• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.19-25
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of water extracts from Thujae Semen(TSW) in PC12 cells. Methods : We performed 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,2-azinobis- (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid(ABTS) cation scavenging assay, and determination of total polyphenolic content to examine the antioxidant effects of TSW. We also carried out 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay(MTT), reactve oxygen species(ROS) assay, and nitric oxide(NO) assay to examine neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA) in PC12 cells. Results : TSW showed $IC_{50}$ values of 404.3 and 219.9 ${\mu}g/mL$ in DPPH and in ABTS assays, respectively. TSW showed 9.74 ${\mu}g/mL$ of total polyphenol contents. TSW incresed cell viability in a dose dependent manner and it showed protective effect against 6-OHDA neurotoxicity at the concentration of 25-200 ${\mu}g/mL$. Moreover, it recovered 6-OHDA induced cell death at the same concentrations. The extract showed a dose dependent reduction of ROS and NO generation by 6-OHDA. Conclusions : We concluded that TSW has neuroprotective effect against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in PC12 cells through ROS and NO inhibition.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.53-60
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• 2008

Objectives : Oxidative stress has a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Banryong-hwan (BRHE) in SH-SY5Y cells and primary rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Methods : To assess the antioxidant effects, we carried out 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay, and determination of total polyphenolic content. We evaluated the effect of BRHE treatment on neuroprotection against 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA) toxicity using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay, nitric oxide(NO) assay, reactive oxygen species(ROS) assay in SH-SY5Y cells and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) immunocytochemistry in primary rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Results : BRHE showed IC50 values of 328.10 ${\mu}g/mL$ and 43.12 ${\mu}g/mL$ in DPPH assay and in ABTS assay, respectively. Total polyphenolic content was 180.76 ${\mu}g/mL$. In SH-SY5Y cells, BRHE significantly attenuated the toxicity induced by 6-OHDA at the concentrations of 25-100 ${\mu}g/mL$ pre- and post- treatment in MTT assay. While 6-OHDA increased the NO and ROS contents, BRHE decreased them in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, in primary dopaminergic neuron culture, BRHE significantly protect-ed the dopaminergic cell loss against 6-OHDA toxicity up to 136% at the concentration of 75 ${\mu}g/mL$. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that BRHE has neuroprotective effect against 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity through decreasing NO and ROS generation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.47-57
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• 2021

Objective : For the purpose of developing Convoivulaceae plants recorded in Korean Herbology in Korea, the literatures of the successive generations have been thoroughly investigated to prepare this article. Methods : Books and research papers about Herbology which published at Korea and other countries were examined. Results : A list was made about Convoivulaceae plant which were cultivated or grew naturally in Korea, after investigated the data on domestic and foreign Convoivulaceae plants. Convoivulaceae(grew in Korea) were divided into 6 classes with 18 species. Out of those, 6 classes with 13 species were found serviceable which indicates approximately 72% of all. Out of all 18 species of Convoivulaceae family, Calystegia genus were found 6 species, which were shown the most. Among 4 genus of Calystegia species, medicinal plants were all one species each. Out of all serviceable parts in Convoivulaceae, Herb·Radix·Tuber·Semen·Flower·Stem and Folium parts took first place as 8 species. There are 2 species toxic, the survey said. 6 Classifying medicinal plants among the Convoivulaceae plants by part, whole Herbs are found to be 8 separate species each. When it comes to the nature of taste, 10 kinds of taste without action and 7 kinds of sweet taste are the most common. For channel tropism, kidney channel has the largest number of 7 types. Conclusion : A total of 6 genera and 18 species of Convoivulaceae was found in the Korean among which 6 genera and 13 species(approximately 72%) were medicinal plants. Two species toxic drugs were detected.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2021

