Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Soche-hwan extract on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions of mice. Methods : Experimental mice were divided randomly into four groups. The normal group, the gastropathy group of gastro-inflammation elicited mice, the misoprostol group of mice administered misoprostol after gastro-inflammation elicitation and the Soche-hwan group of mice administered Soche-hwan after gastro-inflammation elicitation. Results : The hemorrhagic erosion of gastric mucosa, the damage of arrangement of mucous secreted cells and HSP70 increased in the gastro-inflammation elicited group, but decreased significantly in the misoprostol and Soche-hwan extract administered groups. Cell proliferation of gastric mucosa decreased in the gastro-inflammation elicited group, but increased significantly in the misoprostol and Soche-hwan extract administered groups. The distribution of mucosal neck cells and mucosal surface cells and PNA positive reactions of surface mucus cells decreased in the gastro-inflammation elicited group, but increased significantly in the misoprostol and Soche-hwan extract administered groups. COX-1 positive cells decreased in the gastro-inflammation elicited group, but increased significantly in the misoprostol and Soche-hwan extract administered groups. iNOS mRNA and COX-2 mRNA increased in the gastro-inflammation elicited group, but decreased significantly in the Soche-hwan extract administered group. NF-kB p65, iNOS and COX-2 increased in the gastro-inflammation elicited group, but decreased significantly in the misoprostol and Soche-hwan extract administered groups. Conclusion : Soche-hwan extract had excellent effects on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in mice.

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect of Angelica Gigantis Radix on cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. Materials and Methods : Hepatic stellate cells(HSC-T6) were treated with various concentrations of Angelica Gigantis Radix extract for both 24 and 48 hours. The extraction was done either with distilled water or 80% EtOH. After the treatment, cell viability, cell proliferation, procollagen production and the mRNA expression of the ASMA, TIMP1, TIMP2, procollagen Type 1a2, and Cytokine IL-6 production were measured by using MTT assay, BrdU assay, RT-PCR, procollagen Type I C-peptide EIA and IL-6 ELISA assay. Results : The cell viability treated with water extraction was significantly increased, but there were no significant changes treated with 80% EtOH extraction. The cell proliferation treated with water extraction decreased only in the 24 hours group, while there were significant decreases either in the 24 and 48 hours groups treated with 80% EtOH extraction. The mRNA expressions of the ASMA, TIMP2 and procollagen 1a2 decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in the 48 hours group. Procollagen production decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in both the 24 and 48 hours groups. Cytokine IL-6 production increased in a concentration-dependent manner in both the 24 and 48 hours groups. Conclusion : These results suggest that Angelica Gigantis Radix is beneficial in the treatment of cirrhotic patients as well as for patients with chronic hepatitis.

Objectives : Hypothyroidism is a relatively common endocrinologic disease, especially among older women. Western medical doctors treat hypothyroidism with levothyroxine, however there are several side effects, including thyrotoxicosis, atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, etc. Therefore, traditional Korean medicine(TKM) offers an appealing alternative therapy for hypothyroidism. In this study, Cuscuta Semen was used to analyze its possible effect on a hypothyroidism rat model induced by propylthiouracil(PTU). Methods : 24 two-month-old Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were divided into 4 groups: normal (n=6), PTU-induced hypothyroidism control(n=6), hypothyroidism rat treated with Cuscuta Semen (n=6), and hypothyroidism rat treated with levothyroxine(n=6). PTU was administered for 4 weeks, Cuscuta Semen and levothyroxine was administered 2 weeks after PTU was initiated for a total duration of 2 weeks. Blood samples from all the rats were taken from their hearts and analyzed. Results : When compared to the normal group, the PTU-induced control group showed significantly lower $T_4$, $T_3$ levels and significantly higher TSH level, which is indicative of hypothyroidism. The Cuscuta Semen group had significantly higher $T_4$ and significantly lower TSH than the control group(p<0.05). There was no significant difference in biochemical labs and weight between the Cuscuta Semen and control groups. Conclusions : These results suggest that Cuscuta Semen could be effective in increasing thyroid hormone production, and be powerful enough to affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Also, no adverse effects related with Cuscuta Semen were found, suggesting that it is relatively safe to administer. In conclusion, it seems that Cuscuta Semen is a safe alternative medicine for hypothyroidism.

