• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1106-1115
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• 2009

Mori Ramulus has multiple applications in Korean traditional medicine prescription because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing macrophage activities. Yet, no studies on the anti-arthritic activity of EMR (extract of Mori Ramulus) have been reported in vitro and in vivo. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with chronic inflammation characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells in affected joints, which ultimately leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Because collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is similar to RA in pathological symptoms and immune reactions, there have been several reports concerning RA using CIA mouse model. Here, we investigated the effects of Mori Ramulus on RA using CIA mice. The importance of CD4+ Th1 cells in RA progress was previously indicated and studies further showed that Th17 cells play a prime role in severity of disease. Accordingly, the present study was focused on CIA associated with CD4+ Th1 cells and Th1 7 cells. DBA/1OlaHsd mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII). After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with EMR once a day for 4 weeks. The severity of arthritis within the paw joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Immune cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), draining lymph node (DLN) and paw joints, cytokine production and gene expression were assessed from CIA mouse using ELISA, FACS and real-time PCR analysis. Administration of EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with EMR. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and that this action was mediated by the decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-17 and collagen II-specific antibody in the serum. EMR suppressed Th17 cells and reduced level of IL-6 via B cell suppression, and thus, the levels of autoantibodies produced from B cells were decreased. Furthermore, EMR suppressed NKT cells which directly stimulate B cells and develop imbalance of Th1/Th2 cell. Oral administration of EMR (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the progression of CIA, which is comparable to that of methotrexate (MTX, 0.3 mg/kg) used as a positive control. We are currently studying the mechanism underlying the therapeutic role for EMR in CIA mice.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.143-151
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• 2010

In Vivo and In vitro antispasmodic effects of Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San, a Traditional Korean Polyherbal Medicineconsisted of 7 types of herbs were observed in the present study. To clarify the effects of Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San, on accelerating small intestinal movement induced by the stimulation of cholinergic neurotransmission, we evaluated the effects of Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San on In vivo carbachol (an acetylcholinergic agent)-accelerated mice small intestinal transit and on In vitro contractions induced by low-frequency electrostimulation, KCl, histamine or acetylcholine using isolated guinea pig ileum. To induce the acceleration of mice small intestinal transit, Carbachol 1 mg/kg was once subcutaneously dosed 15min before last administration of the test drugs. In the present study, Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg or domperidone 20 mg/kg were orally pretreated on the carbachol-accelerated mice small intestinal transit once a day for 7 days and the small intestinal transit rateof activated charcoal powder were monitored. In vitro assays, Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San1, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml or domperidone $2{\times}10^{-5}M$ were treated 10min before ileal contraction was induced by filed stimulation, acetylcholine, KCl and histamine, and the % changes of contractions were observed compared to the treatment of inducer alone. In spontaneous contraction, the % changes of contractions were observed compared to treatment of vehicle alone at 10min after Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San or domperidone treatment. The efficacy of Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San was compared to those of domperidone. High concentration, 1 mg/ml of Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San was found to decrease the spontaneous contraction of the isolated guinea-pig ileum. In addition, Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San decrease contractions induced by electrostimulation, acetylcholine, histamine and KCl in the isolated guinea-pig ileum. In addition, Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San effectively inhibited the accelerated small intestinal movement induced by carbachol stimulation of cholinergic neurotransmission in In vivo. Based on the results, although the exact molecular or action mechanism and which herbs or compound in Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San are responsible for actions, it was concluded that Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San normalization in the accelerated intestinal motility might be interfere with a variety of muscarinic, adrenergic and histaminic receptor activities or with the mobilization of calcium ions required for smooth muscle contraction non-specificly. Therefore, it is expected that Jun-Si-Baek-Chul-San will be promising as a prescription of clinical treatment of digestive tract disorders such as accelerated the motility of intestine, diarrhea or intestinal painful contractions.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.25-55
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• 2011

