Identification and Quantitation of the Bioactive Components in Wasted Aralia elata Leaves Extract with Endothelial Protective Activity.

Aralia elata, a renowned medicinal plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications. However, the leaves of this plant have been largely overlooked and discarded due to limited knowledge of their biological activity and chemical composition. To bridge this gap, a comprehensive study was conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of the 70% ethanol extract derived from Aralia elata leaves (LAE) for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Initially, the cytotoxic effects of LAE on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were assessed, revealing no toxicity within concentrations up to 5 µg/mL. This suggests that LAE could serve as a safe raw material for the development of health supplements and drugs aimed at promoting cardiovascular well-being. Furthermore, the study found that LAE extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in HUVECs by modulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings are particularly significant as inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression of CVD. Moreover, LAE extract exhibited the ability to suppress the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, which are pivotal in leukocyte migration to inflamed blood vessels observed in various pathological conditions. In conjunction with the investigation on therapeutic potential, the study also established an optimal HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS method to identify and confirm the chemical constituents present in 24 samples collected from distinct regions in South Korea. Tentative identification revealed the presence of 14 saponins and nine phenolic compounds, while further analysis using PCA and PLS-DA allowed for the differentiation of samples based on their geographical origins. Notably, specific compounds such as chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and quercitrin emerged as marker compounds responsible for distinguishing samples from different regions. Overall, by unraveling its endothelial protective activity and identifying key chemical constituents, this research not only offers valuable insights for the development of novel treatments but also underscores the importance of utilizing and preserving natural resources efficiently.

Extraction and Concentration of Waste Pueraria lobata Stems with Antioxidants and Anti-Melanogenesis Activity as a Novel Skin Whitening Agent for Natural Cosmetic Prototypes.

The root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) is used commercially in different products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics, and teas, but its stem part is rarely used and studied. Therefore, this study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities of the bioactive fraction of P. lobata stem and investigated whether the activated carbon decolorization technique would have an impact on its activity and chemical composition. We observed that the dichloromethane fraction of P. lobata stem (DCM-PLS) has excellent antioxidant and anti-melanin synthesis activity at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. For the investigation of the anti-melanogenesis mechanism, we evaluated the mRNA expression of tyrosinase, which was depressed by the DCM-PLS. Daidzin was identified as the main active ingredient in DCM-PLS by using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-hyphenated with tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, the activated carbon decolorization technology has no negative impact on the main components and bioactivity of DCM-PLS. DCM-PLS also did not induce any skin response in the human skin safety test. Collectively, DCM-PLS could be used as a natural type of skin-whitening agent in skin care products.

Phenolic Profile and Fingerprint Analysis of Akebia quinata Leaves Extract with Endothelial Protective Activity.

In contrast to the stem and fruit of Akebia quinata, A. quinata leaves as a source rich in phenolic compounds with potentially beneficial pharmacological activities have been largely overlooked. To develop and use A. quinata leaves as a resource, we evaluated its potential as a cardiovascular-protective agent. Herein, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of A. quinata leaves extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We found that A. quinata leaves extract pretreatment of 10 µg/mL significantly attenuated LPS-induced protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Furthermore, this extract also suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65. In order to elucidate the chemical profiles of the samples, the HPLC fingerprint was established, and prominent peaks were identified via HPLC-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least-squares discriminant analysis, were performed to evaluate the clustering of the samples. It was found that isochlorogenic acid C was a key marker for the classification of A. quinata leaves from the Gongju and Muju city in Korea. Collectively, this study not only suggested the potential of A. quinata leaves as a novel therapeutic candidate for inflammatory cardiovascular disease but also developed a quality control method for A. quinata leaves, which could help to expand the application of A. quinata.

Inhibition effects of Moutan Cortex Radicis on secretion of eotaxin in A549 human epithelial cells and eosinophil migration.

