Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder and characterized by positive symptom (i.e., delusions, hallucinations), negative symptom (i.e., lack of emotion, social withdrawal), and cognitive impairment. Previously, we reported that the ethanolic extract of Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina attenuated the MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors such as prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits and cognitive impairment in mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether danshensu isolated from P. vulgaris var. lilacina attenuates MK-801-induced sensorimotor gating dysfunction (PPI deficits), hyperlocomotion, and memory impairment in mice. Acute administration of danshensu (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the MK-801-induced PPI deficits in the acoustic startle response test. We also observed that the impaired recognition memory induced by MK-801 was attenuated by danshensu (1 mg/kg) in the novel object recognition test. However, danshensu failed to reverse the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion in the open-field test. Collectively, the present results indicate danshensu would be an active agent for treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

Hesperidin (HES), a flavonone glycoside isolated from the citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, has been reported to have many biological properties including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antiallergy activities. In this study, we focused on the action of HES modulating Th2-associated cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 expression in PMA/ionomycin (PI)-stimulated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. The production of IL-4 and IL-13 was quantified by ELISA and the mRNA expression was detected by using RT-PCR assay. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to determine the transcription factors involved in the cytokine expression. We found that HES significantly decreased PI-induced IL-4 and IL-13 productions and also decreased the level of mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, western blot analysis of the transcription factors implied that HES down-regulated the protein level of c-Jun and c-Fos, which are the activating protein 1 (AP-1) family and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-${\kappa}B$) characterized as a transcription factors related to the Th2-associated cytokine expression. Taken together, our data showed that the action of HES responsible for antiallergy activities is based on suppression of Th2-associated cytokines through inhibition of AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ transcription factors.

Cirsium japonicum (CJ) leaf (L) alcoholic extracts were investigated for analysis their active components (flavonoids and flavanolignans; silymarins) and inhibitory effect on transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}$ induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs, LX-2 cells) activation. The CJ root (R) extracts were also analyzed and compared with leaf extracts. Total flavonoid and polyphenol contents of the leaf extracts showed higher than those of the root extracts. The content of each flavonoid compound, which was analyzed by HPLC, in CJ-L extracts was also higher than in CJ-R extracts. The results of flavanolignans content in CJ-L and CJ-R extracts were consistent in flavonoid and polyphenol. We studied inhibitory effect of two extracts against TGF-${\beta}1$ induced HSCs activation. The CJ-L extracts significantly suppressed overexpression of profibrogenic factor, ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin and collagen-${\alpha}1$(I). The CJ-R extract also showed inhibitory effect on TGF-${\beta}1$ induced HSCs activation, but the efficacy was lower than in CJ-L extract. These results suggest that CJ-L may contribute to the fibrotic liver treatment.

Mast cells is the key effector cells for IgE-mediated allergic responses. In this study, we investigated whether Rhus trichocarpa extract (RT) inhibited IgE-mediated allergic responses in mast cells and an allergic animal model. We further tried to find its mechanism of action in mast cells. We found that RT suppressed antigen-stimulated degranulation and production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-4 in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 mast cells and bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC), as well as IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. As the mechanism of action of RT, it inhibited the activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a pivotal signaling molecule for activation of mast cells and that of LAT, a downstream adaptor molecule of Syk in $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$-mediated signal pathways. RT also suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and Akt. The current results demonstrated for the first time that RT has the anti-allergic effect through inhibiting degranulation and secretion of cytokines by suppression of Syk in antigen-stimulated mast cells. Therefore, RT might be useful for allergic diseases.

Samchulgeonbi-tang (SC) is well-known traditional herbal medicine which is composed of fourteen medicine herbs. SC has been used for the treatment of the chronic gastritis, indigestion, gastric ulcers, gastroptosis and diarrhea disease. The variation in the amount of bioactive components of SC and its fermentation SC with ten Lactobacillus strains were investigated via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of seven bioactive compounds; paeoniflorin, liquiritin, hesperidin, liquiritigenin, kaempferol, atractylenolide III, magnolol were achieved by comparing their retention times ($t_R$) and UV spectra with those of the standard compounds. In the results, the amount of paeoniflorin and hesperidin were 7.967 mg/g, 7.251 mg/g that were the main compounds in SC. The amounts of liquiritigenin was increased by all ten Lactobacillus strains, except strain 128. Especially, the liquiritigenin amount was highest in SC fermented with strain 145 (0.201 mg/g), which was increased by 158.39% compared to SC (0.081 mg/g). In the fermented SC using strains 344, almost components were increased than non-fermented SC, except paeoniflorin and kaempferol. Thus, these results considered that the strains 145 and 344 are most excellent fermentation strains among the 10 species of fermentation strains.

