• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.48-54
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• 2006

Methods have been developed to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of foods and plasma but limitations are associated with their ability to determine precisely the contribution of lipophilic antioxidants in a lipid milieu as well as interactions among them Thus, we modified the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay to determine the peroxyradical scavenging ability of both hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments in plasma The hydrophilic ORAC assay was performed in a phosphate buffer system utilizing 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride as a peroxyradical generator and fluorescein as the target The lipophilic ORAC assay was carried out in a dimethylsulfoxide :butyronitrile (DMSO/BN, 9:1 v/v) system using 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethyl valeronitrile) as a peroxyradical generator and BODIPY C11 581/591 as the target Analyses were conducted in bovine serum supplemented with water - and lipid - soluble antioxidants and in human plasma. Albumin (0.5$\sim$5 g/dL) and uric acid (0.1$\sim$0.5 $\mu$mol/L) increased hydrophilic ORAC values in a dose-dependent fashion ($R^{2}$=0.97 and 0.98, respectively) but had no impact on lipophilic ORAC values. $\alpha$-Tocopherol (15$\sim$200 $\mu$mol/L) increased lipophilic ORAC values in a dose-dependent fashion ($R^{2}$=0.94); neither $\alpha$-tocopherol nor $\beta$-carotene had an impact on hydrophilic ORAC values. However, addition of $\beta$-carotene at physiological concentration (0.23$\sim$1.86 $\mu$mol/L), either alone or in combination with other carotenoids, had no significant impact on lipophilic ORAC values. Thus, while assays of 'total antioxidant capacity' in biological matrices would be a useful research and clinical tool, existing methods are limited by the lack of complete responsiveness to the full range of dietary antioxidants.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2019

In this study, we investigated the effects of MOK pharmacopuncture at high-doses which are increased 10 to 100-fold in clinics, on propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in rats and the safety. We measured the changes of body weight, food and water intake, body temperature, the serum levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4), AST and ALT, glucose, lipid metabolites (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride) and observed histopathological changes of thyroid tissues by H&E staining. We also analyzed the peaks of constituents of MOK using HPLC. In the results, the treatment of MOK pharmacopuncture at high-dose (30 mg/kg) in hypothyroidism-induced rats for 2 weeks was shown the improvement effects on the decrease of body weight, food intake, and body temperature, The MOK pharmacopunture at high dose regulated the imbalance of thyroid hormones, glucose, and lipid metabolites and also inhibited the structural damages of thyroid tissues. In liver damage, the MOK pharmacopuncture at high dose reduced the increase of AST and ALT levels in hypothyroid rats. We identified the MOK constituents in HPLC analysis. In conclusion, the treatment of MOK pharmacopuncture at high dose has a therapeutic effect on hypothyroidism without liver toxicity, suggesting that the MOK pharmacopuncture be usefully applicable to treat with hypothyroidism in clinics.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.271-276
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• 2019

Zingerone (ZGR), a phenolic alkanone isolated from ginger, has been reported to possess pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. This study was initiated to determine whether ZGR could modulate renal functional damage in a mouse model of sepsis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The potential of ZGR treatment to reduce renal damage induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery in mice was measured by assessment of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lipid peroxidation, total glutathione, glutathione peroxidase activity, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity. Treatment with ZGR resulted in elevated plasma levels of BUN and creatinine, and of protein in urine in mice with CLP-induced renal damage. Moreover, ZGR inhibited nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ activation and reduced the induction of nitric oxide synthase and excessive production of nitric acid. ZGR treatment also reduced the plasma levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, reduced lethality due to CLP-induced sepsis, increased lipid peroxidation, and markedly enhanced the antioxidant defense system by restoring the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in kidney tissues. Our study showed renal suppressive effects of zingerone in a mouse model of sepsis, suggesting that ZGR protects mice against sepsis-triggered renal injury.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.86-97
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• 2021

