Oriental Herbal Medicine Research Articles

Arctium lappa is a new Natural Host of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in Korea.

Burdock (Arctium lappa L., belongs to the family Asteraceae), is an edible plant and an oriental medicinal herb in Korea (Han and Koo, 1993). In July 2023, burdocks showing chlorotic ringspots and yellowing on the leaves were observed in nine of approximately 4,000 plants in a greenhouse in Daegu, South Korea. To determine the causal virus species, nine symptomatic leaves from each individual plant were collected and tested using commercially available immunostrips (Agdia, Elkhart, USA) for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Seven out of nine samples tested positive for TSWV only. TSWV in South Korea was first reported on sweet pepper from Yesan in 2004 (Kim et al., 2004) and has since spread to various crops. The first report of TSWV infecting burdock plants in the world was from Hawaii in 1995 (Bautista et al., 1995), but TSWV-infected burdock has not been reported in Korea. To further confirm the presence of TSWV, total RNA was extracted from TSWV-positive burdock leaves using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and used in reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays with a specific primer set that amplifies 777 bp of nucleocapsid gene (N gene) of TSWV (Yoon et al., 2014). To obtain the complete genome sequence of this TSWV in the burdock plant, named TSWV-DG, fragments of L, M, and S segments were amplified and sequenced. The complete genome sequences of the L (8914 nt), M (4773 nt), and S (2946 nt) segments were obtained by overlapping RT-PCR amplicons. RT-PCR products were cloned into the pGEM-T Easy vector, and selected DNA clones were sequenced using Sanger method (Bioneer, Korea). The complete genome sequences were deposited to GenBank (LC790665, LC790666, and LC790667, respectively). BLASTn analysis showed that sequences of each TSWV-DG segment had maximum nucleotide identities of 99.5%, 99.5%, and 99.5% with TSWV-L, TSWV-M, and TSWV-S (OM154971, OM154970, and OM154969, respectively), which were isolated from water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) in China (Qiu et al., 2023). To assess the biological activity of TSWV-DG, A. lappa and Nicotiana benthamiana were inoculated mechanically with sap from infected burdock leaves and maintained for visual inspection of virus symptoms at 25 ℃ at 3 weeks. TSWV-DG produced symptoms on the systemic leaves of A. lappa, that included chlorotic spots and yellowing, and on the leaves of N. benthamiana, that included chlorotic spots and mosaic patterns from 14 days-post-inoculation. Meanwhile, mock-inoculated A.lappa and N.benthamiana remained symptomless. The presence of TSWV on the inoculated leaves was subsequently confirmed through Immunostrip and RT-PCR analyses. TSWV may pose a significant threat to the production of A. lappa, which is cultivated as both leafy greens and root vegetables in Korea. Furthermore, A. lappa may not only be at risk of damage from TSWV infection but also act as a potential source of TSWV infection, thereby posing a risk of transmission to other key crops in Korea, such as pepper or potato (Yoon et al., 2014). This is the first report TSWV infecting burdock in South Korea.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the KIOM -patented Polygonum multiflorum maximized root tuber against LPS-stimulated BV2 Cells

The main pathological mechanism of neurodegeneration is neuroinflammation. It is known that the persistent neuroinflammatory response is harmful by causing secondary nerve tissue damage. Meanwhile, P. multiflorum is a traditional oriental medicinal herb. It has been used as a hematopoietic agent and is used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions. The aim of the present study was to compare the anti-inflammatory efficacy between the commonly available P. multiflorum (C1) and the KIOM-patented in vitro-propagated P. multiflorum (K1), which had higher content of active ingredients and biomass, using culture and cultivation conditions of LPS-induced neuroinflammation. After stimulation with LPS and treatment with C1 and K1 in mouse microglial BV-2 cells, nitric oxide (NO) production, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, MAPK phosphorylation and transcription factor activity were assessed. We examined the antioxidant effect using DPPH and production of nitric oxide (NO). C1 and K1 suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we determined the levels of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and mitogen-activated protein kinases and IκBα via Western blotting to understand the regulating mechanisms. Additionally, C1 and K1 also inhibited the activation of p38 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In all experimental results, excellent anti-neuroinflammatory effects were confirmed at a lower dose in K1 than in C1, which is believed to be due to the increased biomass. Therefore, K1 is expected to be more effective than C1 and can be applied more broadly in the development of prevention and treatment of various inflammatory-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.

