• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.157-169
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• 2018

Background: Cassia tora L., an annual or perennial plant of the Fabaceae family, is traditional medicine with various biological activities, including anti-constipation and, anti-inflammation. Chemical compounds such as anthraquinone glycoside and naphthalene derivatives have been isolated from this plant. Cassia tora L. is a common contaminant of agricultural commodities, but is toxic to cattle and poultry. Methods and Results: To investigate the potential toxicity, Cassia tora L. aqueous extract (CO) was administered orally to rats for 26 weeks at 0 (control), 300, 1,500 and 3,000 mg/kg/day (n = 10 for male rats for each dose). The positive control comprised animals orally administered anthraquinone 100 mg/kg/day. There was no treatment-related mortality. An increase in the kidney weight was observed at 3,000 mg/kg/day of CO and anthraquinone 100 mg/kg/day. Macrophage infiltration in the colon was observed at CO 1,500 and 3,000 mg/kg/day and anthraquinone 100 mg/kg/day, but there were no significant toxicological changes in the incidence and severity of the finding. Conclusions: The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of CO was 3,000 mg/kg/day in male rats and no target organs were identified. In addition, 300 mg/kg was found to be the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for systemic toxicity under the conditions of the study.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.169-176
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• 2008

The subcronic toxicity of WK-38, a herbal preparation for the atherosclerosis, was examined in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. WK-38 is composed of Rhei Rhizoma, Magonoliae Cortx, Moutan Cortex Radicis. Rats were treated with the test substance at a dose of 5 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg intragastrically for 13 weeks. Control rats were treated with vehicle only. No death and abnormal clinical signs were observed throughout the administration period. Also there was no difference in net body weight gain, food and water consumption, organ weight, gross pathological findings, and urine analysis among the groups of rats treated with different doses of the WK-38. Hematological findings and biochemical examination revealed no evidence of specific toxicity related to WK-38. The results suggested that under the condition employed in this study no observation effect level (NOEL) of WK-38 would be 500 mg/kg/day.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2014

Objectives & Methods : The objective of this study was to evaluate the single oral dose toxicity of Chongmyung-tang (CMT) in ICR mice. Korean traditional herbal prescription CMT has traditionally been used as a neuroprotective for treatment of learning disability and memory improvement. CMT, lyophilized aqueous extracts (yield=9.7%) were administered to female and male mice with oral dose of 2,000, 1,000 and 500 mg/kg (body weight) according to the recommendation of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) Guidelines. Animals were monitored for mortality, changes in body weight, clinical signs and gross observation during 14 days after administration upon necropsy; organ weight and histopathology of 14 principle organs were examined. Results : We could not find any CMT extracts treatment related mortalities, clinical signs, changes in body and organ weight, or gross and histopathological observations against 14 principle organs up to 2,000 mg/kg in both female and male mice, except for some accidental sporadic findings which did not show any obvious dose-relations and most of which also demonstrated in both the female and male vehicle control mice in this experiments. Conclusions : Based on the results of this experiment, the 50% lethal dose ($LD_{50}$) and approximate lethal dose (ALD) of CMT extracts after single oral treatment in female and male mice can be considered to be over 2,000 mg/kg, and is likely to be safe in humans.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.144-151
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• 2012

Diagnosis of nutrient disorders in cultivating crops is based on the visual symptoms and results of soil and plant analysis. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of B concentrations in fertilizer solution on the growth of and nutrient uptake by domestically bred strawberries. Tissue analysis based on the dry weight were also conducted to determine the threshold levels in plants when toxicity developed in boron. The growth was seriously restricted in the three strawberry cultivars as the B concentrations in fertilizer solution were elevated. The fresh and dry weights were heavier and crown diameters were thicker in the 0.25 mM boron treatment than the other treatments tested. The toxicity symptoms of boron appeared on the older leaves of three strawberry cultivars while interveinal chlorosis symptoms appeared on the young leaves of 'Keumhyang' and 'Seolhyang' strawberries. The toxicity symptoms in lower leaves were developed when B concentrations in fertilizer solution were higher than 2 mM in 'Keumhyang' and 0.5 mM in 'Maehyang' and 'Seolhyang' strawberries. The elevated boron concentrations in fertilizer solution did not influence the tissue K, Ca, and Mg contents, but influenced the phosphorus contents with decreasing tendency. The tissue Fe and Zn contents decreased and increased, respectively, as the B concentrations in fertilizer solution were elevated. When the concentration of boron at which the growth of a plant is retarded by 10% is regarded as a upper threshold level, the boron contents based on dry weight of above ground plant tissue should be lower than 25.1, 44.2, and 62.5 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ in 'Keumhyang', 'Maehyang', and 'Seolhyang' strawberries, respectively.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.134-142
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• 2010

Although BinSo-San(BSS), a mixed herbal formula consisted of 11 types of medicinal herbs and have been used as anti-inflammatory agent, In the present study, the acute toxicity (single oral dose toxicity) of lyophilized BSS aqueous extracts was monitored in male and female mice after oral administration according to Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) Guidelines (2005-60, 2005). In order to observe the 50% lethal dose ($LD_{50}$), approximate lethal dosage (ALD), maximum tolerance dosage (MTD) and target organs, test articles were once orally administered to female and male ICR mice at dose levels of 2000, 1000, 500, 250 and 0 (control) mg/kg (body wt.) according to the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines (2005-60, 2005). The mortality and changes on body weight, clinical signs and gross observation were monitored during 14 days after dosing according to KFDA Guidelines (2005-60, 2005) with organ weight and histopathology of 12 types of principle organs. We could not find any mortality, clinical signs and changes in the body weights except for dose-independent increases of body weight and gains restricted in 1000 mg/kg of BSS extracts-dosing female group. Hypertrophic changes of lymphoid organs.thymus, spleen and popliteal lymph nodes were detectedat postmortem observation with BSS extracts dose-dependent increases of lymphoid organ weights, and hyperplasia of lymphoid cells in these all three lymphoid organs at histopathological observations. These changes are considered as results of pharmacological effects of BSS extracts or their components, immunomodulating effects, not toxicological signs. In addition, some sporadic accidental findings such as congestion spots, cyst formation in kidney, atrophy of thymus and spleen with depletion of lymphoid cells, and edematous changes of uterus with desquamation of uterus mucosa as estrus cycles were detected throughout the whole experimental groups including both male and female vehicle controls. The significant (p<0.01) increases of absolute weights of kidney and pancreas detected in BSS extracts 1000 mg/kg-treated female group are considered as secondary changes from increases of body weights. The results obtained in this study suggest that the BSS extract is non-toxic in mice and is therefore likely to be safe for clinical use. The LD50 and ALD of BSS aqueous extracts in both female and male 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. In addition, the MTD of BSS extracts was also considered as over 2000 mg/kg because no BSS extracts-treatment related toxicological signs were detected at histopathological observation except for BSS or their component-related pharmacological effects, the immunomodulating effects detected in the present study.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.390-400
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• 2010

This study is aimed to test physiological and hematological actions of Rheum palmatum through clinical pilot study optimized for usual oriental medicine prescription. Thirty-one cases were finally collected and the sample extract 100 $m{\ell}$ of Rheum palmatum (ERP) was administered two times in a day during 3 days and checked with blood CBC test, urinalysis, liver function test, abdominal X-ray as well as general diagnostic process of oriental medicine; pattern identification, assessment of shapes and constitution. The total toxic effective rate of ERP was 9.68% in 3 cases of the whole in case of consistent uneasy state in the subjective symptomatic assessment and aggravation of blood and urine examination. The relevant diagnostic factors were so-eum constitution and essence type subject, carapaces species, lung type in the aspect of Jisan shape theory. On the other hand, the positive effective rate of ERP was 29.03% manifesting improvement of vital signs or present illness and no abnormal changes of blood chemistry and urinalysis and simple abdomen radiology. The relevant diagnostic factors were tae-eum constitution, energy type subject, aves species, heart and liver type in Jisan's shape theory. And the other cases were manifesting no specific change through the administration of ERP. The ratio of the numbers of decrease and increase was 44:5 in the tenderness and hardness of abdominal palpation. But if the pattern identification doesn't comply with the aim of rhubarb application despite of constipation and abdominal pain, the tendeness and biochemical report was shown in abnormal change. The mean number of diarrhea by ERP was $16.77{\pm}6.95$ during 3 days after administration, and the frequent areas of abdominal pain were lower>middle>upper in order, and it meant the target site of ERP too. Besides, the toxic reaction against ERP was expressed highly in case of decrease in blood cell count and hemoglobin, hematocrit having blood deficiency syndrome. Likewise, the toxicity of ERP was influenced by pattern identification manifesting present disease condition and diagnostic factors of four constitutions, Jisan's shape theory collaterally. In conclusion, evaluation of herbal toxicity in order for using as a clinical guideline, various diagnostic pattern information and shape features like the above should be studied together with other pharmacologic toxicology test for the future.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.15-27
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• 2021

Objectives : The processing of Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma is a crucial step to reduce the severe acrid irritation mainly due to the needle-like crystals (raphides). Ginger, alum and bile juice have been used as adjuvant materials for the processing. Methods : Bibliographic research on ancient processing and experimental processing was performed to investigate the toxicity reduction mechanisms of the processing with ginger, alum and bile juice. Results : Ginger has been a major adjuvant for the processing of Pinelliae Tuber, followed by alum and bile juice since Song (宋) and Myeong (明) dynasties, and Arisaematis Rhizoma has been mainly used as Damnamseong (膽南星). The raphides consisting of calcium oxalate, lectin, agglutinin and polysaccharides can induce acrid irritation and the inflammatory reactions. The lipophilic components in the ginger denatured the structure of raphides and 6-gingerol-contained ginger extract attenuated the inflammatory reaction. The calcium ion (Ca²⁺) of calcium oxalate was substituted to the aluminium ion (Al³⁺) of the alum, which damaged the calcium oxalate structure. Lectin attached to the surface of raphides was dissolved in alum solution and consequently its structure was denatured. The cholate in the bile juice formed the complex with the oxalate anion or the calcium cation. Moreover, the enzymes activated by Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium during the fermentation promoted the fragmentation of oxalate. Conclusion : The adjuvant materials damaged the raphides by denaturing or degrading the calcium oxalate, resulting in the reduction of acrid irritation. Further experimental studies would support the toxicity reduction mechanism of the processing.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.149-157
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• 2004

1. All the male students and female students who had taken these herb medicines showed a strong increase in immunity (P<0.01) and they were more effective to the male students (P<0.01) rather than the female students (P<0.05) (figure 1). Generally, immunity may be reduced at the time of fatigue and overwork but as these herb medicines have the effect of increasing immunity. Therefore, it is considered that they not only reduce the fatigue of human body but also heighten immunity against disease. 2. The students who had taken these herb medicines showed some reduction in Cortisol concentration in blood, which didn't show the difference of concentration up to statistical meaning compared to before taking the medicines (figure 2). Accordingly, it is regarded that these herb medicine drink restrained stress slightly. 3. The students who had taken these herb medicines showed some reduction in BUN concentration in blood, which didn't show the difference of concentration up to statistical meaning compared to before taking the medicines (figure 3). For the women, they restrained the toxicity of the kidneys just a little. Accordingly, it shows that these medicines are safe herb medicines without the toxicity of the kidneys. 4. The students who had taken these herb medicines didn't show the difference of concentration up to statistical meaning in sFOT and sGPT concentration in blood compared to taking them (figure $4{\sim}5$). Accordingly, it is suggested that these medicines are safe stuffs without the toxity of the liver. 5. Seven members of the university students answered to the questionaire that they were pleasant while taking the medicines and didn't feel fatigue. They answered very positively that they had better effects than before taking the medicines in many things (Refer to the Questionaire). However, one male student and two female students of them complained of temporary headache and indigestion for 2 days after taking these herb medicines but they said they had been taking cold medicines due to cold symptom before taking the medicines. Accordingly, it turns out that such temporary symptom is not irrelevant to these medicines. In conclusion, it is considered that these herb medicines have the effects of increasing immunity, restraining fatigue and stress through this clinical study carried out in simple way and that they are valuable as herb medicines without the toxity of the liver and kidneys.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1169-1180
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• 2005

First, I read all the materials, including Dongeuibogam(Encyclopedia Medica Koreana), classical writings on Lacca sinica exsiccata, herbal writings on lacquer poison, and herbal books on how to treat lacquer poison. And then after 1 examined all the details on qi and taste of Lacca sinica exsiccata, its efficacy, detoxification, lacquer poison, and its effects on body symptom, 1 got the following results. The order of frequency that Lacca sinica exsiccata is used in Dongeuibogam is pressure-feeling, blood circulation, and insect biting. Its way of intake is not so much through herb-boiling or powdered medicine as through hand-made pills. When medicine is used in the form of pills, the Lacca sinica exsiccata is more included among other ingredients. When old doctors treated pressure-feeling in the chest, they mixed up other herbs, with not putting more emphasis on the efficacy of lacquer 010 doctors believed that toxicity of Lacca sinica exsiccata is not having its own poison, but having biased dominance in the use of its qE and taste. The way or detoxification or Lacca sinica exsiccata is used in the order of crab-boiled water, egg, Xanthoxylum piperitum, Perilla frutescens, Astar tataricus, a weeping willow, iron-tempered water, and Allium toberosum. Special point in detoxificating lacquer poison is that they used medicines for well-ciruculating pulmonary stream, medicines for promoting to urinate or discharge by helping large colons to move, medicines for making the lacquer scar small, medicines for helping digest, and medicines for improving vessel function in the poisoned area. With the above results, the more profound study, based on the crab-boiled water and egg, is expected to go on to increase the effect on the one hand, and to make the new way of lessening or removing the toxicity of lacquer with more safe use on the other hand.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.667-692
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• 2015

The study examined the Korean medicine industry from the perspective of the innovation system theory of each business, while it concentrated on the conflict between traditional Korean medicine and Western medicine, which have a major influence on the innovation system of Korean medicine industry, rather than the innovation system itself. The Korean healthcare system is a dual system of Western and Korean medicine, yet the definitions of Western medical practices and Korean medical practices are ambiguous. Thus the distinction of dual system depends on judicial precedents, and the innovation of Korean medicine has been inhibited due to the excessive emphasis placed on the Western medical practice in both healthcare system and pharmaceutical system. First of all, the usage of most medical devices derived from the development of modern medical engineering is not permitted in the Korean medicine industry, on the basis that most of the medical devices were originated from the Western medicine field. Secondly, new drugs using natural substances, once approved by the drug administration, cannot be prescribed by the Korean medicine industry although they are developed based on Korean medicine. Thirdly, the major safety issues on herbal medicine are about hazardous materials in medicinal herbs and liver toxicity of prescribed herbal medicine. The problem of hazardous materials can be solved by appropriate quality and safety tests in the cultivation and importation process. Whereas the Korean medicine circles points out that the liver toxicity issue is only a unilateral condemnation by the Western medicine circles.