• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2006

The antioxidative activity and the related parameters of hot water extracts obtained from 16 medicinal plants were tested. The extraction yield was the highest in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge $(36.49\%)$ pH range was $4.00\~5.92$ in all samples. Absorbance at 280 nm was examined to determine aromatic compounds content. The absorbance of $250{\mu}g/mL$ sample was the highest in Prunella vulgaris Linne var. lilacina Nakai (2.872) and below 0.5 in Cirsium maackii, Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge and Zizyphus jujuba Miller. Also, absorbance at 420 nm was high in order of Prunella vulgaris Linne vu. lilacina Nakai (1.312), Zea mays Linne (0.917) and Inula japonica Thunberg (0.725) Total phenolic compounds contents was the highest in Prunella vulgaris Linne var. lilacina Nakai $(5.07{\pm}0.05\;mg/100g)$ and flavonoids contents was 2-fold higher in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge $(4.82{\pm}1.16\;mg/100g)$ than the other samples. Electron donating abilities of Zizyphus jujuba Miller, Cornus officinalis Siebold et Zuccarini and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge were over $90\%$ at $1000{\mu}g/mL$. Reducing power had similar tendency to electron donating ability while reducing power was significantly lower in samples compared to BHT. Two samples (Prunella vulgaris Linne val. lilacina Nakai and Inula japonica Thunberg) were found to have more than $50\%$ nitrite scavenging effect at $500{\mu}g/mL$ while 8 kinds samples (Zizyphus jujuba Miller, Cornus officinalis Siebold 81 Zuccarini, Chrysanthemum indicum Linne, Prunella vulgaris Linne var. lilacina Nakai, Inula japonica Thunberg, Acanthopanax sessiliflorum Seeman, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Curcuma longa Linne) showed more than $50\%$ nitrite scavenging effect at $1000{\mu}g/mL$. Prunella vulgaris Linne var. lilacina Nakai showed significantly stronger nitrite scavenging effect than other samples, and its activity was $59.62{\pm}1.573\%$ and $80.58{\pm}0.300\%$ at concentrations of 250 and $1000{\mu}g/mL$, respectively.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.189-195
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• 2010

Water extracts from 20 medicinal plants, traditionally used for postmenopausal symptoms in Korea, were examined for their vasorelaxant activity in isolated rat thoracic aorta rings precontracted with norepinephrine (NE). Among the 20 medicinal plants, Cornus officinalis (CoEx, 0.3 mg/mL), Schisandra chinensis (ScEx, 0.3 mg/mL), Erythrina variegate (EvEx, 0.3 mg/mL), and Epimedium koreanum (EkEx, 0.3 mg/mL) showed rapid relaxation of endothelium-intact aorta ($69\pm4%$, $40\pm3%$, $25\pm2%$, and $23\pm3%$ of active tone induced by NE, respectively). In contrast, the extracts of Erythrina variegata (EvEx), Angelica gigas (AgEx), Pueraria thunbergiana (PtEx), and EkEx lead to gradual (i.e., long-term) relaxation to baseline in endothelium-intact vessels. The time to complete relaxation was 20～40 min. These 6 plant extracts were selected for the investigation of possible underlying mechanisms. The CoEx-, ScEx-, or EkEx-induced rapid relaxations were virtually abolished by endothelium denudation, and were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor $N^G$-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 10 ${\mu}M$), indicating that increased formation of NO might contribute to the endothelium-mediated relaxation. In long-term responses, the endothelium denudation did not affect PtEx-induced relaxation, whereas it delayed responses by EvEx and AgEx, and significantly inhibited the effect of EkEx. Among EvEx, AgEx, and PtEx, EvEx attenuated the $CaCl_2$-induced vasoconstriction in high-potassium depolarized medium, implying that EvEx is involved in inhibition of the extracellular calcium influx to smooth muscle through voltage dependent calcium channels. These results provide the scientific rationale for the interrelationships between the use of 20 medicinal plants and their effects on cardiovascular health in estrogen deficient conditions.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2009

