title: Comparison of the Spasmolytic Effects of Jakyak-Gamcho Decoctions Derived via Different Extractants.
abstract: Aim. To investigate whether differences in the amounts of effective index components in Jakyak-Gamcho decoctions derived via extraction with either water or ethanol were associated with differential spasmolytic effectiveness. Methods. The amounts of effective index components (paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, glycyrrhizin, and isoliquiritin) contained in water-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction and 70% ethanol-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction were compared by high-performance liquid chromatography. Muscle cramp reduction rates were compared between the two decoctions by comparing the degrees of muscle contraction, measured as the tension developed during electrical stimulation, before and 1 and 2 h after injection in rats. Results. The relative amounts of effective index components were, on average, about 43% higher in the 70% ethanol-extracted decoction than in the water-extracted decoction. Two hours after injection, 0.25 g/kg of 70% ethanol-extracted decoction produced a significantly greater spasmolytic effect than 0.25 g/kg of water-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction or distilled water (both p < 0.05). Conclusion. Differences in the amounts of effective index components resulting from the use of different extractants were associated with differences in spasmolytic effectiveness. Hence, it may be worthwhile to investigate alternative extraction methods in terms of extraction efficiency and in vivo effectiveness for various herbal medicines in the future.
authors.affiliation: Korean Medical College, Dongshin University, Naju 520-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Dongwook
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kwak
authors.affiliation: Korean Medical College, Dongshin University, Naju 520-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Changwoo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Korean Medical College, Dongshin University, Naju 520-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Inseong
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.affiliation: Mibyeong Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 305-811, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: JaeChul
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Acupoint and Meridian, Korean Medical College, Dongshin University, Naju 520-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Donghee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Acupoint and Meridian, Korean Medical College, Dongshin University, Naju 520-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Changsu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Na