• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2008

Methanol extracts of 35 plant species in 20 families were tested for their insecticidal activities and repellent effects against Nilaparvata lugens female adult by topical application and spray methods. The insecticidal activities and repellent effects of variousplant species and parts were different. The methanol extracts from stem of Garcinia xanthochymus, Senecio scandens and Phytolacca americana, seedcoat of Ginkgo biloba, and leaf+stem of Ailanthus altissima and Catalpa ovata showed potent insecticidal activities against N. lugens. Specially, the G. biloba extract exhibited higher than 90% mortality against N. lugens at a concentration of 4,000 ppm. Repellent effects of plant extracts obtained from whole plant of Daucus carota, fruit of Semecarpus anacardium, leaf+stem of C. ovata and Wisteria sinensis were active, and potent. Also, the plant extracts that are potent in insecticidal activity not necessarily have high repellent activity showing no significant corelation between the two activities.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.288-294
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• 2014

Mangostenone F (MF) is a natural xanthone isolated from Garcinia mangostana. However, little is known about the biological activities of MF. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of MF in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. MF dose-dependently inhibited the production of NO, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, and IL-$1{\beta}$) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, MF decreased the NF-${\kappa}B$ luciferase activity and NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding capacity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, MF suppressed the NF-${\kappa}B$ activation by inhibiting the degradation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of NF-${\kappa}B$. In addition, MF attenuated the AP-1 luciferase activity and phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAP kinases. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of MF is associated with the suppression of NO production and iNOS expression through the down-regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and MAPK signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6463-6468
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluated the effect of the gambogic acid (GA), one of the effective components of Garcinia, in combination with a new multi-targeted oral medication, sunitinib (SU) on renal cancer cell proliferation in vitro and on tumor growth in vivo. Methods: After treatment with GA or SU, either alone or in combination, MTT and FACS analysis were used to examine cell viability and cycle distribution of the renal carcinoma cell lines 786-0 and Caki-1. Western blotting was employed to examine the expression of proteins related to the cell cycle and vascular formation. Furthermore, a xenograft model was applied to study the antitumor efficacy of SU or GA alone or in combination, with immunohistochemistry to detect expression of proteins related to xenograft growth and angiogenesis. Western blotting was used to examine NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway elements in xenografts. Results: Treatment of 786-0 and Caki-1 cells with GA or SU resulted in decreased tumor cell proliferation, especially with joint use. Cells accumulated more strongly in the sub-G1 phase after joint treatment with GA and SU than treatment of GA and SU alone. Western blotting arrays showed 1 protein significantly upregulated, 2 proteins downregulated, and 2 proteins unchanged. Moreover, combined use of GA and SU inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of xenografts generated from Caki-1 significantly. Immunohistochemistry arrays showed downregulation of the expression of proteins promoting xenograft growth and angiogenesis, and Western blotting showed inhibition of the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway after treatment by GA alone and in combination with SU in xenografts. Conclusions: Our results show that the joint use of GA and SU can provide greater antitumor efficacy compared to either drug alone and thus may offer a new treatment strategy for renal cell carcinoma.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.11-16
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• 2015

Our body's immune system has defense mechanisms against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Immune responses are primarily initiated by the activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs). In particular, TLR4 is well-characterized and is known to be activated by gram-negative bacteria and tissue damage signals. TLR4 requires myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) as a co-receptor to recognize its ligand, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which is an extracellular membrane component of gram-negative bacteria. Gambogic acid is a xanthonoid isolated from brownish or orange resin extracted from Garcinia hanburyi. Its primary effect is tumor suppression. Since inflammatory responses are related to the development of cancer, we hypothesized that gambogic acid may regulate TLR4 activation. Our results demonstrated that gambogic acid decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-12, and $IL-1{\beta}$) in both mRNA and protein levels in bone marrow-derived primary macrophages after stimulation with LPS. Gambogic acid did not inhibit the activation of Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) induced by TBK1 overexpression in a luciferase reporter gene assay using IFN-${\beta}$-PRD III-I-luc. An in vitro kinase assay using recombinant TBK1 revealed that gambogic acid did not directly inhibit TBK1 kinase activity, and instead suppressed the binding of LPS to MD2, as determined by an in vitro binding assay and confocal microscopy analysis. Together, our results demonstrate that gambogic acid disrupts LPS interaction with the TLR4/MD2 complex, the novel mechanism by which it suppresses TLR4 activation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.609-617
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• 2017

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal and aggressive cancers in the world. However, no effective treatment is currently available for pancreatic cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the anti-pancreatic cancer effect of ${\alpha}$-mangostin (${\alpha}M$) and ${\gamma}$-mangostin (${\gamma}M$) extracted from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana L.. Both ${\alpha}$M and ${\gamma}M$ reduced the viability of pancreatic cancer cells MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 in a dose-dependent manner. These compounds induced apoptosis by increasing c-PARP and c-Caspase 3 levels. They also induced autophagy by increasing levels of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3II) in both cell lines while decreasing sequestosome 1 (p62) in MIA PaCa-2. Both ${\alpha}$M and ${\gamma}M$ induced autophagy through increasing phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (p-p38) while decreasing phosphorylation level of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (p-mTOR). Of various microRNAs (miRNA), miR-18a was found to be a putative regulatory miRNA for autophagy induced by ${\alpha}$M or ${\gamma}M$. In combination with gemcitabine, a compound frequently used in pancreatic cancer treatment, ${\alpha}$M and ${\gamma}M$ showed synergistic anti-cancer effects in MIA PaCa-2. Collectively, these results suggest that ${\alpha}$M and ${\gamma}M$ can induce apoptosis and autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells and that their anti-cancer effect is likely to be associated with miR-18a. In conclusion, ${\alpha}$M and ${\gamma}M$ might be used as a potential new therapy for pancreatic cancer.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1-12
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• 2020

