• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.176-182
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• 2006

Sorghum bicolor L. Moench(Sorghum, Su-Su) is a major cereal food crop used in many parts of the world. It is used as a human food resource and folk medicines in Asia and Africa. The stem of sorghum has been used as a digestive aid and an anti-diarrheal agent. Sorghum hybrids contain high levels of diverse phenolic compounds that may provide health benefits. High levels of polyflavanols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and other antioxidant compounds have been reported in sorghums, which have also been shown to possess various biological activities such as anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activities. In an in vitro experiment, we examined mice splenocyte proliferation and production of three types of cytokine($IL-1{\beta},\;IL-6,\;TNF-{\alpha}$) by peritoneal macrophages cultured with ethanol and water extracts of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench. A single cell suspension of splenocytes was prepared and the cell proliferation of the splenocytes was examined by MTT assay. The splenocyte proliferation was increased when water extracts of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench were used as supplements in all concentrations investigated. The production of cytokine($IL-1{\beta},\;IL-6,\;TNF-{\alpha}$) by activated peritoneal macrophage was detected by ELISA using the cytokine kit. $IL-1{\beta},\;IL-6,\;and\;TNF-{\alpha}$ production by activated macrophages were increased by supplementation with Sorghum bicolor L. Moench water extracts. This study suggests that supplementation of with Sorghum bicolor L. Moench water extracts may enhance immune function by regulating the splenocyte proliferation and enhancing the cytokine production by activated macrophages in vitro.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.77-83
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the antitumor activity of different solvent fractions (ethanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water) of the Auricularia auricula-judae 70% ethanol extract on the P388D1 macrophage and sarcoma 180 cells. A dose-dependent antitumor activity of each solvent fraction (from 0.01 mg/ml to 0.3 mg/ml) was shown against both cell types. These cytotoxic effects of all the tested fractions were confirmed on the MTT and SRB assays, without statistical differences each other. $IC_{50}$ value of dichloromethane fraction was 94.2 ${\mu}g/ml$ against sarcoma 180 cells lower than any other solvent fractions. The potent antitumor effect of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction was also found against solid tumor in BALB/c mice. The splenomegaly and higher splenic index were found in tumor-bearing mice, with the DCM fraction returning to the negative control values. Thus, the results indicated the dichloromethane fraction may have potential ingredients as antitumor candidates.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.208-214
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• 2014

Background: In previous work, we reported that Korean Red Ginseng saponin fraction (RGSF) showed anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The present study investigated the radioprotective properties of RGSF by examining its effects on ionizing radiation (IR)-enhanced and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory responses in murine macrophage cells. Results: RGSF induced strong downregulation of IR-enhanced and LPS-induced proinflammatory responses such as nitric oxide (NO) production (Inhibitory Concentration $50(IC_{50})=5.1{\pm}0.8{\mu}M$) and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ levels. RGSF was found to exert its radioprotective effects by inhibition of a signaling cascade that activated checkpoint kinase 2enuclear factor-${\kappa}B$. In addition, RGSF strongly inhibited IR-enhanced LPS-induced expression of hemoxyganase-1, implying that the latter may be a potential target of RGSF. Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that RGSF can be considered and developed for use as an effective radioprotective agent with minimal adverse effects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1507-1515
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• 2006

Angelica gigantis (AG), Rehamaninae Radix(RR), Paenia japonica (PJ), and Polygoni multiflori Radix (PM) have been used as medicinal plants to tonify the blood. General function of the drugs have been known to nourish blood and control the heart and liver meridians. Recently, several studies have proposed mechanisms by which some oriental medicinal herbs work on the immune system. However, it is uncertain whether aqueous-extract of these drugs has immunomodulatory effect yet. In this study, I investigated the immune promotive effects of the water-extracted AG, RR, PJ and PM. The water-extracted AG, RR, PJ and PM inhibited NO production and iNOS expression in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Among these extracts, AG and PM induced expression of IL-2 and IFN${\gamma}$ in mouse spleen cells. In the flow cytometry analysis, PM-stimulated mouse spleen cells showed an increase in B-cell phenotype (CD45R/B220). The oral administration of Polygoni multiflori water-extracts to mice having S-180 abdominal dropsy cancer prolonged life-span more than control mice. These data suggest that among these extracts, PM has cellular and humoral immune-enhancement effect through IL-2 and IFN${\gamma}$ cytokine production, the regulation of NO production in macrophage cells and the B cell production in spleen cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.342-348
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• 2000

