East asian herbal medicine for the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental illness that can place a significant burden on individuals, their families, and society. East Asian Herbal Medicine (EAHM) has long been used in East Asian nations to treat mental illness in children. Nevertheless, the evidence for the effectiveness of EAHM for the treatment of ADHD is insufficient. A systematic review was performed to examine the effectiveness and safety. In addition, research on core herbal combinations was also conducted to help clinicians in their prescription selection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The following databases were searched: 4 English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE), 4 Korean databases (Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Service System (RISS), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Korea Citation Index (KCI)), 2 Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wanfang Data), and 1 Japanese database (CiNii) database. The publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. GRADE pro was used to evaluate the evidence of the study. The core herb combination of EAHM used in this study was revealed using apriori algorithm-based association rule mining. RESULTS: This review assessed 42 studies that evaluated 3484 children and adolescents. In meta-analysis, EAHM monotherapy had a similar clinical efficacy rate to conventional medicine (CM) (n = 2166; random effects RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.13; heterogeneity χ2= 25.08, df = 23, p = 0.35, I2=8%). EAHM-combined therapy showed a better clinical efficacy rate than when conventional therapy was used alone (n = 746; fixed effects RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.26; heterogeneity χ2= 11.80, df = 9, p = 0.22, I2=24%). For adverse events, EAHM had a lower incidence than conventional therapy. In GRADE pro, each outcome varied from moderate to very low quality. The constituents of the herb combinations with consistent association rules were Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, Polygalae Radix, and Acori Graminei Rhizoma. CONCLUSION: EAHM monotherapy has similar effects to CM but with fewer side effects. Hence, it will be helpful for children with ADHD suffering from the side effects of CM. EAHM-combined therapy has a better effect than conventional therapy. Accordingly, it will be useful for children with ADHD who do not respond to treatment with conventional therapy. Nevertheless, more well-designed studies will be needed to confirm this in the future.

Clinical Outcomes of Operating an Acute Palliative Care Unit at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

PURPOSE: Acute palliative care units (APCUs) are inpatient services in tertiary hospitals that provide intensive symptom management and assist in hospital discharge for transitions to hospice care. We aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of operating an APCU at a comprehensive cancer center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,440 consecutive patients admitted to the APCU and analyzed demographic and clinical information, discharge outcomes, symptom assessments using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, spiritual distress, and financial distress. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 67.0 (range, 23-97) years, and 41% were female. The most common primary cancer types were lung (21.9%), hepatopancreatobiliary (14.1%), and colorectal cancers (12.9%). The median length of stay was 8.0 days (range, 1-60 days), and 31.0% of patients died in the APCU. Death in the APCU showed a significant decrease over time, and overall inpatient death in oncology wards did not increase after APCU opening. In total, 44.7% of patients were discharged to government-certified hospice centers. The proportion of patients discharged to certified hospice centers increased from 32.2% in 2015 to 62.4% in 2018. Among 715 patients with a follow-up evaluation 1 week after admission, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System symptom scores, spiritual distress, and financial distress showed statistically significant improvements compared with the baseline symptom scores (P < .001). This improvement was limited to patients who did not die in the APCU. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced cancer admitted to the APCU may experience significant improvements in distressing symptoms. The majority of patients requiring transition to hospice were successfully transferred to certified hospice centers. The percentage discharged alive improved over time.

East Asian Herbal Medicine Combined with Conventional Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing demand to improve personal health and reduce the social burden in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A comprehensive review of ASD interventions from the point of view of efficacy, safety, and compliance is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of East Asian Herbal Medicine (EAHM) in the treatment of ASD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, KISS, RISS, OASIS, KCI, CNKI, Wanfang data, and CiNii) were searched from their respective inception to July 2021. A search was conducted by combining the keywords Autism Spectrum Disorder and Herbal medicine. We included a randomized controlled trial in which oral administration of EAHM was combined with conventional treatment for pediatric ASD patients. The primary outcomes were the clinical efficacy rate and the improvement in Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies involving 462 children with ASD were included. The results suggest that EAHM as part of a combined therapy enhances the CARS score (MD[95% confidential interval]=4.47[5.89,3.05], p<0.01) and the clinical efficacy rate (RR=1.31[1.14,1.51], p<0.01) in comparison to the control group using only conventional therapy. Safety information was reported in 4 of the 7 included studies, and there were no adverse events or the difference in the incidence of side effects between the two groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that EAHM may improves the clinical efficacy rate and CARS score in children with ASD. However, in that the quality of the included studies is not generally high and the numbers are difficult to be considered sufficient, larger scale and rigorously designed randomized controlled trials need to be conducted to strengthen the evidence.

