• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.326-334
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• 2019

Background: The objective of our study was to analyze the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside derivatives Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Rg1, and Rg3 against glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity in HT22 hippocampal mouse neuron cells. Methods: The neuroprotective effect of ginsenosides were evaluated by measuring cell viability. Protein expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Bcl2, Bax, and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) were determined by Western blot analysis. The occurrence of apoptotic and death cells was determined by flow cytometry. Cellular level of $Ca^{2+}$ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated by image analysis using the fluorescent probes Fluor-3 and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, respectively. In vivo efficacy of neuroprotection was evaluated using the Mongolian gerbil of ischemic brain injury model. Result: Reduction of cell viability by glutamate (5 mM) was significantly suppressed by treatment with ginsenoside Rb2. Phosphorylation of MAPKs, Bax, and nuclear AIF was gradually increased by treatment with 5 mM of glutamate and decreased by co-treatment with Rb2. The occurrence of apoptotic cells was decreased by treatment with Rb2 ($25.7{\mu}M$). Cellular $Ca^{2+}$ and ROS levels were decreased in the presence of Rb2, and in vivo data indicated that Rb2 treatment (10 mg/kg) significantly diminished the number of degenerated neurons. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Rb2 possesses neuroprotective properties that suppress glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. The molecular mechanism of Rb2 is by suppressing the MAPKs activity and AIF translocation.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.485-494
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of 5% turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on the blood glucose and lipid metabolism function of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats. Seven-week-old male rats were divided into four groups (n=6), and fed experimental diets containing turmeric meal [basal diet+5% turmeric (BT), basal diet+STZ+5% turmeric (ST)], and control (BD), BS groups (basal diet+STZ). The results of this study, turmeric diet groups (BT, ST) in lipid component as evidenced from the significantly reduction of serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), atherosclerotic index (AI), cardiac risk factor (CRF), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), free cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, uric acid, blood glucose, non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and elevation of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). The serum albumin and globulin contents were increased in turmeric supplementation diet than STZ-induced diabetic rats (p<0.05). Concentrations of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in sera were lower in the turmeric diet than diabetic group. Total calcium (T-Ca), phosphorus (Pi) and potassium (K) concentrations in sera were higher in the BT, ST and BD groups than BS group. In vivo experiments with Sprague-Dawley rats showed that ingestion of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) were effective in the blood glucose and lipid metabolism functional improvement.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2017

HemoHIM, herbal preparation has designed for immune system recovery. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of HemoHIM on cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mouse model. To induce COPD, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CS for 1 h per day (eight cigarettes per day) for 4 weeks and intranasally received LPS on day 26. HemoHIM was administrated to mice at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg 1h before CS exposure. HemoHIM reduced the inflammatory cell count and levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) induced by CS+LPS exposure. HemoHIM decreased the inflammatory cell infiltration in the airway and inhibited the expression of iNOS and MMP-9 and phosphorylation of Erk in lung tissue exposed to CS+LPS. In summary, our results indicate that HemoHIM inhibited a reduction in the lung inflammatory response on CS and LPS induced lung inflammation via the Erk pathway. Therefore, we suggest that HemoHIM has the potential to treat pulmonary inflammatory disease such as COPD.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.445-454
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• 2020

