• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.281-287
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• 2021

In this study, we analyzed the cosmetic applicability of extract from snow tea, native to Lijiang, Yunnan-province, China. After confirming the species as N. grossedentata through DNA analysis of Lijiang snow tea, experiments were conducted using representative tea, green tea, and a representative control group for each efficacy analysis. Both teas were extracted using 70% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solution. The polyphenol content in the Lijiang snow tea extract (gallic acid equivalent, 23.9 ± 3.2 mg/mL) was higher than that in green tea extract (16.4 ± 2.3 mg/mL). In contrast, the antioxidant (Radical scavenging, IC₅₀ 104 ㎍/mL), tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory (whitening agent, IC₅₀ 40.7 ㎍/mL), and Escherichia coli growth inhibitory (preservative) activities (IC₅₀ 2.85 mg/mL) were analyzed based on the solid content in the extract, and it was confirmed that the activities of Lijiang snow tea extract were superior to those of green tea extract (radical scavenging, IC₅₀ 234 ㎍/mL. It also showed similar efficacy to previously used active substances such as antioxidants (vitamin C, IC₅₀ 108 ㎍/mL), whitening agents (vitamin C, IC₅₀ 80㎍/mL), and preservatives (methylparaben, IC₅₀ 4.35 mg/mL). However, green tea was found to be better in collagenase inhibition activity (anti-wrinkle). Through this study, the cosmetic application potential of Lijiang snow tea is high.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.238-244
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• 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim pharmacopuncture on disuse muscle atrophy in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats. Methods: Thirty male 250 g Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed randomly into 3 groups. The left hindlimb immobilization was performed with casting tape for 2 weeks, and no treatment was given to the right hindlimb. Rats received pharmacopuncture and were injected daily on the BL57 with either 2 mL of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim aqueous extract (ZM-W group), 1 mL pharmacopuncture of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim ethanol extract (ZM-E group), or 2 mL normal saline (control group). After 2 weeks of immobilization, the weight of the whole gastrocnemius muscle was measured, and the morphology of both the left and the right gastrocnemius muscles were assessed by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. To investigate the immobilization-induced muscular apoptosis, the immunohistochemical analysis of BAX and Bcl-2 was carried out. Results: ZM-W and ZM-E significantly inhibited the reduction in weight of the left gastrocnemius muscle, the reduction in the left myofibrils, and the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius, as compared with the control. Moreover, the ZM-W and ZM-E groups showed significantly reduced immunoreactivity for BAX, and increased immunoreactivity of Bcl-2 in left gastrocnemius muscle compared with the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim pharmacopuncture has protective effects against immobilization-induced muscle atrophy by regulating the activity of apoptosis-associated BAX / Bcl-2 proteins in the gastrocnemius muscle.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Male hypogonadism is a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone and significantly impacts health. Age, obesity, genetics, and oxidative stress are some physiological factors that may contribute to testosterone deficiency. Previous studies have shown many pharmacological benefits of Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) Baillon as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, the molecular mechanism of attenuating hypogonadism is yet to be well established. This research was undertaken to study the effects of S. chinensis extract (SCE) on testosterone deficiency. MATERIALS/METHODS: S. chinensis fruit was pulverized and extracted using 60% aqueous ethanol. HPLC analysis was performed to analyze and quantify the lignans of the SCE. RESULTS: The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging assays confirmed that the SCE and its major lignans (schisandrol A and gomisin N) inhibit oxidative stress. Effects of SCE analysis on the testosterone level under oxidative stress conditions revealed that both schisandrol A and gomisin N were able to recover the lowered testosterone levels. Through mRNA expression of TM3 Leydig cell, we observed that the SCE lignans were able to induce the enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis-related genes such as 3β-HSD4 (P < 0.01 for SCE, and P < 0.001 for schisandrol A and gomisin N), 17β-HSD3 (P < 0.001 for SCE, schisandrol A and gomisin N), and 17, 20-desmolase (P < 0.01 for schisandrol A, and P < 0.001 for SCE and gomisin N). CONCLUSIONS: These results support that SCE and its active components could be potential therapeutic agents for regulating and increasing testosterone production.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.417-424
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• 2024

Background: This research main objective was to evaluate a proliposomes (PLs) formulation for the enhancement of oral bioavailability of ginsenosides, using ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) as a marker. Methods: A novel PLs formulation was prepared using a modified evaporation-on-matrix method. Soy phosphatidylcholine, Rg3-enriched extract, poloxamer 188 (Lutrol® F 68) and sorbitol were mixed and dissolved using a aqueous ethanolic solution, followed by the removal of ethanol and lyophilization. The characterization of Rg3-PLs formulations was performed by powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and in vitro release. The enhancement of oral bioavailability was investigated and analyzed by noncompartmental parameters after oral administration of the formulations. Results: PXRD of Rg3-PLs indicated that Rg3 was transformed from crystalline into its amorphous form during the preparation process. The Rg3-encapsulated liposomes with vesicular-shaped morphology were generated after the reconstitution by gentle hand-shaking in water; they had a mean diameter of approximately 350 nm, a negative zeta potential (- 28.6 mV) and a high entrapment efficiency (97.3%). The results of the in vitro release study exhibited that significantly more amount of Rg3 was released from the PLs formulation in comparison with that from the suspension of Rg3-enriched extract (control group). The pharmacokinetic parameters after oral administration of PLs formulation in rats showed an approximately 11.8-fold increase in the bioavailability of Rg3, compared to that of the control group. Conclusion: The developed PLs formulation could be a favorable delivery system to improve the oral bioavailability of ginsenosides, including Rg3.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.281-288
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• 2010

In this study, we investigated anti-oxidative effects of Duchesnea indica extracts by using Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The extracts were prepared with 0 %, 30 %, 50 %, 70 % and 100 % aqueous ethanol respectively. The 30 % EtOH D. indica extract showed higher ORAC activity than the other extracts. Therefore, we performed in vitro studies on cytotoxicity of NIH-3T3 cells and MMP-8 collagenase inhibition using by the 30 % EtOH extract. The 30 % EtOH extract showed no cytotoxicity and significant inhibition on MMP-8 collagenase. And we performed clinical studies for the anti-wrinkle effect of the Di-Wrinkle Free Cream. The cream formula was prepared with 2 % arbutin and 1 % D. indica extract. Twenty one healthy women volunteers, ages of 35 and 50, applied the cream on their faces twice a day for 8 weeks. The skin was evaluated with PRIMOS (phaseshift rapid in vivo measuring of human skin) system and analyzed by the student's paired t-test. The wrinkles on the eye region were reduced by 13 % based on the PRIMOS system after 8 weeks. In the safety study of the Di-Wrinkle Free Cream, no symptoms were observed such as erythema, edema, scaling, itching, stinging, burning, tightness and prickling by visual observation and medical examination of volunteers for 8 weeks. Moreover, there was no noticeable skin disorder during experience period. These results suggested that D. indica extracts could be applied as cosmeceuticals effective for anti-wrinkle.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 1997

Using a bioassay for tuber enlargement activity, which was carried out with culture of microtuber of nodal stem segments in vitro, the endogenous substances was detected from leaves of yam(Diosorea alata L., cv. Solo Yam) treated under the short and the long day length condition. Tuber enlargement activity was found in both the aqueous and ethyl acetate phase of extract obtained from leaves of yams. Those activity was found in both the aqueous and ethyl acetate phase of extract obtained from leaves of yams. Those activities increased under the short day length, whereas not increased under the long day length. Guided by bioassay, the active substances in the ethyl acetate phase were purified by charcoal adsorption chromatography. The result obtained indicated that the 40% ethanol fraction contained the most prominent tuber enlargement activity. In seasonal changes of the leaves, tuber enlargement activity remained almost constant during summer(June-August), but after. the middle of September, the activity increased gradually and then reached a maximum in early October. Jasmonic acid (JA) was isolated with the guidance of microtuber test and identified by gas chromatography. The level of endogenous JA in the leaves of plants was more than $290{\mu}g/kg$ at the 10 hr day length. These results seem evidences for the occurrence of the tuber enlargement activity which is formed in leaves under the short days and transmitted to under ground part to induce growth and enlargement of tuber.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.11
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• pp.1634-1639
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to determine the possibility of using Kalopanax pictus leaf as natural health food source. The contents of proximate and antioxidative nutrients of Kalopanax pictus leaf were measured. The contents of carbohydrate, crude protein, crude lipid and ash were 41.42%, 45.23%, 3.29% and 10.07%, respectively. The calories of Kalopanax pictus leaf was 401.52 kcal/100 g and total dietary fiber was 30.37%. The percentages of water soluble dietary fiber to insoluble dietary fiber were 9.16% and 21.21%, respectively. The protein contained a total of 18 different kinds of amino acids. The contents of essential and non-essential amino acids were 10.51 g/100 g and 17.69 g/100 g. The K was the largest mineral followed by P, Ca, and Mg, which means Kalopanax pictus leaf is alkali material. The contents of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 1.56 g/100 g, 0.11 g/100 g and 1.84 g/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of 70% ethanol extract and fractions of the Kalopanax pictus leaf has been determined by the scavenging of the stable radical DPPH; the result showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active, as the amount required for 50% reduction of DPPH after 30 mins ($RC_{50}$) was $105.7\;{\mu}g$, followed by 70% ethanol extract ($247.3\;{\mu}g$), hexane fraction ($120.7\;{\mu}g$), chloroform ($107.3\;{\mu}g$), butanol fraction ($110.1\;{\mu}g$) and aqueous fraction ($491.9\;{\mu}g$).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.9
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• pp.1139-1144
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• 2009

The purpose of this study is to determine the possibility of using Pueraria flos as natural health food source. To accomplish this purpose, the contents of general and antioxidative nutrients of Pueraria flos a were measured. The contents of carbohydrate, crude protein, crude lipid and ash were 69.2%, 19.9%, 2.2% and 8.9%, respectively, and calories was 340.4 kcal. Total dietary fiber was 85.1% of total carbohydrates. The percentages of water soluble dietary fiber to insoluble dietary fiber were 12.0% and 46.7%, respectively. The protein contained 18 different kinds of amino acids. The contents of essential and non-essential amino acids were 5.0 g and 6.7 g. The Ca was the largest mineral followed by K, Mg, and P, which means Pueraria flos is alkali material. The contents of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 25.37%, 33.61% and 35.68%, respectively. Therefore, the amount of the total unsaturated fatty acid was higher than that of any other plant. The antioxidant activity of 70% ethanol extract and fractions of the Pueraria flos has been determined by the scavenging of the stable radical DPPH; the result showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active, as the amount required for 50% reduction of DPPH after 30 mins ($RC_{50}$) was 109.9 ${\mu}g$, followed by 70% ethanol extract (217.3 ${\mu}g$), hexane fraction (134.5 ${\mu}g$), chloroform (116.7 ${\mu}g$), butanol faction (129.8 ${\mu}g$) and aqueous fraction (473.5 ${\mu}g$).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.274-279
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• 2009

The levels of minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and sugars and antioxidant capacity of Adenophora triphylla (AT) root were investigated. The moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, crude ash and carbohydrate contents of the AT root were $3.4{\pm}0.3,\;9.4{\pm}0.1,\;1.6{\pm}0.1,\;3.7{\pm}0.2$, and $81.9{\pm}0.5$, respectively. Among the minerals present in root, potassium content was the highest. Total amino acid contents were $103.5{\pm}9.1$ mg/g. Palmitic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in AT root. The vitamin E and C levels in AT root were $1.1{\pm}0.1$ and $5.2{\pm}0.5$ mg/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of 70% ethanol extract and fractions of the AT root has been determined by the scavenging of the stable radical DPPH; the result showed that the chloroform fraction was the most active, as the amount required for 50% reduction of DPPH after 30 min ($RC_{50}$) was $103.7{\mu}g$, followed by 70% ethanol extract ($265.4{\mu}g$), hexane fraction ($104.4{\mu}g$), ethyl acetate fraction ($104.4{\mu}g$), butanol fraction ($108.9{\mu}g$) and aqueous fraction ($484.1{\mu}g$).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1111-1119
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• 2019

Prunus mume, known as maesil in Korea, has been widely cultivated in East Asia and used as medication and food. However, because most of the previous studies concerning P. mume had been investigated its under extract state, detailed studies are still required for its extensive utilization. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activities of solvent fractions of P. mume ethanol extracts. The ethyl acetate fraction showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity than other fractions. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of ethyl acetate fraction was 67.79%; ABTS radical scavenging activity was 60.03%; reducing power ($OD_{670}$) was 1.26; and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity was 93.18% at $500{\mu}g/ml$. Also, the ethyl acetate and methanol fraction showed effective levels of ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibition activity (69.25% and 72.29% at $500{\mu}g/ml$). Total polyphenol contents and total flavonoid contents of the ethyl acetate fraction were 88.28 mg/g (gallic acid equivalent) and 70.38 mg/g (quercetin equivalent), respectively. These results suggest that the physiological activities of the ethyl acetate fraction are associated with its polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Therefore, this study can be used as basic data for developing natural antioxidants and potential functional material using P. mume.