• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.35-42
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate whether the extract of Coptidis Rhizoma inhibits inflammation in chronic cold stress (CCS)-exposed mice or not. Methods : Coptidis Rhizoma extract (CRE) was made by reflux with distilled water. Male ICR mice (7 weeks old) were divided randomly into 5 groups: (1) control, (2) CCS, (3) CCS+CRE 100 mg/kg, (4) CCS+CRE 300 mg/kg, (5) CCS+CRE 1,000 mg/kg groups. Mice were orally administered once a day for 14 days starting from 1 day before CCS. Group (2)-(5) were exposed to CCS conditions that maintained at $4^{\circ}C$ for 2 h once a day for 14 days. The levels of serum cortisol and hypothalamic prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and PGE2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The expression levels of several pro-inflammatory factors like heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), c-fos, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) were measured by western blot analysis in mouse hypothalamus. Results : Oral administration of CRE 1,000 mg/kg significantly suppressed the increase of serum cortisol levels in mice exposed to CCS. CCS-exposed mice had significantly increased the expression of HSP70, c-fos, and NF-kB in hypothalamus, while CRE treatment significantly attenuated the elevation of these pro-inflammatory factors. The ratio of PGE2/PGE1 was also higher in CCS-exposed mice than control group. CRE treatment significantly reduced the increase of PGE2/PGE1 ratio induced by CCS. Conclusion : These findings suggest that Coptidis Rhizoma may work as a potential agent to modulate inflammatory responses under the condition of cold adaptation formed by CCS.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.425-431
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Achyranthes Radix(AR) and electroacupuncture(EA) in rats with rheumatoid arthritis induced by type II collagen for 28 days. Control group was daily administered 0.9% NaCl 0.5 $m{\ell}$, Group I was daily administered 0.9% NaCl 0.5 $m{\ell}$ to arthritic rats, Group II was orally administered with Achyranthes Radix 500 mg/kg 0.5 $m{\ell}$ to arthritic rats. Group III was given 2 Hz EA of chok samni acupoint(ST36) in the test group for 30 min/days to arthritic rats. Group IV was daily orally administered with Achyranthes Radix 500 mg/kg 0.5 $m{\ell}$ and 2 Hz EA of chok samni acupoint(ST36) in the test group for 30 min/days to arthritic rats. This studies have been designed to evaluate the hind paw edema, assessment of arthritis indices, analgetic effects by analysis of blood chemistry(WBC, CRP, ALP, AST). In each group, histologic observations, Safranin O-fast green stain were observed and analyzed. The following results were obtained. Group II, III, IV were significantly decreased arthritis indices and the rate of paw edema compared with Group I . Especially group IV was the most significantly decreased. The WBC, CRP, AST, ALT was that Group II, III, IV were significantly decreased compared with Group I . In conclusion, Achyranthes Radix and Ea contribute to the improvement of blood chemistry and change in safranin O-fast green by knee joint of arthritic rats.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.25-36
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• 2020

Objective : Reflux esophagitis is a disease caused by the reflux of gastric acid and inflammation due to unstable gastroesophageal sphincter. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of Phellodendri Cortex (PC) on chronic reflux esophagitis (CRE) in rats. Methods : The anti-oxidant activity of PC was measured by total polyphenol, total flavonoid contents, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-enzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. A CRE was established surgically in SD rats. And then CRE rats were treated with water or PC 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Besides, the anti-oxidant and inflammatory protein levels were evaluated using western blotting. Results : PC reduced esophagus tissues injury. The total polyphenol (36.05 ± 0.25 mg/g) and total flavonoid (72.90 ± 0.61 mg/g) of PC showed a high content. PC strongly reduced radical scavenging activities (DPPH IC₅₀ 43.58 ± 1.54 ㎍/㎖; ABTS IC₅₀ 36.75 ± 0.35 ㎍/㎖). Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) levels in serum, the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) were significantly reduced. In addition, the protein expression of NADPH oxidases related to oxidative stress were significantly reduced in PC compared to CRE control. PC effectively reduced inflammatory factors including, TNF-α, and IL-6 via NF-κBp65 inactivation through the inhibition of p-IκBα and increased anti-oxidant enzyme such as HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2 via Nrf2 activation. Conclusions : Taken together, these results show that PC can alleviate the esophageal mucosal ulcer though the inhibition of NF-κB inflammatory and the enhancement of Nrf2 anti-oxidant pathway.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.283-293
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• 2018

