• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.9-17
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• 2022

Objective : In modern society, liver diseases such as liver fibrosis are on the rise as inflammation and wound healing processes of the liver are repeated due to factors such as drinking, smoking, and stress. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saenggangeonbi-tang (SGGBT) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Methods : The mice were divided into 4 groups for examination (n=6): Normal group (Nor), distilled water-treated liver fibrosis mice (Con), silymarin 50 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (Sily), SGGBT 200 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (S200). Liver fibrosis was established in the mice via TAA for 8 weeks (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2,3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg, three times a week, intraperitoneal injection) and they were administered silymarin and SGGBT (every day, oral administration) with the TAA. Results : SGGBT significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferanse, ammonia, and myeloperoxidase in serum increased by liver fibrosis. As a result of confirming H&E and MT staining, it was confirmed that SGGBT reduced damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and alleviated changes in collagen fiber deposition and histological fibrosis. Also, it was confirmed through PAS staining that it reduced glycogen deposition in liver tissue. In addition, SGGBT significantly decreased the NADPH oxidases as well as significantly modulated the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Conclusions : These results suggest that SGGBT regulates the expression of MMP/TIMP protein through inhibition of oxidative stress and alleviates liver fibrosis by reducing collagen and glycogen deposition in liver tissue.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.121-128
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• 2009

Objectives : The present study purposed to examine the effect of Cudraniae Lignum, which is the wooden part of Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae), on cytokine secretion from the joint cells of mice with arthritis induced by collagen and verify its efficacy against rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : We prepared the hot-water extract, ethanol extract and methanol extract of Cudraniae Lignum, and tested their effects on cytokine secretion from the joint cells of mice with arthritis induced by collagen. Results : 1. Cudraniae Lignum reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1$\beta$, INF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 from joint cells. 2. The effect for reducing the secretion of IL-1$\beta$, TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 was strong in order of methanol extract, ethanol extract and hot water extract. 3. Considering the effect on cytokine secretion, the effective element is soluble in organic solvent, and is not volatile. 4. The ethanol extract and methanol extract of Cudraniae Lignum lowered the survival rate of cells significantly, but still the survival rate was over 92%, suggesting the low toxicity of the extracts. Conclusions : Cudraniae Lignum is considered effective for rheumatoid arthritis, and the effective element is considered soluble in organic solvent.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.109-119
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• 2009

Objectives : The present study was purposed to compare Adenophorae Radix (henceforth AR), Codonopsis lanceolatae Radix (henceforth ClR) and Glehniae Radix cum Rhizoma (henceforth GRcR) concerning their anti-oxidant effect. Methods : We measured eythrocyte, leukocyte, thrombocyte, serum albumin, total bilirubin, LDL cholesterol, and glucose as well as SOD, GSH, catalase, NO, and MDA in the rat liver oxidatively stressed by AAPH. Results : 1. The oxidative stress-induced thrombocyte levels were significantly decreased in CIR-treated and GRcR-treated groups. 2. The oxidative stress-impaired SOD acitivities were significantly recovered in AR-treated and GRcR-treated groups. 3. The oxidative stress-reduced GSH contents were significantly increased in ClR-treated and GRcR-treated groups. 4. The oxidative stress-reduced catalase contents were significantly increased in all of the three groups. 5. The oxidative stress-induced NO productions were significantly decreased in all of the three groups. Conclusions : AR, ClR, and GRcR altogether showed the anti-oxidant effect in the rat liver oxidatively stressed by AAPH. The anti-oxidant properties of tAR, ClR, and GRcR seem to be similar even if those have different botanical properties and different medical efficacies in oriental medicine.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.25-30
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• 2009

