Oriental Herbal Medicine Research Articles

Effects of Kamikihito and Unkei-to on Sleep Behavior of Wild Type and Parkinson Model in Drosophila.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and it is associated with sleep behavior disorders. In Drosophila melanogaster disease model, human α-synuclein A30P overexpressing flies (A30P PD model) have been shown for levy body aggregation and movement disorders. We measured sleep rhythms in the A30P PD model flies using the Drosophila Activity Monitoring system and found that they develop sleep defects at 20 days after eclosion. Furthermore, the total amount of sleep is significantly reduced in middle-aged PD model flies and the reduction has been attributed to nighttime sleep. The number and length of sleep bouts also decreased in middle-aged A30P PD model flies. Feeding of the oriental traditional herbal medicines (Kampo), Kamikihito and Unkei-to significantly ameliorate the level of sleep defects in A30P PD model flies. The Kamikihito and Unkei-to recovered 60-min sleep bouts number in the A30P PD model flies to the level of young (5 days after eclosion) flies. Kamikihito recovered sleep both in wild-type and PD model flies. Unkei-to ameliorates not only sleep but also motor function in PD model flies. The data suggest that Kamikihito and Unkei-to might be useful for the sleep defects in human PD patients as well as healthy human.

Herbal formula SC-E1 suppresses lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responses through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages

BackgroundSC-E1 is a novel herbal formula consisting of five oriental medicinal herbs used frequently in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Korea. This study examined the effects of SC-E1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and the molecular mechanism involved.MethodsThe cytotoxic effect of the SC-E1 extract was evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells by MTT assay. The effects of SC-E1 on the free radical scavenging and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species were measured using DPPH and DCFH-DA, respectively. The effects of SC-E1 on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and related products were determined by ELISA and western blotting. The molecular mechanism and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were examined by western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry.ResultsSC-E1 exhibited strong anti-oxidant activity and inhibited LPS-induced NO secretion as well as iNOS expression and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, without affecting the cell viability. SC-E1 also suppressed the LPS-induced NF-κB activation and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Moreover, SC-E1 induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression via the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. The inhibitory effects of SC-E1 on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were abrogated by treatment with SnPP, an HO-1 inhibitor.ConclusionThese results suggest that SC-E1 exerts its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK as well as Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction in macrophages. These findings provide evidences for SC-E1 to be considered as a new prescription for treating inflammatory diseases.

Verification of Antibacterial Activities of Oriental Herbal Medicine Extracts

The antibacterial activities of nine oriental herbal medicine extracts were measured against seven kinds of bacteria known to cause food poisoning and disease. The extracts were prepared with distilled water using an autoclave (121℃ for 30 min). The extraction yields of nine oriental herbal medicines were in the rage of 0.5%-33.4%. The antibacterial activities were evaluated using the paper-disc method. Extracts of Hwangryeon, Jiyu, and Ohbaeja showed antibacterial activities while the others did not. Extracts of Coptis japonica, Hwangryeon, and Sanguisorba officinalis, Jiyu showed antibacterial activities only against Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes. Extracts of Rhus javanica, Ohbaeja showed the strongest antibacterial activities against all the bacteria tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of R. javanica extracts were in the range of 2.4~20 mg/ml for the bacteria tested. In conclusion, the extract of R. javanica showed superior antibacterial activities against the seven bacterial strains tested. The MIC and MBC values for each bacterium were represented as strain names (MIC, MBC), which were Bacillus cereus (11.2, 20), Clostridium perfringens (2.4, 4.7), Escherichia coli (9.1, 9.1), Listeria monocytogenes (11.1, 20), Salmonella typhi (4.7, 9.1), Staphylococcus aureus (2.4, 4.7), and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (2.4, 5.3). Further purification and study of this antibacterial material would be helpful for developing antibiotics or promoting synergistic effects with known antibiotics, producing antibacterial material for lengthening the shelf-life of food, and so on.

