• Title/Summary/Keyword: expression of body

Search Result 1,995, Processing Time 0.033 seconds

A Study of the Standard of Costume life in the Chosen Dynasty Period -Focus on Literature- (조선시대의 의생활규범에 관한 연구 -문헌을 중심으로-)

  • Hyun Jin Sook;Min Gil Ja
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
    • /
    • v.9 no.2
    • /
    • pp.67-74
    • /
    • 1985
  • According to the records that all the people in our country were taught the way of braiding the hair and hatting in the first year of 'Tangun' (the founding father of the Korean nation) and that the discipline between sovereign and subject, man and woman, and the standard of food, drink and dwelling were originated from that year, it seems that all the people in our country had lived with keeping a certain standard of food, clothing and shelter, and with maintaining the order in life from ancient times. So, our country have been called 'the Eastern Land of Courtesy' and also regarded as 'the country of the true gentle-man' which was characterized as the custom of a humane, and as the country that had the immortality since a benevolent person lived to a great age. Thus, all the people in our country have lived with keeping and maintaining a certain standard of all aspects in life, and the philosophy in life that we have today was established by the influences of our characteristic thought, Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity, especially the life style in the Chosun Dynasty Period have strong influence on our today life. Thus, the contents concerned with the standard of custume life among those of all life in the Chosun Dynasty Period was studied, and clothes itself is unable to give expression to its ends but when the relationship that is, the inter-harmony among clothes, the body which will be dressed in, and the inherent psyche in that body is formed, then the ends, the complete beauty will be expressed. Though there were many studies dealt with clothes itself, no one was concerned with the all kinds of standard in activities that the dresser should keep, so the purpose of this article is that as above. The literature search is used as the research method. The eight books, 'Noneo' (the Analects of Confucius), 'Yeogi' (the Book of Courtesy), 'Sohak' (the book of Precepts for child-ren), 'Yeosaseo'(the Women's Four Books), 'Sasojeol'(Korean Scholars' Minor Principles) 'Eonhaenaehoon' (Private Moral Instructions for Women), 'Woo-am seonsaeng kyenyeoseo' (Master Woo-am's Cautions for Girls) and 'Kyoobangkasa' (the Lyric Lines of the Boudoir) that had influenced the whole field of life in the Chosun Dynasty Period are analyzed, selected and finally arranged for studyilng the foundation of culture of the clothing and for helping to that culture in modern and future life. The results are as follows: 1. The standard of the clothing life in the Chosun Dynasty Period had deeply rooted in the teaching of confucianism, but also had been influenced by the custom which rooted in our people. 2. There is the emphasis upon the trinity among mind, clothes and activities in the clothing life. 3. The clothing and hat have to be dressed symmetrically in full of all required elements, 4. There is the harmony between the clothing with hat and environments or surroundings. 5. The true elegance in the clothing life will be realized not by the exterior outfit but by the interior outfit with the attitude of chastiny. In conclusion, as the material of clothing life in the Chosun Dynasty Period has the characteristics of the simplicity, the cleanliness, the elegance and the refinement, our clothing life is to be mastered with the simplicity, the cleanliness and the elegance in that life and with the harmony between the inside and the outside.

  • PDF

Anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of Korean red ginseng extract in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice

  • Yuan, Hai-Dan;Shin, Eun-Jung;Chung, Sung-Hyun
    • Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
    • /
    • 2007.12a
    • /
    • pp.57-58
    • /
    • 2007
  • Purpose: Ginseng is a well-known medical plant used in traditional Oriental medicine. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been known to have potent biological activities such as radical scavenging, vasodilating, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic activities. However, the mechanism of the beneficial effects of KRG on diabetes is yet to be elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of KRG extract in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. Methods: The db/db mice were randomly divided into six groups: diabetic control group (DC), red ginseng extract low dose group (RGL, 100 mg/kg), red ginseng extract high dose group (RGH, 200 mg/kg), metformin group (MET, 300 mg/kg), glipizide group (GPZ, 15 mg/kg) and pioglitazone group (PIO, 30 mg/kg), and treated with drugs once per day for 10 weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured once every week. At the end of treatment, we measured Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), adiponectin, leptin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). Morphological analyses of liver, pancreas and white adipose tissue were done by histological observation through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Pancreatic islet insulin and glucagon levels were detected by double-immunofluorescence staining. To elucidate an action of mechanism of KRG, DNA microarray analyses were performed, and western blot and RT-PCR were conducted for validation. Results: Compared to the DC group mice, body weight gain of PIO treated group mice showed 15.2% increase, but the other group mice did not showed significant differences. Compared to the DC group, fasting blood glucose levels were decreased by 19.8% in RGL, 18.3% in RGH, 67.7% in MET, 52.3% in GPZ, 56.9% in PIO-treated group. With decreased plasma glucose levels, the insulin resistance index of the RGL-treated group was reduced by 27.7% compared to the DC group. Insulin resistance values for positive drugs were all markedly decreased by 80.8%, 41.1% and 68.9%, compared to that of DC group. HbA1c levels in RGL, RGH, MET, GPZ and PIO-treated groups were also decreased by 11.0%, 6.4%, 18.9%, 16.1% and 27.9% compared to that of DC group, and these figure revealed a similar trend shown in plasma glucose levels. Plasma TG and NEFA levels were decreased by 18.8% and 16.8%, respectively, and plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were increased by 20.6% and 12.1%, respectively, in the RGL-treated group compared to those in DC group. Histological analysis of the liver of mice treated with KRG revealed a significantly decreased number of lipid droplets compared to the DC group. The control mice exhibited definitive loss and degeneration of islet, whereas mice treated with KRG preserved islet architecture. Compared to the DC group mice, KRG resulted in significant reduction of adipocytes. From the pancreatic islet double-immunofluorescence staining, we observed KRG has increased insulin production, but decreased glucagon production. KRG treatment resulted in stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the db/db mice liver. To elucidate mechanism of action of KRG extract, microarray analysis was conducted in the liver tissue of mice treated with KRG extract, and results suggest that red ginseng affects on hepatic expression of genes responsible for glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In summary, multiple administration of KRG showed the hypoglycemic activity and improved glucose tolerance. In addition, KRG increased glucose utilization and improved insulin sensitivity through inhibition of lipogenesis and activation of fatty acid $\beta$-oxidation in the liver tissue. In view of our present data, we may suggest that KRG could provide a solid basis for the development of new anti-diabetic drug.

  • PDF

A Study on the Efficacy of Dietary Supplementation of Organic Acid Mixture in Broiler Chicks (육계에 대한 복합 유기산제의 첨가급여 효과에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Dong-Wook;Kim, Ji-Hyuk;Kim, Sung-Kwon;Kang, Geun-Ho;Kang, Hwan-Ku;Lee, Sang-Jin;Kim, Sang-Ho
    • Journal of Animal Science and Technology
    • /
    • v.51 no.3
    • /
    • pp.207-216
    • /
    • 2009
  • This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of organic acid mixture on growth performance, cecal microflora, blood characteristics and immune response in broiler chicks and to prove the possibility of organic acid mixture as an alternative to antibiotics growth promotor. A total of four hundred eighty, 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross$\times$Ross 308) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 30 birds each. The treatments were NC (free antibiotics), PC (basal diet with virginiamycin 10 ppm and salinomycin 60 ppm), 0.3% organic acid, and 0.5% organic acid. The final body weight and body weight gain were significantly higher in organic acid 0.5% than NC (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio in all treated groups were significantly improved as compared to that of NC (P<0.05). The carcass rate and relative organs weight were not significantly difference among the groups. The relative weight and length of small intestine in PC were significantly decreased than the other groups. The numbers of cecal coliform bacteria and Salmonella in all treated groups were significantly lower than NC (P<0.05). The number of cecal lactic acid bacteria was not different among the groups. No significant differences among the groups were observed in the contents of total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in blood serum. The contents of total protein and globulin in blood serum of PC and organic acid treated groups were significantly increased as compared to those of NC (P<0.05). Therefore, albumin:globulin ratio of PC and organic acid treated groups was significantly lower than NC (P<0.05). The total white blood cell (WBC), heterophil, lymphocyte, and stress indicator (heterophil:lymphocyte ratio) were not significantly different among the groups. No significant difference was observed on the expression rate of splenic cytokines mRNA in organic acid treated groups compared to the control. Consequently, supplemental organic acid mixture improved the growth performance, and influenced positive effects on the intestinal microflora by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria without any adverse effects on relative weights of organs and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chicks.

