• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.53-66
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• 2018

Objectives : This study was designed to compare the effects of acanthopanax stem bark (ASB) and acanthopanax root bark (ARB) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods : The antioxidant activities were evaluated through radical scavenging assays using 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Also, we examined total poly phenol and flavonoids contents. Osteoarthritis was caused by injection MIA($50{\mu}{\ell}$ with $80mg/m{\ell}$) into the knee joint cavity of rats. Rats were divided by 4 groups (normal group, control group, ASB treated group, ARB treated group, each n=6). The changes in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were analyzed after experiment. Also, the anti-oxidant, inflammatory protein levels were investigated western blot analysis. Knee joint tissue, histopathological observation hematoxylin & eosin staining and safranin-O staining were measured. Results : In the present study, ARB treated group showed superior inhibitory effects on the inflammatory parameters than the ASB treated group. ARB aqueous extract was effective in antioxidant measurements. The administration of ARB showed a significant reduction of changes in relative hind paw weight distribution. Morever, it decreased ROS, ALT and AST levels in serum, compared with those of the control rats. The ARB administration inhibited the biomarkers of inflammatory in tissues. Conclusions : ASB aqueous extract and ARB aqueous extract have a great effect on osteoarthritis, and ARB aqueous extract has excellent effect on osteoarthritis through antioxidant and anti-inflammation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.838-853
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the case of a patient with recurrent L858R mutation non-small-cell lung cancer with brain metastases treated with erlotinib and traditional Korean medicine after gefitinib failure. Methods: The patient was treated with erlotinib beginning in November 2021, and gamma knife surgery was performed on November 8, 2021. The dose of erlotinib was 150 mg/day every four weeks. At the same time, the patient was treated with traditional Korean medicine. Tumor size and cerebral edema were measured using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Adverse events were evaluated using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Results: After treatment with erlotinib and traditional Korean medicine for six months, the extent of the growing nodule in the right upper lobe decreased during the first three months and remained stable for the following three months. Peritumoral edema showed an increase three months after gamma knife surgery, but partial improvement of cerebral edema was confirmed with additional traditional Korean medicine six months after gamma knife surgery. The symptoms of discomfort and physical activity gradually improved. Conclusions: This case study suggests that the combination of EGFR-TKI and traditional Korean medicine may contribute to a reduction in tumor size and cerebral edema while improving quality of life.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2023

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disorder found in caged layer hens and causes reduced egg production and sudden death. Dandelion (Taraxacum coreanum, TC) and milk thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense, CJ) are well known wild herbs inhabiting Korean peninsula and presenting antioxidative effects. This study investigated alleviate effects of these herbal mixture (6:4, w/w) composed of dried powder of TC and CJ against fatty liver in laying hens. The herbs mixture 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 or 40.0 g/kg feed was provided via feed admixture for 3 weeks to laying hens having FLHS. FLHS was induced by intramuscular injection of β-estradiol (2 mg/kg bw) 2 times per week for 3 weeks and supply with high caloric feed. Egg production rate was reduced from 76.2% at pre-treatment to 49.4% at 1 week and further decreased according to β-estradiol treatment. Increment of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (T-Chol) and total bilirubin (T-Bil) and decrement of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) with fatty liver were found by the treatment of β-estradiol. Supplementation of TC and CJ mixture via feed admixture recovered the reduction of egg production and attenuated serological changes and gross and pathological lesions of fatty liver with the best amelioration effects at 5 and 10 g TC and CJ mixture per kg feed. In conclusion, TC and CJ mixture attenuates FLHS by means of antioxidative effects. Further mechanistic study is required to explain TC and CJ's amelioration effects against FLHS in laying hens.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.247-254
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• 2022

This study investigated the effect of vegetation mat on plant growth and salt reduction in the soil treated with high concentration deicing salt. In order to measure soil chemical characteristics and plant growth, three native groundcover plants (Dendranthema zawadskii var. latilobum, Dendranthema boreale, and Kalimeris yomena) were grown in each of the three plastic containers (50.0 cm width × 35.0 cm length × 8.5 cm deep) with a high concentration treatment of calcium chloride deicing salt. There were two treatments: control, and BVM that combines B (blanket) and VM (vegetation mat). 1,600 g of soil was placed on the top of the drainage layer with 290 g of perlite, 100 seeds each of the three native plants with three repetitions were sowed, and 10 g/L of calcium chloride deicing salt was added in the treatment. As a result of the chemical properties of soil, soil in control treatment was acidic and soil electrical conductivity in BVM was the lowest. Also, exchangeable cations (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺) in soil and all the three plants were significantly decreased in the BVM treatment. Meanwhile, the germination rate of Dendranthema zawadskii var. latilobum was the highest under high concentration deicing salt in compared to the two plants. Overall, three native groundcover plant growth was higher in the BVM than control treatment significantly. These results suggest that the treatment of blanket vegetation mat has a positive effect on soil and plant growth in soil damaged by deicing salt.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.552-560
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• 2023

Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.76-81
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• 2019