Applications of Panax ginseng leaves-mediated gold nanoparticles in cosmetics relation to antioxidant, moisture retention, and whitening effect on B16BL6 cells

BackgroundBioactive compounds in plant extracts are able to reduce metal ions to nanoparticles through the process of green synthesis. Panax ginseng is an oriental medicinal herb and an adaptogen which has been historically used to cure various diseases. In addition, the P. ginseng leaves-mediated gold nanoparticles are the value-added novel materials. Its potential as a cosmetic ingredient is still unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, moisture retention and whitening properties of gold nanoparticles (PgAuNPs) in cosmetic applications. MethodsCell-free experiments were performed to evaluate PgAuNP's antioxidant and moisture retention properties and inhibition activity on mushroom tyrosinase. Furthermore, in vitro cell cytotoxicity was evaluated using normal human dermal fibroblast and murine B16BL6 melanoma cells (B16) after treatment with increasing concentrations of PgAuNPs for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Finally, in vitro cell assays on B16 cells were performed to evaluate the whitening effect of PgAuNPs through reduction of cellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity. ResultsIn vitro DPPH radical scavenging assay results revealed that PgAuNPs exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. PgAuNPs exhibited moisture retention capacity and effectively inhibited mushroom tyrosinase. In addition, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide results revealed that PgAuNPs were not toxic to human dermal fibroblast and B16 cells; in addition, they significantly reduced melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and mRNA expression of melanogenesis-associated transcription factor and tyrosinase in B16 cells. ConclusionOur study is the first report to provide evidence supporting that P. ginseng leaves-capped gold nanoparticles could be used as multifunctional ingredients in cosmetics.

Metabolic Effect of an Oriental Herbal Medicine on Obesity and Its Comorbidities with Transcriptional Responses in Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Taeeumjowuitang (TJ) is an alternative herbal medicine that has been used to treat obesity in Korea. The molecular mechanisms involved in TJ-induced anti-obesity effects have not yet been determined. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effects of TJ on obesity and metabolic syndrome, by analyzing the transcriptional and metabolic responses to TJ treatment. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat or high-fat + 3% (w/w) TJ diet for 12 weeks. Their phenotypic characteristics were measured and the anti-obesity mechanism was elucidated, based on the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic profiles in an animal model of obesity. TJ treatment ameliorated insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, with a simultaneous reduction in body weight gain by enhancing energy expenditure and suppressing adiposity. An analysis of the global transcriptional changes by RNA-seq revealed that TJ upregulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-associated genes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), suggesting an enhanced mitochondrial function after TJ treatment. Moreover, TJ effectively attenuated the high-fat diet-induced inflammatory response through transcriptional changes in eWAT. Our findings provide some mechanistic insights into the effects of TJ, an alternative oriental medicine, in the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. They demonstrate that metabolic and transcriptional responses to diet-induced obesity with TJ treatment were desirable in adipose tissue metabolism.

The Effect of Traditional Oriental Herbal Medicine for Anorexia in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Objectives Traditional oriental herbal medicine is used in cancer care to alleviate symptoms. Anorexia is a symptom which is frequently observed in patients with cancer and impairs their quality of life. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize current available evidence to evaluate the effect of traditional oriental herbal medicine on anorexia in cancer patients. Methods The review evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) measuring the effect of any types of herbal medicine on anorexia in cancer patients within 4 electronic databases and manual search up to December 2015. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (ROB) was used to assess the quality of RCTs. Results In total, 11 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. All of the studies reported the rate or severity of anorexia improved after treatment in herbal-conventional medicine combined group compared to conventional medicine group. 7 of 11 studies showed between-group statistical differences. The methodological quality of RCTs was insufficient with unclear and high ROB. Conclusions Traditional oriental herbal medicine may have a potential to improve anorexia in patients with cancer. To confirm the clinical recommendation, further researches with rigorous study design are required to support the effects of herbal medicine. Keywords: Herbal medicine, Anorexia, Neoplasms, Quality of life, Korean medicine

Traditional Oriental Herbal Medicine and Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Traditional oriental herbal medicine (HM) is used by cancer patients to improve immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are associated with development and progression of tumor and survival of cancer patients. This literature review examined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in four electronic databases until October 2015 to evaluate the effects of oral HM on NK cells in cancer patients. Data were pooled and computed in a meta-analysis. The methodological quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Sixteen RCTs involving 1326 cancer patients were identified. Combination of HM and conventional treatment was associated with significantly higher level of NK cells compared with conventional cancer treatments (standardized mean difference, 1.218; 95% confidence interval 0.719-1.717; p<0.001). Eight RCTs reported statistically significant improvements in the proportions or activity of NK cells in patient groups who received both HM and conventional treatment compared with patients who received conventional treatment alone, while eight RCTs reported no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Studies (n=16) included in this review had insufficient quality of evidence with unclear (n=1) and high (n=15) values of the risk of bias. Although traditional oriental HM may have the positive effects on preserving the level of NK cells in cancer patients receiving conventional treatments, current evidence is inconclusive because of lack of high-quality evidence. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Herbal Formula SC-E3 in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