The present study has been undertaken to investigate the effect of the extract of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense leaves (CLE) on blood circulation in a rat model of topical ferric chloride ($FeCl_3$)-induced carotid artery damage. $FeCl_3$ treatment seriously damaged the carotid artery such as the walls of the artery, blood flow and inflammation. However, CLE administration has ameliorated blood circulation and suppressed vessel inflammation. CLE administration also has ameliorated the $FeCl_3$-induced artery tissue damage. Furthermore, CLE significantly suppressed the expression of adhesion molecules. These results suggest that CLE ameliorate blood circulation through suppress inflammatory mediator and adhesion molecule production.

The three biochemical constituents pointed out as the bioactive principles of anticancer activity of Korean mistletoes, Viscum album var. colorantum, epiphyting to different host trees, different region, and different growth environments were compared. The characterizing compounds were lectin, which was glycoprotein reported has anticancer activity, homoflavoyadorinin-B, which was flavonoid glycoside reported as an antioxidant and oleanolic acid, as an anticancerous triterpenoid. We established the analysis methods for three characterizing compounds and determined by HPLC spectrophotometer, respectively. The average content of the lectin in V. album was 1.75 mg/g of dried plants and those of homoflavoyadorinin-B and oleanolic acid were 3.51 and 5.37 mg/g, respectively. The variations of contents of the three characterizing compounds according to epiphytic trees and growth region were observed but not found statistical significance clearly. We came to the conclusion that the contents of bioactive constituents of V. album except homoflavoyadorinin-B are not affected by epiphyting trees or growth environments.

The purpose of this study was to develop a new preparation process of ginseng extract with the high concentration of prosapogenin, the specific component in Red ginseng. Chemical transformation from the ginseng saponin glycosides to the prosapogenin was analyzed by the HPLC. The extracts of ginseng leaf and stem were processed at the several treatment conditions of the microwave and vinegar(about 14% acidity). MGLS-20 findings show that the ginseng leaf and stem extracts that had been processed with microwave and vinegar for 20 minutes peaked in the level of ginsenoside $Rg_3$(0.906%). MGLS-25 peaked in the level of ginsenoside $Rg_5$(0.329%) in the ginseng leaf and stem extract processed with microwave and vinegar for 25 minute. And the other kinds of ginseng prosapogenin did not show a higher content.

Ceramium boydenii belongs to euphorbia humitusa of red algae, and is distributed along the coast of Jeju island. This study was conducted to examine the anti-inflammatory effect and action mechanism of C. boydenii in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. The 80% EtOH extract of C. boydenii inhibits the production of MDC (macrophage derived chemokine), an inflammatory chemokine, induced by IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ in a concentration dependent manner. It also suppressed the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1, a key transcription factor in IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ signaling pathway, at the effective concentrations. These results suggest that C. boydenii demonstrates the anti-inflammatory activity via the suppression of STAT1 activation and has the significant value as an anti-inflammatory source.

Aldose reductase (AR) has been shown to play an important role in the development of the diabetic complications. To discover novel treatments for diabetic complications from natural sources, 59 Chinese herbal medicines have been investigated for inhibitory activities on AR. Among them, 10 herbal medicines, Catalpa fargesii (stem and leaf), Saussurea Laniceps(whole plant), Alnus nepalensis(stem and leaf), Swertia macrosperma (whole plant), Woodfordia fruticosa (stem and leaf), Elsholtzia bodinieri (whole plant), Elsholtzia fruticosa (whole plant), Rosa multiflora (fruit), Nardostachys chinensis (whole plant), Eurya groffii (stem and leaf) exhibited a significant inhibitory activity compared with 3,3-tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG) as positive control. Particularly, 4 herbal medicines, C. fargesii (stem and leaf), S. Laniceps (whole plant), A. nepalensis (stem and leaf), S. macrosperma (whole plant) showed two times more potent inhibitory activity than TMG ($5.37{\mu}g/ml$).

