Abstract

Background and Aims: Dansamtongmek-tang(DSTMT) and Dansamsengmek-san(DSSMS) has been used for many years as a therapeutic agent for acute stage of cerebrovascular disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia in oriental medicine. But the effect of DSTMT and DSSMS on hyperlipidemia and safety for cell damage is not well-known. This study was done to investigate the effect of DSTMT and DSSMS on hyperlipidemia. Methods: In vivo test, after administering a dose of DSTMT and DSSMS to SHR and ICR occurred hyperlipidemia during 3weeks, we analyzed body weight, the levels of cholesterol, TG, HDL-chol, LDL-chol, LDH in plasma, tissue of brain, liver and kidney, and DNA by RT-PCR. In vitro test, after administering a dose of DSTMT and DSSMS to Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma in hypoxia, we observed cell cohesion by light microscope, analyzed an inflow of Ca2+ by confocal laser scanning microscope and DNA by RT-PCR. Results: Following results were obtained; DSTMT significantly decreased the levels of triglyceride and increased the levels of HDL-cholesterol in SHR. And significantly decreased the levels of LDL-cholesterol, body weight and increased the levels of HDL-cholesterol in ICR. DSSMS significantly decreased body weight, the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, LDH and Cardiac Risk Factor(CRF) in SHR. And significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, LDH and CRF in ICR. DSTMT has an effect on protecting cell from damage by inhibiting production of p53 mRNA, and in DSSMS, by inhibiting production of p53 mRNA and p21 mRNA after hypoxia. DSTMT effectively blocked off Ca2+ in low density, but DSSMS effectively blocked off Ca2+ in high density. DSTMT and DSSMS have an effect on inhibiting lipid metabolism by blocking off production of apo B mRNA. Conclusions: These results suggest that DSTMT and DSSMS might be usefully applied for treatment of hyperlipidemia and suppression of brain damage.