• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.73-80
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• 2012

Objectives : Under normal condition melanin protects the skin from extracellular stimuli including ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative skin damages, but excess production and accumulation of melanin can induce hyperpigmentation causing esthetic problems. Therefore, in this study we tried to search for natural skin whitening materials from marine natural resources. Methods : Water and ethanol extracts of marine natural resources were prepared from Porphyra thalli (PT), Laminariae thallus (LT), Ostreae concha (OC), Sargassum thallus (ST), Undaria thallus (UT), Codium thalli (CT), Enteromorpha thalli (ET), Syngnathoides biaculeatus (SB), and Hippocampus coronatus (Hc). Their effects against UVB and ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH)-induced melanogenesis were investigated based on melanin formation in B16 mouse melanoma cells. The mRNA and protein expression of enzymes involved in the melanogenic process were further examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results : Water extract of Ostreae concha (OCW/E) effectively inhibited UVB and ${\alpha}$-MSH-induced melanin production in B16 melanocytes, which seemed to be mediated by inhibition of mRNA expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1). In another experiment, ethanol extracts from Porphyra thalli (PTE/E), Laminariae thallus (LTE/E), Sargassum thallus (STE/E), Undaria thallus (UTE/E), Codium thalli (CTE/E), Syngnathoides biaculeatus (SBE/E), and Hippocampus coronatus (HcE/E) significantly suppressed UVB and ${\alpha}$-MSH-induced melanin formation. Furthermore, ethylacetate fraction isolated form LTE/E (LTE/EEt) decreased UVB and ${\alpha}$-MSH-elevated extracellular melanin levels via inhibition of tyrosinase protein expression. Conclutions : These results suggest that marine natural resources such as Porphyra thalli, Laminariae thallus, Ostreae concha, Sargassum thallus, Undaria thallus, Codium thalli, Syngnathoides biaculeatus and Hippocampus coronatus have anti-melanogenic effects, thereby exhibiting high potentials to be utilized as one of the ingredients for the development of new whitening functional cosmetics.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.4125-4129
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• 2016

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) places a significant burden on the patient. Herbal agents are the most commonly complementary therapies used among the public. This study was done to determine the effect of ginger and chamomile capsules on nausea and vomiting in cases undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind and clinical trial study, 65 women with BC undergoing chemotherapy were referred to Breast Cancer Research Center, Tehran, Iran, between May 2013 to June 2014. Regimen for ginger group for 5 days before and 5 days after chemotherapy was: 2 times a day and 500 mg capsules of powdered ginger root in addition to a routine antiemetic regimen consisting of dexamethasone, metoclopramide and aprepitant (DMA) capsules. Chamomile group similarly was: 2 times a day and 500 mg capsules of Matricaria chamomilla extract in addition to a routine antiemetic regimen consisting of DMA capsules. Control group, routine antiemetic regimen consisting of DMA capsules. Results: There were no significant differences between the ginger, chamomile and control groups regarding age. Drugs used for chemotherapy were identical and duration of disease was also matched (1-4 months). Ginger and chamomile were both significantly effective for reducing the frequency of vomiting, there being no significant difference between the ginger and chamomile groups. Moreover, unlike the chamomile, ginger significantly influenced the frequency of nausea. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, it should be declared that taking ginger capsules (1 g/day) might relieve CINV safely. Nurses dealing directly with cancer patients should be responsible for providing educational programs for patients and their families about how to deal with their drug regimens and associated side effects.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.81-93
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• 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Chuna therapy for primary dysmenorrhea. Methods Researchers searched on 7 electronic databases (Pubmed, National Digital Science Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang med online, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service and Oriental medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System). The search included Korean, English, Chinese reports and there was no limit on the search period. All of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that used Chuna manual therapy for primary dysmenorrhea were selected. Results 27 RCTs met required condition. Meta-analysis showed positive results for Chuna manual therapy for primary dysmenorrhea in terms of therapeutic effects and reduction of symptom scores compared to west medicine, herbal medicine, acupucture and other treatments. Conclusions Above results showed that performing chuna is effective in treating dysmenorrhea. However, in some studies, there was no statistic significance between the experimental group and the control group. Also, according to Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) evaluation method, quality of the studies were not high enough. Since most of the materials were in Chinese, more high-quality clinical trials about Chuna therapy for primary dysmenorrhea are needed in Korea.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.76-87
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• 2008

