• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.447-458
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• 2008

This paper reviews the historic origin and traits of the classification system used in current Korean herbology textbooks. By reassessing its value, it proposes the most relevant path for future revisions and supplementations. Through an evaluation of the history of the modern style of classification in terms of its efficacy and statistic analysis of the distribution of individual herbs in each category, this paper shows how the classification systems of Korean herbology textbooks were influenced by contemporary Chinese herbology, particularly that of the Cheong [淸] Dynasty. An examination of the academic background, strengths and weaknesses of each classification system demonstrates the need for future research on classification systems to concentrate on resolving the following issues: how well the setting and composition of each classification system reflects reality, and how closely it is connected to related sciences such as etiology and pathogenesis, prescriptionology, and diagnosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.1-7
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• 2011

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of modified-Okbyungpoongsan (mOP) on mast cell-mediated allergic response in basophilic leukemia cell line, RBL-2H3 mast cells. Methods : Cells were stimulated with anti-DNP-IgE after the treatment of DNP-HSA (AI/D), and then incubated with different concentrations of mOP (0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg/$m{\ell}$) in RBL-2H3 cells. Cell toxicity was determined by WST-1 assay. The degranulation of mast cells was observed by microscope with toluidine blue staining and also the levels of beta-hexosaminidase, histamine and TNF-alpha were measured in culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Results : mOP inhibited anti-DNP-IgE-imduced degranulation of mast cells in RBL-2H3 cells. mOP also significantly decreased the levels of histamine and inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha in RBL-2H3 cells, but slightly decreased the level of beta-hexosaminidase. Conclusions : These results indicate that mOP, an oriental prescription could be inhibit the allergic response through suppressing the mast cell activation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.85-91
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• 2012

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of Saposhnikoviae Radix on allergic responses in ovalbumin(OVA)-induced Allergic rhinitis(AR) mice. Methods : BALB/c mice were orally administrated with Saposhnikoviae Radix water extract (SRW, 50 mg/kg) or anti-histamine drug, Ketotifen (10 mg/kg) as a reference drug, followed by sensitization and challenge of OVA. Mice were measured clinical symptoms and the serum levels of histamine, IgE, IL-4, and IFN-${\gamma}$, and observed histopathological changes of nasal mucosa H&E staining. Results : SRW significantly decreased rubs and the serum levels of histamine, IgE, and IL-4, and then increased the serum levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ in OVA-induced AR mice, and inhibited histopathological changes of nasal mucosa with inflammation and the eosinophils infilteration. Conclusions : These data suggest that SRW has anti-allergic effect through the inhibitory property of Saposhnikoviae Radix against allergic responses in allergic rhinitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.49-57
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• 2011

Objective : Allergic asthma is a chronic airway disease that affects millions of people in the developed world. The disease is characterized by concurring airway inflammation, Th2 cytokine production, increased mucus secretion, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to inhaled antigen, and pulmonary fibrosis. To investigate the therapeutic and anti-asthmatic effects of Drynariae Rhizoma (DR), we examined the influence of DR on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods : In this study, BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) followed intratracheally, intraperitoneally, and by aerosol allergen challenges. We investigated the effect of DR on airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration, various immune cell phenotypes, Th2 cytokine production and OVA specific IgE production in a mouse model of asthma. Results : In asthmatic mice, we found that DR.treated groups had suppressed eosinophil infiltration, allergic airway inflammation and AHR by suppressing the production of IL-5, IL-13 and OVA specific IgE. Conclusions : Our data suggest that the therapeutic mechanism by which DR effectively treats asthma is based on reductions of Th2 cytokines (IL-5), eotaxin, OVA-specific IgE production and eosinophil infiltration.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.163-168
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• 2011

Objective : The purpose of this study is to determine the origin of Aquilariae Lignum. Method : Firstly identify the production areas of Aquilariae Lignum and its trading status with China in Chinese history through Chinese historical books such as Twenty-Five Histories(二十五史) and the records of the Chosun Dynasty and then, compare the distribution of the genus Aquilaria in the concerned areas. Result : Since the records in the NanfangCaomuZhuang(南方草木狀) written in 304 saying that Aquilariae Lignum was produced in Vietnam and had white flowers, Vietnam had led production and trading of Aquilariae Lignum until Qing Dynasty(淸代). Even though Thailand traded Aquilariae Lignum during Qing Dynasty, however, the volume was at a low level. Aquilariae Lignum from southern Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia was rated as low quality and low-priced because of its fishy smell and strong flavor. Conclusion : These results show that the origin of Aquilariae Lignum comes from Vietnam and this species is distinguished from the ones of Indodesia or Malaysia.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.155-161
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• 2011