UNLABELLED: Eosinophils have been implicated in a broad range of diseases, most notably allergic conditions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis) and inflammatory diseases. These diseases are characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the tissue. Defining the mechanisms that control eosinophil recruitment is fundamental to understanding how these diseases progress and may identify a novel target for drug therapy. Eotaxin is a potent eosinophil-specific chemokine that is released in the respiratory epithelium after allergic stimulation. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we determined whether Moutan Cortex Radicis (MCR), a plant extract, effects eotaxin secretion from A549 epithelial cells and eosinophil chemotaxis, and then examined the mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prior to assaying MCR's effects, A549 cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-1beta to induce expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules involved in eosinophil chemotaxis. In the presence of MCR, eotaxin, regulated on activation in normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), IL-8, IL-16, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) transcripts were quantitated by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: As a result, 0.01, 1, and 100 microg/ml of MCR treatments reduced eotaxin expression significantly and 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 microg/ml of MCR reduced significantly eotaxin secretion. In addition, MCR treatment significantly inhibited eosinophil migration toward A549 medium. And 100 microg/ml of MCR suppressed the activated of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that suppressed eotaxin secretion by MCR treatment is due to the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. Therefore, MCR might be of therapeutic value in treating asthma.

Inhibition of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by moutan cortex in activated mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Moutan cortex (MC) is one of the most widely used Oriental herbal medicines for treating inflammatory diseases. In this study, the effect of MC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were examined using mouse peritoneal macrophages. MC inhibited the LPS/rIFN-gamma-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-alpha release. To clarify the mechanism involved, the effect of MC on the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB was examined. The LPS/rIFN-gamma-induced activation of NF-kappaB was almost completely blocked by MC at 0.5 mg/ml. These findings demonstrate that the inhibition of the LPS/rIFN-gamma-induced production of NO and TNF-alpha by MC is due to the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.

Anti-ischemic effect of Aurantii Fructus on contractile dysfunction of ischemic and reperfused rat heart.

Aurantii Fructus (AF) is one of the most well-known traditional herbal medicines frequently used for the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms in Korea. The anti-ischemic effects of AF on ischemia-induced isolated rat heart were investigated through analyses of changes in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output. The subjects in this study were divided into two groups: an ischemia-induced group without any treatment, and an ischemia-induced group with AF treatment. There were no significant differences in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output between them before ischemia was induced. The supply of oxygen and buffer was stopped for 10 min to induce ischemia in isolated rat hearts, and AF was administered during ischemia induction. AF treatment significantly prevented decreases in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output under ischemic conditions (p < 0.01). These results suggest that AF has distinct anti-ischemic effects through recovery of contractile dysfunction in ischemic heart.

Effects of Nelumbinis Semen on contractile dysfunction in ischemic and reperfused rat heart.

Nelumbinis Semen (NS), or lotus seed, is one of the most well-known traditional herbal medicines and is frequently used to treat cardiovascular symptoms in Korea. The anti-ischemic effects of NS on ischemia-induced isolated rat heart were investigated through analyses of changes in blood pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output. The subjects in this study were divided into two groups: a control, untreated ischemia-induced group, and an ischemia-induced group treated with NS. There were no significant differences in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow and cardiac output between the groups before ischemia was induced. The supply of oxygen and buffer was stopped for ten minutes to induce ischemia in isolated rat hearts, and NS was administered during ischemia induction. NS treatment significantly prevented decreases in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow and cardiac output under ischemic conditions (p < 0.01). In addition, the mechanism of the anti-ischemic effects of NS was also examined through quantitation of intracellular calcium content in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. NS significantly prevented intracellular calcium increases induced by isoproterenol (p < 0.01). These results suggest that NS has distinct anti-ischemic effects through calcium antagonism.

Survey and mechanism of skin depigmenting and lightening agents.

