• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.9
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• pp.1239-1248
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• 2016

Pumpkin juice (PJ), corn silk tea (CT), and adzuki bean tea (AT) have long been used for treatment of obesity in Korea. This study investigated the efficacy of PJ, CT, AT, and their mixture (PCA) on alteration of body weight and antioxidant metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. After being fed HFD for 4 weeks, SD rats were divided into six groups fed a normal diet (ND), HFD, HFD+PJ [250 mg/kg body weight (BW)], HFD+CT (250 mg/kg BW), HFD+AT (250 mg/kg BW), and HFD+PCA (PJ : CT : AT=1:1:1, 250 mg/kg BW) for another 9 weeks. HFD consumption resulted in total lipid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol accumulation in adipose tissue, which was reduced by administration of PJ, CT, AT, or PCA. The plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity value and hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity significantly increased compared to the HFD group. The liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was significantly lower in the PCA group than the HFD group. HFD-induced DNA damage in hepatocytes, as measured by comet assay, decreased in the PJ, AT, and PCA-supplemented groups. The PCA group exerted a superior antigenotoxic effect compared to other treatments. PCA recovered the concentration of plasma adiponectin, which was reduced by HFD. Adipocyte surface area (%) was significantly higher in the HFD group than the ND group, significantly lower in the PJ and PCA groups than the HFD group, and not significantly different compared with the ND group. Based on the results, supplementation of PJ, CT, AT, and PCA exhibited lipid-lowering effects in adipocytes of HFD-induced obese rats. Furthermore, the PCA group exhibited superior antioxidant activity in all treated groups. This study suggests that a mixed beverage consisting of PJ, CT, and AT may be a significant source of natural antioxidants, which might be helpful in preventing obesity and progress of various oxidative stresses induced by HFD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.1297-1303
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• 2006

This study was conducted to investigate the anticancer (in vitro) and antiallergy effects of rice bran extracts. In an anticancer test using Hep3B cells and HeLa cells, water and 60% ethanol extracts of rice bran inhibited the growth of Hep3B and HeLa cell lines and morphological changes were also observed. In Hep3B cell lines, water extract of rice bran showed a higer antiproliferating effect than 60% ethanol extract. The growth-inhibitory effect against HeLa cells were 30.9% for $1,000{\mu}g/mL$, 88.8% for $3,000{\mu}g/mL$ rice bran water extract. The expressions of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ mRNA and c-kit in HMC-1 (human mast cell) were decreased by 60% ethanol treatment but tryptase mRNA was not changed. The extracts of rice bran inhibited histamine release from RPMC (rat peritoneal mast cell) activated by compound 48/80. Rice bran water extract showed inhibitory effect of 87% at $0.01{\mu}g/mL$ concentration and 60% ethanol extract inhibited the release of histamine by 86% at $100{\mu}g/mL$ concentration.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.1235-1243
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• 2011

In this study, we investigated the antioxidative activity (scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and superoxide anion radical) and anti-obesity effects of black bean chungkugjang extract (BBCE). DPPH free radical-scavenging activity and superoxide anion radical-scavenging activity ($SC_{50}$ value) of BBCE were $162.7{\pm}2.8$ ppm, and $205.62{\pm}3.6$ ppm, respectively. The anti-obesity effects of BBCE were investigated by measuring Oil Red O staining in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. BBCE reduced the content of Oil Red O dye in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We also examined the effects of BBCE on adiposity, serum lipid, and leptin levels in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Mice were fed the BBCE experimental diets for 7 weeks, after which they were sacrificed. ICR male mice were randomly divided into three groups, one normal diet group (ND group) and two high fat diet groups with or without BBCE supplementation (HFD group and HFD-BBCE group). The results showed that weight gain and the food efficiency ratio significantly decreased upon addition of BBCE compared to those of the HFD group. Further, white adipose tissue weights of epididymal, mesenteric, and retroperitoneal areas in the HFD-BBCE group were reduced to 34.8%, 7.1%, and 40.6%, respectively, compared to that of the HFD group. The serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and leptin in the HFD-BBCE group were significantly lower than those of the HFD group. Based on these results, it can be concluded that BBCE may have beneficial effects on reducing fat mass and serum lipid content.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.81-89
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• 2019

