• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 2007

The protective effect of ethanol extract of Korean mistletoe (KM; Viscum album coloratum) on hydrogen peroxide $(H_{2}O_{2})-induced$ neurotoxicity was examined in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. $H_{2}O_{2}$ reduced viability of cortical neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. The addition of KM, over a concentration range of 10 to 100 ${\mu}g/ml$, concentration-dependently prevented the $H_{2}O_{2}(100\;{\mu}M)-induced$ neuronal cell death, as assessed by a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-di-phenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Hoechst 33342 staining. KM significantly inhibited $H_{2}O_{2}-induced$ elevation of the cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_{c})$, which was measured by a fluorescent dye, fluo-4 AM. KM inhibited glutamate release into medium and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by $H_{2}O_{2}$. These results suggest that KM may mitigate the $H_{2}O_{2}-induced$ neurotoxiciy by interfering with the increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_{c}$, and inhibiting glutamate release and generation of ROS in cultured neurons.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.169-176
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• 2006

This study was designed to observe the effects of Korean mistletoe(Viscum album L. var. coloratum Ohwi) hot-water extract administration on the improvement on the lipid components, apolipoprotein and blood pressure level in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, Wistar strain, male) fed the experimental diets for 33 days. Concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), LDL-cholesterol, free cholesterol and atheroscieotic index in serum were significantly lower in the Korean mistletoe extract administration group [group KM(Korean mistletoe 10.0 g% hot-water extract)] than those in the control group. In the ratio of HDL-cholesterol concentration Korean mistletoe 10.0% hot-water extract administration group were higher percentage than in the control group. However, concentrations of total cholesterol and TG in liver and brain were significantly lower in the group KM than those in the control group. But the components of apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I and Apo A-II in serum were significantly higher in the KM group than in the control group. However, components of Apo C-II, Apo C-III, Apo E and ratio of Apo B to Apo A-I in serum were fairly reduced in the group KM than in the control group. The levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in KM cup than control group. From these results, Korean mistletoe hot-water extract administration were effective on the improvement of the lipid components, coronary heart disease and hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. And particularly, Korean mistletoe extract administration were more effective as a therapeutic regimen for the control of blood pressure in hypertension.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.861-867
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• 2003

Inhibitory effect of the lectins (KML-C) isolated from Korean mistletoe (KM; Viscum album coloratum) on tumor metastases produced by murine tumor cells (B16-BL6 melanoma, colon 26M3.1 carcinoma and L5178Y-ML25 lymphoma cells) was investigated in syngeneic mice. An intravenous (i.v.) administration of KML-C (20-50 ng/mouse) 2 days before tumor inoculation significantly inhibited lung metastases of both B16-BL6 and colon 26-M3.1 cells. The prophylactic effect of 50 ng/mouse of KML-C on lung metastasis was almost the same with that of 100 $\mu$ g/mouse of KM. Treatment with KML-C 1 day after tumor inoculation induced a significant inhibition of not only the experimental lung metastasis induced by B16-BL6 and colon 26M3.1 cells but also the liver and spleen metastasis of L5178Y-ML25 cells. Furthermore, multiple administration of KML-C given at 3 day-intervals after tumor inoculation led to a significant reduction of lung metastasis and suppression of the growth of B16-BL6 melanoma cells in a spontaneous metastasis model. In an assay for natural killer (NK) cell activity. i.v. administration of KML-C (50 ng/mouse) significantly augmented NK cytotoxicity against Yac-1 tumor cells 2 days after KML-C treatment. In addition, treatment with KML-C (50 ng/mouse) induced tumoricidal activity of peritoneal macrophages against B16-BL6 and 3LL cells. These results suggest that KML-C has an immunomodulating activity to enhance the host defense system against tumors, and that its prophylactic and therapeutic effect on tumor metastasis is associated with the activation of NK cells and macrophages.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.409-413
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• 1996

