scholarly journals PMC-12, a Prescription of Traditional Korean Medicine, Improves Amyloidβ-Induced Cognitive Deficits through Modulation of Neuroinflammation

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Young Park ◽  
Yeon Suk Jung ◽  
Jung Hwa Park ◽  
Young Whan Choi ◽  
Jaewon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Inflammatory Mediators ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Polygonum Multiflorum ◽  
Traditional Korean Medicine ◽  
Korean Medicine ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Bv2 Cells

PMC-12 is a prescription used in traditional Korean medicine that consists of a mixture of four herbal medicines,Polygonum multiflorum,Rehmannia glutinosa,Polygala tenuifolia, andAcorus gramineus, which have been reported to have various pharmacological effects on age-related neurological diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether PMC-12 improves cognitive deficits associated with decreased neuroinflammation in an amyloid-β-(Aβ-) induced mouse model and exerts the antineuroinflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-) stimulated murine BV2 microglia. Intracerebroventricular injection ofAβ25-35in mice resulted in impairment in learning and spatial memory, whereas this was reversed by oral administration of PMC-12 (100 and 500 mg/kg/day) in dose-dependent manners. Moreover, PMC-12 reduced the increase of Aβexpression and activation of microglia and astrocytes in theAβ25-35-injected brain. Furthermore, quantitative PCR data showed that inflammatory mediators were significantly decreased by administration of PMC-12 in Aβ-injected brains. Consistent with thein vivodata, PMC-12 significantly reduced the inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells without cell toxicity. Moreover, PMC-12 exhibited anti-inflammatory properties via downregulation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways. These findings suggest that the protective effects of PMC-12 may be mediated by its antineuroinflammatory activities, resulting in the attenuation of memory impairment; accordingly, PMC-12 may be useful in the prevention and treatment of AD.

The Indispensable Value of Clinical Trials in the Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine: 12 Years' Experience at CUHK and Future Perspectives

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 587-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willmann Liang ◽  
David T. Yew ◽  
Kam Lun Hon ◽  
Chun Kwok Wong ◽  
Timothy C. Y. Kwok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Chinese Herbs ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
The Many

The last decade has seen a wealth of information reporting the beneficial effects of Chinese herbal medicines. While a lot more studies were done using in vitro and in vivo research platforms, much fewer investigations were conducted according to evidence-based requirements in clinical settings. The Institute of Chinese Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has had the opportunity to collaborate with clinicians over the years to initiate and conduct dozens of clinical trials investigating and verifying the therapeutic values of Chinese herbs in selected disease conditions. Of the many disorders, we chose to focus on those that are known for their difficulties achieving perfect results with conventional treatment methods. Examples include non-healing ulcers, allergic conditions, degenerative diseases and cancer. Protective effects of the herbs in such chronic diseases as coronary artery disease and osteoporosis were also part of our focus. Even in healthy individuals and those recovering from chemotherapy, Chinese herbs could help with the immune system and were studied in our clinical trials as well. This paper aims to highlight the important findings from these clinical studies while at the same time, stressing the indispensable value of clinical trials in modernizing the use of Chinese herbs in present-day medicine.

scholarly journals Experiences Providing Medical Assistance during the Sewol Ferry Disaster Using Traditional Korean Medicine

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyeong Han Kim ◽  
Soobin Jang ◽  
Ju Ah Lee ◽  
Bo-Hyoung Jang ◽  
Ho-Yeon Go ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Medical Assistance ◽  
Traditional Korean Medicine ◽  
Korean Medicine ◽  
Group Life ◽  
Disaster Situation ◽  
Circulatory Diseases

Background. This study aimed to investigate medical records using traditional Korean medicine (TKM) in Sewol Ferry disaster in 2014 and further explore the possible role of traditional medicine in disaster situation. Methods. After Sewol Ferry accident, 3 on-site tents for TKM assistance by the Association of Korean Medicine (AKOM) in Jindo area were installed. The AKOM mobilized volunteer TKM doctors and assistants and dispatched each on-site tent in three shifts within 24 hours. Anyone could use on-site tent without restriction and TKM treatments including herb medicine were administered individually. Results. The total of 1,860 patients were treated during the periods except for medical assistance on the barge. Most patients were diagnosed in musculoskeletal diseases (66.4%) and respiratory diseases (7.4%) and circulatory diseases (8.4%) followed. The most frequently used herbal medicines were Shuanghe decoction (80 days), Su He Xiang Wan (288 pills), and Wuji powder (73 days). Conclusions. TKM in medical assistance can be helpful to rescue worker or group life people in open shelter when national disasters occur. Therefore, it is important to construct a rapid respond system using TKM resources based on experience.

scholarly journals Modulation of Glial Responses by Furanocembranolides: Leptolide Diminishes Microglial Inflammation in Vitro and Ameliorates Gliosis In Vivo in a Mouse Model of Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 378
Author(s):  
Miriam Corraliza-Gómez ◽  
Amalia B. Gallardo ◽  
Ana R. Díaz-Marrero ◽  
José M. de la Rosa ◽  
Luis D’Croz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Obese Mouse ◽  
Neurodegenerative Process ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Bv2 Cells ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Inflammatory Molecules

