• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.245-252
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• 2024

Ginseng is a traditional herbal medicine used for prevention and treatment of various diseases as a tonic. Recent scientific cohort studies on life prolongation with ginseng consumption support this record, as those who consumed ginseng for more than 5 years had reduced mortality and cognitive decline compared to those who did not. Clinical studies have also shown that acute or long-term intake of ginseng total extract improves acute working memory performance or cognitive function in healthy individuals and those with subjective memory impairment (SMI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or early Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia who are taking AD medication(s). Ginseng contains various components ranging from classical ginsenosides and polysaccharides to more recently described gintonin. However, it is unclear which ginseng component(s) might be the main candidate that contribute to memory or cognitive improvements or prevent cognitive decline in older individuals. This review describes recent clinical contributors to ginseng components in clinical tests and introduces emerging evidence that ginseng components could be novel candidates for cognitive improvement in older individuals, as ginseng components improve SMI cognition and exhibits add-on effects when coadministered with early AD dementia drugs. The mechanism behind the beneficial effects of ginseng components and how it improves cognition are presented. Additionally, this review shows how ginseng components can contribute to SMI, MCI, or early AD dementia when used as a supplementary food and/or medicine, and proposes a novel combination therapy of current AD medicines with ginseng component(s).

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.82-90
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• 2024

Objectives: Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods: Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results: The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in nondiabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.210-222
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a complex pathological condition that lacks a cure. Certain Chinese medicines, such as melittin, a major component in bee venom, have shown efficacy in treating CRF patients. On the other hand, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of melittin are unclear. MATERIALS/METHODS: A 5/6 nephrectomy model (5/6 Nx) of renal failure was established on rats for in vivo assays, and mouse podocyte clone 5 (MPC5) mouse podocyte cells were treated with angiotensin II (AngII) to establish an in vitro podocyte damage model. The 24-h urine protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels were evaluated after one, 2, and 4 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to examine the pathological changes in kidney tissues. A cell counting kit 8 assay was used to assess the cell viability. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels in the cells, respectively. RESULTS: In the rat 5/6 Nx, melittin reduced the 24-h urinary protein excretion and the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the renal pathology was improved in the melittin-treated 5/6 Nx rats. Melittin promoted podocin, nephrin, Beclin 1, and the LC3II/LC3I ratio and inhibited phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR in 5/6 Nx-induced rats and AngII-induced MPC5 mouse podocyte cells. Moreover, inhibiting autophagy with 3-MA weakened the effects of melittin on podocin, nephrin, and the LC3II/LC3I ratio in podocytes. CONCLUSION: Melittin may offer protection against kidney injury, probably by regulating podocyte autophagy. These results provide the theoretical basis for applying melittin in CRF therapy.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.54-61
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• 2024

Background: The Korean name for Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is Cham-dang-gui, which grows naturally or is cultivated, and its dried roots are used in traditional herbal medicines. The AGN root exert various pharmacological effects. Despite the various pharmacological effects of the AGN root, there are no reports on its anti-oral microbial effects. The purpose of this study was to reveal the anti-oral microbial effect and the microbial and biochemical changes in oral microorganisms according to the concentration of the ethanol extract of AGN (EAGN) root, and to confirm the possibility of using EAGN as a plant-derived functional substance for controlling oral infectious microorganisms. Methods: Disk diffusion test, growth measurement, biofilm formation assay, and measurements of acid production and buffering capacity were performed to confirm the antibacterial effect of EAGN. Results: EAGN showed anti-oral bacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans at all concentrations, with S. mutans showing a more susceptible effect at concentrations above 5.0 mg/ml and A. actinomycetemcomitans at 3.75 mg/ml. EAGN treatment significantly reduced A. actinomycetemcomitans growth at all concentrations tested. Biofilm formation was significantly reduced at concentrations above 3.75 mg/ml for S. mutans and 2.5 mg/ml for A. actinomycetemcomitans. Acid production in S. mutans and A. actinomycetemcomitans was significantly increased by treatment with EAGN, and the buffering capacities of S. mutans and A. actinomycetemcomitans increased from an EAGN concentration of 3.75 mg/ml and above. Conclusion: EAGN showed anti-oral bacterial effects against both S. mutans and A. actinomycetemcomitans at concentrations above 3.75 mg/ml, which were thought to be related to the inhibition of their growth and biofilm formation. Therefore, EAGN can be used as a safe functional substance derived from medicinal plants owing to its antibacterial effects against S. mutans and A. actinomycetemcomitans.

• 한국환경과학회지
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• 제33권7호
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• pp.501-509
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• 2024

Prunus mume is a culturally significant fruit tree in East Asia that is widely used in traditional foods and medicines. The present study investigated the effects of sunlight exposure and leaf position on the photosynthetic efficiency of P. mume using SPAD values. The study was conducted at Cheongju National University of Education, Korea, under contrasting conditions between sunny (Site A) and shaded (Site B) areas on P. mume trees. Over three days, under varied weather, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and SPAD measurements were collected using a SPAD-502 plus chlorophyll meter and a smartphone PPFD meter application. The SPAD values of the 60 leaves were measured in triplicate for each tree. The results indicated that trees in sunny locations consistently exhibited higher SPAD values than those in shaded areas, implying greater photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, leaves positioned higher in the canopy showed increased photosynthetic efficiency under different light conditions, underscoring the significance of leaf placement and light environment in photosynthetic optimization. Despite the daily sunlight variability, these factors maintained a consistent influence on SPAD values. This study concludes that optimal leaf positioning, influenced by direct sunlight exposure, significantly enhances photosynthetic efficiency in P. mume. These findings highlight the potential of integrating smart farming techniques, especially open-field smart farming technology, to improve photosynthesis and, consequently, crop yield and efficiency. The findings also highlight the need for further exploration of environmental factors affecting photosynthesis for agricultural advancement.

• 셀메드
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• 제14권10호
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• pp.10.1-10.6
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: As per the available data, 75% peri and postmenopausal women experience hot flashes having negative effect on their quality of life. Using herbal medicines are stepping forward to alleviate hot flashes as the available hormonal medications have been reported the presence of side effects. This study was planned with the intention to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus root in the treatment of postmenopausal hot flashes in comparison to the placebo. Methods: This prospective patient blinded clinical trial randomly assigned 40 postmenopausal women with symptoms of hot flashes to receive either test drug (n=20) comprising Asparagus racemosus tablet of 1g in the dosage of 2 tablet thrice in a day for the duration of 60 days continuously or to receive placebo tablet prepared from roasted wheat flour in the same dosage and duration as test drug. The efficacy was determined by reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes assessed by daily diary along with the improvement in quality of life assessed through Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale. Statistical analysis was accomplished by student t test and Chi-square/Fisher Exact test. Results: Test drug significantly (p <0.001) reduced the intensity and frequency of hot flashes as well as improved the quality of life without showing any side effect. Discussion & Conclusion: According to Unani scriptures, the treatment is to treat the underlying cause, such as aberrant temperament and psychological and environmental issues. Unani drugs have emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective qualities that can help alleviate premenstrual symptoms. Unani herbs such as C. sativus, Vitex, agnus castus, P. vulgare, N. Jatamansi, M. officinalis, and Z. officinalis have been clinically demonstrated to be effective in PMS. Thus, traditional knowledge authentication and conservation are vital for future research and appreciated for application in the modern day. Furthermore, randomised controlled trials, comprehensive reviews, and meta-analyses are suggested.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.479-489
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• 1998

This work was done for 9 patients having experience of a herb medical treatment after being diagnosed as CVA during a year from January, 1996 to December, 1996 by using an ethnographic research method. The summarized results of this research are following. Ⅰ. THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ILLNESS First, the falling-ill phase is the time that they have the first stroke of paralysis and the decision pattern of medical institution' comes out. The emotional experience in the period is something like 'flustration', 'anxiety', 'despair', and 'expectation'. Second, the active-treatment phase is the time that the patients as well as their family or care giver not only show the positive attitude and actively participate in the illness treatment but also show a lot of interest in medical institutions and activities of health recovery. There is a primary factor of the continuation of treatment as an experience of treatment and being crushed and sensitivity as an experience of the illness. Third, the rehabilitation phase is the time that the patients or their family become tired and insensitive to the treatment and recuperation, and then reduce the treatment activity. There is a primary influence factor of the discontinuance of treatment as an experience of treatment and physical experience and emotional experience as an experience of the illness. The physical experience is divided into 'personal-hygiene care', and 'the sphere of activity' The emotional experiences are 'blaming someone', 'contempt' and 'despair' as a negative experience and 'hope' as a positive experience. Ⅱ. COPING STRATEGY There are a physical coping, an emotional and mental coping, a social coping, and a spiritual coping as a coping strategy used for the patients to overcome their illness and adjust themselves to their altered life. First, the physical coping comes out as 8 categories, 'using an auxiliary tool', 'doing exercise', 'protecting', 'improving their diet', 'taking care of something', 'using subsidiary medicines', 'trying a folk remedy', and 'having interest in their health'. Second, for the emotional and mental coping, there are 'accepting' and 'trying' as a positive coping and a failure of control as a negative coping. Third, the social coping is appeared as 'being supported'. Fourth, the spiritual coping is recognized as' recourse to God' and 'preparation of death'. After all, the elderly CVA patients in an agricultural area choose the act of treatment based on the traditional belief and the relationship with a caretaker. A personal health can be maintained by taking care of themselves and controling their mind, and the overcome of the illness is decided on the basis of traditional concepts and cultural principles in which the patients as well as the family, neigbors and take carers should work out together and cooperate with each other in order to achieve that.

• 분석과학
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2016

생약의 원산지를 판별하는 논리적인 일련의 기준을 개발한다면, 현재 유통되는 한약을 좀 더 과학적으로 관리 할 수 있을 것이다. 이러한 노력은 전통적인 한약 산업 발전에 기여할 것이라고 사료된다. 산수유의 원산지 판별법을 개발하기 위해, 본 연구에서는 우선 국산 산수유와 중국산 산수유를 각각 수증기 증류하고 이 때 얻은 휘발성분을 GC/MS를 이용하여 분석하였다. NIST mass spectral library의 데이터베이스로부터 정성분석한 결과를 바탕으로 데이터를 범주화(binning)하여 변수를 얻고, 이에 대하여 PCA, OPLS-DA 등 다변량 통계 분석을 수행함으로써 신속, 정확하게 국산 산수유와 중국산 산수유의 산지를 판별할 수 있는 산지 판별모델을 확립하였다. 산지 판별모델 개발을 위해서 학습집합(n=53)을 분석하여 산지 판별모델을 수립한 후, 검증집합(n=12)을 산지 판별모델에 적용함으로써 그 타당성을 확인하였다. 더불어 1-ethylbutyl-hydroperoxide, nonadecane, butylated hydroxytoluene, 5β,7βH,10α-Eudesm-11-en-1α-ol, 7,9-bis (2-methyl-2-propanyl)-1-oxaspiro[4.5]deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, 그리고 2-decyldodecyl-benzene 등 6개의 마커성분을 선정할 수 있었다. 최근에 NMR을 활용한 산수유 원산지 판별에 대한 보고는 있었으나, GC/MS를 기반으로 한 대사체학 연구기법을 이용하여 산지판별 모델을 제시하는 것은 최초의 보고로서 그 의미가 크다. 본 연구결과를 활용하여 한약의 원산지 판별모델 확립과 산수유 원산지의 과학적인 관리에 적용할 수 있으리라 사료된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.446-452
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• 2016

마늘(Allium sativum L.)은 많은 아시아 지역의 나라에서 민간요법 및 추출물을 이용하여 다양하게 사용하고 있다. 국내 전통채소류들은 다양한 기능성과 강한 생리학적 활성을 가지고 있으며, 기능성 식품재료로 사용이 가능하다. 본 연구는 유산균을 이용하여 고체마늘 발효에 따른 생리활성을 조사하고자 하였다. 마늘 고체 발효를 위해 유산균을 한국전통 발효식품인 젓갈로부터 분리 및 KCTC로 부터 분양 받아 사용하였다. 발효유산균 선별은 MRS 고체배지에 디스크법을 이용하여 마늘 착즙액에 저항을 보이며 증식하는 유산균을 선택하였다. 선별된 유산균을 이용한 마늘 고체발효 추출물의 총 폴리페놀과 플라보노이드 농도가 731.0-845.2 ug/g과 92.68-413.58 ug/g로 각각 조사되었다. 그리고 DPPH 라디컬 활성과 SOD 유사활성은 양성대조구인 비타민 C 50 ppm 보다 높은 활성을 보였다. 또한, 항당뇨 활성인 α-glucosidase 저해활성은 유산균 발효마늘에서 양성대조구인 acarbose 50 ppm 보다 높은 저해활성을 보이는 것으로 조사되었다. 본 연구결과 유산균 발효 마늘의 생리학적 활성을 증대를 통해 향후 항산화 활성과 항당뇨 활성을 갖는 유산균 발효 마늘의 개발을 위해 유산균을 활용이 가능하며, 발효물을 이용하여 기능성 식·음료 소재로의 개발 가능성을 보일 것으로 사료된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.78-88
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• 2017

혈관신생, 즉 새로운 혈관형성은 종양의 성장과 전이에 중요한 역할을 한다고 알려져 있으며, 암 치료에 중요한 목표물이 되고 있다. 이 연구의 목적은 황련 냉수추출물의 혈관신생 억제작용의 효과를 밝히고 항암제로서의 가능성을 평가하고자 한다. Ex vivo rat aortic ring assay 실험결과 신생혈관성장을 억제하는 결과를 확인하였고, 이것을 통해 황련 냉수추출물이 혈관신생과정의 주요한 단계와 내피세포의 증식, 이동, 침투, 혈관내피세포자극인자에 의한 반응으로 모세관 모양의 관 형성작용을 억제함을 알아내었다. 또한 황련 냉수추출물을 처리하였을 때, 세포주기가 억제되고 VEGF에 의한 반응으로 인해 G0/G1 주기에서 S 주기로 가는 과정을 예방하고, VEGF에 의해 활성화가 유도되는 MMP-2, MMP-9이 감소되었다. 따라서 이들의 결과는 황련 냉수추출물이 종양의 발달 단계 중 혈관신생을 방해하는 잠재적인 항암약물의 소재로 고려될 수 있음을 제안한다.