• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.222-229
• /
• 2007

Changes on physicochemical properties of fresh Korean ginseng during repeated 9 times steaming processes, steaming $90{\sim}95^{\circ}C$ for $1{\sim}3\;hr$ followed by hot air-drying at $50^{\circ}C$ for $36{\sim}48\;hr$, were investigated. The water contents decreased from 73.4% of fresh ginseng to 13.7% finally. The final yields in bases of total weights and dry matter were 21.0% and 79.0%, respectively. As the times of steaming processes increased, lightness (L value) decreased and redness (a value) increased in color of ginseng powder. Browning index also rapidly increased after 3 times of steaming process in particular. Total water soluble sugar contents decreased from 55.4% in fresh to 38.6% in final processed ginseng, but acidic polysaccharide contents increased by about 50% with increasing times of steaming process. Total phenolic compound contents significantly increased with repeated steaming processes especially after 5 times of steaming processes and crude saponin contents also increased in some degree. In the case of major ginsenosides, the contents of $Rb_1$, $Rb_2$, $Rg_1$, Re (representative ginsenosides in fresh ginseng) decreased, but those of $Rg_2$, $Rh_1$, $Rg_3$ (unique ginsenosides in red ginseng) increased after especially 5 times of steaming processes.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.392-402
• /
• 2017

Background: Previously, we reported that Korean Red Ginseng inhibited liver fibrosis in mice and reduced the expressions of fibrogenic genes in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The present study was undertaken to identify the major ginsenoside responsible for reducing the numbers of HSCs and the underlying mechanism involved. Methods: Using LX-2 cells (a human immortalized HSC line) and primary activated HSCs, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assays were conducted to examine the cytotoxic effects of ginsenosides. $H_2O_2$ productions, glutathione contents, lactate dehydrogenase activities, mitochondrial membrane permeabilities, apoptotic cell subpopulations, caspase-3/-7 activities, transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunoblot analysis were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for ginsenoside-mediated cytotoxicity. Involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related signaling pathway was examined using a chemical inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. Results and conclusion: Of the 11 ginsenosides tested, 20S-protopanaxadiol (PPD) showed the most potent cytotoxic activity in both LX-2 cells and primary activated HSCs. Oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis induced by 20S-PPD was blocked by N-acetyl-$\text\tiny L$-cysteine pretreatment. In addition, 20S-PPD concentration-dependently increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, and compound C prevented 20S-PPD-induced cytotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, 20S-PPD increased the phosphorylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), an upstream kinase of AMPK. Likewise, transfection of LX-2 cells with LKB1 siRNA reduced the cytotoxic effect of 20S-PPD. Thus, 20S-PPD appears to induce HSC apoptosis by activating LKB1-AMPK and to be a therapeutic candidate for the prevention or treatment of liver fibrosis.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.526-529
• /
• 2014

A recently developed Chinese cabbage cultivar, Shinhong Ssam, was cultured under different light conditions at a plant factory to evaluate effects of light on the production of functional compounds. The effects of the following combinations of red (R), blue (B), and white (W) LED light were compared to that of fluorescent light: R+B, R+W, and R+B+W. Under R+B light, the Chinese cabbage failed to grow well. In contrast, under R+W, R+B+W, and fluorescent light conditions, cabbages had similar growth rates. Cyanidin, the only anthocyanidin detected, accumulated in cabbages under LED conditions to levels more than 2-fold of that in cabbages grown under fluorescent light. Phenolic acid and flavonol levels varied subtly, whereas caffeic acid was found to be between 70- and 160-fold greater in LED-illuminated cabbages than in those exposed to fluorescent light. The amounts of free amino acids and sugars that affect the taste of vegetables were greater in the cabbages exposed to LED light than in those grown under fluorescent light conditions. In conclusion, R+W LED light produced Shinhong Ssam with greater nutritional value than those grown under R+B+W LED and fluorescent lights.