Background: Culturing wild ginseng adventitious root using plant factory technology provides genetic safety and high productivity. This production technology is drawing attention in the fields of functional raw materials and product development. The cultivation method using elicitors is key technology for controlling biomass and increasing secondary metabolites. Methods and Results: Elicitor treatments using methyl jasmonate, pyruvic acid, squalene, β-sistosterol were performed to amplify total ginsenosides (Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, and Rd) of cultured wild ginseng adventitious root. Thereafter, fermentation and steaming processes were performed to convert total ginsenosides into minor molecular ginsenosides (Rg3, Rk1, and Rg5). The result indicated that methyl jasmonate minimizes the reduction in fresh weight of cultured wild ginseng adventitious root and maximizes total ginsenosides (sum of Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, and Rd). Ginsenoside conversion results showed a maximum degree of conversion of 131 mg/g. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that the optimal elicitor treatment method increased the content of total ginsenosides, while the steaming and fermentation processing method increased the content of minor ginsenosides.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.1041-1051
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify for extenders, adhesives, colorants, and fungicides suitable for the production of high-quality film-coated seeds of Chinese cabbage. In addition, the effect of various additives used for film coating on the germination of coated seeds and seedling vigor was investigated to establish appropriate treatment conditions for film coating efficiency. The germination rate and germination speed in Chinese cabbage film-coated seeds did not differ significantly depending on the type and concentration of the extender, while the use of Talc resulted in superior granulation capacity and adhesion of the seed coat in comparison to Zeolite. There was no significant difference in the germination rate depending on the type of adhesive used for film coating of Chinese cabbage seeds, but the germination rate was slightly slower in the film-coated seeds using carboxymethyl cellulose as an adhesive. On the other hand, the seeds coated with a film using 1% PVA as an adhesive not only maintained hardness enough to withstand external pressure, but also showed a high germination rate. In addition, the suitable disinfectant for film coating was venoram, and the treatment concentration was good at 250 mg·L^-1. The type of colorant used in the film-coated seeds of Chinese cabbage did not significantly affect the germination rate, germination speed, and seedling vigor. The seeds film-coated using the liquid colorant were superior in appearance to the seeds film-coated with the solid colorant, which implies the possibility of reduction in the manufacturing costs by using the water-soluble paints as colorants for film-coated seeds.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.84-97
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• 2022

We evaluated the anti-biofilm formation and anti-inflammatory activity of Hovenia monofloral honey (HMH) against Enterococcus faecalis. Co-culture of HMH with E. faecalis attenuated the biofilm formation of E. faecalis on a polystyrene surface. In addition, HMH effectively eradicated the established E. faecalis biofilm. HMH significantly attenuated E. faecalis growth but did not affect the production of extracellular polymeric substances on E. faecalis, indicating that reduction of E. faecalis biofilm is a result of HMH-mediated killing of E. faecalis. Furthermore, we found that HMH can effectively attenuate E. faecalis-induced expression of a proinflammatory interleukin-8 (IL- 8) in HT-29 cells. Interestingly, treatment of HMH significantly attenuated the E. faecalis-mediated expression of Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) and its adaptor molecules, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), in HT-29 cells. In addition, E. faecalis-induced mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation was significantly attenuated by HMH administration. Furthermore, HMH-mediated antiinflammatory efficacy (0.2 mg/mL of HMHs) had an equal extent of inhibitory efficacy as 5 μM of MyD88 inhibitor to attenuate E. faecalis-mediated IL-8 expression in HT-29 cells. These results suggest that HMH could effectively inhibit E. faecalis-mediated gastrointestinal inflammation through regulating the TLR-2/MyD88/MAPKs signaling pathways. Collectively, our data suggest that HMH could be developed as a potential natural agent to control E. faecalis-mediated biofilm formation and inflammation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

Objectives : Dioscorea batas Decaisne (DB) has been known to be good for the digestive system on Eastern Asia. However, the protective effect of DB on acute pancreatitis (AP) has not been studied. In this study, we tried to investigate the protective effect of DB water extract on caerulein-induced AP. Methods : To measure the protective effect of DB on AP, Mice were injected with cholecystokinin analogue caerulein (50 ㎍/kg) hourly for 6 times. DB water extract (200 or 400 mg/kg) or saline (control group) was administered orally 1 h before the first injection of caerulein. The mice were sacrificed at 6 h after the last injection of caerulein. The pancreas tissues and serum samples were immediately taken for further analysis. Results : Administration of DB water extract showed the inhibitory effect on the increase of pancreas weight/body weight ratio, pancreatic histological damage. And the rise of serum lipase level was significantly reduced in DB water extract treatment group during AP in mice. However administration of DB water extract did not show significant reduction in serum amylase level. Also, mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin (IL)-6 and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-𝛼 but not IL-1𝛽 were inhibited by administration of DB water extract. Conclusions : Taken together, we found that administration of DB water extract ameliorates the severity of caerulein-induced AP, which suggests the potential to be an effective treatment on AP.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2020