Simultaneous Analysis of Thirteen Compounds in Yeokwisan Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detection and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Their Antioxidant Effects.

Yeokwisan (YWS) is an herbal medicine prescription consisting of six oriental herbal medicines, developed to treat reflux esophagitis. We focused on developing an analytical method capable of simultaneously quantifying 13 compounds in YWS samples using high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and exploring their antioxidant effects. All compounds examined in both analytical systems were chromatographically separated on a SunFireTM C18 (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) column and an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) column using gradient elution of a water-acetonitrile mobile phase. Antioxidant effects were evaluated based on radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS tests) and ferrous ion chelating activity. In two analytical methods, the coefficient of determination of the regression equation was ≥0.9965, the recovery range was 81.11-108.21% (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 9.33%), and the precision was RSD ≤ 11.10%. Application of the optimized analysis conditions gave quantitative analysis results for YWS samples of 0.02-100.36 mg/g. Evaluation of the antioxidant effects revealed that baicalein and baicalin exhibit significant antioxidant activity, suggesting that they play an important role in the antioxidant effects of YWS.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Arecae pericarpium on LPS-Stimulated BV2 Cells.

Arecae pericarpium (AP), the fruit peel of the betel palm, is a traditional Oriental herbal medicine. AP is used to treat various diseases and conditions, such as ascites, edema, and urinary retention, in traditional Korean medicine. Recent studies have demonstrated its anti-obesity and antibacterial effects; however, its anti-neuroinflammatory effects have not yet been reported. Therefore, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse microglia in this study. To determine the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AP on BV2 microglial cells, we examined the production of nitric oxide (NO) using Griess assay and assessed the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory mediators, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we determined the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases and IκBα via Western blotting to understand the regulating mechanisms of AP. AP treatment decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Additionally, AP suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. AP also inhibited the activation of p38 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Therefore, AP exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects via inactivation of the p38 and NF-κB pathways.

Systematic Myostatin Expression Screening Platform for Identification and Evaluation of Myogenesis-Related Phytogenic in Pigs.

Skeletal muscle growth in livestock impacts meat quantity and quality. Concerns arise because certain feed additives, like beta-agonists, may affect food safety. Skeletal muscle is a specialized tissue consisting of nondividing and multinucleated muscle fibers. Myostatin (MSTN), a protein specific to skeletal muscle, is secreted and functions as a negative regulator of muscle mass by inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. To enhance livestock muscle growth, phytogenic feed additives could be an alternative as they inhibit MSTN activity. The objective of this study was to establish a systematic screening platform using MSTN activity to evaluate phytogenics, providing scientific evidence of their assessment and potency. In this study, we established a screening platform to monitor myostatin promoter activity in rat L8 myoblasts. Extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GUE), an oriental herbal medicine, was identified through this screening platform, and the active fractions of GUE were identified using a process-scale liquid column chromatography system. For in vivo study, GUE as a feed additive was investigated in growth-finishing pigs. The results showed that GUE significantly increased body weight, carcass weight, and lean content in pigs. Microbiota analysis indicated that GUE did not affect the composition of gut microbiota in pigs. In summary, this established rodent myoblast screening platform was used to identify a myogenesis-related phytogenic, GUE, and further demonstrated that the active fractions and compounds inhibited MSTN expression. These findings suggest a novel application for GUE in growth performance enhancement through modulation of MSTN expression. Moreover, this well-established screening platform holds significant potential for identifying and assessing a diverse range of phytogenics that contribute to the process of myogenesis.

The Synergistic Action of Metformin and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer Extract Alleviates Metabolic Disorders in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity.

Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer (GU), an oriental medicinal herb, have been reported to exert anti-obesity effects. This study investigated the synergistic action of metformin and GU in improving diet-induced obesity. Mice were fed a normal diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD + 0.015% GU water extract for 8 weeks. The HFD and GU groups were then randomly divided into two groups and fed the following diets for the next 8 weeks: HFD with 50 mg/kg metformin (HFDM) and GU with 50 mg/kg metformin (GUM). GUM prevented hepatic steatosis and adiposity by suppressing expression of mRNAs and enzyme activities related to lipogenesis in the liver and upregulating the expression of adipocyte mRNAs associated with fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis, and as a result, improved dyslipidemia. Moreover, GUM improved glucose homeostasis by inducing glucose uptake in tissues and upregulating mRNA expressions associated with glycolysis in the liver and muscle through AMP-activated protein kinase activation. GUM also improved inflammation by increasing antioxidant activity in the liver and erythrocytes and decreasing inflammatory cytokine productions. Here, we demonstrate that GU and metformin exert synergistic action in the prevention of obesity and its complications.

