Objective : The study was for researching the activation methods about Korean overall medical crops business from 2010 to 2016. In addition, it was to be given to examining complement points and improving methods to the changeable domestic market of medical crops caused by a considerable export-import amount of them. Methods : By examining and analyzing data for the trend of medical crops production and their export-import trend from 2010 to 2015, I found it valuable to use it as the basic resources for researching the urgent problem of medical crops' business and its improvement. Results : 1. As surveying the trend of the domestic medical crops over the recent six years, I found that the export amount of them has drastically decreased, while the import amount has increased. And so, the prices of the domestic medical crops and their production are unstable. 2. By developing standardized medical crops which a trading counterpart country could prefer, we have to promote the export competitiveness. 3. We should reinforce an origin mark and geographical mark practice for domestic herbal materials and expand GMP. 4. We should prepare a standardization of herbal medicines by setting up an independent governmental department. Conclusion : 1. The government should present an appropriate supply-demand amount of the medical crops depending on the domestic needs and the export-import transactions. 2. There should be an institutional supportive system which is able to guarantee stable incomes of farmers through contract cultivation. 3. We should develop high value standardized medical crops.

Objective : This study was designed to evaluate candidate materials as anti-inflammation agent from extracts of various Korean Compositae herbs in Hwaak mountain. Among Korea medicinal herbs, Ainsliaea acerifolia (AA) belongs to the Compositae family, has been used for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis. However, AA has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of AA and its underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 8 extracts of Korean Compositae herbs tested, AA showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. Consistent with the observation, AA reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. In addition, AA inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. However, AA did not inhibit activation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion : These results suggest that down-regulation of iNOS, COX-2 protein expression and $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 production by AA are responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate candidate materials as anti-inflammatory agent from extracts of Korean medicinal plants in Hwaak mountain. Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) is a Korea medicinal plants that commonly used for robustness and hemostasis. It has been reported that LO has exhibited anti-ischemic, anti-oxidative, anti-hypolipidemic, anti-tumor and hypoglycemic effects. However, LO has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of LO and its underlying molecular mechanisms in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric Oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 15 extracts of Korean medicinal plants tested, Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. LO reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these data, LO inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, LO attenuated the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages involving suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of LO is associated with regulation of inflammatory mediators via inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Objectives : This study is aimed at establishing the discriminative criteria for Adenophorae Radix (AT; Sasam), Codonopsis Lanceolatae Radix (CL; Yangyu) and Adenophorae Remotiflori Radix (AR; Jeni). Because of confusable publications and the similitude of herb shape, CL and AR have been used as AT in the markets. Methods : We firstly discriminated and confirmed AT, CL and AR through observing the external morphology of original plants. Then, external-internal morphological features of the medicinal herbs were studied. A stereoscope was used to determine macroscopic features of dried herbal medicines and a microscope was conducted to examine internal features with the samples, which were embedded in paraffin and stained. Results : 1. The original plant of CL was discriminated with the stem shape in comparison with others. AT and AR were classified by the leaf position of original plant. 2. In the macroscopic morphological study of medicinal herbs, CL had lumps, which seem like a wart. Also, AT and AR were different in the density of cross section. 3. In the microscopic morphological study of the medicinal herbs, the phloem, fissures and the arrangement of xylem were selected as discriminative criteria for 3 kinds of herbs. With these contents, we suggested the identification keys, including further details. Conclusions : These results, especially identification keys, will be helpful to distinguish 3 kinds of herbs, referred to as a 'Sasam'. Moreover, macroscopic and microscopic methods used in this article would be applicable tools for the discrimination of other herbs.

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-arthritis activity using a korea's natural monument No. 265 designate 'Yeonsan-Ogye'. In this study, research by using extracts from different concentration of the Yeonsan-Ogye through an MIA-induced arthritis animal model was being conducted in vivo and scientifically verifying the efficacy of medicinal food. Methods : Yeonsan-Ogye was administered 500 mg/kg/day, 1000 mg/kg/day, 2000 mg/kg/day to SD-Rat, where arthritis was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) at $60mg/m{\ell}$. MMP-9, COMP, CTXII, calcitonin and glycosaminoglycan level in serum were measured by ELISA. The changes of relative hind paw weight bearing ratio by Incapacitance Test Meter and The cartilage of meniscus volume was examined and 3-D high-resolution reconstructions of the cartilage of meniscus were obtained using a Micro-CT system. Also, the histopathological analysis of knee was observed by H&E and safranin-O staining. Results : Production of MMP-9, COMP (all groups) and CTXII (500, 1000 mg/kg/day) level in serum was decreased, respectively, in comparison with control. The other way, production of calcitonin (500, 1000 mg/kg/day) and glycosaminoglycan (all groups) level in serum, Hind paw weight bearing ratio (all groups) was increased, espectively, in comparison with control. The cartilage of patella volume in micro-CT increased significantly. In addition, all groups showed a increase in the cartilage volume and proteoglycan. Conclusion : The results for Yeonsan-Ogye showed significant antiarthritis activity in serum and the cartilage. Therefore, it is thought to be that Yeonsan Ogye can be utilized as a variety of new korea medicie and health foods against arthritis diseases.