Background and Objectives:The blockage of adenosine receptors by caffeine changes the levels of neurotransmitters. These receptors are present in all parts of the body, including the auditory and vestibular systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of caffeine on evoked potentials using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Subjects and Methods: Forty individuals (20 females and 20 males; aged 18-25 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: the test group (consuming 3 mg/kg pure caffeine powder with little sugar and dry milk in 100 mL of water), and the placebo group (consuming only sugar and dry milk in 100 mL water as placebo). The cVEMPs and ABRs were recorded before and after caffeine or placebo intake. Results: A significant difference was observed in the absolute latencies of I and III (p<0.010), and V (p<0.001) and in the inter-peak latencies of III-V and I-V (p<0.001) of ABRs wave. In contrast, no significant difference was found in cVEMP parameters (P13 and N23 latency, threshold, P13-N23 amplitude, and amplitude ratio). The mean amplitudes of P13-N23 showed an increase after caffeine ingestion. However, this was not significant compared with the placebo group (p>0.050). Conclusions: It seems that the extent of caffeine's effects varies for differently evoked potentials. Latency reduction in ABRs indicates that caffeine improves transmission in the central brain auditory pathways. However, different effects of caffeine on auditory- and vestibular-evoked potentials could be attributed to the differences in sensitivities of the ABR and cVEMP tests.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2020

Background and Objectives:The blockage of adenosine receptors by caffeine changes the levels of neurotransmitters. These receptors are present in all parts of the body, including the auditory and vestibular systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of caffeine on evoked potentials using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Subjects and Methods: Forty individuals (20 females and 20 males; aged 18-25 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: the test group (consuming 3 mg/kg pure caffeine powder with little sugar and dry milk in 100 mL of water), and the placebo group (consuming only sugar and dry milk in 100 mL water as placebo). The cVEMPs and ABRs were recorded before and after caffeine or placebo intake. Results: A significant difference was observed in the absolute latencies of I and III (p<0.010), and V (p<0.001) and in the inter-peak latencies of III-V and I-V (p<0.001) of ABRs wave. In contrast, no significant difference was found in cVEMP parameters (P13 and N23 latency, threshold, P13-N23 amplitude, and amplitude ratio). The mean amplitudes of P13-N23 showed an increase after caffeine ingestion. However, this was not significant compared with the placebo group (p>0.050). Conclusions: It seems that the extent of caffeine's effects varies for differently evoked potentials. Latency reduction in ABRs indicates that caffeine improves transmission in the central brain auditory pathways. However, different effects of caffeine on auditory- and vestibular-evoked potentials could be attributed to the differences in sensitivities of the ABR and cVEMP tests.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.84.1-84.15
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• 2022

Background: Stroke is caused by disruption of blood supply and results in permanent disabilities as well as death. Chlorogenic acid is a phenolic compound found in various fruits and coffee and exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chlorogenic acid regulates the PI3K-Akt-Bad signaling pathway in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced damage. Methods: Chlorogenic acid (30 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered peritoneally to adult male rats 2 h after MCAO surgery, and animals were sacrificed 24 h after MCAO surgery. Neurobehavioral tests were performed, and brain tissues were isolated. The cerebral cortex was collected for Western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses. Results: MCAO damage caused severe neurobehavioral disorders and chlorogenic acid improved the neurological disorders. Chlorogenic acid alleviated the MCAO-induced histopathological changes and decreased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells. Furthermore, MCAO-induced damage reduced the expression of phospho-PDK1, phospho-Akt, and phospho-Bad, which was alleviated with administration of chlorogenic acid. The interaction between phospho-Bad and 14-3-3 levels was reduced in MCAO animals, which was attenuated by chlorogenic acid treatment. In addition, chlorogenic acid alleviated the increase of cytochrome c and caspase-3 expression caused by MCAO damage. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that chlorogenic acid activates phospho-Akt and phospho-Bad and promotes the interaction between phospho-Bad and 14-3-3 during MCAO damage. In conclusion, chlorogenic acid exerts neuroprotective effects by activating the Akt-Bad signaling pathway and maintaining the interaction between phospho-Bad and 14-3-3 in ischemic stroke model.