• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2012

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HHT) and Gungangbuja-tang (GBT) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of inflammation. HHT and GBT are one of the representative prescriptions of cold drug and one of the representative prescriptions of hot drug, respectively. For experimental evaluation of their efficacy, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of HHT and GBT on LPS-induced inflammation and the mechanisms of their action. Methods : ICR mice were given a HHT (50, 500 mg/kg), GBT (100, 1000 mg/kg) extract orally on three consecutive days. On the third day, they were administered LPS intraperitoneally (35 mg/kg), 1 h after the last sample administration. Blood and liver samples were taken 6 h after the LPS challenge. Cytokine expression and inflammation-related protein factor analyses were performed by Western blotting. Results : Oral administration of HHT significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ in the serum. While GBT inhibited an increase of IL-6, IFN-${\gamma}$ was not affected. Immunoblot analysis showed that LPS-induced NF-${\kappa}b$ activation was inhibited by GBT, meanwhile HHT only inhibited NF-${\kappa}b$ expression at high does (500 mg/kg). In addition, HHT and GBT inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Jnk and p38 MAPKs. GBT also significantly inhibited i-Nos and Cox-2 expression, and HHT inhibited only i-Nos expression. Conclusions : Both of HHT and GBT showed anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-induced endotoxemia. However, HHT significantly decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, such as IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ more than GBT, while GBT significantly inhibited inflammatory proteins, including NF-${\kappa}b$, MAP Kinases, i-Nos and Cox-2, more than HHT. These results suggest that HHT and GBT regulate the different mechanisms of action and pathways, presumably by regulating cytokine levels (IL-6, IFN-${\gamma}$), NF-${\kappa}b$ activation, and several pro-inflammatory gene expression, although both of HHT and GBT have anti-inflammatory effects.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.51-68
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• 2017

Objectives : Oxidative stress due to excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the risk factors for the development of several chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Methods : In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of cheongnoemyeongsin-hwan (CNMSH) against oxidative stress‑induced cellular damage and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in neuronal-derived SH-SY5Y cells. Results : Our results revealed that treatment with CNMSH prior to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposure significantly increased the SH-SY5Y cell viability, indicating that the exposure of the SH-SY5Y cells to CNMSH conferred a protective effect against oxidative stress. CNMSH also effectively attenuated H2O2‑induced comet tail formation, and decreased the phosphorylation levels of the histone ${\gamma}H2AX$, as well as the number of apoptotic bodies and Annexin V‑positive cells. In addition, CNMSH exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular ROS generation and restored the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) loss that were induced by H2O2, suggesting that CNMSH prevents H2O2‑induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis. Moreover, H2O2 enhanced the cleavage of caspase-3 and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase, a typical substrate protein of activated caspase-3, as well as DNA fragmentation; however, these events were almost totally reversed by pretreatment with CNMSH. Furthermore, CNMSH increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is a potent antioxidant enzyme, associated with the induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). According to our data, CNMSH is able to protect SH-SY5Y cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis throughout blocking cellular damage related to oxidative stress through a mechanism that would affect ROS elimination and activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Conclusions : Therefore, we believed that CNMSH may potentially serve as an agent for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.69-87
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• 2017

Objectives : Cheongnoemyeongsin-hwan (CNMSH) is a herb medicine to treat cognitive impairment. This study was investigated the effects of CNMSH on learning and memory impairment induced by cerebral hypoperfusion. Cerebral hypoperfusion was produced chronically by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) in rats. Methods : CNMSH was administered orally once a day (250 mg/kg) for 28 days starting at 4th week after the BCCAO. The acquisition of learning and the retention of memory were tested on 9th week after the BCCAO using the Morris water maze. In addition, effect of CNMSH on neuronal apoptosis and ${\beta}-amyloid$ accumulation in the hippocmapus was evaluated with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results : 1. CNMSH and ChAL significantly shortened the escape latencies on the 2nd day of acquisition training trials. 2. ChAL significantly prolonged the swimming time spent in the target and peri-target zones and CNMSH also significantly prolonged the swimming time spent in the peri-target zone. 3. CNMSH and ChAL significantly increased the number of target heading in the retention test. 4. ChAL significantly shortened the time of the 1st target heading in the retention test, but CNMSH insignificantly shortened the time of that. 5. CNMSH and ChAL significantly increased the memory score in the retention test. 6. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the reduction of CA1 neurons, but insignificantly attenuated the reduction of CA1 thickness. 7. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of Bax expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. 8. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of cascapse-3 expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. 9. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the ${\beta}-amyloid$ accumulation in the CA1 of hippocampus. 10. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of APP expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. 11. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of BACE-1 expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. Conclusions : The results show that CNMSH attenuates neuronal apoptosis and ${\beta}-amyloid$ accumulation in the hippocampus and alleviates the impairment of learning and memory produced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. These results suggest that CNMSH may be a beneficial medicinal herb to treat cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2020

