• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.23 no.10
• /
• pp.1381-1385
• /
• 2013

The centipede Scolopendra subpinipes mutilans is a medicinally important arthropod species. However, its transcriptome is not currently available and transcriptome analysis would be useful in providing insight into a molecular level approach. Hence, we performed de novo RNA sequencing of S. subpinipes mutilans using next-generation sequencing. We generated a novel peptide (scolopendrasin II) based on a SVM algorithm, and biochemically evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of scolopendrasin II against various microbes. Scolopendrasin II showed antibacterial activities against gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains, including the yeast Candida albicans and antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria, as determined by a radial diffusion assay and colony count assay without hemolytic activity. In addition, we confirmed that scolopendrasin II bound to the surface of bacteria through a specific interaction with lipoteichoic acid and a lipopolysaccharide, which was one of the bacterial cell-wall components. In conclusion, our results suggest that scolopendrasin II may be useful for developing peptide antibiotics.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.323-329
• /
• 2005

Antimicrobial peptides are evolutionary ancient weapons for animal and plant species to depend themselves against infectious microbes. In the present study, we investigated if an antimicrobial peptide was produced from Coptidis Rhizoma. For the determination, protein substance from the medicinal plant was isolated by various preparations. Among the preparations, the protein portion dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline solution (CRP-DS) that contained the most amount of protein $(90\%)$ resulted in maximal inhibition of Candida albicans which causes local and systemic infections. Analyses by gel-electrophoresis and gel-permeation chromatography showed the CRP-DS formed a single band of approximately 11.8 KDa as molecular size. Antifungal activity of the CRP-DS was almost equivalent to antifungal activity by fluconazole, resulting in MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of approximately $50{\mu}g/ml$. The antifungal activity was a dose-dependent. The antifungal activity appeared to be inactivated by heat-treatment and ionic strength, respectively. In a murine model, the CRP-DS enhanced resistance of mice against disseminated candidiasis. The HPLC analysis demonstrated maximum $4\%$ of berberine as residual content in the CRP-DS preparation resulted in no influence on the antifungal activity. In addition, protein portion isolated from Phellodendri Cortex producing the alkaloid component like Coptidis Rhizoma had no such anticandidal effect. These results indicate that the protein substance from Coptidis Rhizoma was responsible for the antifungal activity.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.175-190
• /
• 2006

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of heat-clearing medicinal on common bacterias in gynecology. Methods : The heat-clearing medicinals ( Trichosanthis Radix, Sophorae Fructus, Phragmitis Rhizoma, Buddleiae Flos, Bambusae Folium, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Celosiae Semen, Gardeniae Fructus, Prunellae Spica, Sophorae Radix, Dictamni Radicis Cortex, Coptidis Rhizoma, Gentianae Scabrae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Phellodendri Cortex) were used in this study. Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Candida albicans and Gardnerella vaginalis were used for vaginal pathogenic microorganisms. Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli HB101, Lactobacillus gasseri were used for normal vaginal florae. We evaluated antibiotic effect by the optical density and the colony test. Results : The optical density and colony test showed that Celosiae Semen, Prunellae Spica, Scutellariae Radix and Phellodendri Cortex of herbs among heat-clearing medicinal had antimircobial effect. Celosiae Semen and Prunellae Spica had antimicrobial susceptibility and selective toxicity in MRSA. Scutellariae Radix and Phellodendri Cortex had antimicrobial susceptibility and selective toxicity in Gardnerella vaginalis. Conclusion : According to the above results, we could suggest that Celosiae Semen, Prunellae Spica, Scutellariae Radix and Phellodendri Cortex among heat-clearing medicinal be available to antimicrobial agent of vaginal pathogenic microbial species in vitro.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.124-138
• /
• 2007

