• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.108-115
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• 2015

Objectives : Acupuncture is frequently used as an alternative therapy for Parkinson's disease(PD) in Korea. Using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse model, the present study investigated a possible role of acupuncture stimulation at GB34 in suppressing dopaminergic neuronal death and regulating the phosphorylation of protein kinase B(Akt) in substantia nigra(SN) and striatum(ST). Methods : Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were administered intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg of MPTP at 24-h intervals for 5 days. Acupuncture stimulation at GB34 or SI3 was performed once a day for 12 days consecutively from the first MPTP injection. After the last acupuncture stimulation, pole test was performed to assess the effect of the acupuncture stimulations. Dopaminergic neuronal survival in the SN and the ST, dopamine transporter( DAT) and caspase-3 expression in the ST were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The phosphorylations of Akt in the SN and the ST were measured by Western blotting. Results : MPTP administration caused behavioral impairment and dopaminergic neuronal death in the SN and the ST. It also decreased DAT expression and increased caspase-3 expression in the ST. Acupuncture stimulation at GB34 alleviated these MPTP-induced impairments. Moreover, MPTP suppressed Akt phosphorylation in the SN and the ST, whereas acupuncture stimulation at GB34 alleviated the phosphorylation in the SN. Conclusions : These results indicate that acupuncture stimulation at GB34 can inhibit MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death and alleviate the Akt phosphorylation in the SN, suggesting a possible role for acupuncture in the treatment of PD.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.295-303
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• 2003

The tidal flat area of south and west coast consists of 2.4% of total land area of Korea. About 83% of tidal flat is located at the west coast, and the remaining tidal flat is located at the south coast. This tidal flat is also divided for administrative regions which are Gyeonggi Province(35.1%), Chungnam Province(12.7%) Jeonbuk Province(4.7%), Jeonnam Province(44.0%) and Gyeongnam Province(3.5%). The tidal flat of west coast of Korea is one of the most important stopover site for shorebirds on the East Asia-Australia Flyway. The tidal flat is used for feeding and resting place by migratory shorebirds. Generally, waterbirds including migratory shorebirds are considered as key species to show the superiority of wetland. By the criteria of Lamsar Convention in the basis of waterbird, at least 14 coastal wetlands in Korea have to be internationally important wetlands. The factors to affect the distribution of shorebirds at the certain tidal flat are closely related with 1) the distribution of benthic invertebrates, potential prey of shorebirds 2) the availability of roosting site 3) the size of tidal flat 4) the intensity of human disturbance. In this paper, we summarized the regional status of tidal flat of Korea and its conservation methods related with migratory waterbirds.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.170-187
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to provide a basic datd for establishing a basic park management plan for Bulamsan Urban Nature Park. This research surveys very closely about the present condition of the natural ecosystem based on the examination and analysis of the present condition. This research suggests development and management methods for environment-friendly park by understanding damages on the ecosystem due to overuse, as well as park facilities and their effects on the surrounding environment, using quantative analysis. The three steps: researching the present condition research, ecosystem evaluation, and park management plan were taken in order. The present condition research is based on the general condition, natural environment, and natural ecosystem data. In the ecosystem evaluation, wildlife habitats evaluation, landscape evaluation, and biotope type research which is a materialized form of the plant ecosystem were excuted based on the present condition research data. In the park management plan step, 1) classified ecosystem and landscae preservation zone, ecosystem protection zone and ecosystem restoration zone as ecosystem and landscape preservation plan, 2) plannings for ecosystem, fine landscape preservation, damaged area restoration and recovery plan were established in order to suggest environment-friendly plan,

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.63-68
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• 2015