Obejectives : To investigate the clinical effect of electroacupuncture and bee venom acupuncture for benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) symptoms. Methods : Among 39 outpatients who were treated at a BPH clinic, 8 were finally selected for analysis by charts-review, retrospectively. They were treated by electroacupuncture and bee venom acupuncture more than 3 times. We estimated the effectiveness of the treatments by using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire and checking their nocturia frequency. On the basis of these variables, we analyzed the statistical significations of symptom improvements. Results : Among 8 patients, the IPSS and nocturia frequency showed significant improvement after the final treatment compared with baseline (P = .0078, P = .0078). The IPSS significantly decreased even after the 1st treatment and also after the 2nd treatment compared with the baseline (P = .0078, P = .0078). The IPSS at post final-treatment, post 1st- and post 2nd treatment also showed significant improvement compared with IPSS at baseline in 6 severe symptomatic patients(P = .031, P = .031, P = .031). Nocturia frequency decreased after the 1st treatment compared with baseline and showed significant improvement between baseline and post 2nd treatment (P = .0078). Conclusions : In a retrospective and cross-sectional study investigating the clinical effects of electroacupuncture and bee venom acupuncture on BPH, these treatments proved to have significant therapeutic effects, particularly for various symptoms involving frequent nocturia.

Objective : To summarize and make a reference number of antihyperlipidemic herbal plants worldwide. Method : We surveyed all papers of antihyperlipidemic studies using herbal plants in Pubmed database as "hyperlipidemia AND herb", "hyperlipidemia AND herbal", etc. of Default Tag "Title". The number of papers, the formation of experiments, frequency of herbal plants studies, and main studies were analyzed. Result : Total 178 studies were finally selected. The number of papers were rapidly was increased since 1998. RCT studies were most papers(39.9%). Most studies were about plant sterol or plant stanol studies(78%). 10 papers studied about Herbal plants. Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Alisma orientale(Sam.) Juz. and so forth were relatively studied much. Conclusion : This study produced an overview of worldwide antihyperlipidemic plants. This result may provide a valuable information for development of Korean herbal medicine against hyperlipidemia in the future.

Objective : In benign prostatic hyperplasia, dihydrotestosterone acts as a potent cellular androgen and promotes prostate growth. Inhibiting enzyme $5{\alpha}$-reductase that is involved in the conversion of testosterone to the active form dihydrotestosterone reduces this excessive prostate growth. The mechanism on benign prostatic hyperplasia is substantiating evidence to support the clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lygodium japonicum on cyto-pathological alterations and expression of $5{\alpha}$-reductase in the rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with testosterone after castration for induction of experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is similar to human benign prostatic hyperplasia in histopathological profiles. Lygodium japonicum as an experimental specimen, and finasteride as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological changes and testosterone levels. Also, the prostates were observed by hematological alterations of AST, ALT, ${\gamma}$-GTP, BUN and creatinine. Results : The rats treated with Lygodium japonicum showed a diminished range of luminal cell and duct epithelial cell damage. The stromal elements and connective tissue proliferation of Lygodium japonicum treated group as compared to the control group decreased. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Lygodium japonicum may protect the glandular epithelial cells. We concluded that Lygodium japonicum could be a useful remedy agent for treating the benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Object : The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of atherosclerosis risk factors and pulse wave velocity (PWV) of carotid-femoral artery with Sasang constitution. This study also aimed to investigate the relationship between PWV and risk factors of atherosclerosis, including serum cholesterol and homosisteine, hs-CRP. Methods : We enrolled 160 patients without experience strokes who visited our hospital for a medical examination from January 1, 2008 to April 30, 2010 except patients whose body constitutions were undetermined according to QSCCII. We investigated the correlation between serum cholesterol values, blood pressure, body mass index(BMI), homosistein, hs-CRP and PWV. Pearson's correlation and partial correlation analysis were applied to examine the relationship between PWV and risk factors of atherosclerosis. Result : Among the 160 subjects, 54 were Taeumin, 54 were Soyangin, and 52 were Soeumin. The prevalences of high BMI (P-value <0.01), high hs-CRP(P-value <0.05), and high PWV(P-value <0.05) of Taeumin were higher than those of the other constitutions. PWV of carotid-femoral artery was significantly different among the three constitutional groups(Taeumin: $8.12{\pm}1.64m/sec$, Soyangin: $7.48{\pm}1.16m/sec$, Soeumin: $7.49{\pm}1.12m/sec$)(P-value <0.05). This research has show a statistical significance between the average amount of carotid-femoral artery PWV that is higher in Taeumin. Age factor of Taeumin was the effective determinant of the increase of mean PWV of carotid-femoral arteries. Conclusions : There were significant differences in the prevalence of atherosclerosis according to Sasang constitution. This study showed that atherosclerosis was more prevalent in Taeumin. Therefore, according to our results, risk of atherosclerosis was higher in Taeumin than among other constitutions.

Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the effects of sihogeji-tang on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. Methods : Experimental rats were classified into three groups. The normal group had no inflammation elicited. The control group was rats administered water after elicitation of gastro-inflammation. The sample group were administered sihogeji-tang after gastro-inflammation elicitation. Results : In the common morphology and histochemical change, the control group were observed to have various injuries by hemorrhagic erosion, while the sample group had noticeably fewer injuries than the control. In the immunohistochemical change, the distribution of HSP-70, PCNA treated with sihogeji-tang noticeably increased over the control group. The distribution of NF-kB, COX-2 treated with sihogeji-tang noticeably decreased compared to the control group. (p<0.05) Conclusions : Sihogeji-tang had significant effects on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats.

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the correlation between Qi movement stagnation condition, stress level and xerostomia in halitosis patients. Methods : Ninety-nine halitosis patients visiting the Halitosis Clinic in the hospital of Oriental medicine, Kyung Hee University from January, 2010 to May, 2010 were recruited. The subjects were assessed on their stress levels(based on the Stress Response Inventory), xerostomia symptoms(based on the 8-item Visual Analogue Scale xerostomia questionnaire), and Qi movement stagnation(氣鬱) condition(one of the subcategories in the Qi, blood and water pattern identification(氣血水辨證)). Salivary functions were evaluated using the unstimulated whole salivary flow rate measurements. Results : Compared to the non-Qi movement stagnation group(Qi movement stagnation pattern identification score < 30), the confirmed Qi movement stagnation group(Qi movement stagnation pattern identification score $\geqq$ 30) showed higher levels of xerostomia and stress. In the regression analysis, the Qi movement stagnation condition and stress levels showed a significant correlation. Furthermore, the Qi movement stagnation condition and stress levels each displayed significant correlations with xerostomia. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that stress and Qi movement stagnation condition contribute to xerostomia symptoms in halitosis patients. Considering the correlation found between the Qi movement stagnation and stress, this study suggests a novel methodology in treating xerostomia, halitosis, and other stress-related disorders through the Qi movement stagnation-related approach.

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of SuJeom-san(SJS) extract in rats with caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods : We examined changes of pancreatic weight, histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression of cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups as follow: normal(Nor), caerulein-induced (Con), caerulein + cefotaxime sodium(CT), caerulein + SJS 3 mg/kg(SJSA), caerulein + SJS 6 mg/kg(SJSB) and caerulein + SJS 12 mg/kg(SJSC) groups. Pancreatic tissues of rats from all groups were removed for histological observation and light, and electron microscopic examination. Platelet activating factor(PAF) and Interleukin-6(IL-6) levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Results : The ratio of pancreas/body weight was significantly(p<0.05) increased in the Con compared with Nor, but significantly(p<0.05) decreased in SJSA, SJSB, SJSC and CT groups compared with Con. Caerulein administration significantly increased(p<0.05) the levels of amylase, but SJSA, SJSB, SJSC and CT significantly(p<0.05) reduced the levels of these enzymes. The levels of platelet activating factor(PAF) increased in Con compared with Nor, but decreased in SJSA, SJSB, SJSC and CT groups compared with Con. Interleukin-6(IL-6) levels increased significantly in all groups compared to Nor at 6 hrs, but significantly(p<0.05) reduced in SJSA, SJSB, SJSC and CT groups compared with Con at 24 hrs. The levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$ levels increased in all groups compared to Nor at 6 hrs, but significantly(p<0.05) reduced in SJSA, SJSB, SJSC and CT groups compared with Con at 24 hrs. The COX-2 positive materials were observed in the pancreas of the Con, but these positive materials were decreased in the SJS extract treatment group. Conclusion : SJS is potentially capable of limiting pancreatic damage during AP by restoring the fine structure of acinar cells and tissue; therefore, we conclude that SJS may have beneficial effects in the treatment of caerulein-induced AP.

Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Goihwa-san(GHS) against ulcerative colitis induced by DSS (dextran sulfate sodium). Method : The sample group was divided into three. The control group consisted of mice that were not inflammation-induced. The pathological group was composed of untreated colitis elicited mice. The experimental group was administered GHS after colitis elicitation. The effects on ulcerative colitis were evaluated by the morphological change of colonic mucosa, the anti-oxidant effect, HSP 70, NF-${\kappa}$B, COX-1, COX-2 and iNOS. Results : In terms of immunohistochemical changes, the distribution of COX-1 in mice treated with GHS increased noticeably more than that in the pathological group. The distributions of HSP70, NF-${\kappa}$B, COX-2, iNOS in mice treated with GHS more decreased than those in the pathological group. Regeneration of surface epithelial cell and goblet cell in mucosa was observed by optical microscope. The colonic lengths in GHS-treated mice were more elongated than those of DSS only treated mice. Conclusion : GHS is a candidate treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the effect of Sunhwangigagambang(SHG) on hyperlipidemia in SD rats induced by high cholesterol diet. Method : After treatment with SHG, cytotoxicity, body weight, liver weight, AST, ALT, ALP, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, albumin, total protein in serum, malondialdehyde, and gene expression for ACAT and HMG-CoA reductase in hepatic tissue were analyzed. Result : 1. SHG didn't show any cytotoxicity in both human fibroblast cell line and SD rats. 2. SHG significantly inhibited the increase of liver weight by high cholesterol diet compared to the control group. 3. SHG significantly ameliorated the increase of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride and reduction of HDL-cholesterol compared to the control group. 4. SHG significantly reduced glucose level in serum compared to the control group. 5. SHG significantly reduced malondialdehyde in hepatic tissue compared to the control group. 6. SHG significantly down-regulated gene expression of ACAT and HMG-CoA reductase compared to the control group. Conclusion : These results suggest that SHG might be effective in treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia.

Objectives : The object of this study was to obtain accurate information (single oral dose toxicity) of Lonicerae Flos (LF; Dried flower bud parts of Lonicera japonica Thunb (Caprifoliaceae)), which has traditionally been used in Korean medicine for treating various inflammatory diseases. Methods : In order to observe the 50% lethal dose (LD 50), approximate lethal dosage (ALD) and target organs, test articles were once orally administered to female and male ICR mice at dose levels of 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 0 (control) mg/kg (body weight.). The mortality and changes on body weight, clinical signs and gross observation were monitored for 14 days after single oral treatment of LF aqueous extracts with organ weights and histopathological observations of 12 types of principle organs. Results : 1. After single oral treatment of LF aqueous extracts, we could not find any mortality and toxicological evidences up to 2,000 mg/kg treated group, the limited dosages in rodents at body and organ weights, clinical signs, gross and histopathological observations. 2. Slight diarrhea was detected in most mice treated with 2,000 mg/kg of LF aqueous extracts and male mice of LF aqueous extracts 1,000 mg/kg within 2 days after end of treatment, respectively. Conclusion : The results obtained in this study suggest that the LD 50 and ALD of LF aqueous extracts in both female and male mice after single oral treatment were considered as over 2,000 mg/kg because no mortalities were detected up to 2000 mg/kg, the highest dose recommended by KFDA and OECD. However, we also observed the possibility of digestive disorders like diarrhea when over 1,000 mg/kg of LF aqueous extracts were administered in the present study.

Objective : This study was examined to investigate the effect of Gamitongseong-san(GTS) extract on spontaneous hypertension. Methods : After administering GTS extract to SHR for 4 weeks, we measured anti-oxygen effects, weight of body, heart and kidney, blood pressure, heart rate, aldosterone, catecholamine, electrolyte, uric acid, and BUN. Results : 1. GTS increased 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase(SOD) similar activity depending on the concentration. 2. GTS significantly decreased heart weight in spontaneously hypertensive rat. 3. GTS significantly decreased blood pressure and heart rate in SHR. 4. GTS significantly decreased aldosterone. 5. GTS significantly decreased norepinephrine and epinephrine. 6. GTS significantly decreased $K^+$. 7. GTS significantly decreased BUN. Conclusions : These results suggest that GTS may be usefully applied for the treatment of hypertension.

