Abstract
We designed to investigate the relationship the cold-hot theory of herbology and body temperature in experimental model. we prepared four kinds of oriental medicine, which consisted of two cold herbs, Daehwang and Seokgo, and two hot herbs, Buja and Padu. Decrease of body temperature by cold exposure for 12 hour was not inhibited by four herbs oral administration for two weeks. Thermogenesis in mammals is an essential physiological function to maintain the body temperature. Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins(UCPs), which have a potential to generate heat by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, apper to play a crucial role in thermogenesis. Therefore UCP is commonly recognized as a key molecule in metabolic thermogenesis and its dysfunction contributes to the development of obesity. In these experiments, Daehwang water extracts inhibited the UCP1 mRNA expression increase by cold exposure in brown adipose tissue. But other herbs did not significantly influence on UCPs mRNA expression in white adipose tissue and seleus muscle tissue. Based on this experiment, we will try to clarify the effects of Daehwang water extracts on UCP1 expression and function.