• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.321-327
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• 2009

Sunlight, and in particular its UV component, is the major environmental trigger that underlies the major signs of human skin and skin cancer in general. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the UV protection effects of R. coreanus. R. coreanus was extracted by ultra high pressure extraction process at 500 MPa and $30^{\circ}C$ for 5 and 15 minutes. The cytotoxicity of the extracts extracted by ultra high pressure process on human dermal fibroblast cell CCD-986sk, human kidney normal cell HEK293, and human lung normal cell HEL299 was measured as 17.5%, 16.5% and 14.0%, respectively in adding $1.0\;mg/m{\ell}$ of the samples, which was much lower than that from conventional water extraction method at $100^{\circ}C$ as 23.2%, 22.5%, 21.2%. The secretion of $NO^-$ from macrophage showed $15.9\;{\mu}M$ on the R. coreanus extract from this process, which was higher than others. Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production from UV-induced human skin cells was also greatly decreased down to $510\;pg/m{\ell}$, compared to the control. From the results, we considered that the extracts from R. coreanus could be potent natural materials for skin anti-inflammation agent, and could be used as a potential anti-aging for the photo-damaged skin.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.103-112
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• 2010

Objective : The aim of this study was to determine whether methanol extract of Do-Ki-Tang (DKT) inhibit free radical generation and production of nitrite an index of NO, $PGE_2$, iNOS, COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cytotoxic activity of extract on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using 5-(3-caroboxymeth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. The expression level of inflammatory response-related proteins was confirmed by western blot. The production of proinflammatory cytokines was measured by ELISA. Results : Our results indicated that DKT scavenged DPPH radical and nitric oxide in vitro. Moreover, DKT significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO, $PGE_2$ production and iNOS, COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 formation in macrophages. Furthermore, DKT treatment also blocked LPS-induced intracellular ROS production and the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPKs. Conclusion : Our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of DKT is mediated through down-modulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines by blocking the signaling pathways of NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPKs. These inhibitory effects by DKT represent a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.627-636
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• 2018

Endometriosis (EM) is one of the most common gynaecological disorder affecting women in their reproductive age. Mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of EM remains poorly understood, however inflammatory responses have been reported to be significantly involved. The efficacy of 6-shogaol on proliferation of endometriotic lesions and inflammatory pathways in experimentally-induced EM model was explored in this study. EM was stimulated in Sprague-Dawley rats by implantation of autologous endometrium onto the peritoneum abdominal wall. Separate groups were treated with 6-shogaol (50, 100 or 150 mg/kg b.wt/day) via oral gavage for one month period. Gestrinone (GTN) group received GTN (0.5 mg/kg/day) as positive control. Five weeks after implantation, the spherical volume of ecto-uterine tissues was determined. Treatment with 6-shogaol significantly reduced the implant size. Histological analysis reported atrophy and regression of the lesions. 6-shogaol administration effectively down-regulated $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling, VEGF and VEGFR-2 (Flk-1) expression in the endometriotic lesions. Excess production of $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 (pro-inflammatory cytokines), PGE2 and nitric oxide (NO) were reduced. Overall, the results of the study reveal the efficacy of 6-shogaol against endometriosis via effectively suppressing proliferation of the lesions and modulating angiogenesis and $COX-2/NF-{\kappa}B$-mediated inflammatory cascades.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.352-358
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• 2013

