Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Yukmijihwangtang and Individual Drug Substances Based on the Extraction Methods

Objectives: This study was performed to develop therapeutic prescription that is more significant than existing ones through extraction method and formulation changes. Methods: Yukmijihwangtang(YMJHT) was extracted in 80% ethanol, and their relative anti-oxidant activities as well as anti-inflammatory effects through immune modulation were measured. Results: Both water and ethanol extracted YMJHT showed does-dependent DPPH elimination activities. ROS inhibition activity was greater in water extracted YMJHT except for Moutan Cortex. NO inhibition assay results indicated that all groups showed higher NO inhibition activities in RAW 264.7 cells in dose dependent manner. Water extracted group showed higher NO inhibition activity than that of ethanol extracted group. TNF- secretion inhibition assay using RAW 264.7 cells, water extracted YMJHT showed higher activity than ethanol extracts. Growth rate of spleen cells was greater in all tested groups, with higher rate in YMJHT-EtOH than YMJHT-DW. Suppression of gene expression of IFN-r in spleen cells stimulated by Con A was higher in YMJHT-EtOH than YMJHT-DW. Suppression of gene expression of IL-10 in spleen cells stimulated by Con A was highest in YMJHT-DW with 40%. Suppression of gene expression of IL-4 in spleen cells stimulated by Con A were significant with 90% or higher in all groups and that of IL-12p35 were also higher than 90% in all cases. Conclusions: From the results, it shows that YMJHT has anti-inflammatory effects through immune modulation. However, the difference between YMJHT-EtOH and YMJHT-DW was not that significant. Further studies are needed to find out effective extraction methods of herbal medicine.