• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.124-133
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• 2010

The object of this study was to obtain acute information single oral dose toxicity of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts, with mouse bone marrow cell micronucleus test for detecting possible genotoxicity. In order to observe the 50% lethal dose, approximate lethal dosage, maximum tolerance dosage and target organs, test articles were once orally administered to ICR mice at dose levels of 2000, 1000, 50 mg/kg according to the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines. The mortality and changes on body weight, clinical signs and gross observation were monitored during 14 days after dosing according to KFDA Guidelines with organ weights of 12 types of principle organs. In addition, after twice oral treatment of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts 2000, 1000 and 500 mg/kg, we checked the changes on the number of MNPCE. We could not find any mortality, clinical signs, changes in the body weight and gross findings upto 2000 mg/kg treated group. The limited dosages in rodents except for increases of lymphoid organ weights and hypertrophy encounted as results from pharmacological effects of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts, immune modulator effects with some sporadic accidental findings not toxicological signs. No evidence of increases of MNPCE numbers were also detected in all three different dosages of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts treated mice. The results obtained in this study suggest that the LD50 and ALD of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts in mice were considered as over 2000 mg/kg because no mortalities were detected upto 2000 mg/kg that was the highest dose recommended by KFDA and OECD. And the results of mouse bone marrow micronucleus test of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts is negative results.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.624-629
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• 2010

Nardostachys jatamansi water extract (NJ) has long been used for the treatment of inflammation-and immune-mediated disorders in the oriental countries. However, its site of action and pharmacological mechanism are not fully investigated. In this study, the authors tried to explore the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions of NJ. First of all, NJ has no harmful effects on viability of neuronal cell line HT22 cells in the dose range of 300 mg/ml. On the contrary, it shows cytoprotective effects on the cells treated with reactive oxygen species H2O2. Probably the cytoprotective effects of NJ might be caused by its ability to induce well known cytoprotective gene hem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Furthermore, NJ shows inhibitory effects on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NO production which are known to destroy the integrity of both cells and tissues. It also inhibits potent proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) production. The blocking effects of NJ on cytopathic and proinflammatory actions of LPS might be caused by the induction of cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory genes HO-1 in macrophages cell line RAW 264.7 cells. The results in this study suggest NJ could be used for the amelioration of inflammation which is underlying mechanism responsible for most chronic diseases.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2014

Curcumin is naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in turmeric and has many pharmacological activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-allergic inflammatory activity of curcumin, and to investigate its inhibitory mechanisms in immunoglobulin E (IgE)/Ag-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and in a mouse model of IgE/Ag-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA). Curcumin inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) dependent leukotriene $C_4$ ($LTC_4$) generation dose-dependently in BMMCs. To probe the mechanism involved, we assessed the effects of curcumin on the phosphorylation of Syk and its downstream signal molecules. Curcumin inhibited intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ influx via phospholipase $C{\gamma}1$ ($PLC{\gamma}1$) activation and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) pathway. Furthermore, the oral administration of curcumin significantly attenuated IgE/Ag-induced PSA, as determined by serum $LTC_4$, $PGD_2$, and histamine levels. Taken together, this study shows that curcumin offers a basis for drug development for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2014

Ribes fasciculatum which belongs to Saxifragaceae has been widely used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of symptoms associated with lacquer poison. However, pharmacological studies on the R. fasciculatum are extremely limited until now. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of ethyl acetate fraction of R. fasciculatum (ERF) using IFN-${\gamma}$/LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophage model. We investigated the change in nitrite level in the absence or presence of ERF after LPS stimulation, and we found that ERF effectively attenuates the NO production in a dose dependent manner without notable toxicity. To determine the mechanism of the inhibitory action of ERF on NO production, we performed iNOS enzyme activity assay and Western blotting. Here we showed that both of iNOS enzyme activities and iNOS expressions were significantly down-regulated by ERF, indicating that these dual activities of ERF are responsible for ERF-mediated NO suppression. In addition, ERF inhibitied the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an another key enzyme in inflammation through suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. We also tested anti-inflammatory properties of ERF not only in vitro, but in vivo using trypsin-induced paw edema model in mice. Our results revealed that the increased paw volume in response to trypsin injection was recovered by ERF supplement dose dependently.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.231-239
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• 2018