SC-E3 is a novel herbal formula composed of five oriental medicinal herbs that are used to treat a wide range of inflammatory diseases in Korean traditional medicine. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of SC-E3 on free radical generation and inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated RAW 264.7 macrophages and the molecular mechanism involved. The ethanol extract of SC-E3 showed good free radical scavenging activity and inhibited LPS-induced reactive oxygen species generation. SC-E3 significantly inhibited the production of the LPS-induced inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, by suppressing the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, respectively. SC-E3 also prevented the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, and inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, SC-E3 induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by promoting the nuclear translocation and transactivation of Nrf2. Taken together, these results suggest that SC-E3 has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and that these effects are due to the inhibitions of NF-κB and MAPK and the induction of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression in macrophages. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the potential use of SC-E3 for the treatment and prevention of various inflammatory diseases.

Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 by the methanolic extract of Schisandra chinensis fruit and its chemical constituent γ-schisandrin.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is a non-selective cation channel with modest permeability to calcium ions. It is involved in intracellular calcium signaling and is therefore important in processes such as thermal sensation, skin barrier formation, and wound healing. TRPV3 was initially proposed as a warm temperature sensor. It is activated by synthetic small-molecule chemicals and plant-derived natural compounds such as camphor and eugenol. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC) has diverse pharmacological properties including antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. It is extensively used as an oriental herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, we investigated whether SC fruit extracts and seed oil, as well as four compounds isolated from the fruit can activate the TRPV3 channel. By performing whole-cell patch clamp recording in HEK293T cells overexpressing TRPV3, we found that the methanolic extract of SC fruit has an agonistic effect on the TRPV3 channel. Furthermore, electrophysiological analysis revealed that γ-schisandrin, one of the isolated compounds, activated TRPV3 at a concentration of 30 µM. In addition, γ-schisandrin (~100 µM) increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations by approximately 20% in response to TRPV3 activation. This is the first report to indicate that SC extract and γ-schisandrin can modulate the TRPV3 channel. This report also suggests a mechanism by which γ-schisandrin acts as a therapeutic agent against TRPV3-related diseases.

Baicalein induces CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells and enhances intestinal barrier function in a mouse model of food allergy.

The incidence of food allergy, which is triggered by allergen permeation of the gastrointestinal tract followed by a T-helper (Th) 2-mediated immune response, has been increasing annually worldwide. We examined the effects of baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone), a flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis used in oriental herbal medicine, on regulatory T (Treg) cell induction and intestinal barrier function through the regulation of tight junctions in a mouse model of food allergy. An allergic response was induced by oral challenge with ovalbumin, and the incidence of allergic symptoms and T cell-related activity in the mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed with and without the presence of baicalein. Our results demonstrated that the administration of baicalein ameliorated the symptoms of food allergy and attenuated serum IgE and effector T cells. However, Treg-related factors were up-regulated by baicalein. Furthermore, baicalein was shown to enhance intestinal barrier function through the regulation of tight junctions. We also found that baicalein treatment induced the differentiation of Treg cells via aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs). Thus, the action of baicalein as an agonist of AhR can induce Treg differentiation and enhance barrier function, suggesting that baicalein might serve as an effective immune regulator derived from foods for the treatment of food allergy.

Gastrodin reversed the traumatic stress-induced depressed-like symptoms in rats.