Objectives : Phyllostachys pubescens and Scutellaria baicalensis are considered to be effective in promoting blood circulation in traditional medicine. In this study, we examined whether a mixture of P. pubescens leaves and S. baicalensis root (BS21) had any anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia, or anti-hyperuricemia effects and the possible mechanisms of action. Methods : We examined the effects of BS21 in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Mice were fed HFD with BS21 (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg) or Garcinia cambogia extracts (245 mg/kg) as a positive control for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, body weight, liver and adipose weight, adipocyte size, plasma lipid profiles, adipokine and uric acid levels, and adipose tissue expression levels in obesity and uric acid production-related genes were examined. Results : BS21 decreased body weight gain, white adipose tissue, liver weight, adipocyte size, and liver triglyceride accumulation. It also reduced levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transaminase, leptin, and uric acid. In contrast, BS21 increased adiponectin levels. Furthermore, BS21 decreased the expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase, as well as xanthine oxidoreductase, which is involved in uric acid production. Conclusions : These results suggest that BS21 may exert anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-hyperuricemia effects in HFD-induced obese mice by regulating the expression of xanthine oxidoreductase and adipogenesis-related genes.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.226-231
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• 2006

This study evaluated the weight reduction effect of Angook cereal mixture. The cereal mixture was prepared with barley, unpolished rice, corn, soybean, Garcinia cambogia, guar-gum, maltodextrin, glucomannan and a vitamin mixture. Eighteen female college students participated in this 8 weeks weight control program. All subjects were randomly assigned to the treatment and placebo groups. Mean energy intake of the treatment group was $1,356.4{\pm}79.9\;kcal$ (carbohydrate: 67.1%, protein: 18.7%, fat: 14.2%) and placebo group consumed $1,367.6{\pm}71.8\;kcal$ (carbohydrate: 64.2%, protein: 19.7%, fat: 16.1%) during program. The placebo group lost $3.9{\pm}0.8\;kg$ of body weight and the treatment group lost $5.9{\pm}0.7\;kg$ of body weight. There were significant differences in the decrease of total body weight, absolute fat mass, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) between the two groups (p<0.05), however, the lean body mass was not significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. There were no differences in the changes in blood glucose, total-cholesterol, HDL-choloesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides between groups. These findings suggest that the intake of Angook cereal mixture may be beneficial for the reduction of the body weight, absolute fat mass, WC and HC.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 2016

This paper reports in vitro cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and adipocyte diffentiation with adipogenic effects of coumarins inophyllum D (1) and calanone (2), and a chromanone carboxylic acid namely isocordato-oblongic acid (3) isolated from Calophyllum symingtonianum as well as a biflavonoid morelloflavone (4) isolated from Garcinia prainiana on MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma RAW 264.7 macrophages and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes cells, respectively. The cytotoxicity study on MCF-7 cell was conducted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Meanwhile, the study of anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 macrophages and adipogenic effects on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were conducted through nitrite determination assay and induction of adipocyte differentiation, respectively. In the cytotoxicity study, inophyllum D (1) was the only compounds that exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cell with $IC_{50}$ of $84{\mu}g/mL$. Further, all by inhibiting the compounds have shown anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages of nitrite concentration with production. In addition, the compounds also exhibited adipogenic effects on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes by stimulating lipid formation. Thus, this study may provide significant input in discovery of the potential effects cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and adipogenic agents.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.700-704
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• 2008

Anti-obesity effects of $\beta$-cyclodextrin in obese C57BL/6J mice induced by a high fat diet (HD) were observed. The administration of $\beta$-cyclodextrin reduced the gain of body weight, abdominal fat, liver weight, the lipid deposits of hepatocytes and the size of adipocytes in the HD group. In serum analysis, the total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols were significantly decreased in the $\beta$-cyclodextrin-supplemented HD group than in the HD group. However, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was not changed in these groups. In hypothalamic homogenates, the decrease of neuropeptide Y and increase of $\alpha$-melanocyte stimulating hormone were detected in the $\beta$-cyclodextrin-supplemented HD group compared to that in the HD group. These effects of $\beta$-cyclodextrin were similar to those of Garcinia cambogia, which is widely used as a natural anti-obesity product. These results suggest that $\beta$-cyclodextrin has anti-obesity effects through the lowering of the abdominal fat pad and inhibits the central effects of hunger.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.503-511
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ginger, a root vegetable, is known to have antioxidant and antiobesity effects. Preparation, such as by steaming, can affect the chemical composition of prepared root vegetables or herbs and can change their functional activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of steamed ginger against oxidative stress and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. MATERIAL/METHODS: The levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in two different extracts of steamed ginger, i.e., water extract (SGW) and ethanolic extract (SGE); as well, their antioxidant activities were examined. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 10), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat, w/w, n = 10), HFD supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SGE or garcinia (GAR) by weight (SGED or GARD, respectively, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was examined, and the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined in the liver. Histological analysis was performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads and liver. RESULTS: The SGE had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids and higher DPPH and $ABTS^+$ free radical scavenging activities compared to those of SGW. Treatment with SGE or GAR significantly decreased the HFD-induced weight gain. Both SGE and GAR significantly reduced the high serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein levels induced by HFD. Compared to ND, HFD significantly increased hepatic TC and TG levels. SGE or GAR supplementation significantly decreased the increase of hepatic lipids by HFD. Interestingly, SGE had a more significant effect in reducing hepatic TC and TG levels than GAR. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were altered in both the SGED and GARD groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that steamed ginger supplementation can decrease plasma TC and TG and can inhibit liver steatosis by regulating the expressions of hepatic genes.