Historical Evolution of Stage Costumes in Europe since the Second World War (제2차 세계대전 이후 나타난 유럽 무대의상의 사적 분석)

  • Na, In-Wha;Lee, Kyu-Hye
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
    • /
    • v.31 no.12
    • /
    • pp.1761-1771
    • /
    • 2007
  • The artificial exaggeration of stage costumes is thought to be one of the major techniques of enhancing dramatic expression on stage, whichever for visual impact or symbolic effect of dramatization. In the history of stage dressing, a variety of styles has been tried using different materials and production techniques. This may be reviewed as an effort to express dramatic effects more effectively. As this trend became obvious in Europe after the Second World War, this study analyzes the stage costume to deepen our understandings of the role of costumes in expressing dramatic effects. To accomplish this, we first summarized the history of stage costume materials and technical advance and chose five major cases representing the history of stage costume since the Second World War in Europe based on aesthetic and creative aspects: 1) Simplified stage of Jacques Copeau, 2) Stylized stage of Bertolt Brecht, 3) Essential stage of Grotowski, 4) Measured stage of Robert Wilson the Master, and 5) Post-dramatic stage of Philippe $Decoufl\'{e}$. In each of particular case, the historical, material and dramatic contexts were examined as well as different material-effects. The results are as followings: 1) Costume for Copeau's simplified stage: its simplicity plays a supporting role to the gesture of actors(intensifying effect). 2) Costume for Brecht's stylized stage: the artificial stylization integrates into the play with the importance approximately equal to the actors's acting. 3) Costumes for Grotowski's essential stage: costumes disappeared to emphasize only actor's presence on stage. 4) Costumes for Robert Wilson's measured stage: costumes made concrete impression to the extent of obtaining the same importance of actor's body among other stage art elements(lighting, sound, props, actor, text, etc). 5) Costumes for Decoufle's post-dramatic stage: costumes in the era of multi technology possess multi functional aspects that surrogate actors' body. This study suggests that stage costumes take an important part in dramaturgy to the extent that the intent of dramaturgy can be induced enough from stage costume. Thus, costume makers are expected to incorporate the appropriate dramatic factor more than before.

Lipolytic Effect of Sparassis crispa Extracts in Differentiated 3T3-L1 Cells and High Fat Diet-induced Obese Mice (분화된 3T3-L1 세포와 비만유도 쥐에 꽃송이버섯 추출물의 지질분해 효과)

