• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.385-392
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• 2024

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a valuable plant that is widely used worldwide for food and medicinal purposes. This study compared ethanol extracts of five native Korean varieties (Yuwol-cho, Subi-cho, Sumihyang, Gounbit, and Chilseong-cho) and five improved varieties (Dabok, Cheongyang, Chungseong, Olbokhap, and Shin-honggildong) of peppers cultured in Korea. The extracts were analyzed for color difference, polyphenol content, and their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombotic activities. The extracts of the improved varieties exhibited higher levels of redness and lower levels of yellowness compared to the native varieties. Polyphenol and flavonoid content analysis revealed significantly higher levels in the Yuwol-cho and Sumihyang varieties, which also exhibited scavenging activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl anion-, 2,2-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cation-radical scavenging, and reducing power assay. The Chilseong-cho, Yuwol-cho, and Dabok varieties showed significantly higher nitrite scavenging activity. Antidiabetic activity based on α-glucosidase inhibition was observed in the Subi-cho, Sumihyang, and Gounbit extracts. Evaluation of antithrombotic activity showed that the Yuwol-cho extract prolonged thrombin time by 1.61 times compared to the solvent control at a concentration of 5 mg/ml, while the Dabok extract prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time by 1.33 times and 2.21 times, respectively. All pepper extracts showed no erythrocyte hemolysis activity up to a concentration of 5 mg/ml. Our results suggest that native Korean peppers have the potential to serve as valuable sources of antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombotic agents. This research also indicates the possibility of replacing improved pepper varieties, which incur significant seed usage fees, with native Korean pepper varieties.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1012-1018
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• 2014

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae) is one of the most abundant plants on Mt. Halla, Jeju Island, and it has long been used in traditional medicines. Recent studies have reported it as possessing various beneficial functions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertension, anti-gastritis, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer activity have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects and mechanism of S. quelpaertensis on human colon cancer HT-29 cells. Cell growth inhibition by S. quelpaertensis was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was performed by DNA fragmentation, flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining (PI), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to confirm the anti-apoptotic factors, such as inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family members. $NO^{\bullet}$ production was determined by Griess assay. S. quelpaertensis treatment resulted in the time- and dose-dependent inhibition of the cell viability of HT-29 cells by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by the accumulation of the sub-G1 cell population stained by PI, as well as the ladder-like DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner. S. quelpaertensis-inducing apoptosis was accompanied by the induction of S cell cycle arrests, increasing $NO^{\bullet}$ concentrations, and the down-regulation of IAPs, including X-chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP), cellular IAP-1 (cIAP-1), cIAP-2, and survivin. Taken together, these findings have important implications for future clinical developments of S. quelpaertensis in colon cancer treatment.

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2015

The aim of this research was to investigate the anti-oxidantive activities of extracts from Chionanthus retusus leaves, fruits and flower. The content of phenolics were 20.8 mg/g in water extracts and 32.2 mg/g in 90% ethanol extracts from flower. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of extracts from Chionanthus retusus was above 70% at phenolic concentration $100{\mu}g/mL$. The ABTS radical decolorization activities of water and ethanol extracts were both above 80% at $100{\mu}g/mL$ phenolic concentration, respectively. The antioxidant protection factor(PF) of water and 80% ethanol extracts from leaves was the highest as 2.27 PF and 1.70 PF at $50{\mu}g/mL$ phenolic concentration. The TBARs inhibition rate of the Chionanthus retusus extracts, was above 70% at $200{\mu}g/mL$ phenolic concentration. The anti-oxidantive activities of extracts from leaves were shown more active than BHT as a positive control except TBARs. These results confirmed that the extracts from Chionanthus retusus leaves, fruits and flower was shown the high anti-oxidant activity. The results can be expected isolated phenolic compounds from Chionanthus retusus to use as functional beauty food resource.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.145-150
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• 2010

Ultra-fine powder (FA) extracts from persimmon were investigated as potential food materials in industrial processes because such extracts have various useful biological activities. We examined the antioxidant and anti-allergic activity of FA extracts using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing activity of plasma (FRAP) models, and by measuring interleukin 4 (IL-4) expression in spleen cells and in an atopy animal model. FA extracts were prepared using solvents including distilled water and 50% (v/v) acetone. The results showed that FA extracts had potent DPPH and FRAP activities, decreased IL-4 expression in spleen cells, and inhibited ear thickness and inflammation in a mouse animal model. The data indicate that a FA extract could be used as an antioxidant and/or anti-inflammation agent, and in industrial food preparation processes.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2011

This study was carried out to search for natural anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from 5 medicinal plants (Carthamus tinctorius seed, Cyperus rotundus, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum, and Paeonia lactiflora). These plants were extracted with 70% ethanol. In order to measure total antioxidant activity of flavonoids, polyphenol content was measured. Radical scavenging activities of extracts were examined using a-a-Diphenyl-${\beta}$-picrylhydrazyl ($DPPH{\cdot}$), 2,2-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid ($ABTS{\cdot}$), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and superoxide anion radical assays. C. tinctorius seed extracts showed the highest polyphenol and flavonoid contents as well as strong $DPPH{\cdot}$, $ABTS{\cdot}$, FRAP, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. Also, C. tinctorius seed extracts showed the highest nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory effect. Theses results indicate that the C. tinctorius seed extracts can be used as a functional material due to their effective anti-oxidative and antiinflammatory activities.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1592-1598
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• 2011

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is well known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and hypotensive activities, as well as its antiaging bioactive properties. This study investigated the physicochemical properties and anti-allergic effects of garlic in order to develop a method to produce Makgeolli using garlic. Levels of total sugar, reducing sugar contents, total acid and amino acid contents of garlic Makgeolli were higher than those of the control (normal Makgeolli without garlic), and its alcohol content was 7.0%. Polyphenol contents, DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and total thiosulfate contents of garlic Makgeolli were a bit higher than those of the control. The main organic acids of garlic Makgeolli were lactic, citric, malic, oxalic and succinic acids. Especially, lactic acid content was 16 fold higher than the control. According to MTT assay, garlic Makgeolli had no significant effect on the viability of human mast cells, and secretion of histamine was more effectively inhibited by garlic Makgeolli than by the control. Garlic Makgeolli was superior to the control in all results of sensory characteristics except in color. Therefore, the anti-oxidant activity and anti-allergic effect of garlic Makgeolli could improve the quality of Korean Makgeolli.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2023

Houttuynia cordata belongs to the Saururacease family and its leaves, stems, and roots have been used as oriental medicines to treat pneumonia, acute or chronic bronchitis, enteritis, and abscesses and to remove extravasated blood. Recently, the antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, and anti-proliferation activities and protection abilities of H. cordata against liver and neuron cell damage have been reported. In this study, ethanol extract and its solvent fractions (fractions of hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water residue) were prepared, and their antithrombosis, antidiabetes, antioxidant, and hemolysis activities were evaluated. The ethyl-acetate fraction of H. cordata (EF-HC) showed the highest polyphenol and flavonoids contents among the fractions and exhibited strong antithrombosis and antioxidant activities. The EF-HC at 5 mg/ml showed 2.09-folds of thrombin time, 2.19-folds of prothrombin time, and 1.69-folds of activated partial thromboplastin time compared to the their solvent control and 30.9, 19.9, and 49.6 ㎍/ml of RC₅₀ against DPPH, ABTS, and nitrite radicals, respectively. Furthermore, the EF-HC did not show any hemolytic activity up to 1 mg/ml, whereas the hexane fraction of H. cordata showed 55% hemolysis at 1 mg/ml. This is the first report of the antithrombosis activity of H. cordata. Our results suggest that quercitirin, hyperoside, orientin, and isoquercitrin in EF-HC are related to its antithrombosis and antioxidant activities and that the EF-HC could be developed as a promising antithrombosis agent.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.169-173
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• 2013

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) causes remote liver damage. Oxytocin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective function of oxytocin (OT) in remote liver damage triggered by renal IR in rats. Twenty four rats were randomly divided into four different groups, each containing 8 rats. The groups were as follows: (1) Sham operated group; (2) Sham operated+OT group (3) Renal IR group; (4) Renal IR+OT group. OT ($500{\mu}g/kg$) was administered subcutaneously 12 and 24 hours before and immediately after ischemia. At the end of experimental procedure, the rats were sacrificed, and liver specimens were taken for histological assessment or determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), paraoxonase (PON-1) activity and nitric oxide (NO). The results showed that renal IR injury constituted a notable elevation in MDA, TOS, Oxidative stress index (OSI) and significantly decreased TAS, PON-1 actvity and NO in liver tissue (p<0.05). Additionally renal IR provoked significant augmentation in hepatic microscopic damage scores. However, alterations in these biochemical and histopathological indices due to IR injury were attenuated by OT treatment (p<0.05). These findings show that OT ameliorates remote liver damage triggered by renal ischemia-reperfusion and this preservation involves suppression of inflammation and regulation of oxidant-antioxidant status.

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.25
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• pp.7-12
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• 2007

In order to investigate the availability of insect resources for agrobiotechnological or medical purposes, we examined antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP assay) and cell viability by oxidant stress and NO inhibition assay by treatment of the extracts of Statilia maculata Thunberg, Tenodera angustipennis Saussure and Tenodera aridifolia Stoll. We found that Tenodera angustipennis Saussure and Tenodera aridifolia Stoll extract (DW, etanol, methanol) had high levels of anti-oxidant activity, whereas Tenodera aridifolia Stoll extract showed increased cell viability by hydrogen peroxide and inhibition of NO production. These findings suggest that Statilia maculata Thunberg, Tenodera angustipennis Saussure and Tenodera aridifolia Stoll, extract have potentials to be developed for agrobiotechnology or medicinal use, indicating that mechanistic study including inhibition against molecular inflammation will show a possibility for the development of useful insect resources.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.616-621
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• 2013

Aconitum pesudo-laeve var erectum has been known to possess anti-inflammatory activity and modulate the intestinal immune system. In addition, it has traditionally been used for the treatment of water retention in the body. In this study, the anti-aging and anti-diabetes effects of water and ethanol extracts from Aconitum pesudo-laeve var. erectum were investigated. The activities of each extract were measured by antioxidant tests such as DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, antioxidant protection factor (PF), TBARs content, and ${\alpha}$-amylase and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition activity assay. DPPH radical scavenging activity was found in over 50% of water and ethanol extracts at $100{\mu}g/ml$, $50{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. The ABTS radical scavenging activity of ethanol extract was $99.8{\pm}0.1$% at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ in water, which was highest among the ethanol extract concentrations. PFs measured with ${\beta}$-carotene-linoleate model systems were in the order of ethanol (1.49 PF at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$) > ethanol (1.40 PF at $500{\mu}g/ml$) > water (1.33 PF at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$) > water (1.27 PF at $500{\mu}g/ml$). TBARs content in ethanol extracts ($1,000{\mu}g/ml$) was $0.16{\pm}0.03{\mu}M$, which was lower than that of water extracts and other ethanol extract concentrations. The extracts also showed over 90% of ${\alpha}$-amylase inhibition and over 60% of ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition ratio in water ($1,000{\mu}g/ml$) and ethanol extracts (100~$1,000{\mu}g/ml$). These results suggest that Aconitum pesudo-laeve var. erectum extracts could be used as a cosmetic source and preventive agent for aging and diabetes.