• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.927-937
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• 2022

To confirm the therapeutic effect of the water extract from Ecklonia cava (WEE) against PM_2.5 induced systemic health damage, we evaluated gut health with a focus on the microbiota and metabolites. Systemic damage in mice was induced through PM_2.5 exposure for 12 weeks in a whole-body chamber. After exposure for 12 weeks, body weight and food intake decreased, and WEE at 200 mg/kg body weight (mpk) alleviated these metabolic efficiency changes. In addition, PM_2.5 induced changes in the length of the colon and fecal water content. The administration of the WEE at 200 mpk oral dose effectively reduced changes in the colon caused by PM_2.5 exposure. We also attempted to confirm whether the effect of the WEE is mediated via regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in mice with PM_2.5 induced systemic damage. We examined changes in the fecal microbiota and gut metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and kynurenine metabolites. In the PM_2.5 exposed group, a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus (Family: Lactobacillaceae) and an increase in the abundance of Alistipes (Family: Rikenellaceae) were observed, and the administration of the WEE showed a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota. In addition, the WEE effectively increased the levels of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). Furthermore, kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is a critical neuroprotective metabolite in the gut-brain axis, was increased by the administration of the WEE. Our findings suggest that the WEE could be used as a potential therapeutic against PM_2.5 induced health damage by regulating gut function.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.743-748
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• 2022

The garlic chive (Allium tuberosum Rotter) is a prominent herb species in Asia and other nations of the world. Garlic chives is a favorite vegetable and used to garnish noodles in Korea. The effects of various doses of N, P, and K fertilizers and drought stress on the chlorophyll content in the leaves of garlic chives were investigated. The evaluations showed that chlorophyll a content was 0.386 at 10 mg/l N fertilizer and 0.584 at 50 mg/l N fertilizer. The treatment group showed a significant difference with regard to the contents of chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll at the 5% level (p<0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) for chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll were 0.940, 0.966, and 0.971, respectively. The highest content of chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll in the leaves was recorded at 40 mg/l P fertilizer, while the values corresponding to 50 mg/l P fertilizer were lower than those for 40 mg/l P fertilizer. The content of total chlorophyll evaluated at 10 mg/l K fertilizer was 0.312 and that at 50 mg/l was 0.589. The simple linear regression showed the relationship between chlorophyll efficiency aand moisture. The slope factors of the dark-level fluorescence yield (Fo), the maximum fluorescence yield (Fm), the quenched state (Fv), and the maximal PSII quantum yield (Fv/Fm) for chlorophyll-efficient indicators were -0.931, 0.972, 972, and 0.950, respectively. NPK fertilizers and drought stress affected the chlorophyll content and efficiency of A. tuberosum.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.97-103
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• 2021

Perilla frutescens (P. frutescens) is an important herb used for many purposes such as medicinal, aromatic, and functional food in Asian countries and has beneficial effects such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation activity, anti-depression activity, and anxiolytic activity. However, there have been no studies on the protective effect of P. frutescens extract (PFE) on amnesia in vivo. The present study aimed to investigate whether PFE protects memory deficit using a scopolamine-induced mice model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. The protective effect of PFE against scopolamine-induced memory deficits was investigated using Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms of PFE in improving memory capabilities related to the cholinergic system and antioxidant activity were examined. PFE significantly increased spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test, step-through latency in the passive avoidance test, and swimming time in the target quadrant in the probe test when compared to the scopolamine-treated group. Likewise, PFE significantly decreased escapes latency in the Morris water maze test. PFE could not regulate cholinergic function in acetylcholine level and acetylcholine esterase activity. However, PFE increased DPPH radical scavenging activity dose-dependently and total polyphenol content was 127.7±1.2 ㎍ GAE/mg. The results showed that the PFE could be a preventive and/or therapeutic candidate for memory and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.17-25
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• 2021