Objectives: In this study, the author investigated whether Haengso-tang (HST) and Chwiyeon-tang (CHT) affect both in vitro mucin secretion and MUC5AC gene expression in airway epithelial cells and in vivo mucin secretion from animal model for airway mucus hypersecretion. Materials and Methods: Confluent HTSE cells (non-labeled) were chased for 30 min in the presence of HST and CHT to assess the effects of the agents on mucin secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with removal of oriental herbal medicine extract from each agent-treated sample by centrifuge microfilter. Also, the effects of the agents on TNF- or EGF-induced MUC5AC gene expression in human airway epithelial cells (NCI-H292) were investigated. The author also induced hypersecretion of airway mucus by exposure of rats to SO2 for 3 weeks. Effects of orally-administered HST and CHT during 1 week on in vivo mucin secretion from tracheal goblet cells of rats were assessed using ELISA. Results: (1) HST significantly decreased in vitro mucin secretion from cultured HTSE cells. However, CHT did not affect in vitro mucin secretion from HTSE cells; (2) CHT significantly inhibited the expression levels of EGF- or TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC gene in NCI-H292 cells. However, HST did not affect the expression levels of EGF- or TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC gene in NCI-H292 cells; (3) CHT significantly inhibited hypersecretion of in vivo mucin. However, HST did not affect hypersecretion of in vivo mucin. Conclusion: These results suggest that CHT can not only affect the secretion of mucin but also the expression of the mucin gene and could be helpful for treating pulmonary disease caused by secretion of mucin.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7847-7852
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• 2015

Purpose: Research carried out with gynecologic cancer patients using CAM was reviewed to provide a source for discussing which CAM method is used for which purpose, patients' perceptions on the effects/side effects occurred during/after using CAM and their sources of information regarding CAM. Materials and Methods: This literature review was carried out for the period between January 2000 and March 2015 using Scopus, Dynamed, Med-Line, Science Dırect, Ulakbim, Research Starters, Ebscohost, Cinahl Complete, Academic Onefile, Directory of Open Access Journals, BMJ Online Journals (2007-2009), Ovid, Oxford Journal, Proquest Hospital Collection, Springer-Kluwer Link, Taylor & Francis, Up To Date, Web Of Science (Citation Index), Wiley Cochrane-Evidence Base, Wiley Online Library, and Pub-Med search databases with "complementary and alternative medicine, gynecologic cancer" as keywords. After searching through these results, a total of 12 full length papers in English were included. Results: CAM use in gynecologic cancer patients was discussed in 8 studies and CAM use in breast and gynecologic cancer patients in 4. It was determined that the frequency of CAM use varies between 40.3% and 94.7%. As the CAM method, herbal medicines, vitamins/minerals were used most frequently in 8 of the studies. When the reasons why gynecologic cancer patients use CAM are examined, it is determined that they generally use to strengthen the immune system, reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and for physical and psychological relaxation. In this review, most of the gynecologic cancer patients perceived use of CAM as beneficial. Conclusions: In order that the patients obtain adequate reliable information about CAM and avoid practices which may harm the efficiency of medical treatment, it is recommended that "Healthcare Professionals" develop a common language.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.101-118
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• 2011

Herbal medicine has a high body absorption rate when it ferments. Biological and clinical research on the fermented herb gradually increases because it has effective materials for the treatment of a disease and it is a little bitter. In this study, we investigated the effect of fermented Baedokhwanbalhyobang (BDHBH) on attenuation of the development of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice by evaluating the cytokine level in serum, the mRNA expression of cytokine and histological alteration of the skin, and the skin severity. We have come to the following conclusion. BDHBH led to a significant decrease in the skin severity score (63.1%) as compared to the control group. CD4+/CD45+, CD4+, B220+/CD23+, and CD11b+/Gr-1+cells of peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the BDHBH-treated group were decreased to 6.7%, 31.1%, 22.4%, 36.6%, respectively. CD3+and CD11b+/Gr-1+immune cells in dorsal skin of the BDHBH-treated group were decreased to 52.9% and 28.0%. The levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in serum of the BDHBH-treated group were inhibited to 18.8% and 5.1%. The mRNA expressions of IL-5 and IL-13 in dorsal skin were also decreased to 30.6% and 27.8% after the treatment of BDHBH. BDHBH inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of eosinophils. In histological examination, BDHBH decreased the thickness of epidermis and dermis, and infilatration of mast cells as compared to the control group. These results indicate that BDHBH inhibits the pathogenic development of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. These results may indicate that BDHBH attenuates the development of atopic dermatitis-like lesions by lowering immune cells and inflammatory cytokine levels, and that it is valuable in drug development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Further experiments on the components of BDHBH will be needed to better understand the effect of a fermented herb as compared to a herb.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.236-241
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• 2009

