• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.127-145
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Daeganghwal-tang on knee cartilage in monosodium iodoacetate(MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods : Forty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups(n=8/group): normal group was SD rats group injected with normal saline at left knee joint and administrated orally distilled water, control group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally distilled water, Indomethacin group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally indomethacin 2 mg/kg, DGHT(L) group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally 1280 mg/kg of Daeganghwal-tang, and DGHT(H) group was MIA-induced osteoarthritis SD rats group administrated orally 2560 mg/kg of Daeganghwal-tang. After orally administration of drugs for 4 weeks, gross appearance and histological analysis were used to evaluate the degree of knee cartilage damage. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines, bone degrade factor and bone defence factors were analyzed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and cartilage protection effects of Daeganghwal-tang. Also, hematological test, biochemical test, and liver and kidney tissue were analyzed to determine the safety of Daeganghwal-tang. Results : Daeganghwal-tang inhibited the damage of the knee cartilage, and significantly prevented the reduction in cartilage thickness. In addition, the pro-inflammatory cytokines and the bone degrade factor significantly decreased, and the bone defence factors significantly increased. In the safety assessment of Daeganghwal-tang, there were no significant differences among the experimental groups and no abnormal findings were observed. Conclusions : Daeganghwal-tang has anti-inflammatory effect, inhibits cartilage damage, and protects cartilage in MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.23-31
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was undertaken to verify the effects of Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using high fat diet-fed male mice. Methods : Fifty four male C57BL/6N mice (age matched) were used for all experiments. Nine standard chow diet-fed mice were used as normal group and forty five high fat diet-fed obese mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, atorvastatin-10mg/kg, MMF(1)-62.5mg/kg, MMF(2)-125mg/kg and MMF(3)-250mg/kg. After all groups were treated with several kinds of diets for 8 weeks, we measured body weight gain, adipose tissue weights, plasma lipid and glucose metabolism, visceral organ weights, histological analysis for liver on the mice. Results : MMF-treated mice had lower body weight gain compared with controls. Among MMF-treated mice, the effect was magnified in MMF(2). MMF(3)-treated mice had lower blood plasma total cholesterol (TC) and glucose level compared with controls. MMF decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, liver fibrosis and liver inflammation of mice compared with controls. The effects was maximized in MMF(2) and atorvastatin. Blood plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase (${\gamma}$-GT) concentrations tends to be decreased by MMF compared with controls. Blood plasma AST, ALT, ${\gamma}$-GT concentrations and organ weights were not changed by MMF, indicating that all three kinds of MMF do not show any hepatotoxicity. Conclusions : These results suggest that MMF improves NAFLD by reducing body weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, liver fibrosis, liver inflammation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.47-54
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was undertaken to verify the effect of Gangjihwan(Di-fatty, DF) composed with Pakistani Ephedra Herba on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) using high fat diet-fed male mice. Method : Eight-week old C57BL/6N mice were used for all experiments. Standard chow diet-fed mice were used as normal group and high fat diet-fed NAFLD mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, atorvastatin, DF(1), DF(2) and DF(3). After 8 weeks, mice were treated with water, atorvastatin(10mg/kg) and DF(40, 80, 160mg/kg) for 8 weeks. And we investigated body weight gain, plasma lipid and glucose metabolism, histological analysis for liver on the mice. Results : Compared with controls, DF-treated mice had very significantly lower body weight gain and lower visceral adipose tissue weight, the magnitudes of which were prominent in DF(3). Consistent with their effects on body weight gain, DF-treated mice had lower blood total cholesterol and triglyceride level compared with controls. Consistent with their effects on body weight gain and blood plasma lipid level, DF-treated mice had lower liver weight and hepatic lipid accumulation of DF-treated groups was significantly decreased than control group. Also Blood plasma AST, ALT and ${\gamma}$-GT concentration were not changed by DF, and these results may indicate DF do not show any toxic effects. Conclusions : These results suggest that DF effectively improves NAFLD. DF reduces liver weight and prevents lipid accumulation of hepatocyte by reducing body weight gain and modulating blood plasma lipid metabolism levels.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2014

