• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 2010

Inflammation is a double-edge sword, functioning as a response against external stimuli, but excessive inflammation can lead to a harmful result. Inflammation is important in the development of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Sohamhyung-tang(SHHT) is one of major herbal prescriptions from "Sanghanron", treating congested heat in thorax. It can be seen as an origin of several prescriptions for Hyungbi(胸痺, thoracic congestion), with its major component Trichosanthes semen. This study was done to determine whether SHHT reduces the production of nitrite, index of NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The results show that SHHT inhibited LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2, and iNOS and COX-2 expression, meaning SHHT has a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Based on these results, we suggest that SHTT can be used for prevention and treatment of diseases which starts from chronic inflammatory reactions.