• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.688-697
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• 2010

We investigated the cholesterol-lowering and body-weight loss effects of Cheonggukjang fermented using Bacillus subtilis DJI in rats fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. Weight-matched male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of four groups: a normal diet group (N), a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet group (HFC), a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet with DJI Cheonggukjang group (HFC-SCK), and a high-fat/high-cholesterol with commercial Cheonggukjang group (HFC-CCK). All of body weight and liver and adipose tissue weights increased in animals fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet, but decreased significantly in rats fed Cheonggukjang powder, compared with the HFC group. Food intake was lower in the HFC group than in the N group, and that of the HFC-CCK group was the lowest among the four groups. Serum total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the Cheonggukjang-powder fed groups than the other groups. Serum phospholipid and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly decreased in HFC animals and were markedly increased upon feeding of a Cheonggukjang-containing-diet. Levels of serum LDL-cholesterol, the atherogenic index, and cardiac risk factor assessment indications tended to be decreased in Cheonggukjang powder-fed groups, compared with the HFC group. The total cholesterol level in liver tissue was increased by feeding of a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet, and was significantly reduced when Cheonggukjang powder was present in the diet. The levels of total lipids and triglycerides in adipose tissues were lower in the HFC-SCK group than in the HFC group, whereas no significant differences were evidence when the HFC and the HFC-CCK groups were compared. Fecal weight, moisture level, and total lipid content increased in animals fed Cheonggukjang powder. The activities of HR-LPL and TE-LPL in adipose tissues were increased in the HFC group compared with the Cheonggukjang powder-fed groups. These results indicate that dietary Cheonggukjang may improve lipid metabolism and prevent obesity and hyperlipidemia.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.642-648
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• 2008

The aim of this study is to investigate Chegameuiin-tang water extracts (CETE) have potent anti-obesity activities in a high fat diet-induced obesity mouse model. In this study, we designed three group (normal diet group, high fat diet group, high fat diet plus CETE group for 13-week oral administration). Increases in body weight and fat storage were inhibited by 13-week oral administration of CETE at a 500 mg/kg concentration in this animal model, while the amount of food intake was not affected. Results from blood lipid analysis showed that the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly lowered by CETE administration, also HDL-cholesterol was increased more than high fat diet-induced obese mouse. To understand the underlying mechanism at the molecular level, the effects of CETE were examined on the expression of the genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis by real-time PCR. In epididymal fat of CETE-treated mice, the mRNA level of lipogenic genes such as sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and fatty acid synthase were decreased, which was well correlated with the reduction of the epididymal fat weight. Also, CETE administration inhibited decreases of the hormone-sensitve lipase and lipoprotein lipase mRNA expressions, which are genes related with lipolysis. These results suggest that Chegameuiin-tang may have great potential as a novel anti-obesity agent.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 2014

Red yeast rice (RYR) has been known to exhibit various biological effects, including anti-hyperlipidemia, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammtory activities. Oxidative stress is a main risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect of RYR on rats fed a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with either 0.2%, 1%, or 5% RYR for 4 weeks. We measured lipid profiles in the plasma and liver, antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and erythrocyte, gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, and oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes. The group supplemented with 0.2% RYR had total cholesterol level in plasma decreased by 24%, while the group supplemented with 5% RYR had high-density cholesterol increased by 20% compared to the control. The antioxidant enzyme activities were also affected by RYR supplementation. Total superoxide dismutase activities in plasma significantly decreased by 11% in the 1% RYR group, while these activities in the liver significantly decreased by 16% and 21% in the 1% and 5% supplemented group compared to the control, respectively. Glutathione peroxidase activities in plasma and erythrocytes increased 13% and 48% in the 1% RYR group, respectively. Catalase (CAT) activity in erythrocytes significantly increased by 49% and 68% in the 1% and 5% RYR group compared to the control, respectively. The gene expression of CAT was up-regulated 7.9 fold compared to the control in the 5% RYR supplemented group. These results suggest that RYR can control hyperlipidemia by improving the lipid profile and modulating oxidative stress.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.7-13
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• 2012

Objective : This study was conducted to observe the anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the metabolic benefits, of pear extract and herbal drug mixture (Lycii Fructus, Coicis Semen, Alimatis Rhizoma, and Astragali Radix) on rats fed with a high fat diet. Methods : The animals used were male rats and the control group was fed a high fat diet only. The experimental groups were divided into four. Exp I group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Lycii Fructus; Exp II group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Coicis Semen; Exp III group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Alimatis Rhizoma; and Exp IV group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Astragali Radix for 4 weeks. Results : The body weight gain increased in all groups, but attenuated gradually in the experimental groups compared to the control group. The food intakes were significantly lower in Exp I and Exp III groups than the control group. The concentrations of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in Exp II than in the control group, and lower in Exp III group than in the control group. Also the concentration of serum free fatty acid was significantly lower in the Exp III group than in the control group. In inflammatory activities, the Exp II group was significantly lower than the control group. Conclusion : The results indicated that Exp III group (administered a mixture of pear extract and Alimatis Rhizoma) most efficiently reduced fat accumulation and body weight, while the Exp II group (administered the mixture of pear extract and Coicis Semen) had the highest elevated lipid metabolism and immune activity.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.666-672
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of long-term endurance exercise and salvia miltiorrhiza vinegar on body composition and insulin resistance of high-fat diet (30% carbohydrate, 50% fat and 20% protein) induced obese rats. After 8 weeks of high fat diet (50% of total calories), rats were divided into 4 groups (sedentary group, n=10; exercise group, n=10; Salvia miltiorrhiza vinegar group, n=10; exercise+Salvia miltiorrhiza vinegar group, n=10) for 8 weeks. Body weight, body composition, diet intake volume, oral glucose tolerance test, plasma total cholesterol were measured. The results showed that Salvia miltiorrhiza vinegar plus endurance exercise training for 8 weeks significantly improved body weight control, visceral fat weight, and insulin resistance. However, only Salvia miltiorrhiza vinegar treatment did not significantly improve body composition and insulin resistance. In addition, there was no additive by the combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza vinegar and endurance exercise in insulin, body fat, and total cholesterol. The reduction of body fat, glucose, insulin and cholesterol by combination was resulted from the exercise. These results suggest that Salvia miltiorrhiza vinegar has slight effect on anti-hyperglycemia and anti-obesity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.967-977
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• 2023

