• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.672-680
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• 2023

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), the steamed root of Panax ginseng, has pharmacological activities for immunological and neurodegenerative disorders. But, the role of KRGE in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unclear. Purpose: To determine whether KRG extract (KRGE) could inhibit demyelination in corpus callosum (CC) of cuprizone (CPZ)-induced murine model of MS Methods: Male adult mice were fed with a standard chow diet or a chow diet supplemented with 0.2% (w/w) CPZ ad libitum for six weeks to induce demyelination while were simultaneously administered with distilled water (DW) alone or KRGE-DW (0.004%, 0.02 and 0.1% of KRGE) by drinking. Results: Administration with KRGE-DW alleviated demyelination and oligodendrocyte degeneration associated with inhibition of infiltration and activation of resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages as well as downregulation of proinflammatory mediators in the CC of CPZ-fed mice. KRGE-DW also attenuated the level of infiltration of Th1 and Th17) cells, in line with inhibited Mrna expression of IFN-γ and IL-17, respectively, in the CC. These positive effects of KRGE-DW mitigated behavioral dysfunction based on elevated plus maze and the rotarod tests. Conclusion: The results strongly suggest that KRGE-DW may inhibit CPZ-induced demyelination due to its oligodendroglial protective and anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting infiltration/activation of immune cells. Thus, KRGE might have potential in therapeutic intervention for MS.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.647-662
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is growing interest in herbal medicines for managing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds, CTS) and dandelions (Taraxacum coreanum, TC) are widely used to treat bone- or inflammation-related diseases in Oriental countries. This study investigated the protective effect of the CTS-TC combination on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory deficits through inflammatory response and cholinergic function. Moreover, marker components such as serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid in the CTS-TC combination were analyzed for their potential benefits on memory function. MATERIALS/METHODS: Water extracts of CTS, TC, and the CTS-TC combination at various ratios (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4) (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 14 days. Sco (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice before each behavioral test. T-maze and novel object recognition tests were conducted to monitor behavioral changes after the treatment. Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. In addition, the presence of 5 biomarkers, serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that the CTS-TC combination enhanced memory function in Sco-injected mice. Inflammation-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) were downregulated after treatment with the CTS-TC combination. The acetylcholinesterase protein expression was also downregulated. HPLC analysis revealed that N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid were the predominant components, followed by N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the CTS-TC combination protects against Sco-induced memory deficits by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cholinergic dysfunction. N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid, along with N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin, might be biomarkers for the CTS-TC combination, and their effects on memory protection warrant further study.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.409-414
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• 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorating effects of deer antler extract on the learning and memory impairments induced by the administration of scopolamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. Tacrine was used as a positive control agent for evaluating the cognition enhancing activity of deer antler extract in scopolamine-induced amnesia models. The results showed that the deer antler extract-treated group (200 mg/kg, p.o.) and the tacrine-treated group (10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced amnesia based on the Morris water maze test. Although there was no statistical significance of brain ACh contents among the experimental groups, the brain ACh contents of the deer antler extract-treated group was slightly higher than that of the scopolamine-treated group. The inhibitory effect of deer antler extract on the acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain was significantly lower than that of scopolamine-treated group. The tacrine- and the deer antler-treated groups reduced the MAO-B activity compared to the scopolamine-treated group, but not significantly. These results suggest that the deer antler extract could be an effective agent for the prevention of the cognitive impairment induced by cholinergic dysfunction.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.10-23
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• 2014

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of Guibi-tang (GBT) on neuronal apoptosis and cognitive impairment induced by beta amyloid ($A{\beta}$), (1-42) injection in the hippocampus of ICR mice. Methods: $A{\beta}$ (1-42) was injected unilaterally into the lateral ventricle using a Hamilton syringe and micropump ($2{\mu}g/3{\mu}{\ell}$, $0.6{\mu}{\ell}/min$). Water extract of GBT was administered orally once a day (500 mg/kg) for 3 weeks after the $A{\beta}$ (1-42) injection. Acquisition of learning and retention of memory were tested using the Morris water maze. Neuronal damage and $A{\beta}$ accumulation in the hippocampus was observed using cresyl violet and Congo red staining. The anti-apoptotic effect of GBT was evaluated using TUNEL labeling in the hippocampus. Results: GBT significantly shortened the escape latencies during acquisition training trials. GBT significantly increased the number of target headings to the platform site, the swimming time spent in the target quadrant, and significantly shortened the time for the 1st target heading during the retention test trial. GBT significantly attenuated the reduction in thickness and number of CA1 neurons, and $A{\beta}$ accumulation in the hippocampus produced by $A{\beta}$ (1-42) injection. GBT significantly reduced the number of TUNEL-labeled neurons in the hippocampus. Conclusion: These results suggest that GBT improved cognitive impairment by reducing neuronal apoptosis and $A{\beta}$ accumulation in the hippocampus. GBT may be a beneficial herbal formulation in treating cognitive impairment including Alzheimer's disease.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-14
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• 2009

