• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.66-72
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• 2007

Yam has been recognized as healthy food due to its various biological activities, such as anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anticancer and immune-stimulation activities. In this study, antibacterial activities of 800 more natural plant extracts against yam-putrefactive psychrotrophic bacterium, Pseudomonas rhodesiae YAM-12, were evaluated to select a natural preservative, which is useful to long-term storage of yam and fresh-cut production. Finally, the clove oil was selected, and applied for the production of yam fresh-cut. The 1% of clove oil treated fresh-cut showed minor color changes during 31 days storage at $4^{\circ}C$ and the microbial growth was not detected. When the artificially contaminated fresh cut by dipping with P. rhodesiae YAM-12 suspension for 3 min was treated 1% clove oil, the microbial growth was identified to $10^4$ CFU/g from $10^3$ CFU/g with minor color changes. Whereas, treatment of sterilized water, or 100 ppm NaOCl into artificially contaminated fresh cut showed severe putrefaction $(10^8\;CFU/g)$ and color changes. Considering the previous reports that clove oil has antimicrobial, antioxidation, and antithrombosis activity, the use of clove oil into the yam fresh cut will provide market safety and consumer acceptability by prevention of microbial putrefaction and its biological activity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.347-354
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• 2014

Larrea nitida is a plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is widely used in South America to treat inflammatory diseases, tumors and menstrual pain. However, its pharmacological activity remains unclear. In this study we evaluated the property of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) of Larrea nitida extracts (LNE) as a phytoestrogen that can mimic, modulate or disrupt the actions of endogenous estrogens, depending on the tissue and relative amount of other SERMs. To investigate the property of SERM of LNE, we performed MCF-7 cell proliferation assays, estrogen response element (ERE)-luciferase reporter gene assay, human estrogen receptor (hER) binding assays and in vivo uterotrophic assay. To gain insight into the active principles, we performed a bioassay-guided analysis of LNE employing solvents of various polarities and using classical column chromatography, which yielded 16 fractions (LNs). LNE showed high binding affinities for $hER{\alpha}$ and $hER{\beta}$ with $IC_{50}$ values of $1.20{\times}10^{-7}$ g/ml and $1.00{\times}10^{-7}$ g/ml, respectively. LNE induced $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2)-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation, however, it reduced the proliferation in the presence of E2. Furthermore, LNE had an atrophic effect in the uterus of immature rats through reducing the expression level of progesterone receptor (PR) proteins. LN08 and LN10 had more potent affinities for binding on $hER{\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$ than other fractions. Our results indicate that LNE had higher binding affinities for $hER{\beta}$ than $hER{\alpha}$, and showed SERM properties in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the rat uterus. LNE may be useful for the treatment of estrogen-related conditions, such as female cancers and menopause.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.976-982
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• 2005

Abilities of various edible plants and natural antioxidants to protect brain against oxidative damages were evaluated using brain homogenate of perfused Sprague-Dawley rat. Oxidative damage, expressed as lipid peroxidation (LPO), indicating total quantity of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenal, increased from 4.1 to 6.9nmol/mg protein by treatment of $2.5{\mu}M$ ferrous sulfate and 7.5mM hydrogen peroxide as source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on brain homogenate for 10min at $37^{\circ}C$ Mallow(88%) in leafy vegetables, small potato (93%) in root vegetables, green red pepper (76%) in fruit vegetables, and avocado (96%) in fruits showed highest LPO inhibition capacities. Ability of mushrooms decreased in order of nameko, shiitake, pine mushroom, oyster mushroom, and new type pine mushroom. Among natural antioxidants tested, (+)catechin (91%), (-)epigallocatechin gallate (85%), (-)epicatechin gallate (83%), and kaempferol(83%) showed high LPO inhibition capacities.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.1288-1294
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• 1997