This study was performed to confirm the influence of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and 3,5-dicaffeyolquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) intake on problems caused by high-fat diet. CGA was more effective in suppressing weight gain than 3,5-diCQA. In contrast, 3,5-diCQA was more effective in improving glucose tolerance than CGA. In the biopsy, it was confirmed that CGA inhibited visceral fat and liver fat accumulation. 3,5-diCQA also inhibited visceral fat accumulation, but 3,5-diCQA increased liver fat accumulation. The liver fat accumulation induced oxidative stress, but 3,5-diCQA reduced oxidative damage through its antioxidant activity. The increased liver fat accumulation was because a 3,5-diCQA greatly increased Akt phosphorylation and decreased AMPK phosphorylation in the liver. Consequently, CGA was effective in alleviating the problems caused by high-fat diets, while maintaining normal balance. 3,5-diCQA also showed a positive effect on problems caused by high-fat diets, but it increased liver fat accumulation and thereby had negative consequences.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.150-160
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• 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by eczematous lesions, skin dryness, and pruritus. The existing treatment drugs for AD have side effects, especially if the drugs are taken for extended periods. Therefore, new alternative therapies are necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of curcumin administration and LED irradiation on AD. AD-like lesions were induced in BALB/c mice by repeated application of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) to the shaved skin of the ear and neck. Thirty male BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: vehicle, DNCB, curcumin, LED, and curcumin+LED groups. Curcumin (0.1 g/kg/day) was administrated repeatedly during a period of 14 days (experimental period) and 630 nm LED irradiation ($5J/cm^2/day$) was performed in the acryl box once a day for 10 days, after inducing AD-like lesions via DNCB application. The severity of AD-like lesions was evaluated during the experimental period, using a modified SCORAD index. Both ear and neck skin tissues were examined histologically for epidermal thickness, mast cell, eosinophil counting, and dermal collagen density. Epidermal cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using immunohistochemistry and TUNEL, respectively. These were all reduced in SCORAD index, epidermal thickness, collagen density, number of mast cell and eosinophil in dermis, and number of proliferating cell and apoptotic cell in epidermis by curcumin administration and 630 nm LED irradiation. Moreover, all parameters were significantly lower in the curcumin+LED group compared with the curcumin group and LED group. These results suggest that the combined therapy of curcumin and LED is more effective than a single treatment. We recommend that this can be a feasible alternative therapy to manage AD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2013

Samjunghwan (SJH) was fermented using five different probiotic bacterial strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium longum) separately. We examined the inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation through Oil Red O staining and analyzed the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ${\alpha}$ ($C/EPB{\alpha}$), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$), uncoupling protein (UCP)-2, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase which are adipogenic transcription factors. Both Lactobacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecium-fermented SJH reduced Oil Red O dye staining compared with the same dose of non-fermented SJH. Only Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented SJH inhibited all adipogenic transcription factors and showed the best down-regulation of $PPAR{\gamma}$, UCP-2, and HMG-CoA reductase compared with the same dose of non-fermented SJH. The effect of SJH on the inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation was more prominent from the fermented SJH. Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented SJH, in particular, blocks the expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$, UCP-2, HMG-CoA reductase.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1365-1372
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• 2010

We investigated the inhibitory effects of solvent extracts from dried yam on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress and growth of cancer cell lines (HT1080 human fibrosarcoma and HT-29 human colon cancer cells). Yam (Dioscoreacea) has been recognized as a healthy food due to its various biological activities, such as anti-obesity, anti-constipation, anti-proliferation, and anti-mutagenic activities, as well as its ability to decrease blood glucose and cholesterol levels. In order to determine the protective effect on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress, DCFH-DA (dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate) assay was conducted. Acetone with methylene chloride (A+M) extract of dried yam appeared to reduce the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) with dose responses. Among the fractions, 85% aq. methanol fraction showed the highest protective effect on production of lipid peroxides. Inhibitory effects of A+M and methanol (MeOH) extracts on the growth of HT1080 and HT-29 cancer cells increased in a dose dependent manner. The treatments of n-hexane, 85% aq. methanol and n-butanol fractions (${\geqq}0.5$ mg/ml concentrations) significantly inhibited the growth of both cancer cells (p<0.05). From these results, 85% aq. methanol fraction showed inhibitory effects on cellular oxidation and growth of human cancer cells, suggesting that this fraction may contain active compounds of dried yam.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.11
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• pp.1528-1534
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• 2009

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects of Gugija (Lycium chinense Mill) extracts in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We investigated the $\alpha$-amylase and $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitory activities of extracts from Gugija. Gugija was extracted by 70% EtOH and 80% MeOH and aqueous, respectively. A single oral dose of Gugija extract inhibited the increase of blood glucose levels significantly at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min and decreased incremental response areas under the glycemic response curve. These results suggest that Gugija 70% EtOH extracts may delay carbohydrate digestion and reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. In addition, triglyceride content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes decreased at higher concentrations of Gugija 70% EtOH extract. Free fatty acid content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was increased at higher concentrations of Gugija 70% EtOH extract. Also, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), the key insulin signaling pathway transcription factor, was remarkably increased by the Gugija 70% EtOH extract when compared to those of control cells in protein expression levels. Therefore, Gugija can be developed as an effective anti-obesity and hypoglycemic agent.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.103-110
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to discover a food material having anti-obesity effects and to disseminate information on the effects of the material to people who are interested in anti-obesity. For this study, 11 kinds of Auricularia (wood ear) spp., including 8 strains of Auricularia auricula-polytricha, and 3 strains of A. auricula-judae, were presented by the Jeollanamdo Agricultural Research & Extension Services. 3T3-L1 (preadipocyte cell) was used for identifying the inhibition effect on adipocyte differentiation. As a result, this study found that all the extracts had slightly different degrees of inhibition effects on adipocyte differentiation. Among the A. auricula-polytricha strains, strain 21001 showed the most significant effect (4.58%), and the inhibition effect of strain 21002 (4.43%) was the greatest among A. auricula-judae strains. Overall, the inhibition effect of A. auricula-polytricha strains was greater than that of A. auricula-judae strains. The results of mRNA and protein analysis also demonstrated that the inhibition effect of A. auricula-polytricha 21001 was superior to that of any other strains. An in vivo study using 56 ICR mice (6w, male), was performed for 4 weeks. A. auricula-polytricha 21001, which exhibited the most significant effect in the in vitro study was used to compose six different types of feeds. Daily body weight gain of the high-fat diet containing 0.2% 21001 extract feeding group was $0.22{\pm}0.08g$ (*p < 0.05), and it was 31.25% lower than that of the high-fat diet feeding group ($0.32{\pm}0.06$). Internal organ weight measurement and blood analysis were performed immediately after animal sacrifice. The results proved that treatment with more than 0.1% of A. auricula-polytricha strain 21001 could significantly reduce (more than *p < 0.05) the weight of liver and epididymal fat, and levels of glucose, total cholesterol, AST, and ALT in blood.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.67 no.4
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• pp.305-318
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• 2022

To minimize the effects of aging-related comorbidities and to maintain a good quality of life and physical independence for a longer period, the improvement of lifestyle and dietary habits is essential, and healthy foods can be helpful. Among them, medicinal plant such as ginseng (Panax ginseng) and bellflower (Platycodon grandiflorum) contain natural functional substances and have been used for disease treatment and prevention since ancient times. This review summarizes the scientific of these treatments basis by investigating the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic effects of major functional substances on the aging-related health effects of Panax ginseng and Platycodon grandiflorum. The main functional substances of Panax ginseng and Platycodon grandiflorum are saponins, which have a similar molecular structure and confirmed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-metabolic syndrome effects (improvement of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obesity). Both types of saponins in Panax ginseng (Ginseonside) and Platycodon grandiflorum (Platycoside) have very low absorption profiles in their purified state, but methods to increase absorption in the body through extraction or fermentation have been studied.