Objective : The purpose of this study is to determine the origin and daily dose of Gardeniae Fructus in Shanghanlun. Methods : Define the origin and daily dose of Gardeniae Fructus by searching Shanhanlun and Herbology Books(本草書). And Compared these with those of current Gardeniae Fructus. Results : According to Shanhanlun, the origin of Gardeniae Fructus is Gardenia jasminoides, but G. jasminoides f. longicarpa must excluded since originally it was used for dyeing. Among the 8 prescriptions containing Gardeniae Fructus, 15 Gardeniae Fructuses for the daliy dose in Chijabekpi-tang(Zhizibopi-tang) is assumed to be 14 Gardeniae Fructuses, as it is found 14 in many other prescriptions same in other prescriptions. The quantity of 14 Gardeniae Fructuses in Shananlun is 3 Ryang(兩), which is equal to 19.5 g in the current measurement. 1 Gardeniae Fructus is equal to 1.4 g. The length of the Gardeniae Fructus in the market which is produced in korea is 22-27 mm, and the diameter is 15-19 mm, whereas in China it is 20-25 mm, and the diameter is 13-18 mm. This meets the standard requirements of the Pharmacopoeia. Conclusions : As a result from above, the origin of Gardeniae Fructus is Gardenia jasminoides, but G. jasminoides f. longicarpa must be excluded. The recommended dose in a day is 14 Gardeniae Fructuses, which is equivalent to 19.5 g, the amount generally used in Shanhanlun.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to determine the impurity tolerance of Zanthoxylum Peel. Methods : Compare with medicinal Herb Books and the Pharmacopoeia of 6 nations. Results : Current Pharmacopoeia show different Zanthoxylum Peel's Purity, such as 2.0% of seeds and fruit stalk, etc. in North Korea, 2% of seeds in Vietnam, totally 3% in China. On the other hand, Korea and Japan set the total number 26.0% including the specific numbers such as 20.0% of seeds, 5.0% of fruit stalk, 1.0% of the other foreign matter. This Zanthoxylum Peel's Purity, 26.0%, is too high compared to that of other medical matters specified by The Korean Pharmacopoeia Ninth Edition. When The Japanese Pharmacopoeia Sixth Edition firstly set the Zanthoxylum Peel's Purity, the herbal name was Fructus. However, since the part for medical usage in origin is well-ripen pericarp, not seed, the permissible level, 30.0%, is supposed to be simple error range, 3.0%. Conclusions : As a result, I think bills concerning the Zanthoxylum Peel's Purity should be revised to the total number 3.0% or specifically set the level 2.0% of seeds, 1.0% of fruit stalk, twig and so on.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.89-100
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• 2006

Objectives : The effects of methanol extracts from the cortex of Quercus dentata Thunb. and Quercus acutissima Carruth, on the activation of macrophage were examined. Methods : Methanol extracts of Quercus dentata (QD) and Quercus acutissima (QA) were applied to cell line RAW264,7 (macrophage), and their effects were examined. Results : 1. Extracts from QD and QA had no specific influence on the cell growth. 2. Extracts from QD and QA did not activate macrophage independently, but the addition of $IFN-{\gamma}$ facilitated the generation of macrophage's nitric oxide(NO). 3. QD and QA extracts increased the manifestation of iNOS gene, when macrophage was activated by $IFN-{\gamma}$. 4. QD and QA extracts increased the manifestation of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in macrophage, which took 2 hours. 5. QD and QA extracts increased the generation of $PGE_2$ in macrophage. Conclusion : QD and QA activate macrophage in the presence of $IFN-{\gamma}$. After activation is primarily facilated by $IFN-{\gamma}$, it works on macrophage secondarily for the manifestation of iNOS gene and for the generation of $TNF-{\alpha}$.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.89-128
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aims to diachronically examine the classification systems of all materia medica, followed by categorization and analysis of each category to deduce each category's characteristic. This will provide foundation for further examining classifications of bencao in contemporary herbology. Methods : Classification systems from a total of 93 bencao related texts were collected and categorized. Each category's classification system was analyzed to determine its meaning. The classification systems were compared from a diachronic perspective, to further deduce each system's problem from a historical context. Results : The classification systems of materia medica could be summarized as following three standards: quality, origin, and medical application. In reality, bencao could be generally classified according to origin and medical application. The origin-based classification system provided a stable and flexible classification outline in the expansion process of bencao. The medical application-based classification strengthened the relationship between bencao and illness pattern, improving clinical applicability. Conclusions : In the history of herbology, the two classification systems created the current of herbology through mutual contribution and conflict. We hope that further discussion on the direction towards which classification system of bencao in contemporary herbology should head will proceed based on this study.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.159-164
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate antioxidant activities and reducing serum alcohol concentration of extract of Lentinus edodes on the alcohol administered rats. Methods : Antioxidant effect was measured by total phenolic compound and DPPH-radical scavenging activity of extract of Lentinus edodes in vitro. Blood alcohol concentration, aldehyde concentration, malondialdehyde concentration, glutathion concentration were measured in vivo. Results : The extract of Lentinus edodes increased DPPH-radical scavenging activity dose-dependently. The water extract with boiling water showed lower antioxidant activity and phenolic content than 70% ethanol extract in vitro. Blood alcohol concentration was significantly reduced by pre-treatment of ethanol extract of Lentinus edodes. The effect was more significant than commercial product used as a positive control. Conclusions : This study suggest that Lentinus edodes can be a potential nature resource for the management of ethanol toxicity although the mechanism of action involved in the treatment remains to be explored.