Background: Panax ginseng Meyer has been used as a nourishing edible herb in East Asia for thousands of years. 25-OH-PPT was first discovered as a natural rare triterpenoid saponin in ginseng stems and leaves by our group. Research found that it showed strong inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, and protected cardiocytes (H9c2) through PI3K/Akt pathway. Methods: In the research, in order to optimize the 25-OH-PPT enrichment process, optimal macroporous resins and optimal purification conditions were studied. Meanwhile, the hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of 25-OH-PPT were evaluated by using STZ to establish insulin-dependent diabetic mice and the spontaneous type 2 diabetes DB/DB mice. Results and Conclusion: Research found that 25-OH-PPT can reduce blood glucose and enhance glucose tolerance in STZ model mice. It increases insulin sensitivity by upregulating GLUT4 and AMPK in skeletal muscle, and activating insulin signaling pathways. In DB/DB mice, 25-OH-PPT achieves hypoglycemic effects mainly by activating the insulin signaling pathway. Meanwhile, through the influence of liver inflammatory factors and lipids in serum, it can be seen that 25-OH-PPT has obvious anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects. These results provide new insights into the study of ginseng as a functional food.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.173-193
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most representative neurodegenerative disease mainly caused by the excessive production of amyloid beta (Aβ). Several studies on the antioxidant activity and protective effects of Populus tomentiglandulosa (PT) against cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal damage have been reported. Based on this background, the present study investigated the protective effects of PT against cognitive impairment in AD. MATERIALS/METHODS: We orally administered PT (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) for 14 days in an Aβ_25-35-induced mouse model and conducted behavioral experiments to test cognitive ability. In addition, we evaluated the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum and measured the production of lipid peroxide, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissues. RESULTS: PT treatment improved the space perceptive ability in the T-maze test, object cognitive ability in the novel object recognition test, and spatial learning/long-term memory in the Morris water-maze test. Moreover, the levels of AST and ALT were not significantly different among the groups, indicating that PT did not show liver toxicity. Furthermore, administration of PT significantly inhibited the production of lipid peroxide, NO, and ROS in the brain, liver, and kidney, suggesting that PT protected against oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that administration of PT improved Aβ_25-35-induced cognitive impairment by regulating oxidative stress. Therefore, we propose that PT could be used as a natural agent for AD improvement.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.501-509
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• 2022

Irisin is a myokine caused by exercise that improves insulin resistance and weight loss. However, under unfavorable conditions such as air pollution, and during the pandemic, outdoor activities are uncomfortable. Therefore, in this study, the effect of heat therapy (half bath 42 ± 0.5℃ for 30 min) on irisin circulation levels as an exercise alternative for middle-aged obese women after menopause was investigated. Subjects were 33 women aged 49.54 ± 6.04 years, with parameters of height, 160.12 ± 4.33 cm, weight, 69.71 ± 7.52 kg, body surface area 1.73 ± 0.13 m², body mass index, 27.19 ± 3.40 kg/m². The results suggest that circulating irisin levels showed a significant increase after one-time thermotherapy (TH-1). However, the increase in circulating irisin levels after 15 treatments (TH-15, 5 days/week, 3 weeks) was significantly varied. The level of adiponectin, which increases fatty oxidation to reduce fatty deposition, increased significantly at TH-1, but further increased at TH-15, which was significantly different from the level of TH-1. In addition, the basic serum free fatty acid (FFA) level was significantly increased at TH-15 compared to TH-1. Significant differences were also found in the lipid profile (body mass index, waist circumference, and % body fat). Thermotherapy can significantly increase the tympanic temperature and induce changes in circulating irisin and adiponectin levels. Thus, it resulted in positive changes in FFA and lipid profiles. Therefore, repeated thermotherapy is effective in increasing circulating irisin levels in postmenopausal obese women.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.606-624
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different doses of Geumnyeonyijin-tang (GNYJT) water extracts with those of metformin (250 mg/kg) in mild diabetic-obese mice. Methods and Results: The 48 mice were divided into 1 normal pellet diet (NFD) group and 5 high-fat diet (HFD) groups. At the end of 12 weeks of oral administration of metformin (250 mg/kg) or GNYJT water extracts (400, 200, or100 mg/kg), the effects were evaluated. The HFD control mice showed noticeable increases in body weight, adipose tissue density, fat pad weight of the periovarian and abdominal wall, and insulin, blood glucose, and HbA1c levels, with decreases in serum HDL levels. Increases in the periovarian and dorsal abdominal fat pad, regions of steatohepatitis, adipocyte hypertrophy, and hepatocyte hypertrophy were also discovered. The HFD group showed a decline in glucose levels and elevation of hepatic gluconeogenesis, suggesting an HFD-induced AMPK downregulation related to glucose dysregulation, as well as lipid metabolism related to obese insulin-resistant type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress related diabetic hepatopathy (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). Conclusion: Assessment of the key parameters for inhibition of diabetes and related complications in HFD-fed diabetic-obese mice demonstrated that GNYJT water extracts have favorable ameliorating effects. The effect of GNYJT was manifested through the stimulation of AMPK upregulation of related hepatic glucose enzyme activities and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes. Therefore, appropriate oral dosages of GNYJT could be promising as a new preventive candidate for controlling diabetes and related complications. Further screening of biologically active compounds, elucidation of detailed mechanisms, and more animal studies are warranted.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to identify whether herbal medicine improves the clinical symptoms and abnormal blood tests of a patient with fatty liver accompanied by hypertriglyceridemia. Methods: A 44-year-old man with fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia was prescribed Saenggangunbi-tang from July 20, 2020, to November 11, 2020, to reduce fatigue and to improve laboratory findings, such as liver enzymes and the lipid profile. We observed changes in symptoms, serum levels of liver enzymes, and the lipid profile during about 4-month treatment. We also recorded changes in the bioelectrical impedance analyzer findings during that time. Results: In this case study, an approximately 4-month treatment with Saenggangunbi-tang led to considerable improvement in laboratory findings and visceral fat area. In particular, the patient experienced a noticeable decrease in triglyceride levels compared with the baseline parameters of the first visit. In addition, no side effects-including weight gain and liver enzyme increases-were observed during treatment. Conclusion: This study suggests that appropriately prescribed herbal medicine is a therapeutic option to manage fatty liver combined with hypertriglyceridemia.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.9-15
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• 2017

