Background : In recent years, the glucocorticoid hormone has become a fundamental medication for asthma. However, a long period of hormone administration will result. in general. side effects on many body parts as well as hormone dependence, which has become a serious problem for western physicians. Objectives : We aimed to identify the clinical effects of Cheongsanghoha-tang and the steroid sparing effects of Cheongsanghoha-tang on. Materials and Methods : A subject group consists of 36 asthmatics who had been treated with Cheongsanghoha-tang for four weeks. Cheongsanghoha-tang is a herbal decoction, which has been used of the traditional therapeutic agent of asthma. PFT, QLQAKA, blood eosinophil, serum IgE, Serum IL-4. IL-5, IFN-${\gamma}$ were checked before and 4weeks after the treatment. Results : The only FVC% in ICSG among asthmatic patients was increased significantly compared to NICSG. Treatment of Cheongsanghoha-tang for four weeks resulted in significant increase in QLQAKA. The NICSG treated with Cheongsangboha-tang for four weeks were no significant difference in the blood eosinophil, serum IgE, IL-4 and IL-5. The PFT and QLQAKA in NICSG were increased significantly after 4 weeks treatment. But the serum IFN-${\gamma}$ in NICSG was decreased significantly after 4 weeks treatment. Discontinuation of treatment with inhaled corticosteroid in ICSG resulted in insignificant changes in PFT, the blood eosinophil, the serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-${\gamma}$ and significant increase in QLQAKA. As a result. 8 of 13 cases were cured with hormones completely and the rest of ICSG reduced the dose of ICS. Conclusions : This study shows that Cheongsanghoha-tang has the effects on the improvement of pulmonary function and cures asthmatic patients. These findings demonstrate that Cheongsanghoha-tang has the steroid sparing effect. Some satisfactory therapeutic results have been obtained in treating hormone-dependent asthma by Cheongsanghoha-tang. However. the concept and mechanism of hormone-dependent asthma have not been fully defined yet, and the standard for judging therapeutic effects have not been established. Obviously further researches concerning all these are still necessary.

Objective : Experimental studies have been done to elucidate the effect of kangwhalyupung-tang(KWYPT) on neuronal cell damage induced by brain ischemia. Method : The cytotoxic effect of ischemia was measured in the MTS assay cultures. MTS assay, INT assay, neurofilament(NF) enzymeimmuno assay(EIA). And the KWYPT on ischemia-induced neurotoxicity were examined by in vitro assays. Results : 1. The KWYPT protected effectively neuronal cell-death resulted from brain ischemia induced by the treatment of $95%N_2/5%CO_2$ for 10 min in those dependent fashion. 2. The KWYPT effectively increased the amount of NF resulting from brain ischemia, induced by the treatment of $95%N_2/5%CO_2$ for 15 min in those dependent fashions. Conclusions : KWYPT protects the brain ischemia-induced neurotoxicity through the increase of cell viability and of neurofilament in dose-dependent manner.

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of Injinchunggantang on hepatic sclerosis induced by $CCl_4$. Methods : Weight, liver function test and complete blood cell count, gross findings, and findings on liver tissue of the past(Hematoxylin & Eosin stain, Masson-Trichrome stain) were studied. Results : When it comes to the change of rats' body weight, The $CCl_{4^+}$Injinchunggantang group lost far less weight than The $CCl_{4^-}$only group. In the liver function test, which is focused on various areas such as total cholesterol, alkaline phosphotase, albumin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, The $CCl_{4^+}$Injinchunggantang group was much more closer to normal limit than the $CCl_4$ only group. In the complete blood cell count, including white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrite, platelet, The $CCl_{4^+}$Injinchunggantang group significantly closer to normal limit than $CCl_{4^-}$only group. In the gross findings of hepatic fibrosis models, Injinchunggantang showed inhibitory effect on hepatic fibrosis in the order. In the past findings of hepatic fibrosis models in Hematoxylin & Eosin, Masson-Trichrome staining, the liver in $CCl_{4^-}$only group showed atrophy and necrotic change with white nodules, whereas that of $CCl_{4^+}$Injinchunggantang group showed lesser significant change with the well_preserved tone of the tissue. In the extent of the inhibition of the hepatic fibrosis, the Injinchunggantang group showed statistically significant inhibitory effect(p<0.05) in the sclerosis model. Conclusions : These results show that Injinchunggantang have inhibitory effect on hepatic sclerosis induced by $CCl_4$ and further ultimately prevent liver cirrhosis. To obtain more credible results in this experiment, the invention of a new experimental model more similar to human hepatic sclerosis is still needed.

