• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.284-292
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• 2021

Recently, a phytoestrogenic functional food has been developed using the fruits of Sophora japonica. Phytochemical investigation of fruits of S. japonica led to the isolation of eight flavonoid glycosides using various chromatographic techniques. The isolated compounds were identified as genistin (1), sophoricoside (2), genistein 7,4'-di-O-β-D-glucopyransoide (3), sophorabioside (4), genistein-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-4'-O-[(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (5), sophoraflavonoloside (6), nicotiflorin (7) and kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), respectively, by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. In addition, a new HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of the isolated compounds was developed to quantitate the contents of flavonoids in S. japonica and S. flavescens. The method was validated in terms of limit of detection, limit of quantitation, specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy. The validated method was successfully applied to determine eight flavonoids in two Sophora species. The contents of eight flavonoids varied according to the parts and species. Particularly, it was found that only the fruits of S. japonica contained sophoricoside, a phytoestrogenic isoflavone.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.79-87
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• 2010

Ultraviolet is the one of the main environmental factors promoting aging process via increased intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and molecules. Therefore, in this study, we tried to search for natural skin-protective antioxidant materials from marine origins (Porphyra Thalli, Laminariae japonicae thallus, Ostreae Concha, Sargassum Thallus, Undaria thallus, Haliotidis Concha, Codium thalli, Syngnathoides biaculeatus, Hippocampus, Stichopus Stichopus, Thalli, Hizikia fusiforme thalli) which exhibit free radical scavenging activity and protect against UVB-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative cell death. Free radical scavenging activity was shown in order of Undaria thallus. Sargassum Thallus, Laminariae japonicae thallus, Hippocampus, Haliotidis Concha, Ostreae Concha, Syngnathoides biacuJeatus. In another experiment, UVB-induced cytotoxicity and cell death were effectively suppressed by treatment of Sargassum Thallus, Haliotidis Concha, Codium thalli, or Hippocampus water extract. Furthermore, UVB-induced cell death was mediated by intracellular accumulation or ROS, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with aforementioned extracts. The protective effect of these marine natural products seemed to be mediated by increased expression of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1. These results suggest that Sargassum Thallus, Haliotidis Concha, Codium thalli, and Hippocampus may have preventive and protective potentials as new functional cosmetics against oxidative stress-mediated skin damages and aging with antioxidant properties.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.107-114
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• 2016

Objectives : Poria cocos Wolf has been widely used in Korean medicine as a medicinal fungus. In this study, we investigated that comparative anti-oxidant effects of ethanol extract from wild Poria cocos (WP) and plastic bag-cultivated Poria cocos (PBP).Methods : Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in WP and PBP extract were monitored. And DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl (·OH) free radical scavenging capacity, reducing power and xanthine oxidase inhibition activities of them were determined at 5, 1, 0.5 mg/ml concentrations.Results : Higher total polyphenol contents were found in the PBP extract (52.07±0.6 mg/TAEg) than in the WP extract (28.44±0.26 mg/TAEg). The flavonoid contents in WP and PBP extract were 17.29±0.30 mg/ RUEg, 21.36±0.40 mg/ RUEg, respectively. Also, DPPH, ABTS and ·OH free radical scavenging capacity of PBP extract in treated concentrations (5, 1, 0.5 mg/ml) significantly increased compared to those of WP-treated group. In particular, DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power of PBP extract at 5 mg/ml concentration were similar to positive control (BHA or vit. C). Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition rate in both extract increased dose dependently. But it was significantly increased in PBP-treated group, only at 5 mg/ml, compared to those of WP-treated group. Then, their inhibition rate by PBP was similar to positive control (BHA).Conclusions : These results suggest that PBP extract is superior to WP extract in anti-oxidant capacity thus PBP can be applied in variable antioxidative products as a substitute for WP.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.142-154
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• 2016

