• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.201-219
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• 2007

Objectives : We studied Effects of Hagocho(prunella vulgaris L.), Gamgook(chrysanthemum indicum L.) and Galgeun(pueraria Radix) aqua-acupuncture on the hyperlipidemic rat. methods : We investigated lowering lipid effect, oxidative capacity, concentration of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, Leptin and histological consideration in hyperlipidemic rat. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 400g were divided into 5 groups of control, Ⅰ: Hagocho (prunella vulgaris L.)+Gamgook (chrysanthemum indicum L.) and Gokji aqua-acupuncture, Ⅱ: Hagocho(prunella vulgaris L.)+Gamgook (chrysanthemum indicum L.) and Joksamri aqua-acupuncture, Ⅲ: Hagocho(prunella vulgaris L.)+Galgeun(pueraria Radix)and Gokji aqua-acupuncture and Ⅳ: Hagocho (prunella vulgaris L.)+Galgeun(pueraria Radix) and Joksamri aqua-acupuncture. Results : Contents of plasma ${\beta}$-lipoprotein, contents of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ and leptin, Plasma triglyceride and glucose, plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, liver total cholesterol, liver triglyceride, plasma and liver TBARS, free fatty acids showed a tendency to decrease in the aqua-acupuncture groups compared to those of control group. The activities of GOT and GPT showed no significantly different in all treatment groups. Values of super oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity showed a tendency to increase in the aqua-acupuncture groups. Histological consideration of heart, kidney and liver in the aqua-acupuncture groups showed slight vasodilation and fat accumulation compared to those of normal rat. Conclusions : These results indicated that prunella vulgaris L., chrysanthemum indicum L. and pueraria Radix aqua-acupuncture at gokji(LI11) and Joksamri(ST36) suppressed adipose tissue mass and lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant system in hyperlipidemic rat.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.242-249
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• 2016

This study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Prunellae Herba(PH). The generation of superoxide anion radical (․O₂-), nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and Prostaglandin E₂(PGE₂) were measured in the H₂O₂-Treated renal epithelial cells(LLC-PK1 cell) of mouse. And the effects of Prunellae Spica on the expression of NF-κB (p50, p65), IKK-α, phospho-IκB-α and inflammation-related proteins, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β and VCAM-1, were examined by western blot. The fluorescent probes, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and dihyldrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) were used to estimate the scavenging effect of Prunellae Spica on ․O₂-, NO, ONOO-. Western blot was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of NF-κB (p50, p65), IKK-α, phospho-IκB-α, inflammation-related proteins, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, VCAM-1. PH inhibited H₂O₂-treated cell death dose-dependently. It reduced the generation of ·O₂-, NO, ONOO- and PGE₂ in the H₂O₂-treated renal epitheial cells(LLC-PK₁ cell) of mouse in vitro. PH reduced the expression of NF-κB, IKK-α, phospho-IκB-α, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β and VCAM-1 genes through means of decreasing activation of NF-κB signaling as well. According to these results, PH has an antioxidative activity and anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the NF-κB pathway. This suggest that PH is expected to be used to regulating inflammatory process and treating inflammation-related disease.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.177-183
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• 2002

The extracts from approximately 40 different Korean traditional medicines were prepared to investigate the antimicrobial activities against poultry disease-related bacteria. Among tested, the extracts of Schizandra chinensis (SC), Melia azedarach (MA), Caesalpinia sappan (CS) and Rhus javanica (RJ) exhibited significant antimicrobial activities against Salmonella gallinarum, whereas the extracts of Elsholtzia ciliata (EC), Myristica fragrans (MF), Alpinia katsumadai (AK), Poncirus trifoliata (PT), Prunella vulgaris (PV), CS and RJ exhibited antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of MA, CS and RJ extracts against S. gallinarum were 1.2 mg/ml, whereas MIC of RJ extract for S. aureus was 0.6 ㎎/ml, which was the lowest among tested. The antimicrobial activities of SC and RJ extracts against S. gallinarum were reduced, but those of AK and CS extracts against S. aureus were not affected by heating treatment. The antimicrobial activities of SC extract against S. gallinarum and those of EC, PT and RJ extracts against S. aureus were stable by acid treatment but unstable by alkaline treatment. those of CS extract was not effected by either acid or alkaline treatment. The growth of all bacteria was significantly inhibited within 24 hours by the addition of at least 100 ppm and 300 ppm of RJ and CS extracts, respectively, compared with the control group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that RJ and CS extracts may play important roles for antimicrobial activities against poultry disease-related bacteria.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.655-662
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• 2000

