• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.245-255
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• 2019

Objective : Herbal processing is one of the traditional techniques used in Korean medicine to increase the effectiveness of herbs or reduce their toxicity. In this study, Gardeniae Fructus processed with ginger juice and alcohol was prepared to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Methods : The processing of Gardeniae Fructus was performed by adding 40 % ginger juice or 10% alcohol to the total weight of Gardeniae Fructus and then roasting at 150℃ for 5 minutes. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To detect nitric oxide (NO) production, culture media were mixed with Griess reagent and measured the absorbance at 540 nm. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was applied to monitor protein expression levels. Results : LPS-induced NO, PGE₂ and inflammatory cytokines were decreased by the treatment of normal or processed Gardeniae Fructus ethanol extracts (GFE). Compared to normal GFE, the processed GFE showed a stronger inhibitory effect on the production of NO and PGE₂. These inhibitory effect of GFE was due to the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediated from the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Furthermore, processed GFE showed more suppressive effects on the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and IκBα proteins than normal GFE. Conclusion : From these results, it was concluded that GFE had an improved anti-inflammatory effect compared to normal GFE. These results provide an objective evidences for the use of herbal processing in Korean medicine.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.153-161
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• 2016

Chronic alcoholic myopathy is one of the most common skeletal muscle disorders. It is characterized by a reduction in the entire skeletal musculature, skeletal muscle weakness, and difficulties in gait. Patients with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis have severe muscle loss that contributes to worsening outcome. Although the myopathy selectively affects Type II (fast twitch, glycolytic, anaerobic) skeletal muscle fibers, total skeletal musculature is reduced. The severity of the muscle atrophy is proportional to the duration and amount of alcohol consumed and leads to decreased muscle strength. The mechanisms for the myopathy are generally unknown but it is not due to overt nutritional deficiency, nor due to either neuropathy or severe liver disease. Skeletal muscle mass and protein content are maintained by a balance between protein synthesis and breakdown and in vivo animal models studies have shown that ethanol inhibits skeletal muscle protein synthesis. Daekumeumja is a traditional Korean medicine that is widely employed to treat various alcohol-induced diseases. Muscle diseases are often related to liver diseases and conditions. The main objective of this study was to assess that Daekumeumja extract could have protective effect against alcoholic myopathy in a Sprague-Dawley rat model. Rats were orally given 25% ethanol (5ml/kg, body weight) for 8 weeks. After 30 minutes, rats were administrated with Daekumeumja extract. Controls were similarly administrated with the vehicle alone. The weights of gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles were assessed and the morphologic changes of gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles were also assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. In results, The muscles from ethanol treated rats displayed a significant reduction in muscle weight and average cross section area compared to Normal group. Daekumeumja extract treated group showed increased muscle weight and muscle fiber compared to the ethanol treated group. It was concluded that Daekumeumja extract showed ameliorating effects on chronic alcohol myopathy in skeletal muscle.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.137-145
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• 2020

Objectives : Tetragonia tetragonioides is one of the traditional herbal medicines that can be used to protect the stomach and treat cancer. However, its mechanism of overcoming gastrointestinal disorders is unclear. In this study, we investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Tetragonia tetragonioides Water Extract (TTWE) on RAW264.7 cells. Methods : The cell viability by TTWE was measured by using MTT assay. The free radical scavenging ability and cytokine production were analyzed by using ELISA Kit. SPSS version 25 was used for statistical analysis. Results : According to the results of this study, the cell viability measurement of TTWE significantly affected the cell viability. The radical scavenging ability of TTWE showed the highest effect compared to the positive control group when the concentration was 3.1-12.5 ㎍/ml, and significantly inhibited NO production induced by LPS. In addition, the inhibitory effect of TTWE on the production of IL-6 and TNF-α induced by LPS was significant at both TTWE concentrations of 12.5 ㎍/ml [p <0.01 (IL-6), p <0.05 (TNF-α)]. Conclusion : In conclusion, it is suggested that the antioxidant function of Tetragonia tetragonioides Water Extract could be used to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.47-54
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• 2010