Exposure to severe stress can lead to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in at-risk individuals. Gastrodin (GAS), a primary constituent of an Oriental herbal medicine, has been shown to effectively treat various mood disorders. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether GAS would ameliorate stress-associated depression-like behaviors in a rat model of single prolonged stress (SPS)-induced PTSD. Following the SPS procedure, rats received intraperitoneal administration of GAS (20, 50, or 100mg/kg) once daily for 2weeks. Subsequently, the rats performed the forced swimming test, and norepinephrine (NE) levels in the hippocampus were measured. Daily GAS (100mg/kg) significantly reversed depression-like behaviors and restored SPS-induced increases in hippocampal NE concentrations as well as tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the locus coeruleus. Furthermore, the administration of GAS attenuated SPS-induced decreases in the hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y and the hippocampal mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These findings indicate that GAS possesses antidepressant effects in the PTSD and may be an effective herbal preparation for the treatment of PTSD.

Effects of dietary supplementation of oriental herbal medicine residue and methyl sulfonyl methane on the growth performance and meat quality of ducks

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementation with oriental herbal medicine residue (OHMR) and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) on the growth performance and meat quality of ducks during a 42-day feeding period. In total, 270 Cherry Valley male ducklings were fed diets supplemented with 0.03% MSM alone (MSM group) and with a combination of 0.03% MSM and 0.5% OHMR (MSM–OHMR group). Supplementing the diet with a combination of OHMR and MSM resulted in a significant (P &lt; 0.05) decrease in the mortality rate and serum total cholesterol concentration, and in an increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in duck breast muscle (Musculus pectoralis) by 3 and 6 weeks. Moreover, MSM–OHMR as well as MSM alone affected meat quality of ducks by increasing the concentrations of crude protein and sulfur content, and water-holding capacity, and by decreasing percentage moisture loss and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances during cold storage. Significant differences were detected in concentrations of total unsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in the MSM–OHMR group. These results suggest that diets containing MSM and OHMR possessing free-radical scavenging activities, such as for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and alkyl radicals, may beneficially affect growth performance and meat quality in ducks.

한약재 4종 복합추출물의 해마신경세포 보호를 통한 기억력 개선

본 연구는 동의보감을 근거로 선별된 백수오, 지황, 원지 및 석창포로 구성된 복합추출물의 해마신경세포에 대한 보호 및 기억력의 개선효과를 살펴보았다. 복합추출물의 신경보호효과를 검증하기 위해 HT22해마신경세포의 생존율, 세포독성 및 활성산소를 분석하였으며, 허혈성 뇌손상 마우스모델을 이용하여 기억에 대한 동물행동학적 변화와 단백질 발현을 측정하였다. 해마신경세포에서 복합추출물의 전 처리는 glutamate에 의해 유도된 활성산소의 축적을 억제하였으며 세포사멸을 감소시켰다. 허혈성 뇌손상 마우스모델에서 복합추출물은 동물행동학적으로 공간 및 단기 기억능력을 개선시켰다. 뇌허혈로 인해 증가된 p38 MAPK의 인산화는 복합추출물에 의해 현저히 감소하는 반면, 감소된 PI3K와 CREB의 인산화는 현저히 증가하였다. 이를 면역조직화학분석을 통해 복합추출물을 투여한 그룹이 해마에서 발현되는 CREB의 인산화가 현저히 증가되는 것을 확인하였다. 이상의 결과는 복합추출물이 CREB 단백질과 관련된 신경보호 신호기전을 조절함으로써 인지기능을 개선시키는 것으로 사료된다. The current study was conducted to evaluate beneficial effects of a new formula (CWC-9) using four traditional Oriental medicinal herbs, Cynanchum wilfordii, Rehmannia glutinosa, Polygala tenuifolia, and Acorus gramineus, on hippocampal cells and memory function. To examine the neuroprotective effects of a new four-herb extract, cell viability, cytotoxicity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were performed in HT22 cells and behavioral tests (Morris water maze and passive avoidance retention), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. In HT22 hippocampal cells, pretreatment with CWC-9 resulted in significantly reduced glutamate-induced cell death with suppression of ROS accumulation caused by glutamate. In a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia, we observed significant improvement of spatial and short-term memory function by treatment with CWC-9. Phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in hippocampus of ischemic mice were decreased by treatment with CWC-9, but phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were significantly enhanced. By immunohistochemical analysis, we confirmed higher expression of phosphorylation of CREB in the hippocampal neurons of CWC-9 treated mice. These results suggest that new multi-herb formula CWC-9 mainly exerted beneficial effects on cognitive function through regulation of neuro-protective signaling pathways associated with CREB.

