• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.7 s.80
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• pp.1169-1173
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• 2006

Extracted fractions of the green seaweed Ulva lactuca were studied to verify the cytotoxicity and immunostimulating activity. The fractions from the ethanol extract of U. lactuca were prepared by the systematic extraction procedure with solvents such as hexane, ethyl ether, methanol, butanol and $H_2O$. The cytotoxic effects of U. lactuca fractions against human leukemia cell line U937, mouse neuroblastoma cell line (NB41A3), human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) and rat glioma cell line (C6) were investigated. Ethyl ether fraction showed the highest cytotoxicity against all four cell lines tested. In addition, $H_2O$ fraction also showed relatively high cytotoxicity. Dose dependent patterns were observed on all four cell lines. The immune-stimulating effects of U. lactuca fractions on rat macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) were also investigated. All five fractions of U. lactuca extract stimulated NO production with concentration dependant manner. These results suggest that U. lactuca may be a useful candidate for a natural cancer preventing and immune-stimulating agents.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.158-163
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• 1990

To investigate symbiotic relationship of 'Chunma (Gastrodia elata) and the rhizomorph of Armillaria mellea, volatile organic acids and alcoholic compounds which were considered to be contained in Gastrodia elata were tested to determine stimulatory effects on rhizomorph growth on a chemically defined medium. Also, volatile organic acids were isolated from Gastrodia elata and analyzed by gas chromatography. The growth of rhizomorph was stimulated by the presence of alcohols and volatile organic acids, but acetic acid and methanol were ineffective. In the presence of valeric acid and ethanol, Armillaria mellea produced abundant rhizomorph at concentrations of 0.1 and 1%, respectively. Ethanol and valeric acid supplemented at regular intervals of 3 days as lower concentrations in the medium stimulated the growth of Armillaria mellea. The concentrations of ethanol and valeric acid as low at 0.01% added 3 days intervals for 15 days were more effective than initial concentrations of 0.1 and 1% in stimulating rhizomorph development of Armillaria mellea. Eight kinds of volatile organic acids were identified and quantified by gas chromatography. The major compounds were n-propionic, valeric, iso-carproic and caproic acids, and the minor compounds were iso-butyric, butyric, iso-valeric and hepatanoic acids. Valeric acid was the most abundant among them.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.5 s.85
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• pp.652-657
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• 2007

To make functional fresh-cut yam using natural spices, the water or the methanol extract was prepared from different kinds of natural spices including ginger, wasabi, black pepper, mustard, cinnamon, chinese pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, chamomile, and peppermint. The extraction yields were varied as spice sources and extraction solvents used. Among the water extracts, peppermint extract showed strong antithrombosis activity with 26-folds extended thrombin time, and the $IC_{50}s$ of the extracts from cinnamon and rosemary were $61.3{\mu}g/ml\;and\;84.3{\mu}g/ml$ in DPPH scavenging assay, respectively. Whereas, the antimicrobial activity of all water extracts was ignorable. Among the methanol extracts, the extracts from thyme, ginger, and cinnamon showed antimicrobial activity against yam putrefactive bacteria. Strong antioxidative activity was found in the extracts from cinnamon and thyme. Based on these results, the functional fresh-cut yam was prepared using the water extract from peppermint or cinnamon. The antioxidative and antithrombin activities in the fresh-cut yam were maintained at $4^{\circ}C$ for 24 hr. Our results suggest that the natural spices could be applied to production of functional fresh-cut yam.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.97-109
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• 2021

Plant parasitic nematodes are causing significant damage in crop production. There is a need to develop eco-friendly nematicide that reduces the damage of nematode and has little effect on the environment and human. In this study, we have isolated a substance having nematicidal activity from Ginkgo biloba L. outer seedcoat. Studies of G. biloba L. outer seedcoat are insufficient compared to the seed and leaves due to their odor and toxicity. The dried G. biloba L. outer seedcoat was extracted with dichloromethane:methanol (1:1) and fractionated into hexane, ethyl acetate and H₂O. Four steps TLC were performed from EtOAc fraction to purely isolate GB4-3 with nematicidal activity. To compare nematicidal activity, G. biloba L. seedcoat methanol extract and purified GB4-3 were investigated in terms of treatment concentration and time. As a result, the nematicidal activity increased with concentration and time. In the place treated with 20 ㎍/mL of crude G. biloba L. seedcoat MeOH extract, strong activity appeared after 12 hours, and 46% nematicidal activity shown after 18 hours. About 69% of nematicidal activity was confirmed in the place where GB4-3 purified from outer seedcoat was treated with 20 ㎍/mL, and the possibility of development as nematicide was very high. This study could be used as a basic data for the development of a nematode preparation from G. biloba L. outer seedcoat.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.749-761
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• 2022