Honokiol suppresses 2,6-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Magnolia officinalis constitutes a traditional Korean medicine used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and honokiol is an active diphenyl compound present in Magnolia officinalis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of honokiol on atopic dermatitis in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The therapeutic effects of honokiol were evaluated in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis model. RESULTS: Administration of honokiol (10 mg/kg) significantly suppressed mast cell accumulation and inflammation induced by DNCB in skin tissues. Moreover, DNCB-induced increases in serum immunoglobulin E levels were reversed by honokiol treatment. In addition, DNCB-induced elevation of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-17, and interferon-γ) in the skin and lymph nodes was significantly ameliorated by honokiol administration. Furthermore, the increase in lymph nodes sizes induced by DNCB treatment was reduced by honokiol administration. CONCLUSION: DNCB-induced atopic responses in the ears and lymph nodes were significantly suppressed by honokiol treatment. These results suggested that honokiol is a potential therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis.

Salvianolic Acid A Suppresses DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-Like Symptoms in BALB/c Mice.

Prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic, pruritic, and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder, is growing. Because available therapeutics is limited, immune regulators from natural resources could be helpful for treating AD symptoms. The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) has been studied for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including dermatologic disorders in Korea. This study examined the effect of salvianolic acid A on AD-like symptoms. Sensitization on the dorsal skin and repeated application on the ears with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) were performed in BALB/c mice to induce AD-like skin lesions. After induction of atopic dermatitis, salvianolic acid A (5 and 10 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (10 mg/kg) were administrated via intraperitoneal injection for 3 weeks. Salvianolic acid A suppressed DNCB-induced AD-like symptoms like ear skin hypertrophy and decreased mast cell infiltration into skin lesions. Salvianolic acid A not only reduced DNCB-induced increase of serum IgE but also lowered levels of the Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13), Th1 cytokine (interferon-γ), and Th17 cytokine (IL-17A). Furthermore, salvianolic acid A blocked DNCB-induced lymph node enlargement. In summary, these results suggest that salvianolic acid A might have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD.

Efficacy and safety of Soshiho-tang in atopic dermatitis patients with gastrointestinal disorders: A double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Because of the growing incidence of AD, psychosocial and economic burden of AD patients are often considerable. Steroid treatments are widely used, but long term use of this treatment can cause side effects. To reduce the burden of AD patients and find new efficient treatment, this study chose Soshiho-tang, a traditional medicine used in eastern Asia. AIM OF THE STUDY: Soshiho-tang (SSHT) is a traditional herbal medicine that has anti-inflammatory effects and improves immune function. This clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of SSHT in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with gastrointestinal disorders in comparison with placebo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and investigator-initiated clinical trial. A total of 60 patients aged 3-18 years with gastrointestinal disorders and diagnosed with AD by Hanifin & Rajka criteria with a Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index between 15 and 49 were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the SSHT or placebo groups in a ratio of 1:1 and efficacy evaluation was conducted at week 4 and 8. The participants orally administered SSHT or placebo three times a day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was measured based on a change of SCORAD index. The secondary outcome measurements included the following: survey questionnaires of gastrointestinal disorder, amount and frequency of ointment application for AD, dermatology quality of life index, and safety evaluation (diagnostic test, adverse reaction, and vital sign monitoring). RESULTS: During efficacy evaluation, the SCORAD score and digestive symptoms in the experimental and placebo groups were not statistically significant. However, the amount and frequency of ointment application in the experimental group were reduced compared to those in the placebo group at week 8. Also, In the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), statistically significant Quality of Life (QOL) improvement was observed in the SSHT experimental group compared to the placebo group. In safety evaluation, all participants were within the normal range during the study period. Blood sample testing indicated that the lymphocytes ratio decreased, and neutrophils ratio increased in the experimental group, whereas the placebo group showed the opposite immune response pattern. CONCLUSION: We concluded that SSHT administration can reduce steroid ointment dependence and improve the QOL in AD patients by regulating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio.