Neurodegenerative diseases are age-related disorders caused by progressive neuronal death in different regions of the nervous system. Neuroinflammation, modulated by glial cells, is a crucial event during the neurodegenerative process; consequently, there is an urgency to find new therapeutic products with anti-glioinflammatory properties. Five new furanocembranolides (1−5), along with leptolide, were isolated from two different extracts of Leptogorgia sp., and compound 6 was obtained from chemical transformation of leptolide. Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic evidence. These seven furanocembranolides were screened in vitro by measuring their ability to modulate interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production by microglial BV2 cells after LPS (lipopolysaccharide) stimulation. Leptolide and compounds 3, 4 and 6 exhibited clear anti-inflammatory effects on microglial cells, while compound 2 presented a pro-inflammatory outcome. The in vitro results prompted us to assess anti-glioinflammatory effects of leptolide in vivo in a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Interestingly, leptolide treatment ameliorated both microgliosis and astrogliosis in this animal model. Taken together, our results reveal a promising direct biological effect of furanocembranolides on microglial cells as bioactive anti-inflammatory molecules. Among them, leptolide provides us a feasible therapeutic approach to treat neuroinflammation concomitant with metabolic impairment.

scholarly journals Caloric restriction confers persistent anti-oxidative, pro-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects and promotes anti-aging miRNA expression profile in cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells of aged rats

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (3) ◽  
pp. H292-H306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Csiszar ◽  
Tripti Gautam ◽  
Danuta Sosnowska ◽  
Stefano Tarantini ◽  
Eszter Banki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Mirna Expression ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Cerebrovascular Function ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

In rodents, moderate caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition exerts significant cerebrovascular protective effects, improving cortical microvascular density and endothelium-dependent vasodilation, but the underlying cellular mechanisms remain elusive. To elucidate the persisting effects of CR on cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells (CMVECs), primary CMVECs were isolated from young (3 mo old) and aged (24 mo old) ad libitum-fed and aged CR F344xBN rats. We found an age-related increase in cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress, which is prevented by CR. Expression and transcriptional activity of Nrf2 are both significantly reduced in aged CMVECs, whereas CR prevents age-related Nrf2 dysfunction. Expression of miR-144 was upregulated in aged CMVECs, and overexpression of miR-144 significantly decreased expression of Nrf2 in cells derived from both young animals and aged CR rats. Overexpression of a miR-144 antagomir in aged CMVECs significantly decreases expression of miR-144 and upregulates Nrf2. We found that CR prevents age-related impairment of angiogenic processes, including cell proliferation, adhesion to collagen, and formation of capillary-like structures and inhibits apoptosis in CMVECs. CR also exerts significant anti-inflammatory effects, preventing age-related increases in the transcriptional activity of NF-κB and age-associated pro-inflammatory shift in the endothelial secretome. Characterization of CR-induced changes in miRNA expression suggests that they likely affect several critical functions in endothelial cell homeostasis. The predicted regulatory effects of CR-related differentially expressed miRNAs in aged CMVECs are consistent with the anti-aging endothelial effects of CR observed in vivo. Collectively, we find that CR confers persisting anti-oxidative, pro-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory cellular effects, preserving a youthful phenotype in rat cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells, suggesting that through these effects CR may improve cerebrovascular function and prevent vascular cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Modernization Trends of Infertility Treatment of Traditional Korean Medicine

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jang-Kyung Park ◽  
Dong-Il Kim
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Implantation Rate ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Traditional Korean Medicine ◽  
Korean Medicine ◽  
The Past

Despite the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), it is difficult to increase the implantation rate. In Korea, Traditional Korean Medicine, including herbal medicine, is an important component of infertility treatment. Korean medical doctors who are treating infertility often use herbal medicine to promote implantation. In this article, as one of the research works on modernization of Traditional Korean Medicine, we investigated the experimental studies to clarify the effects of herbal medicines that are traditionally used to promote pregnancy. We searched for experimental studies over the past 10 years of improvement of endometrial receptivity in herbal medicine using six domestic and international sites. We analyzed 11 studies that meet the selection criteria. We found that herbal medicines demonstrably improved endometrial receptivity and increased pregnancy rates.

scholarly journals Resveratrol Derivative-Rich Melinjo Seed Extract Attenuates Skin Atrophy inSod1-Deficient Mice

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Watanabe ◽  
Shuichi Shibuya ◽  
Yusuke Ozawa ◽  
Naotaka Izuo ◽  
Takahiko Shimizu
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Human Study ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Oxidative Damages ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Skin Damages

