• Natural Product Sciences
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.193-200
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• 2016

This study describes the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and melanogenesis inhibition activities of methanol extract and various organic solvent fractions of Arecae Pericarpium. We examined the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) scavenging activity, mushroom tyrosinase inhibition activity and melanin contents. The study showed that, among all tested fractions, methylene chloride fraction showed the strongest inhibition of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells ($IC_{50}$ value $8.89{\mu}g/mL$) and DPPH radical scavenging activity ($EC_{50}$ value $21.39{\mu}g/mL$). Methylene chloride and ethyl acetate fractions similarly inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity. Methanol extract exhibited strongest reduction of melanin content in B16F10 melanoma cells. Based on the bioactivity assay results, methylene chloride and ethyl acetate fractions were further separated. Eight phenolic compounds were isolated, which are dimeric syringol (1), catechol (2), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), vanillin (4), 4-hydroxyacetophenone (5), apocynin (6), protocatechuic acid (7) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (8). Among the isolated compounds tested, catechol showed the strongest inhibition of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. Catechol also showed the concentration-dependent NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibition activity. Arecae Pericarpium might have potentials to be developed as anti-inflammatory agent or dermatological product for skin-whitening agent.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.245-255
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• 2019

Objective : Herbal processing is one of the traditional techniques used in Korean medicine to increase the effectiveness of herbs or reduce their toxicity. In this study, Gardeniae Fructus processed with ginger juice and alcohol was prepared to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Methods : The processing of Gardeniae Fructus was performed by adding 40 % ginger juice or 10% alcohol to the total weight of Gardeniae Fructus and then roasting at 150℃ for 5 minutes. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To detect nitric oxide (NO) production, culture media were mixed with Griess reagent and measured the absorbance at 540 nm. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was applied to monitor protein expression levels. Results : LPS-induced NO, PGE₂ and inflammatory cytokines were decreased by the treatment of normal or processed Gardeniae Fructus ethanol extracts (GFE). Compared to normal GFE, the processed GFE showed a stronger inhibitory effect on the production of NO and PGE₂. These inhibitory effect of GFE was due to the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediated from the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Furthermore, processed GFE showed more suppressive effects on the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and IκBα proteins than normal GFE. Conclusion : From these results, it was concluded that GFE had an improved anti-inflammatory effect compared to normal GFE. These results provide an objective evidences for the use of herbal processing in Korean medicine.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.390-394
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• 2003

In the post-genome period, the technique for identifying gene expression has been progressed to high throughput screening. In the field of molecular nutrition, the use of screening techniques to clarify molecular function of specific nutrients would be very advantageous. In this study, we have evaluated Zn-regulated gene expression in Zn-deficient, homocystein-treated EA.hy926 cells, using cDNA microarray, which can be used to screen the expression of many genes simultaneously. The information obtained can be used for preliminary assessment of molecular and signaling events modulated by Zn under pro-atherogenic conditions. EA.hy926 cells derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured in Zn-adequate (control, 15 $\mu$M Zn) or Zn-deficient (experimental, 0 $\mu$M Zn) Dulbecco's MEM media under high homocysteine level (100 $\mu$M) for 3 days of post-confluency. Cells were harvested and RNA was extracted. Total RNA was reverse-transcribed and the synthesized cDNA was labeled with Cy3 or Cy5. Fluorescent labeled cDNA probe was applied to microarray slides for hybridization, and the slide was then scanned using a fluorescence scanner. The expression of seven genes was found to be significantly decreased, and one significantly increased, in response to treatment of EA.hy926 cells with Zn-deficient medium, compared with Zn-supplemented medium. The upregulated genes were oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle-related genes and transporter genes. The down-regulated gene was RelB, a component of the NF-kappaB complex of transcription factors. The results of this study imply the effectiveness of cDNA microarray for expression profiling of a singly nutrient deficiency, namely Zn. Furthur study, using tailored-cDNA array and vascular endothelial cell lines, would be beneficial to clarify the molecular function of Zn in atherosclerosis, more in detail.

