• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 2016

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3 and arginine-fructose (Arg-Fru) are known as the hypotensive compounds of Panax ginseng; however, their efficacy on antihypertension has not been reported yet to our best knowledge. Thus, hypotensive components-enriched fraction of red ginseng (HCEF-RG) was prepared from fine root concentrate (FR) and their antihypertensive effects were investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Male SHRs were divided into six groups: control (Wistar Kyoto, SHR); FR 500; FR 1,000; HCEF-RG 500; and HCEF-RG 1,000; samples (mg/kg body weight) were orally administered every day for 8 wk. Blood pressure was monitored at 1 wk, 2 wk, 3 wk, 4 wk, 6 wk, and 8 wk by tail cuff method. At 8 wk after samples administration, mice were killed for the measurement of renin activity (RA), angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition, angiotensin II, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in plasma. Results: HCEF-RG with four-fold more Rg3 and 24-fold more Arg-Fru contents was successfully prepared from reacted mixtures of FR and persimmon vinegar (12 times against FR, v/v) at $80^{\circ}C$ for 18 h. Both FR 1,000 and HCEF-RG 1,000 showed lowered systolic blood pressure than SHR control group and HCEF-RG 1,000 group exhibited a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure. RA was significantly lowered in all treated groups, while angiotensin II did not affect by FR and HCEF-RG treatment. However, angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition and NO in FR 1,000 and HCEF-RG 1,000 were significantly increased compared with SHR control group. Conclusion: HCEF-RG is more effective and useful for alleviating hypertension than FR, implying the health benefit of Rg3 and Arg-Fru.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2013

We investigate the effect of preharvest spray of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), an inhibitor of ACC synthase activity, on fruit quality of 'Wonhwang' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai). And the effects were compared with ethephon which releasing ethylene to elucidate treatment efficacy of ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor on Asian pears. Chemicals were sprayed on 30 days before harvest with AVG (75 and 150 mg/L) and ethephon (100 mg/L), respectively. Highest flesh firmness during 21 days of shelf-life at $25^{\circ}C$ after 30 days of cold storage was attained in the fruit treated with 150 mg/L AVG (26.5N) when compared with untreated control (16.7N), while the fruits treated with 100 mg/L ethephon completely lost their marketability within 14 days of shelf-life by mass drop of firmness down to 11.6N. Low incidence of physiological disorders including pithiness and core browning were attained at the fruits treated with 150 mg/L AVG when we compared with untreated control. No occurrence of mealiness found in the fruits treated with AVG but ethephon treated fruits showed 36.4% during 14 days of shelf-life. Consequently, AVG spray at the concentration of 150mg/L on Asian pear 'Wonhwang' fruit regarded as useful preharvest management approach for keeping quality during marketing period after simulated exportation.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.188-193
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• 2018

The aim of the current study was to demonstrate the potential therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in oral cancer patients. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) intensifies cancer cell invasion and metastasis, whereas resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, possesses antitumor activity, suppressing cell proliferation and progression in various cancer cell lines (ovarian, gastric, oral, pancreatic, colon, and prostate cancer cells). In addition, resveratrol has been identified as an inhibitor of LPA-induced proteolytic enzyme expression and ovarian cancer invasion. Furthermore, resveratrol was shown to inhibit oral cancer cell invasion by downregulating hypoxia-inducible factor $1{\alpha}$ and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Recently, we demonstrated that LPA is important for the expression of transcription factors TWIST and SLUG during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral squamous carcinoma cells. In this study, we treated serum-starved cultures of oral squamous carcinoma cell line YD-10B with resveratrol for 24 hours prior to stimulation with LPA. To identify an optimal resveratrol concentration that does not induce apoptosis in oral squamous carcinoma cells, we determined the toxicity of resveratrol in YD-10B cells by assessing their viability using the MTT assay. Another assay was performed using Matrigel-coated cell culture inserts to detect oral cancer cell invasion activity. Immunoblotting was applied for analyzing protein expression of SLUG, TWIST1, E-cadherin, and GAPDH. We demonstrated that resveratrol efficiently inhibited LPA-induced oral cancer cell EMT and invasion by downregulating SLUG and TWIST1 expression. Therefore, resveratrol may potentially reduce oral squamous carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis in oral cancer patients, improving their survival outcomes. In summary, we identified new targets for the development of therapies against oral cancer progression and characterized the therapeutic potential of resveratrol for the treatment of oral cancer patients.

