• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.219-226
• /
• 2014

The immune system protects the body from bacterial infection and disease, as well as cancer that develops following the mutation of cells. Aging exerts adverse effects on the immune system, such as chronic inflammation, resulting in rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of Scutellaria baicalensis, which contains baicalin. HPLC analysis showed that S. baicalensis hot water extracts (SBWE) contained 42.2 mg/g of baicalin. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of SBWE, an MTT assay was carried out in Raw264.7 cells. No cytotoxicity was observed below 160 ${\mu}g/ml$ of SBWE. SBWE at 40 ${\mu}g/ml$ reduced the amount of nitric oxide produced by macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide by 40%. In addition, SBWE inhibited phagocytosis stimulated with zymosan. Furthermore, the content of tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$) produced by the macrophages was decreased in the presence of SBWE in a dose-dependent manner. SBWE also inhibited the production of interleukin-1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$) in a time course experiment. Moreover, treatment with 20 ${\mu}g/ml$ of SBWE remarkably decreased the expression level of cyclooxynase-2. The results provide evidence that SBWE may exert an anti-inflammatory effect through modulation of the immune system.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.290-296
• /
• 2014

The present experiment investigated putative anxiolytic-like effects of quercetin using an elevated plus-maze (EPM) and hole-board apparatus test in mice. Quercetin is a flavonoid widely distributed in nature. Quercetin (1.25, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) was orally administered to ICR mice 1 h before a behavioral evaluation in the EPM. Control mice were treated with an equal volume of vehicle, and positive control mice were treated with buspirone (2 mg/kg, i.p.). The mice administered quercetin (5 mg/kg) spent a significantly longer percentage of time in the open arms of the EPM and their percentage of entries into the open arms was significantly increased compared to the vehicle-treated controls (p<0.05). The anxiolytic-like activities of quercetin were antagonized by trans-4-aminocrotonic acid (a $GABA_{A-{\rho}}$ agonist, 20 mg/kg) but not by flumazenil (a $GABA_A$ antagonist, 10 mg/kg) or WAY-100635 (a $5-HT_{1A}$ antagonist, 0.3 mg/kg). Moreover, there were no changes in the locomotor activity or myorelaxant effects in any group compared with the vehicle-treated controls. In the hole-board apparatus test, the number of head-dips increased significantly in the single treatment with quercetin (5 mg/kg) group compared to the vehicle-treated controls (p<0.05). These findings suggest that quercetin can promote anxiolytic-like activity, mediated by the GABAergic nervous system, in mice.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.7
• /
• pp.933-940
• /
• 2013

The aim of this work was to determine the chemical composition of essential oil from aerial partsof Mentha arvensis L. f. piperascens (MAO) and to evaluate the effect of its fragrant chemicals on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of human brain. The MAO was obtained by supercritical $CO_2$ extraction. The maximum yield was 2.38% at conditions of $70^{\circ}C$ and 200 bar. There were 32 volatile chemicals with 6 alcohols (67.11%), 13 hydrocarbons (17.05%), 9 esters (11.50%), 2 ketones (7.16%), 1 oxide (2.77%), and 1 aldehyde (0.56%). The major components were (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol (50.06%), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone (7.50%), and 3,4-dihydro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1H-2-benzopyran-1-one (6.60%). Results of the EEG study showed that inhalation of MAO significantly changed the EEG power spectrum values of relative gamma, relative fast alpha, and spectral edge frequency 90%. During the inhalation of MAO, the value of relative fast alpha was significantly increased (p<0.05). On the other hand, the values of gamma and the spectral edge frequency 90% were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The present study suggests that fragrant chemicals of essential oil of M. arvensis reduce the level of mental stress and that they could be used in the treatment of psychophysiological disorders.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.61 no.3
• /
• pp.275-281
• /
• 2018