Objective: To examine (1) the degree of reduction of passive range of motion (PROM) on the affected side compared to that on the unaffected side and (2) the degree of increase in PROM following intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) in patients with frozen shoulder. Method: The medical records of 120 patients with frozen shoulder were retrospectively reviewed. PROM of the unaffected and affected shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation) was compared, and changes in PROM of the affected shoulder after a single IACI (triamcinolone 20 mg) were evaluated after 12 weeks. Results: At the time of diagnosis, PROM of the affected shoulder was most limited in external rotation, followed by internal rotation, abduction, extension, and flexion, compared to that of the unaffected shoulder. Compared to before IACI, PROM of external rotation demonstrated the greatest increase compared to all the other movements after IACI. Conclusion: Limitation in PROM of the frozen shoulder at the time of diagnosis was greatest for external rotation. Moreover, external rotation experienced the greatest improvement after IACI. Our findings should help to further clarify the clinical characteristics of frozen shoulder, aid in its diagnosis, and allow the prediction of the effects of IACI.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.589-601
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• 2023

Purpose: Baicalein, a natural flavone found in herbs, exhibits diverse biological activities. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an irreversible condition often associated with a poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of baicalein on the development of NASH in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups. Three groups were fed a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet to induce NASH and were simultaneously treated with baicalein (at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg) or vehicle only (sodium carboxymethylcellulose) through oral gavage for 4 weeks. The control group was fed a methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS) diet without the administration of baicalein. Results: The baicalein treatment significantly reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, suggestive of reduced liver damage. Histological analysis revealed a marked decrease in nonalcoholic fatty liver activity scores induced by the MCD diet in the mice. Similarly, baicalein treatment at both doses significantly attenuated the degree of hepatic fibrosis, as examined by Sirius red staining, and hepatocellular death, as examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Baicalein treatment attenuated MCD-diet-induced lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by lower levels of hepatic malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal, demonstrating a reduction in oxidative stress resulting from lipid peroxidation. Moreover, baicalein treatment suppressed hepatic protein levels of 12-lipoxygenase (12-Lox) induced by the MCD diet. In contrast, baicalein enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Additionally, baicalein treatment significantly reduced hepatic non-heme iron concentrations and hepatic ferritin protein levels in mice fed an MCD diet. Conclusion: To summarize, baicalein treatment suppresses hepatic lipid peroxidation, 12-Lox expression, and iron accumulation, all of which are associated with the attenuation of NASH progression.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.30-34
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• 2023

White leg shrimps which were cultured in a private aquaculture farm showed abnormal swimming behavior and appetite reduction in July 2023. Then, gradual mortality was observed in the aquaculture farm. During the diagnosis, bacterial strain KNUAFVaSHP08147 was isolated from the hepatopancreas of the dead shrimps. Based on the sequence of 16S rRNA gene, KNUAFVa-SHP08147 was proved to be Vibrio alginolyticus, showing 99.71 % nucleotide identity with that of V. alginolyticus MG54 and GS MYPK1. According to the result of the growth of KNUAFVa-SHP08147, the treatment a commercial disinfectant, Virkon^TMS was not proved to be effective to prohibit the growth of Vibrio.

• CELLMED
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• v.13 no.14
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• pp.18.1-18.13
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• 2023

Background and objectives: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is recognized as the most prevalent type of vaginal infection, impacting approximately 19-24% of women in their reproductive years. The recurrence rate of BV is significant, negatively impacting the well-being of affected women. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of a polyherbal Unani formulation and metronidazole in treating bacterial vaginosis. Methodology: In this prospective patient blinded standard controlled trial, a total of 40 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis were randomly assigned to receive either an active control treatment (n = 20) or a test drug (n = 20). In the test drug combination of Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica and Quercus infectoria in tablet (1g) form in the dose of 2 tablets orally twice daily with water was administered for 3 weeks. In the active control standard drug, metronidazole 400 mg tablet, orally twice daily was given for one week. The primary outcome measure was clinical cure; H. negative Amsel's criteria and a reduction in subjective symptoms, while the secondary outcome measure was an improvement in SF-36 quality of life (QOL). Results and conclusion: Both the experimental treatment and the metronidazole demonstrated a significant clinical cure for bacterial vaginosis as well as an increase in health-related quality of life. Based on these findings, it appears that the test medication is a potent Unani formulation for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. A well conducted trial with a bigger sample size is required to corroborate these findings.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.257-268
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• 2023

Migraine is a common neurological disease correlated with oxidative stress and lipid profile disorders. The present study was designed to determine the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) supplementation on oxidative status and lipid profile in migraine individuals. This clinical trial was conducted on 84 females aged 18-50 years, diagnosed for episodic migraine according to the International Headache Society. Subjects were randomized to receive either Co-Q10 supplement (400 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured before and after intervention in both groups. Also, anthropometric indices, dietary intakes, and clinical features were collected. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. Seventy-seven of the participants, with mean age of 33.70 ± 7.75 years, completed the study. After 12-week intervention, Co-Q10 led to a significant decrease in MDA levels compared to placebo (p = 0.009), with no effect on TAC levels (p = 0.106). A significant increase in serum Co-Q10 concentration and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in Co-Q10 group was observed, but no significant differences were found in other lipid profile variables (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol). Among anthropometric variables, Co-Q10 only caused a significant reduction in body fat percentage (BFP), but we did not find any significant changes in others. A 12-week Co-Q10 supplementation led to significant improvement in clinical features, BFP, and HDL-C level among migraine individuals.