DS1 and DS2 group seedlings were 2.23%, 1.86%, 2.50% and 2.08%, respectively. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest it is feasible to use the plug-seedling cultivation method for replanting of R. glutinosa. seedlings. However, further evaluation of the economic aspect is needed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.475-483
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• 2016

The current study was conducted to evaluate beneficial effects of a new formula (CWC-9) using four traditional Oriental medicinal herbs, Cynanchum wilfordii, Rehmannia glutinosa, Polygala tenuifolia, and Acorus gramineus, on hippocampal cells and memory function. To examine the neuroprotective effects of a new four-herb extract, cell viability, cytotoxicity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were performed in HT22 cells and behavioral tests (Morris water maze and passive avoidance retention), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. In HT22 hippocampal cells, pretreatment with CWC-9 resulted in significantly reduced glutamate-induced cell death with suppression of ROS accumulation caused by glutamate. In a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia, we observed significant improvement of spatial and short-term memory function by treatment with CWC-9. Phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in hippocampus of ischemic mice were decreased by treatment with CWC-9, but phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were significantly enhanced. By immunohistochemical analysis, we confirmed higher expression of phosphorylation of CREB in the hippocampal neurons of CWC-9 treated mice. These results suggest that new multi-herb formula CWC-9 mainly exerted beneficial effects on cognitive function through regulation of neuro-protective signaling pathways associated with CREB.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.643-647
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• 2010

Gamhongro-ju is a Korean traditional alcoholic beverage made from medicinal herbs and spices. In this study, polyphenol content and antioxidant activities of gamhongro-ju and the 8 individual herb extracts used to make the beverage were determined. Cinnamon, saposhnikovia root, clove, ginger, violet-root cromwell, licorice, citrus peel and logan (2.5 g each) were extracted with 1000 mL of 45% and 60% purified ethanol (PE), and 45% traditionally distilled ethanol (TDE). The individual herb (20 g each) was extracted with 1000 mL of 60% PE. Polyphenol content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of the extracts were measured. In the combined herb extracts, polyphenols were significantly higher in the 45% and 60% PE extracted for 90 days than those for 30 days. In the 8 individual herb extracts, the clove extract had the highest polyphenol content (2421~2446 mg/L). ABTS $IC_{50}$ values of the combined herb extracts were lower in the 60% PE and 45% TDE extracted for 90 days than those for 30 days. In the 8 individual herb extracts, the clove and cinnamon had the lowest ABTS and DPPH $IC_{50}$ values. In the individual extracts, ginger had the lowest polyphenol content; however, it was the third in the antioxidant activity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.446-452
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• 2016

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and its extracts have been used in a wide range of applications, including as folk medicines in many Asian countries. This traditional herb has several functional properties and strong biological activities, making it useful as a functional food material. This study investigated the biological activities of solid-garlic after fermentation by lactic acid bacteria. Several solid-garlic fermentation strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from Korean traditional fermented food or obtained from the Korean Collection for Type Cultures. Lactic acid bacteria showed selective growth in garlic extracts on MRS media. Fermentation of solid garlic (heated 121℃, 15 min or not heated) by lactic acid bacteria gave total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of 731.0-845.2 g/g and 92.68-413.58 g/g, respectively. The DPPH scavenging activities and SOD like activities were measured as 7,584% and 9499%, respectively. These activities were relatively higher than a positive control, vitamin C. Measurement of antidiabetic activity using α-glucosidase inhibition assay showed that solid garlic fermented with lactic acid bacteria gave a higher activity than the control, acarbose. Fermentation of solid garlic with lactic acid bacteria may therefore help to alleviate adverse biological activities, as well as provide functional food materials.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2 s.70
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• pp.155-165
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• 2007

Objective : The Angelica gigas Nakai ethanol extract (AGE) was investigated to compare nitric oxide (NO) production and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity from RAW 264.7 cells, since NO and nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ $(NF-{\kappa}B)$ have been shown to be factors implicated in inflammatory disease. Method : AGE was prepared by extracting medicinal herb with 70% (v/v) ethanol solution. We investigated production of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression by ARE in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. We also investigated inhibition of LPS-induced activation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ on western blot. Result : LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells increased NO production and iNOS expression. Upon treatment with AGE, nitrite production was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the untreated control. AGE inhibited this LPS-induced iNOS mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner. AGE markedly inhibited the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein at a concentration of 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells with AGE blocked inhibitory $factor-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation. Conclusion :This study shows that AGE seems to attenuate inflammation through inhibition of NO production and iNOS expression by blockade of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2014

