• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1449-1459
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• 2009

Coptidis rhizoma (huanglian) is an herb that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine that has recently been shown to possess anticancer activity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of this herb is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of a combination of CR extract and arsenic trioxide, as well as the apoptotic pathway associated with its mechanism of action in human lung cancer H157 cells. Combined treatment of H157 cells with CR extract and arsenic trioxide resulted in significant apoptotic death. In addition, combined treatment with CR extract and arsenic trioxide acted in concert to induce a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}$), the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and an increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic p53 and Bax protein, which resulted in activation of caspases and apoptosis. CR extract combined with arsenic trioxide also increased the lipid peroxidation, mRNA expression of DR4 and DR5 and caspase-8 activity. These data indicate that combined treatment with CR extract and arsenic trioxide enhanced apoptotic cell death in H157 cells through diverse pathways, including mitochondrial dysfunction and death receptors, particularly DR4 and DR5. Thus, this treatment may be an effective from of chemotherapy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of water extracts of Eucommiae cortex (EC), Psoraleae semen (PS), and their combination on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Methods : We assayed the protein expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and ${\beta}-actin$ in cell lysates using western blotting. Similarly, mRNA expression levels of NFATc1, c-Fos, tartrateresistant acid phosphate (TRAP), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, spermatogeni (GAPDHS) from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we determined the anti-osteoporotic effects of the water extracts of EC, PS, and their combination in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone-loss mouse model. Results : The in vitro data revealed showed that the combination of EC and PS extract showed a more remarkable inhibition of osteoclast differentiation than each herb did alone. The combination downregulated the induction of c-Fos, NFATc1, and TRAP by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$). Lastly, the in vivo data showed that PS reduced the LPS-induced bone erosion. Conclusion : The result of this study suggests that EC and PS could be potential therapeutic agents for bone loss diseases such as osteoporosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.105-114
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• 2020

Background: Exploring the pharmacokinetic (PK) changes of various active components of single herbs and their combinations is necessary to elucidate the compatibility mechanism. However, the lack of chemical standards and low concentrations of multiple active ingredients in the biological matrix restrict PK studies. Methods: A putative multiple reaction monitoring strategy based on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was developed to extend the PK scopes of quantification without resorting to the use of chemical standards. First, the compounds studied, including components with available reference standard (ARS) and components lacking reference standard (LRS), were preclassified to several groups according to their chemical structures. Herb decoctions were then subjected to ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis with appropriate collision energy (CE) in MS² mode. Finally, multiple reaction monitoring transitions transformed from MS² of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used for ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to obtain the mass responses of LRS components. LRS components quantification was further performed by developing an assistive group-dependent semiquantitative method. Results: The developed method was exemplified by the comparative PK process of single herbs Radix Ginseng (RG), Radix Polygala (RP), and their combinations (RG-RP). Significant changes in PK parameters were observed before and after combination. Conclusion: Results indicated that Traditional Chinese Medicine combinations can produce synergistic effects and diminish possible toxic effects, thereby reflecting the advantages of compatibility. The proposed strategy can solve the quantitative problem of LRS and extend the scopes of PK studies.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.582-590
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• 2014

The effect of mugwort extract (ME) and vitamin C (VC), added individually or in combination, on color, lipid oxidation, and sensory characteristics of chicken nuggets stored for 12 d was investigated. Eight treatments of chicken nuggets contained the following: Control (no antioxidant added), VC (0.05% VC), ME 0.05 (0.05% ME), ME 0.1 (0.1% ME), ME 0.2 (0.2% ME), VC+ME 0.05 (0.05% VC + 0.05% ME) and VC+ME 0.1 (0.05% VC + 0.1% ME), VC+ME 0.2 (0.05% VC + 0.2% ME). Results showed that the mixture of 0.05% VC and 0.2% ME was most effective for delaying lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienies, and peroxide formation) when compared to the control or ME alone added. The color values of all treatments were significantly affected by adding ME. Additionally, the total color difference (${\Delta}E$), chroma ($C^*$), and hue angle ($H^{\circ}$) values of all treatments, except for VC, were lower than those of the control as the amount of ME increased. The sensory characteristics (flavor, odor, and overall acceptability) did not differ significantly in any of the chicken nugget samples, whereas storage time had a significant effect. The results suggest that the possibility of utilizing chicken nuggets with a mixture of mugwort extract and vitamin C for the increase of shelf-life and quality.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.221-235
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• 2011

