• Integrative Medicine Research
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.223-223
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• 2016

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has been shown to exert antihypertensive effects. In particular, ginsenoside Rg3 is thought to be a potent modulator of vascular function. The present study was performed to examine the antihypertensive efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract and Rg3-enriched KRG (REKRG) extract. Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) andWistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) were divided into six groups (WKY control, WKY-KRG, WKY-REKRG, SHR control, SHR-KRG, and SHRREKRG), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at the carotid artery, followed by injection of 3mg/kg KRG or 3mg/kg REKRG. Results: REKRG treatment significantly decreased SBP and DBP 3hours post-treatment in the SHR group compared with SHR control group. However, SBP and DBP were not significantly different in KRG-treated SHRs compared with control SHRs. REKRG treatment did not significantly alter SBP or DBP 3hours post-treatment in the WKY group compared with WKY control group. Similarly, there were no differences in SBP or DBP with KRG treatment in the WKY group and WKY control group. Both KRG and REKRG increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation levels in the aorta, and the increases in endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation levels by REKRG treatment were higher than those with KRG treatment. Similarly, nitric oxide production in plasma from WKYs and SHRs was also increased by both KRG and REKRG. Conclusion: These results suggest that REKRG has a more beneficial effect on blood pressure control than KRG in SHRs.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.80-88
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: Non-linear frequency compression (NLFC) technology compresses and shifts higher frequencies into a lower frequency area that has better residual hearing. Because consonants are uttered in the high-frequency area, NLFC could provide better speech understanding. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of NLFC technology on the perception of speech and music in patients with high-frequency hearing loss. Subjects and Methods: Twelve participants with high-frequency hearing loss were tested in a counter-balanced order, and had two weeks of daily experience with NLFC set on/off prior to testing. Performance was repeatedly evaluated with consonant tests in quiet and noise environments, speech perception in noise, music perception and acceptableness of sound quality rating tasks. Additionally, two questionnaires (the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit and the Korean version of the International Outcome Inventory-Hearing Aids) were administered. Results: Consonant and speech perception improved with hearing aids (NLFC on/off conditions), but there was no significant difference between NLFC on and off states. Music perception performances revealed no notable difference among unaided and NLFC on and off states. The benefits and satisfaction ratings between NLFC on and off conditions were also not significantly different, based on questionnaires, however great individual variability preferences were noted. Conclusions: Speech perception as well as music perception both in quiet and noise environments was similar between NLFC on and off states, indicating that real world benefits from NLFC technology may be limited in Korean adult hearing aid users.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.319-328
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Curcuma zedoaria R. (Zingiberaceae) has been used to treat headache, fever, and hypertension-related symptoms in Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. We investigated whether dietary intake of a C. zedoaria extract (CzE) affected atherosclerosis in vivo. MATERIALS/METHODS: Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice (n = 32) were fed a normal diet (ND), a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), an HCD containing CzE (100 mg/kg/day), or an HCD containing simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. The anti-atherosclerotic effects were evaluated by observing changes in fatty streak lesions, immunohistochemical analysis, ex vivo fluorescence imaging, lipid profiles, and western blot analysis. RESULTS: The CzE-fed group showed a 41.6% reduction of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, CzE significantly reduced the levels of serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, the chemokine (C-X3-C-motif ) ligand 1, the adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin; down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, high mobility group box-1, and cathepsin levels in the aortic sinuses and aortas of ApoE^-/- mice were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the inclusion of a water extract of C. zedoaria in a HCD is closely correlated with reducing the risk of vascular inflammatory diseases in an ApoE mouse model.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.438-448
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• 2022

This study is to improve the quantitative estimation index of biotop area ratio, which is an environmental planning index and environmental ecological planning technique, as a planning means that can induce the improvement of ecological soundness in the spatial planning stage. It is intended to identify the relative importance of space types and calculation indicators currently in operation, and to find alternatives through opinion analysis on improvement of space types and weights. As the method of this study, AHP analysis was performed to evaluate the relative importance of spatial types for in-depth analysis of spatial types and calculation indicators. In order to secure the reliability and objectivity of the study, 50 experts participated. Through this study, it can be linked with the improvement of technologies and construction methods, maintenance efficiency, economic feasibility, and construction technology, which are developed through analysis on the limitations and improvements by type of biotop area ratio. And it is expected to contribute to the improvement of the urban environment and vitalization of the biotop area ratio through the application of the biotop area ratio.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.259-267
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• 2022

Objectives : In this study, erythrocyte micronucleus test of pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts was conducted in order to up-cycling to a high value-added industry using by-products discarded in the production process of Schisandra chinensis products and active ingredients such as dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in Schisandra chinensis. Methods : The micronucleus test was performed according to the 'OECD Guidelines'. Including the negative control group(0 mg/kg) and the positive control group(CPA 70 mg/kg), pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts were orally administered to ICR mouse at doses of 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg. After sacrificing the experimental animals bone marrow cells were collected and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte were counted. And genetic toxicity was confirmed according to the frequency of micronucleus. Results : As a result of the micronucleus test, there were no changes in body weight, clinical signs, or death in any group. But, a significant increase was observed in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte among polychromatic erythrocytes in the positive control group administered with CPA compared to the negative control group(p<0.05). Whereas, no significant increase was observed in the group administered with pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts compared to the negative control group. Conclusions : Pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts did not induce micronucleus in bone marrow cells of ICR mouse up to a concentration of 2,000 mg/kg, and it was judged that no genetic toxicity was observed.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.281-291
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• 2022

Objectives : In this study, acute oral toxicity test of pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts was conducted in order to up-cycling to a high value-added industry using by-products discarded in the production process of Schisandra chinensis products and active ingredients such as dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in Schisandra chinensis. Methods : Pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts were orally administered to SD-rats(female, n=3) without a control group according to the 'OECD guidelines'. After, mortality and clinical signs were observed, and the deceased animals were subjected to an autopsy. In addition, acute oral toxicity test was sequentially performed in step I (300 mg/kg), step II(300 mg/kg), step III(2,000 mg/kg), and step IV(2,000 mg/kg) according to the mortality. Results : There were no abnormalities caused by pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts in step I and step II. However, one animal each died in step III and step IV. In addition, clinical signs(salivation, decrease in food intake, prone position, decrease of locomotor activity, loss of locomotor activity, convulsion, hypothermia, lacrimation, staining around mouth, soiled perineal region, reddish urine, chromaturia, decrease of fecal volume, lying on side, blackish stool, no stool, compound-colored stool, refusal to feed, excitement, hypersensitivity, rigidity, dorsal position, etc.) were observed. But, no clinical signs were observed from 5th day, and experiment animals recovered completely. Conclusions : As a result of this study, pomace Schisandra chinensis extracts may exhibit acute toxicity at concentrations of 2,000 to 5,000 mg/kg, and the GHS classification was designated as 'Category 5'.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.47-53
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• 2020

Objectives : Bombyx batryticatus L. is the dried larval form of the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) infected by Beauveria bassiania (Bals.) Vuill. It is used as a food and medicinal resource to treat asthma, headaches, epilepsy, and convulsions in traditional Korean and Chinese medicines. However, the research of the toxicity about B. batryticatus is not enough yet. Here, we investigate the effects of potential subacute toxicity following the repeated oral administration of B. batryticatus water extract to C57BL/6 mice, at various doses of 0, 50, 150, and 450 mg/kg/day during a two-week period. Methods : The following parameters were examined during the study period: body weight, gross findings, clinical signs, organ weight, hematology, serum biochemistry, histopathology, and mortality. At the end of the treatment period, all the mice were euthanized. Results : No changes were observed in the body weights, gross findings, clinical signs, organ weights, and mortality after two weeks of administration of the B. batryticatus extract. In addition, compared with the normal control group, no noticeable treatment-related changes were observed in the hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters in the treated group following treatment with doses of up to 450 mg/kg/day. Conclusion : Based on these findings, we conclude that the treatment of mice with the water extract of B. batryticatus did not cause considerable C57BL/6 toxicity, and therefore, it could be considered safe for further pharmacological studies.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.39-46
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• 2020

Objective: In this study, we analyzed the trend of patents registered prior to October 4, 2019, to understand the industrial trends in insect-derived medicinal materials used for the treatment of skin diseases. Methods: Using the WIPSON database, we collected information regarding the patents related to insect-derived materials for treating various skin diseases. Results: The patents registered prior to October 4, 2019, from Korea, Japan, the USA, China, and the EU, along with those registered under PCT were selected. There were 195 patents related to the use of insect-derived medicinal materials in treating various skin diseases such as psoriasis, inflammatory skin diseases, eczema, pruritus, and atopic dermatitis. China is mostly superior in total number of registered patents compared with the other countries. Korea was the major patent technology-holder for atopic dermatitis, but China dominated in the remaining categories of skin diseases. Upon first patent registration in 1992, there had been a continual increase in the number of patents. Especially, patents related to eczema, psoriasis, inflammatory skin disease were markedly increased. Most frequently used insect-derived medicinal materials was Scolopendra, Cicadidae Periostracum, Scorpions, Cantharides, and Batryticatus Bombyx. The insect-derived medicinal materials were generally used as a combined preparation with other medicinal materials in patents. Conclusion: This study could help to establish the basis for future research and development related treating skin diseases using insect-derived medicinal materials. In order to provide sufficient data, further study including analysis of rejected patents is needed.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.30-36
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• 2022

We collected a total of four butterfly ray specimens (Gymnura japonica, 213.4-695.0 mm in total length) in Korea from 2016 to 2021 and investigated their morphological and molecular characteristics in order to clarify their taxonomic status. These features are summarized as follows. Disc lozenge-shaped, 1.8-2.0 times broader than long. Tail very short, post-cloaca length 23.9-28.2% in disc width. Snout short, no rostral cartilage. Clasper short, no hook. Dorsal surface uniform yellow or brownish grey, with or without rounded light yellow spots. An analysis of 434 base-pair sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I showed that all four specimens corresponded to G. japonica from Japan (Kimura-2-parameter distance = 0-0.2%), suggesting that the color patterns found may be due to intraspecific color variation. G. japonica resembles Gymnura poecilura but differs in that it has a shorter tail length to disc width (23.9-28.2% in G. japonica vs. 40.1-48.3% in G. poecilura). This study revealed that G. japonica occurred in areas affected by the Tsushima Warm Current, tentatively suggesting that G. japonica may be an indicator species for monitoring marine ecosystem changes due to climate change.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2022

Objectives: In this study, we aim to demonstrate an effect of crab water extract (CWE) on reflux esophagitis (RE) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Raw 264.7 cell and rat model. Methods: To investigate on LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cell, CWE was co-treated with LPS. CWE suppressed Nitric Oxide (NO) production which increased by LPS treatment. Also, CWE showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations range from 500 ㎍/㎖ to 2000 ㎍/㎖. Next, to investigate the protective effects of CWE on RE rat model, eighteen rats were divided in to three groups: sham group, reflux esophagitis group, and reflux esophagitis pre-treated with 100 mg/kg CWE 1 h before surgery. RE was induced by a pylorus and forestomach ligation operation and all rats were sacrificed after 4 h 30 min from surgery. Results: In gross examination, the CWE administration attenuated esophageal mucosal injury upon histological evaluation of reflux esophagus of rats. The CWE downregulated the expression levels of proteins related to inflammation, such as COX-2 and TNF-α in the esophagus tissue. In addition, the CWE suppressed the NF-κB and IκB-α activation. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we concluded that CWE could possess protective effect against damage to the esophagus due to reflux esophagitis.