• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제63권4호
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• pp.457-462
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• 2020

Pancreatic cancer is among the most difficult-to-treat tumors. More than half of patients with this cancer have very few symptoms at the early stages, allowing the development of distant metastases and resistance to cancer treatment. In this study, we found that Juniperus chinensis extract (JCX) decreased the cell viability and migration activity of PANC-1 and SNU-213 pancreatic cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. JCX increased caspase-3 activation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). N-acetylcysteine treatment blocked JCX-induced ROS generation and the negative effects on pancreatic cancer cell viability. In addition, JCX down-regulated the levels of phospho-focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK). Together, these results indicate that JCX induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell lines through ROS production, downregulating FAK/ERK signaling and activating caspase-3. We propose that JCX-derived compounds represent candidates for the development of alternative medicines for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.257-261
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• 2004

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii Henry is a short and creeping evergreen shrub which reaches about 50㎝ in height and occurs in the northeast Asia and in high mountains over the South Korea. Its distribution is restricted, and the number of individuals are gradually decreasing. This study was conducted to estimate spatial pattern, genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of J. chinensis var. sargentii. A total of 131 clumps were studied in the study area (40m × 60m). The spatial pattern of this population was random (Aggregation index R=1.031). In spite of the small number and the limited distribution, the level of genetic diversity (Shannon's index 1=0.463) was relatively high as compared with those of other plant species with similar ecological characteristics. ISSR genotypes of all individuals were investigated to find the genetic relationship of clumps and genets. Fifteen clumps were composed to be clones, and a total of 116 unique genotypes were composed by separate genets. Spatial autocorrelation analysis using Tanimoto distance showed that the genetic patch was established within 8m. The effect of clonal reproduction on genetic structure was almost nothing.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.278-282
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• 2018

The development of treatment technologies for recycling waste woods generated from tree pruning is required in Gangwon province forest. In this study, according to adsorption experiments using three types (Larix kaemoferi, Juniperus chinensis, Pinus densiflora) of waste woods, Juniperus chinensis as a biosorbent showing an excellent removal ability was selected for the removal of methylene blue in an aqueous phase. When 0.4 g/100 mL of Juniperus chinensis was used to improve the removal efficiency of methylene blue for 4 h, each 100, 200 and 300 mg/L of methylene blue dissolved in the aqueous phase were removed to 98, 93, and 81%, respectively. The adsorption equilibrium data obtained by changing adsorbent concentrations was found to be more consistent with the Langmuir than the Freundlich equation. In addition, based on dynamic experiments by changing the methylene blue concentration, the biosorption kinetics equation was more suitable for a pseudo-second order model. In order to enhance the removal capability of highly concentrated methylene blue, 300 and 400 mg/L of methylene blue were operated for 4 h under 210 rpm of agitation velocity and removal efficiencies were 92 and 76%, respectively. Consequently, these experimental results can be effectively utilized as a new biosorption technology for economically treating methylene blue dissolved in an aqueous phase.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.269-273
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• 2007

We studied anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activities of bio-active components in stem of Juniperus chinensis L. and leaf of Abies koreana Wilson. Those plants of needle leaf tree family were reported to contain anti-cancer compounds. The anti-bacterial activity was tested by Broth dilution method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. As results, Juniperus chinensis L. and Abies koreana Wilson extracts showed 17.0% and 8.5% higher anti-bacterial activity than methyl paraben, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of Juniperus chinensis L. and Abies koreana Wilson extracts showed 45 % and 44 % at 5,000 ppm. We measured polyphenol (catechin equivalent) and flavonoids quantity. The Juniperus chinensis L. extract contained 312 mg/g of polyphenol and 105 mg/g of flavonoids. The Abies koreana Wilson extract contained 280 mg/g of polyphenol and 103.8 mg/g of flavonoids. The cytotoxicity of extracts was measured by neutral red assay. Extracts did not affect the viability of CCK-986sk cells up to a concentration of 1,250 ppm. In conclusion, these data suggest that extracts of needle leaf trees would be usefull as antiseptic agents and anti-oxidants for cosmetic products.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.368-373
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• 2010