This study focuses on the qualitative characteristics of mackerel marinated with herb extracts. By differentiating the amounts of garlic, ginger and basil, the optimal amount of each ingredient to he added has been found. According to the result of the experiment, the highest level of preference has been shown for the combination of 3% of garlic, 3% of ginger and 2% of basil, generating the optimal amounts to be added. Since the pH change shown by the mackerel marinated by adding the optimal combination of 3% of garlic, 3% of ginger and 2% of basil is included in the range of pH 6.2-6.4, which is the initial point of decomposition for red-fleshed fish, it can be considered to be appropriate for the qualitative characteristics of the product. According to the differences test, GA3 bas shown the lowest level of strength, making it soft. Also, GA3 has shown the highest level of elasticity together with the characteristic of being moist. As a result, it can be said that garlic is better than ginger and basil. According to the preference test, GA3 has shown the highest level of preference in terms of appearance, flavor, texture, taste and overall preference. By considering the above results of the experiment, GA3 (3% of garlic) can be regarded as the optimal amount to be added.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.24-32
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was to investigate the antioxiative capacity, antiobesity effects of Atractylodes Rhizoma Alba, Houttuyniae Herba, Lonicerae Flos, Scutellariae Radix, and Coptidis Rhizoma on Raw 264.7 and 3T3-L1 cell lines. Methods: Three different types of herb extracts (A. Rhizoma Alba, H. Herba, L. Flos, S. Radix, and C. Rhizoma; water 100%, ethanol 30%, ethanol 100%) were used in this study. Total polyphenol compound, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, NO production and cell proliferation were measured. Results: Total polyphenol compound measurement of L. Flos, A. Rhizogenes, and C. Rhizoma extracts were higher than A. Rhizoma Alba, H. Herba. DPPH radical scavenging activity, ROS activity and NO production of S. Radix, C. Rhizoma extracts were lower than L. Flos, A. Rhizoma, and H. Herba. Conclusions: Metformin and S. Radix, C. Rhizoma, A. Rhizoma Alba, and L. Flos extracts combination groups showed synergistic effect on adipocyte differentiation inhibition and antioxidative activity.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.9-18
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• 2018

Objective : Many patients take antihypertensive drugs as well as herbal medicines at the same time in order to treat other symptoms or to keep their well-being. In this study, interactions between herbal medicines and synthetic antihypertensive drugs were analyzed. Methods : To investigate the interaction between herbal medicines and synthetic antihypertensive drugs, three electronic databases, including OASIS, Mediline and Sciencedirect were searched. Experimental and clinical studies on the interaction between herbal medicines and antihypertensive drugs were independently reviewed and included. Results : Analyzing selected studies, twenty herbs were found to interact with antihypertensive drugs. Herbs found to increase the antihypertensive effect were Panax ginseng, Carthamus tinctorius, Magnolia officinalis, Silybum marianum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Schisandra chinensis, Sophora flavescens, Piper nigrum, Curcuma longa, Ginkgo biloba, Juncus effuses and Hydrastis canadensis. In contrast, Commiphora myrrha, Rhodiola rosea, Hypericum perforatum, Eurycoma longifolia, and Daturae metel were found to inhibit the antihypertensive effect. Stephania tetrandra could increase or decrease the effect depending on the type of antihypertensive drug. Epedria sínica was suspected of pharmacodynamic interaction with antihypertensive drug. Glycyrrhiza uralensis has been reported to have serious side effects in combination with antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion : These results imply that when used in combination with herbal medicines and synthetic antihypertensive drugs, proper doses and herbs which are to avoid need to be informed to the patients. Despite concerns about interactions between herbal medicines and synthetic drugs, related research is very limited. More systematic researches are needed to give information on patient safety as well as to guide clinical practice.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.157-166
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• 2015

