• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.32-47
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) characterized by an enlarged prostate gland is common in elderly men. Corni Fructus (CF) and Schisandrae Fructus (SF) are known to have various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory efficacy of CF, SF, and their mixture (MIX) on the development of BPH using an in vivo model of testosterone-induced BPH. MATERIALS/METHODS: Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups. To induce BPH, testosterone propionate (TP) was injected to rats except for those in the control group. Finasteride, saw palmetto (SP), CF, SF, and MIX were orally administered along with TP injection. At the end of treatment, histological changes in the prostate and the level of various biomarkers related to BPH were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results showed that BPH induced by TP led to prostate weight and histological changes. Treatment with MIX effectively improved TP-induced BPH by reducing prostate index, lumen area, epithelial thickness, and expression of BPH biomarkers such as 5α-reductase type 2, prostate-specific antigen, androgen receptor, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen compared to treatment with CF or SF alone. Moreover, MIX further reduced levels of elevated serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and prostate-specific antigen in BPH compared to the SP, a positive control. BPH was also improved more by MIX than by CF or SF alone. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, MIX is a potential natural therapeutic candidate for BPH by regulating 5α-reductase and AR signaling pathway.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.53-79
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• 2002

To screen the effective materials for hair loss treatment, several natural extracts were tested using in vivo and in vitro test models. Firstly, all test materials were applicated onto the back skin of C57BL／6 mouse and then hair growth promoting effect was measured using hair growth index. As a result, Prunus mume, black bean, Brassica campestris subsp. black sesame and Rubi Fructus showed potent hair growth promoting effect, ranking as 1.5-2.0 of hair growth index. However, there were no plant extracts, which have remarkable potential of growth promotion of human hair dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro. In the experiments of 5${\alpha}$-reductase type Ⅱ inhibition assay, Prunus mume, Eriobotryae Folium showed effective potential to inhibit the activity of 5${\alpha}$-reductase type Ⅱ. To investigate the possible involvement of the effect of several plant extracts on the gene expression of growth factors in human hair dermal papilla cells, RT - PCR analyses were performed. However, there were no plant extracts, which have profound effect on the gene expression of several growth factors such as IGF-I, KGF, HGF and VEGF in the dermal papilla cells. Another tests for inhibition of microbial such as P. acne were also carried out to find whether these plant extracts have anti -microbial activities. Rubi Fructus showed anti -microbial effects on Propionibacterium acnes, which is believed as a pathogen of acne. Together, these results showed several plant extracts can be used for hair growth promotion.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.80-103
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• 2002

To screen the effective materials for hair loss treatment, several natural extracts were tested using in vivo and in vitro test models. Firstly, all test materials were applicated onto the back skin of C57BL／6 mouse and then hair growth pormoting effect were measured using hair growth index As a result, Polygonum muitifiorum Thunb and Terrninalia chebula Retz. showed potent hair growth promoting effect, ranking as 1.5-2.0 of hair growth index. However, there were no plant extracts, which have remarkable potential of growth promotion of human hair dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro. In the experiments of 5${\alpha}$-reductase type Ⅱ inhibition assay, Morus alba L., Chaenomelis Fructus, Saussureae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Polygonum multifiorum Thunb, and Angelica dahurica (Fischer) Bentham et Hooker f. showed effective potential to inhibit the activity of 5${\alpha}$-reductase type Ⅱ. To investigate the possible involvement of effects of several plant extracts on the gene expression of growth factors in human hair dermal papilla cells, RT-PCR analyses were performed. As a consequences, Mentha haplocalyx Briq., Cimicifuga foetida L., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Pinus densiflora S. et. Z, and Polygonum muitifiorum Thunb revealed the regulatory roles on the expression of growth factors such as IGF-I, KGF, HGF and VEGF in the dermal papilla cells. Another test for inhibition of microbial such as P. acne and P. ovale were also carried out to find whether these plant extracts have anti-microbial activities. Morus alba L. and Chaenomelis Fructus showed anti-microbial effects on Propionibacterium acnes, which is believed as a pathogen of acne. Together, these results showed several plant extracts can be used for hair growth promotion.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.95-103
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Paljeong-san pharmac-opuncture(PJS) on the rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). Methods : Rats were divided into 5 groups, with 6 rats in each group. The 5 groups included sham-operated group(sham group), BPH model group(BPH group), finasteride-treated group (fina group), PJS-treated groups(PJS 10 and PJS 100 group). Testosterone was injected subcutaneously to the castrated rats except sham group for BPH model. During 4-week experimental period, finasteride(5 mg/kg) was administrated orally once daily in fina group, PJS in PJS 10(10 mg/kg) and PJS 100(100 mg/kg) group and normal saline in sham and BPH group were injected subcutaneously once daily at Jungwan($CV_{12}$). We checked prostate weights, serum concentration of dihydrotestosterone(DHT), morphologic changes of the prostate, and the amount of expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and $5{\alpha}$-reductase gene to evaluate the effect of PJS after 4-week experimental period. Results : 1. PJS and finasteride treatment reduced prostate weights comparing with BPH group, but PJS-treated groups showed no significant changes, unlikely fina group. 2. PJS-treated groups showed significant degreases in concentration of DHT. 3. PJS-treated groups showed significant degreases concentration-dependently in the amount of expression of the PCNA and $5{\alpha}$-reductase gene. 4. PJS treatment showed shrinking of thickness in the prostatic epithelial tissue. Conclusions : PJS has the effects that improve the symptoms of BPH through inhibiting proliferation of the prostatic tissues.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.653-660
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• 2010