Parkinson's disease (PD), one of common neurodegenerative diseases, is caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The loss of dopaminergic neurons in PD is associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hyperoside (quercetin 3-O-${\beta}$-D-galactopyranoside) was reported to have protective properties against oxidative stress by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effect of hyperoside against 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium ($MPP^+$)-induced cell model of PD and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Hyperoside significantly decreased $MPP^+$-induced cell death, accompanied by a reduction in poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Furthermore, it attenuated $MPP^+$-induced intracellular ROS and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), with the reduction of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Moreover, hyperoside significantly increased the phosphorylation of Akt, but it has no effects on $GSK3{\beta}$ and MAPKs. Pharmacological inhibitor of PI3K/Akt abolished the cytoprotective effects of hyperoside against $MPP^+$. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hyperoside significantly attenuates $MPP^+$-induced neurotoxicity through PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings suggest that hyperoside might be one of the potential candidates for the treatment of PD.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.432-439
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• 1982

Congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia [Bochdalek hernia] is the result of a congenital diaphragmatic defect in the posterior costal part of the diaphragm in the region of the tenth and eleventh ribs. There is usually free communication between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The defect is most commonly found on the left [90%], but may occurs on the right, where the liver often prevents detection. The male to female ratio is 2:1. Owing to the negative intrathoracic pressure, herniation of abdominal contents through the defects occurs, with resultant collapse of the lung. Shifting of mediastinum to the opposite side and compression of the opposite lung occurs. Most often these hernias are manifestated by acute respiratory distress in the newborn. A second, but less well recognized, group of patient with Bochdalek hernia survive beyond the neonatal period, usually present at a later time with "failure of thrive, intermittent vomiting, or progressive respiratory difficulty. " The diagnosis can often be made on clinical ground from the presence of respiratory distress, absence of breath sounds on the chest presence of bowel sounds over the chest . Roentgenogram of the chest confirm the diagnosis. Obstruction and strangulation have been reported but are rare. Treatment consists of early reliable identification of these congenital diaphragmatic hernia with high risk and surgical repairment. and postoperative pharmacological management with extracorporeal membranous oxygenation [=ECMO] support in the period of intensive care. On the surgical approach, for defects on left side, an abdominal incision is preferred, because of the high incidence of malrotation and obstructing duodenal bands. In the neonate, the operative mortality may be appreciable, but, later repair almost always is successful. During the period from 1972 to 1982, 4 cases of congenital Bochdalek hernia were experienced at the Kyung-Hee University Hospital.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.158-172
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• 2017

Nigella sativa (N. sativa, family Ranunculaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been widely used for centuries throughout the world as a natural remedy. A wide range of chemical compounds found in N. sativa expresses its vast therapeutic effects. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main component (up to 50%) in the essential oil of N. sativa. Also, pinene (up to 15%), p-cymene (40%), thymohydroquinone (THQ), thymol (THY), and dithymoquinone (DTQ) are other pharmacologically active compounds of its oil. Other terpenoid compounds, such as carvacrol, carvone, 4-terpineol, limonenes, and citronellol, are also found in small quantities in its oil. The main pharmacological characteristics of this plant are immune system stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, anti-tussive, milk production, uricosuric, choleretic, anti-fertility, and spasmolytic properties. In this regard, we have searched the scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar with keywords of N. sativa, anti-cancer, apoptotic effect, antitumor, antioxidant, and malignancy over the period from 2000 to 2017. The effectiveness of N. sativa against cancer in the blood system, kidneys, lungs, prostate, liver, and breast and on many malignant cell lines has been shown in many studies, but the molecular mechanisms behind that anti-cancer role are still not clearly understood. From among the many effects of N. sativa, including its anti-proliferative effect, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, ROS generation, anti-metastasis/anti-angiogenesis effects, Akt pathway control, modulation of multiple molecular targets, including p53, p73, STAT-3, PTEN, and $PPAR-{\gamma}$, and activation of caspases, the main suggestive anti-cancer mechanisms of N. sativa are its free radical scavenger activity and the preservation of various anti-oxidant enzyme activities, such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and the anti-cancer effects of N. sativa, with a focus on its molecular targets in apoptosis pathways.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.47-56
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• 2011