Objectives : Gastric lesions affect many people around the world and their development are results of the imbalance between destructive and protective factors in the gastric mucosa. Lycium chinense has been widely used as a traditional Korean medicine, it was recently reported that they have potent anti-inflammatory effects in chronic hepatitis models. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Lycium chinense extract (LCE) on HCl-Ethanol induced gastric lesion mice.Methods : The ICR mice were divided randomly into five groups of six animals each. Group A was normal mice, and group B was treated orally with 0.5 ml 150 mM HCl-60% Ethanol. Mice in group C and D were pre-treatment of LCE (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg bodyweight, p.o before HCl/ethanol treatment) and group E was orally administered sucralfate (10 mg/kg).Results : 150mM HCl/60% ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury mice were ameliorated mucosal damage upon histological evaluation by treatment of LCE. Pre-treatment of LCE attenuated reactive oxidative species (ROS) and produces peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) in stomach tissues. As results of stomach protein analyses, LCE effectively reduce inflammatory-related factors such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in gastric lesion mice. In addition, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibitor of phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (p-IκB) were down-regulated in LCE-administrated gastric lesion mice.Conclusions : Our discovery supports that the therapeutic activity of LCE ameliorate the development of gastric lesion via suppressing the oxidative stress and gastric partial inflammation induced by 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.25-36
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• 2020

Objective : Reflux esophagitis is a disease caused by the reflux of gastric acid and inflammation due to unstable gastroesophageal sphincter. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of Phellodendri Cortex (PC) on chronic reflux esophagitis (CRE) in rats. Methods : The anti-oxidant activity of PC was measured by total polyphenol, total flavonoid contents, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-enzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. A CRE was established surgically in SD rats. And then CRE rats were treated with water or PC 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Besides, the anti-oxidant and inflammatory protein levels were evaluated using western blotting. Results : PC reduced esophagus tissues injury. The total polyphenol (36.05 ± 0.25 mg/g) and total flavonoid (72.90 ± 0.61 mg/g) of PC showed a high content. PC strongly reduced radical scavenging activities (DPPH IC₅₀ 43.58 ± 1.54 ㎍/㎖; ABTS IC₅₀ 36.75 ± 0.35 ㎍/㎖). Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) levels in serum, the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) were significantly reduced. In addition, the protein expression of NADPH oxidases related to oxidative stress were significantly reduced in PC compared to CRE control. PC effectively reduced inflammatory factors including, TNF-α, and IL-6 via NF-κBp65 inactivation through the inhibition of p-IκBα and increased anti-oxidant enzyme such as HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2 via Nrf2 activation. Conclusions : Taken together, these results show that PC can alleviate the esophageal mucosal ulcer though the inhibition of NF-κB inflammatory and the enhancement of Nrf2 anti-oxidant pathway.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.224-230
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• 2012

To investigate the effect of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer extract (Ginseol K-b1), on skin functionality, we evaluated skin appearance and properties, such as wrinkle formation, skin moisture content, and skin elasticity in the skin of hairless mice damaged by UV irradiation. In addition, the effect of Ginseol K-b1 on collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts was investigated. Female hairless mice were orally administered Ginseol K-b1 for 10 weeks with UV irradiation. Wrinkle formation in the Ginseol K-b1-treated group was significantly suppressed compared to the UV-irradiated group. Skin properties, including skin moisture content and elasticity, of the Ginseol K-b1-treated group were better than those of the control group. In the human fibroblast cells, Ginseol K-b1 treatment enhanced cell proliferation and significantly stimulated collagen synthesis. These results suggest that Ginseol K-b1 is a potent ingredient with anti-aging effects.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.77-86
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• 2013

The neuroprotective effects of herbal ethanol extract (GP-EX) from Gynostemma pentaphyllum on dopamine neurons in animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD) were investigated. Rats and mice were administered with rotenone (2.5 mg/kg) for 28 days and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 30 mg/kg) for 5 days for the PD models, respectively and the animals were simultaneously treated with GP-EX (30 mg/kg, daily). After preparing the PD models, the animals were also administered with L-DOPA (10 mg/kg) for 14 days with or without GP-EX treatment. Treatment with GP-EX (30 mg/kg) inhibited the rotenone- and MPTP-induced neurotoxic effects in dopamine neurons of rats or mice, which was determined by the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunohistochemical staining survival cells, as well as the levels of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid. GP-EX (30 mg/kg) also showed the protective effects on neurotoxicity which was induced by long-term administration of L-DOPA (10 mg/kg) in rotenone- and MPTP-induced animal model of PD. The used doses of GP-EX (30 mg/kg) did not produce any signs of toxicity, such as weight loss, diarrhea, or vomiting, in rats and mice during the treatment periods. These results suggest that GP-EX has the protective functions against chronic L-DOPA-induced neurotoxic reactions in dopamine neurons of rotenone- and MPTP-induced animal model of PD. Therefore, the natural GP-EX may be beneficial in the prevention of PD progress and L-DOPA-induced neurotoxicity in PD patients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.349-356
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• 2002

In order to observe the bioactivity of ovariectomized rats, nonovariertoized (sham) group, ovariectomized (Ovx) group, ovariectomized ginseng total saponin (GTS)-treated (Ovx+ GTS) group and ovariectomized ginseng water extract (GW)-treated (Ovx+CW) group were made. We measured AST (L-aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (L-alanin aminotransferase) in sera, and MDA (malondialdehyde:lipid peroxidation), SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase, total-glutathione (GSH + GSSG) and GPx (glutathione peroxidase) in liver tissue total homogenates of rat. AST activity of serum in Ovx group was 2.11 times increased, but ALT activity was not changed compared to Sham group. In AST activity, they tend to decrease significantly in each substance such as GTS and GW administered group. Lipidperoxides of each fraction in Ovx group were highly increased compared to Sham group. Extracts of ginseng-treated group markedly inhibited lipid peroxidation by 62% ∼72%. And as the result of the measurements of SOD, catalase, total-glutathione and GPx which are antioxidant enzyme, antioxidant enzymes in Ovx group much lower than in Sham group. But they were significantly increased in each substance such as GTS and GW, administered group. Based on the results, it is supposed that more produced free radicals decreased antioxidant enzyme. And it is also thought that extracts of ginseng can inhibit aging by reducing antioxidant enzyme.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.377-383
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• 1988

This studies have been carried out to develop Korean traditional tea from the effects of Cornus officinalis and Lycium chinense and to study the developed tea on microbiological (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and metaboilsm of experimental animals (Spraque-Duwely male rats 200g). On the microbiological study the yeast growth is increased with the increase of added Cornus officinalis or Lycium chinense and Lycium chinense increased the yeast growth more than Cornus officinalis, especially the synergistic effects are recognized on mixed extract of Lycium chinense and Cornus officinalis. The effects of Cornus officinalis, Lycium chinense or the mixed extract of both extract on liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride were investigated in the case of animal test. The activities of GOT and GPT in serum are increased on control group compared to normal group but Lycium chinense group and group (which is administrated with the mixed extract of both ectract) decreased apparently the activities of GOT and GPT. The contents of Creatinine, BUN and Glucose in serum has no difference between normal and control group when the Cornus officinalis, Lycium chinense or mixed extract of both extracts were injected. Among them Lycium chinense group showed more normal value compared to Cornus officinalis and the mixture of both extract. The protective effect on rat liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride is in order of Lycium chinense. The synergistic effects of the mixed extract on liver damage are proved to be better than Lycium chinense or Cornus officinalis singly.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to investigate the protective effects of ethanolic extract of Acanthopanax koreanum Nakai (AE) against carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver injury in rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups in order to receive the following experimental diets with intraperitoneal injection of $CCl_4$ (2.0 mL/kg body weight, 20% solution 0.65 mL) for eight weeks (n = 8 per group): $CCl_4$ control (CON), $CCl_4$ + AE 1% (AE1), $CCl_4$ + AE 3% (AE3), or $CCl_4$ + acanthoic acid 0.037%, which is equivalent to AE 3% (AA). Results: Highest serum ALT activity and albumin level were observed in the $CCL_4$ control group, but showed a significant decrease by either AE or AA supplementation in a dose-dependent manner (p = 0.0063 and 0.0076, respectively). Both hemotoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's staining indicated remarkable prevention of $CCl_4$-induced liver damage in the AE3 group. $TNF{\alpha}$ and IL-6 production were significantly lowered in the AE treated groups, but not in the AA group (p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0002, respectively). The effects of AE3 were greater than those of AA for inflammation and liver toxicity biomarkers. Conclusion: Taken together, the results suggested that ethanolic extract of Acanthopanax koreanum Nakai provided hepatoprotective effects, leading to the reduction of inflammatory response. In addition, the effect of AE was superior to that of single compound AA.