• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.456-461
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• 2012

The leaves of $Stevia$ $rebaudiana$ are well-known in Japan, Korea, and China as a natural sweetener. Medicinal uses of this plant originated in Paraguay and Brazil in the form of aqueous decoctions of the leaves used as a contraceptive agent and for the treatment of hyperglycemia. In the present study, the antioxidant, anti-hypertension, and anti-inflammatory activities of $S.$ $rebaudiana$ extracts are investigated for their use in food. The biologically-active compound was isolated and purified from $S.$ $rebaudiana$. The isolated compound was identified as austroinulin ($C_{20}H_{34}O_3$; molecular weight 322) by mass, IR spectrophotometry, 1D, and 2D-NMR. Austroinulin was characterized as a diterpenoid possessing a 3-methylpenta-2,4-dienyl at C-9. When subjected to an inflammatory mediator inhibitory assay from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages, the austroinulin inhibited the enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression (10 ${\mu}g$/mL＝67.9 and 45.1%, respectively). This was significant and dose-dependent. The results suggest that austroinulin from $S.$ $rebaudiana$ inhibited the NO and iNOS in RAW 264.7 cells.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.125-134
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• 1988

A single i.v. dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) given to rats has produced a marked hyper-glycemia (>500 mg serum glucose/dl). Since the Atractylodis Rhizoma is known to have hypo-glycemic action, the water extracts of Atractylodis Rhizoma (ARWE) was given to the streptozotocin-induced (SZ) hyperglycemic rats. To determine whether ARWE has the anti-hyperglycemic effects, two different daily doses of ARWE (i.e.0.2 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg) were given orally to the SZ rats for up to 8 days. Thereupon, serum levels of glucose, insulin, amylase and cholesterol were determined on days 1, 3 and 8, following the initial and repeated daily administrations of ARWE. On day 8, glycogen content and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the liver were assayed. Results showed that ARWE decreased the serum glucose levels, which had been markedly elevated by the SZ pre-treatment. In support of this, the serum insulin level, which had been quickly lowered by the SZ pre-treatment $(20{\mu}U/ml)$, was quickly elevated in the ARWE dose dependent manner that, at 2.0 g/kg ARWE, the serum insulin level was increased $(20{\mu}U/ml)$ above the normal level $(42{\mu}U/ml)$. Also, the serum amylase level, which was steadily decreasing after the SZ pre-treatment, was restored to the normal level folowing 8 day of ARWE (2.0 g/kg) treatment. Hepatic glycogen content and glucose-6-phosphatase activity, which decreased and increased, respectively in the 52 treatment group, were restored toward the normal level in SZ plus ARWE group.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2005

Objective : The present study was carried out to investigate the preventive effect of Several Herb-combind Prescription(SHP) on Streptozotocin (STZ) -induced Diabetes mellitus. Methods : SHP was given to rats with the combination of oral administration and herbal-acupuncture stimulation. The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups : normal group of rats, control group of STZ-induced diabetic rats, sample group with SHP treatment. In vitro test of SHP showed ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Experimental diabetes was induced by the injection of STZ(60mg/kg) to the rat via the peritoneum. The effect of SHP on STZ-induced diabetes was observed by measuring the seum level of insulin, glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and lipid peroxides. Hepatic activities of catalase and reduced glutathione were examined and insulin granule was observed by immunohistochemical examination. Result : STZ caused hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia by a selectively destroying pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell. SHP treatment protected them from the hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. STZ induced increase of serum triglyceride lowered by SHP treatment. And by SHP treatment, pancrease showed a big area with positive immuno-reactivity for presence of insulin with many insulin granules distributed in the ${\beta}$-cells in the islets of Langerhans. Contusions : The SHP treatment showed protective effect on diabetic rat model, and action mechanism of the effect was thought to be concerned with anti-oxidative stress.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.482-489
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• 2021

Background: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). Methods: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. Results: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways. Conclusion: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.633-646
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cladophora glomerata extract (CGE), rich in polyphenols, was reported to exhibit antidiabetic and renoprotective effects by modulating the functions of protein kinases-mediated organic anion transporter 1 (Oat1) and 3 (Oat3) in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, the antioxidant effects of CGE on such renoprotection have not been investigated. This study examined the mechanisms involved in the antioxidant effects of CGE on renal organic anion transport function in an in vivo study. MATERIALS/METHODS: Diabetes was induced in the rats through a high-fat diet combined with a single dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (BW) streptozotocin. Subsequently, normal-diet rats were supplemented with a vehicle or 1,000 mg/kg BW of CGE, while T2DM rats were supplemented with a vehicle, CGE, or 200 mg/kg BW of vitamin C for 12 weeks. The study evaluated the general characteristics of T2DM and renal oxidative stress markers. The renal organic transport function was assessed by measuring the para-aminohippurate (PAH) uptake using renal cortical slices and renal inflammatory cytokine expression in the normal diet (ND) and ND + CGE treated groups. RESULTS: CGE supplementation significantly reduced hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and renal lipid peroxidation in T2DM rats. This was accompanied by the normalization of high expressions of renal glutathione peroxidase and nuclear factor kappa B by CGE and vitamin C. The renal anti-inflammation of CGE was evidenced by the reduction of tumor necrosis factor-1α and interleukin-1β. CGE directly blunted sodium nitroprusside-induced renal oxidative/nitrosative stresses and mediated the PAH uptake in the normally treated CGE in rats was particularly noteworthy. These data also correlated with reduced nitric oxide production, highlighting the potential of CGE as a therapeutic agent for managing T2DM-related renal complications. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CGE has antidiabetic effects and directly prevents diabetic nephropathy through oxidative/nitrosative stress pathways.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.599-607
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• 2018