Atractylodin Ameliorates Colitis via PPARα Agonism.

Atractylodin is a major compound in the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea, an oriental herbal medicine used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, including dyspepsia, nausea, and diarrhea. Recent studies have shown that atractylodin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. Herein, we investigated the anti-colitis effects of atractylodin and its molecular targets. We determined the non-cytotoxic concentration of atractylodin (50 μM) using a cell proliferation assay in colonic epithelial cells. We found that pretreatment with atractylodin significantly inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in HCT116 cells. Through docking simulation analysis, luciferase assays, and in vitro binding assays, we found that atractylodin has an affinity for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Daily administration of atractylodin (40 mg/kg) increased the survival rate of mice in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse model. Thus, atractylodin can be a good strategy for colitis therapy through inducing PPARα-dependent pathways.

Aconitum Alkaloid Songorine Exerts Potent Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-A Receptor Agonist Action In Vivo and Effectively Decreases Anxiety without Adverse Sedative or Psychomotor Effects in the Rat.

Songorine (SON) is a diterpenoid alkaloid from Aconitum plants. Preparations of Aconitum roots have been employed in traditional oriental herbal medicine, however, their mechanisms of action are still unclear. Since GABA-receptors are possible brain targets of SON, we investigated which subtypes of GABA-receptors contribute to the effects of SON, and how SON affects anxiety-like trait behavior and psychomotor cognitive performance of rats. First, we investigated the effects of microiontophoretically applied SON alone and combined with GABA-receptor agents picrotoxin and saclofen on neuronal firing activity in various brain areas. Next, putative anxiolytic effects of SON (1.0–3.0 mg/kg) were tested against the GABA-receptor positive allosteric modulator reference compound diazepam (1.0–5.0 mg/kg) in the elevated zero maze (EOM). Furthermore, basic cognitive effects were assessed in a rodent version of the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). Local application of SON predominantly inhibited the firing activity of neurons. This inhibitory effect of SON was successfully blocked by GABA(A)-receptor antagonist picrotoxin but not by GABA(B)-receptor antagonist saclofen. Similar to GABA(A)-receptor positive allosteric modulator diazepam, SON increased the time spent by animals in the open quadrants of the EOM without any signs of adverse psychomotor and cognitive effects observed in the PVT. We showed that, under in vivo conditions, SON acts as a potent GABA(A)-receptor agonist and effectively decreases anxiety without observable side effects. The present findings facilitate the deeper understanding of the mechanism of action and the widespread pharmacological use of diterpene alkaloids in various CNS indications.

Shikonin: Extraction, properties and applications in active and intelligent packaging

AbstractShikonin is a naphthoquinone compound, generally extracted from the roots of the Oriental medicinal herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon or the Indian medicinal herb Arnebia euchroma. It has a rich history of being utilized as a pharmacological compound to treat various diseases such as inflammation, wounds and microbial infections. Besides, it also possesses anticancer, antiviral and antioxidant properties, which interest current medical researchers. Food packaging researchers have recently utilized shikonin's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for active food packaging. Its halochromic properties and ability to change colour with pH variation have attracted tremendous attention for intelligent packaging applications. This review article covers the important extraction processes for shikonin. Further, the important properties of these functional compounds have been discussed. Finally, the advancements in applying shikonin as a multifunctional material in biopolymer‐based films for smart packaging applications have been reviewed for the first time.

Cynanoside F Controls Skin Inflammation by Suppressing Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease accompanied by severe itching and dry skin. Currently, the incidence of AD due to excessive activation of immune cells by various environmental factors is increasing worldwide, and research on inflammatory response inhibitors with fewer side effects is continuously needed. Cynanoside F (CF) is one of the pregnane-type compounds in the root of Cynanchum atratum, an oriental medicinal herb that has been shown to have antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. Although CF has been isolated as a component in Cynanchum atratum, the scientific role of CF has not yet been explored. In this study, we evaluated the effect of CF on AD and revealed the mechanism using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. CF significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced protein expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are important proinflammatory mediators in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. CF did not inhibit the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling activated by LPS but significantly reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK. CF consistently inhibited the activity of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, a downstream molecule of MAPK signaling. In addition, in an experiment using an oxazolone-induced AD mouse model, the CF-treated group showed a marked decrease in epidermal thickness, the number of infiltrated mast cells, and the amount of histamine. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) were consistently lowered in the group treated with CF. Moreover, the phosphorylation of c-Jun and c-Fos protein levels, which are the AP-1 components, were lowered in the skin tissues of CF-treated mice. These results provide the first evidence that CF has an inhibitory effect on AD and suggest the possibility of CF being developed as a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