  • Lee, Mi-Ae;Park, Jin-Kyung;Um, Mi-Hyang;Jeon, Jung-Woo;Lee, Jung-Min;Park, Yoo-Kyoung
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
    • /
    • v.41 no.12
    • /
    • pp.1708-1715
    • /
    • 2012
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate whether water extracts of Sparassis crispa (SC) have anti-obesity effects. Treatment of mature adipocytes with SC caused a decrease in lipid accumulation (assessed by Oil Red O staining) and an increase in glycerol release. Mice were induced to obesity by a high fat diet (45% fat in total kcal) and experimental groups were treated with two different dosages of SC extracts, a low SC (LSC, 100 mg/kg/day) or high SC (HSC, 300 mg/kg/day). SC extracts were administered by gavages for 10 weeks in the experimental groups, while the control group was fed with distilled water. The body weight gain of mice fed SC was significantly reduced (11.88% lower in LSC, 14.54% lower in HSC) compared to the control group. Additionally, there were significantly reduced serum levels of triglycerides (13.57% lower in LSC, 19.46% lower in HSC), total cholesterol (32.22% lower in LSC, 24.67% lower in HSC) and glucose (28.85% lower in LSC, 25.82% lower in HSC) in mice fed SC compared to the control group. Hepatic triglycerides in mice fed SC were lower (9.68% lower in LSC, 14.24% lower in HSC) than the control group and total cholesterol levels were also lower in mice fed SC (38.72% lower in LSC, 35.20% in HSC). These results demonstrate that the water extract of SC may enhance lipolysis and up-regulate the expression of lipolytic enzymes in vitro and reduce body weight in vivo. These significant effects were found for both low and high doses of SC treatment, and suggest SC can be used as potential therapeutic substances for the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanol Extract from Onion (Allium cepa L.) Peel on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in RAW 264.7 Cells and Mice Ears (LPS로 유도된 RAW 264.7 세포와 마우스 귀 조직에 대한 양파(Allium cepa L.) 껍질 에탄올 추출물의 항염증 효과)

  • Ahn, Na-Kyung;Kang, Bo-Kyeong;Kim, Koth-Bong-Woo-Ri;Kim, Min-Ji;Bae, Nan-Young;Park, Ji-Hye;Park, Sun-Hee;Ahn, Dong-Hyun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
    • /
    • v.44 no.11
    • /
    • pp.1612-1620
    • /
    • 2015
  • Inflammation is a complex process involving a variety of immune cells, which defend the body from harmful stimuli. However, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators can also exacerbate diseases such as cancer. Onion peel contains several phenolic compounds, including quercetin at an amount 20 times greater in peel than edible flesh. Therefore, in this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of onion peel ethanol extract (OPEE) were investigated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response. In our results, NO production decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Secretion of IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ was suppressed by 44%, 53%, and 60% respectively, at $100{\mu}g/mL$. Moreover, OPEE also suppressed expression of COX-2, iNOS, $NF-{\kappa}B$, and MAPKs in a dose-dependent manner. Formation of mice ear edema was reduced at the highest dose tested compared to the control, and reduction of ear thickness was observed in the histological analysis as well. In the acute toxicity test, no morality was observed in mice administered 5,000 mg/kg body weight of OPEE over a 2-week observation period. These results suggest that OPEE may have significant effects on inflammatory factors and be a potential anti-inflammatory material.

Apoptotic Effects and Cell Cycle Arrest Effects of Extracts from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson through Regulating Akt/mTOR/GSK-3β Signaling Pathways in HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells (HCT116 대장암세포에서 AKT/mTOR/GSK-3β 신호경로 조절을 통한 벌 사상자 추출물(CME)의 apoptosis 및 cell cycle arrest 효과)

  • Lim, Eun Gyeong;Kim, Guen Tae;Kim, Bo Min;Kim, Eun Ji;Ha, Sung Ho;Kim, Sang-Yong;Kim, Young Min
    • Journal of Life Science
    • /
    • v.26 no.6
    • /
    • pp.663-672
    • /
    • 2016
  • The Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson is an annual plant distributed in China and Korea. The fruit of C. monnieri is used as a medicinal herb that is effective for the treatment of carbuncle and pain in female genitalia. However, the anti-cancer effects of CME have not yet been reported. In this study, we assessed the apoptotic effects and cell cycle arrest effects of ethanol extracts from C. monnieri on HCT116 colon cancer cells. The results of an MTT assay and LDH assay demonstrated a decrease in cell viability and the cytotoxic effects of CME. In addition, the number of apoptotic body and the apoptotic rate were increased in a dose-dependent manner through Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-PI double staining. In addition, cell cycle arrest occurred at the G1 phase by CME. Protein kinase B (Akt) plays an important role in cancer cell survival, growth, and division. Akt down-regulates apoptosis-mediated proteins, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p53, and Glycogen Synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). CME could regulate the expression levels of p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-GSK-3β, Bcl-2 family members, caspase-3, and PARP. Furthermore, treatment with CME, LY294002 (PI3K/Akt inhibitor), BIO (GSK-3β inhibitor), and Rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) showed that apoptotic effects occurred through the regulation of the AKT/mTOR/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated CME could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT116 colon cancer cells.

