Traditional Medicine In Korea Research Articles

Comparison of the main components and bioactivity of Rhus verniciflua Stokes extracts by different detoxification processing methods

BackgroundRhus verniciflua Stokes is an Asian tree species that is used as a food supplement and traditional medicine in Korea. However, its use is restricted by its potential to cause allergy. Thus, allergen-free R. verniciflua extracts are currently being marketed as a functional health food in Korea. In the present study, three different allergen-free R. verniciflua extracts (DRVE, FRVE, and FFRVE) were produced by detoxification of R. verniciflua, and their properties and constituents were compared.MethodsThe main components and properties (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatic lipogenesis inhibitory effects) of the three allergen-free extracts were compared. Moreover, the major phenolic constituents of R. verniciflua, including gallic acid, fustin, fisetin, and quercetin, were analyzed in the three extracts.ResultsDRVE was superior to the two other extracts with regard to antioxidant activity, while FRVE was superior with regard to antimicrobial activity and suppression of hepatic lipogenesis. FRVE exhibited lipid-lowering effects by lowering sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and triglyceride levels, and promoting the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and AMP-activated protein kinase in an in vitro model of non-alcoholic fatty liver.ConclusionsOverall, our findings demonstrate various differences among the three extracts. This suggests that functional and bioactive compounds present in R. verniciflua could be altered by the detoxification process, and this property could be considered in the development of functional health foods in the future.

Suppressive Effect of Fermented Angelica tenuissima Root Extract against Photoaging: Possible Involvement of Hemeoxygenase-1.

Angelica tenuissima root has historically been used as a traditional medicine in Korea. Previous studies have identified the anti-melanogenic effects of the extract of A. tenuissima root fermented by Aspergillus oryzae (FAT). This study investigated the protective effects of FAT against ultraviolet light B exposure (UVB; 30 mJ/cm2) in HaCaT (human keratinocyte) or Hs68 (human foreskin fibroblast) skin cells. FAT treatment was able to stimulate wound healing rate at the basal condition. FAT also favored the maintenance and/or improvement of extracellular matrix impairment caused by UVB irradiation through: 1) upregulation of procollagen Type-1 synthesis and secretion; 2) suppression of MMP-1 and elastase expression. FAT was able to play a role in the attenuation of inflammatory responses caused by UVB irradiation via upregulation of photo-protective hemeoxygease-1 and suppression of proinflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 expression. After further verification of the anti-photoaging potential of FAT, it could be utilized as an effective ingredient in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cosmetics.

A Growth-Promoting Bacteria, Paenibacillus yonginensis DCY84T Enhanced Salt Stress Tolerance by Activating Defense-Related Systems in Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng (C.A. Mayer) is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine in Korea that experiences serious salinity stress related to weather changes or incorrect fertilizer application. In ginseng, the use of Paenibacillus yonginensis DCY84T to improve salt stress tolerance has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, we studied the role of P. yonginensis DCY84T under short-term and long-term salinity stress conditions in a controlled environment. In vitro testing of DCY84T revealed high indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore formation, phosphate solubilization and anti-bacterial activity. We determined that 10-min dip in 1010 CFU/ml DCY84T was sufficient to protect ginseng against short-term salinity stress (osmotic stress) upon exposure to 300 mM NaCl treatment by enhancing nutrient availability, synthesizing hydrolyzing enzymes and inducing osmolyte production. Upon exposure to salinity stress (oxidative and ionic stress), strain DCY84T-primed ginseng seedlings were protected by the induction of defense-related systems such as ion transport, ROS scavenging enzymes, proline content, total sugars, and ABA biosynthetic genes, as well as genes involved in root hair formation. Additionally, ginseng primed with DCY84T and exposed to 300 mM NaCl showed the same metabolite profile as control ginseng plants, suggesting that DCY84T effectively reduced salt stress. These results indicated that DCY84T can be widely used as a microbial inoculant to protect ginseng plants against salinity stress conditions.

Aqueous Extract of Perilla frutescens var. acuta Relaxes the Ciliary Smooth Muscle by Increasing NO/cGMP Content In Vitro and In Vivo.

