• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.699-706
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• 2006

The antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of Euphorbia jolkini extracts were investigated. Total polyphenohc compounds extracted were approximately as follows: 162.08 mg/g from ethanol, 12.64 mg/g from n-hexane, 48.11 mg/g from dichloromethane, 544.08 mg/g from ethyl acetate, 176.42 mg/g from butanol, and 30.00 mg/g from water. The ethylacetate fraction of this extraction showed the highest antioxidative activity $(IC_{50})$: DPPH radical scavenging capacity was measured at $8.38\;{\mu}g/mL$, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity was $466.01\;{\mu}g/mL$, superoxide radical scavenging capacity was $11.39\;{\mu}g/mL$, and nitric oxide scavenging capacity was $332.11\;{\mu}g/mL$. Antimicrobial activities were determined by paper disc method and minimum inhibitory concentration of E. jolkini extracts against food-borne pathogens and spoilage bacteria. The growth inhibition curves of E. jolkini extracts against Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli were also determined. These results suggest that the ethylacetate fraction of E. jolkini has strong antimicrobial activity against the all species of microorganisms as well as strong antioxidant activity.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2014

This study investigates the free radical-scavenging activities of Amaranth (Amaranthus spp. L.) red and purple flower extracts. The methanol and hot water extracts of flower are being evaluated for its total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, scavenging activities by the DPPH and ABTS analysis, SOD-like activity, and inhibition activities of superoxide radical on the HL-60 cells and nitric oxide of the RAW 264.7 cells. The PFM (purple flower extracted with MeOH) showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, 606.95 mg GAE/100 g and 254.69 mg CE/100 g, respectively. Amongst the scavenging activities of the DPPH radicals, PFM($RC_{50}=155.06{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) is the highest of all the samples. The ABTS radical-scavenging activity is also highest for PFM (53.16%) at the $250{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentration. But, the SOD-like activity of the PFW (purple flower extracted with hot water) increases more than 3 folds of the PFM. In the leukemia HL-60 cell, the PFM shows strongly inhibited superoxide radical generations at a concentration of $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ at 72.34%, which increases with 1.79 folds more than the RFW (red flower extracted with hot water). The inhibition activity of nitric oxide in Raw 264.7 cells is the highest for PMF (46.90%) at a $250{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentration. In conclusion, PMF show the highest flavonoid contents and the most powerful free radical-scavenging activity. Our results suggest that the increase of antioxidant activities depend on flavonoid contents. Thus, Amaranth flower can be useful for natural antioxidant compounds.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.1431-1437
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• 2016

Sorghum bicolor L. is one of the important minor cereals in Asia, Africa, and the central United States, and it is considered a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. However, there is a lack of data on the anti-cancer activity of Sorghum in prostate cancer cells and immune activity in macrophages. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of an ethanol extract of S. bicolor L. (SE) on inducing apoptosis in RC-58T/h/SA#4 cells and immunomodulatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells. SE significantly inhibited the viability of RC-58T/h/SA#4 primary prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The morphology of RC-58T/h/SA#4 cells treated with SE was shrunken and involved the formation of an apoptotic body and nuclear condensation. In addition, SE markedly activated caspase-8, -9, and -3; increased the protein levels of Bax, p53, cleaved PARP, and cytosolic cytochrome c; and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, the inhibition of caspases in RC-58T/h/SA#4 cells with z-VAD-fmk attenuated SE-induced cell growth inhibition. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was also elevated by SE treatment, as revealed by immune response parameters. These results suggest that SE inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in primary human prostate cancer cells in a caspase-dependent manner, and it modulates the immune functions in macrophages. Therefore, Sorghum bicolor L. may be used as a functional food to prevent prostate cancer and enhance immune activity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.471-480
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• 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Rumohra adiantiformis extracts fermented with Bovista plumbea mycelium (B-RAE) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid content of B-RAE were 379.26±7.77 mg/g and 50.85±3.08 mg/g, respectively. The results of measuring the antioxidant activity of B-RAE showed that it scavenges 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and superoxide anion radical in a dose-dependent manner. B-RAE inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viability. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-lβ (IL-1β), and IL-6 was measured using real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). We found that, compared to the LPS-treated group, B-RAE significantly reduced the mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the phosphorylation of transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway proteins were assessed using Western blot analysis. We found that B-RAE significantly suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2, but their expression was increased by LPS treatment. In addition, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκB, which was increased by LPS treatment, was reduced with B-RAE treatment. The effect of B-RAE on the phosphorylation of the MAPK signaling pathway proteins was measured, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the p38 MAPK proteins decreased in a dose-dependent manner, while the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) increased. These anti-inflammatory effects of B-RAE may thus have been achieved through the high antioxidant activity, the inhibition of NO production through the suppression of iNOS and COX-2 expression, the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, and the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.280-288
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• 2023

