• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.491-497
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• 1992

The water extract of Sinomeniiacuti Radix (Sinomenium acutum) was found out to have a strong inhibition activity on the growth of Clostridium perfringens. The anti-bacterial activity was stable at the range of pH 1 to pH 13 and kept in a thermal treatment at $121^{\circ}C$ for 15 minutes. The minmal inhibition concentration of the Sinomeniiacuti Radix extract on the growth of Cl. peifringens was 1000 ppm. The Sinomeniiacuti Radix extract also suppressed the growth of Cl. ramosum, Cl. paraputnficum, Cl. butyn'cum, Bifidobacterium blficum, Bacteriodes fragilis, Eubacterium limosum. The extract, however, did not inhibit the growth of Bif adolescentis, Blf. infantis, Bif longum, E. coli. Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. On the other hand, the extract showed a promoting effect for the growth of Bif animalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2009

Thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal protein (tPMP) is a small cationic peptide that exerts potent in vitro microbicidal activity against a broad spectrum of human pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus rattus BHT. Earlier evidence has suggested that tPMP targets and disrupts the bacterial membrane. However, it is not yet clear whether membrane disruption itself is sufficient to kill the bacteria or whether subsequent, presumably intracellular, events are also involved in this process. In this study, we investigated the microbicidal activity of rabbit tPMP toward S. rattus BHT cells in the presence or absence of a pretreatment with antibiotics that differ in their mechanisms of action. The streptocidal effects of tPMP on control cells (no antibiotic pretreatment) were rapid and concentration-dependent. Pretreatment of S. rattus BHT cells with either penicillin or amoxicillin (inhibitors of bacterial cell wall synthesis) significantly enhanced the anti-S. rattus BHT effects of tPMP compared with the effects against the respective control cells over most tPMP concentration ranges tested. On the other hand, pretreatment of S. rattus BHT cells with tetracycline or doxycycline (30S ribosomal subunit inhibitors) significantly decreased the streptocidal effects of tPMP over a wide peptide concentration range. Furthermore, pretreatment with rifampin (an inhibitor of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase) essentially blocked the killing of S. rattus BHT by tPMP at most concentrations compared with the respective control cells. These results suggest that tPMP exerts anti-S. rattus BHT activity through mechanisms involving both the cell membrane and intracellular targets.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.751-766
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• 2023

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that naturally thrives in acidic environments and has the potential to induce various gastrointestinal disorders in humans. The antibiotic therapy utilized for treating H. pylori can lead to undesired side effects, such as dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. The objective of our study was to explore the potential antibacterial effects of nisin and lactic acid (LA) in yogurt against H. pylori. Additionally, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of nisin and LA in human gastric (AGS) cells infected with H. pylori. Nisin and LA combination showed the strongest inhibitory activity, with confirmed synergy at 0.375 fractional inhibitory concentration index. Also, post-fermented yogurt with incorporation of nisin exhibited antibacterial effect against H. pylori. The combination of nisin and LA resulted in a significant reduction of mRNA levels of bacterial toxins of H. pylori and pro-inflammatory cytokines in AGS cells infected with H. pylori. Furthermore, this also increased bacterial membrane damage, which led to DNA and protein leakage in H. pylori. Overall, the combination of nisin and LA shows promise as an alternative therapy for H. pylori infection. Additionally, the incorporation of nisin into foods containing LA presents a potential application. Further studies, including animal research, are needed to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.558-570
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• 2014

This study was conducted to compare the volatile flavor compounds found in the leaves of 15 taxa of Korean native Chrysanthemum species. The volatile flavor compounds from the taxa were collected using a simultaneous steam distillation and extraction technique and were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass selective detector (GC/MSD). A total of 45 volatile flavor compounds were identified with six functional groups: 14 alcohols, 4 ketones, 19 hydrocarbons, 5 esters, 2 acids, and 1 aldehyde. The main functional group in 15 taxa of Chrysanthemum species was alcohols, accounting for 28.7% of volatile flavor compounds, followed by ketones (21.2%) and hydrocarbons (13.2%). Camphor, which is known for its antimicrobial properties, was the most abundant volatile compound (30%) in C. zawadskii ssp. latilobum and var. leiophyllum. In particular, C. indicum subspecies and C. boreale contained ${\alpha}$-thujone, which has outstanding anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-diabetic efficacies. C. indicum var. albescens could be used in perfumes, since it showed 21 times more camphene than C. indicum. In addition, C. indicum var. acuta contained a fairly high content of 1,8-cineole, which has an inhibitory effect on mutagenesis. C. lineare contained only pentadecanoic acid compounds, whereas other taxa hexadecanoic acids. Overall, the Korean native Chrysanthemum species had considerable variation in volatile flavor compounds in their leaves. This study provides a good indication of specific potential use for various applications.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.303-313
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• 2009

