Euchrestaflavanone B (EFB) is a flavonoid that can be found in root bark, particularly in Cudrania tricuspidata (C. tricuspidata). The extract of C. tricuspidata is widespread throughout Asia and used in traditional medicine. In a previous study, we found anti-platelet effects of substances isolated from C. tricuspidata on collagen-induced human platelets. However, the C. tricuspidata still contains numerous substances, thus, we have searched new candidate, EFB isolated from C. tricuspidata for anti-platelet effect. Our results showed that EFA inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (αIIb/β3)-mediated signaling events, including platelet adhesion, granule secretion, thromboxane A2 production and clot retraction. These results suggest that EFA has inhibitory effects on human platelet activities and thrombus formation and has potential value as a natural substance for preventing platelet-induced thrombosis.

Perilla frutescens Britton var. acuta Kudo, an annual plant primarily cultivated in China, Japan, and Korea, has been used as a traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, depression, and many anxiety-related disorders. Previously, we reported the inhibitory effects of n-hexane layer of P. frutescens var. acuta extract against beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, and the isolation of asarone derivatives as active constituents from n-hexane layer. In this study, dichloromethane layer of P. frutescens var. acuta was applied to bioassay-guided isolation methods accompanied with Thioflavin T (Th T) fluorescence assay to investigate the inhibitory effect on Aβ aggregation and disaggregation. As the results, three triterpenoids including ursolic acid (1), tormentic acid (2) and corosolic acid (3) were isolated. All compounds reduced Aβ aggregation and increased disaggregation of preformed Aβ aggregates in a dose-dependent manner. However, the inhibitory effect of three compounds on Aβ aggregation was not correlated with antioxidant activity, which was measured by DPPH assay. Taken together, these results suggest that the triterpenoid derivatives from P. frutescens have the potential to be developed as good therapeutics or preventatives for AD.

Atractylodes macrocephala is a perennial herb and is a member of the Compositae family. This plant is known to contain various bioactive constituents indicating anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, immunological enhancement, and gastroprotective effects. In this investigation, we isolated four compounds with similar chemical structures from A. macrocephala, and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects. Among the four compounds, compound 2(atractylenolide II) showed the second-best inhibitory effect on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages and BV2 microglial cells. Compound 2 also inhibited the LPS-induced the production of prostaglandin E2(PGE2), and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 proteins in both cells. In addition, compound 2 suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α. These inhibitory effects were contributed by inactivation of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) pathways by treatment with compound 2. This compound did not induce the expression of heme oxygenase(HO)-1 protein indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of compound 2 was independent with HO-1 protein. Taken together, these results suggested that atractylenolide II can be a candidate material to treat inflammatory diseases.

Ginsenosides are considered to be the most important ingredients in ginseng. They are chemically converted by endogenous organic acids contained in ginseng and the heat applied during red ginseng processing. During this procedure, various converted ginsenosides are produced through hydrolysis of substitute sugars of ginsenosides and forming double bonds through dehydration in the dammarane skeleton. In order to study the conversion mechanism of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides during the heat treatment process of ginseng, we purified the three final converted ginsenosides by heating fresh ginseng for a long time. The three isolated ginsenosides were identified as 25(OH)-ginsenoside Rg5, 25(OH)-ginsenoside Rz1 and 25(OH)-ginsenoside Rg3 through NMR spectrum analysis. As a result of quantification of ginseng heated at 100 ℃ for 0 to 6 days by HPLC/UV and TLC methods, the content of 25(OH)-ginsenosides tended to increase in proportion to the time exposed to heat. In particular, the content of 25(OH)-ginsenosid Rg5 was confirmed to be noticeably increased.

The study aimed to characterize chemical composition and anticancer property of the n-hexane fraction derived from Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma. The anticancer activity was evaluated on a panel of cancer cell lines including HN22, HSC2, HSC3, and HSC4 cells (human oral cancer), HCC827 and HCC827GR cells (human lung cancer), and KYSE30 and KYSE450 (human esophageal cancer) by MTS assay. As a result, The least polar subfraction from n-hexane-soluble layer displayed notable cytotoxicity on the tumor cell lines with IC50 ranging from 1.20 to 17.0 ㎍/ml. The chemical composition of constituents in the active subfraction was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils comprised of sesquiterpenes including β-gurjunene (7.45%), γ-amorphene (6.61%), guaia-6,9-diene (6.40%), δ-guaiene (5.21%) and a phenylpropanoid, safrole (0.49%) were mainly identified in addition to long-chain hydrocarbons including n-heptadecane (24.60%), 7-hexadecene (4.44%) and a diterpenoid, ent-kaur-16-ene (6.57%).