Objectives : We investigated the effects of gambigyeongsinhwan(GGH)(1) on body weight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) examined whether blood total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels and hepatic lipid accumulation are inhibited by it in high fat diet-fed obese male mice. Methods : 8 weeks old, high fat diet-fed obese male mice were divided into 5 groups: C57BL/6N normal, control, GGH(1)-1, GGH(1)-2 and GGH(1)-3. After mice were treated with GGH(1) for 8 weeks, we measured body weight gain, food intake, feeding efficiency ratio, fat weight, plasma ALT, leptin and lipid levels. We also did histological analysis for liver and fat on the mice. Results : Compared with controls, GGH(1)-treated mice had lower body weight gain and adipose tissue weight, the magnitudes of which were prominent in GGH(1)-3. Compared with controls, GGH(1)-treated mice had lower feeding efficiency ratio and blood leptin level, the magnitudes of which was prominent in GGH(1)-3. Compared with controls, GGH(1)-treated mice had lower blood plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels. Compared with controls, GGH(1)-3 treated mice had lower blood plasma ALT concentration. Consistent with their effects on body weight gain, the size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by GGH(1), whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was significantly increased, suggesting that GGH(1) decreased the number of large adipocytes. Hepatic lipid accumulation was decreased by GGH(1). Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that GGH(1) exhibits anti-obesity effects through the modulation of feeding efficiency ratio and plasma obesity parameters. Moreover, it seems that GGH(1) also contributes to improve NAFLD through the regulation of plasma ALT and hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the healing effect of Cordyceps Militaris (CM) on collagen II-induced arthritis rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (normal, control, positive control, CM with low/medium/high dosage each). Type II collagen mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (with 1:1 v/v) was injected subcutaneously, and the mixture was injected in a same manner one week after the first injection to boost arthritis. Arthritis index, paw thickness and von Frey test were conducted to observe physical changes. hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe knee cartilage. The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-𝛼) in spleen were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs on multiple joints and can lead to temporary shape change of bones or organ failure in severe cases. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of CM extract on rheumatoid arthritis by measuring paw thickness, arthritis index, conducting von Frey test and H&E staining, and evaluating the level of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, TNF-𝛼. As a result, paw thickness, arthritis index significantly decreased in low concentration group, hind leg became less sensitive in all expermental groups. Also, histological analysis showed that the damage of knee cartilage was prevented in all experimental groups. The level of mRNA of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼 in spleen was analyzed to decide the effectiveness of CM extract. IL-1𝛽 did not show significant change, but IL-6 and TNF-𝛼 showed significant decrease in at least one of the experimental groups. Conclusions CM showed protective effect on knee tissue destruction and improved the physical conditions of the leg involving arthritis. Also, it showed that CM has anti-inflammatory effect on specific cytokines inducing rheumatoid arthritis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of CM for the treatment rheumatoid arthritis, and set the foundation for the further studies.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.331-337
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to define the prognostic factors for liposarcoma to aid in the selection of effective treatments. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed 41 cases out of 45 cases diagnosed with and treated for liposarcoma 2002 to 2015; 4 cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma were excluded. The effects of sex, age, site, stage, and histological classification on survival were analyzed retrospectively. For 28 cases diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma, additional analysis was performed after the inclusion of round cell components. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 52.05 years (range 25-82 years) and the average follow-up period was 63.7 months. The disease-free survival rate was 43.2%. Most factors, including sex and age, were not significantly associated with the survival rate. On the other hand, the stage (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society stage) was significantly associated with the survival rate. The survival rate of patients with myxoid liposarcoma was 69% and the local recurrence and metastasis results varied according to the presence of round cells. Conclusion: The stage of liposarcoma and the sex of the patient were found to be effective factors for prognosis. When planning the treatment for liposarcoma, the treatment outcome for liposarcoma differs according to several prognostic factors.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.53-65
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• 2023

Objectives : Present study investigated the hepatoprotective effects and the optimal mixing ratio of fermented Schizandrae Fructus Pomace (fSFP) and Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus (HSCF) extract combination in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury mice. Methods : ICR mice were orally administered with 200 mg/kg of fSFP, HSCF and mixtures of fSFP and HSCF [MSH (w:w); 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, and 8:1] for 7 consecutive days. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was administered as a reference drug. 0.5 mL/kg of CCl₄ was injected intraperitoneally to induce acute liver injury. Body weight gain, relative liver weight, serum chemistry, histopathological analysis, and hepatic endogenous antioxidants capacities were observed. Results : All diverse combinations of MSH significantly reduced relative liver weight increase by CCl₄. In addition, MSH administrations significantly decreased the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities by CCl₄. Histopathological observation indicated that all MSH treatments significantly reduced the increase of degenerated hepatocytes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and histological activity index score by CCl₄. Moreover, all MSH administrations reduced the elevation of malondialdehyde contents, and ameliorated the reduction of hepatic glutathione contents, superoxide dismutase activity, and catalase activity. Among the various mixing ratio of MSH combinations, MSH 1:1 and 2:1 showed the most potent anti-oxidative stress, and hepatoprotective effect. Conclusion : Present results suggest that 1:1 and 2:1 combinations of MSH is promising herbal formulation with the hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of Samul-tang-ga-dansam water extract (SD) in wound-induced mice. Methods The mice were divided into five groups (n=7): the normal group, the control group, the positive control group, the low-dose SD group and the high-dose SD group. The normal group had no wounds and the other groups were wounded on the back with a leather punch. Distilled water was administered to the control group, 200 mg/kg of vitamin E was administered to the positive control group. In the low-dose SD group and the high-dose SD group, 1.23 g/kg and 2.47 g/kg of SD were administered, respectively. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protein levels were evaluated using western blot analysis. Skin tissue was analyzed by H&E, Masson's trichrome staining method. Results Oral administration of the SD significantly reduced the visible skin damage and decreased the reactive oxygen species and ONOO^- activity of the serum. It significantly increased heme oxygenase-1, superoxide dismutase, catalase, GPx-1/2, Nrf2 and Keap-1 which are antioxidant-related factors in skin tissue and reduced NF-κB p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 which are inflammation-related factors. Also, SD significantly decreased NOX2, p22^phox and p47^phox and increased α-smooth muscle actin and COL1A1 protein expression in fibroblasts involved in connective tissue repair. According to histological examination, the thickened epithelial layer was thinned and collagen fibers were increased to accelerate wound healing. Conclusions It is suggested that Samul-tang-ga-dansam has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and promotes wound tissue repair.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.361-376
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• 2023

Purpose: This study evaluates the potential protective effects of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil supplementation in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. Methods: Rats were fed a 1.25% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks, followed by oral administration of either of the two doses of hemp seed oil (HO) (0.5 mL/kg (HOL group) or 1 mL/kg (HOH group) body weight/day) or simvastatin at 10 mg/kg body weight/day. Oxidative stress, lipids, liver enzymes, and renal markers were measured in the serum. Western blot analysis was applied for evaluating the expressions of inflammatory makers. Results: Except for HDL-cholesterol, the altered levels of lipoproteins, aminotransferases, urea, and creatine kinases in hypercholesterolemic rats were significantly corrected by HO administration. Especially, compared to the HOH group, HOL treatment further reduced AST, ALT, creatinine, TC, and LDL-cholesterol levels. Moreover, both the atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor (CRF) in the HOL group were more restrained compared to the HOH group. Increased levels of p-AMPK coincided with the inhibition of SREBP-2 activation which subsequently suppressed the expression of HMGCR. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation coincided with the PI3K/Akt pathway activation and the increased phosphorylation of p38; these levels were significantly suppressed by HO treatment. In addition, HO treatment markedly reversed the changes in chemokines such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MCP-1. Histological alterations induced by cholesterol overload in cardiac and hepatic tissues were ameliorated by HO supplementation. Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate a low concentration of HO demonstrates improved dysfunctions caused by a high-cholesterol diet via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.99-110
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• 2009

Objectives : The current treatment regimens for patients with nephrotic syndrome due to membranous nephropathy(MN) are based on steroids or immunosuppressive therapy with the aim of reducing proteinuria and improving outcome. Although these treatments attenuate the deterioration of renal function in MN patients, it has been suggested that all are burdened by significant toxicity. Therefore, more specific and less toxic therapies are needed. This study was to evaluate the effects of Coptidis Rhizoma Extract(CRE) on the MN induced by cBSA in mice. Methods : Mice were divided into 4 groups. One group named for 'Normal' was injected with a saline solution not to be immunized. The rest groups were treated as follows; After mice were immunized with 0.2 mg of cBSA and Freund's complete adjuvant one time every two weeks for 6 weeks, they received intra-peritoneal injection of 10 mg/kg of cBSA daily for 4 weeks. Also, they were divided into 3 groups. The first named for 'Control' was not given CRE. The second for 'CRE-250' was given oral administration of 250 mg/kg of CRE daily for 4 weeks. The third for 'CRE-500' was given 500 mg/kg of CRE. All of mice were sacrificed 4 weeks after the first immunization. We measured a body weight and 24hrs proteinuria as well as serological analysis. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope and an electron microscope. Results : The levels of 24 hrs proteinuria, triglyceride, IgG, IL-6 were significantly decreased in both CRE groups. And the level of IgM was significantly decreased in CRE-250 group. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM and deposition of electron-density were consideraly decreased in both CRE groups. Conclusions : The present study suggests that CRE is highly effective when treating mice with MN induced by cBSA. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.