• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.78-87
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• 2002

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng C.A. MEY.), Zizyphi Spinosae Semen (Zizyphus spinosa HU.) and Rehmanniae Radix Preparat (Rehmannia glutinosa LIBOSCH.) on the serotonin- immunoreactivity cells in the Caudal raphe nuclei, Rostal raphe nuclei and hippocampus of the mouse brain. Methods : The mice were stressed by restraining for one hour and treated with herbal medicine by oral feeding. The mice were killed after one hour and observed by electron microscope after immunohistochemical staining. Results : In the caudal raphe nuclei of the medulla oblongata, the highest number of 5-HT immunoreactivity cells were observed at the Zizyphi Spinosae Semen-treated group, while the lowest level among the herbs treatment group was shown at the Ginseng Radix group. In the hippocampus, serotonin-immunoreactive cells were expressed significantly at the CA3 area while the lowest level of it was shown at the control group. In the midbrain, immunoreactive cells were expressed higher than other groups, while observed at the lowest level in the control group. Conclusions : The extracts of Zizyphi Spinosae Semen, Rehmanniae Radix Preparat and Ginseng Radix show a certain degree of effect on the change of serotonin immunoreactive neurons as an index of nerve disorder.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.137-149
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• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Radix Scutellariae on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor activity and c-Fos expression utilizing Fos-like immuno-histochemistry method in the nucleus accumbens, and the striatum, one of the major projection areas of the control DA system. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into untreated(normal), nicotine-treated (control), Radix Scutellariae-treated(sample) groups, RS group received Radix Scutellariae(100mg/kg, i.p.) 30minutes before injection of nicotine(0.4mg/kg, s.c.) for 7days. Rat were followed withdrawal for 3 days and one challenge for 1day. Results : Systemic challenge with nicotine produced a much larger locomotor activity and expression of c-Fos in the nucleus accumbens and the striatum. Pretreatment with Radix Scutellariae decreased in nicotine-induced locomotor activity and c-Fos expression in the core, shell, straitum area. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that reduction in locomotor activity by Radix Scutellariae may be mediated by reduction of dopamine release and of postsynaptic neuronal activity in striatum, the nucleus accumbens. Out results show neurochemical evidence for the biological effects of Radix Scutellariae that ultimately may help us to understand how Radix Scutellariae can be used to treat nicotine addiction.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.96-118
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• 2003

The effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract, known as depigmenting agent, on melanin biosynthesis was investigated in cellular level by using B16 mouse melanoma cells. The inhibitory effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract on melanogenesis was determined by mushroom tyrosinase assay traditionally using in vitro screening test. To determine whether Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract suppress melanin synthesis in cellular level, B16 mouse melanoma cells were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract. Effects on cell proliferation, melanin biosynthesis, tyrosinase activity, DOPAchrome tautomerase activity, and expression level of mRNA for tyrosinase were examined. The maximum concentration of Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract that was not inhibitory to growth of the cells was 2 mgml. At that concentration, melanin synthesis was significantly inhibited without cytotoxicity after 5 days, compared with untreated cells. The treatment with Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract reduced tyrosinase and DOPAchrome tautomerase activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, the treatment with Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract did not affect significantly mRNA levels for tyrosinase. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix water extract on melanogenesis is correlated with the suppression of tyrosinase and DOPAchrome tautomerase activity more than altering mRNA levels of tyrosinase.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.548-552
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• 2007