Purpose: The effects of water extract and distillate from the mixture of black goat meat and medicinal herb on MG-63 osteoblast proliferation and mouse bone marrow derived osteoclast formation were investigated. Methods: Proximate composition, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), mineral content, free amino acid composition and free fatty acid composition in black goat meat were determined. Water extract and distillate were prepared with three groups; goat meat only (BG-E, BG-D), six herbs added group (BG-E6, BG-D6), and eight herbs added group (BG-E8, BG-D8). Osteoblast proliferation, mineralization and calcium uptake activity of MG-63 cells were measured and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity of osteoclasts was analyzed. Results: Black goat meat had remarkably low fat and high level of calcium. Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid. Herbs added extract groups (BG-E6 and BG-E8) showed increased MG-63 cell proliferation in a concentration dependent manner, while all the distillates did not show the effect. All extracts and distillates showed significantly increased osteoblast mineralization depending on the concentration. In particular, herb added extract, BG-E6, increased 170.3% of control and the distillate of BG-D and BG-D6 increased up to 168.5% and 159.8%, respectively. Calcium uptake activities of all water extracts showed remarkable increase of BG-E6 and BG-E8 up to 615.5% and 628.1% of control, respectively. Ditillates had no effect except BG-D6. All water extracts significantly reduced the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in osteoclasts derived from mouse bone marrow. Conclusion: Combination of black goat meat and medicinal herb increased the MG-63 cell proliferation and effectively inhibited osteoclast differentiation in both water extracts and distillate of them, which implies that they could be used as potent functional food materials for bone health.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.23 no.1 s.53
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• pp.21-37
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• 1999

For the purpose of wide application of Korea Ginseng Radix (KGR) as a tonic and medicinal drug, bibliographical study on Ginseng Radix (GR) was done about its herbal and pharmacological effects known so far. Herbal effect of GR was studied in 28 classical books including Shennongbencaojing(신농본초경), the oldest herbal book in oriental medicine and also its pharmacological effects was compared with its herbal effect. In bibliographical study 38 kinds of efficacies of GR were referred in those books, for example, in fields of gastrointestinal tract, heart, psychology, body fluid, hormone and respiratory tract in order from statistical analysis. GR was chiefly used for supplementing Qi, vital energy in oriental medicine. However, experimental study on respiratory diseases was not reported except lung cancer yet, while GR was used for the treatment of asthma mostly mixed with other herb in oriental medicine. So far research with GR was performed chiefly for isolation of constituents as saponins and evaluation of its efficacy experimentally by KGTR (Korea Ginseng Tobacco Research Institute). From the above studies, to make KGR used widely than before, I suggest study with KGR should be done according to oriental principles such as Qi and tasters and combination theory between herbs excepting typical analytical research with saponins.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17
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• pp.257-261
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• 2001

Recently, a traditional medicine called Gouteng-san, which consists of eleven herbs, was reported to be effective in treating vascular dementia with a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Gout-eng-san is also used for patients with vascular dementia in combination with Si-Wu-Tang. The effect of Gouteng-san and Si-Wu-Tang on deficit of learning behavior was investigated using step-down passive avoidance task in mice. Hot-water extract of Gouteng-san (1.5 and 6 g/kg, p.o.) significantly prolonged the step-down latency shortened by scopolamine. The extract of Uncaria hook (150 mg/kg, p.o.), one of the component herb of Gouteng-san, significantly prevented the decrease in the latency after scopolamine. Hot-water extract of Si-Wu-Tang (1.5 and 6 g/kg of dried herbs, p.o.) prevented dose-dependently scopola-mine-induced disruption qf learning behavior. Si-Wu-Tang also prevented the ischemia-induced deficit of learning behavior. Both hot water extract of peony and angelica (1.5 g/kg, p.o.), which are component herbs qf Si-Wu-Tang, prevented the scopolamine-induced learning behavior deficit. Scopolamine (10 uM) suppressed long-term potentiation (LTP) of population spike in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampal slices. Peoniflorin (0.1~ 1uM) extracted from paeony root significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced inhibition of LTR These results suggest that improvement of deficit of learning behavior by Gouteng-san and Si-Wu-Tang is mediated by direct and/or indirect activation of the cholinergic system in the brain.