Pulsatillae Radix and Cicadidae Periostracum have long been used for treatment of injuries, inflammations or itchiness in Korea. This study was carried out to examine the acne-remedy effects of the mixture made with equal parts of Pulsatillae Radix extract and Cicadidae Periostracum extract (PRCP) compared with 2%-benzoyl peroxide (Standard) used commercially as anti-acne. The results showed the mixture (PRCP) was more effective than each crude drug extract. The 10%-PRCP showed significant antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, the major cause of acne, and also showed significant inhibition from type 1 $5{\alpha}$-reductase ($5{\alpha}R$), another cause of acne, And the cream made with PRCP demonstrated anti-sebum and acne-improvement effects on examinee's facial skin.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2009

Due to its well-known function in parturition and milk ejection, oxytocin (OT) has been considered as a 'female neurohypophyseal hormone'. Recent studies, however, clearly indicate that OT has some local roles in male reproduction via both central and peripheral routes. In experimental rodents, OT is released within distinct brain regions in response to social stimuli, and the brain OT receptor (OTR) mediated actions were strongly involved in the regulation of a variety of male behaviors such as mating-associated behaviors. In particular, OT and/or OTR knockout mice provide important clues about the molecular regulatory mechanism of the socio-sexual behaviors. Several lines of evidence also show that OT is synthesized within rodents testis, epididymis and prostate, and the presence of OTRs in these organs. In rodent testes, OT might have a role in the modulation of steroidogenesis via stimulation of the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5alpha-reductase. Similar effects of OT on this androgen conversion were observed in epididymis and prostate suggesting the OT's modulatory role, such as contractility induction, in these androgen-dependent organs. In this context, further investigations on the OT's role in male CNS and reproductive organs are likely to provide better understanding on the complex socio-sexual behaviors and a platform for development of therapeutics to treat some psychological and/or andrological problems.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.632-637
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of red pericarp glutinous rice rich in polyphenols (Jakwangchalbyeo, red rice) on serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol and hepatic protein expression linked to synthesis and degradation of cholesterol in a hypercholesterolemic mice diet as compared with brown rice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5 each), which were fed different diets for a period of 12 weeks: American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93G diet, AIN-93G diet with 2% cholesterol, brown rice with 2% cholesterol, or red rice with 2% cholesterol. RESULT: Consumption of red rice resulted in a significant decrease in serum level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic levels of triglyceride and total-cholesterol. Expression of acyl-coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase-2 (ACAT-2), sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), and 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase was decreased, while expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK ratio, cholesterol 7-${\alpha}$-hydroxylase (CYP7a1), and sterol 12-${\alpha}$-hydroxylase (CYP8b1) was increased in mice fed red rice. Brown rice had similar effects on cholesterol metabolism, but the effect of red rice was significantly greater than that of brown rice. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggested that red rice had a hypocholesterolemic effect by lowering hepatic cholesterol synthesis through ACAT-2, HMG-CoA reductase, and SREBP-2, and by enhancing hepatic cholesterol degradation through CYP7a1 and CYP8b1 in mice fed a hypercholesterolemic diet.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 1984