In strawberry farming, most parts of strawberry stems but the fruit have been dumped. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of strawberry stems which are thrown away after farming. For this, strawberry stem extracts were obtained, using hot water and 70% ethanol. First, total polyphenol contents of the hot water and ethanol extract were checked (265.4 ± 0.12 mg TAE/100 g, 503.88 ± 0.2 mg TAE/100 g). For analysis of antioxidant activities, electron donating ability (EDA) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity were measured. Both extracts increased in a dose-dependent fashion, and similar effects with vitamin C (control group) were confirmed. In terms of cell viability of the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems, 'RAW 264.7' was 99% or higher at 500 ㎍/ml. In addition, cell experiments were conducted at 50, 100 and 500 ㎍/ml where cell viability is above 99%. In terms of inhibition of the inflammatory mediator 'nitric oxide (NO)', the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems were 37.9% and 38.8% respectively, confirming the inhibition of NO production. To check anti-inflammatory activities, protein and mRNA expressions of 'iNOS' and 'COX-2' were measured, using RAW 264.7. Compared to the LPS group, the protein expression of the inflammatory mediators was inhibited in the hot water and ethanol extract-treated groups. The above results confirmed that the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems are valuable as natural substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.204-212
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• 2023

Whitening is inhibitory activity of the melanin synthesis of melanocytes. Recently, whitening materials have been developed on natural materials because of its side effects on skin. Figs (Ficus Carica L.) is a fruit belonging to the Moraceae family and whitening activity was reported in focusing on the fig's stem and leaf components, but whitening activity of the figs fruit was not known. Thus, in this study, we tried to observe its anti-melanogenesis as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammation. The radical scavenging activity of figs fruits extract (FFE) was observed as the level of 34.52±1.98%/60.71±1.26% compared to the control in the its maximum concentration in the DPPH/ABTS assay. Cytotoxicity of FFE was observed at 10% concentration by CCK8 assay, so the maximum concentration was set at 5% and applied to all experiments. FFE concentration dependently decreased NO production associated with inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression, these strongly suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. In melanin contents assay, FFE significantly down-regulated melanin production in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cell as well as tyrosinase inhibition in vitro. In addition, FFE decreased the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) mRNA expression about 94.34% compared to the α-MSH treatment group in RT-PCR. Finally, FFE significantly reduced the MITF, cAMP response element-binding protein and tyrosinase protein expression in the α-MSH stimulated B16F10 cell. Through these results, we found that FFE can not only directly inhibit tyrosinase enzyme activity but also suppress melanogenesis through regulation of MITF gene expression in α-MSH signal transduction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.10
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• pp.1527-1534
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• 2014

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus fermented black garlic (FBG) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. FBG did not show cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells at concentrations less than $800{\mu}g/mL$, and cell viability increased with FBG concentration. Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production as well as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and IL-6 formation decreased in an FBG concentration-dependent manner, in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, activation of LPS-inducible nitric synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$), and inhibitory kappa B ($I{\kappa}B$) protein expression was effectively inhibited by FBG treatment in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In contrast, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression significantly increased. These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory activity of FBG was due to activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, inhibition of cytokine production, and expression of iNOS and COX-2. From these results, we expect that FBG could contribute to the prevention and improvement of inflammatory disease.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.682-692
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• 2012

