• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.343-358
• /
• 2000

Epimedii Herba is an important traditional herb medicine widely used as a tonic. However, the mechanism of action of this drug on the immune system is not well studied. This study was performed to elucidate the effects of the aqueous extract of Epimedii Herba on the production of antibodies in mice. Antibodies in serum were detected in male ICR mice treated with the aqueous extract of Eplmedii Herba (AEEH) at a dosage of 40, 120, and 360mg/kg orally for 2 weeks. Effects of oral administration of AEEH on antibody forming responses were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in serum. The results were as follows; 1. Epimedii Herba slightly decreased body weight gain. 2. Epimedii Herba significantly increased the relative spleen weight. 3. Epimedii Herba significantly increased total serum IgG levels. 4. Epimedii Herba significantly enhanced total serum IgG1 levels. 5. Epimedii Herba significantly increased total serum IgG2a levels. 6. Epimedii Herba markedly increased total serum IgM levels. These findings demonstrate that Epimedii Herba significantly enhances the production of antibodies at therapeutic concentrations, and suggest that administration of Epimedii Herba may prevent the host from immunologic diseases.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.169-179
• /
• 2010

The pistil of nelumbo nucifera (PNN) is used in the treatment of nocturnal pollution, hematemesis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia and diarrhoea in traditional medicine. The present study was examined to evaluate the effects of PNN on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in vitro. After the treatment of PNN, cell viability was measured by MTT assay, nitric oxide (NO) production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. The protein bands were determined by immunoblot analysis and levels of cytokines were analyzed by sandwich immunoassays. In the MTT assay, the doses of PNN extract (0.03, 0.10 mg/ml) had no significant cytotoxicity. The increases of NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression were detected in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated Raw 264.7 cells compared with control, in contrast, these increases were significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with PNN. In cytokine assay, the massive pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-$\alpha$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were induced in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells, but pre-treatment of Raw 264.7 cells with PNN caused inhibition (TNF-$\alpha$=14.17%, IL-$1{\beta}$=107.43%, IL-6=46.27%) the production of cytokines by LPS. In addition, PNN reduced prostaglandin E2 productions in a dose-dependent manner (0.03mg/ml=37.52%, 0.10 mg/ml=83.77%) as a consequence of the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Taken together, our data indicates that PNN can regulate the inflammatory response in macrophage cells activated by Gram-negative infection.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.271-302
• /
• 2017

Objectives : Jakyakgamcho-tang has been used to treat muscular tension, spasm and pain. On this study, new clinical uses of Jakyakgamcho-tang were confirmed and the other pharmacological results were summarized by analysing trends of modern experimental studies and clinical studies. Methods : Papers related to Jakyakgamcho-tang were searched on PUBMED, RISS, and National Assembly Library, and classified by categories and effects of clinical application and a variety of experiment around abstract. Also, figures were used for sketching out a timeline of expressing when these papers were read and core research content was described as a digest for identifying research trends. Results : Until today, there are 104 researches about the antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects of Jakyakgamcho-tang. In total, 91 papers were analyzed in this study. In matter of subject, researches on the antispasmodic effects were 17 cases, researches on the analgesic effects were 14 cases, researches on gynecological therapeutics were 14 cases, researches on pharmacokinetics were 12 cases, researches on the constituent identification were 7 cases, studies about constituents efficacy were 6 cases, studies about interactions with drugs were 6 cases. Conclusion : The traditional use of Jakyakgamcho-tang on muscle tension, spasm and pain has proven to have effects through the experimental evidences. Other effects of Jakyakgamcho-tang such as gynecological therapeutics, anti-inflammatory effects, are now emerging as a new area in clinical use. Futhermore as an auxiliary treatment, Jakyakgamcho-tang is a good alternative for muscle cramps during maintenance of hemodialysis, myalgia or arthralgia induced by anticancer drugs, amenorrhea induced by neuroleptics.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.155-166
• /
• 2017