Objectives : Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss and extracellular senile plaque. Moreover, the cellular actions of ${\beta}$-amyloid (A${\beta}$ play a causative role in the pathogenesis of AD. This study was designed to determine whether Woo-Gui-Um, a commonly used Korean herbal medicine, has the ability to protect cortical and hippocampal neurons against A${\beta}_{25-35}$ neurotoxicity Methods : In the present study, the authors investigated the preventative effects of the water extract of Woo-Gui-Um in a mouse model of AD. Memory impairment was induced by intraventricularly (i.c.v.) injecting A${\beta}_{25-35}$ peptides into mice. Woo-Gui-Um extract was then administered orally (p.o.) for 14 days. In addition, A${\beta}_{25-35}$ toxicity on the hippocampus was assessed immunohistochemically, by staining for Tau, MAP2, TUNEL, and Bax, and by performing an in vitro study in PC12 cells. Results : Woo-Gui-Um extract had an effect to improve learning ability and memory score in the water maze task. Woo-Gui-Um extract had significant neuroprotective effects in vivo against oxidative damage and apoptotic cell death of hippocampal neurons caused by i.c.v. A${\beta}_{25-35}$. In addition, Woo-Gui-Um extract was found to have a protective effect on A${\beta}_{25-35}$-induced apoptosis, and to promote neurite outgrowth of nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated PC12 cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that Woo-Gui-Um extract reduces memory impairment and Alzheimer's dementia via an anti-apoptotic effect and by regulating Tau and MAP2 in the hippocampus.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.34-42
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• 2004

The aim of this study is to investigate anti-stress effect of Scutellaria baicalensis(SB). The experiments were performed with the use of young (9 weeks of age) male rats of SD strain and the male ICR mice (20-25 g) at the time of first treatment with SB. Animals of the normal group were not exposed to any stress and the control group were exposed to stress. The rats of the Ginseng, Diazepam(BZ) and SB supplementary group were orally administered once a day 100 mg of red ginseng extract, 5 mg of BZ or 100 mg of SB extract/kg body weight and they were exposed to stress. The mice of the Ginseng, BZ and SB supplementary group were given water containing 200 mg of red ginseng extract, 10 mg of BZ or SB extract/100 ml potable water and exposed to stress. Animals were given supplements for 7 days without stress, and then were given supplement for 5 days with restraining and electroshock stress. We recorded stress related behavioral changes of the experimental animals by stressing them using the Etho-vision system and measured levels of blood corticosterone and IL-2. SB supplementation partially blocked the stress effect on locomotion in the rats and mice, and also partially blocked stress-induced behavioral changes such as freezing, burrowing, grooming, smelling, and rearing behavior in the rats and smelling, grooming, tailing, and rearing in the mice. in elevated plus maze test, the staying time of the stressed rats and mice in the open area decreased while it increased in the closed area. But these changes also partially were blocked by SB-supplementation. SB-supplementation decreased levels of the blood corticosterone which was increased by stress in the rats but did not significantly increase levels of blood interleukin 2 which was decreased by stress in mice.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.417-425
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to examine improving effect of Platycodon extracts (PE) and/or Platycodon extracts jelly (PEJ) on cognitive impairment in vitro and in vivo. PC12 (Pheochromocytoma) cells were pretreated with PE for 1hr and than incubated with $50{\mu}M$ amyloid ${\beta}(A{\beta})_{25-35}$ for additional 48hr. Cell viability was assessed by WST-1. Animals for Morris water test and passive avoidance test were divided into normal, control and two Platycodon extracts treated groups that were named Normal (n=7), Control (0 mg/kg, n=7), PE (300 mg/kg, n=7), PEJ (10 g/kg, n=7). Cognitive impairment was induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg/body weight, i.p.) in the three experimental groups but not the normal group. Pretretment of PE (0.01-1 mg/mL) were not induced cytotoxicity but observed in high dose-treated group (5 and 10 mg/mL) in PC12 cells. Protective effects of PE against $A{\beta}$-induced cytotoxicity were increased in dose dependent manner in PC12 cells. Administration of PE and PEJ were significantly reduced escape latency time on Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test in copolamine-induced cognitive impairment animal model. These results suggest that Platycodon extracts and its related product available to ameliorative purpose for cognitive ability impairments.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2006