• Mycobiology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.242-253
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• 2018

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the major vegetable crops in Korea that are damaged and lost by pathogenic fungal infection during storage due to a lack of proper storage conditions. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate control measure using thymol to increase the shelf life of onions. To control fungal infections that occur during low-temperature storage, it is necessary to identify the predominant fungal pathogens that appear in low-temperature storage houses. Botrytis aclada was found to be the most predominant fungal pathogen during low-temperature storage. The antifungal activity of the plant essential oil thymol was tested and compared to that of the existing sulfur treatments. B. aclada growth was significantly inhibited up to 16 weeks with spray treatments using a thymol solution. To identify an appropriate method for treating onions in a low-temperature storage house, thymol was delivered by two fumigation treatment methods, either by heating it in the granule form or as a solution at low-temperature storage conditions (in vivo). We confirmed that the disease severity was reduced up to 96% by fumigating thymol solution compared to the untreated control. The efficacy of the fumigation of thymol solution was validated by testing onions in a low-temperature storage house in Muan, Jeollanam-do. Based on these results, the present study suggests that fumigation of the thymol solution as a natural preservative and fungicide can be used as an eco-friendly substitute for existing methods to control postharvest disease in long-term storage crops on a commercial scale.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.93-112
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to review the clinical research trends of postpartum pelvic organ prolapse and to recognize the efficacy of Korean medicine intervention. Methods: Based on seven domestic and foreign databases, including Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Journal of Korean Obstetric and Gynecology, Cochrane Library Central, Pubmed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WangFang Med Online, we analyzed the clinical trials using Korean medicine intervention, which included acupuncture and herbal medicine. Data retrieval was carried out on May 18 to 20, 2020, and a total of 13 papers were included. Results: All papers were published in China and it contains nine randomized controlled trials, three clinical trials, and one case. The most frequently used intervention was herbal medicine, and Bupleuri Radix, Cimicifugae Rhizoma were used. The treatment group treated by Korean medicine intervention was more effective than the control group. Also, there were no significant side effects of Korean medicine. Conclusion: This study shows that Korean medicine can be effective and safe medical alternatives or options for pelvic organ prolapse patients. However, to laying the foundation of clinical guidelines and applying it to the real-world clinical scene, further follow-up research is needed.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.36-55
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• 2020

Objectives: The present study is carried out to review the efficacy of Korean, Oriental medicine on premenstrual syndrome. Methods: We searched for 7 internet worldwide databases in order to find the studies with the keywords of 'premenstrual syndrome', 'premenstrual syndrome & Oriental medicine', 'premenstrual syndrome & traditional Chinese medicine' and 'premenstrual syndrome & herbal medicine' from 2009 to 2019. after selecting studies based on own criteria, total 8 studies are finally included. the studies were assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias criteria and reviewed systematically. Results: After intervention, cured patient rate in test groups in all of studies were significantly higher than rate in control group. there were significant decrease in headache, anorexia, dry mouth, breast mass, mastodynia, agitation, irascibility, edema, dizziness, fever, anhedonia, depression, inability to sleep, profuse dreaming with herbal medicinal intervention. 3 of those studies checked hormonal level. Estradiol (E2) and Progesteron (P) changed significantly in 2 of studies. Prolactin (PRL) in 1 study decreased significantly. FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) had no significant decrease in 1 study. Conclusions: This review suggests that herbal medicine on premenstrual syndrome is effective without serious adverse effects. however, since unclear risk of bias, the result of this study should be considered carefully. further clinical trials should be carried out in order to academical clinical progress regarding treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.270-281
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was done to determine if osteoarthritis (OA) patients living in rural Korea would have a benefit from a structured group program focused on self-help strategies. Methods: A hundred and twenty-six patients with OA were recruited from nine Primary Health Care Posts. The experimental group received a 6-week self-help education program while the control group received usual care. T-tests and c2-tests were used to determine the homogeneity between the experimental and control groups. Independent sample t-tests were performed to determine the effect of the treatment program. To guard against such likelihood, the level of significance of t-test was determined by Bonferroni correction within the study constructs. When significant group differences were found in study variables at baseline, analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) were used for group comparisons of outcome variables. Results: The experimental group reported more significant improvement in fatigue, difficulty with physical activity, depression, quality of life, self-efficacy, and health behaviors than did the control group. The experimental group also showed improvements in range of motion and muscle strength as compared to the control group. Conclusion: A self-help group education program was an effective and powerful strategy to promote physical and psychosocial health in OA patients

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.707-713
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• 2015

Royal jelly has been widely used as a health supplement worldwide. However, royal jelly has been implicated in allergic reactions, and we developed a water-soluble royal jelly (WSRJ) without the allergy inducing protein. In this study, we aimed to identify the anti-melanogenic efficacy of WSRJ. B16F1 melanoma cells were first treated with 10 nM α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and then with various doses of WSRJ. In addition, we investigated the mRNA and protein expression of melanogenesis-related genes such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1) and TRP-2 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. WSRJ directly inhibited tyrosinase and cellular tyrosinase activity, which decreased melanin synthesis in α-MSH stimulated B16F1 melanoma cells a level comparable to that observed with arbutin. WSRJ decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2, which was comparable to that observed with arbutin. WSRJ has strong anti-melanogenic activity, which invoice direct inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme activity and suppression of expression of melanogenesis related genes. Results from this study suggests that WSRJ is a potential candidate for the treatment of skin pigmentation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.21-35
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of Picrorrhizae Rhizoma (PR) aqueous extracts on the formalin-induced paw chronic inflammation in mice. Methods: PR extracts (500, 250 and 125mg/kg) or distilled water (DW) were orally administered once a day for 10 days to formalin-injected chronic inflammatory mice. The paw thicknesses and volumes were measured daily and the paw wet-weight and histological profiles were conducted at termination with paw tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ contents measurement. The anti-inflammatory effects of PR extracts were compared with dexamethasone. Results: In DW treated control group, the paw thickness, paw wet-weights and paw TNF-${\alpha}$ contents were markedly increased. Severe chronic inflammation signs such as severe fibrosis, the formation of necrotic debris, and infiltration of inflammatory cells were detected in histopathological observations. However, these formalin-induced changes were dramatically decreased by treatment of dexamethasone and all three different dosages of PR extracts. The anti-inflammatory effects of PR at highest dose were slighter than that of dexamethasone, but it did not show any harmful effects on the body weight contrary to dexamethasone. Conclusion: These results suggest that PR extracts have safe and favorable effects on formalin-induced chronic inflammation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.9-21
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• 2015

Objectives: Realgar has been frequently used for skin disorders in history of herbal medicine. However, the efficacy of realgar has not been examined in atopic dermatitis(AD). In this study, the effects of realgar on AD were investigated, especially on pruritus and inflammation. Methods: AD lesions were induced in the shaved backs of BALB/c mice through repeated application of DNCB. The mice were treated for 11 days with 1% realgar ($100{\mu}L/day$). Histological changes in skin thickness were observed. The anti-pruritic effects of realgar were evaluated by the change in numbers of scratching behavior of mice and expression of substance P. The expressions of cytokines IL-4 and IL-6 were measured. Also, anti-inflammatory effects of realgar were examined on expressions of NF-${\kappa}B$, phospho-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Results: Realgar decreased skin thickness (both dermal and epidermal) 38% and 17% respectively, compared to positive control, DNCB group. The scratching behavior of mice was reduced by 42% and expression of substance P was significantly less. Cytokines IL-4 and IL-6 were significantly reduced by 52.6% and 77.6%, respectively. The expressions of NF-${\kappa}B$, phospho-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and MAPKs (phospho-ERK1/2, -p38 and -JNK) were significantly suppressed with marked effects on phospho-ERK1/2. Conclusions: The collective results suggest that realgar shows anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory effects on AD. And realgar might be a potential therapeutic candidate for treatment of atopic dermatitis.