• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.599-606
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• 2018

Purpose: Various plants, herbal medicines, and marine foodstuffs have been used in kimchi preparation to improve its overall quality. Teff, which is rich in minerals and starches, facilitates stable blood glucose levels and is well-suited for use in gluten-free products; hence, it can be used to reinforce the mineral composition of kimchi. In this study, we probed the antioxidant activities of hydrolysates prepared by treatment of brown teff with three proteases under different conditions. Methods: The mineral composition of brown teff was determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometry-mass spectrometry, and we established optimal hydrolysis conditions by determining the total phenol and flavonoid contents of teff hydrolysates obtained using three different proteases (protamax, flavourzyme, and alcalase), two different protease concentrations (1 and 3 wt%), and three different incubation times (1, 2, and 4 h). The antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates was further investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferrous reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Brown teff was rich in I, K, Mg, and Ca, and the highest total phenol content ($24.16{\mu}g/mL$), total flavonoid content ($69.08{\mu}g/mL$), and TAC were obtained for 1 wt% protamax treatment. However, the highest DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP values were observed for hydrolysates produced by alcalase and flavourzyme treatments, respectively. Conclusion: Treatment of brown teff with proteases affords hydrolysates with significantly increased antioxidant activities and high total phenol and flavonoid contents, and these antioxidant activities of teff hydrolysates have the potential to enhance the quality and functionality of kimchi in future applications.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.215-224
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• 2019

As various populations are rapidly becoming an aging society worldwide and interest in health issues has increased, demand for functional foods including herbal products has increased markedly to maintain a healthy state which has led to safety issues about their intake as an inevitable result. The objective of this study was to identify the safety profile of a Korean red ginseng and Salvia plebeia R. Br. extract mixture (KGC-03-PS) which is a valuable ingredient that can be used as a functional food. In the present study, the subacute oral toxicity and bacterial reverse mutagenicity of KGC-03-PS were evaluated. Sprague Dawley rats were administered KGC-03-PS orally for 28 days by gavage. Daily KGC-03-PS dose concentrations were 0, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day. Bacterial reverse mutation test with KGC-03-PS dose levels ranging from 312.5 to $5,000{\mu}g/plate$ was carried out by OECD test guideline No. 471. Five bacterial strains (Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, and Escherichia coli WP2) were tested in the presence or absence of metabolic activation by plate incorporation method. There were no toxicological effects related with test substance in the clinical evaluation of subacute oral toxicity test including clinical signs, body weight, and food consumption. Moreover, no toxicological changes related to KGC-03-PS were observed in the hematological and serum biochemical characteristics as well as in the pathological examinations, which included organ weight measurements and in the gross- or histopathological findings. KGC-03-PS did not induce an increase in the number of revertant colonies in all bacterial strains of the bacterial reverse mutation test. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of KGC-03-PS is greater than 2,000 mg/kg bw/day, and KGC-03-PS did not induce genotoxicity related to bacterial reverse mutations under the conditions used in this study.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.163-171
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of Sparassis crispa (SC). SC is a well-known traditional herbal remedy and its mushroom is used for treatment of inflammation. Many diseases that are increasing recently have characteristics of inflammatory diseases. Researchers are finding bioactive substances from natural products that can promote treatment and prevention of inflammation. We investigated the effect of water extracted from SC on the expression of effector genes involved in the function of RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Effects of RAW 264.7 cells on cell viability, antioxidation, and mRNA expression were examined using water extracts from SC. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay was performed to determine the effect of water extracts from SC on cell viability in RAW 264.7 cells. Inflammation of RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and expression levels of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, iNOS and IL-1β gene were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results : The MTS assay was performed on RAW 264.7 cells after treatment with various concentrations of water extracts of SC. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with water extracts from SC and LPS at a concentration of 0.125, 0.5 mg/㎖ for twenty four hours promoted mRNA expression of TNF-α, iNOS and IL-1β. Conclusion : MTS assay was applied to RAW 264.7 cells after various concentrations of water extracts of SC. Through experimental demonstration of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of water extracts from SC, we suggest that SC is a valuable material for the prevention and treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.19-24
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• 2015

