• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.699-705
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• 2008

This study compared amino acids and effective components of Viola mandshurica produced in Korea with those of Chinese plants, as part of a study on nutritional andfunctional materials, to aid in the development of a valuable food. The contents of reducing sugar, free sugar, polyphenols, and soluble protein in the flowers of V. mandshurica were higher than in other fractions, being 10,485.11 mg%, 118.85 mg%, 1,259.26 mg%, and 23.67 mg%, respectively. Total flavonoid content of Chinese leaves was the highest at 2,370.75 mg%, followed by 1,844.43 mg% in Korean leaves. Free amino acids were highest in Korean leaves (5,345.21 mg%), followed by roots (4,692.24 mg%), flowers (3,807.87 mg%), and leaves of China plants (3,613.81 mg%). Arginine accounted for 55% of free amino acids in the roots, and all plant fractions contained more valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, and arginine, than other amino acids. The total content of amino acid derivatives was the highest (9,058.80 mg%) in Korean leaves. Especially, $\alpha$-aminoadipic acid constituted over 50% of total amino acid derivatives in all plant parts of V. mandshurica. When mineral contents were analyzed, leaves grown in China showed the highest content of 5,917.57 mg%, and the contents of K, Ca, and Mg were much greater than those of other minerals, together comprising over 95% of total mineral content in leaves and flowers from Korea.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.90-96
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• 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Diospyros malabarica stem extract, a natural materials, in oral health material. With this aim in mind, thin layer chromatography (TLC), TLC-bioautography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and real-time qPCR were performed. The antibacterial activity of D. malabarica stem extract against Streptococcus mutans KCTC3065 was confirmed in an n-hexane fraction with low polarity. The molecular weight of the antibacterial compound was estimated to be 188 by ESI-MS analysis. The inhibitory effects of the extract on biofilm formation and gene expression related to biofilm formation of S. mutans were determined by SEM and real-time PCR analysis. The extract inhibited the formation of S. mutans biofilms at D. malabarica stem extract concentrations of 1 mg/ml, as shown by SEM. The real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of the gtfC gene, which is associated with biofilm formation, was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that D. malabarica stem extracts, a natural materials, can be used in oral health products to suppress the formation of biofilms by inhibiting tooth adhesion of S. mutans, a causative agent of dental caries.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.71-78
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• 2018

Objectives : This study was fulfilled to investigate nominee materials as anti-inflammatory agent from ethanol extract of Chinese medicinal plants in Yanjin. Among the 20 candidates, we selected most effective one, the ethanol extract of Cicuta virosa L. (CVL). The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of CVL is not clearly identified as yet. Accordingly, we clarified the anti-inflammatory effects of CVL and its underlying molecular mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated with CVL (12.5, 25, or $50{\mu}M$) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ($1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). Cytotoxicity was determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and the level of nitric oxide (NO) production was measured with Griess reagent. The prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production was measured with enzyme immunoassay kits and the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was determined using Western blot analysis. Results : Among the 20 ethanol extract of Chinese medicinal plants of Yanjin tested, CVL significantly reduced the production of NO in a dose-dependent manner via inhibition the protein expressions of iNOS without cytotoxicity on the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, CVL also effectively declined the production of $PGE_2$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusions : Taken together, these data presented in this study demonstrate that CVL possesses anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators NO and $PGE_2$, and pro-inflammatory protein iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.303-309
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• 2022

Dystaenia takesimana is an endemic plant found only in Korea, especially on Ulleung Island. The leaves and roots of D. takesimana have been used as food, forage, and oriental medicine. Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibition biological activities have been reported in the plant's root extract. However, studies concerning the anti-thrombosis activities of D. takesimana are still in the rudimentary stage. In this study, the extracts of the leaf (DT-L), stem (DT-S), and root (DT-R) of D. takesimana were prepared using 70% ethanol, and their anti-thrombosis activities were evaluated. DT-L extracts (0.25 mg/ml) showed strong inhibitions against platelet aggregation, comparable to aspirin, with strong radical scavenging activities. Furthermore, the DT-L extract did not show any RBC hemolysis up to 1 m/ml. The ant-coagulation and antioxidant activities of the DT-S extract were ignorable. While the DT-R extract showed inhibitions against thrombin and blood coagulation factors, it also showed strong platelet aggregation. This is a first report of the anti-thrombosis activities of D. takesimana, and our results suggest that DT-L could be developed as a valuable bioresource for high value-added products.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2022