Pinus densiflora root (PDR) is used as a medicinal plant. In this study, we investigated whether the PDR extract has anti-inflammatory activities. Cell viability assays showed that the extract was not toxic toward RAW 264.7 cells at concentrations up to $10{\mu}g/mL$. At $10{\mu}g/mL$, the extract decreased nitric oxide (NO) content to 40% of the control level. The protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which generates NO, decreased with increasing concentrations of the extract. Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) levels were significantly inhibited by over 50% in the presence of $10{\mu}g/mL$ of the extract. The protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which generates $PGE_2$, decreased with increasing concentrations of the extract. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and $IL-1{\beta}$, were detected in RAW 264.7 cells after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. The extract did not affect the levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6, but it significantly inhibited the level of $IL-1{\beta}$. It also completely inhibited the transcription of nuclear factor-kappaB ($NF-{\kappa}B$). These results indicate that the PDR extract reduces inflammatory response-related proteins, such as NO, $PGE_2$, iNOS, and COX-2, in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells via the regulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$. Consequently, we have provided a mechanism to explain the anti-inflammatory effect of the PDR extract; that is, it exerts such an effect by regulating $NF-{\kappa}B$. The PDR extract can therefore be considered as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.50-57
• /
• 2017

This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics and optimal germination conditions in seeds of Arabis pendula L., a traditionally edible and medicinal plant. The external seed shape was circular-obovate with narrow wings and dark brown. The seed length and width were 1.25 mm and 1.47 mm, respectively. The seeds were exalbuminous and the embryo was a bent type. Seed germination was the highest (49.7%) at $20^{\circ}C$ under dark conditions among the various temperature and light conditions applied. However, under the dark condition, the seedling was weak, overgrown, and the cotyledons were small and folded. To improve the germination and growth of seedlings, the seeds were pre-treated with $GA_3$ solutions of varying concentrations (0, 200, 500, and 1,000 mg/L). The seed germination and seedling growth were effectively improved by $GA_3$ pre-treatment. The germination rate was the highest (97.3%), mean germination time was the shortest (8.1 days), and a vigorous growth of seedlings was observed upon pre-soaking the seeds in 500 mg/L $GA_3$ solution. In conclusion, the best method for germination was pre-soaking in 500 mg/L $GA_3$ ($4^{\circ}C$, dark, 24 h) and incubating the seeds at $20^{\circ}C$ for 15 days.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.343-350
• /
• 2011

A medicinal herb, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni which is grown under physical stresses such as simulated microgravity, shaking, and low temperature for 4 days, showed fresh weight decrease of 3.6%, 21% and 8.7% compared with the respective control. On control plants, the radical scavenging value of DPPH represented 86% and 55%, respectively in the leaves and stems extracts. Relatively weak antioxidant activities of 22% and 27% were measured respectively in AA (ascorbic acid) and BHA (beta-hydroxyacetic acid) known as synthetic antioxidants. The radical scavenging effect of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydazal) in stevia plants under a simulated microgravity was observed to be consistently higher relative to the control, whereas those effects of shaking and low temperature treatments rapidly increased and then reduced after 6 hours in case of shaking process and 24 hours in case of low temperature treatment, which results had similar levels of scavenging effects to the control. The plants under simulated microgravity showed the highest level of activity with the value of 147% and the shaking and low temperature treatments showed the increases of SOD activity by 121% and 125%, respectively. From the above results, it is clarified that the simulated microgravity is more effective to the antioxidant activity than those of other abiotic stresses.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.80-89
• /
• 2016

The effects of Cudrania tricuspidata (CT) extract on markers of osteoporosis were examined in ovariectomized rats. We classified 26 rats into five groups and provided a pellet chow diet and tap water throughout the 27-wk experimental period. During the last 15 wk, we added oral injections to each group as follows: sham-operated (SHAM, n=4) and ovariectomized-control (OVX, n=5) with distilled water, alendronate with 10 mg/kg/d of alendronate sodium (ALEN, n=5), CT (CT100, n=6) with 100 mg/kg/d of CT, and CT (CT300, n=6) with 300 mg/kg/d of CT. After the experimental period, blood, urine, and micro-CT images were assessed. The CT100 and OVX groups did not show any significant differences in urinary n-terminal telopeptide (NTx) (p<0.05 ), but with increases in CT concentration, the NTx level was slightly reduced. Serum osteocalcin was significantly higher in the CT groups than in all other groups (p<0.05 ). Notably, the serum calcium levels of all groups were within the normal range, but urinary calcium levels in the CT groups were significantly lower than the OVX group (p<0.05 ). In addition, the CT groups exhibited higher trabecular BMD than the OVX groups while showing similar BMD to the ALEN group (p<0.05 ). The Tb.Th of the ALEN group was lower than all other groups. Based on the overall analysis of results, CT prevented bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing bone formation. Although alendronate showed a similar effect in preventing bone loss, it did so by solely inhibiting bone resorption, and its long-term use reportedly causes paradoxical effects such as hip fractures. Thus, for osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy, we conclude that CT extract is an effective natural treatment without severe side effects.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.65-71
• /
• 2013

