• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2015

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of Cassia obtusifolia Linne (Cassiae Semen; CS) extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma in mice. Methods : CR was extracted with 70% ethanol. For in vitro study, HMC-1, human mast cells were treated with CS extract at 0.2 and $0.5mg/m{\ell}$ for 1 h, and then stimulated with compound (C) 48/80 for 30 min. Primary spleenocytes were isolated from the spleen of mice, treated with CS extract for 1 h, and then stimulated with ConA for 24 h. For in vivo study, mice were sensitized at day 0, 7 and 14 with 0.2% OVA and then airway challenged using neublizer at day 21, 23, 25, and 27 to induced allergic asthma. CS extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight was orally administered during OVA challenge once per a day. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific IgE, IL-4, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ were measured in the sera of mice or culture supernatants by EIA and ELISA, respectively. The expression of IL-4 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ gene was determined by RT-PCR. The histopathological change of lung tissues was observed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining. Results : The treatment of CS extract in HMC-1 cells significantly inhibited C48/80-induced degranulation, and histamine release. The treatment of CS extract in spleenocytes suppressed the expression of IL-4 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ mRNA. The administration of CS extract in OVA-induced asthmatic mice significantly decreased the levels of OVA-specific IgE, and IL-4 in a dose-dependent manner with OVA-control group. In addition, CS extract inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells and bronchiolar damage with epithelial thickening in lung tissues of OVA-induced asthma mice, and also mucin accumulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that CS extract prevents asthmatic damage through regulating the allergic immune response.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.85-98
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• 2009

The fruits of Schisandra chinensis and Prunus mume have been traditionally used in the Oriental countries as an astringent against diarrhea and abdominal pain, a protectant for liver disease, an antimicrobial, and a blood tonic. However, little is known about the extract of Schizandrae Fructus and Mume Fructus (SMF-Ex) on dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SMF-Ex on DSS-induced colitis in mice. An experimental colitis was induced by daily treatment with 5% DSS. SMF-Ex was orally administrated the single dose (80 mg/kg, body weight/day) for 7 days with one time per day. SMF-Ex reduced significantly clinical sign of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, increased disease activity index (DAI), and histological colon injury. SMF-Ex also inhibited significantly nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandine $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) productions in DSS-induced colitis mice. Furthermore, SMF-Ex increased significantly an superoxide anion (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity of the colon tissue in DSS-induced colitis mice. These results suggest that SMF-Ex administration could reduce significantly the clinical signs and inflammatory mediators, and increase antioxidant activity in DSS-induced colitis model mice and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective anti-ulcerative agent.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.353-365
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• 2016

Objectives : We analysed Gyejibongnyeong-hwan's compatibility principle and investigated biological activities by categorizing with molecular level, cellular level, animal level and human level based on Korean study for this formula. Methods : Gyejibongnyeong-hwan's compatibiltity principle was examined by the system of chief, deputy, assistant, and envoy. We looked into studies that presented in Korea from 1956 to 2016 about Gyejibongnyeong-hwan through Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Korean medicine information system (OASIS). Then classify into molecular level, cellular level, animal level and human level to analyse. Results : According to the system of chief, deputy, assistant, and envoy, chief herb is Cinnamomi Ramulus, deputy herb is Persicae Semen, assistant herb is Moutan Cortex, Paeoniae Radix, Poria, and envoy herb is Mel. Biological activities can be detected in transcription factors, enzymes, and inflammatory mediators for molecular level. For cellular level, it can be determined in human uterine endometrial cancer cell, human hepatocarcinoma cell, and human platelets. In mouse and rats for animal level, in overian cystoma, menorrhalgia, quality of life improvement in postmenopausal women, and blood stasis with motor vehicle accident for human level, biological activities was caught. Conclusions : From above results, Gyejibongnyeong-hwan is composed in line with the system of chief, deputy, assistan, and envoy. Biological activities are effective to improvement of menorrhalgia, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, improvement of atherosclerosis, analgesic, anti-convulsion, wound healing, and improvement of liver function.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.599-608
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• 2017

