Ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) is one of protopanaxadiol ginsenosides characteristic of red ginseng, steamed and dried ginseng (Panax ginseng), which has recently attracted much attention for its antitumor properties in vitro and in vivo animal models. Experimental studies have demonstrated that it could promote cancer cell apoptosis, inhibit cancer cell growth, the apoptosis of cancer cells, adhesion, invasion and metastasis, and also prevent an angiogenetic formation in prostate, breast, ovarian, colorectal, gastric, liver and lung cancer etc. It has shown the antitumor activities by modulation of diverse signaling pathways, including regulation of cell proliferation mediators (CDKs and cyclins), growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor), tumor suppressors (p53 and p21), cell death mediators (caspases, Bcl-2, Bax), inflammatory response molecules ($NF-{\kappa}B$ and COX-2), protein kinases (JNK, Akt, and AMP-activated protein kinase) and Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling. In addition, the combination of Rg3 and chemotherapeutic agents have synergistically enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced antagonistically side effects. Furthermore, it can reverse the multidrug resistance of cancer cells, prolong the survival duration and improve life quality of cancer patients. Taken together, accumulating evidences could provide the potential of G-Rg3 in the treatment of cancers and the feasibility of further randomized placebo controlled clinical trials.

Protocatechuic acid is an active phenolic acid compound from Momordica charantia. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of protocatechuic acid against oxidative stress under cellular system using C6 glial cell. The oxidative stress was induced by hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) and amyloid beta 25-35 ($A{\beta}_{25-35}$), and they caused the decrease of cell viability and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the treatment of protocatechuic acid significantly elevated the decreased cell viability and inhibited the overproduction of ROS by $H_2O_2$. In addition, protocatechuic acid significantly recovered the cellular damage induced by $A{\beta}_{25-35}$. In particular, protocatechuic acid at the concentration $10{\mu}g/mL$ decreased the elevated ROS level to normal level. These results indicate that protocatechuic acid may have neuroprotective effect through attenuating oxidative stress.

Grapes has long been used for food, and reported as containing polyphenol which has antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. Neuroinflammation is chronic inflammation at the brain, lead to neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide (QG) isolated from the leaf of Vitis labruscana has anti-neuroinflammatory effects. QG were investigated using MTT assay, western blot, nitric oxide (NO) assay, prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) assay, cytokine assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in BV2 cells. QG dose-dependently attenuated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), accordingly inhibited the production of NO and $PGE_2$. QG decreases the levels of proinflammatory cytokine such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interlukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$). Thereby, QG may offer therapeutic potential for treatment of neurodegenerative disease related to neuroinflammation.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) were caused by localized hypersensitivity reaction to an allergen. Therefore, to reduce inflammatory response of AD had been developed that natural extracts and oils with anti-inflammatory activities. This study were investigated that anti-inflammatory effects of Malva verticillata L. oil induced by LPS with RAW 264.7 cells. We measured to production of NO and expression of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-${\alpha}$ by RT-PCR. The Malva verticillata L. oil had decreased the production of NO (p<0.05) and the mRNA level of iNOS in concentration dose dependent manner. In conclusion, this study have shown here may be of help to understand the action mechanism of the anti-inflammatory and we hope that Malva verticillata L. oil used in skin diseases such as AD.

Rhei Rhizoma (RR) and Moutan cortex (MC) have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, little is known about the effects of RR and MC on endothelial inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). This study aims to investigate whether the water extracts of RR and MC could exert protection against palmitic acid (PA)-induced inflammation and IR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were pretreated for 6 h with RR or MC, and then exposed to PA for 24 h. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay kits. Western blot analysis was performed for activation of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). In HUVECs stimulated with PA, both RR and MC significantly inhibited the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 and the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$. At the same concentrations, the inhibitory effects of RR were more potent than those of MC. PA reduced insulin-induced phosphorylation of IRS-1, which was reversed by RR and MC. The results suggest that RR and MC are effective in inhibiting PA-associated endothelial inflammation and ameliorating IR by beneficial regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and IRS-1 activation.

