• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.11-17
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• 2014

Objective : Portulaca oleracea (PO) has been used as an important traditional medicine for inflammatory and bacterial diseases in East Asia. However, the protective effects of PO on acute pancreatitis (AP) is not well-known. Therefore, this study was performed to identify the anti-inflammatory and prophylactic effects of PO on cerulein-induced AP. Methods : AP was induced in mice via intraperitoneal injection of supramaximal concentrations of the stable cholecystokinin analogue cerulein ($50{\mu}g/kg$) given every hour for 6 times. Water extracts of PO (100, 300, or 500 mg/kg) was administrated intra-peritoneally 1 h prior to the first injection of cerulein. The mice were killed at 6 h after the final cerulein injection. Pancreas and lung were rapidly removed for morphologic and histochemical examination, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. Blood samples were taken to determine serum amylase and lipase activities. Results : Administration of PO significantly inhibited pancreatic weight/body weight ratio, pancreas and lung histological injury. And MPO activity which indicates neutrophil infiltration was inhibited by PO extracts on cerulein-induced pancreatitis. In addition, PO administration inhibited digestive enzymes such as serum amylase and lipase activity on cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Conclusion : Our results could suggest that pre-treatment of PO reduces the severity of cerulein-induced AP, thereby, PO could be used as a protective agent against AP. Also, this study could give a clinical basis that PO could be a drug or agent to prevent AP.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.63-69
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of present study was to investigate the vasorelaxant activities and mechanisms of action of the ethanol extract of P. yedoensis leaf (PYL) on isolated rat aortic rings. Methods : Dried P. yedoensis leaves were extracted 3 times with 100% ethanol for 3 h in a reflux apparatus. Isolated rat aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers containing 10 ml Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution. The rings were maintained at $37^{\circ}C$ and aerated with a mixture of 95% $O_2$ and 5% $CO_2$. Changes in their tension were recorded via isometric transducers connected to a data acquisition system. Results : PYL relaxed the contraction of aortic rings induced by phenylephrine (PE, 1 ${\mu}M$) or KCl (60 mM) in a concentration dependent manner. However, the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-denuded aortic rings were lower than endothelium-intact aortic rings. And the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-intact aortic rings were reduced by pre-treatment with $N{\omega}$-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 ${\mu}M$), methylene blue (10 ${\mu}M$), 1-H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-${\alpha}$]-quinoxalin-1-one (10 ${\mu}M$), tetraethylammonium (5 mM). In addition, PYL inhibited the contraction induced by extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted by PE or KCl in $Ca^{2+}$-free K-H solution. Conclusions : These results suggest that PYL exerts its vasorelaxant effects via the activation of Nitric Oxide (NO) formation by means of L-arginine and NO-cGMP pathways and via the blockage of receptor operated calcium channels, voltage dependent calcium channels and calcium-activated potassium channels.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.77-84
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• 2010

Objectives : Taraxaci Herba et Radix (THR) is widely used as a food and medicinal herb in Korea. It has been used for treatment of virus inflammatory disease, liver diseases and gastritis. So far, anti-inflammatory effects and constituents of various species in THR has not been studied for comparison. The aim of this study is to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of the aerial part and root from various THR. Also, we have compared the contents of its known constituents with each. Methods : In this study, we estimated anti-inflammatory effect and compared their constituent by HPLC. For the determination of anti-inflammatory effects, we investigated NO and $PGE_2$ production by ELISA. The expressions of iNOS was determined by western blotting in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. And, standard compounds which are methyl gallate, gallic acid, syringic acid and esculetin of THR were analyzed by HPLC using a $C_{18}$ column. Results : Methanol extracts of THR decreased NO and $PGE_2$ production. The expressions of iNOS protein were also decreased in methanol extracts of THR. As a result, HPLC analysis showed that they showed similar patterns. Methyl gallate and esculetin showed the highest content. Methyl gallate was included over 10% content in each aerial part and root of THR. Conclusions : These results indicate that most of THR distributed in Korea might represent therapeutic agent for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.135-142
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• 2006

Objectives : On-Bi-Tang(OB) has been prescribed Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disease such as chronic renal failure. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of OB extract in the BV2 murine microglial cells. Methods : After the water extract of OB was treated in BV2 cells, murine microglial line, the cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and $TNF-{\alpha}$ was determined based on Griess reagent and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and $TNF-{\alpha}$ was analyzed by RT-PCR. Results : OB extract significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of NO and TNF-a in BV2 cells. OB extract also suppressed the mRNA expression of iNOS and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in BV2 cells activated with LPS. Conclusion : These data suggests that OB extract may have the anti-inflammatory effect through the modulation of NO production and inflammatory cytokine such as $TNF-{\alpha}$.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.33-40
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• 2017

