• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.189-198
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• 2015

Objectives : Sparganii Rhizoma is frequently used in traditional herbal medicine for treatment of blood stasis, amenorrhea and functional dyspepsia and has been reported to exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-proliferation and anti-angiogenesis peoperties. In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effect and underlying mechanism of Sparganii Rhizoma water extract (SRE) against oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in hepatocyte. Methods : To determine the effects of SRE on oxidative stress, we induced synergistic cytotoxicity by co-treatment of arachidonic acid (AA) and iron in the HepG2 cell, a human derived hepatocyte cell line. Results : Treatment of SRE increased relative cell viability and altered the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 and procaspase-3. And SRE also inhibited the mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive reactive oxygen species production induced by AA+iron. In addition, SRE activated of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a potential target for cytoprotection, by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPKα at Thr-172. Morever, SRE increased phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, a direct downstream target of AMPK. Conclusion : These results indicated that SRE has the ability to protect against oxidative stress-induced hepatocyte damage, which may be mediated with AMPK pathway.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.304-308
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• 2004

Immune enhancing activities of water and ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (HP) were examined. HP extracts inhibited the growth of human hepatocarcinoma, human gastric cancer cell and human breast cancer cells in concentration-dependent mammers over a concentration range of $0.05{\sim}1.0\;mg/ml$, showing inhibiton of more than 80% with the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml. However, HP the same concentration. Overall selectivity of the extracts on the three human cancer lines was over 3.5, which is higher than those from the conventional herbs. The growth of human immune B and T cells was enhanced up to 1.4 to 2.0 folds by the addition of the extracts for 4 days, compared to controls. Ethanol extracts of HP after 6 days incubation increased the secretions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha $(TNF-{\alpha})$ from T cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6) from B cells to 6.7 pg/cell and 6.8 pg/cell, respectively. These results suggest that HP has a potent immune enhancing effect.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.202-213
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• 2004

Object : Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Mylabris phalerata (반모) in some kinds of cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Some kinds of cancer cells lines were treated. We used nine kinds of cancer cell lines, such as stomach cancer cells (Kato), lung cancer cells (Calu-1, NCI-H 1395), urinary bladder cancer cells (HS789T), bone cancer cells (Saos-2), brain cancer cells (SK-N-MC), liver cancer cells (Hep-G2), skin cancer cells (Mo-1) and prostate cancer cells (PC-3) with the water decoction of Mylabris phalerata. The histological changes of all cell lines in the media (RPMI-1640) containing the decoction of Mylabris phalerata were observed and we examined cell death assay by trypan blue exclusion testing was examined. Finally, the change of mitochondrial membrane potential was measurd and the inhibitory effect of Mylabris phalerata on cell increase was examined by analyzing the cell cycle. Results: In histologic change all cancer cell lines showed withdrawn and floating appearance that is typical in cellular impairment. Most of the cell lines showed over 50% death rate after 24 hours in trypan blue exclusion tests. Especially the stomach, urinary bladder. brain and liver cell lines showed over 30% death rate after 12 hours. All cell lines treated with Mylabris phalerata were less stained than the control group and the mitochondrial membrane potential in the Mylabris phalerata treated cell lines was markedly lower than that in the control group. The measurement of DNA quantity in all cell lines showed the disappearance of the peak and the thickened left axis, which suggests that all cellular DNA degraded. Conclusion: Mylabris phalerata had cytotoxicity on various kinds of cancer cell lines and the mechanism of that was the impairment of mitochondria by the breakdown of the mitochondrial cell membrane. We propose that this is in part attributable to the destruction of DNA in cancer cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Postharvest Science and Technology of Agricultural Products Conference
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• 2003.04a
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• pp.22-39
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• 2003