A1E is an extract from traditional Asian medicinal plants that has therapeutic activities against cancers, metabolic disease, and other intractable conditions. However, its mechanism of action on cervical cancer has not been studied. In order to ascertain if A1E would have pronounced anti-cervical cancer effect, cervical cancer cells were incubated with A1E and apoptosis was detected by nuclear morphological changes, annexin V-FITC/PI staining, cell cycle analysis, western blotting, Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential. Expression of human papiloma virus E6 and E7 oncogenes was down-regulated in A1E-treated cervical cancer cells, while p53 and retinoblastoma protein levels were enhanced. A1E also perturbed cell cycle progression at sub-G1 and altered cell cycle regulatory factors in SiHa cervical cancer cells. A1E activated apoptotic intrinsic pathway markers such as caspase-9, caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase, and down-regulated expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. A1E induced mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and cytochrome c release, and inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, key factors involved in cell survival signaling. Taken all these results, A1E induced apoptosis via activation of the intrinsic pathway and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt survival-signaling pathway in SiHa cervical cancer cells. In conclusion, A1E exerts anti-proliferative action growth inhibition on cervical cancer cells through apoptosis which demonstrates its anti-cervical cancer properties.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.661-667
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• 2010

Astragali Radix (AR) has been used in traditional medicinal herb, which is known to tonify the qi and blood. It has been asserted to be a tonic that can improve the function of the lungs, adrenal glands and the gastrointestinal tract, increase metabolism, promote healing and reduce fatigue. Also, Plantago asiatica (PA) has the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic effects, though it is considered to be less powerful than the seed. Recent research is showing that it is promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes. Obesity is characterized at the cellular level by an increase in the number and size of adipocytes differentiated from fibroblastic preadipocytes in adipose tissue. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 3 to 7 extracts of mixed medicinal herbs (water and ethanol extract of Astragali Radix; ARW and ARE, water and ethanol extract of Plantago asitica; PAW and PAE, and those mixed extracts; ARW+PAE, ARW+PAW and ARE+PAE) on adipogenesis and apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by MTT assay, Oil-Red-O staining and TUNEL assay. And then, we determined total contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoid compounds in mixed herbal extracts. These result showed that herbal extracts (ARW, PAE and ARW+PAE) affected on adipogenesis and apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes among 3 to 7 extracts tested. Especially herbal mixed extracts (ARW+PAE) had the highest inhibition on differentiation of preadipocytes and lipoid accumulation of maturing adipocytes. And it did not affect cell viability of mature adipocytes, but herbal mixed extracts (ARW+PAE) increased apoptosis in mature adipocytes, as proved by highest concentration $200\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ using TUNEL assay. In addition, contents of total phenoilc compounds and flavonoids showed the highest level in ARE+PAE and PAE than ARW. These results suggest that this main target for adipocyte functions could be effective in improving the metabolic syndrome including obesity.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.310-318
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• 2010

Dioscorea bulbifera is one of the traditional medicinal herb. It commonly used in the treatment of hematemesis, epistaxis, tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis, laryngitis, acute infectious disease in East Asia. In the present study, we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of Dioscorea bulbifera MeOH extract (DBME) in macrophage cell line. To investigate mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity, we examined the effects of the lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p-inhibitory ${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ (p-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$), and nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) in a murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. The RAW 264.7 cells were cultured in DMEM + serum medium for 24 hrs. After serum starvation for 24 hrs, the cells were treated with DBME 0.03, 0.10, 0.30 mg/$m{\ell}$ for 1 h, followed by stimulation with LPS (1 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$) for activation of immune response. After treatment, cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and NO production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. The protein band of iNOS, COX-2, p-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, and NF-${\kappa}B$ was determined by immunoblot analysis and levels of cytokine were analyzed by sandwich immunoassays. There were three experimental groups: carrageenan, DBME 0.3, 1.0 g/kg. Rats were administrated either carrageenan (40% PEG) or carrageenan + DBME (0.3, 1.0 g/kg body weight) for 4 days (p.o.). To induce acute paw edema, rats were injected 1% carrageenan (100 ${\mu}{\ell}$/rat, dissolved in sterilized saline). The effect of DBME in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. As results, DBME has an inhibitory effect on the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 and on the expression of iNOS, COX-2, p-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ to nuclear from cytosol. In addition, DBME effectively inhibited the increases of paw edema induced by carrageenan treatment in vivo. These results suggest that DBME can inhibit production of pro-inflammatory mediators and might be a useful source for treatment of acute inflammatory disease.