Lilium cernum Komarvo. is an important endangered plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. A method was developed for the rapid micropropagation of L. cernum through plant regeneration from bulb scales explant-derived calli. The bulb scales segments were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, $3.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ kinetin and 0, 0.1, 0.5, $1.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ NAA or 2,4-D for callus induction. In media with $0.5{\sim}3.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ kinetin and $0.1{\sim}1.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ NAA and 2,4-D, 95~100% of explants produced callus. They were then transferred to MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of NAA (0, 0.01, 0.05 and $1.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$) in combination with BA (0, 1.0 and $2.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$) for bulbet formation. Bulbet induction (78%), weight (468 mg) and size (15.5 mm) were obtained the highest on MS medium containing $2.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ BA and $1.0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ NAA. In vitro frequency of plant regeneration was not significantly treated in strength of MS and sucrose concentration. Chlorophyll contents in 1/2MS with $50g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ sucrose treatments were higher than those in control and another treatment. This in vitro propagation protocol will be useful for conservation and mass propagation of this endangered plant.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.116-120
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Scalp avulsion is a life-threatening injury that may cause trauma to the forehead, eyebrows, and periauricular tissue. It is difficult to treat scalp avulsion as it may lead to severe bleeding. Therefore, emergency scalp replantation surgery is necessary, and we must consider the function, aesthetics, and psychology of the patients. A case of scalp avulsion leading to massive bleeding was encountered by these authors, which led to a failure to achieve the proper operation conditions in an adequate time period. Methods: A 49-year-old female was hospitalized due to having had her head caught in a rotatory machine, causing complete scalp avulsion which included the dorsum of the nose, both eyebrows, and ears. Emergent microsurgical replantation was performed, where a superficial temporal artery and a vein were anastomosed, but the patient's vital signs were too unstable for further operation due to excessive blood loss. Three days after the microanastomosis, venous congestion developed at the replanted scalp, and a medicinal leech was used. Leech therapy resolved the venous congestion. A demarcation then developed between the vitalized scalp tissue and the necrotized area. Debridement was performed 2 times on the necrotized scalp area. Finally, split-thickness skin graft with a dermal acellular matrix ($Matriderm^{(R)}$) was performed on the defective areas, which included the left temporal area, the occipital area, and both eyebrows. Results: The forehead, vertex, right temporal area, and half of the occipital area were successfully replanted, and the hair at the replanted scalp was preserved. As stated above, two-thirds of the scalp survived; the patient could cover the skin graft area with her hair, and could wear a wig. Conclusion: Complete scalp avulsion needs emergent replantation with microsurgical revascularization, but it often leads to serious vital conditions. We report a case with acceptable results, although the microanastomosed vessel was minimal due to the patient's unstable vital signs.

• FLOWER RESEARCH JOURNAL
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.23-27
• /
• 2008

In this experiment, growth and yield were affected by planting density, pinching and mowing dates. The greatest growth and yield were obtained at a planting density of $90cm{\times}30cm$. In this planting density, plant grew to the height of 140 cm, with 32 primary, 164 secondary, and 367 tertiary branches per plant. Weight of dry flowers reached 98 kg per 10a with this planting density, which was 40% increased as compared to planting density of $120cm{\times}30cm$. Stem diameter, shoot dry weight, and weight of dry flowers increased by pinching plants as compared to those of non-pinched plants. The greatest weight of dry flowers was obtained in the plant pinched on July 10 with 102 kg per 10a, a 57% increase as compared to the control. Growth and yield were similar for both palnts which were not mowed and mowed on June 10. However, plants mowed on July 10 had significantly smaller plant height, stem diameter and number of branches than the control. An accumulated shoot dry weight was similar for all mowing treatments. The greatest weight of dry flowers and number of flowers per plant were obtained in June 10 mowing treatment with 123 kg and 2,592 flowers per 10a, respectively.