Rubus crataegifolius (RC) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. The fruits of RC are known to prevent adult diseases through antioxidants. In this study, the effects of RC extract (RCex) on obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated in animal models. Twenty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were induced to become obese for 8 weeks and then the extract was orally administered for 8 weeks. RCex reduced body weight, adipose tissue, liver weight. RCex improved biochemical biomarkers including lipid metabolism (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol). The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduced the expression of adipogenesis genes (liver × receptor (LXR), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthesis (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and the effect of enhancing carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity by RCex was verified. RCex also influence on plasma production of hormones (adiponectin & leptin) related on energy expenditure and metabolism. In addition, we confirmed that RCex improved glucose intolerance in HFD-induced obese rats. RCex was first demonstrated to have anti-obesity as well as anti-NAFLD effects by regulating fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid synthesis by phosphorylation of AMPK. This suggests that RCex could be a good supplement for the prevention of obesity and related NAFLD.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.14-18
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• 2007

This study investigated the effect of physical training and oxidative stress on the anti oxidative activity and on plasma lipid profile. Forty eight rats were given either a physical training or no training for 4 weeks and were then subdivided into 3 groups: before-exercise (BE); during-exercise (DE); after-exercise (AE). The antioxidative activity was evaluated with the activities of catalase in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD), the ratio of reduced glutathione/ oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. The plasma concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C)) were also compared. Compared to those of non-training group. catalase activities of training group were lower before exercise but higher during and after exercise. SOD activities were higher regardless of exercise. GSH/GSSG ratio was higher before exercise but was not significantly different during exercise and even lower after exercise. There were no differences between non-training group and training group in MDA levels regardless of exercise. Compared to those of non-training group, atherosclerotic index of training group was lower after exercise and there were no significant differences before and during exercise. There were no differences between non-training group and training group in HDL-C regardless of exercise. These results suggest that moderate physical training can activate antioxidant defenses and decrease the atherosclerotic index and this beneficial effect is evident under exercise-induced oxidative stress.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.364-369
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• 2008

Anti-hyperlipidemic effect of red ginseng (RG; the steamed root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and Crataegii fructus (CF, the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida BGE), which are used frequently in China and Korea as herbal medicines to treat arteriosclerosis, were investigated. Treatments of RG and CF significantly reduced blood triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice and serum TG levels in corn oil-induced hypertriglyceridemic mice. Ginsenoside Rg3 and ursolic acid, the main constituents of RG and CF, respectively, also reduced TG and TC levels in hyperlipidemic mice. RG and CF significantly lowered the high blood TG and TC levels and body and epididymal mass weights induced by long-term feeding of a high-fat diet and increased the high-fat diet-induced decrease in blood HDL cholesterol levels. RG and Rg3 reduced the blood TC levels more than CF and ursolic acid. However, blood TG level were reduced by CF and ursolic acid more than RG and Rg3. RG, CF, and their constituents also inhibited pancreatic lipase and HMG-CoA reductase activities. The most potent inhibitor was Rg3. These findings suggest that RG and CF may be suitable for the therapies of hypercholesterolemia and triglyceridemia, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.134-140
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• 2017

In a series of investigations to develop a potential anti-obese agent, we prepared a immature Citrus fruits (IMF) and compared its lipid excretion effects to those of Citrus fruits (MF, CP, JP) in an ICR mouse model of obesity induced by a high fat diet. The body weights of IMF fed mice were found to be significantly lower from 2 weeks oral administration, despite the fact that their food intakes were similar to that of the HFD control mice. The fecal cholesterol content showed a significant increase in IMF (52.0 mg/g) at 7 weeks oral administration, and mature Citrus fruits (MF, 41.3 mg/g), immature Citrus peel (CP, 32.2 mg/g), mature Citrus peel (JP, 30.0 mg/g) respectively. And also, the triglyceride content in the feces showed a significant increase in MF (14.6 mg/g), and IMF (14.2 mg/g), CP (10.5 mg/g) and JP (10.0 mg/g), respectively. On the other hand, in the inhibition activity of pancreatic lipase, MF (0.78 nmol/min/ml) showed the greatest decrease in glycerol, CP (0.79 nmol/min/ml), JP, (0.93 nmol/min/ml) and IMF (1.42 nmol/min/ml).

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1811-1821
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• 2018

Obesity is generally caused by quantitative changes in adipocyte differentiation and fat metabolism. Only a few studies have been determined the effect of red beans extract on obesity and plasma cholesterol concentration. We have been studied the functional activities of red-bean extracts including anti-oxidative effect against DNA and cell damages. Histological study including micro CT analysis showed that the accumulation of fat in hepatocytes and intestines was significantly decreased in red bean extract treated group. In addition, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were decreased in blood samples. In addition, it was confirmed that the red bean extract inhibited the expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$, Fabp4 and RETN genes, which regulate total adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. Red bean extract inhibits the expressions of transcription factors associated with adipocyte differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting fat accumulation and decreasing blood lipid levels in obese mice induced by high fat diet.