• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.7-16
• /
• 2019

Objectives : Hemistepta lyrata Bunge (Bunge) has been used for treating wound, hemorrhage, fever in Korean traditional medicine. Present study investigated anti-inflammatory effect of H. lyrata chloroform extract (HLE) and its molecular mechanism involved. Methods : To assess anti-inflammatory effect of HLE, production of nitric oxide (NO) and expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) signaling pathway was examined to elucidate its molecular mechanism. Results : Pretreatment of HLE inhibited NO production in a concentration dependent manner. HLE also decreased expression of iNOS and COX-2, and alleviated expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, HLE pretreatment inhibited phosphorylation of inhibitory-${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and p65. Conclusions : These results suggest that HLE exhibits anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.1141-1161
• /
• 2020

Objectives: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease of the elderly characterized by impaired behavior from lack of dopamine secretion. However, no accurate quantitative diagnosis method has been established. The purpose of this study was to analyze the patent trends (PTs) of health examination and daily monitoring/healthcare technology for PD. Methods: For analyzing PTs, a search summary for classifying each analysis target technology was set, and a final search formula was constructed by collecting keywords. After constructing a database of related patents through the final search formula, noise was removed to extract valid patents. PTs by major countries were analyzed using the valid patents, and PTs and growth stages were analyzed by the detailed technologies. Results: The survey analysis showed that, despite the existence of unpublished patents between 2018 and 2020, patent activity has increased rapidly in the recent period, and this increasing trend was led by the USA. This technology is considered to be in its early- or mid-stage growth period, which means that the marketability is high and the barriers are low. Korea's market share is only about 25%, but it has a larger number of applications than those of Europe and Japan. Integrated monitoring and diagnosis technologies for PD have a share of 34%. Conclusion: The advances in diagnosis and healthcare technology for PD means that traditional Korean medicine must continue to pay attention to related technologies and to review plans that are applicable to clinical practice.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.19-31
• /
• 2021

Objectives : The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as 'Dansam (DS, 丹參)', is used for and treating cardiovascular diseases based on its efficacy of promoting blood circulation and breaking through a blood stasis. In this study, we would like to see if DS could be effectively used for stroke from the perspective of network pharmacology. Methods : The analysis was conducted using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database to derive the main active compounds of DS and identify the mechanism of each compound acting on the human body. The networks between compounds, target protein and disease were expressed through Cytoscape. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed using STRING database. Results : Fifty two active compounds of DS were identified by screening the ingredients of DS through TCMSP. Based on the networks of these compounds with target protein and disease, it can be said that DS might be effective for preventing and treating stroke. PPI result showed that adrenergic receptor has many interactions among proteins, indicating its significance in stroke pathway. Conclusion : In this study, we derived target proteins and target diseases of DS that could be used in study of stroke. However, since it is uncertain if these targets can be controlled by DS extracts or not, we would like to confirm the results with further animal experiments.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.279-284
• /
• 2020

The theory of "eccentric diseases are generally due to phlegm (怪病多屬痰)" means that phlegm is a major cause for intractable diseases including cerebrovascular accident, depression, insanity, and shock from strange things or evil sprint. It has been a key foundation for the diagnosis and treatment of phlegm in traditional Korean medicine. However, the origin of the theory is not clear and controversial. In this study, we critically reviewed the origin and developing process of the theory in the viewpoints of philology and pathology in Korean medicine. Wang Yin-Jun (王隱 君) did not claim that eccentric diseases are generally due to phlegm in Taidingyangshengzhu-lun (泰定養生主論). The miscitation by following medical literature caused the misunderstanding in the meaning of Taidingyangshengzhu-lun, that phlegm can cause variable symptoms and signs. In the Ming dynasty, some poor medical doctors had tended to diagnose any difficult case as phlegm syndrome and to use Kuntan-huan (滾痰丸) as a standard herbal formula for treating phlegm syndrome. However, the tendency to categorize delicate cases easily to phlegm syndrome is not desirable. Besides, the tendency to use Kuntan-huan as a basic formula for the phlegm syndrome might cause diverse and severe adverse effects. Thus, we cannot accept the theory of eccentric diseases is generally due to phlegm without a doubt. In conclusion, this theory might be a valuable aphorism in terms of considering the possibility of the secondary pathologic factors including phlegm and blood stasis which should be considered first in case of intractable diseases.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.407-426
• /
• 2022