Objectives : This study investigated the anti-oxidant activities and improving effect of Phellinus linteus and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Extract (PGE) on Atopic Dermatitis. Methods : 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical, Hydrogen peroxides scavenging activities and Superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities were used for the measurement of anti-oxidant ability. Cytotoxicity of PGE in Raw 264.7 cell was evaluated by MTT assay. To evaluate the anti-atopic dermatitis effect of PGE, a total of 33 patients with atopic dermatitis were observed trans epidermal water loss, skin moisture content, modified SCORAD index of atopic dermatitis and pruritic degree after applying the PGE for 4 weeks. Results : PGE scavenged DPPH ($IC_{50}=25ppm$) effectively, ABTS and Hydrogenperoxides scavenged similar to BHA. As for the SOD-like activity, it had lower effect than ascorbic acid, but it comparable activities in 500ppm. There was no cytotoxicity at PGE at concentrations of 10,000ppm. In clinical research about PGE on patients with atopic dermatitis, skin condition was improved. After 4 weeks, the application of PGE increased skin moisture content from 19.43 to 31.22. Moreover, it reduced the skin temperature (from 32.5 to 31.9), skin pH (from 5.39 to 5.22), trans epidermal water loss (from 39.03 to 24.46) and pruritus score (from 6.07 to 3.87). In addition, the Modified SCORAD index decreased from 31.28 to 20.3. Conclusions : In conclusion, PGE possesses anti-oxidant and anti-atopic dermatitis activities, thus it could be potentially valuable as anti-atopic dermatitis material.

Objectives : Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) possess various nutrients, it has been widely used as traditional cosmetic material in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidant activity and the anti-melanogenic effect of Yambean (Pachyrhizus erosus) extract and its fractions. Methods : The anti-oxidant activity of yam bean extract assessed based on total polyphenol, flavonoid contents, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay. To evaluate anti-melanogenic effects and cytotoxicity of Yambean extract and its fractions, B16F10 melanoma cell was used. Results : In results, total polyphenol content of yam bean water extract (YW) and Yambean 70% ethanol extract (YE) were $1.18{\pm}0.03mg/g$ (mg of gallic acid/g of sample), $1.16{\pm}0.01mg/g$. Total flavonoid contents of YW, YE were $3.55{\pm}0.06mg/g$ (mg of naringin/g of sample), $1.78{\pm}0.03mg/g$. Moreover, YE scavenged DPPH and ABTS effectively in $4mg/m{\ell}$ compared to YW. Cytotoxicity of YE and its fractions in B16F10 melanoma cell was measured using MTT assays. It had no cytotoxicity up to $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Melanin accumulation in B16F10 melanoma cell was induced using alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}-MSH$) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). B16F10 melanoma cell treated with $10-500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ YE and hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, $H_2O$ fractions for 24h. Non treated B16F10 melanoma cell (Control) markedly increased melanin contents. In contrast, YE ethylacetate fraction effectively suppressed melanin accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : In conclusion, these results suggest that Yambean extract has the potential as a cosmetic material which possess anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenic activities.

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Orostachydis Herba (OH) and Fermented OH (OHF) against the acute liver injury by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods : OHF by 4 lactic bacteria such as (Lactobacillus hilgardii (OHF1), Leuconostoc mesenteroides (OHF2), Pediococcus acidilactici (OHF3), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (OHF4)) were prepared. Samples were selected to OHF0, OHF2, OHF3 based on UPLC analysis, DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activities. To evaluate the protective effect of OHF on liver injury mice, ICR mice were divided into 5 groups: Normal mice (Nor), LPS (20 mg/kg) treated mice (Veh), administrated OHF0, OHF2 OHF3 200 mg/kg body weight during 8 days before LPS injection. Serum and liver were collected 24 hours after LPS injection. Results : The activity was high in order of OHF0 and OHF3 in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. The quercetin contents for bioactive ingredient of OH was 5.39, kaempferol contents was 9.94 by UPLC analysis. The LPS-treated vehicle group significantly increased liver weight, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in serum. In contrast, administrated OHF3 group decreased liver weight, AST, ALT. In addition, OHF3 groups reduced the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum and tissues. Moreover, AP-1, iNOS and COX-2 were significantly decreased in OHF2 and OHF3. But $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ only showed a significant reduction in OHF3. Conclusions : Therefore, these results suggest that fermented Orostachydis Herba might be protective effect on liver injury through anti-oxidant effect.