In this study, in order to search for new functional materials from natural products, was carried out the study of antioxidant active ingredients in persimmon calyx(calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunberg). I have experimented with the effect of antioxidant activity of five different extract(MeOH, n-hexane, EtOAc, n-BuOH and $H_2O$ extract) obtained from persimmon calyx. As a result, the butanol extract, that is the main component fraction of antioxidant activity was found. Three compounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography from the n-BuOH extract of persimmon calyx. Their structures of compound 1, 2 and 3 isolated from n-BuOH extract of persimmon calyx were identified as quercetin, (+)-catechin and gallic acid by using the TLC, $^1H$-NMR and $^{13}C$-NMR.

This study was conducted to investigate the content of foreign mineral materials and heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) contained in commercial herbal medicines (1504 samples) classified by parts used, and the effect of removing heavy metals by washing treatment (take 50 g of the sample and put 1000 ml of distilled water, shake it gentle by hand for 1 min). The 5% trimmed means of acid-insoluble ash value (%) were as follows; above ground parts (0.76) and underground parts (0.52). Those of the total amount of individual heavy metals value (mg/kg) were as follows; caulis (1.33), flos (1.23), herba (0.91), cortex (0.76), rhizoma (0.73), radix (0.67), semen (0.44) and fructus (0.39). Acid-insoluble ash content was correlated with Pb in herbal medicines of underground parts (r=0.446) (p<0.01). After washing, the removal rate of heavy metals contained in 6 radix herbal medicines shows 33-13% respectively.

Alzheimer's disease is progressive neurodegenerative disorder by the loss of memory and learning abilities. Codonopsis lanceolata (C. lanceolata) is traditional medicinal plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of steamed C. lanceolata on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in the Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test. In addition, this study investigated the neuroprotective effects of steamed C. lanceolata on glutamate-induced cell death in HT22 cells using MTT assay. The results showed that steamed C. lanceolata (500 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) reversed spatial memory impairment by scopolamine in Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test. Steamed C. lanceolata attenuated memory impairment by scopolamine compared with common C. lanceolata. In addition, administration of steamed C. lanceolata significantly also reduced cell death. We suggest that steaming process more improve cognitive enhancing and neuroprotective effect of C. lanceolata than common C. lanceolata.

Microwaves are non-ionizing electromagnetic waves of frequency between 300MHz to 300GHz and positioned between the X-ray and infrared rays in the electromagnetic spectrum. In recent years, the use of microwave for extraction of ingredient from plant material has shown remarkable research interest and potential. Scutellaria radix has been used as a traditional medicine for a variety of diseases. It has been reported to exert beneficial health effects, such as anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging. Oxidative stress or the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads neuronal cellular death and dysfunction, and it contributes to neuronal degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke. In this study, we aimed to compare the neuroprotective and antioxidant effect of Scutellaria radix extracted by different methods using hot-water extraction (SBE-DW) or microwave extraction (SBE-DW-MW). As a result, we first examined HPLC analysis of hot-water and microwave extracts of Scutellaria radix. The hot-water and microwave extracts of Scutellaria radix showed the discernible difference patterns of HPLC analysis. Microwave-water extracts of Scutellaria radix increased DPPH radical scavenging activity more than hot-water extraction. Microwave-water extracts of Scutellaria radix also showed neuroprotective effects and ROS inhibition against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells, but hot-water extraction not showed. In addition, the phosphorylation of MAPKs induced by glutamate insult was prevented by microwave-water extracts of Scutellaria radix. Thus, these results suggested that microwave extraction can be utilized for improving the extraction efficiency and biological activity of Scutellaria radix.