A Study on Movement Characteristics of Dalgubal Drum Dance (달구벌 북춤 춤사위의 특성에 대한 고찰)

  • Choi, Won-sun
    • (The) Research of the performance art and culture
    • /
    • no.42
    • /
    • pp.147-181
    • /
    • 2021
  • Dalgubal drum dance is inherited in a recreated form by incorporating regional symbolism and the dance philosophy and artisticity of Young Hwangbo, the creator, based on the traditional drum dance of the Yeongnam region. This dance having popularity with the transformation of traditional Korean culture has been invited not only to Yeongnam region including Daegu but also to international various venues. This study explores what the movement characteristics of this Dalgubal drum dance are and the unique charm and symbolic meaning of this dance. Specific analysis was conducted through analyzing Dalgubal drum dance video film of the 89th Korean Myeongmujeon's by using Laban Movement Analysis as a research method. The special features of this dance resulted from the LMA analysis in terms of the four categories-Body, Effort, Shape, and Space-reveal simple yet cheerful personalities and strong yet patient characteristics of the people in Daegu. The harmony of drum sounds(music) and movements(dance) creates various characteristics of dances and reveals the beauty and excitement of unique Korean dance. In particular, drum play and its related dance movements create curved linear spatial pattern of arm movements, Spiral Shape in body posture, and diverse floor patterns occupying whole stage space. These movements show the three-dimensional spatial beauty and the artistic ideas for recreation of traditional drum dance, which considered with the spatial structure of the proscenium stage. In addition, the well-organized structure and harmonious movements of this dance show the traditional Korean philosophy, implying heaven, earth, and human being and the wholeness, and the harmony of yin and yang. The dance aims at communication between the audiences and dancers through sharing excitement and the aesthetic beauty of dance. This can be interpreted as a meaningful expression of traditional Korean philosophy developed with the unique value and characteristics of Korean dance.

Study on ${\ulcorner}Bonchojeonghwa{\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner}Inbu{\lrcorner}$ ("본초정화(本草精華)" "인부(人部)"에 대한 고찰)