This study was performed to analysis of chemical constituent in Polygonum multiflorum root (PMR) by different dry methods (hot-air dry, shade dry, and freeze dry). The results are summarized as followings; major free sugar were detected fructose, glucose, and sucrose in dried PMR based on various dry methods. The highest content of free sugars was found in freeze dried PMR. The four organic acids were detected in dried PMR by HPLC analysis. The content of oxalic acid in shade dried PMR was higher than the dried PMR by different dry methods. The content of total amino acid and essential amino acids were high in the orders of freeze drying > shade drying > hot-air drying. The potassium and magnesium levels of freeze dried PMR was significantly higher than the other drying method of PMR. Whereas the calcium and sodium levels were higher in hot-air dried PMR. The major fatty acids were determined the linoleic acid in PMR by different dry methods.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.81-100
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• 2014

Objectives: The object of this study was to observe the in vitro anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of six single aqueous herbal extracts-Quisqualis Fructus (QuF), Meliae Cortex (MeC), Arecae Semen (ArS), Crassirhizomae Rhizoma (CrR), Ulmi Pasta Semen(UlS), Torreyae Semen(ToS)- against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated Raw 264.7 cells. Methods: Anti-bacterial activities against S. aureus of aqueous extracts of QuF, MeC, ArS, CrR, UlS and ToS were detected using standard agar microdilution methods. In addition, the effects on the cell viability, prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 productions of LPS activated Raw 264.7 cells were detected. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were respectively compared with lincomycin and piroxicam. Results: Minimal Inhibition Concentration (MIC) of aqueous extracts of QuF, MeC, ArS, CrR, UlS and ToS against S. aureus was respectively detected $5.625{\pm}4.075$ (3.125~12.500), $0.332{\pm}0.273$ (0.098~0.782), $1.094{\pm}0.428$ (0.782~1.563), $2.969{\pm}2.096$ (0.782~6.250), $9.375{\pm}4.419$ (3.125~12.500)>25 mg/ml. MIC of lincomycin was detected as $0.469{\pm}0.297$ (0.195~0.782) ${\mu}g/ml$ at same conditions. In addition, $ED_{50}$ against LPS-induced cell viabilities and cytokine releases of QuF, MeC, ArS, CrR, UlS and ToS was as follows - Cell viability: 66.370, 2.908, 1.747, 259.553, 18.150 and 34.160 mg/ml; NO production: 389.486, 0.294, 0.138, 523.060, 45.363 and 49.327 mg/ml; $PGE_2$ production: 114.271, 0.223, 0.046, 243.078, 8.829 and 28.947 mg/ml; TNF-${\alpha}$ production: 406.288, 0.343, 0.123, 9404.227, 125.406 and 140.775 mg/ml; IL-$1{\beta}$ production: 117.178, 0.135, 0.019, 237.451, 7.923 and 19.418 mg/ml; IL-6 production: 31.261, 0.105, 0.055, 128.434, 2.290 and 3.745 mg/ml. ED50 of piroxicam against LPS-induced cell viabilities, NO, $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were detected as 35.179, 6.552, 1.162, 7.273, 7.101 and $5.044{\mu}g/ml$, respectively at same conditions. Conclusions: All six single aqueous herbal extracts showed anti-bacterial effects against S. aureus, in the order of MeC, ArS, CrR, QuF and UlS aqueous extracts except for ToS; they did not showed any anti-bacterial effects (MIC>25 mg/ml). They also showed anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells in the order of ArS, MeC, UlS, ToS, QuF and CrR aqueous extracts. It means that the ArS and MeC will be showed favorable potent anti-bacterial and related anti-inflammatory effects.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.751-756
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• 2023

Objective: This study attempts to increase awareness of hepatotoxicity caused by antipsychotic drugs and to provide updated information on drug-induced liver injury (DILI) to physicians in Korean medicine (KM) clinics. Methods: This study presents a detailed case of a female patient diagnosed with DILI attributed to antipsychotic drugs, highlighting the improvement observed through laboratory findings. Results: A 56-year-old female patient with underlying disorders, including mixed connective tissue disease and depression, was under medical care. One day, she reported experiencing intense fatigue and distressing sensations, prompting the author to order blood tests. The levels of AST and ALT were significantly elevated by more than 2.5-fold, indicating hepatocellular DILI. The RUCAM score for antipsychotic drugs was 9, as no other medications, including herbal medicine, were being taken. Upon discontinuation of the antipsychotic drugs, the patient's laboratory findings returned to normal levels within 2 weeks, accompanied by a recovery of subjective symptoms. Conclusion: This study presents a noteworthy case of hepatotoxicity caused by antipsychotic drugs, serving as an illustrative example that highlights the crucial need for awareness among doctors of KM in clinical settings.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.609-620
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• 1999