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial effects of the interior warming herbs on vaginal microbes. Methods: Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Gardnerella vaginalis were used for vaginitis-induced microbes. Lactobacillus gasseri, Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia coli HB101 were used for normal vaginal florae. And herbs for warming the interior (Zingiberis Rhizoma, Alpiniae Officinari Rhizoma, Aconiti Tuber, Anethi Fructus, Evodiae Fructus, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus, Caryophylli Flos, Aconiti Tube, Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, Piperis Longi Fructus, Piperis Nigri Fructus) were used in this study. Antimicrobial activities were tested by the change of optical densities (OD) and colony test in vitro. Results: In the results of vaginitis-induced microbes, Anethi Fructus was decreased the OD values on MRSA and Gardnerella vaginalis and Aconiti Tuber was decreased on MRSA. There were no viable MRSA and Gardnerella vaginalis colony forming against Evodiae Fructus, Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA colony forming against Piperis Longi Fructus, Staphylococcus aureus colony forming against Piperis Nigri Fructus and MRSA colony forming against Zanthoxyli Pericarpium. In the results of normal vaginal florae, Zingiberis Rhizoma was decreased the OD values on Streptococcus spp. and all normal vaginal florae were showed viable colony forming against all experimental herbs. Conclusion: According to these results, we can suggest that some kinds of interior warming herbs have antimicrobial effects on vaginal microbes. So there might be needed to make furthermore studies to seek the herbs which have selective antimicrobial effect on pathologic vaginal microbes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.187-193
• /
• 2008

Biological removal capacities for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were determined using a yeast strain, Candida tropicalis. In this study, VOCs including toluene, benzene, p-xylene, and styrene as single substrates or mixtures were tested in the batch culture of the yeast strain. In addition, a kinetic model was applied to evaluate substrate interactions between the VOCs. The yeast strain was able to biodegrade each VOC effectively as a growth substrate, implying it could applied to wide range of VOCs. When the yeast strain was subjected to VOCs in mixtures, the biodegradation rate of one substrate were either increased (stimulated) or decreased (inhibited) by the presence of the others. Both benzene and toluene were inhibited by the other VOCs, and substrate interaction parameters estimated in the model indicated that styrene was the strongest inhibitor for the benzene and toluene biodegradation. Meanwhile, the biodegradation of p-xylene and styrene was stimulated by the presence of either benzene or toluene. The biodegradation rate of p-xylene was significantly increased especially by the presence of toluene, and the styrene biodegradation was enhanced greatly by the benzene addition. The results of the substrate interaction by the yeast strain suggest that the biodegradation rates for the VOCs in mixtures should be carefully evaluated. Furthermore, the competitive inhibition coefficient could be applied as a useful index to determine the substrate interaction

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.38-46
• /
• 2020

Background: Although Sancho (Zanthoxylum schinifolium Siebold & Zucc) oil has traditionally been used for its antibiotics properties, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence regarding its biological activities. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Sancho oil against food-hazardous microorganisms, phytopathogens, and dermatophytes. Methods and Results: We investiated the antimicrobial activity of Sancho oil against 11 food-hazardous microorganisms, nine phytopathogens, and six dermatophytes. The Sancho oil was found to show the strongest antibacterial activity against Shigella flexneri and Listeria spp. Sancho oil also showed high antifungal activity against plant pathogens, particularly Fusarium oxysporum, and showed antimicrobial activity against dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis and Candida albicans. The antioxidant activity of Sancho oil was measured using the DPPH method, and was found to be stronger than that of unrefined oil. Moreover, this activity increased with increasing oil concentration. Conclusions: We found that Sancho oil showed differing antimicrobial activities against food-hazardous microorganisms, dermatophytes, and plant pathogens. The antimicrobial activity spectrum of Sancho oil was not broad and varied among microbial strains. On the basis of our findings, we consider that Sancho oil could be used an antibacterial material for food-borne S. flexneri and Listeria spp., a biopesticide for Fusarium spp., and a treatment for dermatophytes such as T. rubrum.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.18-23
• /
• 2018

Propolis has been used as a natural remedy in folk medicine worldwide. The antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal aspects of its antimicrobial properties have been widely investigated. However, few studies focused on its applications in dentistry. Many dental diseases are related to various microorganisms in the oral cavity. In this study, we assessed the antimicrobial activity of Korean propolis extract, collected from 6 different regions, on oral pathogenic microorganisms. The propolis samples, collected from 6 different regions (P1: Uijeongbu, P2: Ansan, P3: Hongcheon, P4: Iksan, P5: Gwangju, and P6: Sangju), were dissolved in ethanol at two different concentrations (10 and 50 mg/ml). Three oral bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis) and one fungus (Candida albicans) were activated in general broth for 24 hours. Microorganisms were diluted and spread onto agar plates, onto which sterilized 6 mm filter papers with or without each propolis sample were placed. After 24 hours of incubation, clear zones of inhibition were observed. All tests were performed in triplicate. The propolis samples showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activity on oral pathogenic microorganisms; in addition, low-concentration groups showed outstanding antimicrobial efficacy on the 4 different microorganisms. Among the samples, P6 had significantly higher antibacterial activity than that of the others against three different bacteria. In particular, a high concentration of P6 showed a significant antifungal effect. In conclusion, we confirmed that Korean propolis has an inhibitory effect on oral pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Therefore, we suggest the possibility of developing oral medicine and oral care products based on Korean propolis.

