• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.227-237
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• 1997

In order to search for anti-Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1 agents from Korean medicinal herbs and Korean traditional prescriptions (herb complexes), we selected 80 medicinal herbs and 45 prescriptions, based on a review of the Korean traditional medicine books. Both methanol extracts and boiling-water extracts were tested by means of the MTT assay (tetrazolium based colorimetric assay). Ten of the 125 methanol extracts: CM-11, CM-18, CM-19, CM-21, CM-22, CM-39, MM-3, MM-18, MM-29, MM-73 (see explanation of nomenclature below), showed efficacy against HSV-1. Twelve of the water extracts: CW-2, CW-3-I, CW-3-II, CW-18, MW-3, MW-5 MW-6, MW-12, MW-47, MW-69, MW-73 and MW-79 were active. #3 (individual herb) and #73 (individual herb) were interesting because both water and methanol extracts were active. Especially, #3 is a part of composition of Hong-il-$laksamd{\check{u}}ngbang$ and Hojanghaedokt'ang which have anti-HSV-1 activitives. The SI value of MW-69 and CW-18 was relative high as $10.2{\pm}0.7$ and $11.8{\pm}2.2$. The cytotoxic effect on Vera cells of $Panch'{\check{o}}nch'onch'{\check{o}}ngbang$, Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlst. and acycloguanosine was determined by MTT assay. Water extracts of $Panch'{\check{o}}nch'onch'{\check{o}}ngbang$ (prescription) and Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlst. showed very weak cytotoxic effects on Vero cells at > $100\;{\mu}g/ml$ but acycloguanosine showed strang cytotoxic effects on Vera cells at > $100\;{\mu}g/ml$. As a result, #3, #73, MW-69 and CW-18 are considered as potentially useful for anti-HSV-1 agent and will be the focus of further research. Abbreviations: CM - methanol extracts of traditional prescriptions; CW - water extracts of traditional prescriptions; MM - methanol extracts of individual herbs; MW - water extracts of individual herbs.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.145-156
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to review experimental studies of Parkinson's Disease in Korean medical journals, which have been published since 1990. Methods: Experimental studies related to Parkinson's disease published in Korean medical journals, registered with Korea research foundation, were searched. Articles were grouped into journal of publication, subject, and publication year. Experimental study subjects and models were analysed. Results and Conclusions: Twenty-two articles about experimental studies of Parkinson's Disease in Korean medical journals were included in our review. There were 13 articles in which herbs were used for treatment, 4 articles in which bee venom was used for treatment, 4 articles in which acupuncture was used for treatment, and 1 article in which pharmacopuncture was used for treatment. Most of the studies used experimental models of MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease and MTT assay was used to analyse cell toxicity and cell viability. Pole test, rotarod test, Morris water maze test, and forced swimming test were commonly used to analyse MPTP-induced behavioral deficits in animals. Analysis on experimental studies of Parkinson's disease was categorized into the subjects of dopaminergic cell protective effect, cell-apoptosis protectiveness, anti-inflammatory effect, and anti-oxidative effect.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.35-43
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Bo-du-san (BOS) on apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells, SNU-l cells. BOS, a drug preparation consisting of two herbs, that is, Crotonis Fructus (Strychni ignatii Semen, bodu in Korean) and Glycyrrhizae Radix (Glycyrrhizae uralensis FISCH, Gamcho in Korean). Methodss : In this study, methanol extract of BOS was examined for cytotoxic activity on human gastric cancer cells, SNU-1 cells, using XTT assay, with an IC50 value was 0.7 mg/ml and 0.3 mg/ml at 24 hrs and 48 hrs, respectively. Apoptosis induction by BDS in SNU-l cells was verified by the induction of DNA fragmentation, cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. Inhibitors of caspase-3, -8 and -9 (Ac-DEVD-CHO, Z-IETD-FMK and Z-LEHD-FMK) efficiently blocked BOS-induced cell death of SNU-l. Resultss : BOS-induced cell death was via caspase dependent apoptosis. Moreover, treatment of BOS result in the decrease the G1/S cycle regulation proteins (cyclin D1 and E) expression and increase CDK inhibitor proteins (p21 and p27) expression, and increase apoptotic protein, p53 expression. Thus, BOS induces apoptosis in SNU-1 cells via cell cycle arrested in G1 phase. Conclusions : These results indicated that BOS has some potential for use as an anti-cancer agent.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.74-84
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• 2011

