• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.540-545
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• 2022

Betulin is a triterpenoid natural product contained in several medicinal plants including Betulae Cortex. These medicinal plants have been used for controlling diverse inflammatory diseases in folk medicine and betulin showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer activities. In this study, we tried to examine whether betulin exerts a regulative effect on the gene expression of MUC5AC mucin under the status simulating a pulmonary inflammation, in human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with betulin for 30 min and then stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 24 h or the indicated periods. The MUC5AC mucin mRNA expression and mucin glycoprotein production were measured by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. To elucidate the action mechanism of betulin, effect of betulin on PMA-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway was also investigated by western blot analysis. The results were as follows: 1) Betulin significantly suppressed the production of MUC5AC mucin glycoprotein and down-regulated MUC5AC mRNA expression induced by PMA in NCI-H292 cells. 2) Betulin inhibited NF-κB activation stimulated by PMA. Suppression of inhibitory kappa B kinase (IKK) by betulin led to the inhibition of the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory kappa B alpha (IκBα), and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. This, in turn, led to the down-regulation of MUC5AC glycoprotein production in NCI-H292 cells. These results suggest betulin inhibits the gene expression of mucin through regulation of NF-kB signaling pathway, in human airway epithelial cells.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2014

Objectives : Bojungikgitang (BJT), the Oriental medical prescription has been traditionally used about improvement of immune response and infective disease at Asian nation. In this study, we has compared about the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on BJT of three countries including Korea (Korean Traditional Medicine, KTM), China (Traditional Chinese Medicine, CTM) and Japan (Japanese Traditional Medicine, JTM). Methods : We has basically using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The expression of these inflammatory mediators has measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also, free radical scavenging assay has tested for anti-oxidative activity as well as the contents of total flavonoid and polyphenol. Results : As a result, we were founded the inhibitory effects of BJT (KTM, CTM, JTM) on LPS-induced production of NO, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 as well as the anti-oxidative activities. Especially the KTM was most effective in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Conclusions : These results indicate that BJT (KTM, CTM, JTM) has a good anti- inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. But, there were degree of effects on between pharmacopoeia of the countries. Thus, further study is required that find appropriate methods for extracting as well as establish of standardized processes in order to improve the quality of BJT (KTM, CTM, JTM) as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agent for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.641-654
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• 2023

Purpose: Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) contains abounding phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, and has antioxidative effects. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial regulator in enhancing the lipid metabolism. This study hypothesized that the intake of sour cherry affects AMPK signaling. Therefore, this study examined whether sour cherry regulates AMPK to balance the hepatic lipid metabolism and exert ameliorating effects. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice had obesity induced with a 45% fat diet. The mice were divided into four groups: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), low percentage sour cherry powder (LSC), and high percentage sour cherry powder (HSC). The mice in the sour cherry groups were fed 1% sour cherry or 5% sour cherry in their respective diets for 12 weeks. Results: The body weight, visceral fat weight, and lipid droplet size significantly decreased in the treatment groups. The serum and hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels improved significantly in the HSC group. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were also reduced significantly, whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased significantly in both treatment groups. The sterol regulator binding protein-1c and fatty acid synthase expression levels as fatty acid synthesis-related enzymes were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the high-fat diet group. Furthermore, the adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase expression levels as lipolytic enzyme activity and AMPK/acetyl-CoA carboxylase/carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 as fatty acid β-oxidation-related pathway were upregulated significantly in both sour cherry groups. Conclusions: These results show that sour cherry intake improves hepatic lipid synthesis and chronic diseases by activating AMPK signaling. Therefore, this study suggests that phytochemical-rich sour cherry can be developed as a healthy functional food.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.596-605
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• 2023

Sik-hae is a traditional Korean salt-fermented seafood having a low salt content and a high concentration of Lactobacillus, unlike most salt-fermented fish and fish sauce, which have a high salt content and low concentration of Lactobacillus. This study aimed to investigate the health-promoting functional properties of 10 types of commercial sik-haes. The results showed that for the commercial sik-haes studied, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, and sodium nitrite scavenging activity ranged from 29.0% to 46.3%, 35.5% to 65.4%, 0% to 20.0%, 20.1% to 78.8% , and 17.9% to 82.6%, respectively. Antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus was rarely detected. The results on healthy functional properties suggest that the commercial sik-haes are expected on the antioxidative activity in F-1-F-5, AP-1, BES, and S, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in the other 9 types expected for A, and sodium nitrite scavenging activity in the other 9 types expected for AP-2.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.829-838
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• 2015