Worldwide production of mushrooms has been increasing by 10-20% every year. Recently, Pleurotus eryngii and P. nebrodensis have become popular mushroom species for cultivation. In particular, China exceeded 8.7 million tons in 2002, which accounted for 71.5% of total world output. A similar trend was also observed in Korea. Two kinds of mushrooms-Gumji (金芝; Ganoderma) and Seoji-are described in the ancient book 'Samguksagi' (History of the three kingdoms; B.C 57~A.D 668; written by Bu Sik Kim in 1145) during the Korea-dynasty. Many kinds of mushrooms are also described in more than 17 ancient books during the Chosun-dynasty (1392~1910) in Korea. Approximately 200 commercial strains of 38 species of mushrooms were developed and distributed to cultivators. The somatic hybrid variety of oyster mushroom, 'Wonhyeong-neutari,' was developed by protoplast fusion, and distributed to growers in 1989. Further, the production of mushrooms as food was 199,829 metric tons, valued at 850 billion Korean Won (one trillion won if mushroom factory products are included) in 2015. In Korea, the major cultivated species are P. ostreatus, P. eryngii, Flammulina velutipes, Lentinula edodes, Agaricus bisporus, and Ganoderma lucidum, which account for 90% of the total production. Since mushroom export was initiated in 1960, the export and import of mushrooms have increased in Korea. Technology was developed for liquid spawn production, and automatic cultivation systems led to the reduction of production cost, resulting in the increase in mushroom export. However, some species were imported owing to high production costs for effective cultivation methods. In academia, RDA scientists have conducted mushroom genome projects since 1997. One of the main outcomes is the whole genome sequencing of Flammulina velutipes for molecular breeding. With regard to medicinal mushrooms, we have been conducting genome research on Cordyceps and its related species for developing functional foods. There are various kinds of beneficial substances in mushrooms; mushroom products, including pharmaceuticals, tonics, healthy beverages, functional biotransformants, and processed foods have also became available on the market. In addition, compost and feed can likewise be made from mushroom substrates after harvest.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.532-539
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• 2018

Background: Heat treatments are applied to ginseng products in order to improve physiological activities through the conversion of ginsenosides, which are key bioactive components. During heat treatment, organic acids can affect ginsenoside conversion. Therefore, the influence of organic acids during heat treatment should be considered. Methods: Raw ginseng, crude saponin, and ginsenoside $Rb_1$ standard with different organic acids were treated at $130^{\circ}C$, and the chemical components, including ginsenosides and organic acids, were analyzed. Results: The organic acid content in raw ginseng was 5.55%. Organic acids were not detected in crude saponin that was not subjected to heat treatment, whereas organic acids were found in crude saponin subjected to heat treatment. Major ginsenosides ($Rb_1$, Re, and $Rg_1$) in ginseng and crude saponin were converted to minor ginsenosides at $130^{\circ}C$; the ginsenoside $Rb_1$ standard was very stable in the absence of organic acids and was converted into minor ginsenosides in the presence of organic acids at high temperatures. Conclusion: The major factor affecting ginsenoside conversion was organic acids in ginseng. Therefore, the organic acid content as well as ginsenoside content and processing conditions should be considered important factors affecting the quality of ginseng products.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.242-249
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• 2013

Thermal processing of (+)-catechin was carried out at $121^{\circ}C$ for different reaction times (1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 h). The reacted products, compounds (1) and (2), were isolated and quantified via HPLC analysis. The antioxidant properties of processed (+)-catechin and its isolated compounds for different reaction time was measured via radical scavenging assays using DPPH and $ABTS^+$ radicals. Additionally, the anti-obesity efficacy of the thermal treated (+)-catechin was evaluated via porcine pancreatic lipase assay. The reacted (+)-catechin for 3 h had a slightly higher antioxidant capacity than that the parent (+)-catechin. Products 1 and 2, which were isolated from the reacted mixture during 3 h, showed an antioxidant capacity, and these two compounds may be responsible for the antioxidant capacity of processed (+)-catechin. Simple thermal treatment of (+)-catechin can be used to produce (+)-epicatechin (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) with enhanced antioxidant and anti-adipogenic effects.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 1990

