• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.47-55
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• 2012

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of red ginseng (RG) on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced side effects focusing on myelosuppression. Methods: Rats (n = 50) were divided into five groups, nave, control (ip, 5-FU injection of 150 mg/kg), and RG pre-treatment (po, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 5 days before 5-FU injection). On the $7^{th}$ day after 5-FU injection, we evaluated the effects using peripheral hematological parameters, colony-forming assay, cytokine levels and histopathological finding. Results: The peripheral white blood cell and the differential count were dramatically suppressed by 5-FU, while RG (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment significantly improved total white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts. Also, RG (100 mg/kg) pre-treatment significantly increased the number of CFU-GM colony compared with the control group. RG pre-treatment also ameliorated the histopathological damage in bone marrow, spleen, stomach and small intestine tissue. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that Korean RG has preventive effects against 5-FU-induced myelotoxicity and gastrointestinal damage.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-16
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• 2011

Objective : In the theory of Korean medicine, Scrophulariae Radix (SR) can clear away heat and cool the blood, nourish yin and promote the production of the body fluids, relieve toxin and benefit the throat. The present study was carried out to investigate effects of SR on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in mice. Methods : In this experiment, effects of SR on clinical aspects on the skin, histopathological changes such as spongiosis, mast cell distribution, immune cell infiltration in tissue, spleen / body ratio and production levels of serum cytokines were investigated in vivo. In addition, effects on cell viability and release of b-hexosaminidase and histamine were also investigated in vitro. Results : SR treatment diminished erythema, desquamation and keratosis which were induced by repeated painting of DNCB. Spongiosis and edema were diminished by painting of SR in histopathological observation, infiltrations of mast cell and monocytes were also decreased in SR group. In addition, spleen / body ratio was lowered compared to ADC control group. Production level of IFN-${\gamma}$ in serum was decreased, but level of IL-4 did not affected by SR. Finally, more than 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ of SR treatment groups showed decreased cell viabilities in RBL-2H3 cells. Treatment with over 200 ${\mu}g/ml$ of SR decreased b-hexosaminidase release, and treatment with over 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ decreased histamine release in vitro. Conclusion : these data suggest that SR can decrease symptoms of ACD, then SR is useful to treat patient with ACD.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2014

As well-being foods pursuing healthy life are becoming popular, interest in Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) fruit, a type of Korean blackberry, is increasing due to its medicinal actions including protecting the liver, brightening the eyes, and alleviating diabetes. This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of RCM concentrates on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) in rats. RCM, produced in June ~ July 2008 at Chunbook, Gochang (South Korea), was finely mashed. The seeds were removed and the juices were condensed. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups according to treatment: normal (eight rats), $CCl_4$, 1% RCM, and 2% RCM. Experimental diets were provided to the experimental animals for 4 weeks. We measure total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Part of the livers was isolated for histopathological evaluation, and analyzed for lipid peroxide (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and liver proteins. The activities of serum AST, ALT, and ALP were elevated following $CCl_4$ administration. Levels of hepatic TBARS were also significantly increased in the $CCl_4$ groups. However, hepatic TBARS levels and the activities of serum enzymes were markedly reduced by supplementation with the RCM concentrates (P < 0.05). Hepatic SOD activity increased in the RCM concentrates group versus $CCl_4$ groups. Histopathological examination revealed massive necrosis in the centrilobular area and degenerative changes caused by $CCl_4$ were ameliorated by dietary supplementation with RCM concentrates. These results suggest that RCM concentrates have hepatoprotective effects and may improve the symptoms of liver injuries.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.180-188
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• 2015

