• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.23-28
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• 2012

Objectives : Samhwangsashim-tang(SHSST), a mixture of Rhei radix et rhizoma, Scutellariae radix, and Coptidis rhizoma, has been regarded as being able to treat bleeding, gastric discomfort, dry mouth, insomnia and purpura due to Blood Heat. Currently, this herbal formula is applied to gastritis, gastric ulcer, hypertension, atherosclerosis or other types of vascular inflammatory disorders. Methods : We extracted this herbal mixture with 30% ethanol and examined for its effects on systemic inflammatory responses and in vitro macrophage activity. Mice were orally given to SHSST for 7 days and then lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was intraperitoneally injected. Tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$(TNF-${\alpha}$) levels in serum were measured 1 h after LPS challenge. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from thioglycollate-injected mice and used for in vitro cellular activity. Cell death was measured using the MTT method and annexin V/propidium iodide staining. LPS-stimulated signaling molecules necessary for TNF-${\alpha}$ expression were determined by Western blotting. Results : Oral administration of SHSST for 7 days resulted in a significant reduction in LPS-stimulated TNF-${\alpha}$ release into serum. In vitro treatment of SHSST was cytotoxic in a concentration-dependent manner. However, SHSST caused a concentration-dependent reduction in necrosis and increase in apoptosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages. SHSST inhibited the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, p38 and JNK signaling molecules in response to LPS. Conclusion : Taken together, our results demonstrated that SHSST was effective in lowering LPS-stimulated TNF-${\alpha}$ serum levels, possibly through its modulation of NF-${\kappa}B$, p38 and JNK in macrophages.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.3 s.83
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• pp.412-419
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• 2007

In the present study, we investigated antimicrobial activity of the medicinal plants against various strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Among the tested, the plants extracts of Asiasarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum, Coptidis rhizoma, Reynoutria elliptica Migo., Solidago virga-aurea var. gigantea Miq.seed exhibited significant antimicrobial activities against MRSA KCCM 11812, 40510 and S. aureus ATCC 25923. The methanol extract of Asiasarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum showed strong antimicrobial activity against MRSA KCCM 11812, 40510 and S. aureus ATCC 25923 at the 5 mg/disc. A synergistic effect was found in combined extracts of Asiasarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum and Coptidis rhizoma as compared to each extracts alone. The result suggests that medicinal plant extracts can be used as an effective natural antimicrobial agent in food.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.80-90
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• 2013

Objectives : The water extract of Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang (HHT), composed of the Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Cortex and Gardeniae Fructus has been traditionally used to treat fever, inflammation, gastritis and hypertension in east asia. However, little is known about the ameliorative effects of HHT on atopic dermatitis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of HHT on atopic dermatitis Methods : We investigated the inhibitory effects of HHT on the production of proinflammatory cytokines in rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs), on the scratching behavior in ICR mice, and on atopic dermatitis symptoms in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced atopic dermatitis-like model hairless mice. Results : Levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ increased by PMA plus A23187 co-treatment were significantly inhibited by HHT in a dose-dependent manner. HHT also inhibited the histamine release from RPMCs stimulated by compound 48/80, which promotes histamine release. The oral administration of HHT reduced the scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 and histamine in ICR mice. Furthermore, the intradermal treatment of HHT reduced the ear edema, skin lesions, and atopic molecular marker (IgE and IL-4) in DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis model mice. Conclusions : These results suggest that HHT may be used as a potential treatment for AD as a prescription for treatment of atopic dermatitis.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.203-209
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• 2008

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid found in Coptidis Rhizoma(goldenthread) extract, has multiple pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-ischemic effects. In the present study, we examined the effects of berberine on neuronal survival and differentiation in a hippocampal precursor cell line and in the memory deficient rat model. Berberine increased in a dose dependent manner the survival of hippocampal precursor cells as well as differentiated cells. In addition, berberine promoted neuronal differentiation of hippocampal precursor cells. In the memory deficient rat model induced by stereotaxic injection of ibotenic acid into entorhinal cortex(Ibo model), hippocampal cells were increased about 2.7 fold in the pyramidal layer of CA1 region and about 2 fold in the dentate gyrus by administration of berberine after 2 weeks of ibotenic acid injection. Furthermore, neuronal cells immunoreactive to calbindin were increased in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex area by administration of berberine. Taken together, these results suggest that berberine has neuroprotective effect in the Ibo model rat brain by promoting the neuronal survival and differentiation.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.368-376
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• 1999

Twenty-four Oriental herbal medicines including Platycodi Radix and Scutellariae Radix, etc., which have been used for the cure of hyperlipidemia, coronary heart, disease were evaluated for the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A(HMG-CoA) reductase inhibition and antioxidant effect on a free radical, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) in vitro, and antihyperlipidemic effect on hyperlipidemic rats induced by Triton WR-1339 in vivo. 80% MeOH extract of eight herbs including Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, Moutan Cortex Radicis, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam, Cinnamomi Ramulus and Crataegi Fructus inhibited the HMG-CoA reductase activities and exhibited a radical-trapping action on a stable free radical, DPPH. On Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats, four herbs including Scutellariae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam and Cinnamomi Ramulus showed respectively the significant suppression of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and LDL-cholesterol levels and serum transaminase(ALT and AST) activities. From these results, it is suggested that each 80% MeOH extract of Scutellariae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam and Cinnamomi Ramulus have effective antihyperlipidemic action against hyperlipidemia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.65-81
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• 2016

Objectives : Haedoksamul-tang (HSTE), a water extract from a mixture of Phellodendri Cortex, Coptidis, Scutellariae Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, Angelica acutiloba Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix, has been traditionally used for allergic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis in oriental countries. However, little is known about the effects of aqueous extract of HSTE on trimellitic anhydride (TMA)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in a mouse model. Methods : In this study, we investigate the pharmacological effects of HSTE on TMA-induced CHS in Balb/c mice. Contact hypersensitivity was induced in mice by topically sensitizing and challenging with TMA in flank skin and ears during oral administration (for 17 days) and topical treatment (30 min before challenge) with HSTE. We examined the effects of HSTE on IgE and IgG1 levels, inflammatory parameters in ear tissues, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio, cytokine and chemokine production in sera, tissues, and immune cells from TMA-sensitized mice.Results : Oral and topical administration with HSTE reduced, in a dose dependent manner, thickness and leukocyte infiltration of ear tissues and IgE levels in serum from mice sensitized with TMA. In addition, auricula lymph node cells isolated from TMA-sensitized mice significantly elevated the expression ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ as well as increased the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ by ex vivo stimulation with antibodies against CD3 and CD28, and these inflammatory indexes, except for IFN-γ, were significantly suppressed by orally and topically administration of HSTE. Furthermore, stimulation of auricula lymph node cells from TMA-sensitized mice with antibodies against CD3 and CD28 increased the production of MCP-1/CCL2 and MIP-1α/CCL3, and these effects were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in cells from mice treated with HSTE. Conclusions : These results suggest that HSTE can be used for treating contact hypersensitivity by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration as well as production of serum IgE and chemokine/Th2 cytokine in an animal model.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.161-168
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• 2002

Objectives: Hwangryunhaedok-tang (Huang-lian-jie-du-tang, HRHDT, 黃連解毒湯) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine that is formulated with Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Cortex, Scutellariae Radix and Gardeniae Fructus. HRHDT is cold (寒) and bitter (苦) in nature and has general properties of clearing heat and detoxifying (淸熱解毒), strengthening the stomach and settling the liver (健胃平肝), and reducing inflammation, fever and swelling. This formula can prevent and treat artherosclerosis, hyperplasia of the endothelium, cerebral fluid circulation, cerebral vascular deterioration through aging, impairment of neurotransmitters, or disruption of the functioning of the cerebral cortex following infection or trauma. The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the neuroprotective effect of HRHDT on global ischemia induced by 4-vessel occlusion in Wistar rats. Methods: HRHDT extract was lyophilized after extraction with 85% methanol and 100% water. Rats were induced to 10 minutes of forebrain ischemia by 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO) and reperfused again. HRHDT was administered with a dose of 100 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg of 85% methanol extracts and 100 mg/kg of 100% water extracts, respectively, at 0 min and 90 min after 4-VO. Rats were killed at 7 days after ischemia and the number of CA1 pyramidal neurons was counted in hippocampal sections stained with cresyl violet. Results: Body temperature of animals showed no significant difference between saline-treated groups and HRHDT extracts-treated groups until 5 hours of reperfusion. This result indicated that neuroprotective effects of HRHDT extracts were not due to hypothermic effects. The administration of HRHDT showed a significant neuroprotective effect on hippocampal CA1 neurons at 7 days after ischemia compared to the saline-treated group (P<0.001). HRHDT methanol extracts of 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and HRHDT water extracts of 100 mg/kg showed 88.5%, 98.3% and 95.1 % neuroprotection, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that administration of HRHDT is highly effective in reducing neuronal damage in response to transient global cerebral ischemia. HRHDT may involve many mechanisms that might account for its high degree of efficacy. A number of factors including free radicals, glutamate, calcium overload, NO, and various cytokines have been proposed to have an important role in causing neuronal death after short periods of global ischemia. Further studies are needed to know the neuroprotective mechanisms of HRHDT.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.486-497
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• 2015

Objectives Hataedock is an orally administered herbal extract treatment for newborn babies that dispels toxic heat and meconium gathered by the fetus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Hataedock alleviates inflammatory skin damage in AD (Atopic Dermatitis)-induced NC/Nga mice through regulating and maintaining the skin barrier and anti-inflammation effects.Methods We established an AD model in three-week-old NC/Nga mice through the repeated application of DNFB (dinitrochlorobenzene) on days 28, 35, and 42 after Hataedock treatment was orally administered. We identified changes in the skin barrier and anti-inflammation effects through the histological and immunohistochemical changes of TNF- α, NF-κB p65, iNOS, COX-2, and apoptotic bodies.Results Skin damage and angiogenesis were mitigated in the HT (Hataedock) group. Damage to the intercellular space of the stratum corneum as well as hyperplasia, edema, the infiltration of lymphocytes, and the increase of capillaries decreased in the HT group. Our results suggest that Hataedock treatment significantly down-regulated levels of TNF- α by 38% (p<0.001) and of NF-κB p65 by 70% (p<0.001). But Hataedock up-regulated apoptosis by 183% in dermatitis-induced skin.Conclusions These results suggest that Hataedock alleviates AD through diminishing the various inflammatory cytokines in skin lesions that are involved in the initial steps of AD development. It might have potential applications for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2010

The present study was evaluated the antibacterial effect of the combination of Coptidis rhizoma, Lonicerae Flos, and Paeonia japonica (1:1:1) extracts (CLP1000). Also, the effectiveness of CLP1000, dioctahedral smectite (DHS), and the combination of CLP1000 and DHS (CLPS1000) against E. coli O157:H7 infection was studied using ICR female mice. During the incubation period, the dose of 10% and 20% CLP1000 were inhibited the growth of E. coli O157:H7 by 30% and 47%, respectively. For 7 days after single challenge with E. coli O157:H7, forty female ICR mice were divided into four experimental groups which were orally administered with saline, 10% CLP1000, 10% DHS, and 10% CLPS1000, respectively. On the 3rd day, the number of E. coli O157:H7 in mouse feces was significantly decreased by administration of CLP1000 (p < 0.05), DHS (p < 0.05) and CLPS1000 (p < 0.001). On the 7th day, CLP1000 (p < 0.05) and CLPS1000 p < 0.001) administration significantly decreased the number of E. coli O157:H7. According to the results of the present study, administration of CLPS1000 to mice can reduce the severity of E. coli O157:H7 infection. Also, it is suggested that CLPS100 represents a good candidate for the treatment of enteric infections in domestic animals.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.1667-1678
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• 1999

Certain parts of 190 kinds of medicinal herbs and 171 kinds of original materials of food were extracted by methanol. The extracts were tested their microbial inhibition activities against several food spoilage microorganisms, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The methanol extracts of Cornus officinalis, Evodia officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Salvia miltiorrhiza. Schizandrae fructus, Coptidis rhizoma, aroma hop and bitter hop were shown inhibitory effect on certain species of gram(+) bacteria. Aroma hop and bitter hop were shown inhibitory effect on certain species of gram(-) bacteria. The methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza exhibited a strong antibacterial activities. It was purified by solvent fractionation, silicagel column chromatography, prep. TLC, prep. HPLC. The purified active substance was identified as cryptotanshinone by EIMS, $1^H-NMR,\;{13}^C-NMR$ and DEPT. Cryptotanshinone showed a strong antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria $(MIC\;:\;3.91{\sim}62.50\;{\mu}g/mL)$. Especially, this compound was the most strong activity against Bacillus subtilis $(MIC\;:\;3.91\;{\mu}g/mL)$.