Achyranthis Radix Research Articles

Achyranthis radix Extract Enhances Antioxidant Effect of Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell on Injured Human Ocular Cells.

Age-related ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are major causes of irreversible vision impairment in the elderly. Conventional treatments focus on symptom relief and disease slowdown, often involving surgery, but fall short of providing a cure, leading to substantial vision loss. Regenerative medicine, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), holds promise for ocular disease treatment. This study investigates the synergistic potential of combining placenta-derived MSCs (PD-MSCs) with Achyranthis radix extract (ARE) from Achyranthes japonica to enhance therapeutic outcomes. In a 24-h treatment, ARE significantly increased the proliferative capacity of PD-MSCs and delayed their senescence (* p < 0.05). ARE also enhanced antioxidant capabilities and increased the expression of regeneration-associated genes in an in vitro injured model using chemical damages on human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) (* p < 0.05). These results suggest that ARE-primed PD-MSC have the capability to enhance the activation of genes associated with regeneration in the injured eye via increasing antioxidant properties. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that ARE-primed PD-MSC may serve as an enhanced source for stem cell-based therapy in ocular diseases.

Network Pharmacological Dissection of the Mechanisms of Eucommiae Cortex-Achyranthis Radix Combination for Intervertebral Disc Herniation Treatment

Eucommiae cortex (EC) and Achyranthis radix (AR) are herbal medicines widely used in combination for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation (IDH). The mechanisms of action of the herbal combination have not been understood from integrative and comprehensive points of view. By adopting network pharmacological methodology, we aimed to investigate the pharmacological properties of the EC-AR combination as a therapeutic agent for IDH at a systematic molecular level. Using the pharmacokinetic information for the chemical ingredients of the EC-AR combination obtained from the comprehensive herbal drug-associated databases, we determined its 31 bioactive ingredients and 68 IDH-related therapeutic targets. By analyzing their enrichment for biological functions, we observed that the targets of the EC-AR combination were associated with the regulation of angiogenesis; cytokine and chemokine activity; oxidative and inflammatory stress responses; extracellular matrix organization; immune response; and cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, differentiation, migration, and activation. Pathway enrichment investigation revealed that the EC-AR combination may target IDH-pathology-associated signaling pathways, such as those of cellular senescence and chemokine, neurotrophin, TNF, MAPK, toll-like receptor, and VEGF signaling, to exhibit its therapeutic effects. Collectively, these data provide mechanistic insights into the pharmacological activity of herbal medicines for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases such as IDH.

Evaluation of oral toxicity and genotoxicity of Achyranthis Radix extract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe root of Achyranthes bidentata Blume, Achyranthis Radix (AR), is used as a traditional medicine ingredient in East Asia. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-diabetic activities. Aim of the studyIn the present study, we aimed to evaluate the oral toxicity and genotoxicity of single-dose and 4-week repeated-doses of AR hot water extract (ARE), under the good laboratory practice principles. Materials and methodsFor oral toxicity studies, SD rats (n = 5 per sex and group) were administered ARE at concentrations of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day once (single dose) or once per day for 4 weeks (repeated dose). The non-clinical genotoxicity study consisted of bacterial reverse mutation using Escherichia coli (WP2 uvrA) and Salmonella typhimurium (TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537), in vitro chromosomal aberration test with Chinese hamster lung cells (CHL/IU), and in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test using bone marrow cells collected from male ICR mice (n = 5) that were orally administered ARE. ResultsIn the single-dose oral toxicity study, mortality and treatment-related changes in body weight were not observed throughout the study, and the lethal dose was estimated to be > 2000 mg/kg in rats. In the 4-week repeated-dose oral toxicity study, ARE did not induce significant changes in body weight, organ weight, food intake, or hematological and serum biochemical parameters in any group. In the bacterial reverse mutation test, ARE did not induce gene mutations in any tested strain. In the chromosomal aberration test, ARE did not cause chromosomal aberrations. The micronucleus test showed no significant increase in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes or the mean ratio of polychromatic to total erythrocytes. ConclusionsThese results showed that ARE does not induce oral toxicity and genotoxicity in the in vivo and in vitro test systems.

Effect of ethanol extract from Achyranthis Radix on hair growth

Effect of ethanol extract from Achyranthis Radix on hair growth

Anti-Osteoarthritic Effects of a Mixture of Dried Pomegranate Concentrate Powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) in a Surgically Induced Osteoarthritic Rabbit Model.

In this study, we aimed to determine the synergistic effects of a formula consisting of dried pomegranate concentrate powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) (PCP:EC:AR) in a surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. PCP:EC:AR was orally administered once per day. Knee thickness, maximum extension of the knee joint, gross articular defect area, and the histopathological appearance of the cartilage were monitored, along with serum collagen type II C-telopeptide (CTX-II), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and subchondral IL-1β and TNF-α levels. Roentgenographic images were also evaluated. PCP:EC:AR significantly inhibited the surgically induced increase in knee thickness, maximum extension of both knees, knee thickness after capsule exposure, gross femoral and tibial articular defect areas, loss of the knee joint area, serum and synovial COMP, CTX-II, and MMP expression, and synovial IL-1β, and TNF-α expression. In addition, surgically induced narrowing of the knee bones, loss of the joint area, cartilage damage, and osteophyte formation were reduced. PCP:EC:AR suppressed the surgically induced increases in the Mankin score, and subchondral IL-1β and TNF-α immunolabeled cell numbers. PCP:EC:AR exerted potent OA protective effects in a surgically induced OA rabbit model.

Effects of Pomegranate Concentrate Powder: Eucommiae Cortex: Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (w/w) Mixed Formula on Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats

We examined the antiosteoarthritis effect of a mixture of powdered pomegranate concentrate, eucommiae cortex, and achyranthis radix (5:4:1 w/w) (PEA-Mix). After the injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA), PEA-Mixs were orally administered. To assess pain-related behaviors, a von Frey filament test and open field test were performed. We also examined the knee thickness, maximum knee extension angle, bone mineral density (BMD), and compressive strength of the knee joint and performed a histopathologic analysis. The number of COX-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine immunoreactive cells, the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 5-lipoxygenase (LPO) levels, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and mRNA levels of chondrogenesis-related genes were analyzed. PEA-Mix significantly inhibited the MIA-induced decrease in the paw-withdrawal threshold and total distance moved, and the MIA-induced increases in the maximum knee extension angle and knee thickness. Also, the MIA-induced loss of the knee joint articular surface region and decrease in the BMD were significantly suppressed by PEA-Mix. The MIA-induced increases in the 5-LPO, PGE2, MMP-2, MMP-9, COX-2, and TNF-α mRNA levels were reduced by PEA-Mix. PEA-Mix increased the MIA-mediated reduction in the SOX-9 and aggrecan mRNA levels. The number of PARP-positive cells was smaller in PEA-Mix-administered rats than in MIA-administered rats, while the number of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine-positive cells was larger. Therefore, PEA-Mix relieved the MIA-induced pain-related behaviors, chondrocyte proliferation, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Achyranthis radix Extract-Loaded Eye Drop Formulation Development and Novel Evaluation Method for Dry Eye Treatment.

Recently, Achyranthis radix extract has been studied as a therapeutic agent for dry eye disease that occurs from fine dust. The aim of this study was the development of Achyranthis radix extract-loaded eye drop formulations using lubricants, generally used for artificial tear eye drops. Ecdysterone was used as a marker compound for Achyranthis radix extract and 1% Achyranthis radix extract solution contained 14.37 ± 0.04 μg/mL of ecdysterone. Before formulation studies, a new method was performed to evaluate pigmentation, which might be caused by eye drops of herbal extract. A comparative study of the water retention ability of each formulation and ability to prevent the death of conjunctival epithelial cells in dry conditions was conducted. Moreover, treatment of Achyranthis radix extract (USL) eye drop formulation exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on inflammation in a concentration-dependent manner. The long-term and accelerated stability tests showed that lubricants could contribute to the stability of herbal extracts in solution. In conclusion, hyaluronic acid showed a good effect on the development of eye drop formulation using Achyranthis radix extracts for treating dry eye disease.

Achyranthis radix Extract Improves Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Dry Eye Disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that severely impairs patients’ quality of life. Particulate matter comprises a harmful mixture of particles less than 10 μm in size, which on contact with the eye, causes inflammation in the cornea/conjunctival epithelium, threatening eye health and triggering the onset of DED. Achyranthis radix is an ingredient of traditional medicine generally used for treating osteoporosis, trauma, and thrombosis in Asian countries. However, the effect of Achyranthis radix on eye health has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluate the protective effect of Achyranthis radix hot water extract (ARE) in a rat model of urban particulate matter (UPM)-induced DED. UPM with or without ARE were topically administered on both eyes thrice daily for 10 days. ARE induced tear secretion and improved corneal irregularity. Additionally, ARE treatment protected the corneal epithelial cells from UPM-induced apoptosis. It also restored rMuc4 expression in the cornea and increased goblet cell density in the conjunctiva. These results are suggestive of the potential of ARE as a topical therapeutic agent for treating DED.

Anti-osteoarthritic effects of a combination of pomegranate concentrate powder, Eucommiae cortex and Achyranthis radix in rats

Anti-osteoarthritic effects of a combination of pomegranate concentrate powder, Eucommiae cortex and Achyranthis radix in rats

Anti-osteoarthritis effects of Pomegranate, Eucommiae cortex and Achyranthis radix extracts on the primary cultured rat articular chondrocytes

Anti-osteoarthritis effects of Pomegranate, Eucommiae cortex and Achyranthis radix extracts on the primary cultured rat articular chondrocytes

P19.01 Kampo therapy(Japanese traditional herbal medicine)for peripheral neuropathy complicated with anti-cancer chemotherapy

Background: Peripheral neuropathy due to anticancer chemotherapy is a serious complication. Currently, goshajinkigan is recognized as effective prescription, but its limitation has also become apparent. The author reports the results of goshajinkigan therapy combined with some other herbal medicines. Objectives: From April, 2014 to June, 2016, the following two groups of patients were treated with Kampo therapy. Group 1: 204 patients (male/ female: 47/157), 24-82 years old (mean age 61.0) who had developed peripheral neuropathy complicated by anticancer chemotherapy. Group 2: 45 patients (male / female: 6 / 39), 35-77 years old (mean age 58.0) who received kampo treatment for preventing anticancer chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Methods: The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated with numerical rating scale when the neurological improvement was stabilized. The degree of improvement of group 1 was evaluated into four categories from 0 to 100% by 25 %. They are described as excellent, good, fair, and no change, respectively. Group 2 was assessed based on the residual nerve disorder at the completion of chemotherapy. Results: Group 1: excellent 62 cases (30.4%),good 41 cases (20.1%),fair 23 cases (11.3%),no change 44 cases (21.6%),and drop out 34cases (16.7%). Group 2: No residual nerve disorder 25 cases (55.6%),Residual nerve disorder 16 cases (35.6%), and Discontinued 4 cases (8.9%). Discussion: Peripheral neuropathy complicated with anticancer chemotherapy is a major factor for interrupting the treatment. Then, proper therapies are expected to prevent or relieve the complication. According to the traditional oriental medicine, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy may show blood stagnation, qi (vital energy) stagnation and fluid retention in the micro-environment of around peripheral nerves. The major aim to treat peripheral neuropathy is just to resolve such pathophysiological condition mentioned above and to promote a self-sustained recovery of the peripheral nerves. In recent years, Goshajinkigan has been drawing attention to relieve the complication. Goshajinkigan is a formula based on hachimijiogan in which only a double dosage of the processing Aconite Tuber and 2 crude drugs,Achyranthis Radix and Plantaginis Semen are added. So, the author intended to enforce the action of these three crude drugs. Then, Goshajinkigan combined with Kampo formulation for overcoming blood stagnation, such as keishibukuryogan, sokeikakketsuto, tsudosan; Kampo formulation for tonifying qi such as hochuekkito, kamikihito, the processing Aconite Tuber which also promoting mild diuresis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, such arrangement of Kampo formula yielded good outcomes. Further studies are required to obtain much better arrangement.

Prophylactic administration of an extract from Plantaginis Semen and its major component aucubin inhibits mechanical allodynia caused by paclitaxel in mice

The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) causes peripheral neuropathy as a major dose-limiting side effect, and this peripheral neuropathy is difficult to control. Our previous report showed that prophylactic repetitive administration of goshajinkigan (牛車腎氣丸 niú chē shèn qì wán), but not hachimijiogan (八味地黃丸 bā wèi dì huáng wán), which lacks two of the constituents of goshajinkigan, inhibited PTX-induced mechanical allodynia in mice. Thus, the herbal medicines Plantaginis Semen (車前子 chē qián zǐ) or Achyranthis Radix (牛膝 niú xī) may contribute to the inhibitory action of goshajinkigan on the exacerbation of PTX-induced mechanical allodynia [Andoh et al, J. Tradit. Complement. Med. 2014; 4: 293–297]. Therefore, in this study, we examined whether an extract of Plantaginis Semen (EPS) or Achyranthis Radix (EAR) would relieve PTX-induced mechanical allodynia in mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of PTX caused mechanical allodynia, which peaked on day 14 after injection. Repetitive oral administration of EPS, but not EAR, starting from the day after PTX injection significantly inhibited the exacerbation of PTX-induced mechanical allodynia. Repetitive intraperitoneal injection of aucubin, one of the main components of EPS, starting from the day after PTX injection also significantly reduced PTX-induced mechanical allodynia. However, repetitive intraperitoneal injection of geniposide acid (a precursor of aucubin) or catalpol (a metabolite of aucubin) did not prevent the exacerbation of mechanical allodynia. These results suggest that prophylactic administration of EPS is effective for preventing the exacerbation of PTX-induced allodynia. Aucubin may contribute to the inhibitory action of EPS on the exacerbation of PTX-induced allodynia.

Oral Administration of Achyranthis radix Extract Prevents TMA-induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis by Regulating Th2 Cytokine and Chemokine Production in Vivo.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains a major skin disease in many countries, necessitating the discovery of novel and effective anti-ACD agents. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of Achyranthis radix extract (AcRE) on trimellitic anhydride (TMA)-induced dermatitis and the potential mechanism of action involved. Oral administration of AcRE and prednisolone (PS) significantly suppressed TMA-induced increases in ear and epidermal thickness, and IgE expression. In addition, abnormal expression of IL-1β and TNF-α protein and mRNA was also significantly attenuated by oral administration of AcRE. Treatment with AcRE also significantly suppressed TMA-induced IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines and mRNA expression in vivo. Moreover, AcRE strongly suppressed TMA-induced IL-4 and IL-5 production in draining lymph nodes, as well as OVA-induced IL-4 and IL-5 expression in primary cultured splenocytes. Interestingly, AcRE suppressed IL-4-induced STAT6 phosphorylation in both primary cultured splenocytes and HaCaT cells, and TMA-induced GATA3 mRNA expression ex vivo. AcRE also suppressed TMA-mediated CCL11 and IL-4-induced CCL26 mRNA expression and infiltration of CCR3 positive cells. The major compounds from AcRE were identified as gentisic acid (0.64 ± 0.2 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), protocatechuic acid (2.69 ± 0.1 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (5.59 ± 0.3 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), caffeic acid (4.21 ± 0.1 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), and ferulic acid (14.78 ± 0.4 ± 0.3 μg/g dry weight of AcRE). Taken together, these results suggest that AcRE has potential for development as an agent to prevent and treat allergic contact dermatitis.

우슬과 골쇄보의 추출물이 항산화 활성 및 항산화 효소 대사에 미치는 효과

Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA, Jeollabuk-do 55365, KoreaAbstract - In vitro and in vivo experiments using Achyranthis radix and Drynariae rhizoma extracts were conducted. Antioxidant properties were analyzed and the effects on bone, glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated. Drynariae rhizoma (64.67%) obtained higher DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to Achyranthis radix (19.03%). Similar results were obtained in the reducing power. No differences were observed on the ABTS radical scavenging ability and SOD. In contrast, Achyranthis radix (77.60%) has higher chelating ability compared to Drynariae rhizoma (46.21%). In vivo experiments revealed higher plasma TBARS in OVX-DR than in OVX-AR. Opposite result was seen in erythrocyte TBARS. Hepatic, nephritic and erythrocyte enzymes were considered for the antioxidant enzyme activities. GSH-Px and PON of hepatic enzymes were higher in OVX-AR. While the CAT and GR were higher in OVX-DR. SOD, GSH-Px, GR and PON of nephritic enzymes of OVX-DR were higher compared to OVX-AR. Almost similar values were obtained in CAT using both extracts. The OVX treated rats obtained higher CAT and GR in the erythrocyte enzymes compared to SHAM. The SOD of erythrocyte enzymes in OVX-DR was higher compared to OVX-AR. On the other hand, the GSH-Px was higher in OVX-AR.

A Study on Standardization of Pharmacopuncture Using Herbal Medicines Identification Test and HPLC-DAD

Objectives : The present study was an evaluation and standardization of herbal components in order to establish the efficacy and safety of Shinbaro pharmacopuncture. Methods : Among the raw materials of Shinbaro pharmacopuncture, the components Cibotii Rhizoma, Eucommiae Cortex, and Ledebouriellae Radix were assessed through ingredient verification experiments using thin-layer chromatography(TLC) and ultraviolet rays(UV) lamps. In addition, we standardized Acanthopanacis Cortex and Achyranthis Radix through validation using high performance liquid chromatograph-diode array detector(HPLC-DAD). Results : As result appeared a blue-white fluorescence under ultraviolet rays; changed to dark green after adding 1 % ferric chloride solution(due to Cibotii Rhizoma), and presented a yellow-green fluorescence when mixed with an ethyl ether under UV lamps by way of the ethyl ether layer, confirming Eucommiae Cortex. Ledebouriellae Radix was confirmed as dark brown spots at Rf values of 0.56 and 0.71 using TLC. Additionally, Acanthopanacis Cortex and Achyranthis Radix HPLC test results showed that linearity was R2≥0.99, and detection limit and quantitation limit were 0.23 to 1.29 μg/mL, and 0.71 to 3.90 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, precision and accuracy were confirmed to have relative standard deviation(RSD) values of 0.10 to 1.89 % and 96.19 to 103.72 %, respectively. Shinbaro pharmacopuncture did not have any overlapping or interference from other peaks in detection under the abovementioned analysis conditions. Conclusions : In conclusion, we confirmed that maintenance of Shinbaro pharmacopuncture validity was possible by means of quality control of Cibotii Rhizoma, Eucommiae Cortex, and Ledebouriellae Radix through ingredient identification and Acanthopanacis Cortex and Achyranthis Radix through high performance liquid chromatograph(HPLC) analysis. Further, we hope to contribute to the development strategy of herbal industry acupuncture.

Effects of Goshajinkigan, Hachimijiogan, and Rokumigan on Mechanical Allodynia Induced by Paclitaxel in Mice

Peripheral neuropathy is a major dose-limiting side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. This study examined whether the three related traditional herbal formulations, goshajinkigan (GJG; 牛車腎氣丸 Niú Chē Shèn Qì Wán), hachimijiogan (HJG; 八味地黃丸 Bā Wèi Dì Huáng Wán), and rokumigan (RMG; 六味丸 Liù Wèi Wán), would relieve paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia in mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel (5 mg/kg) induced mechanical allodynia, which peaked on day 14 after injection. On day 14 after paclitaxel injection, oral administration of GJG (0.1-1.0 g/kg) produced a significant inhibition of established allodynia, but HJG and RMG did not affect the allodynia. Repeated oral administration of GJG (0.1-1.0 g/kg) starting from the day after paclitaxel injection did not affect allodynia development, but significantly inhibited allodynia exacerbation. Repeated oral administration of HJG produced a slight inhibition of allodynia exacerbation, but that of RMG did not. These results suggest that prophylactic administration of GJG is effective in preventing the exacerbation of paclitaxel-induced allodynia. The herbal medicines Plantaginis Semen (車前子 Chē Qián Zǐ) and Achyranthis Radix (牛膝 Niú Xī), which are present in GJG but not in HJG, may contribute to the inhibitory action of GJG on the exacerbation of paclitaxel-induced allodynia.

토우슬과 회우슬의 열수 추출물의 성분 및 생리활성 비교

식용 및 약용으로 사용 가능한 우슬은 국가마다 다른 기원식물을 가지고 있으며, 국내에서는 토우슬 및 회우슬을 사용하도록 규정하고 있다. 현재까지 다양한 우슬에 대한 많은 연구가 이루어져 왔으나, 식용으로 이용되고 있는 토우슬과 회우슬의 열수 추출물에 대한 비교연구는 전무한 상태이다. 본 연구에서는 기능성 우슬차 및 우슬식혜 제조를 목표로, 토우슬과 회우슬의 열수 추출물과 이들의 순차적 분획물을 조제하여 각각의 유용성분 및 in-vitro 항균활성, 항산화, 및 항당뇨 활성을 비교 평가하였다. 그 결과, 회우슬의 열수 추출물은 토우슬보다 수용성 당류 및 다양한 폴리페놀 성분을 다량 포함하고 있으며, 토우슬보다 높은 명도와 낮은 황색도를 나타내었다. 항세균 활성 평가에서는 토우슬의 ethylacetate 분획과 회우슬의 n-hexane 분획에서 우수한 활성이 나타났으며, 활성 음이온, 활성 양이온 및 nitrite 소거능 및 환원력 측정의 항산화 활성 평가결과, 토우슬 추출물이 회우슬보다 우수하며, 특히 토우슬의 ethylacetate 분획에서 강력한 항산화 활성을 확인하였다. 또한 in-vitro 항당뇨 활성평가 결과, 토우슬 및 회우슬의 ethylacetate 분획에서 우수한 <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-amylase 저해활성을, 각각의 butanol 분획에서 <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase 저해활성을 확인하였다. 본 연구결과는 토우슬과 회우슬의 열수 추출물들은 추출효율과 성분에서 많은 차이가 있으며, 특히 이들의 분획물의 경우 성분 및 활성이 더욱 차이가 나타남을 제시하고 있다. 따라서, 우슬의 항균, 항산화 및 항당뇨 활성을 이용한 천연물 신약 개발시에는 토우슬의 ethylacetate 분획을 이용하는 것이 적합하며, 우슬차 및 우슬식혜 제조시에는 토우슬의 열수 추출물이 적합함을 확인하였다. Woosul (Achyranthis radix), a widely used material in food and oriental medicinal industry, has different origins of plant species in Korea, Japan and China. In Korea, woosul is designated as the radix of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) and Achyranthes bidentata Blume (ABB) in the regulation of The Korean Pharmacopoeia. However, the comparative study of hot water (HW) extracts between AJN and ABB is still rudimentary. In this study, HW extracts and its subsequent organic solvent fractions of AJB and ABB were prepared, and their in-vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-diabetes activities were evaluated. The HW extract of ABB has higher sugars and polyphenol compounds, and higher lightness and lower yellowness compared than those of AJN. Analysis of biological activities showed that the ethylacetate (EA) fraction of AJN and n-hexane fraction of ABB have antibacterial activities, and the EA fractions of AJN and ABB has strong antioxidation activities determined by radical scavenging activity and reducing power. In anti-diabetes activity assay, the EA fractions of AJN and ABB showed <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-amylase inhibitory activities, while the butanol fractions of AJN and ABB showed <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Our results suggest that the HW extracts of AJB and ABB have different components and extraction yields, and their subsequent fractions have different biological activity. Therefore it was concluded that the EA fraction of AJN is appropriate to develop as natural medicine, and the HW extract of AJN is suitable to woosul-tea or woosul-sikhye production.

A Comparison of the Components and Biological Activities of the Ethanol Extracts of Achyranthes japonica Nakai and Achyranthes bidentata Blume

In the course of a study for the development of functional foods utilizing Woosul (Achyranthis radix), the components and various biological activities of Korean Woosul (AJN: Achyranthes japonica Nakai) and Chinese Woosul (ABB: Achyranthes bidentata Blume) were compared. Woosul in Korea, including AJN and ABB, are regulated and part of the Korean Pharmacopoeia. From AJN and ABB, ethanol extracts and their subsequent organic solvent fractions were prepared and their in-vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-diabetes activities were evaluated. Although AJN and ABB have no clear distinction in terms of usage in Korea, our results suggest that AJN has higher quantities of lipid-soluble components and lower amounts of water-soluble sugars than does ABB. ABB also appears to possess greater amounts of flavonoid and polyphenol substances than AJN. Analyses of biological activities showed that the fractions of AJN were more active as antibacterial agents, and possessed more pronounced -glucosidase inhibitory activities than those of the ABB fractions. However, the antioxidant activities of the ABB fractions, as determined by DPPH anion-, ABTS cation-, nitrite-scavenging activity and reducing power, were higher than those of the AJN fractions. Our results suggest that the components and bioactivity of the extracts and subsequent fractions of AJN and ABB are different. Therefore, usage of either AJN or ABB should be carefully considered, as regards their individual properties, when the active fractions of Woosul are employed in the development of functional foods or novel plant-derived medicines.

English

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of YiShenTongMai decoction working with conventional Western drugs in patients with unstable angina complicated with glucose metabolism disorder. Seventy-six patients with unstable angina complicated with glucose metabolism disorder were randomly divided into two groups: 37 cases were allotted to the control group and were treated with conventional Western medicine; 39 cases were allotted to the experimental group treated with conventional Western medicine and YiShenTongMai decoction (Gold Theragran 20 g, Chinese yam 30 g, Milkvetch root 15 g, Bombyx mori 10 g, Allii macrostemi bulbus 10 g, Cassiac torae 30 g, huai Achyranthis radix 15 g, notoginseng powder 3 g, Pheretima asiatica 15g, Chinese hawthorn 10 g and water 370 ml). The effect of treatment was studied on the indices of electrocardiogram, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, fibrinogen (FIB), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, standard deviation of Normal-Normal (SDNN), and left ventricular diastolic function (E/A) ratio. There was a significant difference with regards to clinical manifestation improvement in angina control between the experimental group and the control group (94.9% versus 75.7%, P < 0.05), as well as in the electrocardiogram profile (84.6% versus 59.5%, P < 0.05) and syndrome integral (94.9% versus 70.3%, P < 0.05). FIB and CRP decreased while SDNN and E/A increased in both groups but was much higher in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The curative effect of combined YiShenTongMai decoction and Western medicine was better than Western medicine alone in patients with unstable angina complicated with glucose metabolism disorder patients. Key words: Unstable angina, glucose metabolism disorder, YiShenTongMai decoction.

한국 및 중국 지역에서 수집된 우슬의 모니터링을 통한 지표성분의 함량기준 설정

우슬의 지표성분인 ecdysterone과 inokosterone을 HPLC방법으로 분석하였다. 이 때 ODS 컬럼과 이동상으로 0.08% 포름산을 함유하는 15% 아세토니트릴 용액을 사용하였고, 이동상의 유속은 1.0 mL/min, 검출파장은 254 nm였다. 사용된 방법을 ICH 가이드라인에 따라 우효성을 확인하였고, 한국 및 중국의 각 지역에서 수집된 우슬 시료 93점에 대한 지표성분의 모니터링에 적용하였다. 직선회귀법에 의해 산출된 ecdysterone과 inokosterone에 대한 새로운 함량기준은 각각 0.033%와 0.020%로 나타났다. 새로운 기준을 시판되는 우슬에 적용하였을 경우 국산은 모두가 합격하였고 중국산은 92.6%가 합격하여 전체적 합격률은 95.4%였다. 새로운 기준은 지표성분의 함량이 낮은 중국산의 유통을 감소시켜 양질의 국산 생약을 보호할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다. Two marker compounds of Achyranthis Radix, ecdysterone and inokosterone, were analyzed by HPLC on an ODS column (<TEX>$250{\times}4.6$</TEX> mm, 5 <TEX>${\mu}m$</TEX>) with a mobile phase of 15% acetonitrile containing 0.08% formic acid at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and a detection wavelength of UV 254 nm. The method was validated by ICH guideline and applied to the monitoring of marker compounds in 93 samples of Achyranthis Radix collected at various areas in Korea and China. The new content criteria of ecdysterone and inokosterone, established using linear regression method were 0.033% and 0.020%, respectively. When the new content criteria were applied to the quality control test of commercial Achyranthis Radix, 95.4% of total samples including 100% of Korean and 92.6% of Chinese samples were passed the test. Application of new content criteria could protect the Korean products and decrease the distribution of Chinese products with lower quality.