This study analyzed mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, fumonisin B1, B2, ochratoxin A and zearalenone, using LC-MS/MS and conducted risk assessment on 54 samples of seeds distributed in SeoulYangnyeongsi and the management status of extramural herbal dispensary facility. The matched calibration showed a good linearity as observed in 6 concentration levels(r2>0.999) as a result of method validation applied with Arecae semen. Limits of detection(LOD) and quantification(LOQ) were in the range of 0.02-0.11 ㎍/kg and 0.08-0.34 ㎍/kg, respectively. Recoveries also estimated, ranging from 65.1-99.7% with relative standard deviation(RSD) 0.5-6.3%. As a result of the method on 54 samples, mycotoxins were detected in 16 samples. Among them, two Thujae semen showed a degree of concentration that exceeded the aflatoxin specification. In the risk assessment, the human exposure safety standard values were calculated as ADI(Acceptable Daily Intake) for aflatoxin B1, fumonisin and zearalenone. Ochratoxin A was calculated as PTWI(Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake). The MOE(Margine of Exposure) of aflatoxin B1 was in the range of 40.36-3536.88. And no items exceeded 100% in %TDI(Tolerable Daily Intake) and %TWI(Tolerable Weekly Intake) of fumonisin, zearalenone and ochratoxin A.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the hangover relieving effect of HO-series. HO-S1 is an herbal mixture, which consists of extracts from Flower of Pueraria lobata Ohwi, Glycyrrhiza glabra Linné, Fruit of Lycium chinense Miller, Poria cocos Wolf, Acanthopanax sessiliflorum Seeman, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Atractylodes lancea De Candlle and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. HO-S2 is a candidate that has been performed to ultra filtration based on HO-S1. HO-S3 is a mixture of amino acids and vitamins based on HO-S2. HO-01 is the final beverage base produced based on HO-S3. The antioxidant activity of HO-series was similar to that of vitamin C or trolox. The production of t-BHP induced reactive oxygen species(ROS) was significantly blocked in the presence of HO-series. In vivo study, AUC of alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations in HO-S2 and HO-S3 treated groups significantly decreased. Hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH) activity were significantly higher in HO-S2 and HO-S3 treated groups. And 2E1 activity and glutathione were significantly elevated, while the malondialdehyde level was not significantly in liver tissue. After alcohol exposure, the sensitivity scores of blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration and hangover symptoms were significantly decreased in the HO-01 intake group compared with the non-intake group. ALDH activity was significantly increased in the HO-01 intake group. HO-series have antioxidant activity and a protective effect from ROS. HO-S2, HO-S3 and HO-01 are potentially highly beneficial in relieving hangover, as it scavenges reactive free radicals and boosts the endogenous antioxidant system.

Filipendula glaberrima (FG) is a plant endemic to South Korea. It is economically important as a food source and used as a medicine in treating ailments. Filipendula flowers are characterized by the presence of several polyphenolic constituents. The aim of this study is to determine the content of (+)-catechin in Filipendula glaberrima collected from different regions at different flowering stages. High-performance liquid chromatography with a gradient elution system (0.5% acetic acid in water : acetonitrile = 95 : 5 to 0 : 100 for 35 min) was used. A reverse-phase INNO column with UV detection at 278 nm was employed. The results revealed that F. glaberrima from Mt. Odae has the highest (+)-catechin content (10.600 mg/g). Furthermore, its content was the lowest in samples collected during the pre-flowering period and the highest at the early-flowering stage. This study provides a basis in establishing the optimal period and the best region for collecting F. glaberrima with maximized (+)-catechin yield.

Silymarin (SM) and silybin diastereomers (SD) in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and quantified using a reverse-phase column in a gradient elution system. UV detection was performed at 288 nm. The content of SM and SD in milk thistle was 3.236 and 0.553 mg/g DW, respectively. Determining the presence and quantifying the content of SM and SD in milk thistle are vital for the pharmaceutical industry to identify optimal sources for developing health supplements or therapeutics.

The objective of this study was to optimize the condition for induction and proliferation of callus from Rhus chinensis Mill. and investigate the skin-brightening effect of Rhus chinensis callus (RCC). It was confirmed that the most proper plant growth regulator (PGR) for callus induction is 1.0 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The most optimal condition of PGR, medium and additives for callus proliferation were 2,4-D (1.0 mg/L), MS medium and citric acid, respectively. Inhibitory activities of tyrosinase were higher at 50 and 100 ㎍/mL of RCC extracts (41.86 and 75.56%, respectively) than arbutin (27.32%). As the results of measuring melanin inhibition in B16F1 melanocyte and B16F10 melanoma cell, RCC extracts increased its inhibitory activities concentration-dependently, and were found to have higher whitening effect than arbutin at a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL. Therefore, it is suggested that RCC can be used as an effective material for skin-brightening cosmetics.

Kyung-Ok-Go (KOK) is a traditional prescription used for debilitating natural aging and post-illness debilitation. KOK has been used in a variety of ways because it strengthens immunity, prevents illness, and helps recovery in case of illness. In particular, recent research has revealed that KOK helps improve memory and cognition. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether KOK was effective in improving memory decline and depression-state observed during menopause. In the present study, we employed ovariectomized mouse as an animal model for measuring menopausal syndrome. The administration of KOK for 8 weeks, the object recognition memory and working memory were improved in novel object recognition test and Y-maze test. And in the forced swimming test, the immobility time were decreased. Additionally, the expression level of mature brain derived neurotropic factor (mBDNF) was increased by KOK administration in ovariectomized mouse hippocampus. These results suggested that KOK could improve cognitive decline and depression during menopausal period, and it might be come from enhancing expression level of mBDNF in hippocampus.

Mast cells play a key role in IgE-mediated allergic response. We investigated whether Swertia pseudochinensis Hara extract (SPE) inhibits IgE-mediated allergic response in mast cells and an allergic animal model. Additionally, we explored SPE's mechanism of action in mast cells. Our results showed that SPE inhibited both antigen-stimulated degranulation and the production of TNF-α and IL-4 in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. SPE also suppressed allergic response in IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. As for the mechanism of action of SPE in mast cells, it inhibited the activation of Syk kinase, a critical signaling protein in the FcεRI-mediated signaling pathway, and also the activation of LAT, a downstream adaptor protein of Syk. We further observed the reduced activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (P38, ERK1/2, and JNK) and Akt in mast cells. Our results described for the first time that SPE has an anti-allergic effect by suppressing mast cells through the inhibition of Syk kinase. Therefore, SPE may be useful for the treatment of type I allergic diseases.

Through Caenorhabditis elegans model system, the antioxidant activity of methanol extract of the guzeunggupo-processed Platycodon grandiflorum A. De Candolle (Campanulaceae) roots was calculated. Between the methanol extracts of guzeunggupo-processed and non-processed P. grandiflorum roots, the processed P. grandiflorum root showed higher DPPH radical scavenging effect than the non-processed one. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanol extract of the guzeunggupo-processed P. grandiflorum showed the best DPPH radical scavenging activity. The ethyl acetate fraction of the processed sample was measured for the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and oxidative stress tolerance by using C. elegans along with reactive oxygen species level. In addition, to confirm the regulation of the stress response gene is responsible for the increased stress tolerance of C. elegans treated by the ethyl acetate fraction of the processed sample, SOD-3 expression was measured using a transgenic strain (CF1553). Consequently, the ethyl acetate fraction of the processed sample, increased SOD and catalase activities, and decreased ROS accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate fraction of the processed sample-treated CF1553 worm showed higher SOD-3::GFP intensity than the control worm.

Lentinus edodes (LE) is the first medicinal macrofungus to enter the realm of modern biotechnology. Lentinus edodes is well-known to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy in female rats, and the prevention and treatment efficacy of the climacteric disease the postmenopausal type I pattern was examined using the experimental substance. Female rats were either sham-operated (sham; n = 5) or surgically ovariectomized (OVX; five animals per group) and then administered to OVX control, raloxifene hydrochloride 1 mg/kg/day, or LE (20 and 200 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. LE treatment suppressed the ovariectomy-induced reduction of bone mineral density in the entire tibia as well as its metaphysis with a decrease of serum osteocalcin and interleukin-6 levels. In addition, LE is suggested to elevate the serum levels of progesterone hormones and prevent bone loss in ovariectomized rats. In conclusion, LE 200 mg/kg/day may have inhibitory effects on osteoporosis in OVX rats.

This study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of red doraji (Platycodon grandiflorum, RD) prepared by repeated steaming and drying process in the immune-suppressed mice induced by pre (RD-A) or post-treatment (RD-B) with cyclophosphamide. The immune-stimulating effects of ethanol RD extract in in vivo at 150 (RD-1) and 300 mg/kg body weight (RD-2) for RD-A and RD-B groups were measured and compared to the NC group supplied with distilled water only or positive control group. After 14 days of oral supplement, serum IgA, IgG, and cytokine levels, splenocytes proliferation rate, NK cell activity, and gene expression of cytokines were measured as immune related biomarkers. Serum IgA, IgG, IL-1β, and IL-12 levels increased in both RD-A and RD-B groups while serum TNF-α level decreased in RD-A group compared to the NC group. Splenocytes proliferation rate, NK cell activity, and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ) expression levels were also improved by RD supplement in the both groups. The RD showed more significant immunomodulatory effects at higher dose (RD-2) rather than the lower dose (RD-1). Thus, RD has an immune efficacy in a dose dependent manner and can be used as an immune stimulating source to improve immunity.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that stomach contents continually refluxing, and is currently on the rise worldwide. The purpose of this study is to find natural materials that can reduce side effects and effectively treat chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE), one of GERD. First, the antioxidant activity was confirmed by varying the mixing ratio of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus, which are effective against chronic reflux esophagitis. After, animal experiments were conducted using a 1:1 (CE) and 1:2 (CEE) combination ratio of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus, which had the best antioxidant efficacy. Gross lesion of esophageal mucosa after CE or CEE treatment showed a superior enhancement compared with that of CARE control rats. Additionally, its inhibited MAPK phosphorylation and led NF-κB inactivation through the suppression of IκBα phosporylation by regulating Nrf2/Keap-1, and NF-κB inactivation induced reduced protein expressions including inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Moreover, its improved esophageal barrier function through upregulating protein expressions of tight junction protein, whereas downregulating protein expressions of MMPs. Taken together, a mixture of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus can attenuate the esophageal mucosal ulcer by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB pathway, and upregulating proteins associated with tight junction.