Objectives : This study investigated whether the water extract of Spatholobi Caulis (SCE) has the ability to protect hepatocyte against oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP) in vitro and $CCl_4$ in vivo. Methods : In vitro, HepG2 cells pre-treated with Spatholobi Caulis water extract (1, 3, 10, $30{\mu}g$/ml) for 12h and further incubated with tBHP ($100{\mu}M$) for the next 12h. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. In vivo, rats were orally administrated with the aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis (SCE; 50, 100 mg/kg) for 4 days and then, injected with $CCl_4$ 1 mg/kg body weight to induce acute liver damage. Results : Treatment with SCE inhibited cell death induced by tBHP, as evidenced by alterations in the levels of the proteins associated with apoptosis:SCE prevented a decrease in $Bcl_2$, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase and pro-caspase-3. Moreover, SCE inhibited the ability of tBHP to generate $H_2O_2$ production, thereby restoring GSH content. Moreover, SCE treatments in rats effectively decreased liver injuries induced by a single dose of $CCl_4$, as evidenced by decreases in hepatic degeneration and inflammation as well as plasma alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Consistently, treatments of SCE also protected liver in rats stimulated by $CCl_4$, as indicated by restoration GSH and prevention of MDA in the liver. Conclusions : SCE has the ability 1) to protect hepatocyte against oxidative stress induced by tBHP and 2) to prevent $CCl_4$-inducible acute liver toxicity. Present findings may be informative not only in elucidating the pharmacological mechanism of Spatholobi Caulis, but in determining its potential application for oxidative cellular damage in the liver.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.389-395
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• 2003

Artemisia is a major edible vegetable in Korea and it has traditionally been used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of coughing, abdominal pain, indigestion, bleeding, jaundice, chronic liver disease and diabetes. However the biological and pharmacological actions of the herb have not been studied well. Recently it is known to possess antibacterial, antihelmintic and antifertility activities. But the effect of Artemisia capillaris extract on carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$) induced liver damage in dogs have not been reported yet. This study was designed to investigate the effect .of Artemisia capillaris crude juice extract on $CCl_4$ induced liver damage in dogs. 30 clinically healthy dogs were divided into 2 groups: crude Artemisia capillaris juice treated group(CEC group) and carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$) administerd group. The results are as follows: I. The degree of increase in AST activity and ALT activity in CEC group was lower than that in $CCl_4$ group and the recovery in CEC group was faster than that in $CCl_4$ group. 2. Changes of ALP concentration in CEC group were significant(P < 0.05) but changes of Total-bilirubin concentration were not significant(P < 0.05) in both groups. 3. The recovery of GGT concentration in CEC group was faster than that in $CCl_4$ group. 4. Hematological changes other than MCHC were significant(P < 0.05) in CEC group only and changes of GSH and Met-Hb concentration were significant(P < 0.05) in $CCl_4$ group.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1196-1202
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• 2005

Omeprazole (OMP) is a proton pump inhibitor used as an oral treatment for acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. In the liver, it is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) isoenzymes such as CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. 5-Hyroxyomeprazole (5-OHOMP) and omeprazole sulfone (OMP-SFN) are the two major metabolites of OMP in human. Cimetidine (CMT) inhibits the breakdown of drugs metabolized by CYP450 and reduces, the clearance of coad-ministered drug resulted from both the CMT binding to CYP450 and the decreased hepatic blood flow due to CMT. Phenobarbital (PB) induces drug metabolism in laboratory animals and human. PB induction mainly involves mammalian CYP forms in gene families 2B and 3A. PB has been widely used as a prototype inducer for biochemical investigations of drug metabolism and the enzymes catalyzing this metabolism, as well as for genetic, pharmacological, and toxicological investigations. In order to investigate the influence of CMT and PB on the metabolite kinetics of OMP, we intravenously administered OMP (30 mg/kg) to rats intraperitoneally pretreated with normal saline (5 mL/kg), CMT (100 mg/kg) or PB (75 mg/kg) once a day for four days, and compared the pharmacokinetic parameters of OMP. The systemic clearance ($CL_{t}$) of OMP was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in CMT-pretreated rats and significantly (p<0.05) increased in PB-pretreated rats. These results indicate that CMT inhibits the OMP metabolism due to both decreased hepatic blood flow and inhibited enzyme activity of CYP2C19 and 3A4 and that PB increases the OMP metabolism due to stimulation of the liver blood flow and/or bile flow, due not to induction of the enzyme activity of CYP3A4.