Woong Mo Yang

Objectives. Ginger rhizomes have a long history of human use, especially with regards to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the mechanisms by which ginger acts on lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-)induced inflammation have not yet been identified. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of dried Zingiber officinalis (DZO) on LPS-induced hepatic injury. Methods. ICR mice were given a DZO water extract (100, 1000 mg/kg) orally for three consecutive days. On the third day, they were administ

Apoptosis with premature termination of hair follicle growth induces several types of hair loss and is one of the crucial factors of hair loss. Astragaloside IV, which is a major component of Astragalus membranaceus, is a cycloartane triterpene saponin. Although an anti-apoptotic effect of Astragaloside IV has been reported, its effects against hair loss have not been investigated. To explore the underlying mechanisms of Astragaloside IV on apoptotic signaling in hair follicle, the dorsal skin o

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is one of the most popular health-promoting herbs in East Asia, and has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2000 years. This study was performed to examine whether AM suppresses atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. Seven-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) to induce allergic dermatitis. Skin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to assess epidermal and dermal hyperplasia,

Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae) is a traditional herbal medicine and has been used to treat diabetic symptoms. Notwithstanding its use, the scientific basis on anti-diabetic properties of L. japonica is not yet established. This study is designed to investigate anti-diabetic effects of L. japonica in type 2 diabetic rats. L. japonica was orally administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg in high-fat diet-fed and low-dose streptozotocin-induced rats. After the treatment of 4 weeks, L. japonic

Abstract Panax ginseng (PG) is a medicinal herb which has been used to improve male reproduction in traditional Korean medicine. This study investigated the effect of PG on spermatogenesis and the regulation of glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which has a crucial role in spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. PG was administered to 8‐week‐old male Wistar rats (1.0 g/kg/day, p.o.) for 56 consecutive days, the sperm formation period of the rat. Sperm analysis, RT‐PCR and western blot

Fine particulate matter (PM) exposure exhibits a crucial risk factor to exacerbate airway epithelial remodeling, fibrosis, and pulmonary destruction in asthma. Based on the use of essential oils from aromatic plants on pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties, we investigated the inhibitory effects of essential oil derived from the Mentha species (MEO) against asthma exposed to PM10. The MEO (0.1 <i>v</i>/<i>v</i> %) was aerosolized by a nebulizer to ovalbumin and PM10-induced asthmatic mice

Historically, Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) has been used for the treatment of skin disorders, such as allergic dermatitis, eczema, and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we examined whether ST inhibited 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in BALB/c mice. In histopathological analyses of the epidermis and dermis, skin thickness was significantly increased in DNCB-induced mice as compared with normal group. Treatment with ST inhibited this inflammatory change and mark

Estrogen deficiency in menopausal women is the main cause of osteoporosis. Phytoestrogen could be a suitable candidate for treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Recent studies showed that S. chinensis contains several lignans, which may be phytoestrogen. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of S. chinensis on post-menopausal osteoporosis. 30% ethanol extract of S. chinensis (SC) was administered orally for 6 weeks after 7 weeks of ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis. Bone