Objectives : Polygoni Multiflori Ramulus has been widely used as a traditional medicinal herb for the treatment of insomnia, limb pain and itch. The extract of Polygoni Multiflori Ramulus (PMRE) is known to have a modulatory effect of many inflammatory responses. This study was performed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of PMRE against arachidonic acid (AA) + iron-induced oxidative stress on HepG2 cell and carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver injury on mice. Methods : The effects of PMRE on cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. And flow cytometric analysis was performed to estimate the effects on mitochondrial function. To investigate its underlying mechanism, apoptosis-related proteins were analysed by using immunoblot analysis. In addition, ICR mouse were administrated (po) with the PMRE (30, 100 mg/kg) for 3 days and then, injected (ip) with $CCl_4$ (0.5 ml/kg body weight) to induce acute liver damage. The level of pro-caspase-3 was measured. Results : Treatment of PMRE increased relative cell viability, prevented a cleavage of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase and pro-caspase-3, and also reduced mitochondrial membrane permeability against AA + iron-induced oxidative stress. In addition, PMRE treatment decreased liver injury induced by $CCl_4$, as evidenced by increases in pro-caspase-3 level. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that PMRE has an ability to anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective effect against AA + iron-induced oxidative stress and $CCl_4$-induced liver injury.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.175-185
• /
• 2009

Petiolus Nelumbinis, branches of lotus leaf or lotus flower is a traditional oriental herbal medicine widely used for treating a superheat or disorder of qi flow. Although there are many clinical results and literature study, it has been rarely conducted to evaluate the immuno-biological activity. The present study was conducted to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of PNM (Petiolus Nelumbinis MeOH extract) in vitro. To determine cytotoxic concentration of PNM, the cells were treated with PNM for 24 h after LPS addition, and the cell viability was tested by MTT assay. Both of dosages (30 and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$) of PNM had no cytotoxicity. In these concentrations, PNM significantly reduced the elevated levels of NO and $PGE_2$ by LPS. These inhibitory effects of PNM were due to the reduced expressions of iNOS and COX-2 protein. TNF-$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$ and IL-6 are frequently encountered pro-inflammatory cytokines, and LPS plays a key role in inducing to the massive production of these cytokines. Thus, we next determined the levels of these cytokines. Although PNM had no significant inhibitory effect on the production of TNF-$\alpha$, the elevated levels of IL-1$\beta$ and IL-6 by LPS were dose-dependently reduced in PNM-treated groups. These results demonstrate that PNM has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines, NO and $PGE_2$ in LPS-activated macrophage. Moreover, the reduction of NO and $PGE_2$ levels was due to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 protein expression by PNM.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.121-128
• /
• 2009

Gyoungok-go (GOG; Qiongyu-gao in Chinese) has been used in traditional oriental medicine for the improvement of various physiological vitality functions. The aim of present work is to investigate a processing possibility of vinegar using GOG. GOG vinegar was prepared by two stage fermentations of alcohol and vinegar. The method of GOG fermentation with polished rice as a fermentation substrate is not yet established. The result of alcohol fermentation rate of GOG with some strains, strain No. 1 produced the highest alcohol contents among 7 strains. The strain No. 1 identified Saccharomyces paradoxus by 18S rDNA classification. S. paradoxus was produced over 20% alcohol in the 1$\sim$11% GOG with polished rice. A. aceti was produced 8.52% acetic acid from 6.5% alcohol containing 11% GOG, after incubation for 11 days.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.75-83
• /
• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study is to indicate of problems in statistical analysis method of "The Korean Journal of oriental Medical Prescription" and we will be proposed the useful application of the statistical analysis method. Methods : In this paper, we were analysed statistical analysis methodology from published journal articles "The Korean Journal of Oriental Medical Prescription" December, year 2000 to December, year 2008. We were investigated of problems in application of structured analysis methods those journal articles that including statistical analysis techniques and analysis methods. Results : 1. A random allocation of the experimental group and control groups are important factors in the planning process of statistical analysis. However, there are less explanation those journal articles. 2. There are no consideration in specimen size that there will be considerate by the level of significance and statistical test. 3. Many article authors were confused between parametric methods and non-parametric methods that they were applied parametric statistical analysis methods although inapplicable sample size. 4. There were applied the parametric methods consists of t-test instead non-parametric methods in the comparison of average intergroup relations. 5. There were less understanding posterior analysis and were confused with t-test. Conclusion : Our goal was to outline the key methods with a brief discussion of problems(statistical analysis methods), avenues for solutions. we recommend authors to use an appropriate statistical analysis methods for obtaining a more cautions results.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.71-79
• /
• 2013