This research is the basic research to develop new anti-inflammatory medicine by feeding Scutellariae Radix extract to lipopolysaccharide(LPS) exposed rats, and analyzed it's effect on inflammatory response by LPS derivation. As a result, Plasma interleukin-$1\beta(IL-1\beta)$ and Plasma interleukin-6(IL-6) concentration showed the highest point at 5h after LPS injection, and in this time, the concentration of $IL-1\beta$ and IL-6 in the Scutellariae Radix extract groups at 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg showed lower values than that of control group. Plasma tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha(TNF-\alpha)$ concentration after LPS injection showed the highest point at 2h and showed similar level till at 5h. $TNF-\alpha$ concentration at 2h after LPS injection showed the low value only in the Scutellariae Radix extract 300mg/kg group compared to others, and in 5h, the all Scutellariae Radix extract groups showed lower value than that of the control group. Plasma interleukin-10(IL-10) concentration increased at 2h after LPS injection and reached the highest at 5h. After LPS injection the IL-10 concentration at 2h, the Scutellariae Radix extract injection group at 300mg/kg showed higher value than that of the others, and in 5h after LPS injection, Scutellariae Radix extract 200mg and 300mg groups showed higher value than the control group. Concluding from the above results, in inflammatory response by LPS derivation, the Scutellariae Radix gives positive effect.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.77-91
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• 2005

Purpose : Trichosanthis Radix is traditional medical herb which has been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation. In this study, the effects of Trichosanthis Radix extract were investigated on inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis of human uterine cervical carcinoma cells. Methods : Human uterine cervical carcinoma cells line, ME-180, was used for the study. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of Trichosanthis Radix extract. Cell growth and inhibitory rate were measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was detected by fluorescence microscopy, DNA ladder formation and flow cytometry. Results : Trichosanthis Radix extract inhibited the growth of human uterine cervical carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. It induced ME-180 cells to undergo apoptosis including fragmented nuclei and nucleosome-sized DNA fragmentation. Flow cytometric analysis showed the increasing rate of apoptotic cells by Trichosanthis Radix extract. Reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in caspase-3 activity and were found in ME-180 cells treated with Trichosanthis Radix extract. Conclusion : Our data suggest that Trichosanthis Radix extract inhibit the growth and proliferation of ME-180 cells by apoptotic induction and facilitates its activity via caspase-3 activation initiated by depolarization of mitochondria.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.45-54
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• 2003

Obesity is caused by unbalance of energy intake and expenditure, which results in extra accumulation of adipose tissue. Obesity is directly related to metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver and so on. To investigate the anti-obesity effects of Scutellariae Radix, 70% EtOH extract and water extract of it were tested by in vitro and in vivo studies of fat accumulation. 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell line was used in a in vitro study of fat accumulation. After 3T3-L1 cells were induced to differentiate into adipocytes, S. radix extract were added and fat accumulation was measured by oil red O staining. In vivo study showed that weight and epididymal/ retro-peritoneal adipose tissues were significantly reduced in mice fed Scutellariae Radix extract compared with control group. Especially, mice fed Scutellariae Radix extract showed reduced serum triglyceride and glucose levels. When adipose tissues were analyzed by microscope, mean adipocyte size was significantly reduced in Scutellariae Radix extract-fed mice. Therefore, this study showed inhibitory effects of Scutellariae Radix on in vitro and in vivo fat accumulation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.710-715
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• 2005

