• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.48-63
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• 2010

Objectives: Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan (Yan Nian Yi Shou Gu Ben Dan 延年益壽固本丹) is composed of 11 herbs (Polygoni Mutiflori Radix, Lycii Radicis Cortex, Polia, Rehmanniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparat, Asparagi Radix, Liriopis Tuber, Lycii Fructus, Acori Graminei Rhizoma, Angelicae Acutiloba Radix, and Pini Folium) based on Yonryunggobon-dan (Yan Ling Gu Ben Dan 延齡固本丹) and Yonnyuniksoobulrho-dan (Yan Nian Yi Shou Bu Lao Dan 延年益壽不老丹). This study evaluated hair growth promoting effect of Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan on the shaved C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan was treated by oral administration (Sample I) and oral administration plus skin application (Sample II) once a day for 12 days. Hair regrowth was photographically and histologically determined during the experimental period. Hair growth cycle related factors (EGF, TGF-${\beta}1$) and vascular factors (VEGF, iNOS) were also determined with immunohistochemistry. Results: 1. On gross observation of hair regrowth, Sample I and Sample II groups demonstrated acceleration of hair regrowth. 2. The hair regrowth index of the Sample I group increased significantly from 7 days (P<0.05) to 12 days (P<0.01) after the shave while that of the Sample II group significantly increased at 12 days (P<0.05). 3. On histological observation, both Sample I and Sample II groups demonstrated histological improvement and increases of number and diameter of the hair follicles. 4. EGF expressions on the root sheath of hair follicles were up-regulated in both Sample I and Sample II groups. 5. TGF-${\beta}1$ expressions on the root sheath of hair follicles were not regulated in Sample I or Sample II groups. 6. VEGF expressions in the surrounding tissues of hair follicles were up-regulated in both Sample I and Sample II groups. 7. iNOS expressions in the surrounding tissues of hair follicles were down-regulated in both Sample I and Sample II groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan has hair growth-promoting activity and these effects relate to up-regulations of EGF and VEFG expressions and down-regulations of TGF-${\beta}1$ and iNOS expressions on hair roots.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.1208-1214
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• 2011

Caffeine, a psychoactive stimulant, has been implicated in the modulation of learning and memory functions due to its action as a non-selective adenosine receptors antagonist. On the contrary, some side effects of caffeine have been reported, such as an increased energy loss and metabolic rate, decrease DNA synthesis in the spleen, and increased oxidative damage to exerted on LDL particles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a safe stimulant from natural plants mixture (Aralia elata, Acori graminei Rhizoma, Chrysanthemum, Dandleion, Guarana, Shepherd's purse) that can be used as a substitute for caffeine. Thirty SD rats were divided into three groups; control group, caffeine group (15.0 mg/kg, i.p.), and natural plants mixture group (NP, 1 mL/kg, p.o.). The effect of NP extract on stimulant activity was evaluated with open-field test (OFT) and plus maze test for measurement of behavioral profiles. Plasma lipid profiles, lipid peroxidation in LDL (conjugated dienes), total antioxidant capacity (TRAP) and DNA damage in white blood, liver, and brain cells were measured. In the OFT, immobility time was increased significantly by acute (once) and chronic (3 weeks) supplementation of NP and showed a similar effect to caffeine treatment. Three weeks of caffeine treatment caused plasma lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in liver cells, whereas there were no changes in the NP group. NP group showed a higher plasma HDL cholesterol concentration compared to the caffeine group. The results indicate that the natural plants mixture had a stimulant effect without inducing oxidative stress.