In this experiment, we show the effects of herbal plant extracts on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-$\alpha$. The extracts of Angelica gigas, Astragalus membranaceus, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus and Houttuynia cordata had no effect on NO synthesis by itself in mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7). However, the stimulation with these extracts in the presence of murine interferon-${\gamma}$(mIFN-${\gamma}$) resulted in increased NO synthesis. When these extracts were used in combination with mIFN-${\gamma}$, there were a marked cooperative induction of NO and TNF-$\alpha$ synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The same results were obtained in the mouse peritoneal macrophages used. The optimal concentration of these extracts on NO synthesis was shown at 100$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL with 100U/mL of mIFN-${\gamma}$. NO synthesis was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. When cell lines were treated with extracts, the expression of inducible NO synthetase (iNOS) was markedly increased in RT-PCR analysis. In addition, synergy between mIFN-${\gamma}$ and extracts was dependent on extracts-induced tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$(TNF-$\alpha$). These results suggest that water extracts of herbal plants can induce iNOS, NO and TNF-$\alpha$ synthesis of mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) and peritoneal macrophages in combination with mIFN-${\gamma}$.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.207-214
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• 2012

Burns are one of the most devastating forms of trauma and wound healing is a complex and multicellular process, which is executed and regulated by signaling networks involving numerous growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) was specifically produced from rice cell culture through use of a recombinant technique in our laboratory. The effect of rhGM-CSF on promotion of deep second-degree burn wound healing on the back skin of a hamster model was evaluated through a randomized and double-blind trial. As macroscopic results, hamster skins of the experimental groups showed earlier recovery by new epidermis than the control groups. Immunohistochemical reactions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and transforming growth factor-b1, which are indicators of cell proliferation, were more active in the experimental group, compared with the control group. On electron microscopy, basal cells in the epidermis of the experimental group showed oval nuclei, prominent nucleoli, numerous mitochondria and abundant free ribosomes. In addition, fibroblasts contained well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae. Bundles of collagen fibrils filled the extracellular spaces. Particularly, ultrastructural features indicating active metabolism for regeneration of injured skin at 15 days after burn injury, including abundant euchromatin, plentiful free ribosomes, and numerous mitochondria, were observed. These findings suggest that use of rhGM-CSF could result in accelerated deep second-degree burn wound healing in animal models.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.48-55
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• 2021

Objective The purpose of this study was to confirm the effects of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang in reducing inflammation through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) control in atopic dermatitis. Methods 8-week-old Balb/C mice were divided into 4 groups: contorl group (Ctrl), lipid barrier elimination group (ADE), palmitoylethanolamide treated group after lipid barrier elimination (PEA), and Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang applied group after lipid barrier elimination (GGRT). After inducing atopic dermatitis, cannabinoid receptor (CB) 1, CB2, CD68, phosphorylated inhibitor kappa B (p-IκB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), substance P and serotonin were observed to confirm the regulation of the ECS, macrophage activity and mast cell activity. Results CB1 and CB2 showed higher positive reactions in the GGRT than in the LBE and PEA. CD68, p-IκB and iNOS showed higher positive reaction in the LBE, PEA and GGRT than in the Ctrl, but the increase in the positive reaction was lower in the GGRT compared to the LBE and PEA. Substance P and serotonin showed higher positive reaction in the LBE, PEA and GGRT than in the Ctrl, but the increase in the positive reaction was lower in the GGRT compared to the LBE and PEA. Conclusions The effects of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang were confirmed though the regulation of the ECS, macrophage activity and mast cell activity.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.24-28
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• 2019

In this study, the in vitro hepatotoxic mechanism of Ephedra sinica (ma-huang) was investigated by measuring the degree of cell death, secretion of cytokine, and fat accumulation by treating HepG2 cells with 70% ethanolic extracts of ma-huang. Cell death was observed at concentrations of around $5-100{\mu}g/mL$ by treatment with ma-huang extracts (p<0.05). The secretion of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which are inflammatory cytokines, were significantly promoted at concentrations of around 0.05-100 and $0.5-100{\mu}g/mL$, respectively (p<0.05). In this experiment, it was shown that the extracts of ma-huang stimulate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8 and M-CSF, and lead to fat accumulation in the hepatocytes, thereby causing inflammation of the hepatocytes. Hepatotoxicity was observed at around 10-500 times lower concentration than the concentration required to cause serious toxicity, such as cell death, suggesting that hepatic toxicity (hepatitis) may be induced at a low dose.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.618-624
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenoside Re (Re) is one of the major components of Panax ginseng Meyer. Ginsenoside $Rk_3$ ($Rk_3$) is a secondary metabolite of Re. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects and underlying mechanisms of Re and $Rk_3$ on cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Methods: The mice myelosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide. Peripheral blood cells, bone marrow nucleated cells, and colony yield of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro were counted. The levels of erythropoietin, thrombopoietin, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone marrow cell cycle was performed by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptotic protein bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3 was detected by Western blotting. Results: Both Re and $Rk_3$ could improve peripheral blood cells, bone marrow nucleated cell counts, thymus index, and spleen index. Furthermore, they could enhance the yield of colonies cultured in vitro and make the levels of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, erythropoietin, and thrombopoietin normal, reduce the ratio of $G_0/G_1$ phase cells, and increase the proliferation index. Finally, Re and $Rk_3$ could upregulate the expression of bcl-2, whereas they could downregulate the expression of bax and caspase-3. Conclusion: Re and $Rk_3$ could improve the hematopoietic function of myelosuppressed mice. The effect of $Rk_3$ was superior to that of Re at any dose. Regulating the levels of cytokines, promoting cells enter the normal cell cycle, regulating the balance of bcl-2/bax, and inhibiting the expression of caspase-3 may be the effects of Re and $Rk_3$ on myelosuppression.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.79-116
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• 2000

The KGBT has been used to weak children with anorexia, fatigue, and growth retardation. This study was carried out to prove the effects of the hematopoiesis and the immune proliferation by KGBT. Previously, C57BL/6 mice was treated with cyclophosphamide(100mg/kg) for leukopenia, and then administered KGBT (concentration is 1.37 g/kg, 504 mg/kg, and 137 mg/kg) to the treated mice. The mice was analyzed expression of thrombopoietin(TPO), stem cell factor(SCF) and interleukin-3 from bone marrow cell, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-$ {\gamma}$(INF-${\gamma}$) from splenic cell, and NOSⅡ gene from macrophage using by RT-PCR. Also proliferation of immune cell was analyzed using 3H-thymidine uptake and flow cytometery in splenic cells. The results were obtained as follows ; 1. The total number of WBC, RBC and PLT was increased in the KGBT treated group than in the control group. 2. In vitro, the proliferation of splenic cells was increased in normal, control, and KGBT treated group. And Administration of KGBT was reduced the cytotoxicity by CTX. 3. In bone marrow cell, the gene expression of immune regulatory factor that associated with hematopoiesis, such as TPO, SCF, and IL-13 was increased in the KGBT treated group than control. 4 The titer of hemagglutinin and hemolysin was increased in the KGBT treated group than control. 5. In analysis of positive leucocytes from splenic cell of BALB/c mice, the subpopulation percent of CD4+, CD8+,and CD19+ was increased in the KGBT treated group than control. The KGBT has been used to weak children with anorexia, fatigue, and growth retardation. This study was carried out to prove the effects of the hematopoiesis and the immune proliferation by KGBT. Previously, C57BL/6 mice was treated with cyclophosphamide(100mg/kg) for leukopenia, and then administered KGBT (concentration is 1.37 g/kg, 504 mg/kg, and 137 mg/kg) to the treated mice. The mice was analyzed expression of thrombopoietin(TPO), stem cell factor(SCF) and interleukin-3 from bone marrow cell, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-$ {\gamma}$(INF-${\gamma}$) from splenic cell, and NOSⅡ gene from macrophage using by RT-PCR. Also proliferation of immune cell was analyzed using 3H-thymidine uptake and flow cytometery in splenic cells. The results were obtained as follows ; 1. The total number of WBC, RBC and PLT was increased in the KGBT treated group than in the control group. 2. In vitro, the proliferation of splenic cells was increased in normal, control, and KGBT treated group. And Administration of KGBT was reduced the cytotoxicity by CTX. 3. In bone marrow cell, the gene expression of immune regulatory factor that associated with hematopoiesis, such as TPO, SCF, and IL-13 was increased in the KGBT treated group than control. 4 The titer of hemagglutinin and hemolysin was increased in the KGBT treated group than control. 5. In analysis of positive leucocytes from splenic cell of BALB/c mice, the subpopulation percent of CD4+, CD8+,and CD19+ was increased in the KGBT treated group than control. 6. The expression of IL-10 gene was reduced in the KGBT treated group than control, whereas the expression of INF-${\gamma}$ was increased in the KGBT treated group. 7. In macrophage, the production of NO and gene expression of NOSH was increased in the KGBT treated group than control. 8. After infection of EMC virus, the survival time of infected mice was longer in the KGBT treated group than control.