Objective: To derive information on the efficacy of Sam-chul-kun-bi-tang (SKT), by evaluating its anti-inflammatory effect. SKT is a widely-used herbal formula in traditional Korean medicine. In man y studies, plant-derived anti-inflammatory efficacies have been investigated for their potential inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. This study was performed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of SKT extract on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: The production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $(PG)E_2$, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ and interleukin (IL)-6 were examined in a macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells, in the presence of SKT. RAW 264.7 cells were incubated with LPS 1 ${\mu}g/mL$ and SKT for 18 hrs. The anti-inflammatory activity of SKT was investigated by carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. The paw volume was measured at 2 and 4 hrs following carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Results: SKT showed inhibitory effect on $PGE_2$, TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. But SKT was not inhibitory effect on NO by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Administration of SKT (1 g/kg) also showed a reduction in carrageenan-induced paw edema on rats. Conclusion: These results suggest that SKT has anti-inflammatory activities in both in vitro and in vivo models.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.755-764
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• 2020

Due to pronounced mechanical performance and being environmental friendly, aqueous polymer isocyanate adhesive (API) has been widely applied in the production of formaldehyde-free wood products. In this study, flame retardant formaldehyde-free plywood was prepared by incorporation of flame retardants into the API adhesive. Partially phosphorylated poly (vinyl alcohol) (PPVA) which was prepared by reacting poly (vinyl alcohol) with phosphoric acid was used to replace PVA in API formula. In addition, Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) was chosen as additive flame retardant, replacing traditional filler CaCO₃ in API adhesive formula. And then, the flame retardant API adhesive with main agent (PPVA replacing PVA70wt.%, SBR emulsion 30wt.%), curing agent 10wt.% (accounts for of the main agent), and 20wt.% LDHs (accounts of the main agent) was used to prepare flame retardant plywood. The effect of application of PPVA and Mg-Al LDH on bonding strength of plywood was investigated. The flammability characteristics of the plywood were determined by cone calorimeter test (CCT). The results revealed that compared with the plywood prepared with API adhesive, the use of PPVA and LDH enhanced the flame retardancy of plywood without negatively affecting bonding strength. The CCT tests indicated that the heat release and smoke production flame retardant API plywood were lower than those of the ordinary API glued plywood. Promising developments for flame retardant API adhesive were expected in future applications of flame retardant formaldehyde-free plywood.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.530-535
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• 2005

A Korean traditional herbal formular, Taeumbiman-tang(TBT), was based on Taeumjowi-tang, currently the most widely used herbal formula compound, and which is known to be safe and have a positive effect on adult obesity. TBT was given to obese children for thirty days, and was found to be clinically safe and effective. The subjects were children who had been admitted into the hospital to be treated for obesity, that had more than 20% relative body weight. Originally there were 19 subjects, but 5 dropped out of the experiment. There were 5 girls and 9 boys, whose average ages were $11.00\;{\pm}\;2.60$ years, average weight was $54.01\;{\pm}\;18.59\;kg$. As a pretest, all of the volunteers were examined for height, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, EKG, and chest radiography. The subjects underwent interview, body measurement tests, blood tests, and safety tests under 8 hour fasting state. After 15 days of TBT intake, the safety tests and the interview were conducted. The interview, body measurement tests, blood tests, and safety tests were conducted again after the 30 day trial was completed. The short term effects of TBT on obese children is weight loss. It did not cause any significant changes in the subject's livers, hearts, and kidneys, and clinically dangerous side effects or withdrawal symptoms were not observed.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.329-340
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• 2018

