• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.318-324
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• 2017

This study was performed to improve the antioxidant and skin-whitening activities of 70% ethanol extract from Sesamum indicum L. (SIL). The electron-donating ability of the SIL extract was 71.7% at a concentration of $1,000{\mu}g/ml$. The whitening effects that was measured by tyrosinase inhibition assay. As a result, SIL extract was shown 42% at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. The cell toxicity on B16F10 melanoma cells of SIL of 70% ethanol extract showed 84.3% at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase relate protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase relate protein-2 (TRP-2) and Tyrosinase protein and mRNA expression inhibitory effect of SIL extract were measured by western blot and reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 50, 250, $500{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Consequently, the MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, Tyrosinase protein expression inhibitory effect of SIL extract was decreased by 68.3%, 39.2%, 89.7%, 22.3%, respectively, at $500{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Moreover, MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, Tyrosinase mRNA expression inhibitory effect by reverse-transcription-PCR of SIL extract was decreased by 81.8%, 66.5%, 84.2%, 68.1%, respectively, at $500{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Therefore, we excellently identified the antioxidant activities and whitening effect of SIL extract, and this finding suggested that SIL extract has great potential as a cosmetic ingredients.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.363-369
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• 2015

We evaluated the antioxidant activity and anti-wrinkle effects of Aceriphyllum rossii leaf ethanol extract (ARLEE) in vitro using human dermal fibroblasts. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of ARLEE were 578.6 and 206.3 mg/g, respectively. At a concentration of $250{\mu}g/mL$, the electron-donating ability of ARLEE was 87.1%. In comparison with the vehicle, ARLEE treatment at $100{\mu}g/mL$ significantly increased type I procollagen synthesis (p < 0.01) by 50.7%. In vitro ARLEE treatment (10 mg/mL) inhibited collagenase and elastase activity by 97.1% and 99.2%, respectively. Compared with the control, ascorbic acid treatment at $100{\mu}g/mL$ significantly decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 protein expression (p < 0.01) by 37.0%. ARLEE treatment at $50{\mu}g/mL$ significantly decreased MMP-1 protein expression (p < 0.01) by 46.1%. Ascorbic acid and ARLEE treatments at $100{\mu}g/mL$ significantly decreased MMP-1 mRNA expression (p < 0.01) by 26.1% and 36.1%, respectively. From these results, we conclude that ARLEE has excellent antioxidant activity and even better anti-wrinkle effects than ascorbic acid in human dermal fibroblasts. These results suggest that ARLEE could be used in functional cosmetics for the prevention or alleviation of skin wrinkles induced by ultraviolet rays.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2020

Natural products are widely used due to their various biological activities which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-obesity effects. In this study, we determined the antioxidative and anti-obesity effects of Polygonum cuspidatum 50% ethanol extract (PEE). The antioxidative effect of PEE was evaluated using its radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and reducing power. The anti-obesity effect of PEE was investigated using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The antioxidative activity of PEE was progressively increased in various concentrations, mainly due to the presence of phenolic compounds. PEE also alleviated lipid accumulation on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and downregulated the mRNA and protein production of adipogenesis-related (SREBP-1c, PPARγ, C/EBPα) and lipogenesis-related (aP2, FAS, ACC) markers. Furthermore, we found that the inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation via PEE was caused by the alleviation of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK at the protein level. Taken together, our results imply that PEE is a potential antioxidant that can prevent obesity-associated disorders.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.1156-1168
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• 2020

Drought stress is threatening the growth and productivity of many economical crops. Therefore, it is necessary to establish innovative and efficient approaches for improving crop growth and productivity. Here we investigated the potentials of the cell-free extract of Actinobacteria (Ac) isolated from a semi-arid habitat (Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia) to recover the reduction in maize growth and improve the physiological stress tolerance induced by drought. Three Ac isolates were screened for production of secondary metabolites, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The isolate Ac3 revealed the highest levels of flavonoids, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in addition to having abilities to produce siderophores and phytohormones. Based on seed germination experiment, the selected bioactive fraction of Ac3 cell-free extract (F2.7, containing mainly isoquercetin), increased the growth and photosynthesis rate under drought stress. Moreover, F2.7 application significantly alleviated drought stress-induced increases in H₂O₂, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and protein oxidation (protein carbonyls). It also increased total antioxidant power and molecular antioxidant levels (total ascorbate, glutathione and tocopherols). F2.7 improved the primary metabolism of stressed maize plants; for example, it increased in several individuals of soluble carbohydrates, organic acids, amino acids, and fatty acids. Interestingly, to reduce stress impact, F2.7 accumulated some compatible solutes including total soluble sugars, sucrose and proline. Hence, this comprehensive assessment recommends the potentials of actinobacterial cell-free extract as an alternative ecofriendly approach to improve crop growth and quality under water deficit conditions.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.269-273
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• 2008