• Research in Plant Disease
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.109-116
• /
• 2012

A bacterial strain antagonistic to some fungal phytopathogens was isolated from the stem of a Persimmon tree in Yeongam, Korea. This bacterium was identified as Bacillus subtilis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and designated as B. subtilis GDYA-1. In in vivo experiment, the fermentation broth exhibited antifungal activities against Magnaporthe oryzae on rice plants, Phytophthora infestans on tomato plants, and Puccinia recondita on wheat plants. We isolated one antifungal compound and its chemical structure was determined by mass and $^1H$-NMR spectral data. The antifungal substance was identified as benzoic acid. It inhibited mycelial growth of M. oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and P. capsici with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values, ranging from 62.5 to 125 ${\mu}g/ml$. Moreover, the substance effectively suppressed Phytophthora blight of red pepper caused by P. capsici in a pot experiment. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report on the antifungal activity of benzoic acid against phytopathogenic fungi. Benzoic acid and B. subtilis GDYA-1 may contribute to environmental-friendly protect crops from phytopathogenic fungi.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.47-56
• /
• 2009

Purpose: To find optimized luminosity factor of color from light transmission filter. Methods: To make $Y_{1-x}G_{x}$, $Y_{1-x}P_{x}$ by using CR-39 compound within dipping method, mixing up Y(Yellow), G(green) and P(pink) for optimize eye sensitivity. Modeling for relative luminous efficiency(relative sensitivity) curves in Luminose transmission, it could be resolved by Multiplying sensitivity of eye within transmission rate of Lens ($P_f({\lambda}=T({\lambda}){\cdot}P({\lambda}).)$.). To evaluate Wavelength between 400~700 nm, relative luminous efficiency curve in Area and Height value is being used. Results: In color filter of $Y_{1-x}G_{x}$ position of x equals to 0.04, 0.1, 0.08, 0.12, 0.14, 0.5 at ${\beta}=S_1/S_0{\cdot}100$ each consist value of 76.1, 77.9, 80.7, 81.6, 80.2, 18.6 In color filter of $Y_{1-x}P_{x}$ position of x equals to 1.00, 0.2, 0.6, 0.8 at ${\beta}=S_1/S_0{\cdot}100$ each consist value of 74.3, 74.0, 70.5, 33.0 The result from experiment $Y_{1-x}P_{x}$ value less than $Y_{1-x}G_{x}$, from evaluating luminous efficiency curve and test was successfully optimized. Conclusions: Optimized relative luminous efficiency curve result have value of X=0.12-0.14 at $Y_{1-x}G_{x}$.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.480-486
• /
• 2002

Six strains of intestinal pathogenic bacteria were inoculated into kimchi at the preparation time, and the influence of kimchi fermentation on the growth of these pathogenic bacteria was investigated. The population of coliform bacteria in the kimchi raw materials, and its changes in the kimchi sample during fermentation were also determined. Among the raw materials, highest populations of coliform bacteria were detected in ginger and green onion, followed by Chinese cabbage, red pepper, and garlic. Populations of pathogenic bacteria (inoculated strains) and coliform bacteria in kimchi decreased as pH decreased with fermentation. Coliform bacteria disappeared at pH 3.9 in Chinese cabbage kimchi samples. Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, Salmonella typhimurium KCTC 1625, Staphylococcus aureus KCTC 1621, Vibrio parahamolyticus ATCC 27519, and Escherichia coli O157 H:7 ATCC 43894 were not detected at pH values less than 4.1, 3.7, 3.8, 3.8, 3.7, and 3.7 in Chinese cabbage kimchi, and at pH values less than 4.5, 4.0, 4.2, 4.2, 4.2 and 4.1 in mustard leaf kimchi, respectively. The juice of mustard leaf and allyl isothiocyanate exhibited high antimicrobial activities on the pathogenic bacteria, whereas the lowest on lactic acid bacteria. These results indicated that fermentation is useful to improve the safety of kimchi, and the antimicrobial effect of mustard leaf kimchi is mainly due to the major pungent compound of mustard leaf, allyl isothiocyanate.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.37-43
• /
• 2005