Objectives : The experiment was performed to investigate promotive effects of haeae-tang (HET) extract, a traditional Korean medicinal recipe, on hair growth, protein and gene expression in hair-removed C57BL/6. Methods : In experiment, animals were divided into 3 groups including normal (vehicle), HET ethanol extract and 5% minoxidil-treated groups (Minoxidil, positive control). The vehicle or testing samples were daily treated with 0.2ml per on hair-shaved dorsal skin of C57BL/6mice for 15 days. Effects of testing samples on hair growth was monitored through phototrichogram analysis by folliscope on the initial, $5^{th}$, $10^{th}$, $15^{th}$ day, respectively. Also, gene and protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), relevant to hair growth, were examined. Results : Hair density and hair thickness of Minoxidil treated-group was significantly increased compared to that of vehicle application on the $15^{th}$day, respectively. Dorsal hair density of HET treated-group was significantly increased compared to that of vehicle application on the $15^{th}$day. In addition, the Minoxidil group significantly increased the expression of cutaneous IGF-1 protein and mRNA compared to that of the vehicle-applied group on the $15^{th}$ day. And HET-treated group significantly increased the expression of dorsal VEGF protein compared to that of the vehicle-applied group on the $15^{th}$ day. Conclusions : These results suggest that this Korean medicinal recipe, HET has promoting activity on hair growth in an Alopecia animal model thus it can be used as a material of agent or products for improvement or prevention of alopecia.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.21-27
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• 2014

Objectives : This experimental study was performed in order to investigate the antibacterial effect of bio-fermented Galla Rhois extract. Methods : The Galla Rhois extract was fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and their products was tested for antibacterial activity against six pathogenic microorganisms namely, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium by paper disc diffusion method. Results : The Galla Rhois fermented extract by Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed more effective antibacterial activity than not fermented extract against Bacillus subtilis and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Antibacterial activity of fermented extract using especially Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was proved that it was good with even 2 percents concentration. Antibacterial activity of Galla Rhois extract within pH 3 to pH 7 had been safe regardless of pH but low over pH 9. The growth of Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus had a tendency to decrease depend on the increasing concentration of the extract. EtOEt, EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions of the Galla Rhois extract had a high level of antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, respectively. Surprisingly, EtOAc fractions of the Galla Rhois extract showed higher antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus alone. And antibacterial activity against six pathogenic microorganisms had a tendency to increase depend on the increasing concentration of the fractions of the Galla Rhois extract. Conclusions : Bio-fermented Galla Rhois extract, efficiently inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.411-416
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• 2022

Natural products are important sources for drug development because they have a wide variety of useful biological properties. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) has been used as an herbal medicine for treatment of colds, pain, and anemia. The present study was designed to evaluate the regulatory effect of AGN on immune enhancement in vivo and in vitro. To investigate the immune-enhancing effect of AGN, we used forced swimming test (FST) experimental model. Mice were orally administered by AGN or distilled water for 14 days and then immobility time and biological parameters in serum were measured. The results showed that immobility time in AGN treatment group was significantly reduced in comparison with the control group. Plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and lactate dehydrogenase in AGN group was significantly decreased compared with control group. Additionally, we showed that AGN treatment significantly increased immune-related cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-2, and interferon (IFN)-𝛾 levels in Molt-4 cells. Collectively, the findings provide experimental evidence that AGN may be effective in improving immune function.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.220-233
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• 2023

The phenomena of global warming has led to an increase in the average air temperature in temperate climates. Springtime frost damage is becoming more common, and after a period of dormancy, damage to buds, blooms, and developing fruits is greater significant than damage from low winter temperatures. Peaches are a crucial crop among moderate fruits. Spring frost damage in peaches can have a negative effect on crop growth, yield, and quality. It is noteworthy that these plants have evolved defenses against spring frost damage while being exposed to a variety of low temperatures in the early spring. In this current review, recent research advancements on spring frost damage avoidance in peaches were deliberated. Additionally, adaptive mechanisms of peach, such as deacclimation and reacclimation, were emphasized. Moreover, the emerging advancements using various omics approaches revealed the peach physiology and molecular mechanisms comprehensively. Furthermore, the use of chemical products and understanding the spring frost mechanisms through the use of environmental chamber temperature stimulation and infrared thermography studies were also discussed. This review is essential groundwork and paves the way to derive and design future research for agronomists and horticulturalists to overcome the challenges of spring frost damage avoidance and crop management in these circumstances.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.519-526
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• 2023