Over the period between January 1997 and December 1998, herbal medicine was more than three times administered to the patients coming to Na dong gyu's Oriental Medical Clinic on account of the symptom of growth deficiency. According to radiological opinions about the patients providing cooperation for measuring their height and weight as well as their bone age every three months, it was found that the growth plates were not closed. A research was conducted for 200 children randomly selected of patients in prepuberty (they grew by less than 5cm a year before treatment at a age of 12years for female children and 14years for male children). As a result, the following conclusion was drawn: 1. The randomly selected subjects were made up of 116 male and 84 female children in terms of gender. The age direstribution was most 10 to 12 years in 86 children(34.00%), followed by 8-10 years(27.50%) and 12 to 14 years(19.50%). 2. Considering the distribution of sick children's parental height, the fathers of 141 children(70.50%) measured less than 170cm high, the subaverage height, while the mothers of 172 children(86%) measured less than 160cm high, the subaverage height. It was shown that sick childen's height was genetically influenced by their parents. 3. Children patients's weight at a time of birth was most 3.1-3.5kg for 85 children(44%) and less than 2.5kg which came under the range of growth dificiency for 19 children(9.5%). 4. The highest proportian of the children patients with growth dificiency(56.33%) had the symptom of digestive disorders, of which 77 children patients(18.78%) had anorexia, 16.59% of children patients had the high level of respiratory disorders. Both the digestive disorder and the respiratory disorder put together, they had the high rate of 72.92%. Therefore, this indicates that both the digestive disorder and the respiratory disorder have a great effect on children's growth dificiency. 10.74% of chilren patients were shown to have allergic disorders, which indicates that they also exert an effect on growth deficiency. Specifically, 7.07% of the children patients had the high level of obesity, which shows that an excessive uptake of nutrition may rather induce children to have growth dificiency though an appropriate amount of nutritional uptake is necessary. 5. Comparing their bone age and their chronological age, 58 children patients(29.00%) showed that they were the same at the highest percent. 79 children patients(39.50%) showed that thier bone age was lower than their chronological age. And 63 children patients(31.50%) showed that their bone age was higher than their chronological age. 6. As regards the prescription administered to children patients for treating their growth dificiency, Growth tang A related to the kidney, the congenital factor, of the causes for growth dificiency in traditional Oriental Medicine was administered to 108 children patients(54%), whereas the Growth tang B related to the spleen, the acquired factor, was administered to 92 children patients(46%). 7. 116 male children patients with growth dificiency had the average value of growth for one year before treatment, 4.39cm, while 84 female children patients had the average value of growth for one year before treatment, 4.24cm. A total of 200 children had the average value of growth for one year before treatment, 4.33cm. The annual average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society was 5.79cm. Compared to this value, the one year average value of growth for 108 male and female children patients taking Growth tang A was shown be 8.44cm, which indicates a greater growth by 4.12cm(95.37%) in comparison with the average value of growth before treatment, 4.32cm, and a greater growth by 2.65cm(45.77%) compared to 5.79cm, the average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society. Also, the average value of growth before treatment for 92 male and female children patients taking Growth tang B was shown to be 8.47cm, which indicates a greater increase by 4.15cm(96.06%) compared to 4.32cm, the average value of growth before treatment and a greater increase by 2.67cm(46.29%) in comparison with 5.79cm, the average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society. Considering the average value of growth for male and female children patients taking Growth tang A and B, it was shown to be 8.46cm, which indicates a greater increase by 4.14cm(95.81%) compared to 4.32cm, the average value of growth before treatment, and a greater increase by 2.67cm(46.11%) compared to 5.79cm, the average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.147-178
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was to propose the improved instruction for authors and research ethic regulations by the comparative analysis of those of the domestic journals, for the purpose of enhancing the citation rate of Journal of Korean Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society. Methods : Narrative review method was used for comparatively analyzing instruction for authors of 34 domestic journals, especially focused on how to write a reference. Thereafter, in order to elucidate the drawbacks of current instruction for authors and research ethic regulations of the acupuncture and moxibustion society, the well prepared instructions and research ethic regulations was selected from them, which were compared with the present instructions for authors and research ethic regulations of the acupuncture and moxibustion society. Results : As a result of the comparative analysis of instruction for authors in the 34 domestic journals, style for references was based largely on that of National Library of Medicine and vancouver at the same time. The number of reference was limited according to types of writings. for example, the original article and case report was frequently limited to 40 and 20 references respectively. Authors were mostly listed up to six. If there are more, the first three or six authors were listed with 'et al'. it was generally recommended that using abstracts as references should be avoided and References to papers accepted but not yet published should be designated as 'in press' or 'forthcoming', and that the names of journals should be set in italics and abbreviated according to the List of Journals Indexed for Medline (formerly Index Medicus) published by the National Library of Medicine or koreanmed or WHO-IST, etc. In addition, citation of electrical literature, English writing of reference and obligational citation of more than two articles in the journals were encouraged. In consequence of comparison between well prepared instructions and research ethic regulations of the selected journals and those of current instructions for authors and research ethic regulations of the acupuncture and moxibustion society, the followings were needed to be added or revised. 1. Requirements for case reports were not mentioned. 2. Reporting Guidelines for Specific Study Designs were not included. 3. Previous Orthography of herbal prescription should be revised. 4. Orthography of authors and guidelines for writing article constituents such as title, abstract, introduction, method, statistics, results, discussions were not presented. 5. How to write a reference was so simplified. 6. Definition of Research Ethical Misconduct was omitted and establishment, management and members of committee for research ehtics were not mentioned, 7. Information, reception and investigative procedures of Research Ethical Misconduct was not specified. Conclusions : For the development of Journal of Korean Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society, apporopriate revision of the instruction for author and research ethic regulations should be made based upon the above findings. English writing of reference were believed to be one of the alternatives enhancing citation rate.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.129-153
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• 2001