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, indigestion, circulatory problems and pain. The associated anti-inflammatory effect of this agent is achieved via the inhibition of Nf-${\kappa}B$ signaling, a property that has been demonstrated to effectively control the symptoms of various skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Sea Buckthorn in reducing the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting the Nf-${\kappa}B$ pathway, as measured by the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) occurring secondarily to inflammation and immune dysregulation. Our data demonstrate that Sea Buckthorn significantly decreased the LPS-induced production of NO (p<0.001). Atopic dermatitis was induced by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to the dorsal skin of mice. Topical application of 5% Sea Buckthorn extract improved the symptoms of AD, specifically reducing disease severity scores, scratching behaviors and epidermal thickness. When compared to the control group, animals treated with Sea Buckthorn exhibited increased serum IL-12 levels and decreased serum TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-4 and IL-5 levels. Such a modulation of biphasic T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokines may result in a reduction in serum IgE levels. Our findings suggest that mechanism of action of Sea Buckthorn in the treatment of AD is associated with a marked anti-inflammatory effect as well as an inhibition of Th2-mediated IgE overproduction via the modulation of biphasic Th1/Th2 cytokines. Such results suggest that topical Sea Buckthorn extract may prove to be a novel therapy for AD symptoms with few side effects.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.8
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• pp.919-929
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• 2017

This study investigated the biological activities and chemical characteristics of Monascus-fermented Angelica gigas Nakai (A. gigas) with a view to the development of health foods. We also investigated the effect of the cultivation region of three A. gigas cultivars, namely Sancheong, Pyeongchang, and Jecheon. After fermentation, the content of decursin and decursinol angelate was increased compared to non-fermentation; the highest content of decursin and decursinol angelate was found in non-fermentation Pyeongchang A. gigas (PA) at 615.504, 326.742 ppm and fermented Pyeongchang A. gigas (FPA) at 792.610, 429.500 ppm, respectively. The highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and minerals was found in the FPA group, in which DPPH (${\alpha},{\alpha}^{\prime}-diphenyl-{\beta}-picrylhydrazyl$) radical scavenging activity and Fe/Cu reducing power were stronger in fermented than in non-fermented A. gigas. The FPA group in particular showed the highest activity. We measured nitric oxide (NO) production from lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. The inhibition of activity of NO production and cancer cell (MCF-7 and Hep3B) viability was significantly decreased in the FPA group. The results suggest that FPA may be highly useful as a health food. Overall, the study provides basic data for understanding the biological activities and chemical characteristics of A. gigas fermented by Monascus purpureus for the development of health foods.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.180-188
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• 2015

This study investigated the possible effects and molecular mechanisms of diallyl disulfide (DADS) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in rats. Inflammation response was assessed by histopathology and serum cytokines levels. We determined the protein expressions of nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-${\kappa}B$), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), oxidative stress, urinary nitrite-nitrate, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Finally, we studied the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling in the protective effects of DADS against CP-induced HC. CP treatment caused a HC which was evidenced by an increase in histopathological changes, proinflammatory cytokines levels, urinary nitrite-nitrate level, and the protein expression of NF-${\kappa}B$, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-${\alpha}$, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK). The significant decreases in glutathione content and glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities, and the significant increase in MDA content and urinary MDA and 8-OHdG levels indicated that CP-induced bladder injury was mediated through oxidative DNA damage. In contrast, DADS pretreatment attenuated CP-induced HC, including histopathological lesion, serum cytokines levels, oxidative damage, and urinary oxidative DNA damage. DADS also caused significantly decreased the protein expressions of NF-${\kappa}B$, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-${\alpha}$, p-JNK, and p-ERK. These results indicate that DADS prevents CP-induced HC and that the protective effects of DADS may be due to its ability to regulate proinflammatory cytokines production by inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPKs expressions, and its potent anti-oxidative capability through reduction of oxidative DNA damage in the bladder.