Superior to traditional welded studs, high strength friction-grip bolted shear connectors facilitate the assembling and demounting of the composite members, which maximizes the potential for efficiency in the construction and retrofitting of new and old structures respectively. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the structural properties of high strength friction-grip bolts used in steel concrete composite beams. By means of push-out tests, an experimental study was conducted on post-installed high strength friction-grip bolts, considering the effects of different bolt size, concrete strength, bolt tensile strength and bolt pretension. The test results showed that bolt shear fracture was the dominant failure mode of all specimens. Based on the load-slip curves, uplifting curves and bolt tensile force curves between the precast concrete slab and steel beam obtained by push-out tests, the anti-slip performance of steel-concrete interface and shear behavior of bolt shank were studied, including the quantitative analysis of anti-slip load, and anti-slip stiffness, frictional coefficient, shear stiffness of bolt shank and ultimate shear capacity. Meanwhile, the interfacial anti-slip stiffness and shear stiffness of bolt shank were defined reasonably. In addition, a total of 56 push-out finite element models verified by the experimental results were also developed, and used to conduct parametric analyses for investigating the shear behavior of high-strength bolted shear connectors in steel-concrete composite beams. Finally, on ground of the test results and finite element simulation analysis, a new design formula for predicting shear capacity was proposed by nonlinear fitting, considering the bolt diameter, concrete strength and bolt tensile strength. Comparison of the calculated value from proposed formula and test results given in the relevant references indicated that the proposed formulas can give a reasonable prediction.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.249-257
• /
• 2022

Objectives : Aquilaria crassna is a traditional herbal medicine, which is used to treat allergies, diabetes, neurological diseases. Recently, Aquilaria crassna extracts have been reported in anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, various solvents fraction of Aquilaria crassna were investigated on various physiological activities. Methods : According to the polarity, the solvents fraction of Aquilaria crassna were confirmed through TLC, and the activities of the extracts were confirmed in anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, whitening, anti-gout, and anti-inflammation. Results : TLC results showed that ACM and ACM/E have similar patterns and most of the components were transferred to ACM/E. Treatment with ACM and ACM/E fraction were significantly decreased the generation of NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cells. Analysis of biological activities such as α-glucosidase, protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP1B), tyrosinase, xanthine oxidase (XO) and pancreatic lipase inhibition, showed that ACM and ACM/E have more inhibitory effects than other fractions. Conclusions : Therefore, the results of the present study clearly demonstrate that Aquilaria crassna and its constituents might be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of immune-regulating effects.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.19-25
• /
• 2022

Objectives : Huangqintang(⿈芩湯) is a famous herbal prescription in the Traditional Korean Medicine (e.g. Shanghanlun) to treat various chronic disease such as neurological disease and digestive system disease. Its components include Scutellariae Radix(⿈芩), Paeonia lactiflora(芍藥), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(⽢草), Zizyphi Fructus(⼤棗). Methods : In this study, we standardize the name, composition and medical uses of Huangqintang by literature studying and paper searching. Based on the comparison between oriental medicine and modern medicine pharmacology, we linked the medical uses of Huangqintang to Korean Standard Classification of Diseases (KCD). Results and Conclusion : The name of the prescription is unified into "Huangqintang", and its composition ratio between Scutellariae Radix, Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Zizyphi Fructus is 3:2:2:3. Huangqintang is used for enteritis diseases due to its antipyretic and antinflammatory effects. Its medical application was relatied with 'A'code, 'C'code, and 'K'code as indicated by KCD. By standardizing the mixed conceptions of Huangqintang, this review will facilitate the coding of Huangqintang prescription. Therefore, it will make Huangqintang prescription more useful in clinics.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.25-39
• /
• 2021