The recent surge in consumption of traditional liquor related to health, the results of analyzing the chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity by creating Kwaha-ju and Baekhwha-chun, which use Godubab as a method of treating glutinous and normal grains, are as follows. Kwaha-ju is mainly made of glutinous rice, 5.21~12.52% alcohol content, 1.07~2.47g/L in reducing sugar content, 3.22~3.77% pH, Baikhwha-chun alcohol content was 3~5%, except for some experimental groups, and pH was low. As a result of the spectrum analysis of traditional liquor, 50% of the experimental group in Baikhwa-chun is located in the negative area of PC1 such as overload, and some amino acids such as lactic acid, isoleucine, and choline are the main ingredients of glucose, xylose, and maltose. Therefore, the chemical properties and antioxidant activity of Kwaha-ju and Baikhwa-chun, which show similar composition ratio of traditional liquor materials, and use them as basic data to identify and manufacture traditional liquor fermentation through mutual analysis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-obesity effect and molecular mechanism of YY312, a herbal extract composed of Imperatae Rhizoma, Citri Unshius Pericarpium Immaturus, and Evodiae Fructus, on a high-fat diet-induced animal model and on 3T3-L1 cells. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were fed for 6 weeks with a normal diet or a high-fat diet (HFD). Then they orally administered daily with 300 mg/kg YY312 for next 10 weeks. Body weight and food consumption were recorded weekly and daily, respectively. Tissue weights, serum lipid, and glucose levels were analyzed at the end of the study. Additionally, the effects of YY312 on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells were examined. After differentiating 3T3-L1 cells were treated with YY312, Oil-red O staining, RT-PCR, and Western blotting were performed for lipid accumulation, mRNA expression of adipogenesis gene, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, respectively. Results : YY312-administered mice showed a significant reduction of body weights and abdominal adipose tissue weights. YY312 also reduced the serum levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, compared with the HFD group. Treatment with YY312 inhibited lipid accumulation and blocked expression of adipogenic transcription factors and lipogenesis genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$, CCAT/enhancer binding protein ${\alpha}$ and fatty acid synthase. YY312 increased AMPK phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusions : This study showed that herbal extract YY312 has an anti-obesity effect in vitro and in vivo. Thus, YY312 could be developed as a supplement for reduction of body weight gain induced by an HFD.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.19-28
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• 2018

Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Flaxseed oil and Chrysanthemi Indici Flos 50% ethanol extract in an HCl/ethanol induced acute gastritis model. Methods : ICR mice were divided into 6 groups; normal mice (Nor), gastritic mice with distilled water (Veh), gastritic mice with 10 mg/kg sucralfate (SC), gastritic mice with 16 g/㎏ Flaxseed oil (FO), gastritic mice with FO + 50 mg/kg Chrysanthemi Indici Flos (FCL), and gastritic mice with FO + 100 mg/kg Chrysanthemi Indici Flos (FCH). Then, mice were orally administered with 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol and caused acute gastritis. After 1 hr, mice were sacrificed, and blood and stomach tissue were collected. Results : Administration of FCL and FCH to mice prior to the induction of gastritis was found to reduce gastric injury. reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxy nitrite ($ONOO^-$) levels of stomach tissues were significantly decreased in FO, FCL, and FCH compared to Veh group. As results of stomach protein analyses, FCL and FCH effectively reduce inflammatory-related factors such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$) in gastric lesion mice. In addition, nuclear factor kappa B p65 ($NF-{\kappa}B$ p65) and phosphorylation inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa $B{\alpha}(p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha})$ were down-regulated in FCL and FCH administrated gastric lesion mice. Conclusions : These results suggest that FCL and FCH has an inhibitory effect against gastric injury. Therefore, FCL and FCH has the potential to be used as a natural therapeutic drug.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.47-55
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• 2017

Objectives : Obesity is caused by the excess accumulation of fat in the body due to energy imbalance, and it causes various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate an anti-obesity efficacy and an antioxidant activity of water from herbal mixture extract (SM17). Methods : The antioxidant activities were evaluated through radical scavenging assays using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. To evaluated anti-obesity effect of SM17, we used a high fat diet fed mouse model. The SM17 (150 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o.) was treated every day for 6 weeks to C57BL/6 mice. Body weight and food intake were measured every day. The changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alanine aminotransferanse (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerids (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in serum were analyzed after experiment. Also, expression of lipid metabolism related proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. Results : It was effective in antioxidant measurements, SM17 administration inhibited the biomarkers of lipid metaboism in serum and tissues. The administration of SM17 showed a significant reduction of body and tissue weight. Morever, it decreased ROS, ALT, AST, TG and TC in serum, compared with those of the obese mice. Adipogenesis-related protein expressions increased in obese mice compared to normal mice. However, SM17 group exhibited the down-expression of these proteins. Conclusion : A SM17 aqueous extract has a great effect on the stimulation (AMPK) activation, and may have a benefit to reduce a fatty acid metabolism through inhibition of lipid accumulation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.23-38
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• 2022