• 사상체질의학회지
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.84-98
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• 2004

1. Objectives Yangkyuksanhwa-tang is used mush in pruritus and dermatopathy of Soyangin. It is suggested this prescription is effective on atopy dermatitis. 2. Methods For observation of Yangkyuksanhwa-tang effected to atopic dermatitis, extract of Yangkyuksanhwa-tang has been dispensed to the stratum corneum of epithelium in dermatome of murine after making damage to its defense mechanism against fat and causing atopic dermatitis artificially. After that, the change in outer dermatome and minute mechanism of epidermis, the change of eosinophil, the change in distribution of soybean agglutinin, the change in distribution of fat and ceramide in stratum corneum, the change in inflammation in dermatome, the change of cell accrementition and apoptosis, and the effect on anaphylaxis and Staphylococcus aureus was observed. 3. Results After administration of Yangkyuksanhwa-tang, severe skin damage such as eczema and psoriasis, that was observed in the case of atopy dermatitis, was decreased and the increase of eosinophil in serum was suppressed. Lipid lamella was recovered, so epidermal demage was relieved. The distribution of HSP70 in the outer skin was decreased. Yangkyuksanhwa-tang suppressed activation of $NF-_{\kappa}B$ p50, induced CD11/18b not to be generated, and suppressed inflammatory response of skin. Anaphylaxis and groth of Staphylococcus aureus was suppressed. 4. Conclusions Yangkyuksanhwa-tang decreased skin damage of atopy dermatitis. It has antibiosis about Staphylococcus aureus, it can be medicinal substances on atopy dermatitis. In addition, it is possible that it can be medicinal substances on regional skin allergy.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2012

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Melia Fructus extract on osteoclast differentiation. Methods: MTT-assay was performed to estimate cytotoxicity of Melia Fructus extract in BMMs stimulated with M-CSF. TRAP staining, TRAP activity and Real-time PCR were performed to know the inhibitory effect on osteoclast differentiation. Actin ring formation were analysed to observe the effect of Melia Fructus extract. Results: Melia Fructus extract decreased the number of TRAP positive cells and the expression of NFATc1 gene, c-Fos gene, TRAP and OSCAR in BMMs stimulated with RANKL. Melia Fructus extract has no cytotoxicity at the concentration used in this study. Melia Fructus extract restrained the formation of actin ring. Melia Fructus inhibited NF-${\kappa}B$ activity by inducing degradation of p-$IkB{\alpha}$. Conclusions: Melia Fructus has the inhibitory effect of osteocalst differentiation and bone resorption. Further studies are needed to treat osteoporosis by herbal medicine containing Melia Fructus.

• 생약학회지
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• 제52권4호
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• pp.242-250
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• 2021

Artemisia frigida Willd (AW, Fringed sagewort), which is widespread in Mongolia, is a well-known medicinal plant as a member of the Compositae family. This study aims to explore the gastroprotective effect of water extract of AW on 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol-induced acute gastritis in 5 week old male ICR mice. Total polyphenols, total flavonoid contents, and anti-oxidant activity in vitro in AW were evaluated. First, the gross area of gastric mucosal damage was measured. Then western blot analysis was conducted to determine the possible mechanisms of action underlying the effects of AW. AW administration decreased gastric mucosal damage. Moreover, the group with AW treatment effectively inhibited nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase expression associated with oxidative stress. AW treatment enhanced an anti-oxidant effect through the increase of anti-oxidant proteins. Besides, the increased expressions of inflammatory cytokines induced by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation are alleviated through AW treatment. Taken together, AW exerted a gastroprotective effect against gastric mucosal damage. These results indicate that AW could have the potential used as a natural therapeutic drug for the treatment of acute gastritis.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.31-42
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• 2021

Objectives : This study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Spatholobi Caulis water extract (SC) to thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in rats. Methods : The rats were injected intraperitoneally with TAA (200 mg/kg body weight) and orally administered SC (100 or 200 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Liver biomarkers were assessed by serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and ammonia levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured both serum and liver tissue. In addition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, anti-oxidant, and inflammation-related proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. Histological examination further confirmed though hematoxylin and eosin stain. Results : The SC treatment reduced liver function markers like GOT and GPT and also remarkably decreased ammonia level. Moreover, the elevated MDA level in TAA-induced group was significantly reduced by SC treatment. NADPH oxidase expression associated with oxidative stress including NOX2, NOX4, and p47phox markedly inhibited by SC administration. SC treatment exerted anti-oxidant effect through the increase of anti-oxidant enzyme including superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). The protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-�� (TNF-��), IL-6, and IL-1�� induced by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-��B) activation were modulated through blocking the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor ��B�� (I��B)��. SC treatment also improved histological alterations. Conclusion : These findings suggested that SC administration may be a potential candidate for the prevention or treatment of ALI.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.145-155
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• 2021