Objective : This study was carried out for the purpose of proving the effect of anti-allergic efficacy on B cells and the mast cells of the BALB/C mouse by the abstraction from a Moutan cortex. Methods & Results : In order to know what the effect of an abstraction from Moutan cortex and about the expression of CD23 and IgE, IC-2 cell (mouse mast precursor cells that was dependent on IL-3), it was necessary to be activated. We then analyzed it from the flow of cytometry on the increase and the divorce of the B cells activated by anti-CD40. In order to know what the effect of it was on the organization of cytokine gene expression from the increase and divorce of the B cells and allergic acting by Moutan cortex, we found it necessary to examine the IC-2 cells and B cells. At the same time, as we examined the histamine release of IC-2 cells by ELISA method, we also examined the effect of Moutan cortex on the increase and divorce of the B cells by 3H-thymidine uptake method. We then analyzed the release of IL-4, IgE and histamine. Conclusions : As a results, Moutan Cortex promoted blood supply by extending the blood vessel of nasal mucous, which was contracted by the hypertrophied nasal mucous.

Objectives : This study was done to investigate the protective effects of Gagaminjakdowha-Tang on liver injury of rats induced by $CCl_4$ and d-galactosamine. Methods : All animals were divided into 5 groups, those were normal group(untreated), control group(treated with 0.9% Saline solution), sample I group(200mg/kg administrated), sample II group(400mg/kg administrated), Silymarin(200mg/kg administrated) group. Liver injury of rats were induced by $CCl_4$ and d-galactosamine, and then the serumtransaminase(ALT & AST) alkaline phosphatase(ALP), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) for enzyme activities, Liver cytosol malondialdehyde(MDA), catalase, superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione S-transferase(GST) and glutathione-peroxidase(GPX) for enzyme activities were measured. Results : The inhibitory effects on the serum ALT activities were noted in both sample I and sample II group. The inhibitory effects on the serum AST activities were noted in only sample II group. The inhibitory effects on the serum ALP activities were noted in both sample I and sample II group. The inhibitory effects on the serum LDH activities were noted in only sample II group. The inhibitory effects on the liver cytosol malondialdehyde were noted in only sample II group. The decresed effects on the liver cytosol catalase activities were inhibited in only sample II group. The decresed effects on the liver cytosol superoxide dismutase activities were inhibited in only sample II group. The decresed effects on the liver cytosol GST activities were inhibited in only sample II group. The decresed effects on the liver cytosol GPX activities were inhibited in only sample II group. The inhibitory effects of the serum ALT activities were noted in both sample I and sample II. The inhibitory effects of the serum AST activities were noted in only sample II group. The inhibitory effects of the serum ALP activities were noted in only sample II group. The inhibitory effects of the serum LDH activities were noted in both sample I and sample II group. Conclusions : Gagaminjakdowha-Tang has protective effects against liver injury in rats induced by $CCl_4$ and d-galactosamine.