Objectives : Present study investigated hepatoprotective effects of four types of Taraxaci Herba water extract (TL-F, Taraxaci Herba leaf originated from foreign country; TR-F, Taraxaci Herba root originated from foreign country; TL-K, Taraxaci Herba leaf originated from Korea; TR-K, Taraxaci Herba root originated from Korea) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury. Methods : Mice were administered orally with 200 mg/kg of TL-F, TR-F, TL-K, or TR-K for seven days, and intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mL/kg of CCl₄ 1 h after last Taraxaci Herba treatment. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as a positive drug. Body weight gain, relative liver weight, serum biochemistry, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, and hepatic antioxidant capacity were determined to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of four extracts. Results : Administration of four types of Taraxaci Herba extract increased body weight gain, and decreased relative liver weight in CCl₄-injected mice. As compared to CCl₄ group, TL-F and TR-F significantly decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase activity, while four extracts reduced CCl₄-induced alanine aminotransferase activity. In addition, TL-F and TR-F significantly decreased the numbers of degenerated hepatocytes, infiltrated inflammatory cells, cleaved caspase-3 positive cells, and cleaved PARP positive cells in hepatic tissues. Moreover, TL-F, TR-F, and TR-K administration reduced the lipid peroxidation and nitrotyrosine, and increased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in hepatic tissues. There were no statistical differences between TL-F- and silymarin-treated group. Conclusion : Of four extracts tested, present results suggest that TL-F is the most favorable candidate against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury through enhancing antioxidant activity.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.101-110
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• 2005

The present study was conducted to compare antioxidant activity of Cuscutae Semen, Psoraleae Fructus, Cnidii Fructus and Epimedii Herba by DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract was studied using diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) for DPPH method. DPPH radical scavenging activity was measured after. .10, 20 and 30 minutes. The extract was tested by 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and $1000{\mu}g/ml$ concentrations. The results showed that the extract scavenged DPPH radical with time-dependent manner. Also, the extract showed dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract of Cuscutae Semen, Psoraleae Fructus, Cnidii Fructus and Epimedii Herba scavenged DPPH radical with the IC50 being 2.7, 3.2, 2.9 and 1.1 mg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, the extract of Epimedii Herba, Cuscutae Semen, Cnidii Fructus and Psoraleae Fructus have antioxidant activity for the treatment of male sterility.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.141-151
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• 2005

From the tuberous root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx.(Ranunculaceae), the main root is called as common monkhood mother root and the later root is called as the prepared aconite root. From the prepared aconite root. Looking at the processing method of the prepared aconite root, it is divided into Yeombuja (prepared aconite root processed in salt) and heuksoonpyeon (baekbupyeon) following the processing method after removing the soil and this is a way of processing the prepared aconite root without damage it. The recently produced raw prepared aconite root is easily damaged, thus it shall be preserved in salt to have the crystal shape on the surface of the prepared aconite root and store and transport in firmly solidified yeombuja condition. Therefore, yeombuja shall remove the salt before use and requires processing for use but heuksoonpyeon or baekbupyeon may use immediately. For the succession of the unique processing techniques of our ancestors, there has to be studies on the techniques. Prepared aconite root is generally used as holy medicines to cure the yang depletion syndrome, kidney-yang deficiency syndrome, and obstruction of qi in the chest syndrome. However, they are the substances with toxicity. It is contemplated that the contents of processing are broadly understood through the document on the processing method, and based on such foundation, the systematic set and proof on the documents are made along with the addition of the contemporary scientific theory and technology to develop the traditional processing technology to maximize the treatment effect and safety of prepared aconite root. In this study, the historic data and records on the processing method of latteral root of aconitum carmichaeli Debx will be rearranged to contribute to the standardization of medicinal herbs, maximization of efficacy and minimization of the side effects.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.151-162
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• 2009

Herba Artemisiae Capillaris is the dried bud of Artemisia capillaris Thunb, which has been used for expelling heat to loosen the bowels and normalizing gallbladder function to cure jaundice in traditional oriental medicines. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extracts of Herba Artemisiae Capillaris (HAC) in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells. Cells were treated with $1\;{\mu}g/ml$ of LPS 1 h before adding HAC extract. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, and the relative level of NO was measured with Griess reagent. TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 cytokines were detected by ELISA. During the entire experimental period, all three doses of HAC extract (0.03, 0.10 and 0.30 mg/ml) had no significant cytotoxicity. LPS-activated cells showed increased NO levels and iNOS expressions compared to control. However, these increases were dramatically attenuated by treatment with HAC extract. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of HAC extract occurred in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, HAC extract reduced the translocation of $NF{\kappa}B$ into nuclear. HAC reduced production of IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 by LPS, although it had no effects on TNF-$\alpha$. These results demonstrate that liquiritigenin exerts anti-inflammatory effects, which results from the inhibition of $NF{\kappa}B$ activation in macrophages, thereby decreasing production of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these results indicate that the aqueous extracts of Herba Artemisiae Capillaris warrant further development as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.115-131
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• 2008

