• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.84-92
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• 2015

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme to control the biosynthesis of melanin pigments and has two enzyme activities, namely of 1-tyrosine hydroxylase and of 1-dopa oxidase. Thus, tyrosinase is regarded as a target in skin-whitening and therapeutic intervention of local hyperpigmentation diseases. We have tested tyrosinase inhibitory activity on the water extracts of 50 species oriental medicinal plant. Among them, five medicinal plants, Linderae Radix, Clematidis Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus, Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus and Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae were investigated strong inhibition effect. Five medicinal plants were fractionated using organic solvents (methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, water). Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus (ethyl acetate fraction) was investigated strong inhibition effect. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity below $IC_{50}\;40{\mu}g/ml$ is confirmed in five herbal plants that are Linderae Radix, Clematidis Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus, Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus and Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae. Tyrosinase inhibitory levels ($IC_{50}\;{\mu}g/ml$) of each plants were 15.56, 35.02, 25.14, 15.20 and 39.77. We also investigate the effect of effective plant's fraction. in dose of $100{\mu}g/ml$, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus (P-36) EtOAc fraction significant inhibitory effect over 50%. Clematidis Radix (P-35) and Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus (P-36) MC fraction inhibit tyrosinase each 36.60% and 43.21%. inhibitory rates of Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (P-40) EtOAc and $H_2O$ fraction are 31.40% and 31.51%. Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae (P-45) BuOH fraction regulate tyrosinase activity to 37.71%. We examined tyrosinase inhibitory activity of natural products and these results suggest that several herbs have potential as a new whitening material.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.14-24
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• 2000

Objectives : To direct methods of management and development of herbs and their derived products, and at the end of this study to inform the process of making new herbal drug regulations in Korea. Methods : This study analyzed the regulations and laws of western medicine drugs. Results : We have got some herbal prescriptions which are not in the eleven books of oriental medicine now in use but which have proved effective. We need to establish standards for permissions to produce medical products through those prescriptions. Besides, we need the special permissions to produce herbal products through prescriptions, especially those which have been used to treat incurable diseases. And, we can contribute to globalization of oriental medicine and to well situating of herb products and medicinal acupunctures if we produce them according to international standards. It is thought that herbal medicine has no side effect in the medical society in Korea. But, it is getting popular to administer herbal medicine and western medicine together. Thus, the side effects of taking both medicines at the same time should be documented. Conclusions : Herbal medicines and herbal products should be under the control over the whole process of production, circulation, and sales. Now, it is time for herbal medicine to be known to all over the world. Therefore, herbal medicine must meet and adhere to the standards set by the western society and WHO.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.200-206
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• 2010

In this study, we investigated the antibacterial effect of 69 oriental medicinal herbs (OMHs) on Actinomyces viscocus, Streptococcus sobrinus, and two strains of Streptococcus mutans as oral bacteria. Methanol extracts of OMHs were used in the first antibacterial test, and then boiled water, ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of C. japonica, C. sappan, P. mume, and S. chinensis were used in the second test. Boiled water extract of C. japonica was shown to have the most superior effect on oral bacteria. The extract yield of boiled water extract of C. japonica was 22%, and the growth of oral bacteria was almost inhibited at over a 180 mg/ml concentration. Antibacterial effect compound analyzed by UPLC method was identified as berberine, and the content was 25.54%. In addition, the extract appeared to be stable at $121^{\circ}C$ for 15 min.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.11-25
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• 2007

Bronchial asthma is a major public health problem worldwide and the morbidity and mortality of asthma have increased in last few decades. There is high prevalence of usage of alternative traditional system of medicines for the treatment of asthma. Large numbers of medicinal plant preparations have been reported to possess anti-asthmatic effects. Plant cells are now considered to be the chemical factories synthesizing a large variety of chemical compounds. Further, Ayurvedic system of medicine has an elaborate description of asthma from the earliest times describing it as 'Shwasa' meaning disease pertaining to breathing. This review classifies the antiasthmatics herbs based on the possible mechanism of action reported. Thus, these plants can be used to obtain a polyherbal formulation which contains various herbs acting at particular sites of the pathophysiological cascade of asthma for prophylaxis as well as for the treatment of asthma.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.15-26
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze the origin plants, the habitat and the characteristics of the origin-plants of the medicine herbs belong to Araceae. Methods : To achieve the purpose of this study 48 bibliographies about 4 kinds of herbs belong to Araceae were examined. The examination was focused on the origin plants, habitat, the efficacy. Standing on this analysis the list and characteristics of the origin-plants were presented. Results : The results indicated that 1. In the original plants of 4 kinds of herbs, there were 27 species of scientific name totally, 25 species belonged to Araceae, and 2 species didn't. The origin plants of Pinelliae rhizoma were 3 species of different family plant, 16 species for Arisaematis Rhizoma, 2 species for Typhoni Rhizoma, and 6 species for Acori Graminei Rhizoma. 2. In the view of its authenticity, there was one kind of genuine species, 2 species of substitutes in the origin plants of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 14 kinds of genuine species, 2 species of substitutes in the origin plants of Arisaematis Rhizoma, and Whole origin plants of Typhoni Rhizoma, Acori Graminei Rhizoma were genuine species. 3. According to the habitat, there were 15 species distributed in Korea, China and so on. And 16 species were distributed in Korea, 25 species were of foreign origin. 1 species was unknown. 4. The each efficacy of origin plants were reported in the main subject Conclusions : Among the 4 medicinal herbs in the commonly using family Araceae, there were 27 origin plants(25 species belong to Araceae, and 2 species doesn't), so the number of origin plants are almost 6.75 times compared with the cases of the herbal name. Also, according to the habitat, approximately 59.3% of origin plants were producted in Korea, and approximately 92.6% of origin plants were of foreign origin.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.220-233
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• 1998

This study was made to objectify the principle of oriental medical prescriptions so that we could obtain the principle and the formulation of them For that purpose, we analysed the formula and rule of 205 prescriptions recorded in Gum-goe-yo-rak, which have a few of components, and are widely used in clinical from ancient times to these days. At first we classified those prescriptions by their effect. Then we re-classified the herbs of the effect groups into four natures (cold, hot, warm and cool) and five kinds of flavors (sour, bitter, sweet, acrid and salty). And we classified the herbs into three grades - superior, medium, and inferior - which were used in Shen Nong's Herbal Classic. By these means, we statistically evaluated the prescriptions recorded in Gum-goe-yo-rak based on the Four Regular Components(Monarch, Minister, Assistant, and Laborer). As a result we could obtain some facts about the prescriptions recorded in Gum-goe-yo-rak, those are what kind of herbal material was used frequently and distribution of the natures flavors and grades according to thier effects. And we are sure that these results can be great help for establishment of fundamental formulation of theory of traditional herbal medicinal polyprescription.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.47-55
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• 2004

Wang Cheong-Im(1768-1831) in the Ching dynasty conducted the therapy of blood statis syndrome using the methods for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis in accordance with the description in the book Uirimgaechak(醫林改錯). Thus, this study examined his methods for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis, therapy of blood statis syndrome and mechanism of function. Since the blood statis symptoms varied on the parts where the blood statis were occurred, the therapy for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis applied different treatments and drugs depending on the symptoms. The therapy also valued much of qi and blood. Qi is important to the human body so that the therapy replenished qi and simultaneously promoted the blood circulation as mainly focusing on the regulation of the qi flow. Moreover, the therapy adjusted the level of removing blood circulation and rate of replenishing qi. The degree of prescription and drug was differentiated in treating a variety of blood statis because of the difference in the seriousness and characteristics of blood circulation, amount and application of drug and combination of drugs. The therapy was careful about the regulation of qi for the replenishment of qi and the nurishment of blood for the promotion of blood circulation. If the blood circulation was blocked, the blood statis was formed. Accordingly, the phlegm and the blood statis were closely related. Then, the phlegm and blood statis were simultaneously treated. The therapy divided the properties of blood statis into the stagnant excess syndrome, the stagnant deficiency syndrome, the stagnant cold syndrome and the stagnant heat syndrome and treated the patients suitable for each symptom. The function of mechanism in the treatment using the methods for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis was divided into the stagnation of blood and interruption in blood circulation. The therapy laid stress on promoting blood circulation and removing blood circulation. With such emphasis, the therapy facilitated the circulation in the bloood vessel, prevented the coagulation of blood, removed the blood statis and promoted the metabolism. Then, the physiological function and pathological change internal organs were improved. Furthermore, the therapy strengtened the heart and promoted the blood circulation by improving the systemic blood circulation. Moreover, the therapy facilitated the micro-circulation by adjusting the balance of body.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.127-135
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• 2007

Objectives : In this study we investigated the antiobese effects of mixed pills of pickled black soybeans with herbs(herbal Chokong pill, hereafter HCKP) in rats fed high-fat diet. It was evaluated by measuring the changes of body weight, adipose tissues weight and lipid profiles in serum. Methods : Black soybeans were pickled in vinegar for 15 days to prepare Chokong, at room temperature. For treatment group, HCKP was prepared, which five kinds of medicinal herbs(Rhynchosia nulubilis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Zizyphus vulgaris, Atractylodes macrocephala K, Astragalus membranaceus and Cornus officinalis) were added to dried Chokong. Four groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed different diets during 9 weeks: normal diet containing 5%(w/w) com oil, high-fat diet containing 10%(w/w) lard plus 5%(w/w) corn oil (HF), high-fat diet supplemented with 1%(T1) and 5%(T5) HCKP powder, respectively. Results : The T5 group had markedly lower body weight gain and weights of epididymal adipose tissue when compared with HF group. There were significant differences in visceral adipose tissue weights, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations between the HF and T5 group. Then, the efficacy of powered HCKP on body weight and lipid profiles change in rats fed high-fat diet were induced dose dependantly. Conclusion : These results suggest that the possibility of HCKP, as an antiobese functional formula, by suppression of body weight gain and improved lipid profiles.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.25-53
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• 1999

This study was conducted to provide basic data for policy of Oriental medicine by analyzing community residents' consciousness of taking herb medicine and its related factors. Data were collected from 1478 residents from March 2, 1999 to May 31, 1999. The results of this study are summarized as follows. 1. According to general characteristics of the subjects, 52.3% of the subjects was 'female'; 25.0% 'fifties of age'; 21.4% 'forties of age'; 20.9% 'thirties of ages'; 69.1% 'married'; 60.1% 'resident in a big city'; 12.1% 'residents in a small town or village'; 39.0% 'highschool graduate'; 35.9% 'above college graduate'; 23.4% 'housewife'; 23.4% 'professional' 34.1% 'Buddhist'; 81.1% 'middle class'. 2. The rate of experience of taking herb medicine was 85.2%(88.2% of 'male'; 82.5% of 'female'). It appeared to be significantly higher in the groups of 'the married', 'housewife', and 'Buddhist'. As the age increased, so the rate of experience of taking herb medicine was significantly high. 3. In case of purpose of taking herb medicine, taking herb medicine as a restorative(66.8%) was much higher than taking it as a curative medicine. Taking herb medicine as a curative medicine appeared to be significantly higher in the groups of 'male', 'thirties of age', 'resident in a town or village', 'above college graduate', 'professional technician', 'Christian', and 'the upper class'. 4. 52.1% of the respondents satisfied with the effect of herb medicine. The groups of 'male', 'older age', 'residents in a big city', 'insurant in company', and 'the employed' showed significantly high rate in satisfying with herb medicine than the other groups. 5. According to the reason for preferring herb medicine, 36.7% of the respondents preferred herb medicine because the herb medicine was effective, while 27.8% preferred it because its side effect was low. 16.7% preferred it. because persons around them recommended it. The preference for the herb medicine displayed significantly higher rate in the groups 'sixties of age', 'the unmarried', 'resident in a big city', 'office clerk', and 'the lower class'. 6. 42.6% of the respondents did not want to take the herb medicine because the price of the herb medicine was high. Also 20.6% of the respondents did not want to take herb medicine because it is uneasy to take herb medicine. 15.8% did not want to take it because certain foods should not be taken during the period of taking it. 9.4% did not want to take it because it tasted bitter. 7. In case of opinions on side effects of herb medicine, 40.8% of the respondents thinks that herb medicine is free from side effects, while 37.5% thinks that it causes side effects. There were significant difference in the opinions on side effects by sex, age, marital status, resident area, education level, occupation, and type of health insurance. 8. 60.7% of the respondents thinks the price of herb medicine is not resonable, while only 10.9% thinks it is resonable. 9. 14.2% of the respondents thinks health foods which contain herbs are good, while 16.8% thinks it is bad. 76.7% thinks that medicinal herbs in packages must be included in health insurance coverage, while only 3.0% thinks it needs not be included in health insurance coverage. 10. 45.2% of the respondents uses packs of decocted herbs although they think the packs of decocted herb are a little low effective because decocting herbs in home is bothersome. 45.2% uses packs of decocted herbs because they are convenient, being not related to the effect. 7.6% takes medicinal herbs after decocting them in a clay pot because they think the packs of decocted herbs have low effect. 11. According to the level of satisfaction with Oriental medical care, the respondents marked $3.47{\pm}0.64$ points on the base of 5 points. It was significantly higher in the groups of 'male', 'the married, resident in a big city', 'highschool graduate', 'the unemployed', 'office clerk', 'growing up in a big city', 'insurant in region', and 'the middle class'. 12. According to the result of a regression analysis of factors influencing preference for herb medicine, the factors displayed significant difference by sex, age, education level, health status, and times of receiving Oriental medical care. As shown in the above results, the community residents satisfy with the effect of herb medicine. Therefore, the method of taking herb medicine without difficulty must be devised. The medicinal herbs in packages need to be included in health insurance coverage and resonable price of herb medicine must be set. Also, education program for community residents must be developed in order to provide right information in herb medicine. Therefore, related public authority, associations, and professionals must make efforts, forming organic cooperative system.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2007

The concentrations of fourteen mineral and trace elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Se, Ba, Co, Cu, V, Pb, Hg, Cd and As) were determined in Ganoderma Lucidum and their infusions consumed for medical purposes collected from Vietnam, China and some places in Korea. Concentrated acid digestion procedure was applied under optimized conditions for dissolution of these medicinal fungi. Element concentrations in these fungi and their in-fusions were then determined by ICP-AES. The mineral and trace element content of these samples and their in-fusions showed a wide variability However, distribution of some elements in the infusions is not high.