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the unknown mechanisms behind the anti- inflammatory activity of Hyeonto-dan(HT) 70% ethanol extract on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Cells were treated with Hyeonto-dan 1 h prior to addition of 200 ng/mL of LPS. Cell viability was measured by the MTS assay. Nitric oxide levels were determined by the Griess assay. $PGE_2$ were measured using EIA kit. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of COX-2, iNOS, and MAPKs was investigated by Western blot, qRT-PCR. $NF-{\kappa}B$/p65 localization and interaction of the TLR-4 receptor with LPS was examined by immunofluorescence assays. Results : Hyeonto-dan had no cytotoxicity at the measured concentration. Hyeonto-dan inhibited NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and PGE2 as well as the protein and mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2. Moreover, Hyeonto-dan inhibited the interaction between LPS and TLR-4 in murine macrophages. It suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK 1/2) and p38. Finally, it inhibited translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in response to competitive LPS. Conclusions : Based on the results of this study, Hyeonto-dan inhibited the binding of TLR-4 receptor to LPS and inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signaling pathway MAPKs. These inhibitory effects are thought that the amount of $NF-{\kappa}B$ delivered to the nucleus was decreased and the inflammatory reaction was prevented by decreasing the production of LPS-induced $PGE_2$, NO, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$.

Objectives : Infectious diseases by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a growing problem worldwide. Characteristic of MRSA is endlessly mutation to resist antibiotics. Daehwanggo (DHG) is one of the oriental medicine prescriptions contained in Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine. Daehwanggo was mainly used for external preparation from old times. The purpose of this study is to confirm possibility as supplementary drug of DHG about antibiotics through observation of synergy effect between DHG and commercial antibiotics and to observe restriction on growth of MRSA on any pathway through observation of mechanism. Methods : The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DHG against MRSA is $500{\sim}2000{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ by broth dilution method. In the checkerboard method, the combinations of DHG with antibiotics has partial synergistic effect or synergy effect and DHG markedly reduced the MICs of the antibiotics oxacillin (OX), gentamicin (GT) against MRSA. In the inhibition of resistance mechanism of DHG against MRSA, the expression of resistance gene and protein about ${\beta}-lactam$ antibiotic was reduced. Also, we observed the effect of DHG about cell membrane permeability against MRSA, and confirmed that DHG suppressed growth of strains by increasing cell membrane permeability. Results : Basis on the result, we speculate that DHG increase antibacterial activity of antibiotics against MRSA by changing the structure of cell wall of MRSA. Conclusions : These data suggest that Daehwanggo possesses possibility as supplementary drug about antibiotics against MRSA.

Objectives : Gardeniae Fructus is a ripe fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, which has been used as traditional medicines for anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antipyretic, and antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to compare of Gardeniae Fructus in South Korea collected during three years according to the standards in monographs of the Korean Pharmacopoeia Eleventh edition (KP11). Methods : 30 items of Gardeniae Fructus from two cultivation regions were classified into dried(n=15) & steamed (n=15) and tested according to the standards in monographs of the KP11. Gardeniae Fructus was carried out identification(comparison of colors, thin layer chromatography), heavy metals, residual pesticides, total ash, and assay registered at KP11. Add to we tested loss on dry, contents of ethanol-soluble extracts, and HPLC profiling. Results : In TLC chromatogram of identification test, the spot of gardenoside and geniposide were observed at $R_f$ value of about 0.3 and 0.5. Heavy metals and residual pesticides met the requirements of the standards for all samples. The results of total ash of each samples are measured maximum 4.87 %. According to HPLC for assay, the samples contain 4.80~6.10 % of geniposide and 0.45~1.83 % of gardenoside. Conclusion : We have verified the current specification standard of Gardeniae Fructus and standard that is not set. By the results, it is proposed a new draft of loss on drying and confirmed the content of gardenoside revised. HPLC standard chromatogram of Gardeniae Fructus is proposed. We hope that it will help the standardization of Gardeniae Fructus.

Objectives : Tribulus terrestris $Linn{\acute{e}}$ (Tribuli Fructus; TF) has been used to treat hypochondrium, agalactia, nebula, itching and vitiligo in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, we investigated the effects of TF 30% ethanol extract on inflammatory responses in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells. Methods : TF extract was prepared by 30% ethanol. RBL-2H3 cells, a rat mast cell line, were treated with TF extract at different concentrations for 1 hr and then stimulated with DNP-IgE/HSA for indicated times. Cell viability was measured by WST-1 assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13 and $IFN-{\gamma}$) mRNA was determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK MAP kinases (MAPKs) was determined by Western blot. The nuclear expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 in the cells was detected by Western blot and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Results : The treatment of TF extract at 0.1 and $0.2mg/m{\ell}$ significantly decreased the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells, while significantly increased the expression of $IFN-{\gamma}$ mRNA. TF extract treatment was also inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK MAPKs in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, TF extract significantly blocked the translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 into the nuclear of cells after IgE stimulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that TF extract inhibits inflammatory response in IgE-stimulated mast cells through blocking MAPKs/$NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway. This suggests that TF extract has an anti-inflammatory activity in mast cell activation.