This study investigated the effect of Corni Fructus (Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc.) extract on blood glucose and insulin resistance in db/db mice. Seven weeks old male mice were divided into normal control group (NC), diabetic control group (DC) and Corni Fructus treated diabetic group (DCF). Over an 8-week experimental period, Corni Fructus extract was administered orally at 500 mg/kg BW/day. Corni Fructus inhibited increase in blood glucose level during the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). At 8 weeks after beginning of the experiment, blood glucose level in the DCF group was significantly lower (p<0.01) than the DC group. Final fasting serum glucose and triglyceride in the DCF group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the DC group by 32% and 41% respectively. Serum insulin did not differ among the NC, DC and DCF groups. The mRNA expression of adiponectin, GLUT 4 and PPAR-$\gamma$ in adipose tissue in the DC group were significantly lower than the NC group and they were higher in the DCF group than the DC group by 76%, 130% (p<0.05) and 43%, respectively. In conclusion, these results indicated that Corni Fructus would have antidiabetic effects via improving insulin resistance in favor of higher glucose utilization and reducing blood glucose level in db/db mice.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.16-19
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• 2004

Triphala churna is a widely used herbal formulation that contains equal proportion of dried fruit powder of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia belirica. In the Indian system of medicine, it is used in cleaning wounds, urinary disorders, diabetes mellitus, leprosy, constipation, eyesight promotion, piles, and as a rejuvenator. In the present study, the methanolic extract of 5 commercial Triphala was evaluated for antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical scavenging method, total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu method and gallic acid equivalents (GAE) by high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity significantly. The $IC_{50}$ of the extracts ranged between $7.16\;to\;12.96\;{\mu}g/ml$. The total phenolic content of the extracts was found to be 195.3-296.4 mg of GAE/gm of GAE/gm dw. The HPTLC chromatographic data reveal that the content of GAE present in the extract was found to be $7.17-4.11\;{\mu}g/ml$. The study reveals that out of the churnas analysed, C was found to exhibit the most potent antioxidant activity. A clear correlation between $IC_{50}$ and content of GAE nor the total phenolic content could be observed. The study reveals that the consumption of Triphala would exert several beneficial effects by virtue of its antioxidant activity.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.153-160
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• 1997

One hundred and seventy crude drugs were screened for prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) inhibitors. Among them, 80% methanolic extract of 18 medicinal plants such as Polygonum cuspi data, Sanguisorba officinalis, Eugenia caryophyllata, Rubus coreanus, Cinnamomum cassia (Cassiae Cortex and Cinammomi Ramulus), Rheum palmatum, Ulmus pumila, Sorbus commixta, Areca catechu, Uncaria sinensis, Terminalia chebula, Caesalpinia sappan, Nelumbo nucifera, Machilus thunbergii, Paeonia moutan, Elscholtzia patrini and Cynomorium coccineum inhibited more than 70% of PEP activity at a concentration of 40 ppm. The active principles of P. moutan, M. thunbergii, T chebula, A. catechu, S. commixta, R. palmatum, R. coreanus, E. caryophyllata and P. cuspidata were transferred into organic solvents, which showed more than 75% inhibition at 5 ppm.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.249-253
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• 2007

Thirteen edible plants previously reported to show inhibitory activities on farnesyl protein transferase (FPTase) and phosphatase of the regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3) were evaluated for inhibitory activity on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Four plant extracts, Oenothera erythrosepala, Perilla frutescens, Panicum miliaceum, and Quercus acutissima, significantly inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs induced by the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) without cytotoxicity at 100 ${\mu}g/mL$. Myristica fragrans, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Syringa patula also showed inhibitory activity on the proliferation with only mild cytotoxicity.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.513-520
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• 2023

Cornuside is a secoiridoid glucoside compound extracted from the fruits of Cornus officinalis. Cornuside has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its potential therapeutic effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) have not been completely explored. In this study, we established an in vitro model of DN through treating mesangial cells (MMCs) with glucose. MMCs were then treated with different concentrations of cornuside (0, 5, 10, and 30 μM). Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression of AKT and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-associated genes. We found that cornuside treatment significantly reduced glucose-induced increase in MMC viability and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, cornuside inhibited glucose-induced phosphorylation of AKT and NF-κB inhibitor alpha, decreased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1, and increased the expression of p21. Our study indicates that the anti-inflammatory properties of cornuside in DN are due to AKT and NF-κB inactivation in MMCs.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2013