  • Kwon, Young-Bae;Eom, Dong-Myung;Kim, Hong-Kyoon
    • Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
    • /
    • v.11 no.2
    • /
    • pp.1-22
    • /
    • 2005
  • Study on ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$, which is one of the most specialized medical books in Boncho(Herbal Medicines), has been done by comparing it with some other medical books published in the Chosun dynasty. Though there was not meaningful result on e names of Korean medicine by this study and more study should follow in the future, from medicines recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Inbu (a chapter of medical ingredients from human body)${\lrcorner}$, we can reach on some results as follows by comparing in names of Korean medicines, their medical components, relevant explanations and etc. 1. Though it is difficult to know the author and the published year due to absence of the preface and epilogue, the publication is presumed to date from mid-l7th century, from the facts that Muheeong's ${\ulcorner}$Shinnongbonchokyongso${\lrcorner}$ is in the ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$'s reference list, and that there is not Hangul expression in the names of medicines nor the Ching dynasty’s books as a reference. 2. As a result of studying on the names of medicines recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Inbu${\lrcorner}$ of the Chosun dynasty's famous medical books, before ${\ulcorner}$ Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$, 19 medicines in ${\ulcorner}$Hyangyakjipsungbang${\lrcorner}$, 25 in ${\ulcorner}$Donguibogam${\lrcorner}$, and after ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$, 6 in ${\ulcorner}$Uimumbogam${\lrcorner}$, 4 in ${\ulcorner}$Kwangjebikup${\lrcorner}$, 11 in ${\ulcorner}$Bangyakhappyon${\lrcorner}$. And there are 37 medicines which are unique, ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$ has 31, the biggest records among them. 3. As a result of studying on the names of medicines recorded in 「Inbu」 of the ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$ and ${\ulcorner}$ Donguibogam${\lrcorner}$, 22 medicines were recorded in the both books, 9 were only recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$ and 3 were only recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Donguibogam${\lrcorner}$. 3 out of the total 37 medicines recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Inbu${\lrcorner}$ are only recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Hangyakjipsungbang${\lrcorner}$, and more study on this is needed. 4. From the contents recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$ and ${\ulcorner}$Donguibogam${\lrcorner}$, Benchojeonghwa is more in detail than Donguibogam. Thus, it was specialized in Boncho (Herbal Medicines) enough to be compared with general medical books, and played a good role in leading medical science's specialization. 5. Late Chosun dynasty's medical study on Boncho (Herbal Medicines) just like ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$ didn't lead to an active development of knowledge communication due to Confucian ethics. This limitation created the trend relying on general medical books or Yaksungga (songs of memorizing Boncho information) for Boncho information, but Boncho information of late Chosun dynasty became more in detail. That is, while Bokhapbang, combination of various medicines, were developed in China, Danmibang, single medicine but different intensity, were developed in Chosun. And thus, even though the kinds of medicines became smaller, but its contents became rather rich. 5. The medicines recorded in ${\ulcorner}$Bonchojeonghwa${\lrcorner}$ and ${\ulcorner}$Donguibogam${\lrcorner}$ are, from the view point of today, unclean or rather uncomfortable to use. Out those medicines, Bunchung, Hwasijangsanginkol, Hongyon, Gonidoogun, Inkondang had been used for a very long time and which proves their medical efficacy, and it is a great pity that they can’t be tried today due to the limitation by modern ethics.

  • PDF

Sorghum Extract Enhances Caspase-dependent Apoptosis in Primary Prostate Cancer Cells and Immune Activity in Macrophages (수수 추출물에 의한 primary 전립선 암세포의 caspase 의존성 apoptosis 유도 및 대식세포 면역활성 증가)

  • Cho, Hyun-Dong;Kim, Jeong-Ho;Hong, Seong-Min;Lee, Ju-Hye;Lee, Yong-Seok;Kim, Du-Hyun;Seo, Kwon-Il
    • Journal of Life Science
    • /
    • v.26 no.12
    • /
    • pp.1431-1437
    • /
    • 2016
  • Sorghum bicolor L. is one of the important minor cereals in Asia, Africa, and the central United States, and it is considered a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. However, there is a lack of data on the anti-cancer activity of Sorghum in prostate cancer cells and immune activity in macrophages. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of an ethanol extract of S. bicolor L. (SE) on inducing apoptosis in RC-58T/h/SA#4 cells and immunomodulatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells. SE significantly inhibited the viability of RC-58T/h/SA#4 primary prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The morphology of RC-58T/h/SA#4 cells treated with SE was shrunken and involved the formation of an apoptotic body and nuclear condensation. In addition, SE markedly activated caspase-8, -9, and -3; increased the protein levels of Bax, p53, cleaved PARP, and cytosolic cytochrome c; and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, the inhibition of caspases in RC-58T/h/SA#4 cells with z-VAD-fmk attenuated SE-induced cell growth inhibition. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was also elevated by SE treatment, as revealed by immune response parameters. These results suggest that SE inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in primary human prostate cancer cells in a caspase-dependent manner, and it modulates the immune functions in macrophages. Therefore, Sorghum bicolor L. may be used as a functional food to prevent prostate cancer and enhance immune activity.