Objectives: Palmul-tang (hachimotsu-to in Japanese and bawu-tang in Chinese) is a mixture of eight herbs. It is traditionally used for the treatment of anemia, anorexia, general weakness, and female infertility in China, Japan, and Korea. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Palmul-tang water extract (PTE) against ethanol-induced acute gastric injury in rats. Material and Methods: Acute gastric lesions were induced by intragastric administration of 5mL/kg body weight of absolute ethanol to each rat. Control group rats were given PBS orally and the ethanol group (EtOH group) received absolute ethanol (5mL/kg) by oral gavage. The positive control group and the PTE group were given oral doses of omeprazole (50mg/kg) or PTE (400mg/kg), respectively, 2 h prior to the administration of absolute ethanol. The stomach of each animal was excised and examined for gastric mucosal lesions. To confirm the protective effects of PTE, we evaluated the degree of lipid peroxidation, the level of reduced glutathione (GSH), and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in the stomach. Results: PTE reduced ethanol-induced hemorrhage and hyperemia in the gastric mucosa. PTE reduced the increase in lipid peroxidation associated with ethanol-induced acute gastric lesions and increased mucosal GSH content and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: These results indicate that PTE protects gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced acute gastric injury by increasing antioxidant status. We suggest that PTE could be developed as an effective drug for the treatment of acute gastric injury.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.13-22
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• 2007

Objectives : The differentiation of osteoblasts is controlled by various growth factors and matrix protein expressed in bone. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of many herbs medicine(KHBJs) for bone healing that induces osteogenic activity in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Methods : The osteogenic effects of KHBJs were evaluated by using cell proliferation(WST-8) assay, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity assay, colorimetric analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expression in human osteoblast like SaOS-2 cell. Also, osteogenic activity of KHBJ fractions(KHBJB and KHBJR) by activity guided fractionation were evaluated. Results : About 7 KHBJs had effect on the proliferation of osteoblast like SaOS-2 cells, and dose-dependently increased alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity. KHBJs markedly increased expression for VEGF. Fractionated KHBJs(KHBJB or KHBJR) not enhanced more than KHBJs on osteogenic activity in SaOS-2 cells. Conclusions: This study found that 7 KHBJs had effect on proliferation, ALP activity, and VEGF expression in osteoblast like SaOS-2 cells. These results propose that KHBJs can play an important role in osteoblastic bone formation, and may possibly lead to the development of bone-forming drugs.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.29-40
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• 2014

Objectives This study was designed to collect basic information about the herbal medicine used for dementia through analysis on Korean medicine prescriptions used in dissertations for a degree of Korean medicine related dementia (experimental study). Methods We searched dissertations in the National Assembly Library and oriental medicine advanced searching integrated system web DB by using keyword '치매' and 'dementia'. We reviewed and analyzed dissertations for the degree of Korean medicine, published from 2000 to 2013. Results As a result, We found 36 dissertations about Korean herbal medicines used for Dementia Yukmijihwang-tang, Chenwangbosim-dan were used much more than other prescriptions and Panax ginseng, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Acorus gramineus, Polygala tenuifolia, Pachyma hoelen were used more than 10 times in these dissertations. Conclusions In relieving symptoms and the treatment of dementia, it is difficult to find tendency. Because the purpose and perspective of using each Korean medicine prescriptions and their herbs are various. However, as referred to outcome of preceding researches, Yukmijihwang-tang is considered as a potential dementia medicine.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2011

Objectives : Due to morphological similarity, many substitutes and counterfeits have been used as Moktong for thousands of years. This study was designed to determine discriminative criteria for identifying medicinal herbs used as Moktong. Methods : Akebia quinata, A. trifoliata, Clematis armandii, and Aristolochia manshuriensis were collected in various regions. Samples were authenticated and examined by observation and microscopy with paraffin embedding and triple staining using the modified Ju staining method. Results : Three different types of features to establish discriminative criteria for four kinds of Moktong were identified. Botanical features include differences in phyllotaxy, leaf shape, and caulescent. External morphological features were arrangement and size of fine holes(xylem), and overall shape of the section. Internal morphological features include the number of medullary rays, shape of the pitch, type of tissues rounding pitch, appearance of annual rings, shape and amount of crystals(calcium-oxalate), and the appearance of cork cambium. Further details(e.g. identification keys) are in the article. Conclusions : These criteria could provide an effective method for identifying numerous kinds of Moktong distributed in markets throughout northeast Asian nations.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.97-105
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• 2009

We in this paper have constructed herb and formula ontologies. Herb instances and formula instances can be distinguished by nature, used part, effect, disease pattern, symptom, and formula and constituent herb, dosage, effect, disease pattern, symptom, and medical book, respectively. The knowledge for herbs and formulas in ontology is formalized with the distinguishable elements and their relations. Based on the herb and formula ontologies, we propose the three reasoning rules as follows: In herb ontology, the relation between herb and disease can be reasoned if there are the relation between herb and effect, and effect and disease. In formula ontology, there are two reasoning rules. First, if each constituent herb, dosage, effect, disease pattern, and symptom of two formulas is same, it can be reasoned that two formulas are same though the medical books of the formulas are different. Second, if each constituent herb and dosage is same in two formula, it can be reasoned that each formula has all of effects, disease patterns, and symptoms of formulas. In future study, we study other ontologies such as disease ontology with respect to Korean Medicine and define the reasoning rules about the ontologies.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.11-19
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• 2008

In order to unravel the implication on the Hwang Jahu's, a well-known medical doctor, critique of "HyangYakJibSungBang(鄕藥集成方)"(Compendium of Prescriptions from the Countryside)'s publication, this essay calls for an investigation of socio-economical situations and systematic support for the development of native herbal drugs of that time. In the period of King SeJong various systematic aspects supporting the development and utilization of native herbal drugs were created. In this ambient, Hwang Jahu also dedicated his life in the application of native herbal drugs. Though Hwang strongly recommended the use of native herbal herbs while importing insufficient resources from China. He gave a critique of "HyangYakJibSungBang(鄕藥集成方)"'s publication. Hwang's critique didn't lie on the book itself but on the practicality of this large volume from the public. He insisted more on the necessities of practical and easy accessible books for emergency situations. Throughout the emphasis on wide distribution of compact medical books and the utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion, in part reveals his pragmatic stand.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.151-156
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• 2004

This study was carried out to evaluate the putative anxiolytic-1ike effects of the aqueous extracts of Sanjoin-tang (SJIT) and its ingredients using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test in mice. SJIT consists of five herbs, namely, Zizyphi Spinosi Semen (roasted), Glycyrrhizae Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, and Hoelen. The aqueous extracts of SJIT and each herbal drug were orally administered to ICR mice, 1 hr before evaluating behavioral activity in the EPM test, respectively. Repeated treatments (for 3 days) of the aqueous extract of SJIT (400 mg/kg) significantly increased time-spend in the open arms and arms entries into the open arms in the EPM test. Zizyphi Spinosi Semen (400 mg/kg), an ingredient of SJIT, significantly increased timespent in the open arms and arm entries into the open arms (P < 0.05). However, the other ingredient of SJIT did not show any anxiolytic-like behaviors. In addition, the anxiolytic-like effects of Zizyphi Spinosi Semen were blocked by pindolol (lO mg/kg), a $5-HT_{1A}$ receptor antagonist. These results suggest that Zizyphi Spinosi Semen (roasted) as an ingredient of SJIT plays a crucial anxiolytic role, and it acts via the serotonergic nervous system.