The leaves of Perilla frutescens var. acuta (PFA) are commonly used as a traditional medicine in Korea, Japan, and China. We previously showed that PFA attenuates eye fatigue by improving visual accommodation through a clinical study. However, detailed mechanisms and chemical compounds have not been studied. In this study, we analyzed the active compounds in an aqueous extract of PFA involved in ciliary muscle relaxation in vitro and in vivo. NMR and MS analyses showed that the PFA extract contained mainly luteolin-7-O-diglucuronide and apigenin-7-O-diglucuronide. The composition after freeze-drying and spray-drying was similar. Freeze-dried PFA (50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, and 200 µg/mL) increased nitric oxide and cGMP levels in ciliary muscle cells isolated from the eyes of rats. [Ca2+]i decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Sprague-Dawley rats treated with freeze-dried PFA (200 mg/kg, orally) showed significantly increased cGMP levels compared with the control group and irradiated with white light. Our results suggest that PFA extract has the potential to reduce eye fatigue by relaxing ciliary muscles.

A new feruloyl glyceride from the roots of Asian rice (Oryza sativa)

Oryza sativa L., Poaceae, is the most important staple food in the world and provides food for more than half of the world's population. The roots of O. sativa have been used as a traditional medicine in Korea. As part of our continuing efforts to explore structurally new compounds from Korean natural resources, two feruloyl glycerides, 2-O-(E)-feruloyl glyceride (1) and 2-O-(Z)-feruloyl glyceride (2), which is a new compound, together with one known flavonoid, 8-hydroxyacacetin (3), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the roots of O. sativa using an LC/MS-guided isolation method. The chemical structure of compound 2 was elucidated based on comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic experiments and HR-ESIMS. This study represents the first report of feruloyl glycerides (1–2) identified in O. sativa. In addition, the identification of compound 3 is reported from Asian rice (O. sativa) for the first time. The cytotoxic activities of the isolates 1–3 were evaluated by determining their inhibitory effects on A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Female Infertility Treatment Programs Using Traditional Medicine in Korea: A Multisite Analysis.

Infertility has long been recognized as a treatable disease, and complementary and alternative medicine treatments, such as acupuncture and moxibustion, have been used in Korea and China. This study describes female infertility treatment programs that used traditional Korean medicine (TKM) and were conducted by local governments in Korea and evaluates its effectiveness and safety. The authors officially requested related information from the report of the infertility treatment programs and related sources from 2006 to 2016 from the Health & Welfare Ministry of Korea and the Association of Korean Medicine (AKOM). Additional information was obtained from six Korean databases. Data including basic information about the programs, participant information, interventions, and outcomes were abstracted. A total of 9 reports, including multiple years of data from 6 programs (total 13 programs), were identified. In these 13 programs, a total of 1023 female subjects participated, and 205 of the 887 subjects who completed the program reported a successful pregnancy, indicating a 23.1% pregnancy rate. The programs lasted 3-9 months, and interventional elements, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, fumigation, and massage, were identified. Significant adverse effects were not reported. This study suggests that infertility treatment programs with TKM interventions exhibited a positive effect on pregnancy in females with infertility. Thus, the infertility treatment programs with TKM interventions are expected to be useful and might serve as the primary treatment before assisted reproduction techniques.

Antioxidant Activity, α-glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and Chemoprotective Properties of Rhododendron brachycarpum Leaves Extracts.

Rhododendron brachycarpum (RB) is a genus of flowering plants generally used for traditional medicine in Korea to treat hypertension, neuralgia, and sterility. Previous studies have shown that RB extract alleviate inflammation and antimicrobial activity. In this study, the effects of RB and its different fractions (n-hexane, ethyl-acetate and n-butanol) on antioxidant activity, DNA damage prevention and the activity of α-glucosidase were studied. The antioxidant ability of RB was investigated in vitro, including that of DPPH-radical and reducing power. As expected, scavenging effect against DPPH-radical of ethyl acetate fraction (IC50 = 17.7 ± 0.5 µg/ml) of RB had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, and it was superior to the positive control, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50 = 80.8 ± 1.5 µg/ml). And the reducing power of RB was 3.18 at 1.0 mg/ml. Meanwhile, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and prevention of oxidation stress-induced DNA damage were also highest in the ethyl acetate fraction. Pretreatment of pancreatic β-cells from Syrian golden hamster (HIT-TI5) with the ethyl acetate fraction at concentrations of 300 µg/ml significantly protected the cells from high glucose-induced cell death. Our results indicate that ethyl acetate fraction of RB leaves extract has strong antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and prevention of DNA damage activities, and furthermore, ethyl acetate fraction significantly protected the cells from high glucose-induced cell death.