We performed in vitro and in vivo studies to know whether the inhibitory effects of ginsenosides on $5-HT_{3A}$ receptor channel acctivity are coupled to anti-nausea and anti-vomiting action. In vitro study, we investigated the effect of compound K (CK) and M4, which are ginsenoside metabolites, on human $5-HT_{3A}$ receptor channel activity expressed in Xenopus oocytes using two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Treatment of CK or M4 themselves had no effect in both oocytes injected with $H_2O\;and\;5-HT_{3A}$ receptor cRNA. In oocytes injected with $5- HT_{3A}$ receptor cRNA, M4 treatment inhibited more potently 5-HT-induced inward peak current $(I_{5-HT})$ than CK with dose-dependent and reversible manner. The half-inhibitory concentrations $(IC_{50})$ of CK and M4 were $36.9\;\pm\;10.1\;and\;7.3\;\pm\;2.2\;{\mu}M$, respectively. The inhibition of $I_{5-HT}$ by M4 was non-competitive and voltage-independent. These results indicate that M4 might regulate $5-HT_{3A}$ receptors. In vivo experiments, injection of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, i.v.) induced both nausea and vomiting with 1 h latency. These episodes reached to peak after 2 h and persisted for 4 h. Pre-treatment of GTS (500 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting by $51\;\pm\;8.4\;and\;48.8\;\pm\;6.4\%$ during 4 h compared to GIS­untreated group, respectively. These results show the possibility that in vitro inhibition of $5-HT_{3A}$ receptor channel activity by ginsenosides might be coupled to in vivo anti-emetic activity.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2019.10a
• /
• pp.48-48
• /
• 2019