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of Paljeong-san on chronic nonbacterial prostatitis induced in rats by estradiol. Methods: Rats were divided into three groups. The normal group included rats with no intervention after sham castration. The control group included rats with prostatitis induced by 17β-estradiol after orchiectomy; these rats were orally administered normal saline. The sample group rats were administered Paljeong-san after prostatitis induction. Evaluations included changes in epithelial score, body weight, and prostate weight and volume, as well as histopathological changes in prostate tissue and gene expression of TNF-α, COX-2, and CD68. Results: Paljeong-san inhibited histopathological changes and monocyte/macrophage infiltration of the prostate. The epithelial score was higher for the sample group than for the control group (P<0.05). Paljeong-san administration decreased the gene expression of TNF-α and CD68. Conclusions: Paljeong-san shows prostate-protective effects by inhibiting infiltration by monocytes/macrophages and by reducing TNF-α gene expression. Conclusions: Paljeong-san shows prostate-protective effects by inhibiting infiltration by monocytes/macrophages and by reducing TNF-α gene expression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.46-61
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• 2017

Objectives : Allergic contact dermatitis(ACD) is a type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction that results from cumulative exposures and subsequent sensitization to an environmental chemical. Lonicerae Caulis(LC) can clear away heat and relieve toxin, disperse wind and heat, dredge the channel. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of LC on allergic contact dermatitis(ACD) induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB) in mice. Methods : In this experiment, the effects of LC on changes in body weights, ear and dorsum skin thicknesses, ear weights, clinical aspects on the dorsum skin, histopathological changes, spleen/body ratio, cytokines were investigated. In addition, the effects on proliferations of splenocytes were also investigated in vitro and vivo study. Results : LC spread(SPR) group and LC spread and administered(SPR+ADM) group showed diminished ear thicknesses. In SPR+ADM group, ear weights were lowered significantly compared to contact dermatitis control(CTL) group. LC treatment diminished erythema, desquamation and keratosis which were induced by repeated painting of DNCB. In histopathological observation, spongiosis and edema were diminished in SPR and SPR+ADM group. In cytokines, SPR+ADM group were increased in IL-10, and SPR and SPR+ADM group were decreased in TNF-${\alpha}$ compared with control group. Conclusions : These data suggest that LC can decrease symptoms of ACD, then LC is useful to treat patient with ACD.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.87-105
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• 2017

Objectives : Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is chronic skin disease characterized by allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Saeng-ryo-Samul-tang (SRSM) can treat skin disease by cooling down blood heat, cealering away congenital fever and detoxicating. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of SRSM on AD induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in mice Methods : In this study, the effects of SRSM on changes in body weights, thicknesses of dorsum skin, thicknesses and weights of ear, changes of symptoms on the dorsum skin, histopathological degree of ear and dorsum skin, IL-10 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in serum were observed. And the effects on the proliferation rates of splenocytes were also investigated in vivo and in vitro study. Results : In SRSM topical application (Topical) group, SRSM oral application (Oral) group and SRSM Combination (Combi) group thickness of dorsum skin decreased significantly. But in TPC, ORL and CBN group, weight of ear didn't show any changes, but thickness of ear decreased significantly. And TPC, ORL and CBN group showed meaningful effectiveness symptoms like desquamation and erythema on AD's clinical espect. In histopathological observation, spongiosis, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration of epidermal were remarkably diminished in TPC, ORL and CBN group. And SRSM diminished the proliferation rates of splenocytes in vivo and vitro study. Conclusions : The present study suggests that SRSM can significantly reduced symptoms of AD, therefore SRSM is effective to treatment of AD.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2022

Objectives : Green gram (mung bean) has a cold nature and has been known to detoxify against various side effects that belong to hot in nature. In particular, since it has the effect of detoxifying fever and detoxification to treat swelling, it was also used externally to treat febrile dermatological diseases such as erysipelas and rubella. This study was designed to determine whether green gram exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on contact dermatitis in mice. Methods : We investigated the effects of green gram extract (70% ethanol extract) on skin lesion, skin thickness and weights, melanin and erythema index and spleen body weight ratio in mice with contact dermatitis induced by repeated application of 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Results : Topical application of green gram extract ameliorates skin lesions of contact dermatitis such as scale and roughness induces by 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. green gram extract also suppressed enlargement of skin thicknesses and weights significantly. In addition, green gram extract treatment also lowered erythema index significantly compared to those in the control group. In the histopathological observation, green gram extract prevented epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis in inflamed tissues. Finally, green gram extract did not affect changes in body weights and the spleen body weight ratio, unlike dexamethasone, which significantly prevented body weight gain and lowered the spleen body weight ratio. Conclusions : These results imply that green gram, which is known to have a detoxifying effect in Korean medicine, can be used in the treatment of contact dermatitis.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.399-410
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• 2002