Efficacy and Safety of Socheongryong-Tang Among Atopic Dermatitis Patients With Respiratory Disorders: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the growth and development of children. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis has been continually increasing, and this has also been accompanied by rising socioeconomic costs. Interest has been growing in alternative medicine as a means of alleviating the burden of atopic dermatitis. This was a single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled investigator-led clinical trial including 60 atopic dermatitis patients. The participants were classified into an experimental group (30 persons) and a control group (30 persons), who were administered, respectively, socheongryong-tang or a placebo for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, the participants visited the trial center again and assess their efficacy and safety. The researchers performed statistical comparisons of the changes in the SCORAD Index, amount and frequency of ointment use, and height and weight to assess the efficacy. To assess the safety, diagnostic tests and vital sign checks were performed at each visit, and the presence or absence of adverse events was observed. As a result, the frequency and the amount of steroid ointment application in both groups increased, but the experimental group showed less tendency (p = 0.081). Results of analyzing the children in the experimental group in relation to growth showed a significantly greater height growth than the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, all study participants did not show any remarkable abnormal signs in the safety evaluation. In conclusion, compared to the control group, the experimental group, who took socheongryong-tang showed a tendency to be less dependent on steroid ointment and statistically significant increase in height.

Factors Associated with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization: A Population-Based Case-Control Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this case-control study was to investigate the relationship between molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and pre-, peri-, and postnatal conditions of children and mothers in South Korea. Methods: The Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry con- ducted this study to examine factors associated with MIH among six- to 13-year-olds. The European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria and self-administered questionnaires associated with MIH were used. Results: In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of MIH for children whose mothers used health supplements during pregnancy was 0.65 (P=0.009). Also, children with more than three hours of out- door activities per day tended to have a lower MIH (P=0.03) than did those with zero hours of outdoor activity. Additionally, the OR of MIH for children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy was 2.37 (P=0.019) and the MIH found to be 1.33 times more frequent in children with respiratory infections during the first three years of life (P=0.048). Conclusions: Maternal smoking during pregnancy and child's pediatric respiratory infection suffered within three years after birth are factors associated with the MIH among Korean children. Further study is needed because the prevalence of MIH in children whose mothers taking health supplements (vitamins or folic acid or iron) during pregnancy is low.

A microfluidic gradient device for drug screening with human iPSC-derived motoneurons.

We developed a microfluidic gradient device to utilize as a drug screening system with human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived motoneurons. The microfluidic channel was asymmetrically designed to generate the concentration gradients and a micropillar array was used to trap and culture the motoneuron spheroids containing motoneurons for 9 days. We optimized the concentration gradients in the microfluidic device using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. We also observed that the motoneuron spheroid-derived neurite network was generated in response to the concentration gradients of riluzole in the microfluidic device. Therefore, this microfluidic gradient device could be useful for screening of various drugs for neurological disease applications.

Efficacy and safety of So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang in patients with atopic dermatitis and respiratory disorders: Study protocol of a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD, atopic eczema) is a pruritic, inflammatory, chronic skin disease. Since there is limitation of conventional treatment of AD, traditional herbal medicine can be an attractive therapeutic option in patients having AD for a long time. So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (SCRT) has been found to inhibit histamine release and degranulation of mast cells, differentiation of basophils, and proliferation of eosinophils. We designed this clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SCRT as compared to placebo in patients with AD and respiratory disorders. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and investigator-initiated clinical trial. A total of 60 patients between 7 and 65 years of age with AD and respiratory disorders who received a diagnosis of AD by Hanifin and Rajka criteria who scored 15 to 50 in a scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to the SCRT or placebo group in a ratio of 1:1 and they will have a visit schedule comprising 4 visits including a screening visit during 8 to 10 weeks. The participants will be administered SCRT or placebo 3 times a day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be measured by a change of the SCORAD index. The secondary outcomes will be measured by changes in the dose and frequency of usage of the AD ointment, dermatology life quality index scores, pruritus and sleep disorder in visual analog scale, skin moisture content, skin surface temperature, Hamilton anxiety rating scale scores, depression rating scale scores, stress/autonomic nervous function test, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder survey scores at week 4 as compared to those at the baseline. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, SCRT has rarely been reported for dermatologic diseases. This will be the first clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of SCRT in patients with AD and respiratory disorders. We hope that the results of this trial will provide evidence for the use of SCRT as a new treatment for AD with respiratory disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Korean National Clinical Trial Registry, Clinical Research Information Service. (KCT0004148) (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_en.jsp?seq=14981<ype=&rtype=).