Background & Objectives : Yellow fur on the tongue is known to be associated with prognosis of disease in oriental medicine. Higher ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL) & total cholesterol (TC) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL) are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cardiovascular disease index and yellow fur - oriental medical index - in stroke patients over 60 years old. Methods & Subjects : Among 802 of the recruited patients(434 male, 368 female), 340 were yellow fur group(209 male, 131 female). We assessed their general characteristics and risk factors. We compared the cardiovascular disease index between yellow fur and non-yellow fur groups by sex. Results : On the General Characteristics males have yellow fur more often than females. In cardiovascular disease index, the male yellow fur group showed higher ratios of TC/HDL(atherogenic index), (TC-HDL)/HDL, LDL/HDL and higher LDL and showed lower HDL than the non-yellow fur group. In female patients, there were no differences between the two groups about cardiovascular disease index. There were more patients diagnosed with Fire & Heat in the male yellow fur group, and Dampness & Phlegm in the male non-yellow fur group. The male yellow fur group eat fast food more than the non-yellow fur group. Conclusions : The results indicated that yellow fur may be associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. We can thus use yellow fur on the tongue as a cardiovascular disease index in male stroke patients over 60 years old.

Objectives : Coldness of hands and feet has been regarded to be associated with blood circulation. This study was performed to assess the correlation between erythrocyte deformability and coldness of hands and feet. Methods : 145 patients who had taken an erythrocyte deformability test were selected for this study among hospitalized patients within 4 weeks after their cerebral infarction at the Internal Medical Department at Kyunghee Oriental Medical Center from August 2008 to August 2009. We divided the selected patients into two groups, with and without of coldness of hands and feet groups. The two groups were compared on risk factors for atherosclerosis and examined for variables including erythrocyte deformability. Results : 1. On demographic variables of the patients, only body mass index was significantly lower in the coldness of hands and feet group than the control group. There was no significant difference of the rate of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, smoking, drinking and carotid artery stenosis between the two groups. 2. According to blood test, the coldness of hands and feet group showed significantly lower erythrocyte deformability index than the control group. 3. Body mass index and erythrocyte deformability index showed a close relationship with coldness of hands and feet in multivariate analysis. Conclusions : The correlation between the erythrocyte deformability and coldness of hands and feet in cerebral infarction patients were decreased erythrocyte deformability participated in the mechanism of coldness of hands and feet.

Objective : The water extract of Yukgunja-tang(YGJT) has been traditionally used in treatment of qi deficiency and phlegm in Oriental medicine. However, little is known about the mechanism by which YGJT protects neuronal cells from injury damages. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of YGJT on C6 glial cells by glutamate-induced cell death. Methods : The present study describes glutamate, which is known as an excitatory neurotransmitter, related with oxidative damages, and YGJT, which shows protective effects against glutamate-induced C6 glial cell death. One of the main mediators of glutamate-induced cytotoxicity was known on the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) via activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX). The protective effects of antioxidant(NAC) and NOX inhibitor(apocynin) on the glutamate-induced C6 glial cells were determined by a MTT reduction assay. Result : YGJT inhibited glutamate-induced ROS generation via inhibition of NOX expression on glutamate-stimulated C6 glial cells. Furthermore, YGJT attenuated glutamate-induced caspase activation. These results suggest that YGJT could be a new potential candidate against glutamate-induced oxidative stress and cell death. Conclusion : These findings indicate that in C6 glial cells, ROS plays an important role of glutamate-induced cell death and that YGJT may prevent cell death from glutamate-induced cell death by inhibiting the ROS generation.

Purpose : This study was to observe the nephroprotective effects of the traditional prescription, Opi-san(OPS). OPS has been generally used for treating various edematous renal diseases, including acute renal failure. Methods : Three different dosages of OPS extracts were administered once a day for 28 days (5 mg/kg, single intraperitoneally administered). On the 23rd day after OPS extract treatment, cisplatin was treated. All the rats (6 groups of 8 rats each) were checked as follows. Changes of body weight, kidney weight, serum BUN and creatinine levels were observed, as well as changes to the kidney MDA and GSH contents. The results were compared with captopril 100 mg/kg, of which the effects on cisplatin-induced acute renal failures were already confirmed. Results : Cisplatin-induced ARF were induced by oxidative stress and related lipid peroxidation in the present study. However, these ARF and inhibition of antioxidant effects induced by cisplatin were dose-dependently reduced by treatment of OPS extracts except in the 100 mg/kg treated group. The effects of OPS extracts at 500 mg/kg were similar to those of 100 mg/kg of captopril. Conclusion : This study suggests that OPS extracts 500 mg/kg showed favorable effects on the cisplatin-induced rat's ARF as similar to 100 mg/kg of captopril.