In this study, we investigated changes of general components and biological activity of the fruit of Prunus mume. The average moisture content of the fruit ranged from 88.34-90.04%. Crude protein and crude fat contents were not significantly different among samples. During ripening, crude protein decreased and crude fat increased. The level of polyphenols in the fruit gradually increased during ripening. An antimicrobial activity test indicated that methanol extracts had the highest activity and that the antimicrobial activity increased gradually with harvest time. Antimicrobial substances in methanol extracts of the fruit maintained their activity after heating at $100^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes and were unaffected by changes in pH. The antioxidant activities of extracts isolated with different solvents were: methanol> ethylacetate > water> ether> hexane. Antioxidant activity was not significantly different for different harvest times. The antioxidant index of the methanol extract was also the highest in electron donating activity.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.53-60
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• 2016

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate anti-aging and antioxidant effects of extracts of Nelumbo nucifera leaves (NN-L) using ethanol on skin .Methods : Each part of leaves(NN-L), flowers(NN-F) and stem(NN-S) was extracted with 70% ethanol. We performed radical scavenging assay(DPPH, ABTS+, Superoxide anion radical), elastase inhibition assay, collagenase inhibition assay. NN-L extracts were tested for cell viability(MTT assay), MMP-1 inhibition and MMP-1 protein expression on CCD-986sk cells (human fibroblast line).Results : Recently, many studies have reported that elastin is also involved in inhibiting or repairing wrinkle formation, although collagen is a major factor in the skin wrinkle formation. We measured its free radical scavenging activity, elastase inhibitory activity and expression of MMP-1 (matrix metalloprotease-1) in human fibroblast cells. Among the parts of Nelumbo nucifera, NN-L showed the highest antioxidant activities and in radical scavenging. DPPH, ABTS+ and Superoxide anion radical scavenging activity of NN-L at concentration of 1,000 μg/mL were 91.43%, 99.31% and 73.7% respectively. In vitro elastase and collagenase inhibition effects of NN-L at concentration of 1,000 μg/mL was 42.8% and 55.3% respectively. The ethanol extract of NN-L showed cell viability of 95.4% in 50 μg/mL concentration. In addition, The results from Western blot assay showed that NN-L decreased the expression of MMP-1 protein in a dose-dependent manner (by up to 35.0% at 50 μM).Conclusion : The findings suggest that the NN-L great potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient with antioxidant and anti-wrinkling effects.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.278-298
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• 1997

This study was performed to prove the antioxidant activities of Cynanchum Wilfordii Hemsley(白何首烏) by way of aqua- acupuncture methods. After 10% & 20% concentrations of liquid extract of Cynanchum Wilfordii Hemsley were acupunctured on Joksamri(足三里) of rats with acute and chronic experimental oxidation by AAPH(2, 2'-azobis(aminoidinopropane), hydrochoride), various kinds of experiments were measured. The results were obtained as follows: 1. In acute antioxidant experiment, the amount of TBARS indicated irregular increase and decrease to over 68% in experiment group in comparison with normal group. 2. In the serum test of acute antioxident experiment, uric acid and total protein and albumin were significantly increased in experiment group in comparison with control group. 3. In chronic antioxident experiment, the change of body weight was significantly decreased in 20% experimental groups in comparison with control group, and only liver significantly increased in 10% & 20% experiment group. 4. In chronic antioxident experiment, total protein significantly increased in 10%, 20% experimental groups and creatinine and BUN were significantly decreased in 10% experiment group. 5. In the chronic antioxident experiment, serum GOT, GPT activity didn't show no significantly change, LDH activity was significantly increase in 10% experiment group in comparison with control group. 6. In the chronic antioxident experiment, the tolerance test with enzyme activities of erythrocyte membrane was significantly decreased in 10% & 20% experimental groups. 7. In the chronic antioxident experiment, the change of TBA was significantly decreased in 10% & 20% experimental group. 8. In the chronic antioxident experiment, the amount of cytochrome p-450 was significantly increased in 10% & 20% experimental groups in comparison with control group. 9. In the chronic antioxident experiment, the amount of cytochrome b5 was significantly increase in 20% experimental group in comparison with control group. 10. In the chronic antioxident experiment, the change of activity of superoxide dismutase, and catalase were significantly increased in 20% experiment group in comparison with control group. From the above result, it was concluded considers the liquid extract of Cynanchum Wilfordii Hemsley(白何首烏) could be used as antiaging drugs, because it delayed the aging process and retarded senility.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.615-619
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• 2017