Objective : In order to investigate the curative effect of Jucha-whan on the protective liver of guinea pigs induced by $CCl_4$ and d-galactosamine, serum transaminase(GOT, GPT), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), glutathione S-transferase(GST), superoxide dismutase(SOD) were used to measure enzyme activities and lipid peroxide level. Method : The subject animals were divided into 5 groups; a control group(untreated), a subject group(administered with 0.9% Saline solution), a sample I (500mg/kg administered), sample II group (1000mg/kg administered), positive control group(administered with 200mg/kg silymarine). Result : The inhibitory effects on the serum GOT, LDH, ALP, SOD and Lipid peroxide level activities in protective liver of mice induced by $CCl_4$ were noted both in the sample I group and sample II. The inhibitory effects on the serum GPT activities in protective liver of guinea pigs induced by $CCl_4$ were noted in sample II group, but it was not noted in the sample I. The inhibitory effects on the GST activities in protective liver of guinea pigs induced by $CCl_4$ were not noted in both sample I and sample group II. The inhibitory effects on the serum GOT, GPT activities in protective liver of guinea pigs induced by d-galactosamine were noted in both sample I and sample II, but it was not recognizable statistically. The inhibitory effects on the serum LDH activities in protective liver of guinea pigs induced by d-galactosamine were noted in sample II, but it was not noted in sample I group. Conclusion : According to the above results, it is considered that Jucha-whan has treatment effects on liver injury in guinea pigs induced by $CCl_4$ and d-galactosamine. So it is required to study about the actions of mutual relation of medicines and patho-mechanism through experiment.

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether herbal medication may injure the liver function and kidney function. We clinically studied the changes of biochemistry and complete blood cell count in patients who were hospitalized in Korean hospital. Methods : The subjects were 160 patients admitted in Kangnam Korean hospital, Kyung Hee, whose mean duration of medication was 70 days(min 30, max 252). All patients had been checked biochemistry and complete blood cell count for 30 days since their hospitalization. Results : Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and Creatinine(Cr) decreased significantly on discharge, compared with the values of admissoin(P<0.05). Total protein significantly elevated on dischrge compared with the values of admisson(P<0.05). Conclusions : This study suggests that even though there are few toxic herbal medicines, in general, herbal medications which are prescribed by oriental medicine doctors should be carefully administered not to hurt liver and kidney function.

Objectives : Peroxynitrite($ONOO^-$), formed from the reaction of $O2^-$ and NO, is a cytotoxic species that can oxidize several cellular components such as proteins, lipids and DNA. It has been involved in the aging process and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate scavenging activities of $ONOO^-$ and its precursors, NO and $O_{2^-}$ and its scavenging mechanism of Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR). Methods : To investigate scavenging activities of $ONOO^-,\;NO,\;O_{2^-}$ and its scavenging mechanism, we used fluorescent probes like DCFDA, DAF-2 and DHR 123. The $ONOO^-$ scavenging activity on ZR was assayed by measuring oxidized dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) by fluorometry. The scavenging efficacy was expressed as IC50, showing the concentration of each sample that is required to cause 50% inhibition of DHR 123 oxidation. In a separate study, the protective effect of ZR on $ONOO^-$-induced nitration of bovine serum albumin was investigated through immuno-assay with a monoclonal anti-nitryrosine antibody, and a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-mouse secondary antibody from sheep. Results : ZR markedly scavenged authentic $ONOO^-,\;O_{2^-}$ and NO. It also inhibited $ONOO^-$ induced by $O_{2^-}$ and NO which are derived from SIN-1. The data demonstrated that ZR led to decreased $ONOO^-$ mediated nitration of tyrosine through electron donation. It also inhibited the nitration of bovine serum albumin induced by $ONOO^-$ in a dose-dependent manner. Furtheremore, it blocked LPS-induced ROS and RNS generation. Conclusions : These results suggest that ZR can be developed as an effective $ONOO^-$ scavenger for the prevention of aging process and age-related diseases.