Objective : Reflux esophagitis (RE), one of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a disease that causes inflammation due to reflux of stomach contents such as stomach acid and pepsin due to the unstable gastroesophageal sphincter, and is currently increasing worldwide. The currently used treatment for reflux esophagitis has various side effects. Therefore, in this study the effect of Toosendan Fructus extract on chronic acid reflux esophagitis in rats was evaluated in order to find a new treatment material for reflux treatment. Methods : After inducing reflux esophagitis through surgery, the group was separated and the drug was administered for 2 weeks; Normal rats (Normal, n=8), chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats (Control, n=8), Toosendan Fructus 200 mg/kg body weight/day-treated chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats (TF, n=8). After, we were taken esophageal tissue and esophageal mucosa damage was identified, and analyzed the expression of NADPH oxidase, AP-1/MAPK-related proteins, and tight junction proteins by western blot in esophageal tissue. Results : Toosendan Fructus administration significantly protected the esophageal mucosal damage of reflux esophagitis. Also, Toosendan Fructus significantly reduced the expression of NADPH oxidases (NOX2 and p22^phox) and AP-1/MAPK-related proteins (c-Fos, c-Jun, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK). In addition, it significantly increased the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-3, and Claudin-4). Conclusions : These results suggest that Toosendan Fructus reduced damage to the esophageal mucosa by protecting the esophageal mucosa by upregulating tight junctions proteins as well as inhibiting the AP-1/MAPK pathway through reducing NADPH oxidases expression.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.53-60
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• 2013

Objectives : To prove the channel-tropism theory in herbology, we investigated the anti-diabetic effect of six herbal plants used for lower wasting-thirst in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods : Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by consecutive injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg i.p.) for 5 days. The rats were divided into normal control, diabetic control, and diabetic treatment with Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRC, 300 mg/kg); Corni Fructus (CF, 300 mg/kg); Bombyx Batryticatus (BB, 50 mg/kg); Lycii Fructus (LF, 300 mg/kg); Phellodendri Cortex (PC, 300 mg/kg); Epimedii Herba (EH, 300 mg/kg); and glibenclimide (10 mg/kg) as a reference drug. Herbal extracts or reference drug were administered orally for 28 days. The changes of body weight, food intake and water intake, and serological markers such as blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) were measured. Results : The decrease of body weight and the increase of food and water intake in STZ-induced diabetic rats was improved by the administration of CF and LF. Also, the enhancement of blood glucose and serum total cholesterol, TG, BUN and Cr in STZ-induced diabetic rats was significantly inhibited by the administration of CF, BB, LF and glibenclimide. On the other hand, EH strongly inhibited the increase of BUN and Cr in the sera of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Conclusions : These results suggest that among six herbal medicines used lower emaciation of emaciation-thirst disease, CF, BB, LF and EH show a characteristics including the channel-tropism theory.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.49-54
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• 2017

Objectives : Bangki is commonly Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma (SC) in Korea. But it often confused with others such as Cocculi Radix (CR), Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (SR) and Aristolochiae Fangchi (AR) due to the similarity in herbal names and morphological characteristics. However, because all of these types of Bangi have different healing properties, they need to be differentiated. Methods : A discrimination on external features of original plants and external characteristics of herbal medicines was carried out using visual examination, stereoscope. For the examination of Internal characteristics of herbal medicines, tissues were dyed using fast green FCF, hematoxylin and safranin O, and the features were observed by the microscope. Results : In external morphology of original plants, the original plants of SC and AR were lignum plants and others were herbaceous plants. The leaf blade and the petiole were another discriminative criteria. In external morphology of herbal medicines, SR and AR have powders and others didn't. Also, SC and CR were determined by the dense of the radiation pattern in the cross section. In internal morphology of herbal medicines, SR and AR were distinguished by the dense of Stone cells. Moreover, SC and CR were different in the pattern of medullary ray and vascular bundle. Conclusions : The results above could be used as identification keys of Bangki. Moreover, these identifications might attribute as a fundamental material to further studies like physicochemical pattern analysis and biological reaction.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.81-90
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• 2019