Five subcellular fractions were obtained by successive centrifugation from the liver of rats within 6 hours of life and characterized by comparing marker compound or marker enzyms. After incubating $3{\beta}$-hydroxy-$5{\alpha}$-pregnan-20-one with the each fraction, the steroids were analyzed by TLC, GLC and GC-MS. A $6{\alpha}$-hydroxylase which hydroxylizes the tetra-hydrogenated compound of progesterone, $3{\beta}$-hydroxy-$5{\alpha}$-pregnan-20-one, was localized in the crude plasma membrane fraction, but not in the microsome fraction. The maximum 6α-hydroxylation was observed at pH 7.0. While this 6α-steroid hydroxylase was not able to hydroxlyze the progesterone, the $3{\alpha}$-isomer was hydroxylized at the $6{\alpha}$-position.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.1-13
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare hair and alopecia of Korean Medicine with those of western medicine. Methods : We studied relationships between hair and essense(精), qi(氣), blood(血), five vicera(五臟) and meridians(經絡) through literature review about hair and alopecia. We compared Korean medicine with western medicine on physiology of hair and treatment of alopecia based on the study. Results & Conclusion : 1. Congenital essense(先天之精) is related with genetic factor and acquired essence(後天之精) is connected with nutritional factor. Defending function of Defense qi(衛氣) is related with immune reaction and qi stagnation(氣鬱) is associated with stress reaction. Atrophy of vascular tissues observed in alopecia scalp means deep relationship between blood(血) and alopecia, further deficiency of blood can cause telogen effluvium. 2. Kidney qi(腎氣) is related with inhibiting combination of Androgen receptor and Dihydrotestosterone(DHT) or activating hair growth factior. Pi(脾) is connected with alopecia seborrheica caused by damp-heat(濕熱) and alopecia areata caused by excessive prudence(思慮過度). Heart(心) is associated with atrophy in vascular tissue of scalp and liver(肝) is connected with metabolism. 3. Armpit hair and pubic hair as secondary sex characteristics are realated with Yangming Meridian(陽明經) and beard and hair at crown part where Type II $5{\alpha}$-reductase is activated much are associated with Taiyang Meridian(太陽經). 4. Juglandis Semen pharmacopuncture and Ganoderma lucidum pharmacopucture have better effects on inhibit $5{\alpha}$-reductase than Finasteride. Minoxidil and PRP are similar with promoting blood flow and removing stasis(活血祛瘀). Seven-star needling(七星針) is similar with microneedling. 5. Alopecia can be caused by due to lack of circulation Views we need solution to improve circulation coincide in opinion with Korean Medicine and Western medicine.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.39-46
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• 2021

Objectives : Mangifera indica leaves are well known for having a variety of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic vasculosis. However, the effects of Mangifera indica leaves on hair loss inhibition have not been studied. In this study, we investigated to find out the activity of Mangifera indica leaves on hair loss. Methods : 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid(ABTS) analysis was performed to confirm the antioxidant efficacy of the water extract of Mangifera indica leaves (WEML). To examine the effect of WEML on cell viability in dermal papillar (DP) cells, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetra Zolium (MTS) analysis was performed. The changes in the mRNA expression level of the hair loss and hair growth-related genes in dermal papilla cells by WEML treatment were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Results : In dermal papilla (DP) cells, ABTS analysis and MTS analysis of WEML showed antioxidant efficacy and low cytotoxicity. As a result of gene expression analysis through Quantitative RT-PCR, no changes in hair growth-related genes BMP6 and CTNNB1 was confirmed. but inhibitory activity of WEML on hair loss-related genes EGR1, SGK, DKK1, SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 was confirmed. Conclusion : We confirmed that WEML has excellent antioxidant efficacy and a inhibitory activity of hair loss-related genes including 5α-reductase genes. These results suggest that Mangifera indica leaves have a potential activity as a hair loss treatment for hair loss and hair growth. Biochemical or molecular biological research on hair loss is needed.