Objectives: Ssanghwa-tang (SHT) is a traditional herbal formula comprising nine medicinal herbs, and it is used for reducing fatigue in Korea. SHT exerts various effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging activities, and protection against acute hepatotoxicity. However, the genotoxicity of SHT has not yet been established. Methods: Ten components were identified in SHT water extract by using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. We assessed the genotoxicity of SHT by using bacterial reverse mutation (Ames test), chromosome aberration, and in vivo micronucleus tests. Results: The contents of paeoniflorin, glycyrrhizin, and liquiritin apioside in SHT were 15.57, 6.94, and 3.48 mg/g extract, respectively. SHT did not increase the revertant colonies of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli strains in the presence or absence of metabolic activity. Although SHT did not induce structurally abnormal chromosomes in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells in the presence of metabolic activity, the number of structurally aberrated chromosomes increased dose-dependently in the absence of metabolic activity. In the in vivo micronucleus test, SHT did not affect the formation of micronuclei compared with the vehicle control. Conclusions: Genotoxicity of SHT was not observed in the Ames test and in vivo micronucleus test. However, based on the results of chromosome aberration test, it can be presumed that SHT has the potential to induce genotoxicity because it induced structurally abnormal chromosomes in the absence of metabolic activity.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.295-313
• /
• 2023

Objectives : While treatments for cancer are advancing, the development of effective treatments for cancer metastasis, the main cause of cancer patient death, remains insufficient. Recent studies on Dichroae Radix have revealed that its active ingredients have the potential to inhibit cancer metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the cancer metastasis inhibitory effect of Dichroae Radix using network pharmacological analysis. Methods : The active compounds of Dichroae Radix have been identified using Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The UniProt database was used to collect each of information of all target proteins associated with the active compounds. To find the bio-metabolic processes associated with each target, the DAVID6.8 Gene Functional classifier tool was used. Compound-Target and Target-Pathway networks were analyzed via Cytoscape 3.40. Results : In total, 25 active compounds and their 62 non-redundant targets were selected through the TCMSP database and analysis platform. The target genes underwent gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis. The gene list applied to the gene ontology analysis revealed associations with various biological processes, including signal transduction, chemical synaptic transmission, G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, response to xenobiotic stimulus, and response to drugs, among others. A total of eleven genes, including HSP90AB1, CALM1, F2, AR, PAKACA, PTGS2, NOS2, RXRA, ESR1, ESR2, and NCOA1, were found to be associated with biological pathways related to cancer metastasis. Furthermore, nineteen of the active compounds from Dichroae Radix were confirmed to interact with these genes. Conclusions : The results provide valuable insights into the mechanism of action and molecular targets of Dichroae Radix. Notably, Berberine, the main active ingredient of Dichroae Radix, plays a significant role in degrading AR proteins in advanced prostate cancer. Further studies and validations can provide crucial data to advance cancer metastasis prevention and treatment strategies.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.253-264
• /
• 2023

Objectives : Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen (BCL), a traditional herbal medicine, is a distilled product of condensation from the burning of fresh bamboo stems. We previously identified the anti-oxidant capacity of BCL in hepatocytes and suggested that BCL is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating oxidative stress-induced hepatocellular damage. Despite the importance of the role played by Kupffer cells in liver disease, the efficacy of BCL on Kupffer cells is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether BCL could suppress LPS-induced inflammation and LPS+ATP-induced inflammasomes in Kupffer cells. Methods : We used ImKCs, a murine immortalized Kupffer cell line to examined whether BCL inhibited LPS-induced inflammation response and oxidave stress. And, we prepared a total of 18 L of BCL, purchased from Bamboo Forest Foods Co., Ltd. (648 Samdari, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea), was concentrated using a decompression concentrator. Result : The LPS-induced release of inflammatory cytokines was abolished by BCL treatment. Also, BCL treatment suppressed the LPS+ATP-induced expression of inflammasome proteins (NLRP3, IL-1, and IL-18), and inhib β ited the release of IL-1 . BCL decreased LPS-or LPS+ATP-induc β ed reactive oxygen species production. In addition, BCL increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 in a time-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest the efficacy of BCL with respect to its anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammasome effects mediated by Nrf2 in Kupffer cells.