Objectives : Yijin-tang has been used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and gastric ulcer. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was established for simultaneous analysis of six compounds, liquiritin, glycyrrhizin, hesperidin, 6-gingerol, homogentisic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde in Yijin-tang, a traditional Korean herbal medicinal preparation. Methods : A Gemini C18 column was used for the separation of six constituents at $40^{\circ}C$. The mobile phase using gradient elution consist of two solvent systems, 1.0% acetic acid in water (A) and 1.0% acetic acid in acetonitrile (B). The flow-rate was 1.0 mL/min and injection volume was $10{\mu}g$. The detector was a photodiode array (PDA) detector set at 254 nm and 280 nm. Results : The calibration curves of six compounds showed good linearity in various concentration ranges ($R^2{\geq}0.9997$). The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.028-$0.192{\mu}g/mL$ and 0.093-$0.540{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. The RSD (%) of the intra and inter day validations were 0.03-0.84% and 0.05 -1.00%, respectively. Recovery was 96.14-01.90% and RSD (%) was less than 1.5%. Conclusions : The established simultaneous analysis methods will help management to improve the quality of Yijin-tang.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.93-102
• /
• 2012

Objectives : Traditional medicine Gumiganghwal-tang (GT) has been used in Asia to treat inflammatory diseases including common cold, pain, fever, and algor. In this study we investigated the acute toxicity and safety of GT and fermented GT (FGT). Methods : Acute toxicity and safety were evaluated in male and female ICR mice orally administered 0 (control) and 2,000 mg/kg of GT and FGT. After the administration of GT and FGT, we observed mortality, body weight, clinical symptoms. After necropsy, organ weights were measured and blood analysis was performed. Results : There was no mortality and clinical symptoms according to the administration of GT and FGT. Comparing with control group, there were no significant alterations on the organ weight, complete blood cell count and biochemical parameters. Conclusions : Median lethal dose of GT and FGT considered to be over 2,000 mg/kg in both male and female mice, and recognized as safe with no toxicity.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.37-46
• /
• 2012

Objectives : Oyaksungi-san(Wuyaoshunqisan) has been used for treatment of stroke and rheumatoid arthritis in Korea. In this study, a simple and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) method was established for simultaneous determination of six main components, liquiritin, ferulic acid, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, and glycyrrhizin in Oyaksungi-san, a traditional Korean herbal prescription. Methods : The analytical column for separation of six constituents was used a Gemini $C_{18}$ column maintained at $40^{\circ}C$. The mobile phase consisted of two solvent systems, 1.0% (v/v) acetic acid in $H_2O$ (A) and 1.0% (v/v) acetic acid in acetonitrile (B) by gradient flow. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the detector was a photodiode array (PDA) set at 254 nm for glycyrrhizin, 280 nm for liquiritin, naringin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin, and 320 nm for ferulic acid. Results : Calibration curves were acquired with $r^2$ values ${\geq}0.9998$. The results of recovery test were 91.58%-105.90% with a relative standard deviations (RSDs, %) value less than 2.0%. The values of RSD for intra- and inter-day precision were 0.03%-1.72% and 0.03%-1.63%, respectively. The contents of the six compounds in Oyaksungi-san were 0.33-9.30 mg/g. Conclusions : The newly established HPLC method will be helpful to improve quality control of Oyaksungi-san.