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Japanese Herbal Medicine (japanese + herbal_medicine)

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Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Shosaikoto increases calprotectin expression in human oral epithelial cells

JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010
Y. Hiroshima
Hiroshima Y, Bando M, Kataoka M, Shinohara Y, Herzberg MC, Ross KF, Inagaki Y, Nagata T, Kido J. Shosaikoto increases calprotectin expression in human oral epithelial cells. J Periodont Res 2009; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2009.01203.x. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective:, Oral epithelial cells help to prevent against bacterial infection in the oral cavity by producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). A broad-spectrum AMP, calprotectin (a complex of S100A8 and S100A9 proteins), is expressed by oral epithelial cells and is up-regulated by interleukin-1, (IL-1,). Shosaikoto (SST) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine that has immunomodulatory effects and is reported to enhance the levels of IL-1, in epithelial cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SST on the expression of calprotectin and other AMPs through the regulation of IL-1, in oral epithelial cells. Material and Methods:, Human oral epithelial cells (TR146) were cultured with SST (at concentrations ranging from 10 to 250 ,g/mL) in the presence or absence of anti-IL-1, or IL-1 receptor antagonist. The expression of S100A8- and S100A9-specific mRNAs was examined by northern blotting. Calprotectin expression and IL-1, secretion were investigated by immunofluorescent staining or ELISA. The expression of other AMPs and IL-1, was analyzed by RT-PCR and by quantitative real-time PCR. Results:, Shosaikoto (25 ,g/mL) significantly increased the expression of S100A8- and S100A9-specific mRNAs and calprotectin protein. Shosaikoto increased S100A7 expression, but had no effect on the expression of other AMPs. The expression of IL-1,-specific mRNA and its protein were slightly increased by SST. A neutralizing antibody against IL-1, or IL-1 receptor antagonist inhibited SST up-regulated S100A8/S100A9 mRNA expression. Conclusion:, These results suggest that SST increases the expression of calprotectin and S100A7 in oral epithelial cells. In response to SST, up-regulation of calprotectin may be partially induced via IL-1,. [source]

The anxiolytic effect of Sho-ju-sen, a Japanese herbal medicine, assessed by an elevated ­plus-maze test in mice

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2001
Hisashi Kuribara
Abstract Sho-ju-sen (SK), a Japanese herbal medicine with a nourishing tonic action, is composed of a water extract of Kumazasa leaves (Sasa kurinensis Makino et Sibata) (SS), and ethanol extracts of Japanese red pine needles (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc) (PN) and Ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) (PX) in the ratio 8:1:1. In this study, an elevated plus-maze test in mice was carried out to assess whether SK had an anxiolytic effect. No significant change was observed in either the plus-maze or activity test following a single administration of SK (10 and 20,mL/kg p.o.). However, mice allowed a free intake of SK (10% solution) for 5 days and longer showed a significant prolongation of the time spent in the open arms (an anxiolytic effect), as long as that caused by the benzodiazepine anxiolytic diazepam (1,mg/kg p.o.). SK (1%, 3% and 30% solutions for 7 days) tended to develop the anxiolytic effect. Of the constituents of SK, SS (8% solution), but not PN (1% solution) or PX (1% solution), resulted in the anxiolytic effect. Except for a slight acceleration in the motor activity by PN (1% solution), no significant change in the motor activity was produced by any treatment with SK, SS or PX. The combined treatment of SK (10% solution) or SS (8% solution) with 1,mg/kg diazepam enhanced the anxiolytic effect. Flumazenil (0.1,mg/kg s.c.), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, alone did not change the time spent in the open arms. However, it completely reversed the anxiolytic effect of SK, SS and diazepam. The present results suggest that: (1) long-term treatment with SK develops an anxiolytic effect, (2) SS is the main constituent for the anxiolytic effect of SK, and (3) benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the anxiolytic effect of SK and SS. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Preventive effect of hochu-ekki-to, a Japanese herbal medicine, on bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 6 2007
Shunji TAJIMA
Objective: Pulmonary fibrosis is thought to be closely associated with the T-helper type-2 (Th2) immune response. Recent studies have shown that hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41), a Japanese herbal medicine, may correct the Th1/Th2 imbalance skewed to Th2. The present study was designed to investigate the preventive effect of TJ-41 on the development of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury in mice. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into a group given ordinary feed and another group given the same feed plus TJ-41 mixed in at a dose of 1 g/kg/day. Both groups were maintained on this diet for 8 weeks before and 5 weeks after administration of 2 mg/kg BLM intratracheally. Results: Mortality after BLM-induced lung injury was significantly lower in the TJ-41-treated mice. The hydroxyproline content and fluid content in the lung on day 35 was significantly lower in the TJ-41-treated mice. Histologically, TJ-41 reduced the number of infiltrating cells, thus ameliorating the destruction of the lung architecture, and attenuated the lung fibrosis score. Furthermore, TJ-41 inhibited the expression of the interleukin-5/interferon-, mRNA ratio in the lung on day 7. Conclusions: Treatment with TJ-41 partially prevented experimental lung fibrosis through the correction of the Th1/Th2 imbalance skewed to Th2. [source]