• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.371-379
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• 2012

This study was designed to explore new nutraceutical and cosmetic resources possessing biological activities from the plant kingdom. To fulfill this purpose, we analyzed the anti-oxidative, anti-melanogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities of Zanthoxylum schinifolium extract (ZSE) and its solvent fractions using in vitro assays and cell culture model systems. Three kinds of ZSE treated with methanol, ethanol, and water exhibited potent anti-oxidative activities through DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and inhibited in vitro DOPA oxidation. Furthermore, Z. schinifolium methanol extract (ZSME) inhibited the ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone, which induces melanin contents in B16F10 cells. Its anti-melanogenic activity originates from the inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme activity and melanogenesis related protein expression. Moreover, lipopolysaccharide induced nitric oxide production in the RAW 264.7 cell line was also ameliorated by ZSME treatment in a dose dependent manner. Among the four solvent fractions of ZSME treated with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water, three fractions, except water, showed significant anti-melanogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. Taken together, these results provide important new insights into Z. schinifolium, indicating that it possesses numerous biological activities such as anti-oxidative, anti-melanogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it may well serve as a promising material in the field of nutraceuticals and cosmetics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.7
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• pp.1015-1021
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• 2013

Glycyrrhiza inflata Batal, an important species of licorice, is one of the most widely used medicinal plants for over 4000 years. Glycyrrhiza plant species has been well known for its various therapeutic activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-ulcer. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Glycyrrhiza inflata Batal ethanol extracts (GBE) on adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation. Mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells were treated with sub-cytotoxic doses of GBE, and its effects on adipocyte differentiation were assessed. We found that GBE dose-dependently increased lipid accumulation and also induced the expression of adipocyte markers, such as $PPAR{\gamma}$ and its target genes, aP2, and adiponectin, in C3H10T1/2 cells. Consistently, similar effects of GBE on lipid accumulation were also observed in preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells that further supports the pro-adipogenic activities of GBE. We also investigated the effects of GBE on osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells. As a results, we found that GBE increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase in a dose-dependent manner and also promoted the expression of osteoblast markers, such as ALP and RUNX2, during osteoblast differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. Similar pro-osteogenic effects of GBE were also observed in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. Finally, our data show that a major bioactive compound found in Glycyrrhiza inflata Batal, licochalcone A (LA) but not glycyrrhizic acid (GA), can mediate the pro-adipogenic and pro-osteogenic effects of GBE. Taken together, this study provides data to show the possibility of GBE and its bioactive component LA as putative strategies for type 2 diabetes and bone diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.1025-1031
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• 2013

From a 95% ethanolic extract of H. diffusa, four marker compounds (HD1~HD4) were isolated, which were relatively unique and exist in comparably high contents. The structures of marker compounds were identified as digitolutein (1), 2-hydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone (2), (E/Z)-6-O-p-coumaroyl scandoside methyl ester (4:1 mixture) (3), and (E/Z)-6-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl scandoside methyl ester (4:1 mixture) (4), respectively, on the basis of $^{13}C$ and $^1H$-NMR analyses. The calibration curves of marker compounds showed high linearity, as their correlation coefficient ($R^2$) were in the range of 0.9991~0.9999. In addition, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were $0.03{\sim}0.07{\mu}g/ml$ and $0.099{\sim}0.231{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. The intra-day/inter-day precision and accuracy were 0.23~2.00%/0.25~1.16% and 94.60~108.44%/94.73-110.23%, respectively. The optimal HPLC conditions for the simultaneous quantification of HD1~HD4 were as follows: stationary phase; Merck Chromolith RP-18e ($100{\times}4.6mm$, $5{\mu}m$), column temp.; room temperature, UV detection at 280 nm, flow rate; 2.0 ml/min, injection volume; $10{\mu}l$, mobile phase; start with the mixture of 80% solvent A ($H_2O$ containing 0.5% acetic acid) and 20% solvent B (methanol containing 0.5% acetic acid) and gradually decrease solvent A to 40% in 9 min., then retain this condition to 18 min. Under the HPLC condition, the four marker compounds 1~4 were successfully separated without any interference of other constituents. The results obtained in this study are expected to be helpful for the development of nutraceutics and natural medicines and for the quality control of this plant.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.103-110
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• 2003