This research was to investigate inhibitory activity of Sasang medicines on Obesity. 56 kind of herb medicines to powder, abstract add 100 times methanol. Examine inhibitory effect against lipase activity in vitro. It was compared Xenical(Orlistat) with 56 kind of herb medicines. Inhibitory effect against lipase activity of Xenical as a standard was 93.3%. It is Inhibitory effect against lipase activity of Taeyangin herb medicine. (Fructus Pruni Tomentosae 77.7% Cortex Acanthopanacis73.5%, Fructus Chaenomelis73.1%, rice bran on a mallet head68.1%, Semen Fagopyri 48.1%, Radix Vitis 31.5%) It is Inhibitory effect against lipase activity of Soyangin herb medicine. (Radix Saposhnikoviae 91.5%, Semen Plantaginis 90.4%, Semen Trichosanthis 89.2%, Herba Schizonepetae 85.7%, Radix Euphorbiae Kansui 76.1%, Rhizoma Anemarrhenae 76.0%, Cortex Phellodendri 75.1%, Herba Menthae 74.8%, Radix Angelicae Pubescentis 61.2%, Rhizoma Alismatis 62.6%, Poria 60.9%, Rhizoma Notopterygii 22.5%, Radix Peucedani 18.2%, Caulis Akebiae 17.7%) It is Inhibitory effect against lipase activity of Taeeumin herb medicine. (Herba Spirodelae 91.4%, Radix Polygalae 88.3%, Arillus Longanae 84.3%, Radix Platycodi 81.7%, Semen Zizyphi Spinosae 80.2%, Spina Gleditsiae 79.7%, Herba Ephedrae 75.3%, Semen Raphani 73.1%, Rhizoma Cimicifugae 73.0%, Rhizoma Acori Graminei 71.8%, Flos Chrysanthemi71.0%, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei 68.4%, Vermiculus Holotrichia 59.9%, Radix Puerariae 55.3%, Fructus Schizandrae 53.4% Semen Coicis 50.6%, Semen Biotae 47.5%, Semen Nelumbinis 46.7%, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae 45.1%, Semen Castaneae 44.4%, Rhizoma Ligustici 34.5%, Tuber Liriopis 16.4%, Radix Scutellariae4.2%) It is Inhibitory effect against lipase activity of Soeumin herb medicine. (Pericarpium Arecae89.9%, Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinarum 89.5%, Radix Polygoni Multiflori81.2%, Rhizoma Cyperi 79.0%, Cortex Magnoliae 72.8%, Radix Aucklandiae 72.0%, Rhizoma Zingiberis 71.9%, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride 71.3%, Radix Cynanchi Wilfordi 57.7% Rhizoma Pinelliae 36.7%, Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae 35.8% Fructus Aurantii Immaturus 17.5%, Pericarpium Citri 16.1%) Therefore, Radix Saposhnikoviae(91.5) and Herba Spirodelae(91.4%) were the most effective medicice of 56 kind of medicines.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.123-132
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find out herb-pair prototype composed of Zanthoxyli Fructus, to examine compatibility regulation between them and to classify them into seven features of compatibility. Methods : To search usages of Zanthoxyli Fructus compatibility, we have investigated the classics of herb and prescription such as "五十二病方"(Fifty-two kinds of Diseases), "黃帝內經"(The Medical Classic of Yellow Emperor), "傷寒論"(Treatise on Febrile Caused by Cold), "金匱要略"(Synopsis of Prescriptions of The Golden), "附廣肘后方"(Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies), "本草綱目"(Compendium of Materia Medica), "得配本草"(Deukbae Materia Medica). Results : In these books Zanthoxyli Fructus was paired with below herbs; 桂(Cinnamomi Cortex), 薑(Zingiberis Rhizoma), 吳茱萸(Evodiae Fructus), 細辛(Asari Radix), 茴香(Foeniculi Fructus), 肉荳蔲(Cistanches Herba), 釜下土(Terba Flava Usta), 益智仁(Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus), 飴(Saccharum Granorum), 葱白(Allii Radix), 梨(Pyrus), 牙皂(Gleditsia Fructus), 杏仁(Armeniacae Amarum Semen), 蕎麥粉(Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), 胡粉(Minium), 白朮(Atractylodis Rhizoma White), 蒼朮(Atractylodis Rhizoma), 麻子仁(Cannabis Fructus), 大麥蘗(Hordei Fructus Germiniatus), 麴(Massa Medicata Fermentata), 生地黃(Rehmanniae Radix), 茯苓(Poria), 牡蛎(Ostreae Concha), 白礬(Alumen), 雄黃(Realgar), 烏頭(Aconiti Radix), 附子(Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix). Conclusions : Zanthoxyli Fructus herb-pair classified by seven features of compatibility are as follows; 1. Mutual reinforcement compatibility with : Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Evodiae Fructus, Asari Radix, Foeniculi Fructus, Cistanches Herba, Terba Flava Usta, Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus, Saccharum Granorum, Allii Radix, Pyrus, Gleditsia Fructus. 2. Mutual assistance compatibility with : Armeniacae Amarum Semen, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Minium, Atractylodis Rhizoma White, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cannabis Fructus, Hordei Fructus Germiniatus, Massa Medicata Fermentata, Rehmanniae Radix, Poria, Ostreae Concha, Alumen. 3. Mutual restraint compatibility with: Realgar, Aconiti Radix, Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix) 4. Mutual detoxication compatibility with: 桑汁(Juice of Mori Folium), 桑根汁(Juice of Morus Cortex), 大蒜(Allii Bulbus), 薺苨(Remotiflori Radix), 桂汁(Juice of Cinnamomi Cortex).