Objectives : In order to evaluate the effect of Samguiyong-tang (SGYT) on diabetes, we prepared two types of Samguiyong-tang (Type-I and -II) which was composed of three kinds of oriental drug such as Ginseng, Angelica gigantis radix and Deer antler. Type I was traditional hot-water extract prepared from three kinds of drug, and Type II was the mixture of ethanol-extract of ginseng and hot-water extract prepared from the other two drugs. Methods : We tested the effects of SGYT on the blood glucose levels in normal rats by the method of glucose tolerance test. And also examined the effects of SGYT on the levels in normal rats or diabetic rats induced by Streptozotocin during 20 days. Results : 1. In the course of oral glucose tolerance test, the blood glucose level decreased by administration of SGYT I or II in normal rats. 2. In the course administration of SGYT during 20 days in normal rats, the blood glucose levels decreased until day 4 by Type I or Type II, but thereafter the level was recovered to the normal. 3. In the course administration of SGYT during 20 days in the diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin, Type I (SGYT) had some effect on the blood glucose levels only at 12 day, and Type II (SGYT) decreased the levels from 6th day and so on, significantly. Conclusions : The results suggested that SGYT II had some decreasing effects on the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats induced by Streptozotocin.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.87-96
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of extruded Acanthopanax Folium extracts on Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis of rats. Methods： To induce arthritis in the ankle joint of rats, CFA was injected in the proximal part of the tail subcutaneously. After CFA injection, arthritic conditions were examined with macrography. The volume of paw edema and thickness of the ankle joints were checked regularly within 20 days. At 20 days, histopathological examination was performed on the ankle joint. Inflammation levels were determined by total WBC counts and differential WBC counts using a blood analyzer. Tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ and interleukin-1$\beta$ concentration in paw exudate were measured by ELISA method. Results： Several arthritic conditions induced by CFA were alleviated by Acanthopanax Folium treatment. Morphologically, reduction of arthritic conditions were observed and the volume of paw edema and thickness of the ankle joints were significantly decreased. Additionally, cytokines in paw exudate were diminished and histopathological improvement was observed. Conclusions： This study showed that the extruded Acanthopanax Folium extracts have the beneficial effects on the CFA induced arthritis of rats and might be used for chronic arthritis patients.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.67-76
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• 2009

Objectives : The present study compared Aralia continentalis Root and Angelica pubescens Root used in Korea and China respectively concerning their anti-oxidant effect Methods : We tested the anti-oxidant effect through in vitro experiment and in vivo experiment that induced oxidative stress using ethanol. Results : 1. DPPH scavenging activity was stronger in Aralia continentalis Root than in Angelica pubescens Root 2. Superoxide anion radical scavenging activity was similar between Aralia continentalis Root and Angelica pubescens Root 3. The linoleic acid peroxidation inhibition effect was stronger in Aralia continentalis Root than in Angelica pubescens Root. 4. The phenolic component was higher in Aralia continentalis Root than in Angelica pubescens Root. 5. Both Aralia continentalis Root and Angelica pubescens Root increased the concentration of GSH and decreased SOD activity in mice, in which oxidative stress was induced, and the effect was stronger in Aralia continentalis Root. 6. Aralia continentalis Root increased GSH peroxidase activity but Angelica pubescens Root did not have such an effect. 7. Neither Aralia continentalis Root nor Angelica pubescens Root had a significant effect on catalase, ADH and ALDH in mice, in which oxidative stress was induced. Conclusions : Aralia continentalis Root has a stronger anti-oxidant effect than Angelica pubescens Root. Thus, although Aralia continentalis Root is not an original plant recorded in botanical literature, it may be usable based on the data about its effects.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.181-188
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• 2009

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of methyl gallate of Paeonia suffruticosa(Moutan Cortex Radicis) on inflammatory response in activated macrophages. Methods : RAW264.7 cells were incubated with different concentrations of methyl gallate of Paeonia suffruticosa for 30 min and then stimulated with or without LPS at indicated times. Cell toxicity was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6) were measured in culture medium by Griess assay, enzyme-immuno assay, and ELISA, respectively. The expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and cytokine mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The $I{\kappa}-B{\alpha}$ degradation in cytosol and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 translocation into nuclear of the cells were determined by Western blot. Results : Methyl gallate was significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2 in RAW264.7 cells. Methyl gallate was also suppressed LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein in the cells. Methyl gallate was inhibited LPS-induced production of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 via suppression of their mRNA expressions. Methyl gallate blocked the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions : This study suggests that methyl gallate of Paeonia suffruticosa may have an antiinflammatory property through suppressing inflammatory mediator production in activated macrophages.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.129-138
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• 2009

Objectives : The Objective of this study is to compare the anti-oxidative effect of the Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus (HScF) to that of Hoveniae Ramulus (HR) in vivo. Methods : The extracts of HScF and HR were tested in vivo for their anti-oxidative effects. SD Rats were injected with the AAPH (2.2'-azobis (2-aminodinopropane) hydrochloride) to induce the acute oxidization stress, and the oxidized rats were administered with the HScF and HR decoction orally. The RBC, WBC and PLT populations in plasma, and the blood chemistry levels of the rats were measured to observe the overall changes in the blood. The anti-oxidative effects of the HScF and HR decoctions were investigated on the liver tissues of the oxidated rats. Results : 1. Thrombocyte decreased significantly in the group medicated with HScF. 2. Blood glucose increased significantly in the group medicated with HR. 3. SOD activity increased significantly in both the group medicated with HScF and that with HR. 4. NO concentration decreased significantly in both the group medicated with HScF and that with HR. 5. The catalase content increased significantly in both the group medicated with HScF and that with HR. Conclusions : The HScF and HR extracts have an anti-oxidative effect.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.31-43
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• 2023

Objective : Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is caused by excess alcohol intake. In the liver, alcohol breakdown results formation of toxic byproducts that lead to damage to tissue. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba and Puerariae Radix combination (PP) on ALD. Methods : PP was analyzed for polyphenolic compounds and free radical scavenging activity. ALD mouse model was induced by feeding ethanol and water (Control), silymarin (50 mg/kg), low-dose (PP: 100 mg/kg) or high-dose (PP: 200 mg/kg) was orally administrated to ALD mice for 14 days. The serum was assessed with levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride. Liver tissues were evaluated for ROS levels, degree of liver damage and protein expression. Results : The 3:1 (Paeoniae Radix Alba:Puerariae Radix) ratio showed the best antioxidant values for the experiment. In ALD model, levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were significantly increased in the Control and the levels were decreased by treatment of PP. In addition, increased ROS, ONOO^- and MDA levels in the Control were reduced in the PP groups. Western blot analysis figured out that proteins related to ROS and cholesterol metabolism were higher in ALD than in PP-treated ALD. Antioxidant enzyme expression was low in the control group and increased by PP treatment. Conclusion : Our results suggest that PP has the potential to be a medicine in ALD in terms of regulating oxidative stress and adjusting lipid metabolism.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.11-21
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• 2024

Objective : For the purpose of developing Korean Primulaceae plants, the literature published so far have been thoroughly investigated to prepare this article. Methods : Books and research papers about Herbology which published at Korea and other countries were examined. Results : The results of this study were as follows: 1. A total of 8 genera and 30 species of Primulaceae was found in the Korea, among which 4 genera and 9 species (approximately 30%) were medicinal plants. 2. Among Korean Primulaceae plants, Lysimachia was the most with 11 species. 3. Among medicinal plants, Lysimachia was the most with 5 species, followed by 1 species of Anagallis, 1 species of Primula, and 2 species of Androsace. 4. The domestic distribution of medicinal plants was 4 species in the north part, 7 species in the central part, 7 species in the south part, and 7 species in Jeju island. 5. Among the medicinal parts, the whole body was used the most with 9 species. Among the property flatness property was the most whith 10 species. And among the flavors, bitter taste was the most with 13 species. 6. Lung meridian channel was the most with 3 species. The effect of reducing swelling was the most with 10 species. 7. No toxic drugs have been reported yet. Conclusion : There were totaled to 8 genera and 30 species in Primulaceae in Korea and among them medicinal plants are 4 genera, 9 species, some 30% in total.