Objectives : In this study, the inhibitory activities of Korean Medicine against pancreatic lipase in vitro and biochemical analyses in vivo were measured to determine its possibility as a well-matched sauce material with chicken. Methods : The inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase enzyme of 11 samples were evaluated in vitro and then 5 samples were selected. The activity of pancreatic lipase was investigated using orlistat as a positive control. Animals were divided into eight groups (n=7). The experimental groups except for normal group were fed 60% high-fat diet for 7 days. 5 samples were orally administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight and orlistat were orally administrated at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight for 7 days. Biochemical anaylses of 5 samples were executed based on lipid parameters analysis. Results : Korean Medicines with an $IC_{50}$ of below 1 mg/kg were Scutellariae Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, Theae Folium Coptidis Radix, and Mori Cortex Radicis. Body weight change of Mori Cortex Radicis reduced significantly, however fecal triglyceride couldn't regulate effectively. The most excellent inhibitory effect of pancreatic lipase showed in Scutellariae Radix treatment and also regulated significantly serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. Moreover, the supplementation of Coptidis Radix excreted meaningfully triglyceride to fece. Conclusions : In conclusion, Coptidis Radix may exert anti-obesity effect by directly inhibiting pancreatic lipase, which would prevent the absorption of lipid from the small intestine. Besides, Mori Cortex Radicis may led to the decrease of the body weight via the different pathway.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.79-90
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• 2022

Background: Herbal medicines are popular approaches to capably prevent and treat obesity and its related diseases. Excessive exposure to dietary lipids causes oxidative stress and inflammation, which possibly induces cellular senescence and contribute the damaging effects in brain. The potential roles of selective enhanced ginsenoside in regulating high fat diet (HFD)-induced brain damage remain unknown. Methods: The protection function of Ginsenoside F1-enhanced mixture (SGB121) was evaluated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Human primary astrocytes and SH-SY5Y cells were treated with palmitic acid conjugated Bovine Serum Albumin, and the effects of SGB121 were determined by MTT and lipid uptake assays. For in vivo tests, C57BL/6J mice were fed with high fat diet for 3 months with or without SGB121 administration. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry, western blot, PCR and ELISA assays were conducted with brain tissues. Results and conclusion: SGB121 selectively suppressed HFD-induced oxidative stress and cellular senescence in brain, and reduced subsequent inflammation responses manifested by abrogated secretion of IL-6, IL-1β and TNFα via NF-κB signaling pathway. Interestingly, SGB121 protects against HFD-induced damage by improving mitophagy and endoplasmic reticulum-stress associated autophagy flux and inhibiting apoptosis. In addition, SGB121 regulates lipid uptake and accumulation by FATP4 and PPARα. SGB121 significantly abates excessively phosphorylated tau protein in the cortex and GFAP activation in corpus callosum. Together, our results suggest that SGB121 is able to favor the resistance of brain to HFD-induced damage, therefore provide explicit evidence of the potential to be a functional food.