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen (bamboo extract) on the changes of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes of liver and kidney in mice when administered in different dosages. The experimental groups were divided into four. For control group, 0.9％ NaCl (0.2 ml/25 g B.W.) and for experimental groups, 5% (H1 group), 10% (H2 group), and 20%(H3 group) bamboo extract diluted with 0.9％ NaCl, were administered (0.2 ml/25 g B.W.) respectively for 28 days at an interval of 48 hours. MnSOD activities were increased in H1 group (46%, P<0.05), H2 group (40%, P<0.05), and H3 group (34%, P<0.05) as compared to the control group. CuZnSOD activities were increased in H1 group (11%, P<0.05), but were decreased in H3 group (13%, P<0.05). The activities of catalase were decreased in H1 group (39%, P<0.05), H2 group (34%, P<0.05), and H3 group (31%, P<0.05) as compared to the control group. Histopathological observation revealed ballooned hepatocytes in the pericentral and periportal veins of H1 group. More ballooned and injured hepatocytes than in H1 group were observed in the H2 and H3 groups. Detachment of endothelial cells of the central vein was observed in the H2 and H3 groups. These results indicated that bamboo extract developed dose-dependent changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and developed histopathological changes of liver and kidney.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.131-141
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• 2010

Objective : Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is one of the most common diseased among elderly men. BPH can be treated with alpha-1 adrenergic blocker or $5{\alpha}$-reductase inhibitor(Finasteride) that reduces serum dihydrotestosterone(DHT). Phellodendri Cortex Ex has been broad studied on its chemical components, pharmacological activity, and clinical effects on anti-inflammation, anti-allergy, anti-tumor, immunity, antibacteria and other bioactivities. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of Phellodendri Cortex Ex with a BPH induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with testosterone after castration for induction of experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is similar to human benign prostatic hyperplasia in histopathological profiles. Phellodendri Cortex as an experimental specimen, and Finasteride as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological changes, and the expression of $5{\alpha}$-reductase genes. Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Phellodendri Cortex Ex showed a diminished range of the tissue damage. In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) of $5{\alpha}$-reductase genes, Phellodendri Cortex inhibited the expression of $5{\alpha}$-reductase genes. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Phellodendri Cortex Ex may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the suppression of $5{\alpha}$-reductase. From these results, we suggest that Phellodendri Cortex Ex could be a useful agent for treating the benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.347-355
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• 2008

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a member of the perfluoroalkyl acids that have wide commercial applications, is persistent organic pollutants widely spread throughout the environment and human population. But little is known about the adverse biological effects of the PFOA. In the present study, the toxicological effects of PFOA were investigated in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 10 in each group) were orally administered with PFOA in drinking water for 4 weeks (0, 100, 200, or 400 ppm in male, and 0, 200, 400, or 800 ppm in female). Three female rats given 800 ppm died during the study. PFOA treatment decreased the body weight gain and increased the liver weights in both genders. Serum biochemical investigations revealed significant increases in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, and total bilirubin in male but in female. Serum estradiol (E2) levels were increased in all treated rats. Histopathologically, hepatocellular hypertrophy around central vein was noted in the liver of treated rats. No significant histopathological changes were noted in other organs. In conclusion, PFOA induced toxicological changes in the liver and increased serum E2 level which was not related to histopathological changes of endocrine and reproductive system.