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii Henry is a short and creeping evergreen shrub which reaches about 60 cm in height and only occurs in the northeast Asia and in the top of high mountains over the Korea. The Korea Forest Service protects it strictly by law since J. chinensis var. sargentii is an eccentric plant and possibly may be exterminated soon in Korea. This study was carried out to develop the propagation technique by cutting for conservation of genetic resources of J. chinensis var. sargentii. The rooting responses of branch cuttings, obtained from hard(May) and semi-hard wood shoots (August) to four growth regulators, namely, IAA, IBA, NAA and Rooton(exceptionally powder method) applied at various concentrations(0, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 $mgL^{-1}$) were examined in mixed soil media. Rooting rate showed significant difference between cutting times, among kinds and among concentrations of growth regulators. The optimum cutting time was April to May in hardwood cutting. The application of IBA 1000 $mgL^{-1}$(rooting rate : 36.4%) was most effective in callus formation and rooting of cutting. Relatively, rooting of cutting of the control taken in May was 30.4%. Root characteristics such as number, length and diameter of root were not significantly affected by kinds and concentrations of growth regulators in hardwood cutting.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.216-220
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• 2010

Obesity is an important risk factor that significantly increases mortality and disease rates in the cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various diseases. So far, the most powerful way to inhibit fat absorption is pancreatic lipase inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effect of the extract of Juniperus rigida. Juniperus rigida extract (JRE) had a inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase activity ($IC_{50}$=8.63 ${\mu}g$/ml). In in vivo oil-emulsion loading test, this extract also inhibited the intestinal fat absorption. In addition, we measured inhibitory effects of JRE on activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) among the important enzymes associated with lipolysis. JRE strongly inhibited PDE activity ($IC_{50}$=4.56 ${\mu}g$/ml), whereas inhibitory effect on HSL activity was very weak compared with orlistat. As a result, JRE inhibited the absorption of fat by inhibiting the activity of pancreatic lipase and induced lipolysis through inhibition of PDE activity. Therefore, we suggest that Juniperus rigida may be a potential therapeutic agent improving obesity.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• 제73권1호
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• pp.9-13
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• 1986

Karyotypes are described for Juniperus rigida Sieb. et zucc, in two provenances of Gyeong-nam and Choong-puk. Chromosome numbers of two provenances, are 2n=22. The most common feature of mitotic chromosomes was shown at the chromosome 7, which has secondary constriction on the short arm. And the most differential chromosome was shown at chromosome 9 from Gyeong-nam and chromosome 5 from Choong-puk provenance which bore secondary constriction. The karyotype formulae are as follows; Gyeong-nam, Jinyang provenance race is $$K(2n)=22=2A^m+2B^m+2C^m+2D^{sm}+2E^{st}+2F^m+2^{sc}G^m+2H^m+2^{sc}I^t+2J^{st}+2K^m$$ Choong-puk, Jechun provenance race is $$K(2n)=22=2A^m+2B^m+2C^m+2D^{st}+2^{sc}E^{sm}+2F^m+2^{sc}G^m+2H^m+2I^m+2J^{st}+2K^{sm}$$.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.63-71
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• 2004

The human skin is constantly exposed to environmental irritants such as ultraviolet, smoke, chemicals. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by these environmental facts play critical roles in cellular damage. These irritants are in themselves damaging to the skin structure but they also participate the immensely complex inflammatory reaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the skin cell protective effect of Juniperus chinensis xylem extract on the UV and SLS-induced skin cell damages. We tested free radical and superoxide scavenging effect in vitro. We found that Juniperus chinensis xylem extracts had potent radical scavenging effect by 98％ at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinase-l(MMP-1, collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. UV A induced MMP-1 synthesis and activity were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in skin fibroblasts. The extract of Juniperus chinensis showed strong inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activities by 97％ at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL and suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by 79％ at 25 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. This extract also showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. We also examined anti-inflammatory effects by the determination test of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 in HaCaT keratinocytes. In this test Juniperus chinensis decreased expression of interleukin 6 about 30％. Expression of prostaglandin E$_2$, (PGE$_2$) after UVB irradiation was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) using PGE$_2$ monoclonal antibody. At the concentrations of 5-50 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL of the extracts, the production of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes (24 hours after 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation) was significantly inhibited in culture supernatants (p〈0.05). The viability of cultured HaCaT keratinocytes was significantly reduced at the doses of above 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ of UVB irradiation, but the presence of these extracts improved cell viability comparing to control after UVB irradiation. We also investigated the protective effect of this extract in sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced irritant skin reactions from 24 hour exposure. Twice a day application of the extract for reducing local inflammation in human skin was done. Irritant reactions were assessed by various aspects of skin condition, that is, erythema (skin color reflectance) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). After 5 days the extract was found to reduce SLS-induced skin erythema and improve barrier regeneration when compared to untreated symmetrical test site. In conclusion, our results suggest that Juniperus chinensis can be effectively used for the prevention of UV and SLS-induced adverse skin reactions such as radical production, inflammation and skin cell damage.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.227-233
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• 2004