We studied the anti-diabetic effects of medicinal herb water extracts on expression of hepatic glucokinase (GCK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) mRNA. The medicinal herbs used for experiments were Cornus officinalis (CO), Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (PSA), Discorea japonica Thunb. (DJ), Rehmannia glutinosa (RG), Lycium chinense (LC), and Pyrus pyrifolia (PP). For GCK mRNA expression, CO, RG, and LC water extracts exhibited a more effective activity than other extracts. Cells treated with RG and LC water extracts showed an increase in expression of PDH mRNA to 191% and 124%, respectively, compared to control. Expression of ACC mRNA was significantly higher in LC water extract. These data indicate that CO, RG, and LC water extracts stimulates expression of hepatic GCK, PDH, and ACC mRNA.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.375-384
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• 2011

This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extract from Rosmarinus officinalis L. and its fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction of rosemary had a higher antioxidant activity in both DPPH ($3.22\;{\mu}g/ml$) and ABTS ($5.05\;{\mu}g/ml$) compared to other extracts and fractions. Based on the results of the FRAP assay, the ethyl acetate fraction of rosemary showed a value of $5.9{\pm}0.3\;{\mu}M/{\mu}g$, and buthanol fraction and rosmarinic acid exhibited values of $4.8{\pm}0.2\;{\mu}M/{\mu}g$ and $5.1{\pm}0.1\;{\mu}M/{\mu}M$, respectively. Measurements of the antimicrobial activities of the extracts, fraction against gram positive, negative bacteria revealed that the methanol extract, hexane, ethyl acetate, and chloroform fraction of rosemary caused Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to form clear zones greater than 12 mm. Furthermore, the methanol extract and chloroform fraction showed high antibacterial activity, with inhibition zone exceeding 13 mm. The methanol extract and chloroform fraction of rosemary had broad antimicrobial spectrums and low MIC values. Therefore, methanol extracts of rosemary could serve as potential antibacterial agents to inhibit pathogen growth in food and hand sanitizers.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.314-322
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to determine suitable oxygen transmission rate (OTR) films for modified atmosphere (MA) storage of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis L.), and to examine the related changes in asparagus spear quality. Asparagus spears were packed with 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, 70,000, and $100,000cc/m^2{\cdot}day{\cdot}atm$ OTR film treatments for MA storage, and perforated film (conventional storage) was used as the control. The fresh weight loss rate was less than 1% in all OTR film treatments but not in the control. In all OTR film treatments, ethylene content rapidly increased on the first day of storage, and gradually decreased thereafter to $2.0{\mu}L{\cdot}L^{-1}$ by the final storage day. In the 10,000 cc and 20,000 cc OTR film treatments, carbon dioxide content was maintained within the permissible range for asparagus spears under recommended controlled atmosphere (CA) and MA conditions (5-12%). The oxygen content was maintained between 12% and 20% in all OTR film treatments. Hue angles and total chlorophyll content were highest in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment in both tips and stems. Visual quality was maintained at a saleable level only in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment until the final storage day (25 days). Based on sensory evaluation, the least off-odor was detected in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment, and the most in the control treatment. While the soluble solids content decreased with all film treatments, it was maintained at the highest level in the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment. Vitamin C content decreased with all film treatments during storage, but was maintained at higher levels in the 10,000, 20,000, and 40,000 cc OTR film treatments. The firmness of tips and stems increased with storage duration in all film treatments, stems were firmer under the perforated film, 10,000, and 20,000 cc OTR film treatments. Given these results, the 10,000 cc OTR film treatment is considered the most appropriate for MA asparagus spear storage since visual quality and soluble solids content were maintained, and fresh weight loss, vitamin C content, off-odor, and yellowing were suppressed during storage.