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson는 영명으로 Elephant yam 또는 Whitespot giant arum 으로 불리는 천남성과(Araceae) 식물로 동아시아, 뉴기니, 오세아니아, 마다가스카르 등지에서 자생하고 있으며 숲의 가장자리 또는 2차림에서 발견 된다. 다년생 식물로 덩이줄기는 어두운 갈색의 둥근모양으로 직경 20~25 cm로 자라고 수염뿌리가 사방으로 달린다. IUCN 적색목록(Red List)에 관심대상 종(LC: Least Concern)에 속하는 식물이다. 현지인들은 마(Dioscorea Polystachya Turcz.)처럼 채소로 먹기도 하며 약용으로 쓰이기도 하는데 복부장애, 소화불량, 천식, 기관지염, 빈혈 등에 약효가 있다. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius은 $25^{\circ}C{\sim}35^{\circ}C$, 연강수량 1,000~1,500 mm에서 잘 자란다. 가운데 눈이 올라오면서 생장을 시작하고 며칠이 지나서야 잎 또는 꽃으로 자라는지 알 수 있다. 잎의 생육주기는 잎눈이 생장을 시작하면 잎자루 끝에 소엽과 소잎자루가 접힌 채로 올라온다. 소엽들이 펴지면서 완전한 모습을 갖추는데 30일 이상의 생장기간을 갖는다. 잎의 형태는 우상복엽(pinnate compound leaf)으로 우산처럼 보이는 잎 하나로 광합성을 한다. 잎은 최대 높이 2.5~3 m, 너비 3 m까지 자라며, 잎자루의 색은 녹색과 청색으로 얼룩덜룩한 무늬가 있다. 인공환경 조건에서 Amorphophallus paeoniifolius 생활사 중 잎의 주기를 연구하기 위해서 광, 온도 등의 지상부 환경은 열대 및 아열대 식물의 자생지와 유사하게 조성하였고, 지하부 환경은 인공 배합토를 사용하여 조성하였다. 평균온도는 $25{\sim}28^{\circ}C$, 겨울철 최저 $16^{\circ}C$, 여름철 최고 $33^{\circ}C$를 유지 관리 하였다. 자동 환경제어시스템으로 온도 및 환기를 유지 관리하고 필요에 따라 수동제어 관리를 병행하여 조절하였다. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius는 잎을 먼저 생성하고 광합성으로 생산된 영양물질을 덩이뿌리에 저장을 하고 그 영양물질을 이용하여 꽃을 피우는 생육 특성을 지닌다. 실험에 사용된 공시 식물은 2018년 12월 미얀마에서 생체(덩이줄기) 형태로 도입되었다. 화분에 식재 후 약 5개월이 지난 시점에서 잎의 생장이 시작되었다. 2019년 7월 29일 기준으로 높이 80 cm, 너비 60 cm의 크기로 성장하였으며, 생육환경에 따라 3~5개월 뒤 잎이 지고 나면 다시 덩이줄기로 되돌아갈 것으로 판단된다. 하지만 지금까지 이 식물에 알려진 정보는 인공환경에서의 연구가 아닌 자연환경에서의 연구결과이기 때문에 인공적인 온실 환경에서 자란 Amorphophallus paeoniifolius는 잎의 주기는 더 오래 갈 수도 있으며 꽃의 주기 또한 느리거나 빠를 수 있다. 잎의 생장주기(Leaf Cycle)시 잎자루가 낮과 밤의 방향을 달리 하여 자라는 것이 관찰되었다. 이는 광합성을 위해서 잎자루의 방향을 햇빛 방향으로 돌리는 것으로 판단된다. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius를 실내 조경 식물 또는 식 약용의 소재식물로 활용하기 위해서는 꽃의 생장주기 등 추가적인 모니터링과 연구가 필요하다.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.259-267
• /
• 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate physiological activity of flower extract of peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) by hydrolysis and to use it as a valuable cosmetic ingredients. Four cultivar of peony flowers were extracted, and the highest active ingredient contents was selected, and that cultivar was used for hydrolyzing. The results showed that high concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCl) hydrolyzed, and biological hydrolysis using enzymes had no activity. The deglycosylation of peonidin 3,5-diglucoside occurred by hydrolysis. The hydrolysate contains 63.3 ppm of peonidin, a red-colored anthocyanin compound. The antioxidant activity of hydrolysate was compared with extract. The results showed the strong antioxidant activity in hydrolysate (96%) than extract (82%). In addition, hydrolysate of peony flower showed higher inhibitory activity of NO release than extract. UVA assay using fibroblast cell (CCD-986Sk) showed that hydrolysate increased cell viability than extract under UVA exposure. Based on these results, we anticipate that hydrolysate of peony flower can be used a valuable cosmetic ingredient.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2023.04a
• /
• pp.51-51
• /
• 2023

The world-wide rate of obesity is increasing continuously, representing a serious medical threat since it is associated with a variety of diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and numerous cancers. Sophora japonicais used as a traditional herb for medicinal purposes in eastern Asia. However, the anti-obesity effects of S. japonicafruit have not been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis by an ethanol extract of S. japonicafruit (EESF) in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Our results demonstrate that EESF suppressed the terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by a decrease in lipid droplet number and lipid content through Oil Red O staining. EESF significantly reduced the accumulation of cellular triglyceride, which was associated with a significant inhibition of the levels of pro-adipogenic transcription factors, including PPARγ, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ. In addition, EESF potentially down regulated the expression levels of adipocyte-specific proteins, including aP2 and leptin. In particular, EESF treatment effectively enhanced the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway; however, the co-treatment with compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, significantly restored the EESF-induced inhibition of pro-adipogenic transcription factors and adipocyte-specific genes. These results indicate that EESF may exert an anti-obesity effect by controlling the AMPK signaling pathway, suggesting that the fruit extract of S. japonica may be a potential anti-obesity agent.