Objective : For the purpose of developing Verbenaceae plants recorded in Korean Herbology in Korea, the literatures of the successive generations have been thoroughly investigated to prepare this article. Methods : Books and research papers about Herbology which published at Korea and other countries were examined. Results : A list was made about Verbenaceae plant which were cultivated or grew naturally in Korea, after investigated the data on domestic and foreign Verbenaceae plants. Out of those lists, serviceable plants were selected and with those available plants, their distributions were analysed and parts which can be used as medicines were divided into 3 categories such as oriental medicine name, scientific name and non-official name. Verbenaceae's properties flavor, channels they use, effects, and toxicity were also noted. Verbenaceae(grew in Korea) were divided into 5 classes with 21 species. Out of those, 5 classes with 8 species were found serviceable which indicates 40% of all. Out of all 20 species of Verbenaceae family, Callicarpa genus were found 10 species, which were shown the most. Among 3 genus of Vitex species, medicinal plants were all one species each. Out of all serviceable parts in Verbenaceae, Folium parts took first place as 5 species. There are no toxic, the survey said. Conclusion : There were totaled to 5 genera and 21 species in Verbenaceae in Korea and among them medicinal plants are 5 genera, 8 species, some 38% in total.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.15-29
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• 2020

Objectives : This study aimed to review the change in the origin of Sokdan(續斷) by diachronically analyzing literature data from Korea and China. Methods : Literature records describing the origin(synonyms, location of production, description) of Sokdan were collected, records were divided into periods. The main contents were included in the results, and original texts were edited and summarized in the table. Results : Sokdan, whose leaves resemble Jeoma(苧麻)(SJ), was first recorded in 《Xinxiubencao(新修本草)》, and described in detail in 《Bencaotujing(本草圖經)》 during the Tang and Song dynasties in China. In modern times, SJ was assumed to be genus Phlomoides or Lamium; however, records of the plant have decreased. Finally, SJ was not included in the 《Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China》 as Sokdan. However, 《Diannanbencao(滇南本草)》, 《Diannanbencaotushuo(滇南本草圖說)》, 《Zhiwumingshitukao(植物名實圖考)》 described Sokdan of dian(滇). It was assumed genus Dipsacus. From the 1950s onwards, Sokdan is described in the literature as a member of the genus Dipsacus. In korea, SJ was recorded in 《Hyangyakjipseongbang(鄕藥集成方)》 and 《Dongeuibogam(東醫寶鑑)》 during the Joseon dynasty. In modern times, the genera Phlomoides and Lamium were mostly recorded as the origin of Sokdan. Conclusions : Several species have been described as Sokdan over the years in China, but since the 1950s, the genus Dipsacus was noted as the origin of Sokdan. In Korea, SJ was used in the past, thus Sokdan was recorded as P. umbrosa in 《The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia(KHP)·1985》. However, 《KHP·1998》 referred to P. umbrosa as Hansokdan and D. asperoides as Sokdan.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2009

Objectives：I want to examine the antimicrobial activity of Gwankeibujalijung-tang against Streptococcus pneumoniae 59 isolated from the mouth of a common cold patient. Methods： Antimicrobial activity was assayed through the hot water extract from Gwankeibujalijung-tang against Streptococcus pneumoniae 59 isolated from the mouth of a common cold patient. Results： The size of inhibition zone of Gwankeibujalijung-tang extract was 9.83 $\pm$ 0.11 mm. The optimal pH and temperature for the growth of isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae 59 were 7.0 and 37$^{\circ}C$, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Gwankeibujalijung-tang extract was 12 $\mu\ell$ and the antimicrobial activity of Gwankeibujalijung-tang extract was not destroyed by the heat (121$^{\circ}C$ for 15 min) and not affected by pH. Conclusions： Reviewing this experimental result, it appeared that Gwankeibujalijung-tang had efficacy against Streptococcus pneumoniae 59 isolated from the mouth of a common cold patient.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.69-77
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of horse bone powder extract on the growth of longitudinal bone in adolescent male rats. Methods： Longitudinal bone growth was measured by fluorescent microscopy. To examine the effects on the growth plate metabolism, the total height of growth plate, the induction of local insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were measured. Results： Horse bone powder extract enhanced longitudinal bone growth and total height of the growth plate. Also, it promoted the induction of local IGF-1 and BMP-2 of the growth plate. Conclusions： This study shows that the horse bone powder extract effects longitudinal bone growth in adolescent rats and might be used for both stunted adolescents and inherent growth failure patients.