Biological activity of phenolic compounds in seeds and leaves of safflower (Carthamu tinctorius L.) were evaluated using several in vitro and in vivo assays. Six phenolic constituents were isolated from the seeds and identified as N-feruloylserotonia, N- (p-coumaroyl)serotonin, matairesinol, 8′-hydroxyarctigenin, acacetin 7-O-$\beta$-D-glucoside (tilianine) and acacetin. Six phenolic compounds exhibited considerable antioxidative activity, and especially two serotonins showed potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and antiperoxidative activity against rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by the hydroxyl radical generated via a Fenton-type reaction. Additionally, six phenolic compounds possessed comparable cytotoxicity against three cancer cells, Hela cell, MCF-7 and HepG2 cell, and particularly acacetin and its glycosides had the most potent cytotoxicity. Moreover, we found that feeding safflower seeds attenuated bone loss, and lowered levels of plasma and liver lipids in ovariectomized rats. Serotonins, lignans and flavones stimulated proliferation of the osteoblast-like cells in a dose-dependent manner (10$^{-15}$ ~10$^{-6}$ M), as potently as E$_2$ (17$\beta$-estradiol). Particularly, serotonins were mainly responsible for bone-protecting and lipid lowering effects in ovariectomized rats. Meanwhile, eight flavonoids, including a novel quercetin-7-O-(6"-O-acetyl)-$\beta$-D-glucopyranoside and seven kown flavonoids, luteolin quercetin, luteolin 7-O-$\beta$-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-(6"-O-acetyl)-$\beta$-D-gluco-pyranoside, quercetin 7-O- -glucopyranoside, acacetin 7-O-$\beta$-D-glucuronide and apigenin-6-C-$\beta$-D-glucopyranosyl-8-C-$\beta$-D-glucopyranoside were first isolated and identified from safflower leaf. Among these flavonoids, luteolin-acetyl-glucoside and $\beta$quercetin- acetyl-glucoside showed potent antioxidative activities against 2-deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Luteolin, quercetin and their corresponding glycosides also exhibited strong antioxidative activity, while acacetin glucuronide and apigenin-6, 8-di-C-glucoside were relatively less active. Finally, changes in phenolic compositions were also determined by HPLC in the safflower seed and leaf during growth stages and roasting process to produce standardized supplement powerds. These results suggest that phenolic compounds in the roasted safflower seed and leaf may be useful as potential sources of therapeutic agents against several pathological disorders such as carcinogenesis, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.255-269
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• 2020

Objectives : Hemistepta lyrata Bunge (Bunge) is a wild herb that has been used for managing fever and wound in Korean Traditional Medicine. The present study explored the effects of H. lyrata extract on liver X receptor (LXR) α-dependent lipogenic genes in hepatocyte-derived cells. Methods : After HepG2 cells or Huh7 cells were pre-treated with 1-10 ㎍/mL of H. lyrata extract or its fractionated extract for 0.5 h, the cells were subsequently exposed to LXR ligand for 6-24 h. Cell viability, LXR response element (LXRE)-driven luciferase activity, sterol regulatory element binding protein-response element (SREBP-RE)-driven luciferase activity, SREBP-1c expression, and mRNA levels of LXRα and its-dependent target genes were determined. In addition, LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted to explore major compounds in H. lyrata-chloroform fractionated extract #4 (HL-CF4). Results : Of various H. lyrata extracts tested, chloroform extract and its fractionated extract #4, HL-CF4, significantly decreased T0901317-mediated SREBP-1c expression. In addition, HL-CF4 significantly reduced LXRE atransactivation and LXRα mRNA expression without any cytotoxicity. Moreover, HL-CF4 prevented the SREBP-RE-driven luciferase activity and mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 induced by T0901317. Results from LC-MS/MS analysis at positive/negative mode indicated that HL-CF4 contained several compounds showing m/z 197.1176 (C₁₁H₁₇O₃), 693.2913/227.1069 (C₃₈H₄₅O₁₂/C₁₅H₁₅O₂), 203.1797 (C₁₅H₂₃), 181.1225 (C₁₁H₁₇O₂), 591.2957 (C₃₅H₄₃O₈), 379.1040 (C₁₈H₁₉O₉), 409.1509 (C₂₀H₂₅O₉), 309.1348 (C₁₆H₂₁O₆), 391.1404 (C₂₀H₂₃O₈), and 669.2924/389.1248 (C₃₆H₄₅O₁₂/C₂₀H₂₁O₈). Conclusion : Based on its inhibition of the LXRα-dependent signaling pathway, H. lyrata chloroform extract and HL-CF4 have prophylactic potentials for managing non-alcoholic fatty liver.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.93-106
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study is to characterize the effect of Chungganhaeju-tang on $TGF-{\beta}l$-induced hepatic fibrosis. Materials and Methods : mRNA and protein expression levels of $TGF-{\beta}l$ in Chungganhaeju-tang treated HepG2 cells were compared to untreated cells using quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA assay, respectively. mRNA expression levels of the $TGF-{\beta}l$ signaling pathway genes $(T{\beta}R-I,\;T{\beta}R-II,\;Smad2,\;Smad3,\;Smad4,\;and\;PAI-1)$ and fibrosis-associated genes (CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type $l{\alpha}$) were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. The effect of Chungganhaeju-tang on cell proliferation of T3891 human fibroblast was evaluated using $[^3H]Thymidine$ Incorporation Assay. Results : Inhibition of $TGF-{\beta}l$ mRNA expression and protein production was observed with treatment of Chungganhaeju-tang and seen to be dose and time dependent. Whereas $TGF-{\beta}l$-mediated induction of PAI-1 was suppressed with treatment of Chungganhaeju-tang, expression of the $TGF-{\beta}l$ signaling pathway genes such as $T{\beta}R-I$, $T{\beta}R-II$, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 was not affected. With treatment of Chungganhaeju-tang, inhibition of $TGF-{\beta}l$-induced cell proliferation of T3891 human fibroblast was observed, as well as abrogation of $TGF-{\beta}l$-mediated transcriptional up-regulation of CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type $I{\alpha}$. Conclusion : This study strongly suggests that the liver cirrhosis-suppressive activity of Chungganhaeju-tang may be derived at least in part from its inhibitory effect on $TGF-{\beta}l$ functions, such as blockade of $TGF-{\beta}l$ stimulation of fibroblast cell proliferation and fibrosis-related gene expression as well as expression of $TGF-{\beta}l$ itself.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2013

We studied the anti-diabetic effects of medicinal herb water extracts on expression of hepatic glucokinase (GCK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) mRNA. The medicinal herbs used for experiments were Cornus officinalis (CO), Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (PSA), Discorea japonica Thunb. (DJ), Rehmannia glutinosa (RG), Lycium chinense (LC), and Pyrus pyrifolia (PP). For GCK mRNA expression, CO, RG, and LC water extracts exhibited a more effective activity than other extracts. Cells treated with RG and LC water extracts showed an increase in expression of PDH mRNA to 191% and 124%, respectively, compared to control. Expression of ACC mRNA was significantly higher in LC water extract. These data indicate that CO, RG, and LC water extracts stimulates expression of hepatic GCK, PDH, and ACC mRNA.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.1214-1222
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Pueraria lobate-root based combination supplementation containing Rehmannia glutinosa and exercise on histone modification in ovariectomized rat hindlimb skeletal muscle. Sixty rats were fed with high fat diet and randomly assigned into the following groups for 8 weeks: 1)HSV; High fat+Sedentary+Vehicle, 2)HSP; High fat+Sedentary+PR, 3)HSH; High fat+Sedentary+Estradiol, 4)HEV; High fat+Ex+Vehicle, 5)HEP; High fat+Ex+PR, 6)HEH; High fat+Ex+Estradiol. Exercise consisted of low intensity treadmill exercise(1-4th wk:15 m/min for 30 min, 5-8th wk: 18 m/min for 40 min, 5 times/week). The result of this study showed that exercise and Pueraria and Rehmannia glutinosa intake suppressed weight gain. Furthermore, exercise and Pueraria and Rehmannia glutinosa intake increased muscle mass. This study observed H3K9 acetylation and demethylation in plantaris muscle in exercised group, but no difference in soleus muscle. To test whether the decrease in HDAC4, HDAC5 and G9a mRNA levels after exercise and Pueraria/Rehmannia glutinosa intake, HDAC4, HDAC5 and G9a mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. Only exercise induced HDAC5 and G9a mRNA reduction in plantaris muscle, but not in soleus muscle. In conclusion, these data demonstrates that exercise and Pueraria/Rehmannia glutinosa intake effect on body compositions. These changes are regulated by epigenetic modifications, such as histone acetylation and methylation. Future studies should focus on gene-specific epigenetics and other epigenetic mechanism for Pueraria/Rehmannia glutinosa intake.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.432-440
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• 2006