The currently existing "Bonchojeonghwa (本草精華)" is a manuscript without the preface and the epilogue, composed of 2 books in 2 volumes. This book is a quintessence of knowledge on science of medicinal ingredients (medicinal phytology I herbal science) as well as an trial of new development in Chosun medical science. I.e. this book includes surprising change representing medical science in Chosun dynasty as a single publication on science of medicinal ingredients. It holds a value essential to clinician as a specialized book in medicinal ingredients, and Includes richer content on medicinal ingredients than any other books published before. In addition, it is away from boring list-up of superfluous knowledge as seen in "Bonchokangmok(本草綱目)" published in China, and well summarizes essential knowledge which can be used within a range of medicines available in Korea. This book has an outstanding structure that can be even used in today's textbook on science of medicinal ingredients, as it has clear theory, system and classification. Because it handles essential learning points prior to prescription to disease, it is possible to configure new prescription and adjustment of medicinal materials. Moreover, this book can play a good role for linguistic study at the time of publication, because it describes many drugs in Hangul in many parts of the book. "Bonchojeonghwa" includes a variety of animals, plants and mineral resources in Korea, like "Bonchokangmok" which was recently listed in UNESCO. As such, it has a significance in natural history as well as pharmacy in Korean Medicine. It has various academic relationships all in biologic & abiologic aspects. It has importance in sharing future biological resources, building up international potential, setting up the standard for biologic species under IMF system, and becoming a base for resource diplomacy. We should not only see it as a book on medicinal ingredients in terms of Oriental Medicine, but also make an prudent approach to it in terms of study strengthening Korea's national competitiveness. After bibliographical reviewing on the features & characteristics of the only existing copy of "Bonchojeonghwa" housed in Kyujanggak(奎章閣) of Seoul National University, the followings are noted. First, "Bonchojeonghwa" is a specialized book on medicinal ingredients voluntarily made by private hands to distribute knowledge on drugs in the desolate situation after Imjinoeran (Japanese Invasion in 1592), without waiting for governmental help. Second, it raised accessibility and practicality by new editing. Third, it classified 990 different kinds of drugs into plant, animal, and mineral at large, and dassified more in detail into 15 'Bu' and 48 'Ryu' at 258 pages. Fourth, the publication of this book is estimated to be around 1625~1633, at the time of Injo's reign in 17th century. Fifth, it contains the existing & up-to-date knowledge at the time of publication, and it is possible to see the supply-demand situation by Hangul descriptions in 149 places in the book. By the fact that there are many linguistic evidences of 17th century, explains well when the book was published.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.37-52
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• 2016

Objectives : The paper seeks to delve into a study of smallpox, specifically as one of the most representative contagious diseases during the Chosun era and how it was treated during that time. The lack of traditional medical texts that deal with smallpox has led this paper to dive into Duchanggyeongheombang. Methods : Everything related to edition and copy, and the author was organized based on pre-existing studies. The copy that is assumed as the original copy was considered and studied. The book was compared to and reviewed with Donguibogam, and the differences between the book and Korean translation were given attention as well. Results : Park Jin-hee is assumed to have authored Duchanggyeongheombang, and it is like that was had access to texts published by the state, one of which includes Donguibogam. He utilized the periods with smallpox outbreaks as his frame of study and put together a series of treatment for different symptoms. To this, he attached various medical charts, and added Korean translation for higher usability. In his book, he placed emphasis on spleen and stomach, but when needed, he did not shy away from using cold and coolness herbs. Conclusions : Duchanggyeongheombang was influenced partially by Donguibogam, but the book was given new life through the author Park Jin-hee's edition. Medical charts were added to increase its usability, and Korean translation was provided for wider audience. Its scope of prescription is very wide, and it provided the reasonings behind its medical judgements based on actual clinical studies instead of being tied down to traditions or taboos.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.33-45
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• 2014

