Effects of Yukmigeehwang-hwan Extracts on the Elastase Activity and DPPH and NO Scavenging Activities Original Articles

Lee, Se-Na; Kim, Myung-Gyou; Kim, Myoung-Hee; Kim, Hyung-Jun; Jo, Hak-Jun; Leem, Kang-Hyun

Keywords: Yukmigeehwang-hwan; Liuweidihuang-wan; elastase; DPPH; NO

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2011.14.1.061

Objectives : Elastic fibers are found in the skin, lungs, arteries, veins and other structures. Elastases destroy the elastic fibers and cause the emphysema and pulmonary hypertension. Oxidative stress is needed for these pathologic changes. Accordingly, present study was designed to investigate the effect of Yukmigeehwang-hwan extracts (YHE) on elastase activity and anti-oxidative effects of YHE. Methods : The inhibitory effects on elastase and DPPH and NO free radical scavenging activities of YHE were measured. Results : The elastase activity was significantly inhibited by YHE. YHE significantly scavenged DPPH and NO free radicals as well. Conclusion : YHE showed the elastase-inhibiting effects and anti-oxidative activities in vitro. These results suggest that YHE may have potential roles in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary hypertension.