Anti‐melanogenic and Anti‐wrinkle Effects of Fermented Angelica tenuissima Extract

Angelica tenuissima Nakai (Umbelliferae) has been used as a traditional medicine in Korea. In this study, we investigated the anti‐melanogenic and anti‐wrinkle activities of Angelica tenuissima ethanol extract fermented with Aspergillus oryzae (FAT). Anti‐melanogenesis activity was determined by the regulation of melanin content and tyrosinase activity in α‐MSH (melanin stimulating hormone)‐stimulated B16F10 melanocytes. Anti‐wrinkle effect was assessed by the synthesis of type‐I procollagen in human fibroblast Hs68 cells. FAT significantly suppressed the melanin production and the tyrosinase activity in α‐MSH‐stimulated cells. In addition, FAT increased type‐I procollagen with and without exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. These results suggest that FAT could be used as a multifunctional cosmeceutical agent with whitening and anti‐wrinkle effects.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by the Ministry of Trade. Industry and Energy (MOTIE), Korea Insititute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) through the Encouragement Program for The Industries of Economic Cooperation Region.

Developing an Intelligent Health Pre-diagnosis System for Korean Traditional Medicine Public User

Korea Traditional Medicine is popular in use among Korean public but there exist few available health information systems on the internet. A computerized self-checking diagnosis system is proposed to reduce the social cost by monitoring health status with simple symptom checking procedures especially for Korea Traditional Medicine users. Methods: Based on the national reports for disease/symptoms of Korea Traditional Medicine, we build a reliable database and devise an intelligent inference engine using Fuzzy ART Clustering. The implemented system gives five most probable diseases a user might have with respect to symptoms given by the user. Thus, in this paper, we propose a self-diagnosis system of Korean traditional medicine based on Korean Standard Causes of Death Disease Classification Index(KCD) and Fuzzy ART/inference method. Since this is for self-diagnosis, our system has graphical user-friendly interface that accepts symptoms of user from a certain part of body where the user feels inconvenient. Inference results are verified by Korea Traditional Medicine doctors as sufficiently accurate and easy to use.

Sorbus alnifolia protects dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans

Context: The twigs of Sorbus alnifolia (Sieb. et Zucc.) K. Koch (Rosaceae) have been used to treat neurological disorders as a traditional medicine in Korea. However, there are limited data describing the efficacy of S. alnifolia in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: This study was conducted to identify the protective effects of the methanol extracts of S. alnifolia (MESA) on the dopaminergic (DA) neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. Materials and methods: To test the neuroprotective action of MESA, viability assay was performed after 48 h exposure to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MMP+) in PC12 cells and C. elegans (400 μM and 2 mM of MMP+, respectively). Fluorescence intensity was quantified using transgenic mutants such as BZ555 (Pdat-1::GFP) and and UA57 (Pdat-1::GFP and Pdat-1::CAT-2) to determine MESA’s effects on DA neurodegeneration in C. elegans. Aggregation of α-synuclein was observed using NL5901 strain (unc-54p::α-synuclein::YFP). MESA’s protective effects on the DA neuronal functions were examined by food-sensing assay. Lifespan assay was conducted to test the effects of MESA on the longevity. Results: MESA restored MPP+-induced loss of viability in both PC12 cells and C. elegans (85.8% and 54.9%, respectively). In C. elegans, MESA provided protection against chemically and genetically-induced DA neurodegeneration, respectively. Moreover, food-sensing functions were increased 58.4% by MESA in the DA neuron degraded worms. MESA also prolonged the average lifespan by 25.6%. However, MESA failed to alter α-synuclein aggregation. Discussion and conclusions: These results revealed that MESA protects DA neurodegeneration and recovers diminished DA neuronal functions, thereby can be a valuable candidate for the treatment of PD.

Smoking cessation programmes using traditional medicine in Korea.

BackgroundThere are growing interests in using various methods including traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) for tobacco control. The study aimed to introduce how traditional Korean medicine (TKM) applied to smoking cessation programmes in Korea and to show the detail information of each programme for designing other smoke cessation programmes.MethodsReports of the smoke cessation programmes in Korea were searched on March 10th, 2016, from the webpages of the related agencies and the databases: the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Health Foundation, the Association of Korean Medicine, PubMed, Google scholar, the RISS, the KISS, the NDSL, and the OASIS. Smoking cessation programmes, projects, or services using traditional Korean medicine (TKM) were included with no language, implementation site, and year restrictions.ResultsThe three smoking cessation programmes using TKM in South Korea were the public health centre smoking cessation programme (PHC-SCP), the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family smoking cessation programme (MOGEF-SCP), and the National Health Insurance Service smoking cessation treatment project (NHIS-SCP). All programmes included ear acupuncture and counselling. Manual acupuncture was only used in the NHIS-SCP. The MOGEF-SCP and the NHIS-SCP used herbal medicines selectively. The PHC-SCP and MOGEF-SCP provided education programme and other tools such as non-smoking doll, self-writing handbook. They were run at no cost for participants. Treatment period were different for each programmes, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 to 12 weeks, respectively. Treatment frequency was twice a week for PHC-SCP and MOGEF-SCP, and dependent on each clinic for NHIS-SCP.ConclusionsThis study showed the summaries of the smoking cessation programme that used TKM. The three programmes and the detail information will be a reference for other countries that are going to apply T&CM to their smoking cessation programme. Though TKM integrated smoking cessation programmes had been contributed to stop smoking, persistent efforts are needed to develop more effective and various treatments. In addition, this study suggests that consistent support and systematic reporting system are needed to be successful in non-smoking strategy.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1462-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In vitro Anti-viral Activity of Psoraleae Semen Water Extract against Influenza A Viruses.

Influenza causes respiratory infections and poses health risks to humans and animals; its effects are complicated by increasing resistance to existing anti-influenza viral agents. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches against influenza virus infection are required. Psoraleae semen has been widely used in traditional medicine in Korea, Taiwan, China, and Japan for treating and preventing various diseases. In this study, we examined the anti-viral activities and mechanism of action of the water extract of Psoraleae semen (WPS) using RAW 264.7 and MDCK cells. We found that pre- and post-treatment with 100 μg/mL WPS markedly inhibited influenza A virus replication as assessed using a green fluorescent protein reporter virus, reduced viral protein expression (NS-1, PA, HA, PB-1, M1, and M2), and inhibited NA and HA activities. Mechanism studies revealed that WPS induced type I interferon cytokine secretion and subsequent stimulation of an anti-viral state in RAW 264.7 cells. Further, WPS exerted inhibitory effects on neuraminidase in influenza virus strains H1N1 and H3N2. Meanwhile, WPS exhibited inhibitory effects on hemagglutination in H3N2 but not in H1N1. Based on these results, WPS serves as an immunomodulator and inhibitor of influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Our results suggest that WPS is a promising source of novel anti-influenza drug candidates.