With the recent rapid improvement in the standards of life and westernization of dietary lifestyles, the consumption of high-calorie diets such as high-fat and high-protein red meat and instant foods has increased, while less vegetables containing dietary fiber are consumed. In addition to that, stress, erroneous dietary behaviors, and contaminated environments are linked to the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, which is on the rise. Another cause of ulcerative colitis is that involve laxative abuse, including repeated, frequent use of laxatives, and include such conditions as deteriorated bowel function, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, etc. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative evaluation of pharmacological efficacy between sulfasalazine alone and combination with herbal medicine on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Balb/c mice received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): group I-normal group, group II-DSS control group, group III-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg), group IV-DSS + sulfasalazine (60 mg/kg), group V-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg) + Radish Extract mixture (30 mg /kg) (SRE). DSS-treated mice developed symptoms similar to those of human UC, such as severe bloody diarrhea and weight loss. SRE supplementation, as well as sulfasalazine, suppressed colonic length and mucosal inflammatory infiltration. In addition, SRE treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules through suppression both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, and prevented the apoptosis of colon. Moreover, SRE administration significantly led to the up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme including SOD and Catalase. This is the first report that Radish extract mixture combined with sulfasalazine protects against experimental UC via the inhibition of both inflammation and apoptosis, very similar to the standard-of-care sulfasalazine.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.211-219
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• 2023

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active component of propolis obtained from honeybee hives. CAPE possesses anti-mitogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities in diverse systems, which know as displays antioxidant activity and inhibits lipoxygenase activities, protein tyrosine kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CAPE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human neutrophil phagocytosis. Human neutrophils were cultured with various concentrations of CAPE (1, 10, and 100 µM) with or without LPS. The pro-inflammatory proteins (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-8) levels were measured after 4 h incubation. To investigate the intracellular signaling pathway, we measured the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), including phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Next, to evaluate the potential phagocytosis, neutrophils were labeled with iron particles of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, 40 nm) for 1 h in culture medium containing 5 mg/mL of iron. The labeling efficiency was determined by Prussian blue staining for intracellular iron and 3T-wighted magnetic resonance imaging. CAPE decreased the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, including ERK1/2 and c-Jun, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, but had no effect on the signaling pathways of p38 and cytokine IL-8. Furthermore, images obtained after mannan-coated SPION treatment suggested that CAPE induced significantly higher signal intensities than the control or LPS group. Together, these results suggest that CAPE regulates LPS-mediated activation of human neutrophils to reduce phagocytosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.323-332
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• 2024

Background: Studies have reported that the combination of two or more therapeutic compounds at certain ratios has more noticeable pharmaceutical properties than single compounds and requires reduced dosage of each agent. Red ginseng and velvet antler have been extensively used in boosting immunity and physical strength and preventing diseases. Thus, this study was conducted to elucidate the skin-protective potentials of red ginseng extract (RGE) and velvet antler extract (VAE) alone or in combination on ultraviolet (UVB)-irradiated human keratinocytes and SKH-1 hairless mice. Methods: HaCaT cells were preincubated with RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 2 h before UVB (30 mJ/cm²) irradiation. SKH-1 mice were orally given RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 15 days before exposure to single dose of UVB (600 mJ/cm²). Treated cells and treated skin tissues were collected and subjected to subsequent experiments. Results: RGE/VAE pretreatment alone or in combination significantly prevented UVB-induced cell death, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species production, and DNA damage in keratinocytes and SKH-1 mouse skins by downregulating mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1/nuclear factor kappa B and caspase signaling pathways. These extracts also strengthened the antioxidant defense systems and skin barriers in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells and SKH-1 mouse skins. Furthermore, RGE/VAE co-administration appeared to be more effective in preventing UVB-caused skin injury than these extracts used alone. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that the consumption of RGE/VAE, especially in combination, offers a protective ability against UVB-caused skin injury by preventing inflammation and apoptosis and enhancing antioxidant capacity.