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.89-99
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• 2012

Objectives : This report describes 36 formulas including Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber in Dongeuibogam. Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber have been used separately or concurrently in Oriental Medicine for a long time as a treatment for various diseases. Methods : 36 formulas including Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber as a main component which have been used separately or concurrently in Oriental Medicine for a long time as a treatment for various disease in Dongeuibogam were studied through order of frequency, symptoms, dosages, etc. Results : 1. 6 formulas are recorded in fatigue chapter, 5 formulas in blood chapter 7 formulas in body shape chapter and fire chapter each which are arranged in order of frequency. 2. Enhancing strength and life span herbs are most used in formulas including Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber. General fatigue treating herbs, severe bleeding cold, fire moving by yin-deficiency and kidney malfunction treating herbs are following frequency among 25 symptoms in formulas including Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber. 3. The dosages of Asparagi Radix which is used same amount Liriopis Tuber are ranged from 2.5 puns~2 jeons. 1 jeon is recorded 13(36.1%), 5 puns is 6(16.7%), 7 puns and 2 jeons are recorded 4(11.1%), the rests are 3(8.3%) used among 36 formulas including Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber. 4. The frequencies of Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber have 9(25.0%) in decoctions groups, 27(75.0%) in the other groups except decoctions. So the ratio of decoctions groups to the other groups in being used is about 1:3. Decoction groups are used in enhancing Yin and descending fire, on the other hands the other groups except decoctions are used in well-being in whole life. Conclusions : The 36 formulas including Asparagi Radix and Liriopis Tuber in Dongeuibogam are mainly composed of Eedong-go, Insamgobon-hwan, Gamri-hwan, Samjae-hwan, Saengjihwang-go, Naebo-hwan, etc.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.53-62
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• 2007

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidative effects of Puerariae Radix extract. Method Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Total antioxidant response (TAR), Total phenolic content, Reactive oxygen species (ROS), 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities, lipid peroxidation were examined. Result Total antioxidant status was examined by total antioxidant capacity(TAC) and total antioxidant response(TAR) against potent free radical reactions. TAC and TAR of Puerariae Radix extract at the concentration of 5 mg/ml were 2.02 and 1.50 mM Trolox equivalents, respectively. Total phenolic content of Puerariae Radix extract at the concentration of 5 mg/ml was 2.29 mM gallic acid equivalent. Concentration of Puerariae Radix extract at which DPPH radical scavenging activity was inhibited by 50% was 5.91 mg/ml as compared to 100% by pyrogallol solution as a reference. The inhibitory effect of the extract on lipid peroxidation was examined using rat liver mitochondria induced by FeSO4/ascorbic acid. Puerariae Radix extract at the concentration of 1 mg/ml slightly but significantly decreased TBARS concentration. The extract further prevented lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of Puerariae Radix extract on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was examined using cell-free system induced by hydrogen peroxide/FeSO4. Addition of 1 mg/ml of Puerariae Radix extract significantly reduced dichloroflurescein (DCF) fluorescence. The extract caused concentration-dependent attenuation of the increase in DCF fluorescence, indicating that the extract significantly prevented ROS generation in vitro. Thus antioxidant effects of Puerariae Radix extract seem to be due to, at least in part, the prevention from free radicals-induced oxidation, followed by inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion As a result, Puerariae Radix seems to have antioxitative effect and antioxidant compount.