This study investigates the characteristics and physical habitat requirements for each Bufo gargarizans life history through a literature survey. After deriving variables for each component of Bufo gargarizans, in order to reduce regional deviations from eight previously studied literature research areas for deriving the criteria for variables, a total of 12 natural habitats of Bufo gargarizanss are selected as spatial ranges by selecting four additional sites such as Umyeonsan Ecological Park in Seoul, Wonheungibangjuk in Cheongju in the central region, Changnyeong Isan Reservoir in the southern region, and Mangwonji in Daegu. This study presents Bufo gargarizans SI, a species endemic to Korea, whose population is rapidly declining due to large-scale housing site development and road development, and develops a Bufo gargarizans HSI model accordingly to improve the function of the damaged Bufo gargarizans habitat and to present an objective basis for site selection of alternative habitat. At the same time, it provides basic data for adaptive management and follow-up monitoring. The three basic habitat requirements of amphibians, the physical habitat requirements of Bufo gargarizans, synthesized with shelter, food, and water, and the characteristics of each life history, are classified into five components by adding space and threats through literature research and expert advice. Variables are proposed by synthesizing and comparing the general characteristics of amphibians, among the previously studied single species of amphibians, the components of HSI of goldfrogs and Bufo gargarizans, and the ecological and physical environmental characteristics of Bufo gargarizans. Afterwards, through consultation with an amphibian expert, a total of 10 variables are finally presented by adjacent forest area(ha), the distance between spawning area and the nearest forest land(m), the soil, the distance from the wetland(m), the forest layered structure, the low grassland space, the permanent wetland area(ha), shoreline slope(%), PH, presence of predators, distance from road(m), presence or absence of obstacles. n order to derive the final criteria for each of the 10 variables, the criteria(alternative) for each variable are presented through geographic information analysis of the site survey area and field surveys of the previously studied literature research area. After a focus group interview(FGI) of 30 people related to the Bufo gargarizans colony in Cheongju, a questionnaire and in-depth interviews with three amphibians experts are conducted to verify and supplement the criteria for each final variable. Based on the finally developed Bufo gargarizans HSI, the Bufo gargarizans habitat model is presented through the SI graph model and the drawing centering on the Bufo gargarizans spawning area

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.1370-1382
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• 2021

Previous studies have been conducted on domestic materials as a single extract. Research on complex mixtures for maximizing plant characteristics by individual extraction and potential interference with effects is insufficient. Therefore, this study confirmed the GC-MSD according to the extraction of essential oils for Agastache rugosa O. Kuntze(AR), Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zuccarini(PD), Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica(CC), Zingiber officinale Roscoe(ZR), Foeniculum vulgare Miller(FV), and Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle(CS). The cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the blending oil were confirmed to confirm its potential as a cosmetic material. As a result of analyzing GC-MSD aroma components, the main components were estragole of AR, à-Pinene for PD, Zingiberene for CC and ZR, Anethole from FV, and D-Limonene for CS. At a concentration of 100 uL/mL with no confirmed cytotoxicity, NO production was inhibited by 70.62%, DPPH radical scavenging activity was 64.03%, and ABTS radical scavenging activity was 89.55%. Through this, blended essential oil suggests the possibility of useful application as a raw material with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the cosmetic and food industries.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.63-74
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• 2022

Objectives : Skin aging is generally characterized by wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity roughness, pigmentation and dryness. This changes is caused by reducing the elements constituting the extracellular matrix contributing to the physiological properties of the skin, such as collagen fiber, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid. Adequate skin hydration is important to maintain normal skin function and reduce skin aging. The present study is objective to observe skin moisturizing effects of Unripe apple(UA, Immature fruit of Malus pumila Mill) in vivo and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods : ICR mice were orally administerd UA(100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks, and skin water contents and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-𝛽1, ceramide, hyaluronan and collagen type I(COL1) were measured in dorsal back skin of the mice. Gene expression of hyaluronan synthase(HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), collagen synthase(COL1A1, COL1A2) and TGF-𝛽1 were also determined by realtime RT-PCR. Results : Skin water contents and the expression of TGF-𝛽1, ceramide, COL1 and hyaluronan were significantly increased in UA group(100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day) compared to vehicle control. The mRNA expression of HAS isoform(HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), COL1A1, COL1A2, and TGF-𝛽1 were also significantly increased by UA. Conclusions : UA has skin moisturizing effects and enhancement activities in skin function related components(COL1, hyaluronan, ceramide and TGF-𝛽1). These results suggested that UA can be a developing candidate for developing alternative skin protective agent or functional food ingredient.