This study evaluated the antioxidizing and antiproliferative effects of Angelica japonica extract and its solvent-partitioned fractions. A dried sample of the halophyte A. japonica was extracted twice using methylene chloride (CH₂Cl₂) and extracted twice again using methanol (MeOH). The combined crude extracts were then fractionated by solvent polarity into distilled water (water), n-butanol (n-BuOH), 85% aqueous methanol (85% aq.MeOH), and n-hexane fractions. The antioxidant activities of the crude extracts and their solvent-partitioned fractions were assessed according to their DPPH radical and peroxynitrite scavenging abilities, formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA oxidation, NO production, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The crude extract showed significant antioxidant activity in the overall antioxidizing bioassay systems. Among solvent-partitioned fractions, good antioxidant activities were observed in n-BuOH and 85% aq.MeOH fractions and significantly correlated with the polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the samples. Furthermore, all samples tested, including the crude extract, not only showed cytotoxic effects against human cancer cells (AGS, HT-29, MCF-7, and HT-1080) but also prevented cell migration in a dose-dependent manner in the wound healing assay using HT 1080. Among the solvent-partitioned fractions, the 85% aq.MeOH fraction most effectively inhibited the invasion of HT-1080 cells. Therefore, these results suggest that A. japonica may be a potential antioxidizing and antiproliferative agent.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.194-202
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• 2006

In this work, extraction and purification of the possible whitening agents from the Chinese plants; Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat (xizang cai ju hua), Rhodiola sachalinensis, and Terminalia chebula Retzius have been described. The chopped leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat and Terminalia chebula Retzius were added to water and ethyl ether, respectively. Components were separated on a GS310 column ($21.5{\times}500mm$ i.d., $10-15{\mu}m$) and concentrated into four or three portions. The chopped leaves of Rhodiola salientness were added to methanol and separated and concentrated on a column ($C_{18}$ column, $3.9^{\circ}$�F8;300 mm i.d., $15{\mu}m$) into two parts. The whitening effects of extracts were examined by in-vitro melanin production assay, in melana and B16 cells at a concentration of $10{\mu}g/ml$. The ethyl acetate layer of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat showed 92% melanin inhibitory at $200{\mu}g/ml$, the extract of Rhodiola sachalinensis showed a whitening effect of about 60% melanin inhibitory, which was more efficient than the whitening effect of arbutin (45.6%). The methanol extract of Terminalia chebula Retzius inhibited melanin expression by 90% at $100{\mu}g/ml$; however, it was toxic to B16 melanoma cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.114-114
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• 2022

There are 28 families and 166 species of exotic weeds on agricultural land and among these, 23 families and 80 species of exotic weeds occur on pastures. Among them, the Solidago altissima is a perennial weed belonging to the asteraceae family and it is an exotic weed that spreads to the surrounding area using methods such as high seed production, vegetative propagation using underground rhizomes and allelochemical. Accordingly, in 2009, the Ministry of Environment designated it as an ecosystem-disrupting species. This study was conducted to obtain basic data about the effects of S.altissima derived allelochemicals on forage crops. The root of S.altissima was separated, dried in the shade and then pulverized to prepare an root powder. Powder was repeatedly extracted with methanol for 3 days and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain an root methanol extract. Dissolve the extract in distilled water, dispense it in a separate-funnel and proceed with liquid-liquid extraction by adding equal amounts of n-haxane (Hex), chloroform (CHCI₃), ethyl acetate (EtoAC), and butanol (BuOH) in order of increasing polarity. A seed-bioassay was performed using fractions for each solvent, followed by separation and purification by silica gel column chromatography. As a result of the fraction germination test for each solvent, the IC₅₀ values using the fresh weight of each fraction were 898.3 mg L^-1, 676.3 mg L^-1, 1160 mg L^-1 and 1360 mg L^-1. CA, CB, and CC fractions were obtained through primary silica gel column chromatography that used CHCI₃ fraction. As a result of seed-bioassay using each fraction, the IC₅₀ values for the fresh weight of each fraction was 537.3 mg L^-1, 1280 mg L^-1 and 1947 mg L^-1. Based on this, 5 fractions were obtained as a result of secondary silica gel column chromatography using the CA fraction. A seed-bioassay was performed, as a result, the lowest IC₅₀ value was calculated as 226.7 mg L^-1 in the CAE fraction. Based on this, the fraction was analyzed by GC-MS. The results of this study can be used as basic research data on the effects of weeds on forage crops and allelochemicals secreted from S. altissima.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.978-986
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• 2023