Korean pine nut oil (PNO) has been reported to have favorable effects on lipid metabolism and appetite control. We investigated whether PNO consumption could influence weight gain, and whether the PNO-induced effect would result in an improvement of immune function in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. C57BL/6 mice were fed control diets with 10% energy fat from either PNO or soybean oil (SBO), or HFDs with 45% energy fat from 10% PNO or SBO and 35% lard, 20% PNO or SBO and 25% lard, or 30% PNO or SBO and 15% lard for 12 weeks. The proliferative responses of splenocytes upon stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Con A-stimulated production of interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$, and LPS-stimulated production of IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) by splenocytes were determined. Consumption of HFDs containing PNO resulted in significantly less weight gain (17% less, P < 0.001), and lower weight gain was mainly due to less white adipose tissue (18% less, P = 0.001). The reduction in weight gain did not result in the overall enhancement in splenocyte proliferation. Overall, PNO consumption resulted in a higher production of IL-$1{\beta}$ (P = 0.04). Replacement of SBO with PNO had no effect on the production of IL-2, IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-6, or $PGE_2$ in mice fed with either the control diets or HFDs. In conclusion, consumption of PNO reduced weight gain in mice fed with HFD, but this effect did not result in the overall improvement in immune responses.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.99-107
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• 2012

Objectives : The aim of this study was to authenticate whether fractionated extract of Rumex japonicus HOUTT. (RJ) has anti-inflammatory effects in mouse macrophage, RAW264.7 cells. Methods : Roots of RJ were extracted by methanol for 48hours. The methanol that gained was filtered and freeze dried. The methanol extract was dissolved in water and dichloromethane (DCM). After that, two layers were separated. Ethyl acetate (EA) added to the water layer and separated again. All the layers were filtered and freeze dried and the extracts were tested. Cytotoxic activity of extracts on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using MTS assay. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured and proinflammatory cytokines and $PGE_2$ were measured by ELISA kit. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), I ${\kappa}$-B-${\alpha}$ and nuclear NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 expression were detected by western blot. Results : Our results indicated that DCM and EA extracts of RJ inhibited the LPS-induced NO, $PGE_2$ production and iNOS, COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 production in RAW 264.7 cells most effectively. DCM and EA extracts also had suppression effects of LPS-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPKs activation. Conclusions : This results demonstrate that fractionated extract of RJ has anti-inflammatory effects and among the fractioned extract, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extract have best anti-inflammatory effects.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.15-29
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• 2014

Objectives We have studied to know effects of Bangkeehwangkee-tang on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced osteoarthritis in rats. Methods Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of monosodium iodoacetate into knee joint cavity of rats. Rats are devided into 4 groups; Sham, control, Bangkeehwangkee-tang, Shinbaro. Sham group was injected by normal saline into knee joint cavity only. Control group was taken no treatment and Experimental groups were taken extracts of Bangkeehwangkee-tang and Shinbaro by orally once a day for 4 weeks. The content of TNF-$\alpha$, IL- $1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in synovial fluids were analysed. COX-2 in chondrocytes and blood PGE2 concentration were analysed. Histopathological examination was performed by Safranin-O fast green staining and Mankins score checking. Results The content of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ in experimental groups were decreased compared with control group. COX-2 in chondrocytes and blood PGE2 concentration in experimental groups were decreased compared with control group. Histopathologically, osteoarthritic scores of experimental groups were decreased compared with control group. But the content of IL-6 in synovial fluids was not significantly compared with control group. Conclusions According to these results, it can be suggested that Bangkeehwangkee-tang has anti-arthritic effects on the MIA induced osteoarthritis in rats.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.386-396
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• 1995

