• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.34.2-34.2
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• 2010

Cosmic rays registered by Neutron Monitors on the surface of the Earth are believed to be coming from outer space, and sometimes also from the exotic objects of the Sun. Ground level enhancement (GLE) is the sudden, sharp and short-lived increase in cosmic rays originated from the Sun. Since GLE is the signature in solar cosmic ray intensity, different solar factors erupted from the Sun can be responsible for causing it. In this context, an attempt has been made to determine quantitative relationships of GLEs > 5% with simultaneous solar, interplanetary and geophysical factors from 1997 through 2006 thereby searching the perpetrators which seem to be causing them. The study has revealed that solar flares are stronger ($0.71{\times}10-4$ w/m2) during GLE peaks than the solar flares ($1.10{\times}10-5$ w/m2) during GLE non-peaks and backgrounds. On the average, the solar wind plasma velocity and interplanetary magnetic field are found stronger during the GLE peaks than the GLE non-peaks and backgrounds indicating that the solar flares, in conjunction with interplanetary shocks, sometimes may cause GLE peaks. Direct proportionality of GLE peaks to simultaneous solar energetic particle (SEP) fluxes imply that the GLE peaks may often be caused by SEP fluxes. Although the high intensity of SEP fluxes are also seen extended few minutes even after GLE peaks, the mean (373.62 MeV) of the GLE associated SEP fluxes is much stronger than the mean (10.35 MeV) of the non-GLE associated SEP fluxes. Evidences are also supported by corresponding SEP fluences that the the mean fluence (${\sim}5.32{\times}107/cm2$) across GLE event was more intense than the mean fluence (${\sim}2.53{\times}106/cm2$) of SEP fluxes across non-GLE event.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.198-205
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• 2017

In this study, graviola leaf extracts (GLE) was investigated for the effect of antioxidant, antibacterial, whitening, anti-wrinkle. The antioxidant effect of GLE was measured by an electron donating ability assay. As a result, GLE increased the electron donating ability in a concentration-dependent manner. The antibacterial effect of GLE was found to show the higher antibacterial effect in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus CCARM3115 compared with that of ampicillin by a paper disc method. The whitening effect of GLE was also measured by tyrosinase inhibition assay, and it was found that the tyrosinase activity of GLE decreased as the concentration increased. The inhibition activity of tyrosinase involved in hydroxylation reaction which is related to converting L-tyrosine to (DOPA) was higher than that of arbutin's at the concentration ranging from 125 to $250{\mu}g/mL$. In addition, GLE reduced melanin contents of B16-F10 melanoma cells in a dose-dependant manner and decreased to about 76.7% at a concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$ Regarding wrinkling formation of GLE, an elastase inhibition assay was performed. As a result, GLE and ursolic acid were 10.5% and 56.5%, respectively under the identical concentration. These results suggest that GLE has significant antioxidant and whitening activities, and also may be potentially used as a therapeutic agent for hyperpigmentation treatment as an ingredient of whitening cosmetics.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.23-33
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• 2014

Objectives: In this study, the author aimed to evaluate the effect of EtOH extract of Ganoderma lucidum (GLE) on osteoblast proliferation in rat fetus calvarial cells. Methods: The osteoblast separated from rat fetus calvariae was cultivated for 6~21 days and evaluated the cell function. After the addition of GLE on the culture medium, we determined the effect of GLE on the cell viability, cell proliferation, bone matrix protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen synthesis and calcified nodule formation of the cultivated osteoblast. Results: GLE did not change the survival rate of rat calvarial osteoblast. GLE increased the proliferation of rat calvarial osteoblast. GLE increased ALP activity of rat calvarial osteoblast. GLE increased bone matrix protein synthesis of rat calvarial osteoblast. GLE increased collagen synthesis of rat calvarial osteoblast. GLE slightly affected calcified nodule formation of rat calvarial osteoblast. Conclusions: This study suggests that Ganoderma lucidum might improve the osteoporosis resulted from augmentation of osteoblast proliferation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.139-144
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• 2003

Ganoderma lucidum is commonly known as medically potent mushroom, which has been widely used in China and other oriental countries for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. In this report, we investigated the anti-oxidant and protective effect of Ganodema lucidum extract (GLE) against the DNA damage induced by free radical and U.V. In the assay of cell growth inhibition, the inhibitory cell growth rate induced by hydroxyl radical was dose-dependently decreased by GLE. This results support that GLE has a detoxifying activity against cytotoxicity of hydroxyl radical in E. coli cell. GLE also protected ColE1 plasmid DNA damage in the concentration of 200$\mu\textrm{g}$ per reaction on the DNA fragmentation assay. The nuclear tailing by hydrogen peroxide in single cell gel electrophoresis(SCGE) was decreased by GLE in the concentration of 50$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml. These data indicate that Ganoderma lucidum has an anti-oxidative activity to hydrogen peroxide. The mutation rate after irradiation of U.V. was reduced by 50$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml GLE and total number of Rif (Rifampicin) resistant mutants was decreased in a concentration dependent manner when added the GLE exogenously in a culture media. According to the results, it is likely that GLE has not only an anti-oxidative activity to hydroxyl radical but also an anti-mutagenic activity to U.V. mutagenesis.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.43-53
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• 2019

The anticancer activity of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extract (GLE) occurs via the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the mechanism behind GLE-induced apoptosis in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the apoptotic effects and mechanism of action of GLE in cultured HepG2 cells. The results showed that GLE induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$). Moreover, GLE increased the expression of apoptotic pathway proteins, such as the cleaved forms of caspase-3, -8, and -9; the translocation of Bax and cytochrome c (cyt-c) from the mitochondria to the cytosol; and the downregulation of Bcl-2. In addition, p53 protein expression was increased upon GLE treatment. These observations indicate that the GLE-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells is mediated by mitochondrial ROS generation, followed by caspase activation and cyt-c release, suggesting that GLE may be a promising candidate for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of liver cancers.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.1764-1772
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• 2020

This study is aimed at determining whether graviola (Annona muricata) beneficially influences immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated allergic reactions in human mast cells (LUVA cells). To examine the anti-allergic effect of graviola leaf extract (GLE), we treated antigen/IgE sensitized mast cells with extracts of various concentrations. In this study, the results of the in vitro model of IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation showed that GLE significantly inhibited the release of histamine, β-hexosaminidase, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-6 in LUVA cells. Pretreatment with GLE suppressed the phosphorylation of antigen-induced Lyn and Syk, thus suppressing the downstream MAPKs pathways. The above results indicate GLE could suppress mast cell activation and allergic responses. Accordingly, it can be supported that GLE has the potential to be used as functional cosmetic material.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.369-375
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• 2010

This study evaluated the protective effects of ginseng leaf extract (GLE) against high fat-diet-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, and explored the potential mechanism underlying these effects in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, high fat diet control (HFD), GLE-treated at 250 mg/kg, and GLE-treated at 500 mg/kg. To induce hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic states, mice were fed a high fat diet for 6 weeks and then administered GLE once daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment, we examined the effects of GLE on plasma glucose, lipid levels, and the expression of genes related to lipogenesis, lipolysis, and gluconeogenesis. Both GLE groups lowered levels of plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acids when compared to those in HFD group. Histological analysis revealed significantly fewer lipid droplets in the livers of GLE-treated mice compared with HFD mice. To elucidate the mechanism, Western blots and RT-PCR were performed using liver tissue. Compared with HFD mice, GLE-treated mice showed higher levels of phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its substrate, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, but no differences in the expression of lipogenic genes such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1a, fatty acid synthase, sterol-CoA desaturase 1 and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. However, the expression levels of lipolysis and fatty acid uptake genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-$\alpha$ and CD36 were increased. In addition, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression was decreased. These results suggest that GLE ameliorates hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and stimulating lipolysis, respectively, via AMPK activation.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.183-193
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• 2020

Recently, as a natural substance has been emphasized interest in research to enhance the immune function. Green lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular vegetable used fresh and it contains various phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds, and has been reported to have various physiological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor and anti-mutagenic. However, only a few studies have investigated on the mechanism of action of immune-enhancing activity of lettuce. Therefore, in this study, the immunomodulatory activities and potential mechanism of action of Green lettuce extracts (GLE) were evaluated in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. GLE significantly increased NO levels by RAW264.7 cells, as well as expressions of immunomodulators such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and MCP-1. Although GLE activated ERK1/2, p38, JNK and NF-κB, GLE-mediated expressions of immunomodulators was dependent on p38, JNK and NF-κB. In addition, TLR4 inhibition blocked GLE-mediated expressions of immunomodulators and activation of p38, JNK and NF-κB. Taken together, these results demonstrated that TLR4-MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathways participated in GLE-induced macrophage activation and GLE could be developed as a potential immunomodulating functional food.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.72-87
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• 2014

Objectives This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) and microneedle therapy system (MTS) on hair growth in an alopecia model of C57BL/6N mice. Methods Five-week old mice were depilated and separated in 4 groups ; CON (50% EtOH), MXD (5% Minoxidil), MTS and GLE + MTS. The treatments were applied twice a week for 3 weeks. The hair growth was determined photographically, the hair density, thickness and length were identified by Folliscope and the weights of body and organs were measured. In dorsal skin tissue, the expression of hair growth-related gene and protein was analyzed by RT - PCR or Western blot. In addition, the hair follicles in the dermis were observed by H&E staining. Results The promotion of hair growth was observed in GLE + MTS and MTS compared to CON. The hair density, thickness and length were also improved in GLE + MTS and MTS compared to CON. The mRNA expression of TGF-${\alpha}$, TGF-${\beta}1$, IGF-1, PRL and PL and the protein expression of VEGF and IGF-1 were increased in GLE + MTS and MTS compared to CON. The hair follicles and hair root growth were improved in GLE + MTS and MTS compared to CON. In the above results, GLE + MTS were more effective than MTS. Conclusions These results suggest that GLE and MTS has a hair growth activity and can be useful for the treatment of alopecia.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.568-578
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Psidium guajava L. (guava) leaves have been shown to exhibit hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects in rodents. This study investigated the effects of guava leaf extract on adipogenesis, glucose uptake, and lipolysis of adipocytes to examine whether the antidiabetic properties are mediated through direct effects on adipocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were treated with 25, 50, 100 ㎍/mL of methanol extract from guava leaf extract (GLE) or 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide as a control. Lipid accumulation was evaluated with Oil Red O Staining and AdipoRed assay. Immunoblotting was performed to measure the expression of adipogenic transcription factors, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Glucose uptake under basal or insulin-stimulated condition was measured using a glucose analog 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Lipolysis from fully differentiated adipocytes was measured by free fatty acids release into the culture medium in the presence or absence of epinephrine. RESULTS: Oil Red O staining and AdipoRed assay have shown that GLE treatment reduced lipid accumulation during adipocyte differentiation. Mitotic clonal expansion, an early essential event for adipocyte differentiation, was inhibited by GLE treatment. GLE inhibited the expression of transcription factors involved in adipocyte differentiation, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor 𝛄 (PPAR𝛄), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). FAS expression was also decreased while the phosphorylation of AMPK was increased by GLE treatment. In addition, GLE increased insulin-induced glucose uptake into adipocytes. In lipid-filled mature adipocytes, GLE enhanced epinephrine-induced lipolysis but reduced basal lipolysis dose-dependently. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that GLE inhibits adipogenesis and improves adipocyte function by reducing basal lipolysis and increasing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes, which can be partly associated with antidiabetic effects of guava leaves.