Inflammation by the innate immune system is a protective mechanism of the organism against infection-mediated environmental factors. It is also responsible for the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including the progression of cancer. Lichens are receiving increasing attention as a source of bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. Additionally, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential of lichen and its secondary metabolites have been widely reported. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, to investigate molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activity in the Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, methanol extract of Usnea aurantiaco-atra (MEUS) was used in vitro assays in RAW 264.7 macrophages cell and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Based on our data, MEUS had the anti-inflammatory activity through the modulation of main inflammatory indicators such as COX-2, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α and NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, we observed that MEUS had cytotoxic activity against HCT116 colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to a significantly reduced proliferation of the cancer cells through apoptotic induction by activating caspase-3. Taken together, this work firstly reported the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of an Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, and MEUS may provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying a link between inflammation and cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.236-244
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• 2024

Melanin is a natural pigment found in most plants and animals, and it is involved in determining the color of the skin and hair. Melanogenesis is a reactive occurrence in melanocytes aiming to protect the skin from external stimuli, such as ultraviolet rays. Tyrosine is involved in the biosynthesis of the substrate tyrosine into melanin. However, melanin overproduction can lead to skin diseases, such as melasma, blotching, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Although many studies have been conducted on whitening substances, such as kojic acid and arbutin, some countries have banned or refrained from using them due to their side effects. Therefore, this study assessed the potential of horseradish (HR) as a new whitening agent in cosmetic products. For efficient extraction, subcritical water extraction was conducted. The results showed that the horseradish subcritical water 200℃ (SW 200) extract showed high DPPH radical scavenging ability, total phenolic contents (TPC), inhibiting tyrosinase activity and inhibiting melanin production of B16-F10 melanoma cell lines. To investigate its cytotoxicity to the B16-F10 melanoma cell lines, MTT reduction assay and morphological changes were observed. No cytotoxicity was found in horseradish methanol extract and SW 200. In conclusion, this research suggests the possibility of horseradish subcritical water may be useful as a natural whitening ingredient to be used in cosmetic products.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.179-192
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• 2008

Objectives : Draconis Resina (DR) has been used as a traditional Korean herbal medicine since ancient times, and today it is used as a medication for wounds, tumors, diarrhea, rheumatism, in the itching of insect bites and with other conditions in the folk medicine. The aim of this study was to determine whether fractionated extracts of DR inhibit free radical generation, intracellular oxidation, production of nitrite, an index of NO, PGE2, iNOS, COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, Methods : DR extract prepared with methanol, and then fractionated with hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and water. Inhibitory effect of DR onto free radical generation was determined by measuring DPPH, superoxide anions and nitric oxide scavenging activities in vitro. Cytotoxic activity of extracts on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using 5-(3-caroboxymeth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. Intracelluar oxidation was analysed by DCF-DA assay. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess reagent system. The levels of iNOS and COX-2 expression were confirmed by western blot. And proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. Results : Our results indicated that fractionated extracts, especially dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts, significantly inhibited free radical generation, the LPS-induced H202, NO, PGE2 production and iNOS, COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 formation in macrophages. Conclusions : Our results indicate that dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of DR have potential as an agent of chronic inflammatory diseases.