A tuber lectin from Arisaema jacquemontii Blume belonging to family Araceae was purified by employing a single step affinity chromatography using column of asialofetuin-linked amino activated silica beads and the bound lectin was eluted with 100 mM glycine-HCl buffer pH 2.5. The purified A. jacquemontii lectin (AJL) showed a single protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 13.4 kDa when submitted to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing as well as non-reducing conditions. The native molecular mass of AJL determined by gel filtration on a Biogel P-200 column was 52 kDa and its carbohydrate content was estimated to be 3.40%. Thus AJL is a tetrameric glycoprotein. The purified lectin agglutinated erythrocytes from rabbit but not from human. Its activity was not inhibited by any of the mono- and disaccharides tested except N-acetyl-D-lactosamine having minimal inhibitory sugar concentration (MIC) 25 mM. Among the glycoproteins tested only asialofetuin was found to be inhibitory (MIC $125\;{\mu}g/mL$). A single band was obtained in native PAGE at pH 4.5 while PAGE at pH 8.3 showed two bands. Isoelectric focusing of AJL gave multiple bands in the pI range of 4.6-5.5. When incorporated in artificial diet AJL significantly affected the development of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) larvae indicating the possibility of using this lectin in a biotechnological strategy for insect management of cucurbits. Larvae fed on artificial diet containing sub-lethal dose of AJL showed a significant decrease in acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity while esterase activity markedly increased as compared to larvae fed on diet without lectin. Out of various human cancer cell lines employed in sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay, this lectin was found to have appreciable inhibitory effect on the in vitro proliferation of HCT-15, HOP-62, SW-620, HT-29, IMR-32, SKOV-3, Colo-205, PC-3, HEP-2 and A-549 cancer cell lines by 82, 77, 73, 70, 41, 41, 37, 29, 21 and 21% respectively.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.298-303
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• 2009

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major flavonoid in green tea has multiple health benefits including chemoprevention, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity effects. In connection with these effects, EGCG can be a candidate to help the treatment of metabolic diseases. Metformin is a widely used anti-diabetic drug regulating cellular energy homeostasis via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Therefore, the combination of metformin with EGCG may have additive or synergistic effects on treatment of type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, there is no report for the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interaction of EGCG with metformin. Here, we evaluated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between metformin and EGCG in rats. Pharmacokinetics parameters of metformin were measured after oral administration of metformin in rats pre-treated with EGCG (10 mg/kg) or saline for 7 days. The results showed that there is no significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between saline control and EGCG-treated group. In addition, the hepatic AMPK activation by metformin in EGCG-treated rats was also similar to the control. The lack of additive effects of EGCG on AMPK activation or intracellular uptake of metformin was also evaluated in cells in the presence or absence of EGCG. Treatment of HepG2 cells with EGCG inhibited the metformin-induced AMPK activation. Combined results suggested that EGCG has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of metformin but may contribute to metformin action.