• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.176-182
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• 2021

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with chronic skin inflammatory reactions. p-coumaric acid (pCA) is an active ingredient of Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae). Methods: Here, we estimated an anti-AD effect of pCA on activated mast cells, activated splenocytes, and a mouse model of AD. Cytokines levels were measured by ELISA and protein activation was analyzed by Western blotting. 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was used to induce AD-like skin lesions. Results: The treatment with pCA suppressed the productions and mRNA expressions of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in HMC-1 cells. pCA downregulated the expressions of RIP2 and caspase-1, phosphorylated-(p)p38/pJNK/pERK, and pIKKβ/pIkBα/NF-κB in HMC-1 cells. pCA also decreased the productions of TSLP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the supernatant of stimulated splenic cells. Comparing to DNFB-sensitized control group, pCA-treated group alleviated pathological changes of AD-like lesions. pCA decreased the proteins and mRNA expressions levels of TSLP, IL-6, and IL-4 in the skin lesions. Caspase-1 activation was also downregulated by pCA treatment in the AD-like lesions. The serum levels of histamine, IgE, TSLP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-4 were suppressed following treatment with pCA. Conclusion: This study suggests that pCA has the potential to improve AD by suppressing TSLP as well as inflammatory cytokines via blocking of caspase-1/NF-κB signal cascade.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.138-142
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• 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease in industrialized countries. It is estimated that about 47 million people living with dementia and the number of cases will be tripled by 2050. However, the exact mechanism of AD is not known, and full therapy has still not been found. Various tryptophan-derived alkaloids have been reported as promising agents for the treatment of AD. In the present study, a series of tryptophan-derived alkaloids were isolated and characterized from the methanol extract of Hedera rhombea fruit. Based on the analysis of their observed and reported spectroscopic data, their structures were identified as N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan (1), N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan (2), N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan methyl ester (3), and N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan methyl ester (4). These compounds were screened for anti-Alzheimer activity via their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes in vitro. As a result, compounds 3 and 4 showed moderate BChE inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 86.9 and 78.4 μM, respectively, compared to those of the positive control [berberine (IC₅₀ = 11.5 μM)]. However, all four compounds did not show significant inhibition of the AChE enzyme. This is the first time, the AChE and BChE inhibitory activities of these tryptophan-derived alkaloids were investigated and reported.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2009

Objectives : Previously we reported that the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) increased sperm count and motility. also induced spermatogenesis via cAMP-responsive element modulator(CREM) activation in rat testes. In this study, for the first step of spermatogenesis in germ cell lines, the antioxidant activity of Panax ginseng were examined in mouse GC-1 spermatogonia cells. Methods : The extract was studied on diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, GC-1 cell viability by a modified MIT assay. H202-induced cytotoxicity by MIT assay and lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. respectively. Results: The results showed that the extract scavenged DPPH radical with the IC50 being 0.631 mg/mi. The extract at concentrations of 5, and 10, 50, 100, 250 ${\mu}$g/mi increased GC-1 cell viability significantly(p < 0.05, and p < O.O1). Hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity (73.8%, p < O.O1) was blocked by the extract at concentrations of 50, and 100, 250, 500 ${\mu}$g/ml significantly (p < 0.05, and p < O.O1). The extract at concentrations of 10. and 50 ${\mu}$g/ml decreased the MDA formation on hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusions : In conclusion, the extract of Panax ginseng has potent antioxidant activity and increases the survival rate of GC-1 spg cells against $H_20_2$-induced cytotoxicity.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.143-148
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• 2009