Anti-atherogenic effect of Humulus japonicus in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Humulus japonicus (HJ) is used as a traditional medicine in Korea owing to its multiple properties including anti-mycobacterial, antioxidant and antihypertensive effects. The present study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects of a methanol extract of HJ. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, HJ significantly suppressed the mRNA expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6)], and the release of inflammatory mediators such as nitrite and prostaglandin E2, together with a concomitant decrease in the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. To examine whether HJ is capable of inhibiting experimental atherogenesis in an animal model, we randomly divided apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice into three groups: mice fed an atherogenic diet plus vehicle (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose) as the control vehicle group, and mice fed an atherogenic diet plus either 100 (HJ100) or 500 mg/kg (HJ500) of HJ as the experimental groups. After 12 weeks of HJ administration, lipid accumulation and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta (en face) and the aortic sinus markedly decreased in the HJ500 group compared with the corresponding values in the vehicle control group. Moreover, monocyte and macrophage infiltration in the aortic sinus was markedly reduced in the HJ500 group. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of the whole aorta showed that the mRNA levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, CD68 and IL-18 were significantly decreased in the HJ500 group. Collectively, these findings suggest that HJ may suppress atherosclerosis by inhibiting lipid accumulation and the expression of pro-atherogenic factors, and it may be effective at preventing the development of atherosclerosis.

Intelligent home disease pre-diagnosis system for Korean traditional medicine using neural networks

In this paper, we propose an intelligent self-health pre-diagnosis system for Korea traditional medicine KTM. KTM is popularly used among general public with western medicine among Korean people worldwide. Our system consists of the standardised database constructed based on famous textbooks and government reports, fuzzy ART learning engine to extract top three most probable disease from user symptoms and a remote consultation communication platform. The database contents are verified by TM doctors for reliability and the experiment verifies its functionality successfully. We expect this effort can improve the accessibility of healthcare among elderly people and people living in small towns where western type healthcare is not well equipped from community healthcare point of view.

후박나무에서 분리한 Meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid의 tyrosinase 저해활성

후박나무(녹나무과)는 한국과 일본 등지에 서식하는 상록 교목으로 한국, 중국, 일본에서 부종, 복통, 복부 팽만 등의 질병 치료를 위해 오랫동안 사용되어오고 있다. 본 연구에서는 후박나무 껍질을 메탄올에 추출하고 메탄올 추출물을 헥산, 클로로포름, 부탄올에 순차적으로 분획하였다. 클로로포름 분획물로부터 2종의 화합물을 분리하였으며 분리된 화합물1과 2의 구조는 ¹H-, ¹³C-NMR과 참고 문헌 데이터에 의해 dibenzylbutane lignin 화합물인 macelignan (1)과 meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (2)로 동정되었다. 분리된 화합물들의 tyrosinase 저해 활성을 측정한 결과, 화합물 2는 tyrosinase 저해 활성 중 monophenolase (IC₅₀ = 10.2 μM)에 대해 높은 저해활성을 나타내는 경쟁적 저해제였으며 효소에 결합하는 화합물 2의 저해 상수(K_i 값)는 4.8 μM였다. 따라서 meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (2)는 멜라닌 생합성과 관련된 피부 질환 치료를 위한 잠재적 후보가 될 수 있을 것으로 판단된다. Machilus thunbergii (Lauraceae) is an evergreen tree cultivated in Korea and Japan. M. thunbergii has long been used as a traditional medicine in Korea, China, and Japan to treat various diseases, including edema, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension. In this study, dried stem bark of M. thunbergii extracted in methanol and extract was partitioned into n-hexane, CHCl₃, and BuOH. The CHCl₃-soluble extracts chromatographed on silica gel column using a CHCl₃/acetone and n-hexane/EtOAc mixture to afford Compound 1 and 2. Two dibenzylbutane lignans, macelignan (1) and meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (2), were isolated from the CHCl₃-soluble extract of M. thunbergii stem bark. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopic data analyses and a comparison with literature data. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated. Among these compounds, Compound 2 strongly inhibited the monophenolase (IC₅₀=10.2 μM) activity of tyrosinase. A kinetic analysis showed that Compound 2 was a competitive inhibitor. The apparent inhibition constant (K_i) for Compound 2 binding to free enzyme was 4.8 μM. Based on these results, it can be concluded that meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (2) is a potential candidate for the treatment of melanin biosynthesis-related skin diseases.