The type and amount of melanin synthesized by the melanocyte, and its distribution pattern in the surrounding keratinocytes, determines the actual color of the skin. Melanin forms through a series of oxidative reactions involving the amino acid tyrosine in the presence of the enzyme tyrosinase. Tyrosinase catalyses three different reactions in the biosynthetic pathway of melanin in melanocytes: the hydroxylation of tyrosine to l-DOPA and the oxidation of l-DOPA to dopaquinone; furthermore, in humans, dopaquinone is converted by a series of complex reactions to melanin. Among the skin-lightening and depigmenting agents, magnesium-l-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (MAP), hydroxyanisole, N-acetyl-4-S-cysteaminylphenol, arbutin (hydroquinone-beta-d-glucopyranoside) and hydroquinone (HQ) are the most widely prescribed worldwide. However, with reports of potential mutagenicity and epidemics of ochronosis, there has been an increasing impetus to find alternative herbal and pharmaceutical depigmenting agents. A review of the literature reveals that numerous other depigmenting or skin-lightening agents are either in use or in investigational stages. Some of these, such as kojic, glycolic and azelaic acids, are well known to most dermatologists. Others have been discovered and reported in the literature more recently. Several depigmentation and lightening agents are discussed, including their historical background, biochemical characteristics, type of inhibition and activators from various sources. In addition, the clinical importance of mushroom tyrosinase as a recent prospect is discussed in this paper.

Effects of Yukmijihwang-tang derivatives (YMJd) on ibotenic acid-induced amnesia in the rat.

The present study investigates the effects of Yukmijihwang-tang Derivatives (YMJd) on learning and memory through the Morris water maze task and the central cholinergic system of rats with excitotoxic medial septum (MS) lesion. In the water maze test, the animals were trained to find a platform in a fixed position for 6 d and then received a 60-s probe trial in which the platform was removed from the pool on the 7th day. Ibotenic lesion of the MS showed the impaired performance in the Morris water maze test and severe cell losses in the MS, as indicated by decreased choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactivity in the medial septum. Daily administrations of YMJd (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 consecutive days produced significant reversals of ibotenic acid-induced deficit in learning and memory. These treatments also reduced the loss of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity in the MS induced by ibotenic acid. These results suggest that impairments of spatial learning and memory might be attributable to the degeneration of septohippocampal cholinergic (SHC) neurons and that YMJd treatment ameliorated learning and memory deficits partly due through neuroprotective effects on the central acetylcholine system. Our studies suggest that YMJd might be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Effect of Acori graminei Rhizoma on contractile dysfunction of ischemic and reperfused rat heart.

Acori graminei Rhizoma is one of the best-known traditional herbal medicines frequently used for the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms in Asian countries. The anti-ischemic effect of Acori graminei Rhizoma on ischemia-induced isolated rat heart was investigated through analysis of changes in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output. The subjects in this study were divided into two groups, an ischemia-induced group without any treatment (I), and an ischemia-induced group with Acori graminei Rhizoma treatment (I+AGR). There were no significant differences in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, or cardiac output between the two groups before ischemia was induced. The supply of oxygen and buffer was stopped for 10 min to induce ischemia in isolated rat hearts, and Acori graminei Rhizoma was administered while inducing ischemia. The data showed that Acori graminei Rhizoma treatment significantly prevented decreases in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output under an ischemic condition. In addition, hemodynamics (except heart rate) of the AGR-treated group was significantly recovered 60 min after reperfusion compared to the control group, (systolic aortic pressure: 85.5% vs. 62.5%, aortic flow volume: 68.1% vs. 49.4%, coronary flow volume: 86.8% vs. 60.1%, and cardiac output: 73.1% vs. 54.1%, p<0.01). These results suggest that Acori graminei Rhizoma has distinct anti-ischemic effects.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by Lithospermi radix in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Lithospermi radix (LR, root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Siebold. et Zuccarinii) has been used to treat various conditions, such as septic shock, eczema and burns. In this study, the effect of LR on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were examined using mouse peritoneal macrophages. At 0.01-1 mg/ml, LR inhibited the LPS/rIFN-gamma-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-alpha release. To clarify the mechanism involved, the effect of LR on the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB was examined. The LPS/rIFN-gamma-induced activation of NF-kappaB was almost completely blocked by LR at 1mg/ml without cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that the inhibition of the LPS/rIFN-gamma-induced production of NO and TNF-alpha by LR involves the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.

The anti-depressant effect of Nelumbinis semen on rats under chronic mild stress induced depression-like symptoms.

Nelumbinis Semen is a well-known traditional herbal medicine frequently used in treatment of depression in many Asian countries. In this study, its anti-depression effects in rats were investigated by comparing the test results of those treated with Nelumbinis Semen to those treated with other herbal anti-depressants, including Rehmanniae Radix Preparat, Corni Fructus, Lycii Fructus, Pinelliae Rhizoma and Hypericum Perforatum. In order to induce depression-like symptoms, the animals were placed under chronic mild stress in the form of overnight illumination for 2 consecutive days. They were treated with the respective herbal extract and forced swimming tests were conducted afterwards. The anti-depression effects of each extract were then evaluated based on a measured index, which consisted of struggling time, first latency and first rest duration. These test results show that Nelumbinis Semen provides greater anti-depression effects than the other herbal extracts. Specifically, only the rats treated with Nelumbinis Semen showed significant increases in struggling time (43.9%, p < 0.005, p = 0.0037) and in first latency time (90.2%, p < 0.05, p = 0.0116). However, the first rest duration for Nelumbinis Semen treated rats was not significantly different from the other rats. It appears that Nelumbinis Semen provides even greater anti-depression effects than Hypericum Perforatum (commonly referred to as St. John's Wort, perhaps the most widely used natural antidepressant today). The anti-depression effects of Nelumbinis Semen might be due to the modulation of the amount of neurotransmitters involved in depression.

Inhibition of production of reactive oxygen species and gene expression profile by treatment of ethanol extract of Moutan Cortex Radicis in oxidative stressed PC12 cells.

Moutan Cortex Radicis (MCR) is one of the most widely used Oriental medicines. In this study, we assessed the reducing effect of ethanol extract of MCR on hydrogen peroxide-induced reactive oxygen production, the main cause of cell damage or death in PC12 cells. The viability of cells treated with 1 mg/ml of MCR was significantly restored from that of oxidative-stressed PC12 cells. Measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was determined using the H(2)DCFDA assay. MCR at 1-0.01 mg/ml concentration inhibited ROS production in oxidative-stressed cells. To identify candidate genes responsible for the anti-oxidative effects of MCR on PC12 cells, an oligonucleotide microarray analysis was performed. The result of gene expression profiles showed that 10 genes were up-regulated and 7 were down-regulated in MCR plus hydrogen peroxide treated cells compared with hydrogen peroxide treated cells. Among them, heme oxygenase (HO) and cathechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) are related to regulation of ROS generation and the others are known to regulate cell survival and progression. Subsequently, we performed real-time RT-PCR to quantify the ROS related gene. MCR treatment increased the expression of HO by 370% and COMT by 280% at the concentration of 1 mg/ml. These findings suggest that MCR inhibits the production of ROS and cytotoxicity by oxidative-stressed PC12 cells through over-expression of HO and COMT.

Yukmijihwang-tang derivatives enhance cognitive processing in normal young adults: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Yukmijihwang-tang (YMJ), also known as Luweidihuang-tang in China, has been widely used as a general herbal tonic for hundreds of years in many Asian countries. This study examines whether YMJ derivatives (YMJd) enhance cognitive ability in normal human subjects and discusses its potential as treatment for dementia patients with deficient cognitive ability. Subjects were divided into two groups, the placebo-treated group (n = 15) and the YMJd-treated group (n = 20). K-WAIS tests, a Korean version of an individual intelligence quotient (IQ) test, and a P300 latency assessment of event-related potential (ERP) were conducted in order to measure changes in cognitive ability before and after 6 weeks of YMJd treatment. The K-WAIS mean scores of the group treated with YMJd were significantly higher than those of the placebo group (p < 0.05), and their mean P300 latency was substantially shorter (p < 0.005). These results suggest that YMJd treatment accelerates the speed of information processing and enhances cognitive ability. YMJd treatment may help dementia patients or the elderly recover from cognition deficiencies or degeneration in clinic.

Efficacy of a traditional Korean medicine, Chung-Sang-Bo-Ha-Tang, in a murine model of chronic asthma.

Traditional herbal medicines may be viable alternatives to corticosteroid therapy for treatment of asthma. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of herbal compounds remain a matter of considerable debate. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Chung-Sang-Bo-Ha-Tang (CSBHT), a herbal compound administrated therapeutically to asthma patients for centuries, on airway inflammation and remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma. BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were chronically challenged with aerosolized OVA for 6 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, some mice were treated daily with CSBHT by intragastric feeding. Dexamethasone (Dex)-treated, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated, and naive mice served as controls. The effects of CSBHT on airway inflammation, lung pathology, and cytokine production were evaluated. Mice exposed to recurrent airway challenge with OVA had chronic inflammation and characteristics of airway remodeling, including subepithelial fibrosis, epithelial hypertrophy, and goblet cell hyperplasia. CSBHT was as effective as Dex at moderately reducing these changes compared to the PBS-treated mice. In addition, IL-5 and IFN-gamma levels in supernatants of Concanavalin A (Con A)-activated splenocyte cultures were reduced in mice treated with CSBHT. Treatment with CSBHT during the last 2 weeks of challenge modulated airway inflammation and remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma. Thus, CSBHT may effectively delay the progression of airway inflammation and remodeling.

Effects of Yukmijihwang-tang derivatives (YMJd), a memory enhancing herbal extract, on the gene-expression profile in the rat hippocampus.

The herbal extract Yukmijihwang-tang (YMJ) has been widely used for centuries as an anti-aging herbal medicine in Asian countries. Among the various modified prescriptions of YMJ, YMJ derivatives (YMJd) were formulated to enhance memory retention. This study has three goals: 1) to quantitatively evaluate the memory-enhancing effect of YMJd using behavior tasks; 2) to use cDNA micro-array tools to identify candidate genes responsible for enhancing memory; and 3) to statistically evaluate the specific gene expression patterns using Real-time PCR. Memory retention abilities are addressed by the passive avoidance task with SD male rat. The retention time of the YMJd group was significantly delayed (ca. 100%), whereas with Ginkgo biloba and Soya lecithin treatment, this was only delayed 20% and 10%, respectively. The cDNA from the hippocampi of YMJd and rat control groups were applied to an Incyte rat GEM2 cDNA microarray. The microarray results showed that transthyretin and PEP-19 were abundantly expressed in the YMJd treated group. Importantly, PEP-19 is a neuron-specific protein that inhibits apoptotic processes. On the other hand, neuronal genes involved in neuronal death or neurodegeneration, such as pentraxin and spectrin, were abundantly expressed in the control group. The list of differentially expressed genes may provide further insight into the action and mechanism behind the memory-enhancing effect of herbal extracts of YMJd.

Immunomodulatory effect of Astragali Radix extract on murine TH1/TH2 cell lineage development.

Astragali Radix (AR), is a popular herbal medicine used to treat allergic diseases in Korea, Japan and China. Our study examined the effect of an AR ethanol extract on both in vitro and in vivo murine CD4 T cells' differentiation into Th1 and Th2 subsets. CD4 T cells from Balb/c mice were activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAb in the presence of AR for 2 d. AR treated cells showed an elevated level of IL-4 but a reduced level of IFN-gamma secretion. In addition, in vitro Th1/Th2 polarization experiments revealed that AR enhanced the levels of IL-4 in Th2 cells but reduced the levels of IFN-gamma in Th1 cells. To elucidate the effects of AR in Th1/Th2 lineage development during the in vivo condition, AR was administrated orally to BALB/c mice. The results demonstrated that AR administration significantly increased IL-4 production in both the serum and supernatant of splenocyte culture, while IFN-gamma secretion was diminished upon in vivo activation with anti-CD3 antibody. Our data clearly indicates that AR selectively alters Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion patterns and provides the pharmacological basis for AR's clinical applications.

So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang, tradititional Korean medicine, suppresses Th2 lineage development.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (SCRT, also called Sho-Seiryu-To or Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang) on helper T cell development by monitoring Th1/Th2-specific cytokine secretion patterns in artificially induced Th1 or Th2 polarized conditions. The results demonstrated that Th2 cells were dramatically underpopulated in the Th2-driven condition triggered by SCRT treatment, while the Th1 cells were not altered in the Th1-skewed condition. Furthermore, under Th2-skewed conditions the levels of interleukin-4 were considerably decreased with SCRT treatment. The expression of GATA-3, a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in Th2 lineage programming, did not change with SCRT treatment, while the expression of another Th2 transcription factor, c-Maf, was dramatically suppressed. These data suggest that SCRT modulates Th2 development by suppressing c-Maf expression. This study implies that the SCRT effect on CD4(+) T cells is a key pharmacologic point of effect for treating IgE-mediated allergic asthma. These results also suggest that SCRT might be a useful agent for the correction of Th2-dominant pathologic disorders.

Traditional Korean medicine (SCRT) modulate Th1/Th2 specific cytokine production in mice CD4+ T cell.

Traditional Korea medicine, So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (SCRT) also called as Xiao-qing-long-tang or Sho-seiru-to, contains eight species of medicinal plants and has been used for treating allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, for hundreds of years in Asian countries. CD4+ T cells were highly purified by using magnetic bead from splenocytes of BALB/c mice. SCRT treatment slightly decreased the expression of cell surface protein CD69 on CD4+ T cell in the flow cytometry analysis. In RT-PCR analysis, SCRT increases the expression of IL-2 and IL2R-alpha mRNA, and decreases the expression of IL-4 mRNA, which is an important cytokine of Th2 cell development. On the other hand, SCRT treatment increases IFN-gamma expression, which is one of the key cytokines for Th1 cell development. Present study implies that SCRT can correct Th2 dominant condition directly affecting to the CD4+ T cell without significantly depressing general T cell activities. These results also suggest that the effect on CD4+ T cell may be the one of key pharmacological effect point for treating IgE medicated allergic asthma by SCRT.

Chung-Yeul-Gue-Soup-Sa-Gan-Tang, traditional Korean medicine, enhances CD4(+) T cell activities and modulates Th1/Th2 lineage development.

Chung-Yeul-Gue-Soup-Sa-Gan-Tang (CYT), a traditional Korea herbal medicine, has been widely used in Korea for the treatment of various immunological disorders, including allergic asthma. In this study, CYT was examined in vitro and tested for possible immunological effects. The results demonstrated that CYT had no mitogenic effects on unstimulated CD4(+) T cells, but rather increased CD4(+) T cell proliferation upon activation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibody. Under the Th0 condition, CYT also enhanced expression of interleukin (IL)-2 in purified murine CD4(+) T cells assayed by real-time PCR, suggesting that CYT moderately increases the activity of helper T cells upon T cell receptor ligation under the neutral condition. However, the Th1 cells were overpopulated following CYT treatment under the Th1 condition, while Th2 cells were under-populated in the Th2 driven condition. In addition, under Th1/Th2-skewed conditions, the levels of IL-4 were considerably decreased, while the expression of T-bet and interferon-gamma were increased with CYT treatment. Thus, CYT enhances Th1 lineage development from naive CD4(+) T cells both by increasing Th1 specific cytokine secretion and repressing Th2 specific cytokine production. These results suggest that CYT is a desirable agent for the correction of Th2 dominant pathological disorders.