Background: Black ginseng has a more potent biological activity than non-steamed ginseng. We investigated the effects of long-term intake of dietary black ginseng extract (BG) on antioxidant activity in aged mice. We also compared the effects of BG on cognitive deficits with those of white ginseng extract (WG) and red ginseng extract (RG). Methods: Ten-month-old mice were fed an AIN-93G-based diet containing 10 g/kg (low dose, L) or 30 g/kg (high dose, H) WG powder, RG powder, or BG powder for 24 wk. We measured serum lipids, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, the protein expression levels of choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter, which are presynaptic cholinergic markers in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain, were measured by western blotting. Results: Triglyceride levels were reduced in all the extract-treated mice, except those in the LBG group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the HBG group were higher than those in the control group. Total cholesterol levels were reduced in the LBG group. Additionally, glucose levels in the HBG group were significantly reduced by 41.2%. There were lower levels of malondialdehyde in the LBG group than in the control group. Furthermore, glutathione reductase activity increased in the HWG group and the HRG group. The protein expression levels of choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter significantly increased in all the ginseng-treated groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that supplementation with the tested ginseng extracts may suppress the cognitive decline associated with aging, via regulation of the cholinergic and antioxidant defense systems.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.699-709
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• 2024

Oxya chinensis sinuosa (OC) is a well-known edible insect. Several researches on the health benefits of OC consumption have been performed to date; however, their effect on eye health remains largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of OC extracts on the oxidative stress on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Oxidative damage has been identified as one of the key regulatory factors in agerelated macular degeneration. H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, a well-known oxidative stress factor, can cause cell death in retinal pigment epithelia cells. In this study, we found that three OC extracts effectively prevented H₂O₂-induced ROS production and subsequent death of ARPE-19 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the OC extracts inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases including p38, JNK, and ERK. The OC extracts restored IκBα degradation induced by H₂O₂, indicating that OC extracts suppressed the activation of nuclear factorκB. Furthermore, the three OC extracts were shown to have antioxidant effects by upregulating the intracellular expression of key antioxidant proteins such as SOD, NQO, and HO-1. Here we demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of the OC extracts on ARPE-19, indicating their potential role in improving eye health. These results suggest that three OC extracts plays a critical role in oxidative stress-induced cell death protects in ARPE-19 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1063-1069
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• 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to lead to oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA and cause skin damage. Moreover, ROS promote melanogenesis, which causes melasma, age spots, and freckle. The main compounds of the herbal medicines Poria cocas, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Ulmus macrocarpa were reported to be parchymic acid, glabridin, and flavonoids, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the whitening and antioxidant effects of a mixture of P. cocas, G. uralensis, and U. macrocarpa extracts (PGUE) in B16F1 cells to develop whitening cosmetics. PGUE inhibited DPPH radicals and lipid peroxidation, in addition to high reduction power, compared with Glycyrrhiza uralensis ethylacetate extracts (GUEE). Furthermore, PGUE exhibited a protective effect against DNA oxidation induced by the hydroxyl radicals. In addition to its antioxidant activity, the inhibitory activity of PGUE against tyrosinase, which is associated with melanogenesis, was greater than that of arbutin used as a positive control. Moreover, PGUE exerted an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis in live melanoma cells and reduced the expression levels of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1). These results indicate that PGUE has skin whitening and antioxidant effects, suggesting that this mixture can be used as the main ingredient in the development of effective whitening cosmetics.