Objectives : This study is aimed at establishing the discriminative criteria for Adenophorae Radix (AT; Sasam), Codonopsis Lanceolatae Radix (CL; Yangyu) and Adenophorae Remotiflori Radix (AR; Jeni). Because of confusable publications and the similitude of herb shape, CL and AR have been used as AT in the markets. Methods : We firstly discriminated and confirmed AT, CL and AR through observing the external morphology of original plants. Then, external-internal morphological features of the medicinal herbs were studied. A stereoscope was used to determine macroscopic features of dried herbal medicines and a microscope was conducted to examine internal features with the samples, which were embedded in paraffin and stained. Results : 1. The original plant of CL was discriminated with the stem shape in comparison with others. AT and AR were classified by the leaf position of original plant. 2. In the macroscopic morphological study of medicinal herbs, CL had lumps, which seem like a wart. Also, AT and AR were different in the density of cross section. 3. In the microscopic morphological study of the medicinal herbs, the phloem, fissures and the arrangement of xylem were selected as discriminative criteria for 3 kinds of herbs. With these contents, we suggested the identification keys, including further details. Conclusions : These results, especially identification keys, will be helpful to distinguish 3 kinds of herbs, referred to as a 'Sasam'. Moreover, macroscopic and microscopic methods used in this article would be applicable tools for the discrimination of other herbs.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.1-7
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• 2023

Purpose : To compare the skin damage recovery efficacy of natural Angelicae Gigantis Radix extract (N-AGR) and cultivated A. Gigantis Radix extract (C-AGR). Through this, we confirmed whether the quality standards of herbal medicines recorded in the classic books make a difference in the experimental efficacy using epithelial cells. Methods : The quality standards of medicinal herbs in the classic books and the cultivation and processing conditions of two types of A. gigas were compared. After inducing oxidative stress with H₂O₂, cytoprotective property of N-AGR and C-AGR were evaluated through cell viability. Additionally, after wound formation of epithelial JB6 cells, N-AGR and C-AGR were treated to evaluate wound healing efficacy. Result : The natural A, gigas met the excellent quality standards of the classic books. N-AGR inhibited cell death by oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂, and was superior to C-AGR. Both N-AGR and C-AGR showed dose-dependent wound healing efficacy, but N-AGR was significantly superior to C-AGR. Conclusions : Through the oxidative stress of skin and skin wound healing efficacy experiments using epithelial cells, natural A. gigas showed superior efficacy compared to cultivated A. gigas.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.131-137
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• 2010

Objectives：In this study, we surveyed papers about Oriental herbal medicines(prescriptions and herbs) for dementia. Method：We collected 64 research papers on Oriental herbal medicines(prescriptions and herbs) for dementia in the internet site OASIS using the keyword dementia. Then we analysed them according to year, research method, etc. Result & Conclusion：The absolute majority of research papers on Oriental herbal medicines(prescriptions and herbs) for dementia was experimental papers. And there were not enough clinical papers. In the future, we have to perform more studies such as RCT(Randomized Controlled Trial) and research papers on combined medication of the oriental and the western medicines for dementia.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.121-128
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• 2010

Objectives : This study purposed to research the inhibitory effect of Berberidis Ramulus on the liver cancer. Methods : A total extract of Berberidis Ramulus decoction were prepared. Through the measurement of the cell proliferation, apoptosis, morphology and cytokine level from the extracts, the influence on HepG2 cell were compared. Results : Berberidis Ramulus extract significantly inhibited the proliferation, increased the apoptosis, decreased the TGF-${\beta}$ gene expression and the K-RAS gene expression, significantly increased the level of TNF-${\alpha}$ secretion and increased the rates of IFN-${\gamma}$ secretory cells. Conclusion : It is suggested that Berberidis Ramulus extract turned out to have anti-cancer effects on HepG2 cell.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.55-62
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the biological activities of methanol extracts of fermented Camellia japonica leaf and flower. Methods : Methanol extracts of fermented Camellia japonica leaf and flower were prepared and a dose of 100 and 400mg/kg/day was administered orally into mice. And after appropriate weeks, changes of serum enzyme activities were investigated to confirm its effects on serum glucose, cholesterol and short term administration safety. Results : Fermented flower extract showed significant decrease of serum level of cholesterol. And showed no toxicity on kidney and liver within the dose of 400mg/kg/day. Conclusion : Thus above result showed no toxicity on kidney and liver in male and female mice.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu and Cervi Cornu on the growth of longitudinal bone in the adolescent male rats. Methods : Longitudinal bone growth was measured by fluorescence microscopy. To examine the effects on the growth plate metabolism, the heights of growth plate and the induction of local bone morphogenetic protein-2 were measured. Results : Treatment of Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu significantly enhanced longitudinal bone growth compared with control group. However, Cervi Cornu did not show the significant effects. Conclusion : Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu enhanced longitudinal bone growth and promoted the induction of local bone morphogenetic protein-2 of growth plate in adolescence male rats.