This study was conducted to determine the optimal composition of sex attractant for monitoring adults of the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura, in Korea. Lures of different compositions from the two sex pheromone components the female, (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9E11-14:Ac) and (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9E12-14:Ac), were compared for male attraction using synthetic chemicals, rubber septa, and funnel traps in soybean and peanut fields. After sequential tests were conducted using three sets of the two components different ranges from 5:5 to 10:1, from 9:1 to 99:1, and from 9:1 to 39:1, the 19:1 ratio was identified as the most efficient composition. However, S. litura males were barely caught in the trap of the Z9E11-14Ac single component lure. The results show that both the sex attractant compounds are necessary for monitoring adults S. litura males. The higher the pheromone amount in the dispenser in the range from 0.1 to 10 mg, the more males were attracted. Furthermore, the trap height of 1.5 m was optimal for male capture.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.219-226
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of rhubarb extract on osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Osteoclasts are vital for bone resorption and remodeling. Osteoclast dysregulation can contribute to various bone-related disorders that directly affect oral health. Rhubarb, a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown to modulate bone metabolism. Methods: BMMs were isolated from the femurs and tibias of 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice and cultured in the presence of mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) for 3 days. Subsequently, BMMs were treated with M-CSF and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclast differentiation. Results: Rhubarb extract effectively suppressed osteoclast differentiation in BMMs. Furthermore, rhubarb extract inhibited the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K (CTSK), which are essential for osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, it inhibited the RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1), a crucial transcription factor in osteoclast differentiation. Conclusions: These results suggest that rhubarb extract promotes oral health by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis in BMMs. Thus, rhubarb extract shows promise as a therapeutic agent for bone-related disorders that directly affect oral health, particularly those associated with abnormal osteoclast activity. Further research and exploration of the underlying mechanisms are warranted to fully understand their potential clinical applications.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.277-283
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• 2023

Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (F. rhynchophylla) is a traditional medicinal plant that has been widely used in East Asia and has been used for chronic bronchitis, bacterial dysentery and improved eyesight. F. rhynchophylla contains various type of coumarins such as esculin, esculetin, fraxin and fraxetin. Esculetin possesses versatile activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer properties and improvement of atopic dermatitis. However, there is no research on the process of increasing active components in F. rhynchophylla. The objectives of the present study were to apply biotransformation technology to F. rhynchophylla for increasing the content of esculetin, and enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. F. rhynchophylla extract (FRE) treated with viscozyme L (FRE-VL) showed 3.1 times higher content of esculetin than FRE, and exhibited effects such as increased anti-inflammatory activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Based on the these results, it is concluded that biotransformed FRE-VL could be potentially applicable as a new active ingredient in the cosmetic field.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.967-977
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• 2023

Rubus crataegifolius (RC) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. The fruits of RC are known to prevent adult diseases through antioxidants. In this study, the effects of RC extract (RCex) on obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated in animal models. Twenty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were induced to become obese for 8 weeks and then the extract was orally administered for 8 weeks. RCex reduced body weight, adipose tissue, liver weight. RCex improved biochemical biomarkers including lipid metabolism (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol). The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduced the expression of adipogenesis genes (liver × receptor (LXR), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthesis (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and the effect of enhancing carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity by RCex was verified. RCex also influence on plasma production of hormones (adiponectin & leptin) related on energy expenditure and metabolism. In addition, we confirmed that RCex improved glucose intolerance in HFD-induced obese rats. RCex was first demonstrated to have anti-obesity as well as anti-NAFLD effects by regulating fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid synthesis by phosphorylation of AMPK. This suggests that RCex could be a good supplement for the prevention of obesity and related NAFLD.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.355-363
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• 2023

In addition to causing direct feeding damage to a variety of greenhouse crops, Frankliniella occidentalis also inflicts indirect harm by facilitating the transmission of the tomato spotted wilt virus. Historically, the prevention of F. occidentalis infestations has relied heavily on pesticide use. However, this approach has led to significant side effects in agricultural ecosystems, including the development of pest resistance and challenges in effective prevention. In response to these issues, research has been directed towards identifying alternative substances that circumvent the tolerance developed against chemical pesticides. Extracts from sixty-seven medicinal plants were prepared by soaking them in water for 24 hours at room temperature. These extracts were then applied to adult F. occidentalis, with particular attention to moutan extract treatment. This treatment demonstrated a 100% insecticidal effect on the first day. The moutan extract, specifically, was prepared using 50% ethanol, after which the ethanol and water were removed via a rotary evaporator. The resultant product was then lyophilized into a powder and used after being diluted with water. In indoor experiments, a 40% diluted solution was sprayed onto F. occidentalis, exhibiting a 100% insecticidal effect 24 hours post-treatment. Furthermore, a pot test indicated a 78% insecticidal effect on the first day of application. Ongoing research includes the analysis of active substances that demonstrate exceptional insecticidal properties and the conduct of on-site validation tests. The application of the aforementioned extract is anticipated to be effective in the prevention of F. occidentalis infestations.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.98-108
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin B₁ and B₃ contents in 135 Korean domestic foods using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Standard Reference Material (SRM) 3233 and in-house control (grain, whole wheat and flour mixture) were used for quality control/assurance. As a result, vitamin B₁ was only detected in 54 of the 135 foods, ranging from 0.019 mg/100 g to 28.218 mg/100 g. Among the foods tested, the vitamin B₁ content was highest in ramen powder (28.218 mg/100 g) and lowest in boiled jjolmyeon (0.019 mg/100 g). In contrast, vitamin B₃ was detected in 108 of the 135 foods, ranging from 0.077 mg/100 g to 32.412 mg/100 g. We found that the vitamin B₃ content was highest in beef liver (32.412 mg/100 g) and lowest in boiled chicken heart (0.077 mg/100 g). The results of this study will be used as a nutritional database for the update of the Korean food composition table and will hence contribute to improving public health.