Impact of gender on the career development of female traditional Korean medicine doctors: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the impact of gender and expected gender roles on the career development of young female traditional Korean medicine (KM) doctors. DESIGN: We conducted semistructured interviews to examine the experiences of study subjects regarding early career choices, employment, job performance and career moves, as well as future career aspirations, from the perspective of gender. The transcription was analysed using the Strauss and Corbin constant comparative analysis method. SETTING: The interview was conducted at a quiet and comfortable place selected by the participants in South Korea. PARTICIPANTS: Ten female KM doctors in their 30s participated in the study. RESULTS: This study reveals that, initially, the participating female KM doctors were unaware of their gender affecting career decisions. However, after graduation and during employment, female doctors experienced direct discrimination or gender segregation while selecting areas of treatment and specialty; they found that they were preferred to work in paediatrics and dermatology departments than in departments treating musculoskeletal health problems. Furthermore, after entering the workforce, female KM doctors found that their gender significantly affects patient-doctor relationships and life events, such as pregnancy and childbirth require temporary career breaks. In addition, female KM doctors assumed stereotypical gender roles both in the workplace and at home, as well as becoming the main nurturer of their children. CONCLUSION: Gender and stereotyped gender roles affect the overall career planning, career moves and even patient-doctor relationships of female KM doctors. Female doctors were also more likely to experience specific gender roles in the workplace and at home, including both childbirth and childrearing.

Influenza vaccination and associated factors among Korean cancer survivors : a cross-sectional analysis of the Fourth & Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Influenza vaccination is important for cancer survivors, a population with impaired immunity. This study was designed to assess influenza vaccination patterns among Korean cancer survivors. In this cross-sectional analysis, data were obtained from standardized questionnaires from 943 cancer survivors and 41,233 non-cancer survivors who participated in the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2011). We identified the adjusted influenza vaccination rates and assessed factors associated with influenza vaccination using multivariate logistic regression. Cancer survivors tended to have a higher adjusted influenza vaccination rate than the general population. The rates for influenza vaccination in specific cancer types such as stomach, hepatic, colon, and lung cancers were significantly higher than non-cancer survivors. Among all cancer survivors, those with chronic diseases, elderly subjects, and rural dwellers were more likely to receive influenza vaccination; those with cervical cancer were less likely to receive influenza vaccination. Cancer survivors were more likely to receive influenza vaccinations than non-cancer survivors, but this was not true for particular groups, especially younger cancer survivors. Cancer survivors represent a sharply growing population; therefore, immunization against influenza among cancer survivors should be concerned as their significant preventative healthcare services.

Punica granatum protects against oxidative stress in PC12 cells and oxidative stress-induced Alzheimer's symptoms in mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative brain disorder that is characterized by neuronal loss, neurofibrillary tangles, and the abnormal deposition of senile plaque and amyloid ß peptide (Aß). The brains of AD patients are under intense oxidative stress. The overproduction of Aß leads to Aß-associated free radical oxidative stress. In this study, the antioxidative and neuronal protective effects of Punica granatum extract were investigated against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. The ethanol extracts of P. granatum protected PC12 cells from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2-induced oxidative stress. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assays revealed a significant increase in cell viability when oxidatively stressed PC12 cells were treated with the P. granatum extract. To examine the effects of P. granatum on Aß1₋42-induced learning and memory impairment in mice, in vivo behavioral tests were performed. Treatment with the extract of P. granatum increased step-through latency in mice injected with Aß1₋42. The results of this study suggest that the ethanol extract of P. granatum mitigated H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells. In addition, the extract inhibited neuronal cell death caused by Aß-induced oxidative stress and Aß-induced learning and memory deficiency.

Corynoxeine isolated from the hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla inhibits rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through the blocking of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation.

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by injury to the intima of arteries is an important etiologic factor in vascular proliferative disorders such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Uncaria rhynchophylla is traditional Chinese herb that has been applied to the treatment of convulsive disorders, such as epilepsy, in China. In the present study, we examined whether corynoxeine exerts inhibitory effects on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced rat aortic VSMC proliferation and the possible mechanism of such effects. Pre-treatment of VSMCs with corynoxeine (5-50 microM) for 24 h resulted in significant decreases in cell number without any cytotoxicity; the inhibition percentages were 25.0+/-12.5, 63.0+/-27.5 and 88.0+/-12.5% at 5, 20 and 50 microM, respectively. Also, corynoxeine significantly inhibited the 50 ng/ml PDGF-BB-induced DNA synthesis of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity; the inhibitions were 32.8+/-11.0, 51.8+/-8.0 and 76.9+/-7.4% at concentrations of 5, 20 and 50 microM, respectively. Pre-incubation of VSMCs with corynoxeine significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation, whereas corynoxeine had no effects on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK)-activating kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2), Akt, or phospholipase C (PLC)gamma1 activation or on PDGF receptor beta (PDGF-Rbeta) phosphorylation. These results suggest that corynoxeine is a potent ERK1/2 inhibitor of key PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and may be useful in the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases and restenosis after angioplasty.