Background : Low level laser therapy may be an effective method to protect tissue damage in acute stroke. Recently, series of clinical studies on the basis of animal experiments report efficacy and safety of laser therapy at early stages of acute stroke. Laser promotes mitochondrial ATP synthesis to reduce cell death by ischemic infarction. Objectives : To report possibility of non-invasive laser therapy for acute stroke by reviewing literature about its effectiveness, safety and mechanism. Methods : We searched papers using PubMed and 'Web of Knowledge' of Thomson ISI, using the keywords "Laser Therapy, Low-Level" and "Stroke". Limitations were last 10 years of publications and only in English. Search range includes RCTs, clinical reports, reviews and animal experiments. Papers not matched with inclusion criteria were excluded. Results : A total 223 studies were found, 203 excluded during title and extract screening. After scanning 20 papers the final 2 serial RCTs were selected and analyzed. They reported that transcranial laser therapy led in neuroprotective effect for acute stroke patents. Clinical evaluation factors showed favorable trend and initial safety. Conclusions : Non-invasive laser secured safety of clinical application. It may be a favorable choice for the acute stage of stroke.

Purpose : The object of this study was to observe the nephroprotective effects of Manjeonmoktong-san(MJMTS), which has traditionally been used as Korean medicine for treating various renal diseases, on cisplatin-induced rat acute renal failure. Methods : At first, three different dosages of MJMTS extract were orally administered once a day for 28 days. On the 23rd day after MJMTS extract treatment, cisplatin was treated. Then, 5 days after cisplatin treatment, all the rats (6 groups of 8 rats each) were checked in the present study. The changes to the body weight, kidney weight, serum BUN and creatinine levels were observed with changes on the kidney MDA and GSH contents. The results were compared with captopril 100mg/kg in which the effects on cisplatin-induced acute renal failures were already confirmed. Results : It showed dramatical decrease on the body weight, increase of serum BUN and creatinine levels were detected in cisplatin control as compared with intact control. In addition marked increase of kidney MDA contests and decrease of kidney GSH contents were also detected in cisplatin control as compared with intact control. it means that cisplatin induced ARF are induced by oxiidative stress and related lipid peroxidation in the present study. However, these ARFs and inhibition of antioxidant effects induced by cisplatin were dose-dependently reduced by treatment of all three different dosages of MJMTS extracts. Conclusion : This study suggests that MJMTS extracts have favorable effects on the cisplatin-induced rat ARF.

Objective : The object of this study was to observe the effects of aqueous extracts of Chunglijagam-tang(CLJGT), which has traditionally been used in Korean medicine for treating various diseases, on streptozotocin(STZ)-induced rat diabetes and related complications: diabetic nephropathy, hepatopathy and hyperlipemia. Methods : CLJGT extracts were orally administered once a day for 28 days at a dosage 50, 100 and 200mg/kg from 21 days after STZ treatment, and the changes on body weights, blood glucose levels, kidney and liver weights, serum BUN(blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, AST(aspartate transaminase), ALT(alanine aminotransferase), HDL(high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed with pancreatic malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione(GSH) contents. The results were compared with silymarin 100mg/kg. Results : Significant decrease of blood glucose levels, kidney and liver weights, serum BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, LDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, pancreatic malondialdehyde contents and significant increase of body weights, serum HDL levels, pancreatic glutathione contents were detected in CLJGT extracts 50, 100 and 200mg/kg administered groups as compared to the STZ control group. Conclusion : CLJGT extracts showed favorable effects on the STZ-induced diabetes and related complications mediated by their antioxidant effects as similar to silymarin. Therefore, it is expected that DBEH has potential for use in the management of diabetes and various diabetic complications.

