• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.133-138
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• 2009

Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) is known to be a useful medicinal plant and leaf extract contains several flavonoids and alkaloids. To analyze the effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract (NNL) on the HBsAg production, we treated NNL on HepG2.2.15 cells which contain the hepatitis B viral genome and secrete surface antigen into media. NNL suppressed the production of hepatitis B surface antigen as a dose-dependent manner. To analyze the effect of NNL on HBV DNA replication, PCR analysis was performed. NNL was not affected the HBV DNA replication and HBsAg mRNA expression. To understand the effect of NNL on the production of HBsAg, we carried out the analysis of lipid-metabolizing gene expression using one-step RT-PCR. NNL reduced the gene expression of FASN and SREBP2 and increased the expression of LDLR. Triglyceride content of HepG2.2.15 cells was not decreased by treatment of NNL. This result suggests a possibility that NNL may have an effect for the inhibition of hepatitis B surface antigen by modulation of lipid and cholesterol metabolism.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.36 no.3 s.142
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• pp.229-234
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• 2005

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner leaf (NNL) has been known that is effective to lowering blood pressure and hyperlipidemic levels. But, its pharmacological actions have not been demonstrated. Therefore, the present research was performed to find the effect of NNL on hyperlipidemic actions in Bio F1B hamster as a model for hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. The hyperlipidemic hamster were induced by basal diet containing 10% coconut oil and 0.05% cholesterol with high fat atherogenic diet(HFAD). A control group and treated groups NNL100, 200, 400 mg/kg/day were fed a HFAD, but a normal group was fed a basal diet only. In conclusion, the serum total cholesterol levels were significantly declined on day 40 in F1B hamster given the NNL extracts (200, 400 mh/kg/day) with p<0.05, when compared with a control value of HFAD fed hamsters. The hepatic TC level was significantly lower in NNL 200 and 400 mg/kg/day group than of control hamster on day 40. But, the HDL levels were not changed between control and treated NNL groups. The TG levels of NNL treated groups showed a decrease tendency compare to the control value. In addition, accumulation of fatty level showed a slight decline to NNL treated groups in aortic arch.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.77-86
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• 2009

Objectives : The proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) in response to activation by various stimuli plays a critical role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to examine the effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaves (NNL) on the proliferation and migration of HASMC. Additionally, the mechanisms involved in any observed effects were also evaluated. Methods : Apoptotic cells were measured by staining with FITC-labeled annexin V, followed by flow cytometric analysis. The expression level of apoptosis related proteins was confirmed by western blot. And MMP-9 activity was measured by gelatin zymography and MMP-9 expression was measured by ELISA Results : NNL completely inhibited the proliferation of HASMC via induction of the expression of apoptotic proteins including annexin V, cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and caspase-3 and -8. NNL treatment resulted in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, a decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and an increase in Bax expression. NNL also blocked HASMC migration via suppression of MMP-9. Conclusions : Taken together, these results indicate that NNL has the potential for use as an anti-artherosclerosis agent.