Dracocephalum argunense Fischer ex Link (Labiatae) is a perennial herbaceous plant used as valuable materials for ornamentals, honey production, and pharmaceutics. Since seed germination of this species was quite difficult, present studies were conducted to improve the germination rate by subjecting the seeds to various environmental conditions (temperature and light) and treatments (scarification, priming and seed coating). Optimum temperature for adequate germination was 20$^{\circ}C$ though it ranged from 15$^{\circ}C$ to 25$^{\circ}C$, and low temperature treatment improved germination rate. Light was required for higher germination rate in this species. The scarification of seeds resulted in much higher germination, especially by the physical treatment with sandpaper or chemical treatment with sulfuric acid for 30 seconds. Various primers with different concentrations were treated on the seeds and it was demonstrated that low temperature enhanced germination rate, regardless of kinds and concentrations of the primers. Three treatment combinations of the primers, 0.5 mM $GA_{3}$ treated for 48 hours, 0.5 mM IAA for 24 hours, and 1.0 mM IAA for 24 hours, increased the seed germination rate profoundly. Soaking treatment of inorganic salts, $KNO_{3}$ and $KH_{3}PO_{4}$, promoted germination when seeds were subjected to low temperature. Water soluble primers such as sucrose at 0.5 and 3% concentration and solid primer talc powder were effective in enhancing germination rate.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.699-706
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• 2017

For rapid production of freesia 'Shiny Gold' shoots by using a bioreactor, several culture conditions were investigated. Young shoots (< 1 cm) obtained from freesia corm section in vitro were used as plant materials for this experiment. As a basic experimental environment, 20 young shoots were inoculated into a 5 L balloon type bubble reactor which contained 1 L 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 30 g sucrose (3%), and the aeration was 0.1 vvm (vessel volumes per minute). The bioreactors were placed in a growth room with $23^{\circ}C$ temperature, 60% relative humidity and $60{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ light condition (16 h/8 h, day/night). The concentrations of MS media were set with 1/4, 1/2, 1 strength, medium volume 10, 20, 40%, sucrose concentration 3, 6, 9%, and aeration 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 vvm. After 4 weeks of cultivation, the growth indexes including the fresh and dry weight, and plant height were evaluated. At the same time, the consumption, pH, and EC of medium were estimated 4 weeks after incubating. The best results were achieved when 40 young shoots were incubated in a bioreactor in which 1 L of 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 6% sucrose was used for the rapid production of freesia shoots. The shoots were 17 cm in plant height and 1.0 g in fresh weight only 4 weeks after incubation which could be a good plant material suitable for corm enlargement in vitro. No correlation was observed between the growth of freesia shoots and the consumption, pH or EC of medium.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.19 no.3 s.31
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• pp.34-54
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• 2006

The effects of four extracts of medicinal herbs, Rubus coreanum, Acorus calamus, Morus alba and Rehmannia glutinosa on hair growth activity and acnes control were investigated. In the course of screening natural extracts for hair growth, we found that the extract of dried root of Rubus coreanum has the hair growth promoting effect. After topical application of these extracts to the back of C57BL/6 mice, the earlier conversion of telogen-to-anagen phase was induced. The growth of dermal papilla cells and mouse vibrissae hair follicle cultured in vitro, however, was not affected by treatment of these extracts. Furthermore these extracts do not possesspotent inhibitory effect on $5{\alpha}-reductase$ I and II activity and anti-bacterial effect on Escherichia coli , Propionibacterium acnes, Pityrosporum ovale, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidemidis, and Candida albicans. RT-PCR analysis showed that these extracts did notinduce mRNA levels of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I, keratinocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in dermal papilla cells. These results suggest that Rubus coreanum has hair growth promoting effect. However, the effects of these materials on the hair growth promotion are not mediated through inhibition of $5{\alpha}-reductase$ I and II activity, stimulation of hair follicle cells and expression of growth factors in the dermal papilla cells.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.620-628
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• 2012

We examined the effects of biological activity Phellinus linteus mycelium culture with cassiae semen extract. Firstly, the optimal temperature, initial pH and culture period for mycelial growth in a liquid culture of P. linteus were determined, and they were $30^{\circ}C$, pH 5.0 and 8 days respectively. The five herbal materials were examined against several health functional efficacies, and, as a result, Cassiae semen was chosen, with its superior inhibitory effects in ${\beta}$-glucuronidase inhibitory activity, electron donating activity, ACE inhibitory, and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities(95.3%, 80.9%, 96.1 and 24.2%, respectively). P. linteus fruit body was investigated on ${\beta}$-glucuronidase inhibitory activity, electron donating activity, ACE inhibitory, and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and they were 54.7%, 81.9%, 30.0% and 20.1%, respectively. Accordingly, C. semen was used in the following experiment, to give an additive functional effect on the P. linteus. As the amount of C. semen in the cultural media increased, mycelial weight and ${\beta}$-glucan contents also increased, but final pH was not influenced. In addition, the ${\beta}$-glucuronidase inhibitory activity, electron donating activity, and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activity increased. P. linteus mycelium culture showed higher activities in the other three tests above, except for electron donating activity, when C. semen was added to the medium before cultivation.