Stable production of fermented kanjang containing 1.8% (v/v) ethanol was obtained within four days using traditional kanjang containing 4% added glucose in packed-bed bioreactor systems filled with immobilized Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Candida versatilis on porous alumina ceramic bead carrier at $28{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$ and aeration rate of 0.05 vvm. Specific rates of alcohol production for Z. rouxii and C. versatilis were 0.0033 and 0.0031/day, respectively, and those of glucose consumption were both -0.0087/day in the batch type of alcoholic fermentation. In semi-continuous alcoholic fermentation at a dilution rate of 0.25/day, specific rates of alcohol production for Z. rouxii and C. versatilis were 0.0045 and 0.0029/day, and those of glucose consumption were -0.01 and -0.008/day, respectively, using identical bioreactor system. Similar specific rates of alcohol production were observed both in the batch or semi-continuous process and in the continuous one at the dilution rate of 0.25/day. Sensory characteristics of all alcoholic-fermented kanjang by Z. rouxii, C. versatilis, and a mixture of both yeasts (2:1, w/w) were shown to be significantly superior to those of home-made kanjang as revealed through organoleptic evaluation tests (p<0.05).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.663-672
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• 2016

The Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson is an annual plant distributed in China and Korea. The fruit of C. monnieri is used as a medicinal herb that is effective for the treatment of carbuncle and pain in female genitalia. However, the anti-cancer effects of CME have not yet been reported. In this study, we assessed the apoptotic effects and cell cycle arrest effects of ethanol extracts from C. monnieri on HCT116 colon cancer cells. The results of an MTT assay and LDH assay demonstrated a decrease in cell viability and the cytotoxic effects of CME. In addition, the number of apoptotic body and the apoptotic rate were increased in a dose-dependent manner through Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-PI double staining. In addition, cell cycle arrest occurred at the G1 phase by CME. Protein kinase B (Akt) plays an important role in cancer cell survival, growth, and division. Akt down-regulates apoptosis-mediated proteins, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p53, and Glycogen Synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). CME could regulate the expression levels of p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-GSK-3β, Bcl-2 family members, caspase-3, and PARP. Furthermore, treatment with CME, LY294002 (PI3K/Akt inhibitor), BIO (GSK-3β inhibitor), and Rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) showed that apoptotic effects occurred through the regulation of the AKT/mTOR/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated CME could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT116 colon cancer cells.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.58-66
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• 2014

In the course of study for a use for non-edible parts of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L), and the development of processed food utilizing these parts, edible floret and non-edible stalk were extracted with ethanol and different organic solvent fractions were prepared. With 10 different extracts and fractions, their useful components and various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-proliferation activity, were investigated. The stalk has more abundant water soluble carbohydrate when compared with the floret, and floret has higher hexane-soluble pigments. Analysis of total flavonoid and total polyphenol contents showed that the floret has 1.5~1.99 times higher concentrations than the stalk. Among the fractions, ethylacetate (EA) fractions have the highest amount of total flavonoid and total polyphenol. The stalk and floret possessed 9.45 and 42.01 mg-total flavonoid/g, respectively. In the antioxidation activity assay, the EA fraction of floret showed strong radical scavenging activity and reducing power, while the n-hexane fraction of the stalk exhibited nitrite scavenging activity. In the antimicrobial activity assay, the EA fraction of floret showed a strong and broad-range of antibacterial activity, irrespective of gram positive or gram negative bacteria. In a while, the hexane and EA fractions revealed anti-proliferative effects against the human colorectal cancer cell HCT-116. Strong anti-proliferative activities were found in the hexane fraction of stalk (18.4% of cell viability), and the n-butanol fraction of floret (6.9% of cell viability). Our results suggest that the further study of the characterization of active fractions and the identification of active components from different parts of broccoli are needed to develop functional foods or novel plant-derived medicines.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.1278-1284
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• 2000

The study was performed to elucidate the effects of ethylene-absorbent on the quality of 'Fuyu' persimmon fruits in the MA package. Five persimmons were packed in a MA package film (low density polyethylene, 0.055 mm film thickness), and stored at $-0.5^{\circ}C$ for 60 days. Two persimmons were repacked in a MA package with or without ethylene absorbent $(1\;M\;KMnO_4+zeolite)$ and stored at $-0.5^{\circ}C$. Ten days later, these packages was moved to $2^{\circ}C$ or $25^{\circ}C$ storage room to examine the effect of the ethylene-absorbent on the quality of the fruits. Ethylene removal by enclosed ethylene absorbent in MA packaging reduced the rate of fruit respiration at $25^{\circ}C$, so that $O_2$ and $CO_2$ concentration in packing were maintained higher and lower, respectively, compared to control. These effects were not observed, however, in $2^{\circ}C$ post-storage. Fruit firmness and sugar composition were also influenced by ethylene absorbent, showing more delayed flesh softening and higher sucrose concentration in ethylene absorbent treated fruits than control. But ethylene-absorbent treatment lowered glucose and fructose concentration. That shows that ethylene could influence on sugar composition by inhibiting sucrose inversion to glucose and fructose. The production of ethanol and acetaldehyde was reduced by ethylene removal, but the effect was not so high as other quality indices.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.674-678
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• 2010

A new sweetpotato variety, 'Daeyumi', was developed by Bioenergy Crop Research Center, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA in 2008. This variety was obtained from the cross between 'Jinhongmi' and 'Xusju 18' in 2000. The seedling and line selections were performed from 2001 to 2003, preliminary and advanced yield trials were carried out from 2004 to 2005, and the regional yield trials were conducted at six locations from 2006 to 2008. 'Daeyumi' has cordate leaf, green vine and petiole, elliptic storage root, red skin and yellow flesh color of storage root. This variety is also resistant to Fusarium wilt and nematode. The starch value was 25.9%, ethanol yield was 418 L/Ton, which was 7% higher than that of 'Yulmi' variety, and the total sugar content was 2.47 g/100g, dry weight. 'Daeyumi's initial temperature of starch gelatinization was lower, 76.2$^{\circ}C$, and the retrogradation process was earlier than 'Yulmi'. The average yield of storage root was 27.8 ton/ha in the regional yield trials, which was 36% higher than that of 'Yulmi' variety. Number of storage roots over 50 gram per plant was 3.0, and the average weight of one storage root was 152 gram. This variety can be used for the production of bioethanol and starch processing.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.661-676
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• 2018

Veronica persica (V. persica) is a perennial plant that is broadly distributed in Europe, Asia and so on. V. persica is used for pain about the lower abdomen and low back. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of V. persica ethanol extract in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate the anti-oxidant activity, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and reducing power activity were carried out. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity were evaluated as 72.0% and 73.0% at the concentrations of 200 and $500{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of V. persica extracts were measured as 65.22 mg/g and 43.82 mg/g at the concentration of 1 mg/mL. The reducing power activity measurement showed 53.0% activity at 1 mg/mL. The anti-inflammatory effects of the V. persica extract were evaluated in LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells. In the evaluation of cell viability by proliferation ＆ cytotoxicity assay kit, the cytotoxicity of the extract was not confirmed at $0{\sim}800{\mu}g/mL$ concentration. And the V. persica significantly inhibited NO production in a concentration dependent manner. The inhibition effects of NO in cell medium of V. persica was over 80% at $800{\mu}g/mL$. The V. persica also suppressed the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and phosphorylation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and $IkB-{\alpha}$ proteins. These results indicate that the V. persica has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways and can be used as natural functional materials.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.199-208
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• 2021

Euonymus porphyreus, a species of plant in the Celastraceae family, is widely distributed in East Asia, especially in Southern China. The botanical characteristics of E. porphyreus have been reported, but its antioxidative and anticancer activities remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidative and anticancer effects of ethanol extracts of E. porphyreus (EEEP) and the molecular mechanism of its anticancer activity in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The total polyphenol and flavonoid compound contents from EEEP were 115.42 mg/g and 23.07 mg/g, respectively. EEEP showed significant antioxidative effects with a concentration at 50% of the inhibition (IC50) value of 11.09 ㎍/ml, as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. EEEP showed cytotoxic activity by increasing the SubG1 cell population of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis in A549 cells treated with EEEP was evident due to increased apoptotic cells and apoptotic bodies, as detected by Annexin V and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, respectively. EEEP-induced apoptosis resulted in increased expression of the First apoptosis signal (Fas), p53, and Bax, with decreased expression of Bcl-2 and subsequent activation of caspase-8, -9, and caspase-3, leading to cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Collectively, these results suggest that EEEP may exert an anticancer effect by inducing apoptosis in A549 cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.