Chronic exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, causes a variety of adverse reactions on human skin, such as sunburn, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV exposure or other environmental facts play critical roles in cellular damage. And, repeated-UV irradiation activated the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and induced skin irritation. Therefore, the development of effective and safe photoprotectants that can reduce and improve the skin damage has been required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the photo-protective effect of several chinese medical plants (Juniperus chinensis) on the UV -induced skin cell damages. We tested free radical and superoxide scavenging effect in vitro. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-1 (collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. UVA induced MMP-1 synthesis and activity were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in skin fibroblasts. We also examined anti-inflammatory effects by the determination test of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 in HaCaT keratinocytes. Expression of prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$) after UVB irradiation was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay(EIA) using PGE$_2$ monoclonal antibody. In the human skin we tested anti-irritation effect on the SLS-induced damage skin after appling the extract containing emulsion. We found that Juniperus chinensis extract had potent radical scavenging effect by 98% at 100$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. The extract of Juniperus chinensis showed strong inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activities by 97% at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL and suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by 79% at 25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. This extract also showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. In the test of proinflammatory cytokines of human keratinocytes Juniperus chinensis extract decreased expression of interleukin 6 about 30%. The amount of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes was significantly increased at the doses of above 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ of UVB (p < 0.05). At the concentrations of 3.2-25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL of this extract, the production of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes (24 h after 10mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation) was significantly inhibited in culture supernatants (p < 0.05). In SLS-induced skin irritation model in vivo, we found to reduce skin erythema and improve barrier recovery after appling Juniperus chinensis extract containing emulsion when compared to irritated non-treated and placebo-treated skin. Our results suggest that Juniperus chinensis extract can be effectively used for the prevention of UV and SLS-induced adverse skin reactions and applied as anti-aging and anti-irritation cosmetics.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.15-28
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• 2019

This study aimed to select the media for water flooding culture of Pinus thunbergii Parl., Juniperus chinensis L. var. sargentii Henry, Osmanthus fragrans Lour., and Chaenomeles japonica Lindl. ex Spach planting into quartz Porphyry and Hydroball. The survival rate of Pinus thunbergii Parl. and Chaenomeles japonica Lindl. ex Spach in hydroball 80%+quartz porphyry 20% was 100%, also the ratio of Juniperus chinensis L. var. sargentii Henry and Osmanthus fragrans Lour. in hydroball 20%+quartz porphyry 80% was 100% and 80%. However survival rate of full water and decomposed granite was less than 80% in Pinus thunbergii Parl., Juniperus chinensis L. var. sargentii Henry, and Chaenomeles japonica Lindl. ex Spach and thee rate of Osmanthus fragrans Lour was less than 50%. The increasing rate of fresh weight for Pinus thunbergii Parl. and Chaenomeles japonica Lindl. ex Spach in hydroball 80%+quartz porphyry 20% was 58.6% and 15.8% which was higher than others, and the fresh weight was increased as increasing the content of hydrobol. However the fresh weight of Juniperus chinensis L. var. sargentii Henry and Osmanthus fragrans Lour. in hydroball 20%+quartz porphyry 80% was 71.4% and 59.7% which was higher than others, and the fresh weight was increased as increasing the content of quartz porphyry. The increasing rate of fresh weight of decomposed granite as control was the lowest by 32.7%, 48.0%, 33.3% and 7.0%, respectively in Pinus thunbergii Parl., Juniperus chinensis L. var. sargentii Henry, Osmanthus fragrans Lour., and Chaenomeles japonica Lindl. ex Spach. Therefore the survival rate and fresh weight was lower at water and decomposed granite. However the survival rate and increasing fresh weight of Pinus thunbergii Parl. and Chaenomeles japonica Lindl. ex Spach was higher as increasing the rate of hydrobol. And the survival rate and fresh weight of Juniperus chinensis L. var. sargentii Henry and Osmanthus fragrans Lour was higher as increasing the rate of quartz porphyry.