• KSBB Journal
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.123-129
• /
• 2010

An endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from forest soil samples collected at the Taebaek mountain of Gangwon province, Korea, and taxonomically characterized by physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic methods. Its 16S rRNA sequences showed the maximum similarity of 97% with B. amyloliquefaciens. In addition, the isolate BCNU 2002 was determined to have the ability to produce enzymes such as amylase, protease, gelatinase and catalase. The in vitro antifungal activity of Bacillus sp. BCNU 2002 was also examined against human pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. A maximum production level of antifungal substances of Bacillus sp. BCNU 2002 was achieved under aerobic incubation at $28^{\circ}C$ for 7 days in LB broth. BCNU 2002 showed strong antifungal activities against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum with the range of percentage inhibition from 56.25 to 63.23%. It was also confirmed that ethylacetate extract of cultured broth showed a strong antifungal activity against A. niger, C. albicans, S. cerevisiae and T. rubrum by agar diffusion method. The peptide fraction also exhibited broad antifungal spectrum against various pathogenic fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration values for active extracts ranged between 125 ${\mu}g$/mL and 1000 ${\mu}g$/mL.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.9-13
• /
• 2009

Flos Sophora japonica L. (Leguminosae), commonly called scholar tree, is a well-known traditional medicine used for the treatment of bleeding and as an antihemorrhagic agent. This research was conducted to determine biofunctional activities of Flos Sophora japonica extract. Methanolic extract from Flos Sophora japonica was partitioned by using organic solvents, including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. Ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed the strongest antioxidant activity ($RC_{50}=3.13{\mu}g/mL$) among the fractions. In antimicrobial activity assays, ethyl acetate soluble fraction was effective to bacterial inhibition, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia, with minimum inhibitory concentrations in $125{\mu}g/mL$. In anticomplementary activity assays, water soluble fraction was the most effective exhibiting 21% inhibitory activity.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.1184-1189
• /
• 2002

Allii sativi Bulbus(garlic) have been shown to possess medicinal value, in particular, antimicrobial activity. In this study, we compared the efficacy on some pathogenic bacteria and fungus among several different extracts(water, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, chloroform) of Allii sativi Bulbus. Animal pathogenic bacteria and fungus(S. gallinarium: KCTC 2441, S. flexneri: KCTC 2361, E. cloacae: KCTC 2006, K. pneumonia: KCTC 2208, C. albicans: KCTC 1940) were used to test by measurement of minimum inhibitory concentrations(MIC) and disc diffusion. Allii sativi Bulbus were cut and mixed with water at 37℃ about 24 h and filtered, and several different solvents(hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol) were respectively added to separate the fraction of each solvent. The antimicrobial(bacteriocidal) and antifungal effect were apparently shown from water extract, hexane and ethyl acetate extract against using strains(Staphylococcus gallinarium, Shigella flexneri, Enterobacter doacae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans). Especially, the water extract showed the superior efficacy. And the clear zone size of water extract (11～27 mm) was greater than that of gentamycin, hexane extract and ethyl acetate extract against S. gallinarium. S. flexneri, K. pneumonia and C. albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentrations(MIC) of water extract appeared to around 2.0～7.5 ㎎/㎖ against S. gallinarium, S. flexneri, E. cloacae and K. pneumonia. The greater activity was shown by water extract because the MIC of water extract for C. albicans observed in very low concentration(<1.0 ㎎/㎖) compared to hexane(5.0 ㎎/㎖) and ethyl acetate(10.0 ㎎/㎖). Therefore, these results exhibited that water extract of Allii sativi Bulbus have stronger antimicrobial activity than hexane and ethyl acetate extract, and may be useful as topical medicine of superficial infections causing C. albicans as well as antifungal agents.