Objectives : Anxiety and depression are stress-related disorders. Their prevalence are increasing rapidly. Ginseng is the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) which has been used for many centuries in asian region. Anxiolytic effect is one of the popular effects of ginseng. Several studies reported saponin fraction of ginseng, including ginsenoside, is a major ingredient of anxiolytic effect. In present study, we investigated anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effect of non-saponin fraction in mice. Material and Method : Mice were divided into five groups. Experimental groups were administered non-saponin fractions (25 mg/kg; nsp25, 50 mg/kg; nsp50, 100 mg/kg; nsp100) respectively once a day in the morning at 9am for 1 week. Then, we performed elevated plus-maze (EPM) test for investigating the anxiolytic-like effect and forced swimming test (FST) for investigating the antidepressant-like action. Results : Non-saponin fraction 50 mg/kg group increased frequency and time spent (p<0.05) in open arm on EPM test and decreased immobility time (p<0.05) on FST compared with control group. Conclusions : We suggest that non-saponin fraction has anxiolytic-like effect and antidepressant like effect in mice.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2023

Dendropanax trifidus belonging to the family Araliaceae, is a warm-temperate evergreen tree distributed in Jeju Island, Bogil Island, Geomun Island, Geoje Island, Wando, and Haenam in Korea. In June 2021, a root rot disease in which branches of Dendropanax trifidus seedlings turned brown and shrunk was discovered at the seedling cultivation facility in Naju-si, Republic of Korea. To identify the root rot fungus, three strains were isolated from the diseased tissues of seedlings and their mycological characteristics were investigated on potato dextrose agar. In addition, a molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and translation elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α) gene. The fungus was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. For pathogenicity test, the roots of seedlings were immersed in the conidia suspension of the strains and planted. After 20 days inoculation, root rot and browning symptoms were confirmed in the inoculated plants. This is the first report of F. oxysporum on D. trifidus in Korea.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.840-847
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• 2023

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), a member of the Araliaceae family, is known as a traditional medicinal plant to have a wide range of health properties. Polysaccharides constitute a major component of Korean ginseng, and its berries exhibit immune-modulating properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immune effects of crude polysaccharide (GBPC) extracted from Korean ginseng berry on peritoneal macrophages in mice with cyclophosphamide (CY)- induced immunosuppression. BALB/c mice were divided into eight groups: normal control, normal control + CY, levamisole + CY, ginseng + CY, and four concentrations of 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW/day of GBPC + CY. Mice were orally administered with samples for 10 days. Immunosuppression was established by treating mice with CY (80 mg/kg BW/day) through intraperitoneal injection on days 4 to 6. The immune function of peritoneal macrophages was then evaluated. Oral administration of 500 mg/kg BW/day GBPC resulted in proliferation, NO production, and phagocytosis at 100%, 88%, and 91%, respectively, close to the levels of the normal group (100%) of peritoneal macrophages. In CY-treated mice, GBPC of 50-500 mg/kg BW/day also dose-dependently stimulated the proliferation, NO production, and phagocytosis at 56-100%, 47-88%, and 53-91%, respectively, with expression levels of immune-associated genes, such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, of about 0.32 to 2.87-fold, compared to those in the CY group. GBPC could be a potential immunomodulatory material to control peritoneal macrophages under an immunosuppressive condition.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.552-560
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• 2023

Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.102-102
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• 2020

가시오가피(Acanthopanax senticosus)는 오갈피나무과(두릅나무과, Araliaceae)에 속한 낙엽관목인 가시오갈피나무 Acanthopanax senticosus Seem. 또는 기타 동속 식물의 뿌리 및 줄기 껍질이다. Acanthopanax 속 식물의 잎에 대한 약리 연구로는 위장보호작용, 항산화작용, 소염진통작용, 항암작용, 항균작용, 심근경색 개선 작용, 혈당강하작용 등에 대한 탁월한 효과가 알려져 있다. 그 중 가시오가피는 모든 오갈피 나무를 통틀어 약효가 가장 높고 보약의 역할을 한다. 인삼의 가공 과정을 적용하여 가시오가피를 증숙하면 수배에서 수십배까지 생이용성과 생리활성이 증진되나, 이렇게 제조하기 위해서는 증숙 및 냉각하는 공정을 반복적으로 가하고 효소 처리하는 증 가공 공정으로 의해 가격이 증가하게 된다. 콩단백은 콩기름이나 두부를 제조하고 남은 부산물로 영양학적으로 쇠고기 단백질과 비견할 만큼 우수한 영양학적 가치를 가지지만, 이용되는 양은 현저히 적어 이에 따른 활용도가 요구되고 있다. 압착대두 단백은 압착방식으로 기름을 짜고 남은 부산물을 파우더 형태로 가공하여 6% 가량의 지방질과 Glutamic acid, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Alanine 등 여러 가지 필수 아미노산을 제공한다. 이에, 본 연구에서는 압착대두단백과 두부건조분말을 가시오가피 소재의 기능증진 소재로 활용하고자 한다. 건조 가시오가피와 콩단백 분말의 비율을 1:0, 1:1, 1:10, 10:1로 하여, 고온고압 혼합 가공한 효과를 측정하였다. 가시오가피 단독 가공한 것에 비하여, 가시오가피-콩단백 가공물에서 가시오가피 단독 열가공에 비해, 가시오가피의 항산화도가 약 2-4배 증가하였고, 가시오가피 사포닌의 생이용성이 현격하게 증가함을 확인하였다. 본 연구는 콩가공 부산물의 고부가가치 산업화에 기여할 뿐만 아니라, 가시오가피 산업 활성에도 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1457-1462
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• 2004

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Aralia elata, Acanthopanacis cortex and Ulmus davidiana water extracts on plasma glucose and biomarkers in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into normal and diabetic groups. The diabetic groups subdivided into the control group (DM), Aralia elata (DM-AE), Acanthopanacis cortex (DM-AC) and Ulmus davidiana (DM-UD). The extracts were supplemented in diet base on 11.42 g of raw materials/㎏ diet for 7 weeks. The diabetes was induced by injecting STZ (55 ㎎/㎏ B.W., i.p.) once 2 weeks before sacrifying. Plasma glucose level was significantly higher in the DM group than in the normal group, whereas insulin and C-peptide concentrations were significantly lowered in the DM groups compared to the normal group. These parameters were normalized in the DM-AE, DM-AC and DM-UD supplemented groups. Plasma albumin content was significantly lowered in the DM group compared to the normal group, yet it was significantly higher in the DM-AE group than in the DM group. Bilirubin and creatinine contents were elevated in the DM group, while the supplementation of Aralia elata, Acanthopanacis cortex and Ulmus davidiana water extracts ameliorate the change of these contents in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Plasma AST, ALT, ALP and LDH activities were significantly higher in the DM group than in the normal groups. The supplementation of Araliaceae family water extracts significantly lowered these parameters compared to the DM group. Accordingly, these results indicate that Aralia elata, Acanthopanacis cortex and Ulmus davidiana water extracts would seem to improve the glucose and biomarker in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.87-91
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• 2005

Dental plaque is a film of microorganisms on the tooth surface that plays an important part in the development of caries and periodontal diseases. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is present in almost all types of dental plaque. Teeth and their supporting structure, the gums (gingiva) are subjected to infection by S. mutans that causes cavities and pyorrhea which, if left untreated, can eventually lead to gingivitis. Various chemical agents have been evaluated over the years with respect to their antimicrobial effects in the oral cavity; however, all are associated with side effects that prohibit regular long-term use. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Aralia continentalis (Araliaceae) extracts on the growth, acid production, adhesion, and insoluble glucan synthesis of S. mutans. The methanol extract of A. continentalis showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity against the growth and acid production of S. mutans, and produced significant inhibition at the concentration of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml compared to the control group. The extracts markedly inhibited S. mutans adherence to HA treated with saliva, and cell adherence was repressed by more than 60% at the concentration of 0.25 mg/ml and complete inhibition was observed at the concentration of 4 mg/ml. On the activity of glucosyltransferase which synthesizes water insoluble glucan from sucrose, methanol extract of A. continentalis showed more than 10% inhibition over the concentration of 0.25 mg/ml. The synthesis of insoluble glucan was decreased in the presence of 0.25 - 4 mg/ml of the methanol extract of A. continentalis. Hence, we conclude that A. continentalis might be a candidate of anticaries agent.