Objectives : In this study, the author tried to investigate whether wood vinegar produced from Morus alba (MA) significantly affects the increase in airway epithelial mucosubstances and hyperplasia of tracheal goblet cells of rats, and in vitro airway mucin secretion and PMA- or EGF- or TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC mucin production / gene expression from human airway epithelial cells. Materials and Methods : For the in vivo experiment, the author induced hypersecretion of airway mucus and goblet cell hyperplasia by exposure of rats to SO2 over 3 weeks. Effect of orally-administered MA over 2 weeks on increase in airway epithelial mucosubstances from tracheal goblet cells of rats and hyperplasia of goblet cells were assessed using histopathological analysis after staining the epithelial tissue with alcian blue. For the in vitro experiment, confluent RTSE cells were chased for 30 min in the presence of MA to assess the effect of MA on mucin secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, effects of MA on PMA- or EGF- or TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC mucin production and gene expression from human airway epithelial cells (NCI-H292) were investigated. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated for 30 min in the presence of MA and treated with PMA (10 ng/ml), EGF (25 ng/ml) or TNF-alpha (0.2 nm) for 24 hrs, to assess both effects of MA on PMA- or EGF- or TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC mucin production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gene expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Possible cytotoxicities of MA in vitro were assessed by examining LDH release from RTSE cells and the rate of survival and proliferation of NCI-H292 cells. In vivo liver and kidney toxicities of MA were evaluated by measuring serum GOT/GPT activities and serum BUN/creatinine concentrations of rats after administering MA orally. Results : 1. MA decreased the amount of intraepithelial mucosubstances of rats exposed to sulfur dioxide inhalationally. 2. MA decreased in vitro mucin secretion from cultured RTSE cells. 3. MA significantly inhibited PMA-, EGF-, and TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC mucin productions and the expression levels of MUC5AC mRNA from NCI-H292 cells. 4. MA did not show either in vitro or in vivo hepatic or renal toxicities. Conclusion : The results from this study suggests that MA can regulate the secretion, production and gene expression of airway mucin observed in diverse respiratory diseases accompanied by mucus hypersecretion and does not show in vivo toxicity to liver and kidney functions after oral administration. Effects of MA should be further studied using animal experimental models that simulate the diverse pathophysiology of respiratory diseases via future research.

Objective : To investigate the therapeutic effects of Hang-Am-Dan(HAD) on gallbladder cancer patients. Method : We prescribed HAD three times a day(3,000-6,000 mg/day) during a treatment period of 8 and 34 months respectively. Computed tomography(CT) was taken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Results : Two patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer were recommended to go through chemotherapy. However, they refused the standard regimen due to their old age and the fear of side effects, and chose to go with Oriental medicine treatments instead. The patients were treated for 8 and 34 months respectively. Each patient showed stable disease(SD) state during the treatment period. Conclusion : According to these cases, it could be concluded that HAD may offer potential benefits in treating gallbladder cancer patients.

Objective : Interaction of warfarin with herbal medicines still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of herbal medicines which contain ginseng on PT INR in patients being treated with warfarin. Method : We studied patients who take herbal medicines which contain ginseng with warfarin during their hospitalization. We retrospectively investigated the effect of herbal medicines which contain ginseng. 10 patients were assigned to receive one of the following adjuncts: Group A (n=4) that received Bojungikkitang-gagam, Group B (n=2) that received Ukgunjatang-gagam, and Group C (n=4) that received Shihogyeji-tang, Gamiondam-tang, Gwininaanshim-tang, and Saengpe-san together. We then investigated changes of PT INR in each group. Result : In group A, there were diminutions of PT INR in 3 cases, and increment in 1 case. In group B, there were increments of PT INR in both cases. In group C, there were increments of PT INR in 3 cases and there was no big change in 1 case. Conclusion : In this study, we found that the interaction of combined herbal medicine is very complicated. So, we must study further more study about interactions of combined herbal medicine on PT INR.

The aim of this study was to report eight patients with dizziness, diagnosed as Qi-dizziness. The cause of Qi-dizziness is seven emotions(七情), and seven emotions induce liver qi depression(肝氣鬱結), spleen deficiency(肝脾不和) and dual deficiency of the heart-spleen(心脾兩虛). Guibisoyo-san($Gu\={i}p\'{\i}xi\={a}oy\'{a}o-s\`{a}n$) modified formula, which can treat the above diagnosis, was given to patients three times a day. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, visual analog scale(VAS) and inconvenience degree (ICD) were examined. After treatment, the VAS score decreased 7.37 points on average and ICD score decreased 1.62 points on average in patients with both peripheral vestibular dizziness and nonvestibular dizziness. This study shows that herbal therapy by traditional Korean medicine has considerable effects on dizziness, regardless of the etiological cause.