• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1805-1809
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• 2004

In order to validate the use of Radix Curcumae Aromaticae as an anti-inflammatory drug in the traditional Korean medicine, I have investigated the effect of water-soluble extract of Radix Curcumae Aromaticae (ECA) on the expression of inducible heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which ha.s anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects stimulates, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with a high dose of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The extract protected dose-dependently HUVECs against TNF-α-induced apoptosis, as measured qualitatively by a nuclear staining method using the fluoresoence DAPI and quantitatively by a flow cytometry using fluoresce-enhanced Annexin V antibody, and significantly Increased HO-1 expression, as determined by Western blotting analysis using anti-HO-1 antibody. Biockage of HO-1 activity by a pharmacological inhibitor reversed cytoprotection afforded by the extract, and treatment with carbon monoxide, one of HO-1 metabolites, resulted in cytoprotection comparable to the extract. These results suggest that ECA may have therapeutic potential in the control of endothelial disorders caused by inflammatory cytokines.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.91-104
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• 2011

Background : Although chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is increasing, it is hard to treat effectively. In western medicine, antimicrobials drug, ${\alpha}$-adreno-ceptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants and anticholinergic agents are used commonly, but chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromes is confusing and frustrating for urologist. IDS(Indongsoyeom-bang) is used in treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromes. And it is reported that GLS(Gleditsiae spina) and TOF(Toosendan fructus) components of IDS have significant effect on protection of the glandular epithelial cells. Objective : In this study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects and action machanism of IDS in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods : We observed six experimental objects of normal group, control group, testosterone group, and IDS 50 mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg group. Rats were treated with 17 ${\beta}$-estradiol after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histophatological profiles. IDS and testosterone were administered as an experimental specimen and a positive control, respectively. The prostates were evaluated by histological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelio-stromal ratio for glandular damage. Also, the prostates were observed by Hematological alterations of WBC, RBC, hemoglobin and platelet. Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with IDS-50 showed a diminished range of the tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in IDS than that of the control. The epithelio-stromal ratio was lower in IDS when compared to that of the control. Also, the examination of bloods were not observed hematological change. Conclusion : These finding suggests that IDS may protects the glandular epithelial cells. We concluded that IDS could be a useful remedy agent for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.451-460
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• 2004

Objective : 황금의 유방암세포주에 대한 항암효과 및 기전에 대한 연구는 아직 미흡하며, 특히 에스트로젠리셉터를 가지지않은 유방암세포주인 MDA-MB-231에 대한 효과 및 기전에 대한 연구는 아직 발표된바 없어, 이에 대한 연구가 진행되었다. Methods : 인간 유방암세포주 MDA-MB-231 MTT assay를 이용 성장방해비율을 조사하였으며. FACS analysis를 이용 cell cycle analysis를 시행하였고, Western Blot Analysis 및 Annexin V analysis를 시행하였다. Results : MDA-MB-231에 대한 황금의 IC50는 180 ug/ml 이었으며 최대 세포성장억제효과는 $500{\mu}g/ml$로 한약재중 비교적 강한 세포독성을 보여 주었다. 유세포분석 에서 황금 $500{\mu}g/ml$의 농도를 72시간 투여한 경우 세포사멸(Sub Gl) 분율이 대조군의 1.7%에 비해 21%로 높아 현저한 용량의존적인 세포사멸현상을 보여주었으며, 세포사멸을 보다 명확히 규명할 수 있는 Annexin V analysis에서도 황금 $200{\mu}g/ml$농도일때 48시간에서 17%의 뚜렷한 세포사멸효과를 나타내었다. 한편 세포사멸촉진인자인 Bax, 세포사멸실행단백질인자인 caspase 3의 활성과 PARP의 분할은 세포사멸이 세포주기정지와 더불어 세포사멸의 과정에 p53이 관여함을 알 수 있다. 앞으로의 연구는 p53발현이 다른 세포주와 각 단백질의 억제제를 통해 인과적인 관련성을 즘 더 명확히 할 필요가 있어야 할 것으로 생각되어진다. Conclusion : 유방암의 예후에 있어 호르몬치료에 부적절함으로 인해 예후가 나쁜 에스트로젠리셉터 발현이 없는 유방암에 대해서도 황금이 탁월한 항암효과를 보여주고 있으며, 임상적으로 황금단독, 다른 항암약재와의 배합, 그리고 기존의 항암화학요법이나 방사선요법과의 병용투여를 통한 초기 및 진행된 유방암의 치료에 대한 새로운 접근의 실마리를 제공할 것으로 생각된다.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2006

One of the main attractions of treatment with herbal medicine is its apparent lack of side effects compared with the drug therapies used in allopathic medicine. However, evidence from various countries suggest that Asian herbal medicine carry a significant risk of contamination with toxic heavy metals at levels that may seriously threaten health. The aims of this study were to analyze and compare concentrations of heavy metals in urine and hair from 184 patients taking herbal medicines in the form of decoctions and/or pills in comparison to 101 control subjects taking either Western or no medications. Levels of metal concentrations exceeding WHO reference values were observed in a number of hair and urine samples for all subjects. After adjusting for potential confounders, taking decoctions or pills was associated with higher levels of some metals (such as Cu, Pb in urine), as well a higher odds ratio of exceeding the upper limit of reference ranges for Pb, Hg in hair. In contrast, taking decoctions or pills was associated with lower levels of some metals (such as Cu in urine and Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb in hair), suggesting that some herbal medicines may have a chelating effect on heavy metals in the body. Overall, the results obtained in the study show a mixed picture and suggest that heavy metals contamination in herbs is sometimes present, but may also be counteracted by the potential for some herbal medicines to act as chelating agents. Further study must be followed to obtain more concrete evidence.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2014

Hoesaeng-san is known to be effective for treating diarrhea and vomiting. However the therapeutic mechanism of Hoesaeng-san is still not well understood. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effects of Hoesaeng-san ethanol extract (HSSEE) on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as to elucidate its mechanism of action in the human mast cell line (HMC-1). Mast Cell were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 in the presence or absence of HSSEE. To study the possible effects of HSSEE, ELISA, RT-PCR, Western blot analysis were used in this study. HSSEE significantly inhibited the PMA plus A23187-induction of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. In activated HMC-1 cells, phosphorylation of extra-signal response kinase (ERK) 1/2 and c-jun n-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2 decreased after treatment with HSSEE. Moreover HSSEE inhibited PMA plus A23187-induced nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ activation and $I{\kappa}B$ degradation. HSSEE suppressed the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 through a decrease in the ERK 1/2 and JNK 1/2, as well as activation of NF-${\kappa}B$. These results indicated that HSSEE exerted a regulatory effect on inflammatory reactions mediated by mast cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2013

Objective: Recently the demands for the effective and safe depigmentative and anti-aging agents of the skin have increased due to the medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic reasons. The purpose of this study is to investigate the MKG(Methanol Extract of Kaempferia galanga) and their dermal bioactivity properties related to cosmeceuticals such as depigmentation. Methods: We assessed inhibitory effects of MKG on melanin production in B16/F10 melanoma cells, on mushroom tyrosinase activity, effects of MKG on the expression tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, GSK-$3{\beta}$, CREB, MITF in B16/F10 melanoma cells without cytotoxicity range. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and tyrosinase activity was assessed using by DOPA staining, western-blot analysis. We measured inhibition of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity by down-regulation of melanogenic enzyme expressions in ${\alpha}$-MSH induced melanogenesis B16/F10 melanoma cells. Results: MKG inhibited tyrosinase-activity, total melanin contents and dendrite out-growth. MKG inhibited melanogenesis by down-regulation of tyorsinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, CREB, and MITF in B16/F10 cells. The treatment with MKG at the 12.5, $25{\mu}g/ml$ level significantly inhibited the melanin synthesis induced ${\alpha}$-MSH in B16/F10 melanoma cells compared with untreated control. Conclusion: These results suggest that MKG inhibit melanin biosynthesis which is involved in hyper-pigmentation. So MKG is considered to be used as a whitening components reducing cytotoxicity.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1141-1146
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• 2004

Lonicera japonica Thunb.(Caprifoliaceae) has long been known as an anti-inflammatory. In the present study, the effect of water fraction of Lonicera japonica (LJ) on trypsin-induced mast cell activation was examined. HMC-1 cells were stimulated with trypsin (100 nM) in the presence or absence of LJ (10, 100, and 1000 $\mu$ g/mL). TNF-$\alpha$ and tryptase production were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-PCR. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot. Trypsin activity was measured by using Bz-DL-Arg-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) as substrate. LJ (10, 100, and 1000 $\mu$g/mL) inhibited TNF-$\alpha$ secretion in a dose-dependent manner. LJ (10, 100, and 1000 $\mu$g/mL) also inhibited TNF-$\alpha$ and tryptase mRNA expression in trypsin-stimulated HMC-1. Furthermore, LJ inhibited trypsin-induced ERK phosphorylation. However, LJ did not affect the trypsin activity even 1000 $\mu$g/mL. These results indicate that LJ may inhibit trypsin-induced mast cell activation through the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation than the inhibition of trypsin activity.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.36-36
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• 1999

From January 1994 to April 1997, there was 15 survivals who was admitted to the department of internal medicine, Wonkwang Oriental Medicine' Hospital in Cheun-ju, after ingestion of paraquat, and treated with Oriental and western medicine therapy. For the patients, I investigated clinical symptoms, gastroduodenoscopy, intake by oral and parenteral route, and output by urine and stool, serum ALP, AST. ALT, Bilirubin, BUN, Creatinine level and urine analysis. On admission day, the LFT level was as follows. The serum mean ALP, AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin was 10.05${\pm}$2.75 KAU, 66.67${\pm}$9.88 IU／L, 43.80${\pm}$7.74 IU／L, 1.89${\pm}$1.22 ㎎／dl and 1.10${\pm}$1.14 ㎎／dl respectively. After that day, administered Gamdutang and checked the mean LFT level regullary. Until the 3rd day, the mean ALP, AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin level was 11.0l${\pm}$3.16 KAU, 56.47${\pm}$7.19 IU／L, 59.00${\pm}$7.57 IU／L, 2.54${\pm}$1.78 ㎎／dl, 1.64${\pm}$1.59 ㎎／dl respectively. From 4th day to 7th day, the mean ALP; AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin level was 12.51${\pm}$3.49 KAU, 77.85${\pm}$7.17 IU／L, 58.00${\pm}$9.09 IU／L, 2.54${\pm}$1.97 ㎎／dl, and 1.80${\pm}$1.81 ㎎／dl respectively. From 8th day to 10th day, the mean ALP, AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin level was 12.43${\pm}$3.14 KAU, 41.13${\pm}$6.49 IU／L, 50.40${\pm}$7.17 IU／L, 1.66${\pm}$1.90 ㎎／dl and 1.14${\pm}$1.50 ㎎／dl respectively. From 11th day to 14th day, the mean ALP, AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin level was 12.30${\pm}$3.25 KAU, 31.07${\pm}$3.85 IU／L, 43.33${\pm}$5.49 IU／L, 1.62${\pm}$1.95 ㎎／dl, 1.17${\pm}$1.71 ㎎／dl respectvely. On admission day, the mean RFT level as follows. Serum BUN and Creatinine level was 28.73${\pm}$5.19 ㎎／dl and 1.82${\pm}$1.27 ㎎／dl respectively. After that day, administered Gamdutang and checked the mean RFT level regullary. Until the 3rd day, the mean BUN and Creatinine level was 32.12${\pm}$5.65 ㎎／dl and 2.31${\pm}$0.45 ㎎／dl respectively. From 4th day to 7th day, the mean BUN and Creatinine level was 31.07${\pm}$5.47 ㎎／dl and 1.92${\pm}$0.79 ㎎／dl respectively. From 7th day to 10th day, the mean BUN and Creatinine level was 17.47${\pm}$3.57 ㎎／dl and 1.33${\pm}$0.59 ㎎／dl respectively. From 11th day to 14th day, the mean BUN and Creatinine level was 11,93${\pm}$3.16 ㎎／dl, 1.27${\pm}$0.38 ㎎／dl respectively.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.291-297
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• 2017

This study was aimed to secure the basis for developing the hangbang-tea may help promote healthy blood vessels by natural herbal ingredients formulated in accordance with the basic principles of oriental medicinal theory. We investigated the vessels contracted by concentrations and safety assessment carried out by the cell viability of Taraxaci Herba, Gardeniae Fructus, Chrysanthemum indicum and Lonicerae Flos composition and concentration. We found cell survival were higher than the control group show a beneficial trend in the growth of normal liver and kidney cells. As a results of this study will be the basis to develop the hangbang-tea differentiated in the future oriental medicine resources. Medicinal resources will be hangbang-tea based on clinical trials utilizing herbal western and oriental medicine convergence principle and vascular relaxation mechanism.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.117-125
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• 2007

Objectives : Berberine, a main alkaloid component of Coptidis rhizoma, has an antimicrobial and anti-tumor activities and antiinflammatory effect. In the present study, we investigated effect of berberine on the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-1${\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, Methods : BV2 cells were pre-treated with berberine and then stimulated with LPS. The cytotoxicity of berberine was determined by MTT assay. The NO production was measured by Griess assay. The mRNA expression and protein levels of inducible nirtic oxide synthase(iNOS) were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The production of PGE2 and cytokines was measured by ELISA. Results : Berberine inhibited the production of NO, PGE2 and pro inflammatory cytokines, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-1${\beta}$ in a dose dependent manner in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, berebrine greatly suppressed the mRNA expression and protein levels of iNOS and inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS stimulation. These results indicate that the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of iNOS and/or inflammatory cytokine gene expression by berberine is involved in its anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. Conclusion : The present study suggests that berberine can be useful as a potential anti-inflammatory agent for treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alsheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke.