Cocos Wolf Research Articles

Characterization of Korean traditional medicine Chongmyungtang for cognitive function related to anti-cholinesterases and antioxidant activity

Chongmyungtang (CMT) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine, used therapeutically for memory improvement. It consists of 3 herbs, wongi (Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow, WNG), sukchangpo (Acorus gramineus Soland, SCP), and bokshin (Poria cocos Wolf, BKS). This study evaluated CMT and its components in terms of anti-cholinesterases (ChEs) activity, antioxidant activity, and their effects on memory in mice. CMT displayed the highest inhibition towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE), followed by WNG, SCP, and BKS. WNG was found to be the most effective herb with an estimated IC50 value of 0.94 mg/mL on butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibition. At a concentration of 5 mg/mL, DPPH scavenging activities of CMT, WNG, and SCP reached a plateau of about 90%. WNG exhibited the highest total phenolic contents followed by CMT, SCP, and BKS. CMT and its components prolonged the step-through latency shortened by scopolamine. These results suggest that CMT shows potential cognitive improvement by inhibition of ChEs and promotion of antioxidant activity.

한방화장품의 눈가 주름 개선 효과

맥문동, 차가버섯, 감초, 흑삼, 백출, 백복령, 당귀, 숙지황, 천궁, 작약의 추출물을 이용한 한방소재로 에센스와 크림을 제조하여 눈가의 주름개선 효과를 평가하였다. 평균연령 44.8세의 한국인 중년여성 6명을 대상으로 에센스 사용 후 크림 사용으로 매일 2회씩(아침, 저녁), $1cm^2$ 당 2mg씩, 4주간 연속 사용하도록 한 다음, 4주 경과 후 눈가 주름의 모사판을 제작하여 영상 분석하였다. 눈꼬리 주름 모사판 영상분석 결과, 에센스와 크림 사용 4주 후 주름 R1은 $3.22{\pm}0.85$ 에서 $2.38{\pm}0.32$ , R2는 $3.08{\pm}0.83$ 에서 $2.22{\pm}0.32$ , R3는 $2.29{\pm}0.64$ 에서 $2.29{\pm}0.64$ , R4는 $0.44{\pm}0.14$ 에서 $0.44{\pm}0.14$ , R5는 $0.98{\pm}0.21$ 에서 $0.98{\pm}0.21$ 로 유의하게 감소하여(P 【This study evaluated anti-wrinkle effect for eye using essence and cream containing extract of Liriope platy phyllla, Inonotus obliquus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, black ginseng, Atractylodes japonica, Poria cocos Wolf, Angelica gigas, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Cnidii Rhizoma, Paeonia lactiflora. 6 female adults on average at the age of 44.8, applied cream after essence under the normal conditions of use on the crow's feet area, twice a day (in the morning and evening), 2mg/ $1cm^ 2$ for 4weeks. After 4 weeks, the replica of eye wrinkle was made and analyzed the image. The result was that eye wrinkle was decreased in R1( $3.22{\pm}0.85$ to $2.38{\pm}0.32$ ), R2( $3.08{\pm}0.83$ to $2.22{\pm}0.32$ ), R3( $2.29{\pm}0.64$ to $2.29{\pm}0.64$ ), R4( $0.44{\pm}0.14$ to $0.44{\pm}0.14$ ), and R5( $0.98{\pm}0.21$ to $0.98{\pm}0.21$ )(P】

흑삼을 함유한 한방소재 화장품의 주름개선 효과

맥문동, 차가버섯, 감초, 보기보혈(백출, 백복령, 당귀, 숙지황, 천궁, 작약)의 한방약재에 ginsenoside Rg3가 강화된 흑삼을 첨가한 토너와 로션을 제조하여 주름개선 효과를 평가하였다. 평균연령 42.5세의 한국인 중년여성 6명을 대상으로 토너사용 후 로션사용으로 매일 2회씩(아침, 저녁) 4주간 연속 사용하도록 한 다음, 실험 4주 후에 눈가 주름의 모사판을 제작하여 영상 분석하였다. 또한 연구책임자가 시료의 피부 안전성을 관찰하기 위해 육안 검사도 함께 수행하였다. 눈꼬리 주름 모사판 영상분석 결과, 토너와 로션 사용 4주 후 주름 R1은 <TEX>$3.15{\pm}0.35$</TEX>에서 <TEX>$2.28{\pm}0.22$</TEX>, R2는 <TEX>$2.99{\pm}0.37$</TEX>에서 <TEX>$2.13{\pm}0.21$</TEX>, R3는 <TEX>$2.09{\pm}0.31$</TEX>에서 <TEX>$1.56{\pm}0.18$</TEX>, R4는<TEX>$0.37{\pm}0.05$</TEX>에서 <TEX>$0.29{\pm}0.03$</TEX>, R5는 <TEX>$0.89{\pm}0.1$</TEX>에서 <TEX>$0.75{\pm}0.06$</TEX>로 유의하게 감소하여(P<0.05), 본 시료는 주름개선에 효과 있는 것으로 확인되었다. This study evaluated anti-wrinkle effect using toner and lotion containing ginsenoside Rg3 enriched black ginseng in oriental medicine like Liriope platy phyllla, Inonotus obliquus, Glycyrrhiza glabra and nourishing of the blood and energy(Atractylodes japonica, Poria cocos Wolf, Angelica gigas, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Cnidii Rhizoma, Paeonia lactiflora). 6 female adults on average at the age of 42.5 applied lotion after toner under the normal conditions of use on the face including crow's feed area, twice a day (in the morning and evening) for 4weeks. After 4 weeks, the replica of eye wrinkle was made and analyzed the image. The result was decreased in R1(<TEX>$3.15{\pm}0.35$</TEX> to <TEX>$2.28{\pm}0.22$</TEX>), R2(<TEX>$2.99{\pm}0.37$</TEX> to <TEX>$2.13{\pm}0.21$</TEX>), R3(<TEX>$2.09{\pm}0.31$</TEX> to <TEX>$1.56{\pm}0.18$</TEX>), R4(<TEX>$0.37{\pm}0.05$</TEX> to <TEX>$0.29{\pm}0.03$</TEX>), and R5(<TEX>$0.89{\pm}0.1$</TEX> to <TEX>$0.75{\pm}0.06$</TEX>)(P<0.05). Therefore, oriental medicine cosmetics containing black ginseng may play a role anti-wrinkle.

Analysis of chemical composition of polysaccharides from Poria cocos Wolf and its anti-tumor activity by NMR spectroscopy

In this study, we extracted the polysaccharide from Poria cocos Wolf and examined its chemical components using gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometer (GC–MS) and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Then its anti-tumor effects was investigated via in vivo assays. Chemical analysis revealed that the polysaccharide was composed of ribose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in the molar contents of 1.49, 1.17, 0.62, 10.34, 86.39 and 1.31 μM, respectively, and their corresponding mole percentages were 1.6%, 1.09%, 0.54%, 11.3%, 85.9%, and 1.01%, respectively. After 7 weeks of feeding, the polysaccharide significantly inhibited tumor cells growth and increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in rats. These results indicate that the polysaccharide possessed strong anti-tumor activity.

Effects of triterpenoids from Poria cocos Wolf on the serotonin type 3A receptor-mediated ion current in Xenopus oocytes

Poria cocos Wolf ( P. cocos Wolf) is used to treat chronic gastritis, edema, nephrosis, gastric atony, acute gastroenteric catarrh, dizziness, emesis and vomiting. Triterpenoids are a class of natural compounds produced by P. cocos Wolf that contain acyclic 30-carbon precursors. In this study, we investigated the effect of triterpenoids (PA, Pachymic acid; DA, dehydroeburicoic acid; HA, 3β-hydroxylanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-21-oic acid) on human 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A (5-HT 3A) receptor channel activity, which is one of the ligand-gated ion channel families. The two-electrode voltage-clamp technique was used to examine the 5-HT3A mediated current. The inhibitory effect of triterpenoids on 5HT-induced inward current ( I 5-HT) occurred in a concentration dependent and reversible manner. Furthermore, the half-inhibitory concentrations (IC 50) of PA, DA and HA were 3.2 ± 0.2, 5.5 ± 0.6 and 1.4 ± 0.2 µM, respectively. This corresponded to an order of potency for the inhibition of I 5-HT in oocytes expressing human 5-HT 3A receptor of HA > PA > DA. Finally, inhibition of I 5HT by triterpenoids occurred in a non-competitive manner, while inhibition by HA and PA showed more voltage-dependency. Taken together, these results indicate that triterpenoids may regulate the expressed 5-HT 3A receptors in Xenopus oocytes. Furthermore, this regulation of the ligand-gated ion channel activity by triterpenoids may be one of the pharmacological actions of P. cocos Wolf.

Neuroprotective Effect of Chuk-Me-Sun-Dan on NMDA- and AMPA-Evoked Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Mouse Brain

Chukmesundan (CMSD) is composed of 8 medicinal herbs including Panex ginseng C.A. MEYER, Atractylodes macrocephala KOID, Poria cocos WOLF, Pinellia ternata BREIT, Brassica alba BOISS, Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX, Cynanchum atratum BGE, and Cuscuta chinensis LAM and used for the treatment of various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders. This study was carried out to examine the effects of CMSD on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked, and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-evoked nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in mouse brain. In adult forebrain, CMSD influences neuronal maintenance and is neuroprotective in several injury models through mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Interaction is observed between CMSD and nitric oxide (NO). Because NO affects both neural plasticity and degeneration, we hypothesized that CMSD might rapidly modulate NO production. Using in vivo microdialysis we measured conversion of L-[14C]arginine to L-[14C]citrulline as an accurate reflection of NOS activity in adult mouse hippocampus. CMSD significantly reduced NOS activities to 62% of basal levels within 2 days of onset of delivery and maintained NOS activity at less than 45% of baseline throughout 3 days of delivery. These effects did not occur with control (distilled water) and were not mediated by effect of CMSD on glutamate levels. In addition, simultaneous delivery of CMSD treatment prevented significant increases in NOS activity triggered by the glutamate receptor agonists NMDA and AMPA. Rapid suppression by CMSD of basal and glutamate-stimulated NOS activity may regulate neuromodulatory functions of NO or protect neurons from NO toxicity and suggests a novel mechanism for rapidly mediating functions of CMSD. It is shown that NMDA receptor stimulation leads to activation of p21ras (Ras) through generation of NO via neuronal NOS. The competitive NOS inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester, and CMSD prevents Ras activation elicited by NMDA, thus supporting the physiologic relevance of endogenous NO regulation of Ras. These results suggest that Ras is a physiologic target of endogenously produced NO and indicates a signaling pathway for NMDA receptor activation that may be important for long-lasting neuronal responses.

Hoelen (Poria Cocos Wolf) and ginseng (Panax Ginseng C. A. Meyer), the ingredients of a Chinese prescription DX-9386, individually promote hippocampal long-term potentiation in vivo.

DX-9386 is a traditional Chinese medicinal prescription consisting of ginseng (Panax Ginseng C. A. Meyer), polygala (Polygala Tenuifolia Willdenew), acorus (Acorus Gramineus Soland) and hoelen (Poria Cocos Wolf). We recently found that oral administration of the prescription at a dose of 500 mg/kg intensified the formation of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentoff gyrus of anesthetized rats. To evaluate the individual contribution of separate ingredients in DX-9386 towards the observed biological activity, we investigated their direct influence upon LTP formation in vivo. A single oral administration of hoelen and ginseng (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly increased the spike amplitude evoked by a subthreshold tetanic stimulation at time intervals up to 30 min after tetanus. Only minor effects of polygala (500 mg/kg) and no influence of acorus up to 500 mg/kg were observed. No drugs affected the basal spike amplitude induced by a test stimulus. In addition, we ascertained that DX-9386 was also active at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Taken together, these results indicate that hoelen and ginseng are the active components of DX-9386 with regard to the enhancement of hippocampal LTP.

Studies on Antinephritic Effects of Plant Components (3): Effect of Pachyman, a Main Component of Poria Cocos Wolf on Original-Type Anti-GBM Nephritis in Rats and Its Mechanisms

The antinephritic effect of pachyman on original-type anti-GBM nephritis in rats was investigated. Pachyman was given to original-type anti-GBM nephritic rats for 10 days from the day of anti-GBM serum injection. Pachyman prevented urinary protein excretion and the elevation of serum cholesterol content. Histopathological observations of the glomeruli indicated that although the number of nuclei and adhesion to capillary walls of Bowman’s capsule in nephritic control rats were significantly increased, pachyman reduced the degree of histopathological changes such as hypercellularity and adhesion as compared to the control group. Although the serum complement CH50 ratio in control group was significantly lower than that in the normal group, the decrease in serum complement CH50 was inhibited by pachyman, and rat C3 deposition in the glomeruli in the pachyman-treated group was significantly reduced. These results suggest that pachyman was effective against original-type anti-GBM nephritis in rats and that the antinephritic mechanisms of pachyman may be partly due to the inhibitory action of this agent on C3 deposition in the glomeruli.