Aconiti Tuber is the root of Aconitum sp (Ranunclaceae) which has been considered as one of the most important medicinal plant having cordiotonic, diuretic and analgesic effect. On the other hand, it has been known that Aconiti Tuber contained toxic agent, aconitine alkaloids so that only processed Aconiti Tubers have been used as herbal drug traditionally. For the safety evaluation of processed Aconiti Tuber, quantitative determination of aconitine and acute, subacute toxicity test were performed on 5 commercial processed Aconiti Tubers. Arapid and precise method using HPLC has been developed for the separation and determination of aconitine. Samples were extracted with hydrochloric acid (pH3) and hot water decoction. In case of d-HCL extracts, the contents of aconitine were from 0.08 mg/g to trace. But in case of hot water decoction extracts, the contents of aconitine were not detected. For the investigation of Aconiti Tuber toxicity in rats, hot water decoction samples and methanol extracts were tested. 1) Acute toxicity test Hot water decoction sample and methanol extracts from Aconiti Tuber did not show any toxic effects in rats by an oral administration. $LD_50values of 2 extracts were above 10.0 g/kg. 2) Subacute toxicity study In the repeated administration study, hot water decoction samples were given orally to Sprague-Dawlay rats for 2 week at daily doses of 5.0 g/kg. The results are as follows; No toxic manifestation, body weight changes and lethality were observed during wxperimental period. There were no significant changes in serum enzyme activities such as GOT, GPT, LDH, ALP between treated and control groups. However CPK values were decreased in the Subuja-treated group. (P<0.01). In addition, no gross and microscopic changes were noted in Aconiti Tuber-treated groups.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2006

Gastritis and gastric ulcer were known to be induced by gastic acid, stress, ethanol, Helicobacter pylori and free radical, etc. This study was performed for the development of a new drug or nutraceutical from medicinal plants or natural products with anti-gastritis, anti-ulcerative and gastroprotective activities. The water extract of Scutellaria baicalensis was exhibited potent inhibition in HCl ethanol-induced gastric lesion, acetic acid-induced and Shay ulcers, indicating the effects on gastric lesion and ulcer in rats. The water extract of Scutellaria baicalensis significantly inhibited HCl ethanol-induced gastric lesions at the oral dose of 300, 500 mg/kg. In pylorus ligated rats, the treatments of the water extract from Scutellaria baicalensis showed decrease in the volume of gastric secretion and acid output and increase pH at oral dose of 300, 500 mg/kg. And significantly reduced acetic acid-induced ulcer at the oral dose of 500 mg/kg for 12 days. In this study, we have found that the water extract from Scutellaria baicalensis had significant improvement in acute gastritis and ulcer at the dose of 300, 500 mg/kg and in chronic gastritis and ulcer at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Also we evaluated the antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori treated with Scutellaria baicalensis. Scutellaria baicalensis had a equivalent antibacterial activity with ampicilin against H. pylori at the dose of $100\;{\mu}/ml$. In histological examination, the water extract of Scutellaria baicalensis drastically restored gastric damages induced by HCl ethanol solution, pylorus- ligature and acetic acid. Therefore, we may use the water extract from Scutellaria baicalensis as antigastritic and antiulcerative agent for the purpose of the improvement or treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcer.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.287-293
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• 2012

Lycopene, found in tomatoes and tomato products, has antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. High-mobility-group box 1 (HMGB1) mediates the pro-inflammatory responses in several inflammatory diseases. In this study, the potential roles of lycopene in the HMGB1-mediated pro-inflammatory gene expressions in the primary human-umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated. The data showed that HMGB1 upregulated the expressions of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)-IIA, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Lycopene pre-incubation for 6 h decreased the HMGB1-mediated induction of MCP-1, IL-6, sPLA2-IIA, and PGE2. Further study revealed that the inhibitory effects of lycopene on the HMGB-1 induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes were mediated by the inhibition of two important inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$. These results suggest that HMGB1 upregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and lycopene inhibited HMGB-1-induced pro-inflammatory genes by inhibiting TNF-${\alpha}$ and NF-${\kappa}B$. This finding will serve as an important evidence in the development of a new medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.282-286
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• 2006

Ochnaflavone is a medicinal herbal product isolated from Lonicera japonica that inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent phases of prostaglandin $D_2(PGD_2)$ generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) in a concentration-dependent manner with $IC_{50}$ values of $0.6{\mu}M$. Western blotting probed with specific anti-COX-2 antibodies showed that the decrease in quantity of the $PGD_2$ product was accompanied by a decrease in the COX-2 protein level. In addition, this compound consistently inhibited the production of leukotriene $C_4 (LTC_4)$ in a dose dependent manner, with an $IC_{50}$ value of $6.56 {\mu}M$. These results demonstrate that ochnaflavone has a dual cyclooxygenase-2/5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, this compound strongly inhibited degranulation reaction in a dose dependent manner, with an $IC_{50}$ value of $3.01{\mu}M$. Therefore, this compound might provide a basis for novel anti-inflammatory drugs.