For screening antimutagenic effects, the effects of 95 medicinal plants on the mutagenicity of aflatoxin $B_1$ $(AFB_1)$ and benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] were investigated using the SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37. The mutagenicity induced by $AFB_1$ or B(a)P was reduced over 26% by 2 kinds and 8 kinds of medicinal plant, respectively. Eight plants (Bupleurum falcatum, Corydalis ternata, Gasfrodia elata, Ostericum koreanum, Pinellia ternatia, Poncirus trifoliata, Prunus armeniaca and Rehmannia glutinosa) were also shown to have inhibitory effects on both $AFB_1$ and B(a)P. The mutagenicity induced by $AFB_1$ or B(a)P was increased over 20% by 46 kinds and 2 kinds, respectively, and 8 medicinal plants (Chrysanthemum indicum, Cinnamomum cassia, Cyperus rotundus, Morus bombycis, Patrinia scabiosaefolia, Petasites japonicus, Polygonum multiflorium, Thyja orientalis) increased significantly the mutagenicity of both mutagens. However the 8 plants themself did not show the mutagenicity in SOS Chromotest with S-9 mix alone. This result suggests that the above 8 plants may have the co-mutagenic activities. In two bacterial mutation system, SOS Chromotest and Ames test, the mutagenic or antimutagenic activities of some medicinal plants wire similar except Ostricum koreanum, Eugenia caryophyllata and Scutellaria baicalensis.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.350-356
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• 2011

Environment-friendly agro-materials tend to be preferred to chemical insecticides recently. For this reason, many studies were conducted to develop environment-friendly insecticides containing natural materials. The purpose of this study was to assess ecotoxicity for 5 plant essential oils (Thyme white, Clove bud, Cassia, Lavender, Lemon eucalyptus) expected to prevent from pests and be used for agro-materials. Target species used to assess acute toxicity were aquatic invertebrate (Daphina magna), fish (Oryzias latipes), honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) and earthworm (Eisenia fetida). The EC50 value, toxicological responses of thyme white, clove bud, and cassia to Daphina magna were 2.5, 2.8, and $6.9mg\;L^{-1}$ respectively and these values were moderately toxic according to standard of USEPA. $EC_{50}$ of Lavender and lemon eucalyptus were >$10mg\;L^{-1}$ then they were considered as slightly toxicity. In case of acute toxicity test to fish, $LC_{50}$ of thyme white and cassia were 6.7 and $7.5mg\;L^{-1}$ each other. The other plant essential oils indicated $LC_{50}$ >$10mg\;L^{-1}$. Acute contact and oral toxicity test to Honeybee were conducted. As a result, $LD_{50}$ of all essential oils were >$100{\mu}g$ a.i. $bee^{-1}$ in both of tests. In case of acute toxicity test to earthworm, $LC_{50}$ of thyme white, clove bud, cassia, lavender, and lemon eucalyptus were 149, 230, 743, 234, and $635mg\;kg^{-1}$, respectively. In conclusion, if the safety for earthworm is confirmed, 5 plant essential oils are expected to be use for environment-friendly insecticide materials with low risk against ecosystem and contribute to developing environment-friendly agro-materials.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.157-164
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• 2010

Rosa rugosa has been used as a folk medicine with various pharmacological properties for a long time in Asia. We investigated effects of fructus extracts of Rosa rugosa (RRF) and semen extracts of this herb (RRS) on bone forming cells (osteoblastic and pre-osteoclastic cells) to evaluate the pharmacological possibilities in a variety of bone-related disease. RRF showed significant effect on proliferation of osteoblastic cells in dose-dependent manners at 72 hrs and $100\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of RRS was effective at 48 and 72 hrs. RRF and RRS did not decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$ but NO by pre-osteoclastic cells under inflammation circumstance indeced by LPS. We also investigated the effects of RRF and RRS on the mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation in the old and young mice in ex vivo systems. RRF and RRS significantly enhanced proliferative effects of untreated and ConA-treated splenocytes from the old and young mice. But, RRS at $500\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ increased LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ production in pre-osteoclastic cells and reduced LPS-stimulated lymphoblastogenesis in the old and young at $1000\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. These results indicate that RRF has beneficial effects on osteoarthritis and give further possibilities for the immunomodulating effects not only in old that has more frequent bone related diseases but also in young.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.258-264
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• 2011

The Korean edible mountainous vegetable, byeongpungssam, Cacalia firma Komar. (CFK) is a wild plant found in the intermountain areas in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate its free radical scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenozothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays, an electron spin resonance spectroscopy. We also examined its protective effect against oxidative DNA damage using agarose electrophoresis of ethanol extract of CFK. The protective activity of the extract against the DNA damage induced by HO${\cdot}$ radicals was compared to epicatechin, ascorbic acid and trolox as reference antioxidant compounds. Total phenolic content in the extract was determined spectrometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and calculated as gallic acid equivalents. Total polyphenolic content of the extract was measured in the leaves ($161.53{\pm}1.07{\mu}g/g$) and shoot ($142.45{\pm}0.56{\mu}g/g$). The antioxidant potential of the extracts against some radicals and DNA damage by HO${\cdot}$ radicals showed over 60%, respectively.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.287-297
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• 2021

Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc. is traditionally used as an edible and medicinal plant in many countries in East Asia. Previous studies have shown the pharmacological potential of extracts and components of C. officinalis, but comparative analysis of the composition of the leaf, stem, and fruit extracts has been insufficient to date. In the present study, the content of active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients was verified in different C. officinalis parts (under-ripe sansuyu, ripe sansuyu, seed, leaf, stem, and dried sansuyu). One active component, morroniside, was high in fruit (under-ripe and ripe sansuyu), while loganin was high in fruit (under-ripe sansuyu) and cornin was high in seeds. Total polyphenol contents were highest in fruit (ripe sansuyu) and flavonoids were highest in leaves. DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in leaves, followed by seeds and then ripe sansuyu extract. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of leaf extracts of C. officinalis (LCO) was further investigated by measuring their effects on levels of nitric oxide (NO) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of LCO effectively decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inducible NO synthase, resulting in decreased NO production. LCO also significantly suppressed LPS-induced production and expression of IL-1β and IL-6. Taken together, the present findings suggest that C. officinalis leaves have potential as natural materials for the development of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.814-821
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• 2014

As a natural plant ingredients, glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) contains various physiological activities, mainly anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic activities. However, only a few studies have been carried out on its anti-adipogenic effect. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of Salicornia herbacea L. on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As adipogenesis of preadipocytes to adipocytes involves proliferation and differentiation of cells, we treated three concentrations (125, 250, and $500{\mu}g/mL$) of Salicornia herbacea L. water extracts (SLW) in both pre-processing and post-processing stages. When 3T3-L1 adipocytes were differentiated and dyed with Oil Red O, adipocytes size and the value of relative Oil Red O staining were reduced by all concentrations of SLW in post-processing stage. Following adipogenic differentiation, the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in the cell supernatant significantly increased upon treatment with $125{\mu}g/mL$ of SLW and further rose at concentrations of 250 and $500{\mu}g/mL$ during post-processing stage. There was no significant difference in glycerol production upon SLW treatment. Leptin production significantly decreased at all SLW concentrations during post-processing stage, whereas peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-${\gamma}$ (PPAR-${\gamma}$) and adiponectin secretions were significantly enhanced. Overall results showed that SLW might have an anti-adipogenic effect via enhancement of TNF-${\alpha}$ production, which causes dedifferentiation and inhibits lipid accumulations in adipocyte. Furthermore, SLW might prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as it reduces leptin secretion and enhances production of both PPAR-${\gamma}$ and adiponectin. However, further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism and bioactive compounds of glasswort.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.533-538
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• 2013

Potatoes were first introduced outside the Andes region four centuries ago, and have become an integral part of much of the world's food. Potatoes were first introduced into Europe in the 16th century and Korea in the early 19th century. In the nutritional aspects, potatoes contain abundant vitamins and minerals, as well as an assortment of phytochemicals such as carotenoids and natural phenols. Chlorogenic acid constitutes up to 90% of potato natural phenols. Due to the high content of potato functional compounds, it has known that potatoes are effective in the prevention of various human diseases. Recently, color-fleshed potatoes 'Hongyoung' and 'Jayoung' were developed by RDA, and it has reported that they have high content of anthocyanin. Additionally they show higher radical scavenging activity compared to white or yellow fleshed potatoes. So it will be expected that the consumption of color-fleshed potatoes grandually increase by pre-peeled potatoes and color potato chips. This study was conducted to enhance the peel of color-fleshed potatoes utilization and to determine the biological activity of peel of color-fleshed potatoes extract. The anti-inflammatory effects on ethanol extract and its solvent fraction were also evaluated. The anti-inflammatory activities of $CHCl_3$ fraction was evaluated for inhibitory activities against lipopolysacchride(LPS) induced nitric oxide(NO) and prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ production as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and cyclo oxygenase-2(COX-2) protein expressions in RAW264.7 cell lines. The fraction inhibitory activity for both tests with $IC_{50}$ values showed in the ranges of $25{\sim}50{\mu}g/ml$. This result revealed that $CHCl_3$ fraction of Jayoung's peel is expected to be good candidate for development into source of anti-inflammatory agent.