PurposeAtherosclerosis is characterized by the progressive deposition of lipids and inflammatory process. We attempted to develop a chemically-induced hyperlipidemic mice model, using poloxamer-407 and evaluated the lipid lowering and anti-inflammatory effect of P. notoginseng compared with that of atorvastatin, an antihyperlipidemic drug.Materials and MethodsMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group without any intervention (normal), poloxamer 500 mg/kg i.p. (P), poloxamer plus atorvastatin 1.34 mg/kg p.o. (P + ST), poloxamer plus P. notoginseng 40 mg/kg p.o. (P + NG40), and poloxamer plus P. notoginseng 100 mg/kg p.o. (P + NG100). After 3 weeks, we measured serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride, interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, and reports of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 & intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) appearances in each group.ResultsAfter 3 weeks, serum cholesterol levels significantly decreased in P + ST and P + NG40 groups. Significant decrease of LDL level was only noted in the P + ST group. P + ST, P + NG40, and P + NG100 also had decreased serum triglyceride levels; however, P + ST and P + NG40 showed no statistical difference of the triglyceride lowering effect. The results of IL-1 and TNF-α and the appearance of COX-2 and ICAM were statistically not different in each group.ConclusionsP. notoginseng 40 mg/kg showed significantly lowering effects on serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. We suggest a well-designed study showing the effects of regulating blood lipids with combined administration of P. notoginseng and statin-drug.

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Objectives : The aim of this study was to review the effect of herbal medicine on hair growth in animal models reported in Korean domestic journals. Methods : Korean core databases were searched with terms alopecia and hair, and animal study reports on hair growth with herbal medicine were reviewed. Animal model, intervention, and hair growth measure data were extracted. Results : A total of 28 reports were reviewed. C57BL/6 mice with depilation was the most frequent animal models used. Polygoni multiflori radix, Cnidii rhizoma and Biotae Folium were frequently used herbal medicine. Positive effects were reported. Conclusions : Herbal medicines may be promising resource for pharmacopuncture materials for positive effects on hair growth.

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