Honeysuckle Berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) Inhibits Lipase Activity and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

Honeysuckle berry (HB, Lonicera caerulea L.) is an oriental herbal medicine reported to have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, such as obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The fruit part of HB is rich in anthocyanin, a type of polyphenol. Most studies credit the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HB as the mechanisms of its effectiveness. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of HB on lipase using an in vitro assay and the modulatory effect of HB on gut microbiota in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. HB inhibited pancreatic lipase activity with IC50 values of approximately 0.47 mg/mL. The fecal triglyceride (TG) levels were higher from the HFD of the HB-fed mice than they were for the control mice. Moreover, the fecal microbiota from the HFD of the HB-fed mice had relatively lower Firmicutes and higher Bacteroidetes than that from the HFD-only mice. These results suggest that HB modulates gut microbiota composition, which may contribute to body fat reduction. Hence, HB could present a useful agent for treating metabolic diseases through lower TG uptake and the regulation of gut microflora.

Antimicrobial Synergy between Aminoglycosides and Licorice Extract in Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can develop serious invasive infections. Among foodborne pathogens, L. monocytogenes exhibits the highest case fatality despite antibiotic treatment, suggesting the current therapy should be improved. Although ampicillin and gentamicin are used as a combination therapy to treat listeriosis, our results showed there is no synergy between the two antibiotics. We discovered that aqueous extract of licorice generated significant antimicrobial synergy when combined with aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, in L. monocytogenes. In the presence of 1 mg/mL licorice extract, for instance, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin was reduced by 32-fold. Moreover, antimicrobial synergy with licorice extract made gentamicin-resistant clinical isolates of L. monocytogenes susceptible to gentamicin. Given the common use of licorice as a food sweetener in Western countries and a herb in Oriental medicine, our findings suggest that licorice extract can be potentially used as an antibiotic adjuvant to improve the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment of listeriosis.

Analysis of Registration Situations of Drugs from Medicinal Materials and Traditional Medicines in Vietnam Period 2009-2020

Vietnam not only has a long history in traditional medicines but also has a diversity of medicinal plants to this day. Therefore, since 2016, the Government has introduced that the production of available medicinal materials was prioritized field in the development of pharmaceutical industry. However, until now, there is still little research related to drugs from medicinal materials and traditional medicines in our country, so we conducted this research to provide an overview of the registration situation of this drug group in Vietnam throughout the period 2009-2020. The results showed that in 12 years, drugs from medicinal materials and traditional medicines had had 2985 registration numbers, accounting for 6.9% of all registered drugs. Among 11 effect groups based on traditional medicines, the group of heat-clearing, detoxifying, dispelling rashes, and diuresis ranked first with 21.0%. Domestic drugs accounted for a large amount, with 2814 numbers (94.3%). Capsules and tablets were the two dosage forms with the highest number, holding 54.6%. In terms of drug components of registered traditional medicines, there were 87 products in single-component form and more than 1200 products in combination form. Our country had 224 manufacturers of this drug group, and 81 of them achieved GMP. In general, the registration of drugs from medicinal materials and traditional medicines met the guidelines set out by the Government, and manufactured drugs were qualified to serve the needs of people. However, in order to develop the field of drugs from medicinal materials and traditional medicines like other countries in Southeast Asia, in the coming years, Vietnam needs more support from the state management agencies and research efforts from pharmaceutical companies.
 Keywords: Registration number, Drugs from medicinal materials, Traditional medicines, Vietnam.
 References
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Cynanchi atrati and Its Phenolic Constituent Sinapic Acid Target Regulator of Calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) to Control Skin Inflammation.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder, and numerous pharmacological approaches are employed to reduce symptoms. Natural products of plant-derived materials have been accepted as complementary therapy for the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory diseases. Cynanchi atrati (CA) is an oriental medicinal herb used in the treatment of acute urinary infection, febrile diseases, and laryngopharyngitis. However, the role of CA root extract in skin inflammation such as AD has not been explored yet. In this study, we examined the possible effect of CA root extract on skin inflammation and evaluated the underlying signaling mechanism using in vitro and in vivo modeling systems. Raw264.7 macrophages were used for in vitro experiments, and an oxazolone-induced AD mouse model was used to evaluate in vivo effects. CA extract significantly inhibited the expression levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW264.7 macrophages. The CA root extract mediated suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and was associated with the decreased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) gene transcriptional activation. Moreover, CA root extract attenuated the in vivo expression of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and ear swelling in the AD mouse models. We also observed that the inhibitory effect of CA root extract on skin inflammation was accompanied by the upregulation of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) expression, which functions in the inflammatory pathways by suppressing NF-κB signaling. We consistently observed that the immunosuppressive effect of CA root extract in AD was significantly perturbed in the RCAN1 knockout mice. In addition, we isolated a phenolic acid compound, sinapic acid (SA), from the CA root extract and found that SA consistently exerted an immunosuppressive effect in RAW264.7 macrophages by inducing RCAN1 expression. Our results provide the first evidence that CA root extract and its phenolic acid constituent, SA, modulate NF-κB signaling pathways by inducing RCAN1 expression in the skin inflammation process. Thus, we suggest that CA root extract has a therapeutic value for the treatment of AD by targeting endogenous immune regulators.