Development of molecular markers, based on chloroplast and ribosomal DNA regions, to discriminate three popular medicinal plant species, Cynanchum wilfordii, Cynanchum auriculatum, and Polygonum multiflorum.

Identification of plant species is important for standardizing herbal medicine. Cynanchum wilfordii (Baekshuoh in Korean) and Polygonum multiflorum (Hashuoh in Korean) are important oriental medicinal herbs in Korea, Japan, and China. Cynanchum auriculatum is a faster growing and more productive plant than C. wilfordii; and, it is not recognized as a medicinal plant in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. C. wilfordii, P. multiflorum, and C. auriculatum are often misidentified in the Korean herbal medicine marketplace due to their morphological similarities and similar names. In this study, we investigated molecular authentication of these three medicinal plants using DNA sequences in the TrnL-F chloroplast intergenic region. Specific species identification was achieved by detecting allelic variations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and high resolution melting curve analysis. Our results demonstrate that the intraspecific genetic distance between C. wilfordii and C. auriculatum is relatively low. We also developed a quantitative PCR assay using species-specific TrnL-F primers, which allowed us to estimate the ratio of C. wilfordii and C. auriculatum using varying ratios of mixed genomic DNA template from the two species. Additionally, to identify species in hybrid plants produced by cross-fertilization, we analyzed nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer regions in C. wilfordii and C. auriculatum by ARMS-PCR. Our results indicate that SNP-based molecular markers, usable to barcode tools could provide efficient and rapid authentication of these closely related medicinal plant species, and will be useful for preventing the distribution of products contaminated with adulterants.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using oriental medicinal herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino extract and their antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogen

The most promising strategies to overcome bacterial drug resistance are the use of nanoparticles (NPs). In this paper, the extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino was prepared and used as reducing as well as stabilising agent to obtain silver NPs (AgNPs). The active phytochemicals present in the herb were responsible for the quick reduction in silver ion (Ag+) to metallic AgNPs (Ag0). The method is green and rapid, and the whole synthesis process can be finished within 15 min at 60°C. An intense surface plasmon resonance band in 420–450 nm range clearly revealed the formation of AgNPs. The obtained AgNPs were further characterised using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and zeta potential. Moreover, the as prepared AgNPs have a superior antibacterial activity against four kinds of aquatic pathogenic bacteria, which shows great potential in aquaculture field.

초미세 분쇄한 삼백초로부터 추출된 phenolic 화합물의 hyaluronidase 억제 효과

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibition was determined from 92 species of oriental herbal medicine extracted with water and ethanol solvents because of their non-toxicity in the human body. The water extracts of Evodia officinalis (86.8%), Thuja orientalis (80.8%), Carthami semen (66.5%), Melia azedarach (74.7%), Siegesbeckia pubescens (61.3%), Saururus chinensis (49.15%) showed a relatively greater anti-inflammatory activity. The ethanol extracts of Ailanthus altissima and Saururus chinensis demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory effect at above 90%. Saururus chinensis was selected for its high anti-inflammatory effect in both water and ethanol extract. Ethanol was more effective than water and optimal extraction conditions for phenolic compounds was determined to be extraction with 50% ethanol for 12 hours. The extracts from Saururus chinensis in optimal condition showed 70~80% anti­inflammatory effect when 100~250 μg/mL phenolic concentration was treated. Concentration of above 500 μg/mL decreased the inhibitory effect. The anti-inflammatory effect and extraction yield were increased by ultra-fine grind technology, indicating that this method can be used to increase the extraction yield of phenolic compounds from medicinal plants.

Awareness of Atopic Dermatitis and Attitudes toward Different Types of Medical Institutions for Its Treatment among Adult Patients and the Parents of Pediatric Patients: A Survey of 500 Participants.

