• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.31-38
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• 2008

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of water extract from Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on prevention of hyperlipidemia and liver damage induced by alcohol. Methods: Except for the normal group, we fed rat on 25% alcohol for 55 days. And water extracts from Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix were administrated for the Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group during the same period. We measured the serum components in rat's blood, body weight and weight of liver. Results: At first, we observed effects of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on prevention of hyperlipidemia induced by alcohol. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant decrease of total cholesterol and triglyceride in comparison with those of the control group. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant increase of HDL-cholesterol in comparison with those of the control group. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant increase of body weight in comparison with those of the control group in 4weeks and 8weeks. At second, we observed effects of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on prevention of liver damage induced by alcohol. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant decrease of GPT and ALP in comparison with those of the control group. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant increase of liver weight in comparison with those of the control group. Conclusions: Reviewing these experimental results, it appears that water extracts from Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix have pharmaceutical efficacy on prevention of hyperlipidemia and liver damage induced by alcohol. Therefore further additional study should be conducted to elucidate in depth the pharmaceutical efficacy of these.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of combining Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix extract with Humuli Lupuli Flos extract on estrogenic and anti-osteoclastogenic activity. Methods : Estrogenic effect of a mixture of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix extract and Humuli Lupuli Flos extract (CWHL), Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix extract, Humuli Lupuli Flos extract, caudatin (an active ingredient of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix extract) and 8-prenylnaringenin (an active ingredient of Humuli Lupuli Flos extract) were examined by proliferation E-screen assay and expression of estrogen inducible gene, pS2 via Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) in MCF-7 estrogen responsive cells. And their estrogenic activities were investigated how to modulate Estrogen receptor 𝛽 by binding affinity assay. Inhibitory effect of CWHL, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix extract, Humuli Lupuli Flos extract, caudatin and 8-prenylnaringenin on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation were tested by TRAP (Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) staining in osteoclastogenic RAW 264.7 cells. Results : CWHL, Humuli Lupuli Flos extract and 8-prenylnaringenin accelerated the proliferation of MCF-7 and the expression of pS2 in MCF-7. CWHL, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix extract, Humuli Lupuli Flos extract, caudatin and 8-prenylnaringenin bind to estrogen receptor 𝛽. CWHL, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix extract, Humuli Lupuli Flos extract, caudatin and 8-prenylnaringenin inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in osteoclastogenic RAW 264.7. CWHL is more effective for all markers than Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix extract or Humuli Lupuli Flos extract alone. Conclusions : CWHL may a potential therapeutic agent for menopause and osteoporosis as a natural food resource. CWHL as a natural food source has therapeutic potential in cases of menopause and osteoporosis.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.81-89
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• 2003

Polygoni multiflori Radix has been used as a tonic medicine. In Korea, Cynanchi wilfordii Radix have been used too. Their names are resembled, but their plant origines are different. Polygoni multiflori Radix is called 何首烏 or 赤何首烏, and Cynanchi wilfordii Radix is 白何首烏 or 白首烏. They are suggested that they had been confused using at the early days in drug history. Polygoni multiflori Radix is enclosed in the pharmacopoeias of Korea, North Korea, Chinese and Japan. The nomina of pharmacopoeias are 赤何首烏 at North Korea and 何首烏 at other countries; Korea, Chinese and Japan. Cynanchi wilfordii Radix is just enclosed in Korea and North Korea. It means that Cynanchi wilfordii Radix has been commonly prescribed in Korea and North Korea than other countries. The nomina of pharmacopoeias are 白首烏 in Korea and 白何首烏 in North Korea. The characteristics of 何首烏 in ancient herbal records are confused of Polygoni multiflori Radix and Cynanchi wilfordii Radix. But Polygoni multiflori Radix is fixed at 何首烏 later. In Korea (south and north) Cynanchi wilfordii Radix has been recorded to using in 東醫寶鑑 that was Korea traditional Medicinal book and wrote at 1613. The 白首烏 is named in chinese about 20 century, but 白何首烏 is in korea about 19 century. In these consequences, prescription of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix in Korea is earlier than Chinese and Japan, and more common consumption too. So the nomen of 白何首烏 is better properly than 白首烏 in Korean Herbal pharmacopoeia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.160-168
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• 2012

Objectives: Cynanchi wilfordii Radix has commonly been used with or instead of Polygoni multiflori Radix in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate their history in the traditional Oriental medical literature and quantitative determination of conduritol F from Cynanchi wilfordii Radix according to various harvest times. Methods: We conducted studies of the traditional Oriental medical literature and analysis of the component, conduritol F, simultaneously. Efficacy and origin of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix in literature study, time of harvest in component research. Chromatographic analysis performed using Silica(2) 100A column (Phenomenex 5 um, 250 mm 4.6 mm) with a mixture of acetonitrile and water (98 : 2)(v/v). The analyses detected at UV (210 nm). Results: Conduritol F was detected in Cynanchi wilfordii Radix, but in Cynanchi auriculati Radix was not. We indicate that conduritol F is as a distinguishable indicator with other materia medica. We think the proper harvesting time is October and November. Conclusions: Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of dynamic balance and gait. Based on these results, trunk control is an essential core component of balance and gait. Trunk control training programs after stroke should be developed and emphasized.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.34 no.4 s.135
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• pp.278-281
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• 2003

Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix has been used for the treatment of prematurely grey hair, bald and constipation and Polygoni Multiflori Radix has been used for the treatment of weakness, knee pain, premature greying, elevated serum cholesterol, coronary heart disease, naurasthenia and insominia. Pattern recognition for the analysis of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix was conducted using HPLC method. Pattern of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix was different and we distinguished two medicinal plants by HPLC.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.295-302
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• 2015

Cynanchi wilfordii Radix roots have been utilized as traditional medicine for variety of diseases including diabetes mellitus, aging progression and scavenging free radicals, enhancing immunity, reducing high serum cholesterol, and anti-tumor activity. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain poorly understood. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effect of cynandione A on osteoclast cells. Thus, we was isolated cynandione A from Cynanchi wilfordii Radix roots and evaluated the effect of cynandione A on receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. We found that cynandione A significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation stimulated-RANKL in RAW 264.7 cells. Cynandione A conspicuously inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in cynandione A treated with RANKL. Taken together, our results demonstrated that Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix may be useful treatment option of bone-related disease such as osteoporosis leads to fracture of bone and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.160-165
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• 2012

Osteoporotic fracture became a serious social problem, which related with mortality and morbidity in old age population. Osteoclast which is responsible for bone resorption is originated from hematopoietic cell line and plays a key role osteoporotic bone loss. Cynanchum wilfordii (Asclepiadaceae) roots have been used in Korean folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and aging progression. Also, recent studies have shown that the extract and fractions of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix have various pharmacological actions including scavenging free radicals, enhancing immunity, reducing high serum cholesterol, and anti-tumor activity. However, the effect of extract of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix in osteoclast differentiation had not been reported. Thus, we evaluated the effect of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Through our study, we found that Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix suppressed the activation of p38 pathway and $NF{\kappa}B$ in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with RANKL. Also, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1 and cathepsin K in BMMs treated with RANKL. Particularly, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix inhibited the protein expression of c-fos and NFATc1. Taken together, our results demonstrated that Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix may be useful treatment option of bone-related disease such as osteoporosis leads to fracture of bone and rheumatoid arthritis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.71-79
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was designed to establish a characteristic discrimination of internal and external morphological standard of original plants and herbal states in Polygoni Multiflori and Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix. Methods : In this studies, the external-internal morphological standards were determined by using stereoscope and butanol series. Results: 1. The external characteristics of original plants: Polygonum Multiflorum has alternate leaves, and its flower with white color blooms at the shoot apex or leaf axil. In the other hand, Cynanchum wilfordii has opposite leaves, and its flower with yellowish green color blooms at the leaf axil. 2. The physical characteristics of herbal slates: Polygoni Multiflori Radix is red-brown in outer surface pink-brown in section. In the other hand, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix is earthly-brown in outer surface greyish white in section. 3. The physical characteristics according to the place of production: Demonstrable difference according to the place of production is not seen. Polygoni Multiflori Radix is brown or dark brown in outer surface, soft $Yellow{\sim}dark$ brown in section. In the other hand, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix is white in outer surface, $white{\sim}weak$ red in section, and has power type. 4. The internal characteristics: Polygonum multiflorum has hetero-vascular bundle and lignification of cork layer is progressive. In the other hand, Cynanchum wilfordii has not hetero-vascular bundle, and lignification of cork layer is weak. Conclusion: In the future, many fundamental study such as how to discriminate between Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix in origin and efficacy will be necessary. Also the standard of discrimination must be specific and distinct in that several kinds of fo-ti has been traded. It is considered the results of this study will be furnish κ I the basis Lo succeeding studies and it is needed to extensive comparative study for the same genus-degree of relatedness.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.151-158
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• 2015

Recently, Cynanchi wilfordii Radix has gained wide use in Asian countries as a functional food effective for relieving fatigue, osteoporosis, and constipation, particularly in menopausal disorders. However, its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities have not been explored in detail to date. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties of the Cynanchi wilfordii Radix extracts obtained with water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone were compared. All 4 polyphenol-containing extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The ethanol extract was found to elicit the most potent reduction of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and cytokine (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-${\alpha}$) levels, as well as inhibit the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner. The evaluation of antioxidant activity also revealed the ethanol extract to have the highest free radical scavenging activity, measured as $85.3{\pm}0.4%$, which is equivalent to 99.9% of the activity of ${\alpha}$ -tocopherol. In the assessment of anti-bacterial activity, only ethanol extract was found to inhibit the growth of the Bacillus species Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis. These results show that polyphenols of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties that can be exploited and further improved for use as a supplementary functional food, in cosmetics, and for pharmaceutical purposes.

• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2010

Definitive identification of original plant species is important for standardizing herbal medicine. The herbal medicines Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (Baekshuoh in Korean and Beishuwu in Chinese) and Polygoni Multiflori Radix (Hashuoh in Korean and Heshuwu in Chinese) are often misidentified in the Korean herbal market due to morphological similarities and similar names. Therefore, we developed a reliable molecular marker for the identification of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix. We used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of three plant species, Polygoni multiflorum, Cynanchum wilfordii, and Cynanchum auriculatum, to obtain several species-specific RAPD amplicons. From nucleotide sequences of these RAPD amplicons, we developed six sequence characterized amplification region (SCAR) markers for distinguishing Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix. Furthermore, we established SCAR markers for the simultaneous discrimination of the three species within a single reaction by using multiplex-PCR. These SCAR markers can be used for efficient and rapid authentication of these closely related species, and will be useful for preventing the distribution of adulterants.