Panax ginseng is one of the most important herbal medicinal plants consumed as health functional food and can be fermented to achieve better efficacy. Lacticaseibacillus, one of the representative genera among lactic acid bacteria (LAB), has also been used as a probiotic material for health functional foods due to its beneficial effects on the human body. To achieve a synergistic effect by using these excellent dietary supplement ingredients together, a novel LAB strain was isolated from the root of 6-year-old ginseng. Through similarity analysis of 16S rRNAs and whole-genome sequences, the strain was confirmed as belonging to the genus Lacticaseibacillus and was named L. casei KGC1201. KGC1201 not only met all safety standards as food, but also showed excellent probiotic properties such as acid resistance, bile salt resistance, and intestinal adhesion. In particular, KGC1201 exhibited superior acid resistance through morphological observation identifying that the cell surface damage of KGC1201 was less than that of the L. casei type strain KCTC3109. Gene expression studies were conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of KGC1201's acid resistance, and the expression of the glycosyltransferase gene was found to be significantly elevated under acidic conditions. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) biosynthesized by glycosyltransferase were also increased in KGC1201 compared to KCTC3109, which may contribute to better protection of KGC1201 cells from strong acidity. Therefore, KGC1201, with its increased acid resistance through molecular mechanisms and excellent probiotic properties, can be used in health functional foods to provide greater benefit to overall human health and well-being.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.625-632
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the appropriate water content in high omega-3 fatty acid Saury nuggets for the desirable texture. The approach was made with adding water and onion at various levels (0~20%). The main ingredients of the nuggets included saury mince, mild pizza cheese, and hydrated textured soy protein concentrate. The formulated products were molded (dia. 4.5, thickness 1.5 cm, 20 g), lightly battered, and flash fried for 4 min. at $160^{\circ}C$, and then frozen until tested. The frozen nuggets were cooked at $165^{\circ}C$ and subjected to sensory evaluations, texture analysis, and water content analysis during warming (0~60 min), as well as assessments of acid, peroxide, and TBA values (during 10 days of storage at $24^{\circ}C$). In the sensory evaluation, preference for texture was highest in the nuggets made with a 15% onion level. The hardness of the nuggets increased with increasing onion level. Moisture content was highest in the nuggets made with a 20% water level. Changes in hardness during warming (0~60 min) of Saury nuggets containing various water and onion levels increased in nuggets made with the 20% water level. The acid, peroxide, and TBA values of the Saury nuggets made with herbs and oriental herbal extracts decreased up to 10 days of storage.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2023.04a
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• pp.16-16
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• 2023

Metabolomics is the study of global metabolite profiles in a system (cell, tissue, or organism) under a given set of conditions. Metabolomics has its roots in early metabolite profiling studies but is now a rapidly expanding area of scientific research in its own right. In this study, the applications of metabolomics in natural product studies are explored. Ginseng is a well-known herbal medicine and has various pharmacological effects, which include antiaging, anticancer, antifatigue, memory enhancing, immunomodulatory, and stress reducing effects. Metabolomic analysis of organic acids has not been performed for evaluation whether ginseng has been cultivated using conventional or environmental-friendly farming methods. In this study, profiling analysis was conducted for organic acids (OAs) in ginseng roots produced using conventional or environmentfriendly farming methods at five locations in each of five regions. In OA profiles, lactic acid was the most abundant OA in all regions, with the exception for environmentally friendly farmed ginseng in two of the five regions, in which glycolic acid was most abundant OA. OA profiles in all regions showed isocitric acid levels were increased by environment-friendly cultivation, which suggests metabolic differences associated from farming method, and that isocitric acid might be a useful discriminatory biomarker of environmental-friendly and conventional cultivation. The results of the present study suggest metabolomic studies of OAs in ginseng roots might be useful for monitoring whether ginseng has been cultivated using conventional or environmentally friendly farming methods.