실험목적 : 빈소산은 11가지 생약으로 구성된 복합 한약 처방으로 관절염을 포함한 다양한 염증성 질환의 치료제로 사용되어 왔으나, 관절염에 대한 직접적인 효력평가는 찾아 보기 힘들다. 따라서 본 실험에서는 빈소산 추출물이 Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)로 유발된 rat 류마티스성 관절염에 미치는 치료 효과를 dexamethasone (15mg/kg, 복강 투여) 의 효과와 비교 평가하였다. 실험방법 : 류마티스성 관절염은 FCA (10mg in 1ml paraffin oil 0.1ml/rats)를 좌측 후지에 피내 투여하여 유발하였다. 실험동물은 Wistar 랫트를 사용하였고, FCA 투여 14일 후 유사한 무릎관절 둘레를 나타내는 류마티스성 관절염 유발 rat와 정상 rat 및 실험군을 그룹당 9마리씩 나누었다. 실험동물은 100 또는 200mg/kg의 빈소산 추출물을 FCA 투여 14일 후부터 14일간 경구 투여하였으며, dexamethasone은 15mg/kg 농도로 복강 투여한 다음, 희생하여, 체중, 연골내 collagen 함량 및 chondroitin sulphate, heparin sulphate 및 hyaluronic acid와 같은 뼈내 glycosaminoglycan 함량의 변화를 각각 관찰하였다. 실험결과는 항염 효과가 이미 입증되어 있는 dexamethasone 15mg/kg 복강 투여군과 비교하였다. 결과 : FCA 투여는 현저한 체중, 연골내 collagen 함량 및 chondroitin sulphate, heparin sulphate 및 hyaluronic acid와 같은 뼈내 glycosaminoglycan 함량의 감소와 함께 유발 관절 둘레 및 조직내 prostaglandin $E_2$의 증가와 같은 전형적인 류마티스성 염증을 초래하였으나, 이러한 류마티스성 관절염 소견은 dexamethasone 및 모든 용량의 빈소산 추출물 투여에 의해 현저히 억제되었으며, 특히 빈소산 투여군에서는 투여 용량 의존적인 감소가 인정되었다. 결론 : 이상에서 빈소산 추출물은 투여 용량 의존적인 prostaglandin $E_2$ 억제를 매개하여 FCA 유발 류마티스성 관절염에 대한 치료 효과를 나타내는 것으로 관찰되었다. 따라서 새로운 관절염에 대한 치료제로서 개발 가능성이 있을 것으로 판단된다. 한편 빈소산 추출물은 주로 prostaglandin $E_2$ 억제작용에 의해 항염 효과를 나타내는 것으로 관찰되었으나, 금후 다른 작용기전에 대한 연구와 빈소산의 구성성분 중 유효 성분 규명을 위한 실험이 수행되어야 할 것으로 판단된다.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2008

Recently, people are becoming fatter in most parts of the world. Obesity is regarded as an important risk factor to adversely affect the health of humans, associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, therefore, we tested the short time efficiency and safety of Bangpoongtongsungsan as a drug to decrease body weight in subjects with obesity. A total 48 volunteers (24 man, 24 woman) with body mass index (BMI : weight in kg divided by square of height in meters) of $23㎏/m^2$ participated in clinical study for 12 weeks, from 2008, March 01 to 2008, Jun 30. The subjects was received a dietary supplement of 12 pieces hard capsules per day (4 pieces in one, 3 times in a day) during the clinical study. At the end of clinical study, body weight of subjects was significantly decreased from $72.21{\pm}11.44\;kg$ to $70.53{\pm}11.67\;kg$ (p<0.05). Waist circumferences of subjects were reduced $91.58{\pm}6.43\;cm$ to $85.25{\pm}7.70\;cm$ (p<0.05). Also, a BMI of subjects was significantly decreased $26.07{\pm}2.35\;kg/m^2$ to $25.63{\pm}2.63\;kg/m^2$ (p<0.05). Particularly, a decrease in body weight, waist circumferences, and BMI was more significant in woman than man. But, other biochemical levels including lipid and glucose in plasma had no changes at the end of clinical study. In conclusion, administration of Bangpoongtongsungsan in subjects with high body weight fat could inhibit obesity associated with a decrease in body weight, waist circumferences, and BMI.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.243-257
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• 2016

Objectives : Illicium verum Hook. f. has been known to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, analgesic, sedative, convulsive activities, it has been rarely conducted to evaluate the immuno-biological activity. The present study was examined to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Illicium verum Hook. f. water extracts (IVE) in vivo and in vitro. Methods : Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The relative levels of NO were measured with Griess reagent. iNOS, COX-2, $NF-{\kappa}B$ and target proteins were detected by immunoblot analysis, and levels of cytokines were analyzed by ELISA kit. Anti-edema effect was determined in the carrageenan (CA)-induced paw edema model in rats. Results : All dosages of IVE used in MTT assay had no significant cytotoxicity. The increases of NO production and iNOS expression were detected in LPS-treated cells compared with control. However, these increases were attenuated by treatment with IVE. Also, IVE reduced the elevated production of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 by LPS. IVE inhibited the $p-I{\kappa}B$ and translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ to nuclear. Furthermore, IVE significantly inhibited the increases of hind paw swelling, skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations induced by CA injection. Therefore, IVE will be favorably inhibited the acute edematous inflammations. Conclusion : These results provide evidences that anti-inflammatory effect of IVE is partly due to the reduction of some inflammatory mediators by suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway.