• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.129-135
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• 1985

In order to search for potential antidotes for T-2 toxin poisoning, seven Chinese herbal drug extracts and five natural constituents were tested on mice intoxicated with T-2 toxin. When extracts of Panax ginseng and Atractylodes japonica (500 mg/kg) were administered p.o. once 3 hrs before and once 1 hr after T-2 toxin treatment, a 30% complete survival rate was noted. In case of Paeonia albiflora var. typica, a 30% complete survival rate was also produced at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Other extracts, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, Rehmannia glutinosa and Plantago asiatica exhibited no significant protection from the T-2 toxin poisoning. A nucleoside, thymidine showed protective activity against T-2 toxin toxicity and it produced a 40% complete survival rate when administered i.p. once 0.5 hr after T-2 toxin treatment. Other natural constituents, aucubin, vitamin C and E, and lipoic acid did not show any significant protective activities.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.446-452
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• 2012

The effect of heavy metals on seedling growth and pigment levels was studied in Arabidopsis using essential (Cu, Mn, and Zn) and non-essential metals (Pb and Hg). Generally increasing the concentrations of the metals resulted in a gradual decrease in root and shoot lengths, a decrease in chlorophylls, an increase in anthocyanins and a fluctuation in carotenoid content depending on the metal types. The toxicity of the metals decreased in the following order: Cu > Hg > Pb > Zn > Mn. Among the five metals, Cu was exceptionally toxic and the most potent inducer of anthocyanins. Pb induced the smallest quantity of anthocyanins but it was the strongest inducer of carotenoids. It suggests that the Cu-stressed Arabidopsis may use anthocyanins as its main antioxidants while the Pb-stressed Arabidopsis use carotenoids as its main protectants. All of the five metals induced an accumulation of anthocyanins. The consistent increase in anthocyanin content in the metal-stressed Arabidpsis indicates that anthocyanins play a major role in the protection against metal stresses.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.361-369
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• 2008

In order to evaluate the cytotoxicity of chromium trioxide, and the cell regenerative effect of phenolic acid against chromium trioxide-induced cytotoxicity, cell viability, cell adhesion activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and morphological changes of cells were performed in these cultures. The toxicity of chromium trioxide (${IC}_{50}$, 44.0 ${\mu}M$) was high according to the toxic criteria. Cell regeneration of benzoic acid derivatives against ${IC}_{50}$ value of chromium trioxide in cell morphology was increased in concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that benzoic acid derivatives may be used as a cell regenerative agent against chromium-mediated cytotoxicity.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.214-219
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• 2014

Artemisia apiacea is a traditional herbal medicine using treatment of eczema and jaundice in Eastern Asia including China, Korea, and Japan. In this study, the three phytosterol constituents were isolated and identified from the hexane fraction of 80% aqueous methanol extract of A. apiacea. Compounds were isolated using open column chromatography (silica gel). Their chemical structures were also established using $^1H$-NMR and $^{13}C$-NMR. Moreover, neuroprotective activity of each compound against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal HT-22 cell line was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Furthermore, Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ion ($Ca^{2+}$) accumulation were measured for elucidation of neuroprotective mechanism of isolated compounds. They showed that stigmasterol had neuroprotective activity against the glutamate-induced toxicity by inhibition of ROS and $Ca^{2+}$ production. In conclusion, isolated compound of A. apiacea might be useful for therapeutic agent against neurodegenerative diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.154-163
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• 2019

Objective: We report on the administration progression and adverse event of Er-Xian decoction for menopausal hot flushes. A hot flush is a rapid and intense heat-dissipation reaction that involves considerable sweating, enlargement of the peripheral blood vessels, and internal body heat. Er-Xian decoction is a prescription for treating menopausal hot flush symptoms in postmenopausal women. We report administration progression and adverse event of Er-Xian decoction for menopausal hot flush. Methods: We used the Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire to evaluate the progression of hot flushes, and we conducted a literature review to determine the effective dosage of Er-Xian decoction. Result: In all cases, Facial hot flushes and evaluation variables were improved by the administration of EXD. However, in Case 1, a rise of liver function indexes which may be related to EXD administration was observed. Conclusion: Considering that menopausal flushing usually lasts for several years, The resluts are meaningful that the short-term administration of EXD led to improvement of symptoms. In order to further use EXD in the future, it will be necessary to conduct follow-up studies on the subject of safety verification, such as repeated dose toxicity studies.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.379-387
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• 2023

Dog owners seek treatment when their pets develop cancer. IMMUNIES is traditional herbal medicine-based figment made of 10 natural herbs, designed to maintain host immune function. The major component of IMMUNIES is Dendropanax morbiferus. This clinical pilot study monitored the toxicity and efficacy of IMMUNIES. Four senile dogs with spontaneously occurring mammary and liver cancers were enrolled in this study and treated orally daily for 3 months, and their blood/urine biochemical profiles were examined each month. IMMUNIES was well tolerated during the treatment period. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein levels decreased in all four dogs, whereas red blood cells and hematocrit were within the normal range. IMMUNIES also changed the expression of several molecular targets in the anticancer pathway, such as pro-NAG-1, p53, and cyclin D1. Although the tumors did not completely respond to IMMUNIES, the biochemical profiles and clinical examination showed a stabilized cancer status for 3 months. Thus, IMMUNIES was found to be safe and well-tolerated in the dosage range tested and exhibited cancer antiproliferative activity in canine cancer. Future studies should address other potential benefits of IMMUNIES, including correlative assessments of immune function, quality of life, and owner satisfaction.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.35-57
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to prove the effect and mechanism of Gamikyejakjimogawusul-tang(GKHA) herbal acupuncture on induced rheumatoid arthritis model of DBA/1 mice. Methods : We check effect of GKHA extract on the AST, ALT, Creatinine, BUN of serum and cell viability of GK extract in RAW 264.7 cells to test the stability of this study. In vitro, we measure total phenol contents, total flavonoid contents, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS cation radical scavenging activity of Gamikyejakjimogawusul-tang, effect of GK extract on ROS(Reactive Ooxygen Species) production to estimate a anti-oxidant capacity, and we also measure effect of GK extract on NO (Nitric Oxid), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1, GM-CSF production in RAW 264.7 cells to estimate a anti-inflammatory efficacy. In vivo, we compare a rheumatoid arthritis manifestation between control and experimental group and estimate a AI. Then we check effect of GKHA on the level of WBC, neutrophil, lympocyte, monocyte in the blood to see the effect of immune cells in blood. In addition we measure effect of GKHA on the level of hs-CRP, IgM, IgG, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1, GM-CSF in serum. We observe effects of GKHA on imaging of cartilage degeneration using micro CT-arthrography in paw hind. And we calculate effects of GKHA that reduced BV ratio, BS/BV ratio using 3D Micro-CT. Lastly we observe effects of GKHA histopathologic examination analysis. Results : 1. The toxicity on liver and kidney was disregardable and the cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells was also disregardable. 1. Total phenol contents and total flavonoid contents in GK extract were in high level. 2. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ABTS cation radical scavenging activity were increased according to concentration of GK extract 3. ROS production was significantly decreased in GK extract (at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). 4. NO, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1 production were significantly decreased in GK extract(at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). IL-17, GM-CSF production were significantly decreased in GK extract(at 1, 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-21 production were also decreased but there was no statistical significance. 5. 25x observation after H&E and M-T staining, infiltration of immune cells and subsidence of the cartilage and damage to the synovial cells were decreased. Conclusions : This study showed that GKHA extract had anti-oxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory efficacy. GKHA extract also had inhibiting effect on the process of rheumatoid arthritis and can protect joint and cartilage. So we expect that GKHA extract can be a meaningful treatment to rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.91-104
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• 2010

The experiments were undertaken to evaluate the effects of herbal medicine, Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang in pregnant rats and their fetuses. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with the Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang at dose of 5ml/kg/day for 20 days. Pregnant rats were sacrificed at 20th day of gestation, and the internal and reproductive organs. Approximately live fetuses in the 20th day of gestation were randomly selected and fixed in 95% ethanol. To observe skeletal malformations, fetuses were stained with alcian blue and alizarin red S. Maternal body weights of Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang treated group has a tendency to increase compared to that of control group. There were no significant differences in internal and reproductive organs. There were no significant changes between two groups in blood chemistry and hematological values. There were no significant changes in number of corpus luteum, implantation and live fetuses. But Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang administered group showed higher implantation rate than the control group. Also, Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang administered groups showed lower early resorption rate than the control group. And Gwibitang had the higher value in all the other groups in all items. From the sex ratio, the number of females were larger than the number of males in the control group, and more males than females in Gwibitang administered group. Neonatal body weight and the number of fetus of Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang group were higher than that of control group. The fetuses of dams treated with Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang did not show external malformation. Vertebral and sternal variations were observed in Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang administered group compared to the control group. Those variations were insignificant. There were no significant changes in number of ribs, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and caudal vertebras. From these results, it can be concluded that Bojungiggitang and Gwibitang showed no toxic effects on maternal body weight and the number of live fetuses. There were no significant changes in organ weight, hematological data, and reproductive organs. Although skeletal variations were shown in vertebra and sternum, Bojungiggitang, Gwibitang were shown insignificant changes in bone malformation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.71-81
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• 2003

So-Hap-Hyang-Won, a traditional oriental medicine used in the treatment of stroke patients, was examined for its ability to reverse the cell damage caused by lipid peroxidation products and oxidative stress in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). The effects of herbal medicine on cell proliferation and recovery of oxidative damaged situation were studied in BAEC, which was considered an appropriate in vitro model for stroke resulting from various vascular diseases prevalent in advanced age. In a clinical study of stroke patients, So-Hap-Hyang-Won appeared to improve considerably arm and leg movements as well as consciousness disturbance condition, compared with other traditional medicines used for stroke. When BAEC were treated with extracts of the lyophilized herbal medicines, only that of So-Hap-Hyang-Won stimulated cell proliferation and showed no toxicity even at high concentrations. In studies of BAEC treated with extracts of the lyophilized material of the 14 components of So-Hap-Hyang-Won, only the extract of Foeniculi Fructus stimulated cell growth at all concentrations tested. Moreover, when cells were treated with Foeniculi Fructus (10 and 100 mg/ml) extract after prior exposure to t-BHP ($l0\mu\textrm{M}$) or HNE ($0.2\mu\textrm{M}$), lipid peroxidation products which are known to be involved in aging and vascular diseases, or after the exposure to SIN-l ($500\mu\textrm{M}$), which generates nitric oxide (NO) and other reactive oxygen species, there was substantial recovery from the oxidative damage, presumably due to the radical-scavenging effect of Foeniculi Fructus extract. Foeniculi Fructus not only showed stimulatory effects on cell growth and cell damage repair in BAEC, but also appeared to show the most anti-aging activity among all the herbal components of So-Hap-Hyang-Won.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.318-324
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• 2017

This study was performed to improve the antioxidant and skin-whitening activities of 70% ethanol extract from Sesamum indicum L. (SIL). The electron-donating ability of the SIL extract was 71.7% at a concentration of $1,000{\mu}g/ml$. The whitening effects that was measured by tyrosinase inhibition assay. As a result, SIL extract was shown 42% at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. The cell toxicity on B16F10 melanoma cells of SIL of 70% ethanol extract showed 84.3% at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase relate protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase relate protein-2 (TRP-2) and Tyrosinase protein and mRNA expression inhibitory effect of SIL extract were measured by western blot and reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 50, 250, $500{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Consequently, the MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, Tyrosinase protein expression inhibitory effect of SIL extract was decreased by 68.3%, 39.2%, 89.7%, 22.3%, respectively, at $500{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Moreover, MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, Tyrosinase mRNA expression inhibitory effect by reverse-transcription-PCR of SIL extract was decreased by 81.8%, 66.5%, 84.2%, 68.1%, respectively, at $500{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Therefore, we excellently identified the antioxidant activities and whitening effect of SIL extract, and this finding suggested that SIL extract has great potential as a cosmetic ingredients.