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a pharmacologically active substance extracted from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (also known as the Chinese herb Danshen), and is widely used to treat atherosclerosis. The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a nuclear receptor that is a key regulator of xenobiotic and endobiotic detoxification. Tan IIA is an efficacious PXR agonist that has a potential protective effect on endothelial injuries induced by xenobiotics and endobiotics via PXR activation. Previously numerous studies have demonstrated the possible effects of Tan IIA on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, but the further mechanism for its exerts the protective effect is not well established. To study the protective effects of Tan IIA against hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we pretreated cells with or without different concentrations of Tan IIA for 24 h, then exposed the cells to $400{\mu}M$ $H_2O_2$ for another 3 h. Therefore, our data strongly suggests that Tan IIA may lead to increased regeneration of glutathione (GSH) from the glutathione disulfide (GSSG) produced during the GSH peroxidase-catalyzed decomposition of $H_2O_2$ in HUVECs, and the PXR plays a significant role in this process. Tan IIA may also exert protective effects against $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway associated with the participation of PXR. Tan IIA protected HUVECs from inflammatory mediators triggered by $H_2O_2$ via PXR activation. In conclusion, Tan IIA protected HUVECs against $H_2O_2$-induced cell injury through PXR-dependent mechanisms.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.171-175
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• 2008

In the recently, increased concern has been focused on the pharmacology and clinical utility of herbal extracts and derivatives as a drug or adjunct to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here we investigated the effect of the water extract of Loranthi Ramulus (LR) in production of inflammatory mediators and expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, CD14 from peritoneal macrophage. We assayed the effect of LR water extract in cell proliferation in vitro and Th1/Th2 cytokine level in vivo. In peritoneal macrophages, water extract of LR water extract increased the production of Nitric oxide (NO) and $TNF-{\alpha}$. Also, LR water extract increased Con A-induced cell proliferation and IgG1, IgG2a level in serum. However, i.p. injection of water extract of LR water extract did not affect the level of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IFN-{\gamma}$, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5 in serum of mice. These studies indicate that LR water extract induces macrophage activation and suggest the possible use of LR water extract in macrophage-based immunotherapies.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.410-414
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• 2008

In the recently, increased concern has been focused on the pharmacology and clinical utility of herbal extracts and derivatives as a drug or adjunct to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here we investigated the modulatory effects of the extract of Zanthoxyli Pericarpium (ZP) in production of inflammatory mediators from Raw264.7 cells and expression of CD86, CD14, toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 from peritoneal macrophage. ZP enhanced the production of NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ as well as mRNA expression of iNOS and $TNF-{\alpha}$. Treatment of peritoneal macrophage with ZP resulted in the enhanced cell-surface molecules expression of CD86, CD14 and TLR4. We assayed the effect of ZP in cell proliferation and production of $IFN-{\gamma},\;TNF-{\alpha}$. ZP increased Con A-induced cell proliferation and production of $IFN-{\gamma},\;TNF-{\alpha}$. These studies indicate that ZP induces macrophage activation and suggest the possible use of ZP in macrophage-based immunotherapies

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.33-45
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• 2012

Objectives: Recent data have revealed that the plasma concentration of inflammatory mediators is increased in the insulin-resistant states of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic and anti-obesity effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata on obese type 2 diabetes mice. Methods: In order to examine the effects of Massa Medicata Fermentata, obese type 2 diabetes mice induced by Surwit's high fat, high sucrose diet. Mice were divided into 4 groups of ND (normal diet), HFD (high fat and high sucrose diet), Met (high fat and high sucrose diet with metformin) and MMF (high fat and high sucrose diet with Massa Medicata Fermentata) and investigated over 8 weeks. Diabetic and obese clinical markers, including body weight, glucose level, lipid level, leptin concentration, epididymal fat pad and liver weights and adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) were determined. Results: Compared with the HFD group, body weight, fructosamine, triglyceride, epididymal fat pad weight and ATM were significantly reduced in the MMF group. Conclusions: From the above results, the intake of Massa Medicata Fermentata may be effective in anti-hyperglycemia and anti-obesity by the attenuation of glucose and lipid levels and also inflammation state. Massa Medicata Fermentata may be beneficial for controlling diabetes mellitus type 2 in humans.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.33-48
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• 2013

Objectives : Peripheral nerve injuries are commonly encountered clinical problems and often result in severe functional deficits. Sukjiyanggeun-Tang(shudiyangjin-tang), in oriental medicine, has been used to treat various musculoskeletal disorders. Methods : In the present study, the effects of aqueous extract of Sukjiyanggeun-Tang(shudiyangjin-tang) on functional recovery, severity of pain, and expressions of neurofilament, cycloxygenease-2(COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$(TNF-${\alpha}$) following sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats were investigated. For this study, walking tract analysis, plantar test, western blot analysis for COX-2 iNOS, and TNF-${\alpha}$, and Immunofluorescence test for neurofilament were performed. Results : In the present results, sciatic functional index(SFI) in walking tract analysis was significantly decreased following sciatic crushed nerve injury, and pain severity in plantar test was significantly increased. COX-2, iNOS and TNF-${\alpha}$ expressions were increased whereas neurofilament expression was decreased by sciatic crushed nerve injury, In contrast, treatment with Sukjiyanggeun-Tang(shudiyangjin-tang) improved SFI in walking tract analysis and suppressed the pain severity in sciatic crushed nerve injury. Sukjiyanggeun-Tang(shudiyangjin-tang) treatment also suppressed COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-${\alpha}$ expressions and enhanced the neurofilament expression in sciatic crushed nerve injury. Conclusions : In the present study, we have shown that Sukjiyanggeun-Tang(shudiyangjin-tang) is the effective therapeutic modality to ameliorate the symptoms of sciatic crushed nerve injury.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.151-157
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• 2012

Purpose: Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme catalyzes the production of prostaglandins, which are important mediators of tissue destruction in periodontitis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of $COX_2$ enzyme have been associated with increasing susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. The present study evaluates the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms in $COX_2$ gene (-1195G>A and $8_{473}$C>T) with chronic periodontitis in North Indians. Methods: Both SNPs and their haplotypes were used to explore the associations between $COX_2$ polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis in 56 patients and 60 controls. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed for association analysis. Results: By the individual genotype analysis, mutant genotypes (GA and AA) of $COX_2$-1195 showed more than a two fold risk (odds ratio [OR]>2) and $COX_2$ $8_{473}$ (TC and CC) showed a reduced risk for the disease, but the findings were not statistically significant. Haplotype analysis showed that the frequency of the haplotype AT was higher in the case group and a significant association was found for haplotype AT (OR, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 3.11; P=0.0370) indicating an association between the AT haplotype of $COX_2$ gene SNPs and chronic periodontitis. Conclusions: Individual genotypes of both the SNPs were not associated while haplotype AT was found to be associated with chronic periodontitis in North Indians.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.sup2
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• pp.395-404
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• 2008

Purpose: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted glycoprotein and a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family that inhibits bone resorption by suppressing osteoclastogenesis. Gingival fibroblasts (GF) play a role in periodontal disease progression, and the purpose of this experiment was to evaluate influence of osteotropic factors on the expression of osteoprotegerin mRNA in these cells. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, the influence of osteoclastogenic factors, interleukin-1 beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), TNF-$\alpha$, prostanglandin E2 ($PEG_2$). parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1$\alpha$, 25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ on the expression of osteoprotegerin mRNA in GF was studied by Northern blot hybridization. Results: As expected, $PEG_2$ tended to inhibit OPG levels and this was most prominent at 24 hours of culture with $10^{-7}M$ of $PEG_2$. TNF-$\alpha$ at 10ng/ml and also at 25ng/ml decreased OPG levels to almost 30% of the control at 24 hours. This contrasts with reports of increased OPG levels from osteoblast/stromal cells and gingival fibroblasts stimulated by TNF-$\alpha$. Decrease of OPG levels with $PEG_2$ and TNF-$\alpha$ suggests a pathway whereby these mediators exert their resorptive effects. However, OPG levels were increased almost 3-fold at 24 hours with IL-1$\beta$(1 to 15ng/ml) and increased 1.4 fold with 24-hour treatment of $10^{-7}M$ PTH. Conclusion: Increase of OPG levels suggests that these 'osteoclastogenic' factors act in more complex ways and may act to inhibit bone resorption in inflammatory periodontitis. This result supports the role of OPG as a negative feedback mechanism in osteoclastic activity.