Aldose reductase (AR) plays a central role in the development of the diabetic complications. Eighty one Korean herbal medicines have been investigated for inhibitory activities on AR. Among them, fourteen herbal medicines exhibited a significant inhibitory activity compared with 3,3-tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG) as positive control. Particularly, Xanthium strumarium (fruit, whole plant), Ilex cornuta (stem and leaf), Vitex rotundifolia(stem), Sophora flavescens (whole plant), Platycarya stobilacea (flower) showed two times more potent inhibitory activity than 3,3-tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG).

In order to search for protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors as therapy of type 2 diabetes and obesity from Korean traditional prescriptions, we selected 58 traditional prescriptions based on a review of the Korean traditional medicine books. The hot water extracts of Korean traditional prescriptions were screened for the inhibitory activity against PTP1B. Among the tested extracts, water extracts of Jakgamhwangsinbu-tang, Seonbanghwalmyung-eum, and Takreeonjoong-tang showed relatively good inhibitory activity against PTP1B at the concentration of $30{\mu}g/ml$. Additionally, we evaluated PTP1B inhibitory effect for each herbal ingredient and composition in Jakgamhwangsinbu-tang (芍甘黃辛附湯). Of the tested ingredients from this herbal medicine, water extracts of Paeoniae Radix rubra and Rhei Rhizoma, and ethanol extracts of Paeoniae Radix alba, Rhei Rhizoma, Asiasari Radix, and Aconiti Tuber showed good PTP1B inhibitory effect. Herbal compositions composed of these active herbal ingredients exhibited significant activity for PTP1B inhibition over 70% at $7.5{\mu}g/ml$.

This study was conducted to investigate glutathione S-transferase(GST) activity, tyrosinase inhibitory effect and elastase inhibitory effect in persimmon calyx(calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunberg) for screening of functional materials from natural products. As a result, EtOAc extract of persimmon calyx turned out to be having tyrosinase inhibitory effect and elastase inhibitory effect. The active constituents of tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory effect were isolated from EtOAc extract of persimmon calyx. Their structure of compounds were identified as ursolic acid and (-)-daucosterol by spectroscopic evidence, respectively.

Acer tegmentosum which is belongs to Aceraceae has been widely used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of lots of diseases including pain management. In this study, we evaluated the anti-nocicepitve effects of methanolic extract of A. tegmentosum (MAT) in mice using various pain models. MAT presented strong and dose-dependent anti-nociceptive activities on thermal nociception models such as tail-immersion test and hot plate test. Moreover, acetic acid-induced chemical nociception was signigicantly reduced by MAT treatment. We could confirm MAT's central and peripheral analgesic properties by formalin test. We also found that the pre-treatment of opioid receptor antagonist did not alter the MAT's anti-nociception, suggesting opioid receptor is not involved in analgesic activity of MAT. Based on our results, we could conclude that MAT may be possibly used as an anti-nociceptive agent for the treatment of various nociceptive pains.

We investigated the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of the methanol extracts from Korean folk plants (MKs) in Chungcheong Province. Among 30 MKs, 16 plants at $100{\mu}g/ml$ showed over 90% scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) and 30 plants exerted the hydroxyl radical scavenging effect over 55%. Fourteen plants at the concentration $50{\mu}g/30{\mu}l$ showed strong microbial inhibition activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with clear zone greater than 11 mm in disc assays. Furthermore, the protective effect against anti-inflammatory system using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell was also studied. The treatment of LPS & INF-${\gamma}$ to RAW 264.7 cell induced nitric oxide (NO), however inhibit the formation of NO less than 50% of 5 plants. The present result indicates that the 30 species of MKs exerts protective effect of oxidative stress, antimicrobial activities and anti-inflammatory. In particular, Rhus javanica and Cornus controversa showed stronger effect on not only radical scavenging activity and inhibits growth of S. aureus but also highest protective effects from inflammation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf-life of Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang in Chinese) by long-term storage test. Experiments were performed to evaluate the stability such as the selected physicochemical, pH, identification, heavy metal, microbiological experiment, and amount of marker compounds under a long-term storage test of Bojungikgi-tang decoction. The significant change was not showed in pH, heavy metal, microbiological, and identification test based on long-term storage test. Furthermore, the HPLC analysis was performed for the determinations of liquiritin, glycyrrhizin, nodakenin, and hesperidin in Bojungikgi-tang by long-term storage test. We were calculated shelf-life of Bojungikgi-tang decoction based on the amount change of four constituents. Consequently, Shelf-life by four compounds at room temperature was predicted 23 month. The suggested shelf-life would be helpful on the storage and distribution of herbal medicine.