BackgroundPhysicians can play a crucial role in the knowledge that patients have about a disease and its prognosis. Recently, patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are increasingly turning from western medicine to oriental herbal medicine. However, their awareness of AD and attitude toward Western medicine and oriental herbal medicine clinics are scarcely reported.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the understanding of AD among patients and their parents and to identify their awareness of and attitude toward Western medicine and oriental herbal medicine as treatments for AD.MethodsAn online questionnaire was administered to 500 consenting respondents with AD (age, 16~49 years) and parents of children with AD (age, 0~15 years).ResultsThe mean percentage of correct answers to questions about AD was 52.54%. A parental history of AD was independently associated with higher respondent’s knowledge about the disease and its treatment. The satisfaction with treatment outcomes was highest among patients treated at private clinic of dermatology specialists (49.4%), while lowest among those treated at oriental herbal medicine clinics (38.4%). Many participants were aware that oriental herbal medicine requires a longer treatment period for a cure and does not burden the skin, while steroid phobia was seen in most of participants.ConclusionPhysicians need to educate AD patients and their parents about the disease and its treatment. Misconceptions for Western medicine and oriental herbal medicine among AD patients and parents should be corrected to improve their prognosis.

A study on the distribution characteristics of fine particles from manufacture of oriental herb medicine

A study on the distribution characteristics of fine particles from manufacture of oriental herb medicine

Sosiho‑tang ameliorates cachexia‑related symptoms in mice bearing colon 26 adenocarcinoma by reducing systemic inflammation and muscle loss.

Cachexia accompanied by muscle wasting is a key determinant of poor prognosis in cancer patients and cancer‑related death. Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‑6 (IL‑6), tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), IL‑1 and interferon‑γ (IFN‑γ) secreted from host cells and tumor cells participate in skeletal muscle wasting followed by severe loss of body weight. Therefore, blockade of the inflammatory response is thought to be a logical target for pharmacological and nutritional interventions to preserve skeletal muscle mass under cachectic conditions. Sosiho‑tang (SO; Xiaocharihu‑tang in Chinese and Sho‑saiko‑to in Japanese) is an Oriental herbal medicine that has been used to treat chronic hepatic diseases and to control fever. In recent studies, SO inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑stimulated macrophages, prevented thrombus formation and suppressed cancer progression. However, the anti‑cachectic activity of SO in tumor‑bearing mice has not yet been examined. In the present study, we characterized the effect of SO administration on cancer‑induced cachexia in CT‑26‑bearing mice, and elucidated the anti‑cachectic mechanisms. Daily oral administration of SO at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg to CT‑26‑bearing mice significantly retarded tumor growth and prevented the loss of final body weight, carcass weight, heart weight, gastrocnemius muscle, and epididymal fat, compared with saline‑treated control mice. In addition, serum IL‑6 levels elevated by cancer were decreased by SO administration. In the J774A.1 macrophage cell line, SO efficiently suppressed LPS‑mediated increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO), and procachectic inflammatory cytokine production through inhibition of nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) and p38 activation. In addition, SO attenuated muscle atrophy caused by cancer cells by affecting myoblast proliferation and differentiation, and C2C12 myotube wasting. Taken together, these results suggest that SO is a safe and useful anti‑cachectic therapy for cancer patients with severe weight loss.

Promoting effect of licorice extract on spermatogonial proliferation and spermatocytes differentiation of neonatal mice in vitro.

Licorice (glycyrrhiza uralensis) is known as an herb with detoxication, and it has been widely used in clinical prescription of Oriental herbal medicine. Studies on the effects of licorice in the reproductive system were very rare, especially in spermatogenesis. In order to elucidate the effects of licorice on spermatogonial proliferation and spermatocyte differentiation during neonatal mice spermatogenesis, the organ culture model of testis tissue from neonatal C57BL/6N mice (born 6 d) was established. Then, in the presence of licorice extract (LE), the proliferation activity of spermatogonia was identified with the positive rate quantitative analysis of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody by immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that, compared to the control group, the percentage of positive cells by BrdU staining enhanced dramatically and that the expression of PCNA protein increased significantly in the spermatogonia from the LE group and showed a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). This indicated that the LE can significantly promote the proliferation of spermatogonia in the spermatogenesis of neonatal mice. Furthermore, proteins related to spermatocyte differentiation, synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3) and meiotic recombinant protein Spo11, were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that the differentiated spermatocyte in the LE group was significantly increased compared with that of the control group and showed a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The above results suggested that the LE can significantly accelerate the proliferation of spermatogonia and the differentiation of spermatocytes in the testicular tissue of the neonatal mice, which may be a potential drug for male infertility.