Background: SMG (升麻葛根湯加味方) is an herbal medicine which has been used in oriental medicine as a traditional therapeutic agent of pruritus and skin disease. Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of SMG on the anti-hypersensitivity and immune response in the murine of type I hypersensitivity induced by the experiment. Materials and Methods: Laboratory rats were primary sensitized with OA (ovalbumin); on day 1, rats of a Control group and Sample group (SMG group) were systemically immunized by subcutaneous injection of 1mg OA and 300mg of Al(OH)3 in a total volume of 2ml saline. The rats of the sample group were orally administered with an SMG water extract for 14 days after primary immunization. On day 14 after the systemic immunization, rats received local immunization by inhaling $0.9\%$ saline aerosol containing $2\%$(wt/vol) OA. A day after local immunization, BAL fluid and peripheral blood were collected from the rats. Total cell, lymphocyte, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+\;T\;cell,\;CD4^+/CD8^+$ ratio in the BALF, and IgE, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+$ T cell in the peripheral blood were measured and evaluated. Results: SMG showed a suppressive effect on the immune response in the rats. 1. Total Cells in the BALF decreased in the SMG treated group in comparison group, but statistic differences were not observed. 2. Total lymphocytes in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 3. CD4+ T cells in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 4. CD8+ T cells in the BALF were decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group, but statistic differences were not observed. 5. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in the BALF was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 6. The IgE level in serum was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 7. The ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ in peripheral blood showed undetectable differences between each group of rats. From the experiment cited above, this study shows that SMG has both anti-hypersensitivity effects and immunoregulatory effects when administered to rats. Based on this experiment, it is suggested that SMG could be a useful immunomodulator and anti-allergy agent.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.109-117
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• 2008

Phellinus linteus (Sang Hwang mushroom; P. linteusis) has been widely used for a traditional medicine in Japan, Korea and China. In traditional oriental applications, P. linteus and their extracts have been exclusively used to treat various diseases like insomnia, neurasthenia, gastric ulcers, arthritis, nephritis, stress, asthma, bronchitis, neuromuscular disorders, hypertension and also as an immune system stimulator in cancer therapy. In a number of articles, it is indicated how tremendous their therapeutic values are. According to these studies, P. linteus and their extracts show immunomodulatory activities like enhancing immune system function including anti-tumor activity and inhibiting the growth of existing tumors. P. linteus and their extracts have been being studied for use as immunotherapy agents and biological response modifiers (BRMs) for the possible treatment of cancer without side effects. Recently, the cultured mycelium product of P. linteus has been developed and approved as a medicine in Korea. This review shows not only the current status of methods of developmental technology like artificial culture and various biological applications of P. linteus but also recent market trends of functional foods made from P. linteus.