Fasiglifam (TAK-875) a G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) agonist, significantly improves hyperglycemia without hypoglycemia and weight gain, the major side effects of conventional anti-diabetics. Unfortunately, during multi-center Phase 3 clinical trials, unexpected liver toxicity resulted in premature termination of its development. Here, we investigated whether TAK-875 directly inflicts toxicity on hepatocytes and explored its underlying mechanism of toxicity. TAK-875 decreased viability of 2D and 3D cultures of HepG2, a human hepatocarcinoma cell line, in concentration-(>$50{\mu}M$) and time-dependent manners, both of which corresponded with ROS generation. An antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, attenuated TAK-875-mediated hepatotoxicity, which confirmed the role of ROS generation. Of note, knockdown of GPR40 using siRNA abolished the hepatotoxicity of TAK-875 and attenuated ROS generation. In contrast, TAK-875 induced no cytotoxicity in fibroblasts up to $500{\mu}M$. Supporting the hepatotoxic potential of TAK-875, exposure to TAK-875 resulted in increased mortality of zebrafish larvae at$25{\mu}M$. Histopathological examination of zebrafish exposed to TAK-875 revealed severe hepatotoxicity as manifested by degenerated hypertrophic hepatocytes with cytoplasmic vacuolation and acentric nuclei, confirming that TAK-875 may induce direct hepatotoxicity and that ROS generation may be involved in a GPR40-dependent manner.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.1253-1259
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• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen from different production process on blood sugar of the diabetic mice induced with Streptozotocin(STZ). The original Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen filtered and refined. Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen D(H-BCL.D) extracted at high temperature(1000℃), Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen A(L-BCL.A) and Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen B(L-BCL.B) extracted at low temperature (250～450℃) were administerd to mice for 4weeks and its anti-diabetic effect examined. Mice used in this experiment were divided into four groups(Control, H-BCL.D, L-BCL.A and L-BCL.B). Experemental groups were observed in terms of blood sugar, Creatinine, BUN and GPT. The amount of glucose was significantly decreased in the Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen-treated groups compared with the control(P < 0.05). The amount of Creatinine did not show any differences among four groups. The amount of Blood Urea Nitrogen did not show any differences in the L-BCL.A and B-treated groups, but did show slightly decrease(P<0.05) at H-BCL.D-treated group. The amount of GPT did not show any differences among four groups. In conclusion, it was found that Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen from extracted at high or low temperature were effective on murine hyperglycemia mice induced with STZ respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.506-512
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• 2016

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is used in traditional herbal medicine in many Asian countries for the treatment of several diseases such as diabetes, eczema, night blindness, psoriasis, and rheumatism. Especially, most reports concerning the biological activities of bitter melon have focused on its effects on diabetes and hyperglycemia. Also, bitter melon is regarded as a longevity food, suggesting that it has several beneficial effects on anti-aging and the maintenance of a healthy state. Thus, we investigated whether bitter melon could increase the capacity of exercise in this study. Interestingly, bitter melon fruit extract activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is important for regulating glucose homeostasis, mitochondrial content and exercise capacity. In addition, bitter melon extract increased the expression of enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation such as mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1b (CPT1b), and pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 4 (PDK4). Moreover, exercise tolerance was much more enhanced in bitter melon treated animals compared to the non-treated control group. These results suggest that bitter melon is a promising candidate for the development of functional foods beneficial for physical strength and the enhancement of exercise capacity.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.580-584
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• 2008

In the present study, Radix clematidis extract (RCE) was evaluated to determine if it could protect pancreatic ${\beta}$ cells against multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLDS)-induced diabetes. Injection of mice with MLDS resulted in hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. However, the induction of diabetes by MLDS was completely prevented when mice were pre-administrated with RCE. Generation of oxidative stress is implicated in MLDS, a ${\beta}$ cell specific toxin-induced islet cell death. In this context, to elucidate the mechanisms of protective effects in RCE pre-administrated diabetic mice, we investigated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is one of the anti-oxidant enzymes. MLDS-induced HO-1 expressions were significantly reduced in MLDS-treated mice. However, the decrease of HO-1 by MLDS were protected by pretreatment of RCE. The molecular mechanism by which RCE inhibits diabetic conditions by MLDS appears to involve inhibition of HO-1 expression. Taken together, these results reveal the possible therapeutic value of RCE for the prevention of type 1 diabetes progression.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2011

Background: Insulin resistance is an integral feature of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we evaluated whether the aloe component could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and the occurrence of metabolic disorders such as blood glucose and insulin resistance. Methods: Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results: Aloe QDM lowered fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin compared with HFD. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokine (IL-$1{\beta}$, -6, -12, TNF-${\alpha}$) and chemokine (CX3CL1, CCL5) mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration and hepatic triglycerides by Aloe QDM. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ and $11{\beta}$-HSD1 both in the liver and WAT. Conclusion: Dietary aloe formula reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing inflammatory responses but also by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines in the WAT and liver, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The effect of Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and liver are related to its dual action on $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $11{\beta}$-HSD1 ression and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation is suggested.