The oxidative damages induced by a redox imbalance cause age-related changes in cells and tissues. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes play a pivotal role in the antioxidant system and they also catalyze superoxide radicals. Since the loss of cytoplasmic SOD (SOD1) resulted in aging-like phenotypes in several types of murine tissue, SOD1 is essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Melinjo (Gnetum gnemonLinn) seed extract (MSE) contains trans-resveratrol (RSV) and resveratrol derivatives, including gnetin C, gnemonoside A, and gnemonoside D. MSE intake also exerts no adverse events in human study. In the present studies, we investigated protective effects of MSE on age-related skin pathologies in mice. Orally MSE and RSV treatment reversed the skin thinning associated with increased oxidative damage in theSod1−/−mice. Furthermore, MSE and RSV normalized gene expression ofCol1a1andp53and upregulated gene expression ofSirt1in skin tissues.In vitroexperiments revealed that RSV significantly promoted the viability ofSod1−/−fibroblasts. These finding demonstrated that RSV in MSE stably suppressed an intrinsic superoxide generationin vivoandin vitroleading to protecting skin damages. RSV derivative-rich MSE may be a powerful food of treatment for age-related skin diseases caused by oxidative damages.

scholarly journals Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment for Patients with Wilting Disorder: A Literature Review of In Vivo Studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Sung-Jin Kim ◽  
Yeon-Cheol Park ◽  
Yong-Hyeon Baek ◽  
Byung-Kwan Seo
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Bee Venom ◽  
Guillain Barre Syndrome ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Traditional Korean Medicine ◽  
Korean Medicine ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Wilting disorder is an abnormal condition characterized by weakness and paralysis of the upper and lower extremities. Pathogenesis and treatment target of the disorder are unclear; hence, allopathic treatment is generally used to relieve the symptoms. To investigate the treatment mechanism and effect of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) in patients with wilting disorder, we reviewed in vivo studies that focused on the effect of TKM on the main symptoms of wilting disorder and treatment of the diseases that can cause these symptoms. We electronically searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases using the following search terms: (weakness OR motor function disorder) (myasthenia gravis OR Guillain-Barre syndrome OR amyotrophic lateral sclerosis OR paralysis OR polymyositis OR muscular dystrophy) AND (herbal medicine OR acupuncture OR bee-venom OR pharmacoacupuncture OR electro-acupuncture OR moxibustion). We selected 11 studies that demonstrated the effect of TKM treatment on the main symptoms of wilting disorder. In these studies, inducted models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular atrophy, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome were used. With regard to treatment, herbal medicine was used in five studies, and acupuncture and bee-venom pharmacoacupuncture were used in three studies each. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of TKM treatment in patients with diseases that can cause the main symptoms of wilting disorder.

scholarly journals Discrimination and Proper Use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix, and Cynanchi Auriculati Radix in Korea: A Descriptive Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beom-Joon Lee ◽  
Kyungjin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Kampo Medicine ◽  
Traditional Korean Medicine ◽  
Traditional Herbal Medicine ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Korean Medicine ◽  
Traditional Uses

Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR), Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (CWR), and Cynanchi Auriculati Radix (CAR) are very popular herbal medicines in Traditional Korean Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kampo Medicine. However, the plant origins, efficacies, and traditional uses of these herbal medicines differ. In Korea, PMR is calledHa Su O(He Shou Wuin China), and CWR is calledBaek Ha Su OorBaek Su O(Bai Shou Wuin China).Baek Su Orefers to CWR in Korea and CAR in China. CAR has not been used as a traditional herbal medicine, and it cannot be legally used as a food or food ingredient in Korea. However, CAR is cultivated in Korea and imported from China. Because the morphology of CWR and CAR is very similar, they are often confused and misused in Korea. This review discusses the reasons for the confusion and misuse of these substances in Korea and provides the exact plant origins, efficacies, uses, components, and toxicities of PMR, CWR, and CAR so that they can be correctly understood and used.

scholarly journals A Study on the Diagnostic Elements of Cold-Heat Pattern Identification by Korean Medicine Doctors: Association with Objective and Subjective Body Temperature

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Joo Park ◽  
Ji-Ho Nam ◽  
Mi Hong Yim ◽  
Honggie Kim ◽  
Jong Yeol Kim
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Pattern Identification ◽  
Traditional Korean Medicine ◽  
Korean Medicine ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Heat Pattern ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Gender Groups ◽  
Objectively Measured

Although the Cold-Heat Pattern is the most important diagnostic factor in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), its relationship to body temperature and subjective temperature has not been clearly revealed. In this study, based on clinical data from 551 patients, we classified patients treated with herbal medicines into a Cold-prescription group (CG) and a Heat-prescription group (HG), and we compared the ordinary symptoms between the two groups. Subjective body temperature was higher in the HG than in the CG (OR = 1.68, p<0.01) and digestive ability was better in the HG than in the CG (expert’s questionnaire, OR = 1.91, p<0.001). However, objectively measured body temperature did not show any significant difference between the HG and CG in both gender groups (p=0.383 and 0.181 for males and females, resp.). Our study suggests that the subjective body temperature and digestive ability may be the principal diagnostic elements of Cold-Heat Pattern identification by Korean Medicine Doctors. These findings may contribute to the investigation of an objective method to measure the Cold-Heat Pattern.

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