Interieukin 1${\beta}$ is a potent bone resorptive cytokine which mediates soft tissue destruction through the stimulatidn of prostaglandin production and the induction of collagenase. This constellation of activities suggests a role of IL-1${\beta}$ in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of herbal extracts on production and activity of IL-1${\beta}$. When LPS was added to cultured human blood monocytes, the effects of herbal extracts on the production of IL-1${\beta}$ was evaluate by thymocyte stimulation assay. When rHuIL-1${\beta}$ was added to cultured human gingival fibroblasts, the effects of herbal extracts on production of $PGE_2$ was evaluated by ELISA and when it was added to cultured mouse calvaria, the effects on bone resorption was estimated by .$^{45}Ca$-release bone resorption assay. The herbal extracts that had been used in this study were as follows; Asparagi Radix, Schzandrae Fractus, Zizyphi Fractus and Rhois Galla. The following results were obtained from this study. 1. All these extracts effectively inhibited the production of IL-1${\beta}$ on cultured human blood monocytes. 2. All these extracts effectively inibited the production of $PGE_2$ on cultured human gingival fibroblasts. 3. All these extracts did not effectively inhibit the bone resorption induced by rHulL-1${\beta}$ on cultured mouse calvaria.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.204-214
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory activity of the water extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (Pt-WE). Methods : Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 cells, we examined inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$). Also, the inhibitory effect of Pt-WE on the activity of activator protein 1 (AP-1) and upstream signaling molecules was evaluated. To assess the protective effect of Pt-WE on hydrochloride/ethanol (HCl/EtOH)-induced gastric ulcer in mice, we compared Pt-WE (200 mg/kg) with ranitidine (50 mg/kg) treated mice's gastric mucosa, based on gross observations. Results : Pt-WE inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, $PGE_2$ in a dose-dependent manner, without causing cytotoxicity. Pt-WE suppressed AP-1 activation by reducing generations of both c-Jun and c-Fos. In addition, Pt-WE inhibited the p-MKK 4/7 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4/7) and p-JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) 1 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. HCl/EtOH-induced gastric ulcer lesions were inhibited by pre-treatment of Pt-WE based on gross observations. In addition, Pt-WE decreased the phosphorylation level of JNK. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that Pt-WE has anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects. Thus, Pt-WE may be used widely in treatment of not only neurodegenerative diseases but also inflammatory diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.81-89
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• 2008

Objectives: In this study, the pharmacological effects of the ethylacetate extract of Ostericum koreanum(North Kangwhal; NK) on allergic inflammation were investigated in activated human mast cells. Methods: North Kangwhal was extracted with 80% methanol for 24 h, and then fractionated with ethylacetate(NK-EtOAc extract). HMC-1 cells, an human mast line, were pre-incubated with different concentrations of NK-EtOAc extract for 30 min, and then stimulated with PMA(50 nM/ml) and A23187($1{\mu}M/ml$) at indicated times. The cell toxicity was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and cytokines(TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-8) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Results: NK-EtOAc extract($10{\sim}50{\mu}g/ml$) significantly inhibited the productions of $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 in PMA/A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells without cell toxicity($0{\sim}50{\mu}g/ml$). NK-EtOAc extract also inhibited PMA/A23187-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAPK and the NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 subunit translocation into the nuclear of HMC-1 cells. Conclusions: This study suggests that NK-EtOAc extract may have an anti-inflammatory property through suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators in activated mast cells and its molecular mechanism underlies the blocking of NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.91-101
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• 2008

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Ampelopsis Radix methanol(AR-M) extract on allergic inflammation in activated human mast cells and its potential therapeutic or toxic effects. Methods: Ampelopsis Radix(AR) was extracted with 80% methanol. HMC-1 cells, a human mast cell line, were treated with different concentrations of AR-M extract, and then stimulated with PMA plus A23187. The cell toxicity of AR-M extract was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of $PGE_2$ and cytokines were measured by ELISA. The gene expression of COX-2 and its protein levels were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The phosphorylation of ERK MAPK and the NF-${\kappa}B$ activation were determined by Western blot. Results: AR-M extract was significantly inhibited the production of PGE2 and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-8) in PMA/A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells. AR-M extract also attenuated the mRNA expression of COX-2 and its protein induction. Furthermore, AR-M extract attenuated PMA/A23187-induced phophorylation of ERK1/2 MAPK and the NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 subunit translocation into nuclear of HMC-1 cells. AR-M extract significantly decreased PMN A23187-induced release of histamine in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: These results indicate that Ampelopsis Radix shows the property of anti-allergic inflammation In vitro through suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators released from mast cells, suggesting have a potential for the treatment of allergic diseases.