To search for bioactive compounds from plant resources, 80% methanol extracts of 46 species of weeds were screened for their activities of antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiblebing, antitumor and herbicidal. Among extracts tested, some showed activities at the concentration of $50\;to\;100\;{\mu}g/ml$. Phryma leptostachya var. asiatica, Aster ageratoides, Centipeda minima, Cirsium pendulum, Lythrum anceps showed antibacterial activity. Penthorum chinense, Lindernia procumbens, Aster ageratoides, Dianthus superbus var. longicalycinus showed antiblebing activity. Phyma leptostachya var. asiatica, Juncus effusus var. decipiens, Lindernia procumbens, Aster ageratoides, Dianthus superbus var. longicalycinus, Viscum album var. coloratum showed antitumor activity. Juncus effusus var. decipiens, Hypericum ascyron, Juncus papillosus, Inula britannicar var. chinensis, Scirpus wichurae, Hypericum laxum showed antioxidant activity.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.68-76
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• 2004

Mistletoe lectin has been reported to induce apoptosis in different cancer cell lines in vitro and to show antitumor activity against a variety of tumors in animal models. We previously demonstrated the Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album var. coloratum, VCA)-induced apoptosis by down-regulation of Bcl-2 and telomerase activity and by up-regulation of Bax through p53- and p21-independent pathway in hepatoma cells. In the present study, we observed the induction of apoptotic cell death through activation of caspase-3 and the inhibition of telomerase activity through transcriptional down-regulation of hTERT in the VCA-treated A253 cells. We also observed the inhibition of telomerase activity and induction of apoptosis resulted from dephosphorylation of Akt in the survival signaling pathways. In addition, combining VCA with the inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) upstream of Akt, wortmannin and LY294002 showed an additive inhibitory effect of telomerase activity. In contrast, the inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), okadaic acid inhibited VCA-induced dephosphorylation of Akt and inhibition of telomerase activity. Taken together, VCA induces apoptotic cell death through Akt signaling pathway in correlated with the inhibition of telomerase activity and the activation of caspase-3. From these results, together with our previous studies, we suggest that VCA triggers molecular changes that resulting in the inhibition of cell growth and the induction of apoptotic cell death of cancer cells, which suggest that VCA may be useful as chemotherapeutic agent for cancer cells.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.62-70
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• 2003

The biological activities on human immune and cancer cell lines of the four kinds of Korean mistletoes (Korean Viscum album, var. coloratum, : Korean Viscum sp. in Quercus acutissima Carr., Korean Viscum sp. in Castanea crenata, Korean Viscum sp. in Betula platyphylla, and Korean Viscum sp. in Salix koreensis) extracts were investigated. The extracts were preparated with ethanol, and fractionated with n-butanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane, and second distilled water. Cytotoxic potencies of the fractions on human normal lung cell line (HEL 299) showed under 28% in the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. Growth inhibition effect of the Korean mistletoe extracts on the several human cancer cell lines depends on the concentration of the extracts, and extracting solvent. The hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions indicated a strong anticancer activity, but not in aqueous and butanol fractions. Some mistletoe fractions have a different characteristic on the cancer cell lines. Stimulation on the growth of human immuno cell lines(B cell : Raji, T cell: Jurkat) of the extracts were confirmed in the ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane fractions, but not in aqueous system.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.449-457
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• 2010

This study investigated the effects of three kinds of water extract mixtures each with different ratios of A. capillaris, C. sinensis, S. chinensis, and V. coloratum on laying performance, egg quality, blood characteristics, and egg storage stability in laying hens. One hundred and sixty 35-wk-old laying hens (Hy-line brown) were divided into four groups of 10 birds each replicated times four. The treatments involved a basal diet (C, control) or diets containing three kinds of water extract mixtures at 200 ppm (T1, water extract mixture A; T2, water extract mixture B; T3, water extract mixture C). The egg production rate, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in all treatments compared to those of control (p<0.05). Haugh unit and egg yolk color in all treated groups were significantly improved in comparison with control (p<0.05), but no significant differences were observed for egg shell quality. The content of total cholesterol in blood serum was significantly decreased in all treatments compared to that of control (p<0.05). The blood biochemical parameters of liver and kidney damage were significantly decreased in all treatments compared to those of control (p<0.05). Total antioxidant activity in the blood serum of all treated groups was increased as well. The Haugh unit and malondialdehyde content in the egg yolk during storage were significantly decreased in all treated groups compared to control (p<0.05). Consequently, the dietary supplementation of water extract mixtures of A. capillaris, C. sinensis, S. chinensis, and V. coloratum improved laying performance and egg quality but decreased egg quality deterioration with increased storage. These results suggest that medicinal plant extracts could be used as a feed additive in feed for laying hens.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.845-857
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• 2009

Background and Objectives : Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album coloratum agglutinin, VCA) and bee venom (BV) have been reported to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines in vitro and to show antitumor activity against a variety of tumors in animal models. However, the comparative effect of VCA and BV on the anti-cancer effect and mechanisms of action has not been determined. In this study, the effect in a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2 cells, was examined. Methods : Cytotoxic effects of VCA and BV on Hep G2 cells were determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in litro. The apoptotic cell death was then confirmed by propidium iodide staining and DNA fragmentation analysis. The mechanisms of action were examined by the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. The involvement of kinase was examined in VCA or BV-induced apoptosis by using kinase inhibitors. Results : VCA and BV killed Hep G2 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. Treatment of Hep G2 cells with VCA activated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) known as a marker of apoptosis, and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways including MAPK/ERK, p38 MAPK and JNK. BV also activated PARP-1, MAPK/ERK. and p38 MAPK but not JNK. The expression level of anti-apoptotic molecule, Bcl-X, was decreased by VCA treatment but not by BV. Finally, the phosphorylation level of ERM proteins involved in the cytoskeleton homeostasis was decreased by both stimuli. VCA-induced apoptosis was partially inhibited by in the presence of JNK and p38 inhibitor, but BV only by p38 inhibitor. Conclusions : VCA-induced apoptosis is dependent on the activation of p38 and JNK. while BV-induced apoptosis is mediated by p38 activation in Hep G2 cells.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.4-11
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• 2009

Anatomical features of both leaves and stems of the four mistletoes in Korea (Viscum album var. coloratum, Korthalsella japonica, Loranthus yadoriki, L. tanaka) and of their secondary haustorial structure within several host plants were investigated. Among the four mistletoes, there were diagnostic characters of the anatomy of leaves and stems which enabled us to distinguish the four taxa. Leaves were observed to have three distinct characters including unifacial or bifacial leaves, the number of vascular bundles in the midveins, and the level of development of sclerenchyma cells. There were four diagnostic characters of stems: overall morphology of stems in transverse view, degree of cuticle development, arrangement of vascular bundles, and features of the sclerenchyma and pith. In order to determine secondary haustorial traits, the research focused on the seven host plants of L. yadoriki and on the five host plants of K. japonica. The following features were found to be important: presence or absence of an aerial runner root, the shape of the haustorial strand and flange, the degree of penetration into host tissues, and their development of shaft in transverse view, the development both of secondary haustorial cells and short tracheid in hyphae. Korthalsella japonica and L. yadorki were clearly distinguished by these characters. The secondary haustorial forms in each host were somewhat different, due to varying degrees of development in the strength of the host plants' wood. However, qualitative characters like the final position of the secondary haustorial penetration into host tissues and the development of short tracheid cells were not only affected by the degree of development of the host plants, but also useful for the systematic study.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.389-394
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• 2005

This study was performed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the Rubia akane Nakai extract against food-borne pathogens. First, the Rubia akane Nakai was extracted with methanol at room temperature and the fractionation of the methanol extract was carried out by using petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, and methanol. The antimicrobial activity of the Rubia akane Nakai extract was determined by using a paper disc method against food-borne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria. The methanol extract of Rubia akane Nakai showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Synergistic antimicrobial effect was observed when Rubia akane Nakai extract was mixed with Viscum album var. coloratum extract as compared to each extract alone. Finally, the growth inhibition curves were determined by using methanol extract of Rubia akane Nakai against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The methanol extract of Rubia akane Nakai had strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the concentration of 4,000 ppm. At this concentration, the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was retarded more than 72 hours and up to 48 hours for Bacillus cereus. From these results, it was concluded that the methanol extract of Rubia akane Nakai inhibited effectively Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.