Antiplatelet activity of carnosic acid, a phenolic diterpene from Rosmarinus officinalis.

Carnosic acid is a major phenolic diterpene derived from Rosmarinus officinalis and has been reported to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antiobese and photoprotective activities. This study investigated the antiplatelet activity of carnosic acid. carnosic acid significantly inhibited collagen-, arachidonic acid-, U46619- and thrombin-induced washed rabbit platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 39+/-0.3, 34+/-1.8, 29+/-0.8 and 48+/-2.9 microM, respectively, while it failed to inhibit PMA-(a direct PKC activator) and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. In agreement with its antiplatelet activity, carnosic acid blocked collagen-, arachidonic acid-, U46619- and thrombin-mediated cytosolic calcium mobilization. accordingly, serotonin secretion and arachidonic acid liberation were also inhibited in a similar concentration-dependent manner. However, in contrast to the inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation, carnosic acid had no effect on the formation of arachidonic acid-mediated thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin D2, thus indicating that carnosic acid has no effect on the cyclooxygenase and thromboxane A2 synthase activity. Overall, these results suggest that the antiplatelet activity of carnosic acid is mediated by the inhibition of cytosolic calcium mobilization and that carnosic acid has the potential of being developed as a novel antiplatelet agent.

Antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of Korean Red Ginseng.

The antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) were examined on rat carotid artery thrombosis in vivo, and platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo. Administration of KRG to rats not only prevented carotid artery thrombosis in vivo in a dose-dependent manner, but also significantly inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation ex vivo, while failed to prolong coagulation times such as activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), indicating the antithrombotic effect of KRG might be due to its antiplatelet aggregation rather than anticoagulation effect. In line with the above observations, KRG inhibited U46619-, arachidonic acid-, collagen- and thrombin-induced rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 620 +/- 12, 823 +/- 22, 722 + 21 and 650 +/- 14 microg/mL, respectively. Accordingly, KRG also inhibited various agonists-induced platelet serotonin secretions as it suppressed platelet aggregation. These results suggest that KRG has a potent antithrombotic effect in vivo, which may be due to antiplatelet rather than anticoagulation activity, and KRG intake may be beneficial to the individuals with high risks of thrombotic and cardiovascular diseases.

Isolation and characterization of a novel glutathione S-transferase-activating peptide from the oriental medicinal plant Phellodendron amurense.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-activating compounds from medicinal plants. Among 265 kinds of medicinal plants, Phellodendron amurense showed the highest GST activity at 174.8%. The GST-activating compound of P. amurense was maximally extracted when treated with distilled water at 30 degrees C for 12 h. The compound was purified by ultrafiltration, Sephadex G-10 gel filtration chromatography, and reverse-phase HPLC. The purified GST-activating compound from P. amurense was a novel tetrapeptide with an amino acid sequence of Ala-Pro-Trp-Cys and its molecular weight was estimated to be 476 Da. It also displayed a clear detoxicative effect in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene treated mice at a dosage of mg/kg body weight.

Anti-platelet effects of bioactive compounds isolated from the bark of Rhus verniciflua Stokes.

It has previously been shown that EtOAc extracts of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) inhibit the platelet aggregation response. In this report, bioassay-guided fractionation using ADP-, arachidonic acid-, and collagen-induced human platelet aggregation by a whole blood aggregometer yielded the bioactive compounds isomaltol and pentagalloyl glucose from different highly effective fractions. In addition, column chromatography of fractions from RVS yielded another five compounds: butin, fisetin, sulfuretin, butein and 3,4',7,8-tetrahydroxyflavone. We investigated the effects of bioactive compounds from RVS fractions on several markers of platelet activation using receptor expression on platelet membranes, including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (CD41), GPIIb/IIIa-like expression (PAC-1) and P-selectin (CD62), and intracelluar calcium mobilization responses by flow cytometry in healthy subjects. Dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation and significantly decreased platelet activation were observed for the isomaltol- and pentagalloyl glucose-treated platelets, respectively. These results show that isomaltol and pentagalloyl glucose from the bark of Rhus verniciflua Stokes have potent anti-platelet activity and emphasize the need to further examine the mechanism of these active compounds for platelet modulation.