• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.60-69
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• 2014

Background: Herbal formulas are generally served as a type of decoction. However, there is no scientific evidence for determining preservation and circulation period of herbal medicine decoctions. Thus, we investigated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of the Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction according to its preservation period. Methods: Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction was stored for 0, 1, 2 or 3 months at room temperature. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effects, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) assay were conducted using the culture supernatant from RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The antioxidant activities were studied by measuring free radical scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH. Results: Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction maintained the inhibitory effects on TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and NO productions after up to 2 months of storage in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. No inflammatory response was observed in 3 months of storage. In addition, the scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction were reduced time-dependently and showed less than 50% inhibition after 3 months of storage. Conclusions: Our results suggest that preservation period of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san decoction is recommended within 2 months after storage.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.15-24
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• 2014

Objectives : Gwakhyangjeonggi-san (GJS) which consists of 13 herbal medicines has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders caused by common cold. This study was performed to compare GJS decoctions produced using different pressure levels for various extraction times. Methods : Decoctions were prepared by the pressure levels of $0kgf/cm^2$ (non-pressurized) or $1kgf/cm^2$ (pressurized) for 30-180 min. The extraction yield, total soluble solid content (TSSC), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) were measured, and the contents of the nine marker compounds were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Results : The higher pressure and longer extraction time significantly increased TSSC value, while decreased the pH value. However, only extraction time affected the extraction yield of pressurized decoction. Variation of the amounts of chemical compounds was shown in pressurized and non-pressurized decoctions during extraction time. The result of regression analysis showed that pressure and extraction time can influence to extraction yield, TSSC, pH, and the content of chemical compounds. Conclusions : This study suggests that the pressure and extraction time can significantly affect the extraction efficiency of components from GJS decoctions.