Garlic (Allium sativum L.), one of the oldest cultivated crops, is the most widely used Allium species belonging to the family Lilliaceae. In this study, growth characteristics, photosystem II activity, and antioxidative enzyme activity were investigated in five temperatures ($10-30^{\circ}C$) during early growth stage of garlic to determine the optimum temperature for cultivation and assess the effects of high temperature on early growth of garlic. Vegetative growth (e.g., shoot height, number of leaves) of garlic plants was greater in the temperature ranges of $15-25^{\circ}C$. However, dry weight (of shoot, bulb, and total plant) of garlic was significantly greater at $20^{\circ}C$, compared to either below or above $20^{\circ}C$. $F_v/F_o$ and $F_v/F_m$ values were highest at $15-20^{\circ}C$, and decreased above $25^{\circ}C$. The chlorophyll a fluorescence induction OKJIP transient was also considerably affected by high temperature; the fluorescence yields $F_i$ and $F_P$ decreased considerably above $25^{\circ}C$, with the increase of $F_k$ and $W_k$. Activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in leaves and peroxidase in roots were high in $20-25^{\circ}C$, and decreased significantly in $30^{\circ}C$. These results indicate that a growth temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ inhibits early growth of garlic and that it is desirable to culture garlic plants near $20^{\circ}C$. Fluorescence parameters such a $F_v/F_o$, $F_v/F_m$, $F_k$, $ET_o/CS_m$, and $PI_{abs}$ were significantly correlated with dry weight of whole garlic plants (p < 0.01), indicating that these fluorescence parameters can be used for early assessment of high temperature effects even though the damage to the plant is not very severe.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2008

This study investigated the anti-hypertensive effect of Phyllostachys pubescens culm extract (PCE) by examining its effects on renal angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and blood pressure using the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) system. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured weekly for 8 weeks. Also, total antioxidant capacity and protein oxidation of tissues were examined by plasma Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity assay (TEAC) and hepatic protein carbonyl values, respectively. Twenty male SHR were randomly divided into four groups: PCE50, PCE100, and PCE500 (50, 100, and 500 mg of PCE per kilogram bodyweight daily, respectively), and control group. At week 2, the SBP in all PCE groups appeared to be significantly lower than the control (p<0.05), whereas the DBP were not different until week 4 (p<0.05). At week 8, SBP in the PCE500 was lower by 20% than the control. PCE groups considerably suppressed ACE dose-dependently compared with the control. Plasma TEAC and hepatic protein carbonyl values indicated increased antioxidative activity due to the PCE feed. No adverse effect was observed on the liver of SHR as there was no difference for the GOT and GPT values among the groups. Results of this study suggest that ACE inhibition may be one possible mechanism for the blood pressure lowering effect of PCE; thus, long term consumption of PCE may be beneficial in preventing high blood pressure along with the increased antioxidative status.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.11
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• pp.1506-1515
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• 2009

This study was performed to investigate the effect of chongkukjang intake on lipid metabolism and liver function in alcoholic fatty liver rats. Thirty-five 7-weeks old Spargue-Dawley male rats were used as experimental animals. After inducing alcoholic fatty liver, rats were divided into two groups and fed ethanol＋casein diet (ECD) or ethanol＋chongkukjang diet (EChD). At 10th, 20th and 30th days of the feeding experimental diet, rats were sacrificed to get blood and liver samples for analysis of blood lipids, lipid peroxides, antioxidative enzymes and biochemical indices of liver function. The mean food intake was not significantly different between ECD and EChD groups. Daily weight again of EChD group was significantly higher than that of ECD group at days 20 and 30. Serum total lipid, triglyceride and total cholesterol of ECD group were significantly higher than those of EChD group, while HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in EChD group. Liver TBARS level of ECD group was significantly higher than that of EChD group. However, liver conjugated diene level was significantly higher in ECD group only at day 10. SOD, CAT and GPx activities of EChD group were significantly higher than those of ECD group at days 20 and 30. In the indices of liver function, GOT and GPT of ECD group were significantly higher than those of EChD group at day 10. LDH was significantly higher in ECD group. γ-GTP was significantly higher in ECD group only at day 20. Serum alcohol concentration of ECD group was significantly higher than that of EChD group at day 30. ADH and ALDH activities of EChD group were significantly higher than those of ECD group at day 30. Therefore, chongkukjang intake seems to give a beneficial effect on improving lipid metabolism and liver function by increasing HDL-cholesterol level, antioxidative enzyme activites, alcohol enzyme activities and decreasing serum lipids, liver TBARS and conjugated diene.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.18-25
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• 2010

This study was carried out to investigate the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidative activities of enzymatic digests from dried Citrus unshiu and C. grandis peels. The yields of digests from dried C. unshiu and C. grandis peels were high in viscozyme (a carbohydrase) and kojizyme (a protease), and enzymatic digests from dried C. grandis peels appeared highly comparable to those of C. unshiu. Total polyphenol contents were high in ultaflo (a carbohydrase) and alcalase and flavourzyme (proteases), and the digests from dried C. unshiu peels appeared high in comparison to C. grandis. Total flavonoid contents were high in ultaflo, alcalase, and water extract. DPPH radical scavenging activities appeared very high in digests from dried C. grandis peels in comparison to C. unshiu, and was the highest in viscozyme and kojizyme. The viscozyme digest displayed particularly high activity. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities increased somewhat with increasing amounts of digests, but displayed very high activity, more than 91%, except kojizyme the digest from dried C. unshiu peel, at 2.0 mg/mL. Alkyl radical scavenging activities increased rapidly with increasing amounts of digest, and all enzyme digests from dried C. unshiu and C. grandis peels displayed very high activities at more than 0.5 mg/mL. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activities increased rapidly with increasing amounts of digests, and all enzymatic digests from dried C. unshiu and C. grandis peels displayed relatively low activities in comparison to other activated oxygen species.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.565-573
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• 2022

Gingival inflammation is one of the main causes that can be related to various periodontal diseases. Human gingival fibroblast (HGF) is the major constituent in periodontal connective tissue and secretes various inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This study is aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of Lotus Root extract (LRE) in Porphyromonas gingivalis derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG)-stimulated HGF-1 cells. The concentration of NO and PGE₂, as well as their responsible enzymes, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), was analyzed by Griess reaction, ELISA, and western blot analysis. LPS-PG sharply elevated the production and protein expression of inflammatory mediators, which were significantly attenuated by LRE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. LRE treatment also suppressed activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in LPS-PG-stimulated HGF-1 cells. In addition, one of phase II enzyme, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase (NQO)-1, and its transcription factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), were significantly induced by LRE treatment. Consequently, these results suggest that LRE ameliorates LPS-PG-induced inflammatory responses by attenuating TLR4/MyD88-mediated NF-κB, and activating NQO-1/Nrf2 antioxidant response element signaling pathways in HGF-1 cells.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.125-131
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• 2003

Physiological activities of hot water extracts of 10 commercial instant curry powders and 6 spices, were investigated. All spice extracts except ginger showed significant antioxidant activities on the autoxidation of linoleic curry acid (p＜0.01). Antioxidant activities of clove and fennel were significantly higher than ${\alpha}-tocopherol$, instant curry powders, and other spices, Red pepper $(52.8{\pm}2.13%)$, clove, and coriander showed significant inhibitory activities against angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (p＜0.001). Cytotoxic effects of instant curry powder and spices against human cancer cell lines were examined through MTT assay. Black pepper $(29.31{\pm}2.21%\;cytotoxic\;rate)$ and cardamon $(19.41{\pm}3.92%)$ were effective against MCF-7 (p＜0.01), Clove $(42.92{\pm}5.57%)$ against HeLa (p＜0.01). Ginger $(34.21{\pm}1.11%)$, cardamon, and black pepper against A172 (p＜0.001), garlic $(82.88{\pm}0.53%)$ against SN12C (p＜0.001), garlic $(71.63{\pm}0.38%)$, red pepper, ginger, fenugreek, SPC, cumin, and MPC against SNU-638 (p＜0.001), and cassia $(82.84{\pm}16.92%)$ against A549 (p＜0.001).