Review of Biological Studies of Ocimum Sanctum

In this current review of Tulsi, we sought to review the medicinal properties of Tulsi. Therapeutic use of plants is believed to be as safe, inexpensive, and efficient as they are readily available. Plants known for their medicinal properties include the Ocimum genus. Tulsi is a medicinal plant native to India, highly valued for its medicinal and therapeutic effects. Some of the medicinal properties of tulsi are found in its roots, leaves and seeds. The effects on the human body are wide-ranging. It chronically cures many ailments because of its chemical constituents and is thought to have anti-aging and immunomodulatory properties, as well as anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties.Tulsi is called the Queen of Indian Herbs and is the most sacred. In Healthy Herbs she is one. Tulsi is renowned for its important role in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani systems of physical fitness, health and oriental herbal medicine. This plant belongs to the Labiatae family and is characterized by square stems and a unique aroma. Tulsi is used in Ayurvedic medicine and its extracts are used in Ayurvedic therapy for colds, headaches, upset stomach, pain, heart disease, many poisonings and malaria. All studies show good clinical results. Results were reported, but no study reported serious adverse events. The research reviewed supports traditional use and suggests that tulsi is an effective treatment for lifestyle-related chronic conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress. Further research is needed to investigate the dosage, clarify dosages and forms of delivery, and determine which populations are most likely to benefit from the therapeutic effects of Tulsi.OS was revered in nearly all ancient Ayurvedic texts for its extraordinary medicinal properties. It has a hot and bitter taste, hot, light and dry. Its seeds are considered cold-acting. Tulsi roots, leaves and seeds have several medicinal properties. Ayurvedic textbooks classify OS as stimulant, aromatic and antipyretic. It aggravates pitta while soothing Kapha and Vata. It has a wide range of effects on the human body, primarily as an antitussive, antiperspirant, and a palliative for indigestion and anorexia.

Safety of Oriental Medical Therapy: Drug Fever of Herbal Medicine and Procedure-related Fever

Objectives: Drug fever and procedure-related fever are the causes of nosocomial fever. Oriental medicine has been practiced in Asia and is now being practiced as an alternative medicine in western countries. No data are available on the incidence of drug fever and procedure-related fever in oriental medical hospitals (OMHs). The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of drug fever related to oriental herbal medicine and oriental medical procedure-related fever.Methods: This was a retrospective study at one OMH of a university medical institute in Seoul, Korea, conducted from June 2006 to June 2013.Results: Overall, 95 episodes of drug fever occurred among 10880 patients treated with herbal medicine (0.89%). Peak body temperature was 38.37±0.58 ℃, and the fever lasted for 1.0 day (range 1.0-17.0 days). Eosinophilia was found in 15 patients (15.79%) and 8 patients developed toxic hepatitis (8.42%). Five patients had a drug-related skin rash (5.26%). The most common ingredients of the herbal medicines associated with drug fever were licorice, Angelica gigas root, and white Atractylodes rhizome. In total, 16 episodes of procedure-related fever (0.20%) occurred in 8125 patients treated with oriental medical procedures. The peak body temperature was 38.26±0.51 ℃, and the fever lasted for 1.0 day (range 1.0-3.0 days). Among various oriental medical procedures, moxibustion was the most common procedure related to fever, followed by acupuncture.Conclusions: The incidence of drug fever and procedure-related fever in oriental medicine is not high compared with the incidence in western medicine.

In Vitro Genotoxicity Assessment from the Glycyrrhiza New Variety Extract

The various species that comprise the genus Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) have long been used as oriental herbal medicines in Asian countries. Wongam (WG), which is a new variety of Glycyrrhiza, was developed in Korea to overcome the limitations of low productivity, environmental restrictions, and an insufficient presence of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritigenin. In this study, we evaluated WG extract’s genotoxicity through an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (AMES) test, an in vitro chromosome aberration test, and an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. In the AMES test, WG extract at concentrations of up to 5000 µg/plate showed no genotoxicity regardless of S9 mix. No chromosome aberrations appeared after 6 h in 1400 µg/mL WG extract regardless of S9 mix or in 1100 µg/mL WG extract after 24 h without S9 mix. Nor was there a significant increase in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes up to 5000 mg/kg/day for 2 days detected in the micronucleus test. These results confirm that WG extract is safe for use as an herbal medicine, as it precipitates no detectable genotoxic effects.

Protective Effects of Kyungohkgo on Atopic Dermatitis in HaCaT Cells

Kyungohkgo (KOG) is an oriental herbal medicine that has been used for its various pharmacological effects, which include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulation activities. But its effects and mechanisms of anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been elucidated. HaCaT cells were pre-treated with KOG for 1 h and stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ (10 ng/ml each). After 24 h, cells were harvested to measure the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chemokines such as regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES/CCL5), Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and macrophage-deraived chemokine (MDC/CCL22). To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of KOG, we also assessed the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1) signaling pathways in HaCaT cells. Treatment of KOG decreased the ROS production and mRNA levels of RANTES, TARC, MDC with a concentration dependent manner. In addition, KOG significantly inhibited TNF-α and IFN-γ induced phosphorylation of STAT1. This could indicate that the KOG shows anti-AD activity mainly through STAT1. Thus, we propose that KOG may be a promising anti-AD skin protector, which could suggest the clinical basis for cosmetics development.

Pharmacological Role of Ostericum koreanum: A Short Viewpoint

Ostericum koreanum Maxim., a perennial medicinal plant native to Asian countries, is traditionally exploited in Korean Oriental and Chinese Herbal Medicine. It has been used in the treatment of neuralgia, respiratory problems, and joint pain due to its rich content of phytochemicals. Therefore, the significant role of compounds present in O. koreanum should not be overlooked to explore and develop drugs against diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide a reference for researchers and to describe the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activity of O. koreanum. In this mini review, we have collected the data from 1980 to 2020 regarding the phytochemicals present and pharmacological activities of this plant. Our findings indicated that this plant possesses a rich source of phytochemicals that have significant pharmacological activities, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-influenza, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective. These phytochemicals have promising pharmacological activity which should be further explored for the treatment of various diseases.

Anti-Wrinkle Effect of Isatis indigotica Leaf Extract: Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammation, and Clinical Activity.

Isatis indigotica leaf is an oriental herbal medicine that has been known for various pharmacological effects. However, its anti-wrinkle activity has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-wrinkle effect of I. indigotica leaf extract on human skin. The purified extract inhibited 85.4% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl and 72.2% of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radicals at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Nitrite production was reduced by 30% after treatment with 50 μg/mL of extract. Three fractions from the extract downregulated the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 and upregulated the expression of interleukin 4. Among the three fractions, fraction 2 exhibited the highest activity. The major component of the extract was identified as 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Molecular docking was conducted to predict the binding mechanism of 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic with matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3, and their binding energies were −5.20 and −4.89 kcal/mol, respectively. In a clinical trial, five roughness values of visiometer and visual score were significantly reduced in treated groups compared with the placebo group after 8 weeks. I. indigotica leaf extract inhibits wrinkle formation, and could be a potential anti-wrinkle agent. This is the first clinical trial demonstrating its anti-wrinkle activity.