Comparative Study of 12 Herbal Formulae Covered by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea

Abstract

Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra pars compacta. PD is known to be linked with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. In this study, anti-cytotoxic and anti-oxidative effect of 12 herbal formulae were compared. Methods : According to experts' advice, 12 types of herbal formulae (Gamisoyosan, Galgeuntang, Galgeunhaegitang, Banhabaekchoolcheonmatang, Bojungikgitang, Boheotang, Sihogyejitang, Sihosogantang, Sihocheonggantang, Ojeoksan, Cheongsanggyeontongtang and Palmultang) were selected from 56 types of herbal formulae covered by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. To detect anti-oxidative effect, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was performed, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to detect anti-cytotoxic effect of 12 herbal formulae using SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Results : In DPPH assay, anti-oxidant activity was increased in a dose-dependent manner and half maximal inhibitory concentration was highest in the order of Galgeuntang,