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate effects of the Sungjuchunggan-tang(Xingjiuqinggan-tang), which has been used for alcoholic diseases in Oriental medicine, on alcoholic metabolism and alcoholic liver damage. Methods : We evaluated the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH)and aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH), and measured the levels of AST, ALT, glucose, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and phospholipid in serum of guinea pigs. Results and Conclusions : In this experiment, Sungjuchunggan-tang, Pharbitidis Semen and Puerariae Radix significantly suppressed the activity of ADH which is a precursor enzyme of acetaldehyde. Sungjuchunggan-tang and Pharbitidis Semen significantly suppressed the activity of ALDH, which is a catabolic enzyme, and increased its level. Due to alcohol consumption, level of ALT and AST were significantly reduced. These experimental results suggest that Sungjuchunggan-tang and Pharbitidis Semen inhibit the formation of acetaldehyde in the metabolism of alcohol, and affect the recovery of weakened liver functions caused by alcohol.

In order to investigate the effects of Kaejibokryungwhan, Sobokchugeotang and Dohongsamultang on mesangial cell proliferation and fibronectin synthesis, laboratory study was performed. The results are summarized as follows; 1. Mesangial cell proliferation was significantly decreased in the Kaejibokryungwhan group and the Dohongsamultang group compared with the Control group. In the Sobokchugeotang group, the mesangia1 cell proliferation activity was lesser than Control group, but it was statistically non-significant. In Kaejibokryungwhan group, the Sobokchugeotang group and Dohongsamultang group, mesangial cell proliferation was significantly decreased compared with the Hydrocortisone group 2. In the group, which contained fetal bovine serum, fibronectin synthesis was decreased in the Kaejibokryungwhan group, the Sobokchugeotang group and Dohongsamultang group compared with Control group, but the difference was statistically non-significant. In Kaejibokryungwhan group, Sobokchugeotang group and Dohongsamultang group, fibronectin was less decreased compared with that of Hydrocortisone group. 3. In the group, which contained fetal bovine serum, fibronectin synthesis was significantly decreased in Kaejibokryungwhan group and Sobokchugeotang group than those of Control group. In Dohongsamultang group, the fibronectin synthesis was decreased than Control group, but the difference was statistically non-significant. In Sobokchugeotang group, the fibronectin synthesis was decreased than Hydrocortisone group, but it was statistically non-significant. According to the above results, the mesangial cell proliferation and fibronectin systhesis could be reduced by Kaejibokryungwhan group significantly.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Sohaphyang-won and is to study the mechanism for neuronal death protection in hypoxia with Embryonic day 20(E20) cortical cells of a guinea pig(Sprague Dawley). Methods : E20 cortical cells, used in this investigation were dissociated in Neurobasal media and grown for 14 days in vitro (DIV). On 14 DIV, Sohaphyang-won was added to the culture media for 72 hours. On 17 DIV, cells were given a hypoxic shock and further incubated in normoxia for another three days. On 20 DIV, Sohaphyang-won's effects for neuronal death protection were evaluated by LDH assay and the mechanism was studied by Bcl-2, Bak, Bax, caspase family. Results : This study indicates that Sohaphyang-won's effects for neuronal death protection in hypoxia is confirmed by LDH assay by the method of Embryonic day 20(E20) cortical neuroblast. Conclusions : Sohaphyang-won's mechanism for neuronal death protection in hypoxia restrains inflow of cytochrome C into cellularity caused by Bcl-2 increase and reduces the caspase cascade initiator caspase-10 and the effector caspase-3.

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Gagamchunggan-tang on anti-inflammation reaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HepG2 cell. Method : We examined the effects of the Gagamchunggan-tang, a traditional drug for liver inflammation, on the process of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced nuclear factor-${\kappa}Bp65(NF-{\kappa}Bp65)$ activation in HepG2 cell. SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, Immunofluorescence staining were studied. Results : Immunoblot analysis showed that the level of nucleic $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$ was rapidly up-regulated and cytosolic inhibitory $I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ was down-regulated by LPS challenge. While Gagamchunggan-tang inhibited an increase of $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$ and degradation of $I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ in HepG2 cell. Besides LPS-induced expression of a group of genes, such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), are repressed by Gagamchunggan-tang. It may be concluded that Gagamchunggan-tang attenuates the progress of LPS-induced inflammation by reduction of $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$ activation. Conclusion : The Gagamchunggan-tang would be useful as a therapeutic agent for endotoxin-induced liver disease.

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Chungganhaeju-tang on expression of alcohol metabolizing enzymes, cell viability and alcohol-induced apoptosis. Materials and Methods : For this study, the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was used. HepG2 cells were treated with ethanol-or acetaldehyde, chungganhaeju-tang, anti-Fas neutralizing antibody and were investigated by using quantitative RT-PCR, MTT and Trypan blue exclusion assays. Results : The results are summarized as follows: 1. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that ethanol-or acetaldehyde-mediated increase of ALDH gene expression was not affected by Chungganhaeju-tang treatment. 2, Ethanol-or acetaldehyde-induced apoptosis was remarkably inhibited by Chungganhaeju-tang in a dose-dependent manner. 3, Ethanol-or acetaldehyde-induced apoptosis was significantly blocked by anti-FasL neutralizing antibody, suggesting apoptosis induced by alcohol might be mediated by FasL/Fas signaling pathway. Conclusions : Taken all together, these results indicate that the FasL/Fas signaling plays a critical role in alcohol-induced apoptosis and Chungganhaeju-tang increases viability of liver cells by suppression of the FasL/Fas-mediated apoptosis-signaling pathway.

Objectives : We performed this study to understand the molecular basis of the antitumor effect of Saussurea lappa, Pharbitis nil, Plantago asiatica and Taraxacum mongolicum, which have been used for cancer treatment in Korean traditional medicine. Design: We analyzed, the effect of these medicinal herbs on proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells and its association with gene expression, We performed semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) analysis of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related genes using a gastric cancer cell line AGS. Results : Cell counting assay and $[^3H]thymidine$ uptake analysis showed that Saussurea lappa and Pharbitis nil strongly inhibit cell proliferation of AGS in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, gene espression assay revealed that mRNA espression levels of c-Jun, c-Fos, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1 were markedly decreased by Saussurea lappa and Pharbitis nil. Furthermore, Saussurea lappa was identified to activate expression of the p53 tumor suppressor and its downstream effector $p21^{Wafl}$, which leads to $G_1$ cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These observations suggest that the anticancer effect of Saussurea lappa and Pharbitis nil might be associated with their regulatory capability of tumor-related gene expression.

Back pains include pain in one or both side costa portion and lateral abdomen. There are different kinds of flank-related disease such as intercostal nerve pain, chronic gastritis, duodenitis, herpes zoster, pepticulcer, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and so on. Back pain arises from pathological abnormal activities. On the other hand psychogenic pains are caused by psychogenic factors without pathological abnormal activities. This is similar to KiWol back pain, which resulted from psychogenic factors like stress, anxiety, anger and etc. In oriental medicine, KiWol is the state of depression of Ki, and Shihosogansan used to treat the back pain diagnosed as stagnation of the liver Ki. So, we decided to apply Shihosogansan to a patient who suffered from back pain diagnosed as stagnation of the liver Ki. Therefore the patient treated with Shihosogansan and improved in consciousness symptoms, so we report it for the better treatment.

Herpes zoster is a viral disease characterized by unilateral radicular pain and vesicular eruptions that are generally limited to the dermatome innervated by single spinal or cranial sensory ganglion. The disease causes severe pain and in particular, put elderly patients in great risks and further it develops postherpetic nenralgia. Nowadays western medicine use antiviral durg(ex: acyclovir), analgesics, nerve block and etc for treatment of herpes zoster and pain control, but the effect is not much satisfactory. A 73-year-old patient, admitted to our hospital because of severe migrain. Two days later, her illness was diagnosed as herpes zoster so we administrated Yongdamsagan-tang. After the six-day of treatment, all symptoms improved, especially headache was cleared since the four day long administration of Yongdamsagan-tang.