Pharmacological studies of katsumeisan, a crude drug containing : Cervi parvum cornu, Ginseng radix rubra, Lyciifructus and Cuscutae semen

Objectives Katsumeisan is a novel crude drug for a nutrient and tonic which is containing Cervi parvum cornu (velvet horn), Ginseng radix rubra (red ginseng), Lycii fructus and Cuscutae semen. To establish its pharmacological profile, several tests using rats and mice were conducted. Methods Reduction of a stable radical DPPH, lipid peroxidation of human low-density lipoprotein by Cu 2+ , and aldose reductase activity of porcine lens were studied in vitro. Effects on several organ injury model rats induced in vivo by administration of ethionine, lipopolysaccharide, gentamycin, doxorubicin or cyproheptadine, effects on UV-B radiated rats, and effect on KK-A y mice, a model animal of type II diabetes were studied. Results Katsumeisan showed anti-oxidative effect and inhibited lens aldose reductase activity. Oral administration of Katsumeisan showed organ protective effects in any animals of liver, kidney, heart, or lens injury model with suppression of changing levels of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione in organs, and ameliorated glucose tolerance in cyproheptadine-treated rats. This drug also suppressed rising of blood and urine glucose, urine protein and plasma insulin in KK-A y mice. Conclusions Katsumeisan have organ protective effect and anti diabetic effect in several model animals. An anti-oxidative effect of this drug may partially involve in effects on these model animals.