Traditionally, Cham dang-gui (Angelica gigas Nakai) is one of the most popular herbal medicines in Asian countries including Korea. A. gigas has been used as a functional food product for treatment anemia, women's health care, a sedative, an anodyne or a tonic agent. Decursin and decursinol angelate isolated from the roots of A. gigas are pyranocoumarin compounds. Recently, as the global herbal medication market is increasing, investigations about pharmacological effects of decursin and decursinol angelate are rapidly increasing. We summarized previous studies about pharmacological effects of decursin and decursinol angelate, and reviewed relation with pharmacological effects of decursin and decursinol angelate on human disorder, focused on the approach for new drug development. Pharmacological effects of decursin and decursinol angelate were classified as anti-tumor activity, anti-bacterial activity, improvements of the circulating system, inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activity, anti-inflammation activity, anti-oxidant activity and cognitive-enhancing activites. The activity of A. gigas with improvement of the circulating system may have wide therapeutic potential for circulatory diseases, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Also, anti-inflammation activity A. gigas may be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of asthma, atopic dermatitis and rheumatism arthritis. This relation could potentially lead to the development of herbal new drugs. In order to development a new drug containing decursin and decursinol angelate, it is also necessary to consider the safety profile, and the information in this review would contribute to development a new drug from herbal medicine.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.229-236
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• 1998

6-Substituted derivatives of 1-［(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl］-6-(phenylthio)thymine (HEPT) were synthesized by introducing alkyl groups with the aid of chlorotrimethylsilane, and then purified ranging 40 to 81 % of yield. Because of their peculiar structures, we presumed that HEPT derivatives would contain extra biological activities other than their already known anti-human immunodeficiency viral (HIV -1) activities. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of the HEPT derivatives on bacterial growth and found their selective antibiotic activities against gram-positive strains. We could not observe the corresponding activity from a disc-zone test, but confirmed the activity by liquid cultivation. Since the growth rate of cells was easily recovered, the antibiotic function was suggested to be bacteriostatic. We also suggested that the intracellular fate of HEPT derivatives would be fast. A HEPT derivative f-3 was shown to synergize unidirectionally toward chloramphenicol (Chr). With 0.1 mM f-3, the Chr-directed growth-inhibitory curve appeared 4 hours earlier than found without the additive. Interestingly, from the data of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), we found that a membrane-bound protein having a molecular weight of 70-kDa was overexpressed by f-3 in S. aureus.

• International Journal of Clinical Preventive Dentistry
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.216-221
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• 2018

Objective: In this study, we tried to investigate the antimicrobial activity of natural herbaceous plant-derived essential oils against oral disease-causing bacterial strains and establish the scientific evidences to apply them to the dentifrice, mouthwash, and other uses. Methods: We used the disk diffusion method with 23 types of 100% natural essential oils to verify the antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. After adhering to the surface of the plate culture medium, $20{\mu}l$ of the essential oil was prepared, and the diameter of the transparent ring was measured after incubation for 24 hours. All the experiments were repeated three times. Results: Among 23 types of oils, 13 were effective against all three strains: myrrh, ginger, basil, carrot seed, tea tree, patchouli, ylang ylang, cypress, lemongrass, cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, and eucalryptus. Seventeen oils were effective against S. mutans, and myrrh, basil, and carrot seed showed high antimicrobial activity. Eighteen oils were effective against P. gingivalis, and tea tree, carrot seed, and cinnamons showed high antimicrobial activity. Sixteen oils were effective against L. rhamnosus, and carrot seed and peppermint cinnamon showed high antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: Consequently, 13 essential oils showed the antimicrobial activity against three bacterial strains, which indicates these essential oils might be used as the effective materials to suppress the growth of oral-disease inducing microorganisms. Moreover, essential oils that have been analyzed activities in this study will be mixed up within the constant range and analyzed their antimicrobial effects to examine the synergistic activity among them.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.43-56
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• 2012

Objective : In this study, we assessed the anti-bacterial effects and epidermal permeability barrier function of red onion juice comparing to yellow onion juice and $Houttuynia$ $cordata$ extract $in$ $vitro$. Methods : 3types of red and yellow onion juice were prepared as antibacterial agent candidates with Houttuynia cordata hot water extract using 4 different bacterial strains ($Escherichia$ $coil$, $Salmonella$ $enterica$ $subsp.$ $enterica$, $Staphylococcus$ $epidermidis$, $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ $subsp$) by colony counting method. The expression of filaggrin, a marker of keratinocyte differentiation, and serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), a marker of the formation of the stratum corneum lipid barrier, in human HaCat keratinocytes were analyzed using HaCaT cell line. The expression of COX-2 and AP-1 which is a factor of COX-2 transcription were also analyzed by western blotting method. Results : There was detectable anti-bacterial effects on $Staphylococcus$ $epidermidis$, $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ $subsp$ among 1%, 5%, 10% extracts of yellow and red onion.(81%-100%) The bacteriocidal effects were not shown on $Escherichia$ $coil$, $Salmonella$ $enterica$ $subsp.$ $enterica$ among $Houttuynia$ $cordata$, yellow onion and red onion extracts. The in vitro results showed the concentration-dependent effects on the expression of both filaggrin and SPT in HaCat cells among 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% extracts in Houttuynia cordata and red onion, reflecting the notion that $Houttuynia$ $cordata$ and red onion can induce epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and improve the recovery of skin barrier functions. The concentration-dependent effects also have been shown on the expression of both COX-2 and AP-1 among 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% extracts in $Houttuynia$ $cordata$ and red onion, while slight effect in yellow onion. Conclusion : Red onion juice could be a potential candidate enhanser for the skin care and cosmetology.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.115-125
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• 2005

Objectives : Polygalae Radix (PR) from Polygalae tenuifolia (Polygalaceae) has been clinically used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial agent. To extend pharmacological effects of PR in the central nervous system (CNS) on the basis of its CNS protective effect, the present study was conducted to identify the effect of PR, whether it shows the neuroprotective action against excitatory neurotoxicity. Methods : To identify the protective effect of PR to excitatory neuro-toxic agent, the present study was focused on the PR effect on cell death, that was caused by applying NMDA to nerve cell, elevation of $(Ca^{2+})_i$, releasement of glutamate, and ROS generation. Result : 1. PR methanol extract, at the concentration range of 0.05 to 5 g/ml, significantly inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced neuronal cell death as well as MK-801 (non competitive NMDA antagonist). 2. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium concentration $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. NMDA application in the presence of MK-801 $(10\;{\mu}M)$ failed to produce the increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ through all the measurement time. 3. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited the NMDA-induced elevation of glutamate release. Also, MK-801 showed similar protective effects. 4. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited the NMDA-induced elevation of ROS generation. Also, MK-801 showed similar protective effects. Conclusion : The present study provides the availability of PR to exert its protective effect on the neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative pathophysiological conditions.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.175-183
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• 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Yongseollan(YSL) on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells. YSL is tropical plant originating from Mexico. The biological activity of this plant is not yet evaluated systematically. The aim of the present work is to investigate a potential anti-inflammatory activity of YSL. The RAW264.7 cells were cultured in D MEM/F12 medium for 24 hrs. After serum starvation, cells were treated with YSL for 1 hr, followed by stimulating NO production with a LPS. We found that YSL has an inhibitory effect on the production of NO, iNOS expression and $phospho-I{\kappa}B$ expression. YSL also inhibited tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$. Moreover, YSL inhibited cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and prostanglandin E2 (PGE2). These findings showed that YSL could have some anti-inflammatory effects which might play a role in therapy in Gram-negative bacterial infections.