The present study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of hot water extract of Korean white dandelion (Taraxacum coreanum Nakai) on liver cancer induced in rats by a single dose of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). The animals were divided into three groups. The animals in the normal (Nor) group were fed basal diet. Control (Con) group were administered with NDEA (200 mg/kg, i.p.). Hot water extract of Korean white dandelion (KDDA, KDDB) group treated with hot water extracts of Korean white dandelion (30, 60 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks after NDEA. Serum AST and ALT were measured, enzyme activity of liver were examined by spectrophotometer and histological alternation of liver were examined by light microscopy. KDDA and KDDB group were decreased the increase of serum AST, ALT level induced by NDEA. The activities of SOD and CAT were significantly increased in KDDA, KDDB then in the Con. In the histological observation, KDDA and KDDB group were structure of liver lobula and nuclear shape was relatively cleared. In addition, the cytoplasm staining was similar to those of the Nor group. vacuolization of cytoplasm was not observed. These results suggest that administration of hot water extract of Korean white dandelion suppress or retard liver cancer induced by NDEA in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate anti-obesity and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of extracts from Geranium thunbergii (GT) in high-fat-diet-induced obese rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups [normal diet, high fat diet, MeOH extract of GT (GTM), and BuOH fraction of GT (GTB)] and GT samples were treated with dose of 100 mg/kg for 8 weeks. It was observed that GTB-treated group significantly reduced body weight gain, food intake, epididymal fat weight, and triglyceride level in serum and liver compared to control group. The rats fed GTB also decreased contents of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), hydroxyl radical, and xanthin oxidase (XO) increased by high fat diet. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase were increased by GTB treatment. The experimental results indicate that GTB has anti-obesity and anti-hyperlipidemic effects, as well as radical scavenging activity.

The purpose of this study is to develop a new preparation process of ginseng extracts having high concentrations of ginsenoside $Rg_3$, $Rg_5$ and $Rk_1$, a special component of Red ginseng. Chemical transformation from ginseng saponin glycosides to prosapogenin was analyzed by the HPLC. Extracts of White ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Fine White ginseng were processed under several treatment conditions including microwave and vinegar (about 14% acidity) treatments. Results of those treatments showed that the quantity of ginsenoside $Rg_3$ increased by over 0.6% at 4 minutes of pH 2~4 vinegar and microwave treatments. The results of processing with MWG-4 indicate that the Microwave and vinegar processed white ginseng extracts (about 14% acidity) that had gone through 4-minute treatments were found to contain the largest amount of ginsenoside $Rg_3$ (0.626%), $Rg_5$ (0.514%) and $Rk_1$ (0.220%). Results of treatments with MFWG-5 showed that the Fine White ginseng extracts that had been processed with microwave and vinegar (about 14% acidity) for 5 minutes were found to contain the largest amount of ginsenoside $Rg_3$ (4.484%), $Rg_5$ (3.192%) and $Rk_1$ (1.684%). It is thought that such results provide basic information in preparing White ginseng and Fine White ginseng extracts with functionality enhanced.

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the quantitation of ellagic acid in Nymphaea tetragona was developed for the quality control of functional cosmetic ingredient, the extract of N. tetragona. Separation and quantitation were successfully achieved with a Kromasil C18 column ($5{\mu}m$, $250mm{\times}4.6mm$, i.d.) by isocratic elution of a mixture of acetonitrile containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and water containing 0.03% phosphoric acid at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The UV detector was used for the detection and the wavelength for quantitation was set at 254 nm. The presence of ellagic acid in the extract was determined by comparison of retention time and spiking with authentic standard. Analytical results showed good linearity ($R^2=0.99996$) in relatively wide concentration ranges. The R.S.D. for precision test was less than 3.0%. Recovery of the compound was 98.55~101.72% with R.S.D values less than 4.0%. In conclusion, this method has been successfully applied to the determination of ellagic acid in N. tetragona.

Lysimachia foenum-graecum (LF) has been used for home remedy of common cold and headache in China. Foenumoside B from LF has been reported for anti-obesity effects. We used foenumoside B as a marker for content evaluation of different parts of LF. Ethanol extract of LF was used for isolation of foenumoside B and purified further by column chromatography. The structure was identified as foenumoside B by interpretation of spectroscopic analysis, including $^1H$-, $^{13}C$-NMR and FT-ICR-MS. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to compare the quantitative level of foenumoside B in different parts of LF. Foenumoside B contents in the leaf, stem, and aerial part showed significant differences. Contents of foenumoside B was detected highly in the leaf extracts. The results would be useful for efficient extraction of foenumoside B in LF.