Electron beam (EB) irradiation was applied to study microbial decontamination effects for kochujang powder by determining their microbiological and physicochemical qualities over gamma ray (GR) irradiation. The samples showed a high microbial population, such as 105~106 CFU/g of total aerobic bacteria, negative of yeasts & molds and coliforms. Total bacterial counts were decreased by 1~2 log cycles with EB irradiation at 5~7.5 kGy, and 10 kGy irradiation was enough to improve the microbiological quality by reducing populations to below 104CFU/g, which was similar to gamma energy. Such doses were effective for controlling the microbial growth in stored samples during storage for 4 months at room temperature. Decimal reduction doses (D10 value) on initial bacterial populations were 2.88~3.02 kGy in EB and 3.57~3.59 kGy in GR, which were influenced by initial populations and energy types applied. Based upon the above results, 7.5~10 kGy irradiation caused negligible changes in Hunter's color, capsaicin, fatty acid composition and organoleptic qualities. Considering the quality changes resulting from subsequent storage, such as a decrease in capsanthin content and an increase in TBA value in the samples, it is recommendable to irradiate kochujang powder at 7.5~10 kGy when used for food processing.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.1483-1490
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• 2007

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of GCP treatment on the expression of NOS, c-fos, serotonin and substance P in central nerve system of monosodium iodoacetate(MIA)-induced osteoarthritic pain model. Arthritis was induced by injection of MIA(0.5 mg) into knee joint cavities of rats. Arthritic rats were divided into control(n=8) and treated(n=8) group. Control group was taken distilled water for 20 days. Treated group was taken extracts of GCP by oraly for same duration. Normal group(n=8) was infected with normal saline and was taken distilled water for 20 days. The numbers of NADPH-d positive cells in superficial dorsal horn of spinal cord of treated group($21{\pm}5$) was significantly (p<0.01) decreased compared with control($33{\pm}5$). The numbers of NADPH-d positive cell in dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter of treated group($111{\pm}16$) was significantly(p<0.01) decreased compared with control($143{\pm}14$). The numbers of c-fos positive cells in dorsal periaqueductal gray matter of treated group($57{\pm}16$) was significantly(p<0.01) decreased compared with control($78{\pm}13$). The numbers of c-fos positive cells in paraventricular thalamic nucleus of treated group($60{\pm}15$) was significantly decreased compared with control($88{\pm}27$). The numbers of serotonin positive cells in median raphe nucleus of treated group($171{\pm}31$) was significantly(p<0.05) decreased compared with control($217{\pm}48$). On the basis of these results, we concluded that GCP treatment has inhibiting effects on the pain transmission in monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic pain model in rat.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.264-269
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• 2017

Prunella vulgaris, well-known traditional medicinal plant, is used for the cure of abscess, scrofula, hypertension and urinary diseases. Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease. The pathological characteristics of diabetic nephropathy are glomerular and tubular basement membrane thickening. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Prunella vulgaris, on diabetic glomerular injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 45 mg/kg) and confirmed by random glucose level higher than ${\leq}300mg/dL$. The experimental rats were divided into five groups: control group (Male SD rats), STZ group (Male SD rats injected STZ), Aminoguanidine group (Male SD rats injected STZ + AG 100 mg/kg/day), Low dose group (Male SD rats injected STZ + APV 100 mg/kg/day), High dose group (Male SD rats injected STZ + APV 300 mg/kg/day). AG or APVs were administered once a day for 8 weeks. Body weight and food/water intake were measured every four weeks. At the end of study, the kidneys were collected and cut into pieces for immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Our study showed that body weight and water/food intake were no significant differences between untreated STZ-induced diabetic rat and APV treated-STZ rat. However, phosphorylation of receptor-regulated Smads (Smad3) was significantly decreased in APV treated-STZ rat as compared with the diabetic group. In addition, APV was improved nephrin level in kidney tissue. Therefore, we suggest that APV has a protective effect against STZ-induced diabetic glomerular injury.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.77-85
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• 2018