Objectives : Zizyphi spinosi Semen is widely used for treating insomnia in korea and other oriental country. This study is analyzing combination tendency of Zizyphi spinosi Semen in herbal formula for treating insomnia. Methods : Herbal formulas for treating insomia were searched in "The Prescription Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine", and checked in each literary source. Then, the herbal formula was divided in two groups : FCZ(The formula group containing Zizyphi spinosi Semen) and FWZ(The formula group without Zizyphi spinosi Semen). FCZ and FWZ were compared by following criteria; i) Prevalence of herbal formula by period ii) Prevalence of medicinal material's effects iii) Prevalence of medicinal material iv) Prevalence of the nature of midicinals v) Prevalence of flavor of medicinals vi) Prevalence of meridian entry. Results : 116 Herbal formula met our criteria, and herbal formulas were divided in two groups : FCZ(n=59), FWZ(n=57). The result of prevalence in FCZ is following; Herbal formula prevalence increased as time passed to the Qing(淸) dynasty. Tonifying and replenishing medicinal(補益藥), tranquillizing medicinal (安神藥), and inducing diuresis to drain dampness medicinal(利水滲濕藥) are the three most prevalent types of materia medica. In specifically, Panax ginseng radix(人蔘), Liriopis Tuber(麥門冬), Angelicae Gigantis Radix(當歸), Poria Cocos(茯神), Glycyrrhizae Radix(甘草), Poria cocos(茯神), Polygalae Radix(遠志), Thuja Orientalis L.(柏子仁), Paeonia Japonica(白芍藥), and HgS(硃砂) are combined frequently. The most prevalent nature of medicinals were 'warm microwarm(溫 微溫)' and flavor of medicinals was normal(平). Meridian entrys that frequently combined were heart(心), spleen(脾), and liver(肝). Conclusion : We found combination tendency of Zizyphi Semen in herbal formula for treating insomnia.

• Proceedings of the KAIS Fall Conference
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• 2010.11b
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• pp.878-881
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• 2010

For better diagnosis and prescription in Korean traditional medicine, Lee Je-Ma (1837-1900) created Sasang Constitution classification which was divided into four groups of Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeumin and Soumin based on both body shape and natural disposition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of facial skin parameters (hydration, lipid and pH) on forehead and cheek according to Sasang Constitution classifications of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin in Korean. Eighty-nine Korean female subjects were recruited for this study and the average age of them was 19.9${\pm}$0.84 years. The four groups by the Sasang Constitution were classified by questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution classification proposed by Kyung-Hee Oriental Medicine Hospital. Consequently, thirty-eight (42.7%) among the subjects were grouped into Soumin, twenty-nine (32.6%) into Taeumin, twenty (22.5%) into Soyangin and two (2%) into Taeyangin. Taeyangin group was excluded from statistical analysis due to small subjects. Hydration, lipid and pH parameters on forehead and cheek were measured by using non-invasive instruments of Corneometer (CM 825, Schwarzhaup, Germany), Sebumeter (SM 815, Schwarzhaup, Germany) and Skin-pH-meter (pH 905, Schwarzhaup, Germany), respectively. The measurements by the same investigator were performed under standardized condition with a room temperature of $21^{\circ}C$ and a humidity level of 40% to 50%. As a result, hydration (F=25.481, p=.000), lipid (F=5.753, p=.005) and pH (F=5.010, p=.009) of the forehead skin showed significant differences in the order of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin. Hydration (F=23.216, p=.000), lipid (F=6.898 p=.002) and pH (F=5.070, p=.008) of the cheek skin showed significant differences in the order of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin. In conclusion, facial skin surface seemed to be dependent on Sasang Constitution classification in Korean. These findings indicated that Sasang Constitution classification might be an useful esthetic treatment for caring facial skin in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.179-192
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• 2003

Objectives : Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) has been used as a prescription for stroke, senile and vascular dementia, ischemic brain and heart damage in Oriental traditional medicine. However, there is little known about the mechanism by which the water extracts of Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) rescue cells fromthese damages, and little is known about the protective mechanisms of Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) on oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Therefore, we have investigated the role of Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) on serum and glucose deprived apoptosis in PC12 cells. Methods : PC12 Cells have been used extensively as a model for studying the cellular and molecular effects of neuronal cells. The viability of cells was measured by MIT assay. We used DNA fragmentation and caspase 1, 2, 3, 6, 9-likeproteases activation assay. Transcriptional activation of NF-kB was assessed by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results : Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) rescued PC12 cells from apoptotic death by serum and glucose deprivation in a dose-dependent manner. The nuclear staining of PC12 cells clearly showed that Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) attenuated nuclear condensation and fragmentation, which represent typical neuronal apoptotic characteristics. Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) also prevents fragmentation of genomic DNA and activation of caspase 3-like protease in serum and glucose deprived PC12 cells. Furthermore, Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) reduced the activation of NF-kB by serum and glucose-deprived apoptosis. Conclusions : These findings suggest that serum and glucose deprivation induces reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion, and consequently, apoptosis through endogenously produced reactive oxygen species in PC12 cells. Also, our data indicated that Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) has protective effects against the serum and glucose deprived deaths of PC12 cells, which are mediated by the generation of GSH that, in turn, can reduce oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.121-126
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• 2011

Sipjundaebo-tang was a well-known restorative traditional herbal prescription that used to treat anemia, anorexia, fatigue and inflammation. In this study, we examined the bioconversion of compounds in the Sipjundaebo-tang (SJ) and fermented Sipjundaebo-tang with Lactobacillus fermentum KFRI 164 (FSJ) using established HPLC-DAD method. The chromatogram of FSJ has shown that the contents of six bioactive compounds 5-HMF, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, cinnam aldehyde, decursin, glycyrrhizin in SJ has decreased. And the contents of unknown compounds (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) in FSJ were higher than each contents of SJ. The antioxidant activities of SJ and FSJ were conducted by DPPH free radical and Hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) scavenging assay. Electron donating activity (EDA, %) value of FSJ has shown higher than 21.9% and 14.5% at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml for DPPH radical scavenging activity and $H_2O_2$ scavenging activity, respectively. Also, the neuroprotective activities of SJ and FSJ against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in a mouse hippocampal cell line (HT22) were evaluated by MTT assay. As a result, FSJ has shown higher neuroprotective activity than 56.5% comparing with SJ. In conclusion, the fermented SJ using microorganism could convert compounds in SJ and enhance antioxidant activity and neuroprotective activity.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.221-228
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• 2000

We performed this study to determine the effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, as a prescription of traditional Oriental medicine, and its major ingredients on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, apopotosis in jejunal crypt cells, lethality and hematological change of mice irradiated with high and low dose of Y-radiation. Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang administration before irradiation protected the jejunal crypts (p<0.0001), increased the formation of endogenous spleen colony (p<0.05) and reduced the frequency of radiation-induced apoptosis (p<0.05). The survival rate and mean survival time of the groups treated with Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang within 30 days after the treatment were far better than the irradiation control group. In the experiment on the effect of ingredients of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, the result indicated that the extract of Rensan (Panax ginseng), Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Shengma (Cimicifuga heracleifolia) and Chaihu (Bupleurum falcatnosa) might have a major radioprotective effect. Although the mechanisms of this inhibitory effect remain to be elucidated, these results indicated that BU-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang might be a useful radioprotector, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product. Further studies are needed to characterize better the protective nature of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang extract and its ingredients.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.1010-1016
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• 2007

Sagunjatang (Sagunja), containing Radix Astragali, Radix Ginseng, Fructus Schizandrae, Radix Ophiopogonis and Radix Glycyrrhizae, has been used as a prescription for ischemic heart and brain diseases in Korean traditional medicine. This study was designed to investigate the protective mechanisms of Sagunja on $H_2O_2$-induced cytotoxicity of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Treatment with $H_2O_2$ resulted in death of H9c2 cells, characterized by apparent apoptotic features, including the fragmentation of nucleus and increase in sub-GO/G1fraction of cell cycle. However, Sagunja markedly suppressed the apoptotic characteristics of H9c2 cells induced by $H_2O_2$ with decrease of intracellular peroxide level. In addition, Sagunja suppressed the features of mitochondrial dysfunction, including change of mitochondrial membrane potential, in $H_2O_2$- treated cells. Additionally, Sagunja induced the expression of HO-1 protein in both time-and dose-dependent manner. The role of HO-1 in ROS-scavenging activity of Sagunja is proposed.