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether a diet supplemented with brown rice koji (BRK) results in a reduced stress response in rats and mice. BRK, which has been suggested as a candidate for use as a stress- and fatigue-fighting supplement, was compared with red ginseng extract (RG) for its stress-reducing potential. The animals in this study were divided into no-stress, stress, RG, and BRK groups of 8 to 10 animals each. Stress was induced by means of immobilization (being restrained in plastic tubes for 30 min and electroshock (0.5 mA in mice or 2 mA in rats for 5 min). The no-stress group was not exposed to stress. Rats in the RG group received oral doses of 200 mg RG extract/kg body weight daily. The BRK group was fed a 30% BRK diet and exposed to stress. Animals were given supplements for 7 days before being exposed to stress, and then were given supplements for 5 days with exposure to stress. When the stress exposure ended, the animals were observed for stress-related changes in behavior and their plasma corticosterone levels were measured. BRK supplementation was associated with a partial blockade of the effects of stress on locomotion and elevated plus-maze test results in rats and mice. It was also associated with a partial reduction in stress-induced behaviors such as freezing, burrowing, smelling, face-washing, and rearing. BRK supplementation did not have a significant effect on plasma corticosterone levels, which were increased in the animals exposed to stress (p<0.01). The mice in the RG group received RG in water (2 mg RG/ mL $H_2O$), and the BRK group received a 30% BRK diet (weight) for 7 days. Both groups were evaluated for signs of fatigue. BRK supplementation increased endurance, as indicated by time on the rota-rod, in cold water, and on the horizontal wire. These results suggest that BRK supplementation partially protects the animal from the effects of stress and may also contribute to resistance to fatigue on physical exertion.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.379-392
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• 2019

The current study investigated the effect of Gabjubaekmok (Diospyros kaki) ethanolic extract (GEE) on $H_2O_2$-induced human neuroblastoma MC-IXC cells and amyloid beta $(A{\beta})_{1-42}$-induced ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice. GEE showed significant antioxidant activity that was evaluated based on ABTS, DPPH scavenging activity, and inhibition of malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetylcholinesterase activity. Further, GEE inhibited ROS production and increased cell viability in $H_2O_2$-induced MC-IXC cells. Administration of GEE ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction on $A{\beta}$-induced ICR mice as evaluated using Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Results of ex vivo test using brain tissues showed that, GEE protected the cholinergic system and mitochondrial functions by increasing the levels of antioxidants such as ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) against $A{\beta}$-induced cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, GEE decreasd the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, p-JNK, p-tau, BAX and caspase 3. While, expression levels of p-Akt and $p-GSK3{\beta}$ increased than $A{\beta}$ group. Finally, gallic acid was identified as the main compound of GEE using high performance liquid chromatography.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.131-145
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• 2008

With tablets and powder, decoction has been a widely-used method of medicine formula. However, for these formulas have unique bitter tastes and flavors of herbal component materials as it is, the compliance of herbal medicine is severly decreased especially for female and younger patients. Consequently, expected treatment effects can't be acquired completely. If loathsome tastes and flavors of decoction were effectively reduced while pharmacological activity were kept intact, the compliance could be promoted Chong-Myung-Tang has been widely prescribed for student patients with memory This study shows that Chong-Myung-Tang+chocolate have no difference from Chong-Myung-Tang in terms of pharmacological activity. Sensory difference with net chocolate was also surved. In order to observe the difference of Chong-Myung-Tang+chocolate and Chong-Myung-Tang, memory impairment was induced by intraventricular injection of $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ peptides on mice and Chong-Myung-Tang and Chong-Myung-Tang+chocolate were administered orally for 14 days. In water maze task, improvement of learning ability during acquisition period and significant increase of memory score during retention period resulted from the treatment of Chong-Myung-Tang and Chong-Myung-Tang+chocolate with respect to the $A{\beta}-injected$ control animals. Furthermore, the $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ toxicity on the hippocampus was assessed with immunohistochemistry (Bax, TUNEL), and differences in antioxidant activity was observed through TBARS and DPPH test. We employed sensory tests using chocolate flavor, herb flavor, and bitter taste & hardness as standards to show sensory differences with net chocolate. In this study, it is demonstrated that Chong-Myung-Tang+chocolate do not disturb the pharmacological activity of Chong-Myung-Tang, and have no sensory difference with net chocolate. Chong-Myung-Tang+chocolate can be used to enhance the compliance remarkably and thought of as an effective, functional formula to maximize expected treatment.