Objectives : In Traditional Korean medicine, Daucus carota L. has been used for treating dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery and cough. Recent pharmacognosic evidence showed D. carota has anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, and hypotensive effects. Present study investigated hepato-protective effect of D. carota ethanol extract (DCE) against oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Methods : After HepG2 cells were pretreated with different concentrations of DCE, the cells were exposed to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) for inducing oxidative stress. Cell viability, hydrogen peroxide production, glutathione concentration, and mitochondrial membrane potentials were measured to explore hepato-protective effect of DCE. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and effect of compound C on cell viability were determined to investigate the role of AMPK on DCE-mediated cytoprotection. Results : DCE significantly decreased the tBHP-mediated cytotoxicity in a concentration dependent manner and reduced the changes on apoptosis-related proteins by tBHP in HepG2 cells. In addition, DCE significantly prevented hydrogen peroxide production, glutathione depletion, and mitochondrial membrane impairment induced by tBHP. Treatment with DCE increased phosphorylation of AMPK, and the DCE-mediated cytoprotection was abolished by pretreatment with compound C. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that DCE can protect hepatocytes from oxidative stress through activation of AMPK.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to confirm whether Codonopsis Radix(CR) could be used in the same way for expected indications or diseases of adaptation instead of Ginseng Radix(GR), which acts as a principal herb in Sagunja-tang. Methods : The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems pharmacology(TCMSP), a database for the study of systems biology related to Chinese medicine, screened potential active compounds in each quartet. By searching for all the proteins that each compound provides, the target of Sagunja-tang with GR(GRST) and the target of Sagunja-tang with CR(CRST) were compared using the network analysis method, and the top ranked target of each serving was selected. Results : Through TCMSP, a Chinese medicine database, the potential effective ingredients of GRST or CRST screened, and the target proteins related to these substances were found to be the most affected by Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome, an herbal medicine mixed in Sagunja-tang, and the target diseases were the same. And the same were found for the target protein, gene and target diseases of GRST and CRST. Conclusions : The prescription with similar composition is likely to have similar network pharmacology analysis results, and the analysis result may be controlled by the herbal medicines which are assumed to be the main function. Therefore, rich and reproducible basic studies is more important because network pharmacological studies can be dominated by data that has been done a lot of previous studies.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.223-236
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• 2019

Dengropanax morfiferus (D), Broussonitia kazinoki (B), and Cudriania tricuspidata (E), a widely cultivated species in South Korea, has been used as traditional medicine to treat numerous diseases. In this study, we evaluated the antidiabetic effects in a various signaling mechanisms using mixed extract and major component contents were analyzed by HPLC in the combined extracts from Dengropanax morfiferus, Broussonitia kazinoki, and Cudriania tricuspidata (DBCE). DBCE inhibited ${\alpha}$-glucosidase and ${\alpha}$-amylase activation and showed potent antioxidant effects, which are evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and SOD assay. Cytokines, which are released by inflammatory cells in pancreatic islets, are involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. DBCE showed the protective effects in RINm5F cells against cytokines-induced damage by suppressing inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase and COX-2 expression and NO production. Insulin resistance is the primary characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the regulatory effect of DBCE on glucose uptake and production are investigated in insulin-responsive human HepG2 cells. DBCE stimulated glucose uptake, prevented Glut2 and phosphor-IRS1 downregulation induced by high glucose (HG, 30 mM). Moreover, DBCE pretreatment diminished glucose levels, PEPCK and G6Pase overexpression provoked by HG. These findings suggest that DBCE might be used for diabetes treatment through alpha-glucosidase or alpha-amylase activity regulation, pancreatic beta cell protection, hepatic glucose sensitivity improvement. Cytokines, which are released by inflammatory cells' infiltrations around the pancreatic islets, are involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-44
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• 2019

Objective : Herbal dispensaries, where medications are prepared for patients, require specific preparation and operations management for safe herbal medicines. This study aims to propose improvements in the herbal medicine preparation and operation of the herbal dispensaries as series study of the "A Survey on the Management Status of Extramural Herbal Dispensaries" Methods : We first checked current management regulations. In addition, we compared and analyzed related laws which are "State management norm of Traditional Chinese Medicine dispensaries", "Enforcement Rule of Medicinal Product Safety" and " Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point(HACCP)", to introduce the assessment items of herbal dispenses evaluation and certification system. Results : In this study, we found that the current regulations, "Guideline on Installation and Utilization of Extremal Herbal Pharmaceutical Facility and Shared-use of Herbal Dispensary", are insufficient to ensure the quality and safety of herbal medicines. We suggested articles for the proper management of herbal dispensaries and these were introduced to the Herbal dispensary evaluation and certification system. Conclusion : We recommend evaluation articles in Herbal dispensary evaluation and certification systems need to be popular among herbal dispensaries, then Korean herbal medicine could restore credibility from the people.