Effect of different cooking methods on phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of Platycodon grandiflorum root

The root of Platycodon grandiflorum is conventionally used as either foodstuff or a traditional medicine in Korea. The effects of different cooking methods on the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of P. grandiflorum root were evaluated. Compared with the raw roots of P. grandiflorum, the vitamin C content was significantly reduced in the samples subjected to all cooking treatments (p<0.05). The total polyphenol, total flavonoid, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and reducing power of the root extract were significantly decreased (p<0.05) after blanching and boiling treatments. On the other hand, steaming treatment preserved or increased the content of all phytochemicals and the antioxidant activities evaluated herein, with the exception of the vitamin C content and reducing power. The overall results of this study suggest that steaming was the method of choice for retaining the optimum benefits of the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of P. grandiflorum root.

The quality of clinical practice guidelines in traditional medicine in Korea: appraisal using the AGREE II instrument

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the quality of the current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in traditional medicine (TM) in South Korea using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to further enhance the CPG development.MethodsA search was performed for guidelines in Korea from inception until March 2014 in the major Korean guideline websites [the Korean Medical Guideline Information Centre (KoMGI), the Korean Guideline Clearing House (KGC)], PubMed and seven Korean electronic databases; the Association of Korean Oriental Medicine (AKOM) was also consulted. Five independent assessors rated the quality of each CPG using the AGREE II instrument and calculated the mean score of each AGREE item. The overall agreement amongst reviewers was evaluated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsInitially, 17 CPGs were examined for TM in Korea, and only 8 CPGs satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean scores for each AGREE II domain were as follows: (1) scope and purpose, 60.0 % (CIs, 45.05-74.94 %); (2) stakeholder involvement, 56.11 % (41.28-70.94 %); (3) rigour of development, 42.7 % (23.48-61.92 %); (4) clarity and presentation, 62.50 % (50.89-74.10 %); (5) applicability, 20.31 % (13.96-26.66 %); and (6) editorial independence, 44.58 % (10.78-78.38 %). All of the CPGs were rated as “recommended with provisos or modifications”. The ICC values for CPG appraisal using the AGREE II ranged from 0.230 to 0.993.ConclusionsTo improve clinical practice and health outcomes, well-developed CPGs are needed. The quality of CPGs for TM in Korea has remained suboptimal according to the AGREE II instrument evaluation. Therefore, guideline developers in Korea should make more of an effort to ensure high-quality CPGs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-015-0294-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cornus officinalis Methanol Extract Upregulates Melanogenesis in Melan-a Cells.

Cornus officinalis is widely distributed in Korea, and its fruit has been used to make as herbal drug for traditional medicine in Korea, Japan, and China because of its tonic, analgesic, and diuretic properties. However, the effects of C. officinalis methanol extract (COME) on melanogenesis remain poorly understood. We evaluated the melanogenic capability of COME in melan-a cells, which are immortalized mouse melanocytes. COME increased melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 12.5 μg/mL of COME significantly increased melanin content by 36.1% (p < 0.001) to a level even higher than that (31.6%) of 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine, a well-known pigmentation agent. COME also upregulated tyrosinase activity and its messenger RNA and protein expression. In addition, COME upregulated the expression of tyrosinase-related proteins 1 and 2 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-M messenger RNA expression. These results imply that COME may be appropriate for development as a natural product to treat hair graying.

The quality of clinical practice guidelines in traditional medicine in Korea: appraisal using the AGREE II instrument

The quality of clinical practice guidelines in traditional medicine in Korea: appraisal using the AGREE II instrument

Induction of apoptosis in cervical carcinoma HeLa cells by Petasites japonicus ethanol extracts

Petasites japonicus is a traditional medicine in Korea for treating carcinoma, bronchitis, and asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms of anti-cancer activity are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to confirm the anti-cancer activity of P. japonicus and its mechanism. Apoptosis was examined using morphological observation of nuclear changes and flow cytometry. Activation of apoptosis-related markers was detected. P. japonicus extract significantly inhibited HeLa cell growth in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of apoptosis by P. japonicus was mediated by up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. P. japonicus also activated caspase-9, capspase-3, and PARP, indicating induction of the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptosis pathway. We also confirmed that administration of P. japonicus significantly reduced tumor weight in the xenografted mice. Thus, P. japonicus was effective for inhibiting tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis, suggesting its usefulness as a potential anti-cancer agent.