Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties of Kyeongok-go in ICR mice

CONTEXT: Kyeongok-go (KOG) is a traditional mixed herb preparation consisting of Panax ginseng CA Meyer (Araliaceae), Poria cocos Wolf (Polyporaceae), Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertner) Liboschitz ex Steudel (Orobanchaceae), and honey. Various pharmacological effects of KOG are reported, but the efficacy on respiratory diseases has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties of KOG were examined using animal models of respiratory diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: KOG (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) was orally administered to ICR mice (n = 8) once a day for 11 days. Anti-inflammatory effects of vehicle, xylene, KOG and DEXA (1 mg/kg) were determined by monitoring edoema and redness of treated ears, and measuring the relative and absolute weight of each ear. Expectorant properties of vehicle, KOG and AM (250 mg/kg) were evaluated by observing body surface redness, and the amount of mucous secreted by the trachea. The antitussive potential of vehicle, NH(4)OH, KOG and TB (50 mg/kg) was evaluated by monitoring changes in the number of coughs (for 6 min). RESULTS: KOG (400 mg/kg) treated mice showed 31.29% and 30.72% (p < 0.01) decreases in the relative and absolute weights of each ear relative to xylene control mice, 39.06% increases (p < 0.01) in TLF OD values relative to intact vehicle control mice, and 59.53% decrease (p < 0.01) in coughing compared to NH(4)OH control mice. Dose-dependent changes were observed in all experimental models. CONCLUSIONS: KOG may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of various respiratory diseases, particularly those caused by environmental toxins.