Objective : This study was intended to examine the effects of water extract of Prunellae Spica (PS), which is a herb with 'cold' nature based on hot and cold theory of traditional Korean medicine. Methods : Hyperthyroidism was induced in SD rats by LT4 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) daily for four weeks. After 2 weeks of LT4 injection, rats were divided randomly into four groups; normal, LT4-induced hyperthyroid control, PS extract (500 mg/kg, p.o.)-treated group, and propylthiouracil (PTU, 10 mg/kg, s.c.)-treated positive group. After 2 weeks of drug treatment, all rats were sacrificed and harvested blood samples and thyroid tissues. The changes of body weight, food and water intake, and body temperature were measured weekly. Serological markers were analyzed in sera using an enzyme-based assay, and thyroid tissues were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E). Brain and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues were isolated and analyzed the expression of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels by Western blot. Results : PS extract administration attenuated the loss of body weight and the increase of body temperature in LT4-induced hyperthyroidism rats. PS extract increased the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and decreased tiiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4). In action mechanism, PS extract regulated the expression of transient receptor potential channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and transient Receptor Potential channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8), the thermoregulators. Conclusion : To conclude, PS extract can improve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism through regulation of the thyroid hormones imbalance and thermoregulation via TRP channels.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.7
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• pp.1057-1064
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• 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of fermented herbal mixtures (FHMs) in HepG2 and PC12 cells. Two different types of fermented herbal mixtures consisted of Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ganoderma lucidum, Acanthopanax senticosus, Schisandra chinensis, Hovenia dulcis thumb, and Lycii fructus. FHM-A and FHM-B were separately fermented with Prunellae Spica, Portulaca oleracea (FHM-A) and Acorus gramineus, Pycnostelma paniculatum (FHM-B). Total phenolic content of FHM-B was higher than that of FHM-A. ORAC values in both FHM-A and FHM-B increased in a dose-dependent manner, and antioxidant activities against peroxyl radicals were higher in FHM-A than FHM-B. Both FHM-A and FHM-B effectively ameliorated AAPH- and ethanol-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. They also suppressed lipid formation induced by ethanol treatment. In addition, FHM-A and FHM-B prevented $H_2O_2$-induced PC12 cell death. FHM-B showed a relatively stronger protective effect than that of FMB-A. Taken together, these findings show that a fermented herbal mixture could be used in healthy and functional food design for oxidative stress-related diseases.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.151-158
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• 2011

This study was carried out in 2010 to investigate the utilization and nutritive value of native grasses, such as Phragmites communis and Miscanthus sinensis which might reduce the cost of feeding domestic cattle. The regions within the Civilian Control Line in Paju and Sihwa region in Ansan were surveyed. In Paju, the yearly silage production was 900 MT harvested from 90 ha (10 MT/ha). About 30~50% of these were sold out at the marketing price of 52,000~55,000 Won per roll (130~137.5 Won/kg). Regrown Miscanthus sinensis of 70 cm in length contained 9.6% of crude protein (CP), 82.4 of relative feed value (RFV), and 67.7% of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Regrown Phragmites communis of 70 cm in length contained 13.8% of CP, 84.3 of RFV, and 67.9% of IVDMD. As harvesting was delayed, the quality was decreased dramatically. In Ansan region, Phragmites communis plantation covers 100 ha. The silage production was 550 MT from the area of 50 ha (11 MT/ha) in 2009. And the marketing price was 50,000 Won per roll. But in 2010 only a small amount of grasses could have been baled due to frequent and much rainfall from spring to summer season. However, the good forage quality was observed from regrown Phragmites communis of 80 cm in length, 12.9% CP, 99.8 RFV and 66.6% IVDMD, while that of late matured grasses was very low, 2.2% CP, 52.9 RFV and 36.4% IVDMD, greatly lower than forage quality of rice straw. The quality of grasses at bloom stage of 150 cm in length was similar to that of rice straw, showing 4.5% CP, 59.9 RFV and 42.2% IVDMD. In conclusion, the overall quality of most native grasses in this survey were very poor. Therefore, we recommend that Phragmites communis and Miscanthus sinensis should be harvested during June or July to obtain better forage quality which is richer in forage values than rice straw. Production of high quality forage crops was also desirable for self sufficiency of forage.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.491-496
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• 2006

Antimicrobial activity of 18 different traditional medicinal herbs extracts against Staphylococcus aureus was determined by a paper disc method. The Prunella vulgaris, Caesalpinia sappan and Rhus javanica extracts in 5 mg/ml, Poncirus trifoliata, Lonicera japonica and Seutellaria baicalensis extracts in 10 mg/ml and Schizandra chinensis, Alpinia katsumadai, Siegesbeckia orientalis extracts in 30 mg/ml showed a significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of medicinal herbs extracts were in the range of $1{\sim}34\;mg/ml$ and $1{\sim}46\;mg/ml$, in the case of MeOH extracts and EtOH extracts, respectively. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of each solvent fraction was most significant with EtOAc layer. Optical density at 620nm after 24 hours incubation of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of 100, 300 or 500 ppm of Caesalpinia sappan extract ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 compared to 0.4 in the absence of Caesalpinia sappan extract, indicating that growth of Staphylococcus aureus was significantly inhibited within 24 hours by the addition of at least 100 ppm of Caesalpinia sappan extract. Optical density at 620 nm after 24 hours incubation of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of 300 ppm of Rhus javanica extract ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 compared to 0.4 in the absence of Rhus javanica extract, indicating that growth of Staphylococcus aureus was also significantly inhibited within 24 hours by the addition of at least 300 ppm of Rhus javanica extract. Optical density at 620 nm after 24 hours incubation of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of 300 ppm of Seutellaria baicalensis extract ranged from 0.02 to 0.07 compared to 0.4 in the absence of Seutellaria baicalensis extract, indicating that growth of Staphylococcus aureus was also significantly inhibited within 24 hours by the addition of at least 300 ppm of Seutellaria baicalensis extract. In conclusion, these findings suggest that extracts from medicinal herbs may play important roles for antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus.