• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.275-281
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• 2019

Polysaccharides produced in microorganisms and plants are known to increase the immune response in the body. We proposed analysis of beta-glucan contents of phellinus linteus fruit body (FB) and mycelium (MC) cultured in cudrania tricuspidata. Also, we examined whether fruit body and mycelium can increase the immune response in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression animal models. We injected cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) twice to produce immunosuppression mice. Then, FB (200 mg/kg) and MC (200 mg/kg) were oral administered for 14 days. In order to confirm the immune-enhancing effect of FB and MC, we analyzed spleen weight, the number of immune cells, cytokines, and immunoglobulins levels. Cyclophosphamide decreased the weight of spleen, the number of immune cells. However, FB and MC have significantly increased the weight of spleen, the number of white blood cell, lymphocyte and monocyte. In addition, they have significantly increased immune-related cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-${\gamma}$) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) levels. As a results, phellinus linteus fruit body (FB) and mycelium (MC) cultured in cudrania tricuspidata can be used as effective natural materials for immune-enhancing.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.916-922
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• 2011

The antioxidative activity of a medicinal herb mixture combined with traditional natural herbal materials was investigated. The medicinal herb mixture yielded 35.00% water extracts and 25.33% 80% ethanol extracts. The ethyl acetate fraction yields were 0.64% in the water extracts and 3.76% in the 80% ethanol extracts. The total flavonoid contents of the water and 80% ethanol extracts were 2.34 and 2.42%, respectively, and their total phenolic contents were 5.04 and 4.56%. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the ethyl acetate fraction were the highest in the various solvent extracts. The extracts were rich in salicylic and ${\rho}$-coumaric acids. The electron-donating ability of the medicinal herb mixture was 43.32% in the water extracts and 41.32% in the 80% ethanol extracts, and the nitrite-scavenging ability was 9.68% in the water extracts and 8.94% in the 80% ethanol extracts.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.367-376
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The blue honeysuckle berry (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis L.) is a small deciduous shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family that is native to Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. The berry of this shrub is edible, sweet and juicy and is commonly known as the blue honeyberry (BHB). This study examined the anti-diabetic potential of BHB on high-fat-diet-induced mild diabetic mice. The hypoglycemic, and nephroprotective effects of the 12-week oral administration of blue honeyberry extract were analyzed. MATERIALS/METHODS: The hypoglycemic effects were based on the observed changes in insulin, blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Furthermore, the changes in the weight of the pancreas, including its histopathology and immunohistochemical investigation were also performed. Moreover, the nephroprotective effects were analyzed by observing the changes in kidney weight, its histopathology, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine levels. RESULTS: The results showed that the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced control mice showed a noticeable increase in blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, BUN, and creatinine levels. Furthermore, growth was observed in lipid droplet deposition related to the degenerative lesions in the vacuolated renal tubules with the evident enlargement and hyperplasia of the pancreatic islets. In addition, in the endocrine pancreas, there was an increase in the insulin-and glucagon-producing cells, as well as in the insulin/glucagon cell ratios. On the other hand, compared to the HFD-treated mice group, all these diabetic and related complications were ameliorated significantly in a dose-dependent manner after 84 days of the continuous oral administration of BHBe at 400, 200 and 100 mg/kg, and a dramatic resettlement in the hepatic glucose-regulating enzyme activities was observed. CONCLUSIONS: By assessing the key parameters for T2DM, the present study showed that the BHBe could act as a potential herbal agent to cure diabetes (type II) and associated ailments in HFD-induced mice.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.279-285
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl (${\cdot}OH$), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) is reported to induce oxidative stress. ROS generated by oxidative stress can potentially damage glial cells in the nervous system. Cordyceps militaris (CM), a kind of natural herb widely found in East Asia. In this study, we investigated the free radical scavenging activity of the CM extract and its neuroprotective effects in $H_2O_2$-induced C6 glial cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: The ethanol extract of CM ($100-1,000{\mu}g/mL$) was used to measure DPPH, ${\cdot}OH$, and NO radical scavenging activities. In addition, hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced C6 glial cells were treated with CM at $0.5-2.5{\mu}g/mL$ for measurement of cell viability, ROS production, and protein expression resulting from oxidative stress. RESULTS: The CM extract showed high scavenging activities against DPPH, ${\cdot}OH$, and NO radicals at concentration of $1,000{\mu}g/mL$. Treatment of CM with $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress in C6 glial cells significantly increased cell viability, and decreased ROS production. Cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression was down-regulated in CM-treated groups. In addition, the protein expression level of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK), phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK) in $H_2O_2$-induced C6 glial cells was down-regulated upon CM administration. CONCLUSION: CM exhibited radical scavenging activity and protective effect against $H_2O_2$ as indicated by the increased cell viability, decreased ROS production, down-regulation of inflammation-related proteins as well as p-p38, p-JNK, and p-ERK protein levels. Therefore, we suggest that CM could play the protective role from oxidative stress in glial cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.354-360
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• 2019

Ginsenosides, the major active ingredients of ginseng and other plants of the genus Panax, have been used as natural medicines in the East for a long time; in addition, their popularity in the West has increased owing to their various beneficial pharmacological effects. There is therefore a wealth of literature regarding the pharmacological effects of ginsenosides. In contrast, there are few comprehensive studies that investigate their pharmacokinetic behaviors. This is because ginseng contains the complicated mixture of herbal materials as well as thousands of constituents with complex chemical properties, and ginsenosides undergo multiple biotransformation processes after administration. This is a significant issue as pharmacokinetic studies provide crucial data regarding the efficacy and safety of compounds. Moreover, there have been many difficulties in the development of the optimal dosage regimens of ginsenosides and the evaluation of their interactions with other drugs. Therefore, this review details the pharmacokinetic properties and profiles of ginsenosides determined in various animal models administered through different routes of administration. Such information is valuable for designing specialized delivery systems and determining optimal dosing strategies for ginsenosides.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2021

Centella asiatica (CA) has been used as a nutritional plant as well as a traditional herbal medicine around the world. This study, quality component (proximate composition, total polyphenol, and triterpenoid compound), and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of CA dried using various methods were investigated. Proximate compositions of CA with different drying methods included a large amount of carbohydrates, crude protein, crude ash, and crude fiber. Among the drying methods, cold drying provided the highest total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, while hot-air drying at 75℃ provided the lowest total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. In addition, when the major triterpenoid compounds of CA were analyzed, the highest content of asiaticoside of triterpenoid glycoside was obtained with all drying methods. With respect to the total triterpenoid, the highest content was obtained with cold drying (68.8 mg/g) whereas natural drying (31.4 mg/g) provided the lowest content. In anti-inflammatory activity of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, EtOH extract of cold drying showed a significantly higher inhibitory activity in comparison to the other drying methods. In conclusion, it is considered that the cold drying method is suitable for industrial preparation of functional materials with high physiological ingredients, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities from CA.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.1927-1936
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• 2020

Tunicates are known to contain biologically active materials and one species in particular, the sea peach (Halocynthia aurantium), has not been thoroughly studied. In this study we aimed to analyze the fatty acids profile of the H. aurantium body wall and its immunomodulatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells. The fatty acids were classified into three categories: saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega-3 fatty acid content, including EPA and DHA, was higher than omega-6 fatty acids. H. aurantium body wall fatty acids exhibited enhanced immune response and anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells. Under normal conditions, fatty acids significantly increase nitric oxide (NO) and PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner, thereby improving the immune response. On the other hand, in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, fatty acids significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) and PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner, thereby enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. Fatty acids transcriptionally control the expression of the immune-associated genes, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and TNF-α, via the MAPK and NF-κB signaling cascades in RAW264.7 cells. However, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, H. aurantium body wall fatty acids significantly inhibited expression of inflammatory cytokine; similarly, production of COX-2 and PGE2 was inhibited. The results of our present study provide insight into the immune-improving and anti-inflammatory effects of H. aurantium body wall fatty acids on macrophages. In addition, our study demonstrates that H. aurantium body wall is a potential source of immune regulatory components.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.241-250
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• 2021

This investigation assessed the berry quality after two months of low-temperature storage (3 ± 1℃) of 'Shine Muscat' grapes, which were treated with CPPU (N-[2-chloro-4-pyridyl]-N'-phenylurea) or TDZ (1-phenyl-3-[1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl] urea) in combination with gibbrellic acid (GA₃). The berry shatter rate was the lowest (1%) in 4 cm + CPPU treatment, while it was the highest (2.4%) in 3 cm floral length treated with CPPU. On the other hand, the 4 cm + TDZ treatment resulted in a shatter rate of 2.0%, which was twice as high as that observed after 4 cm + CPPU treatment. The 4 cm + TDZ treatment resulted in a 5.5% berry decay rate, which was the highest among all treatments. Alternatives to using a sulfur dioxide (SD) pad to maintain the quality of 'Shine Muscat' grapes, namely, using ethylene scrubbers (ESs, 3 g × 2 sachet) and alcohol releasers (ARs, 2 g × 2 sachet) in a 2 kg carton package for export, were explored in this study. The berry shatter rate with ES treatment (1.0%) was found to be comparable to that with SD treatment (0.6%) during three months of cold storage. Regarding the berry decay rate, that of the untreated control surged to 36.0% in the three months of storage, followed by 19.9% and 15.5% in samples subjected to AR and ES treatments respectively. Compared with the untreated control, the samples subjected to SD treatment showed a decay rate of 2.2%, which was the most effective in reducing berry decay by 95%. These results demonstrated that SD pad treatment of 'Shine Muscat' grapes was the most effective method of maintaining berry quality, and ES treatment partially reduced the berry shatter and berry decay rates.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.349-359
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• 2020

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that stomach contents continually refluxing, and is currently on the rise worldwide. The purpose of this study is to find natural materials that can reduce side effects and effectively treat chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE), one of GERD. First, the antioxidant activity was confirmed by varying the mixing ratio of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus, which are effective against chronic reflux esophagitis. After, animal experiments were conducted using a 1:1 (CE) and 1:2 (CEE) combination ratio of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus, which had the best antioxidant efficacy. Gross lesion of esophageal mucosa after CE or CEE treatment showed a superior enhancement compared with that of CARE control rats. Additionally, its inhibited MAPK phosphorylation and led NF-κB inactivation through the suppression of IκBα phosporylation by regulating Nrf2/Keap-1, and NF-κB inactivation induced reduced protein expressions including inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Moreover, its improved esophageal barrier function through upregulating protein expressions of tight junction protein, whereas downregulating protein expressions of MMPs. Taken together, a mixture of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus can attenuate the esophageal mucosal ulcer by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB pathway, and upregulating proteins associated with tight junction.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.29-43
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• 2018

Objectives : Araliae Continentalis Radix(AC) is a medicinal herb belonging to the drug efficacy group treating musculoskeletal disorders(MSD) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic action. However, due to morphologic and onomastic similarity, adulterants(Angelicae Pubescentis Radix: AP, Gypsophilae Oldhamianae Radix: GO, Levistici Officinalis Radix: LO) have been included or replaced the standard. Methods : Multilateral methods were carried out on the identification of AC and its adulterants. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics were observed by using stereoscope and microscope. For the comparison of chromatogram pattern, standard compounds were analyzed simultaneously using high performance liquid chromatography. Results : 1. The macroscopic identification of original plants was determined by the phyllotaxis type, the inflorescence type, the leaf margin and the color of flowers. The macroscopic identification of herbal materials was examined by oil spots, the cambium, heteromorphic vascular bundles, and the pholem. 2. For the microscopic identification, the fact whether its xylem ray is proliferated or not was first determined. Then medicinal herbs were secondly divided by cellular inclusions, fiber bundles, the distribution of secretary canals and the shape of cambium. 3. AC and its adulterants showed different chromatographic fingerprints. AC was containing continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid. AP was containing osthole and columbianadin. LO was containing osthole and falcarindiol. None of the compounds were found in GO. Conclusions : This recent identification keys of might be helpful to discriminate the pharmacopoeia standard and its adulterants for the right usage in clinics.