• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1107-1112
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• 2010

In this study, the stable maintenance of bioactivity in alkaline ionized water (AIW) and antibacterial effects of AIW were evaluated to confirm benefits of AIW. As controls, purified water (PW) and tap drinking water (DW) were used. The pH and ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) of AIW, PW and DW used were 9.5 and 120 mV, 7.2 and 144 mV, and 7.3 and 564 mV, respectively. High level of minerals was observed in DW (DW>AIW>PW of mineral contents). Concentrations of $Ca^{++}$ and $Na^+$ in DW were 14.5, and 8.4 mg/l, respectively, while no $Ca^{++}$, $Mg^{++}$, $K^+$, and $Na^+$ were detected in PW. Evaluation of antioxidant activities for AIW, PW and DW showed that the waters did not act as antioxidants. However, the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) or superoxide radical scavenging activities or reducing power of vitamin C were stably maintained in AIW and PW, though not in DW, against heat treatment ($60^{\circ}C$) or vigorous shaking (120 rpm) at $37^{\circ}C$. Similarly, after aspirin treatment at $60^{\circ}C$ for 1 hr, the antithrombosis activity in PW and AIW was 62.6% and 55.3%, while that of DW was 52.1%. Furthermore, cell growth analysis and viable cell count of Escherichia coli H7:O157 in PW, AIW and DW showed that AIW and DW, not DW, have antibacterial activities. Our results suggest that the state of water, for example pH, ORP and mineral contents of water, should be considered in medicine or food industries, and that AIW has high potential for utilization in various fields.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2003

The biological activities of extracts from Rosa rugosae Radix were compared. About 78% of the growth of human hepato- carcinoma and 68% of human gastric cancer cell was inhibited in adding 0.5 mg/ml of the extracts of Rosa rugosae Radix respectively. The growth of human breast cancer cells was also inhibited in adding 0.5 mg/ml of the extracts as well as 66% of the human cancer cells. It was proved that the growth of human normal lung cell, scored as 20% for the extracts. Overall selectivity of the extracts on several human cancer cell line was over 4, which is higher than those from the Rosa rugosae Radix. The growth of both human immune B and T cells was enhanced up to 1.2 to 1.5 times by adding the extracts, compared to the controls. The secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha$(TNF-{\alpha})$ from T cell was also increased up to 61.9 pg/ml in adding the ethanol extract (0.5 mg/ml). Ethanol extract also increased up to about 61.3 pg/ml of interleukin-6(IL-6) from B cell.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.415-422
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• 2009

We previously demonstrated that zinc plus arachidonic acid (ZA) treatment lowered blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, genetically diabetic obese (ob/ob) mice, and genetically diabetic, non-obese Goto-Kakizaki rats. However, plasma insulin levels did not increase with ZA treatment, suggesting that ZA lowers blood glucose levels not by stimulating pancreatic insulin secretion. However, it is unclear whether these agents lower blood glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose output (HGO) or by increasing glucose utilization in peripheral tissues, or both. In order to determine ZA target organ of insulin action, we divided 18 Sprague-Dawley rats weighing ${\sim}130g$ into 3 groups (6 rats per group) and treated them for four weeks with: (1) Control diet (regular rat chow), (2) High fructose (60.0%) diet only, and (3) the same fructose diet plus zinc (10 mg/L) and arachidonic acid (50 mg/L) containing drinking water. After 4 weeks, insulin action was assessed using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique. Food intake and body weights were comparable in all three groups of rats throughout the study period. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, glucose uptake, and HGO in the basal state were all the same in these three rat groups. During the clamp study, fructose-treated and fructose+ZA treated rat groups did not exhibit any detectable change on insulin-mediated glucose uptake compared to controls. High fructose feeding impaired insulin mediated suppression of HGO, compared to controls during clamp (4.39 vs. 2.35 mg/kg/min; p<0.05). However, ZA treatment in high fructose-fed rats showed a remarkable increase in hepatic insulin sensitivity compared to high fructose-fed rats, reflected by a complete recovery in suppression of HGO during the clamp (4.39 vs. 2.18 mg/kg/min; p<0.05). This data suggests that ZA increases insulin sensitivity in liver but not glucose utilization of peripheral tissues in high fructose-fed rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.1552-1563
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• 2016

To examine the cognitive function of onion (Allium cepa L.) beverages (odourless and fortified), we analyzed in vitro neuronal cell protection against $H_2O_2$-induced cytotoxicity and performed in vivo tests on amyloid beta ($A{\beta}$)-induced cognitive dysfunction. Cellular oxidative stress and cell viability were evaluated by DCF-DA assay and MTT assay. These results show that fortified beverage resulted in better neuronal cell protection than odourless beverage at lower concentration ($0{\sim}100{\mu}g/mL$). Fortified beverage also showed more excellent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity ($IC_{50}$: 4.20 mg/mL) than odourless beverage. The cognitive functions of odourless beverage and fortified beverage in $A{\beta}$-induced neurotoxicity were assessed by Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. The results show improved cognitive function in both groups treated with beverages. After in vivo tests, cholinergic activities were determined based on AChE inhibition and acetylcholine levels, and antioxidant activities were measured as SOD, oxidized glutathione (GSH)/total GSH ratio, and MDA levels in mouse brain tissue. In a Q-TOF UPLC/MS system, main compounds were analyzed as follows: odourless beverage (five types of sugars and three types of phenolics) and fortified beverages (six types of phenolics and two types of steroidal saponins).

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.190-197
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• 2010

To develop the safe and natural antimicrobial agents, the 68 ethanol extracts from the 61 different kinds of oriental herbal medicine were prepared and their antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The herbal medicine used were from China (46 kinds), South Korea (14 kinds), North Korea (5 kinds) and Vietnam (3 kinds), respectively, and the root (27 species) was popular part in this study. The average water content and extraction ratio for ethanol were 7.10% and 6.75%, respectively. Determination of antimicrobial activity by disc-diffusion assay at 0.5 mg/disc concentration showed that the extract of Angelica tenuissima Nakai (china), Illicium verum, Junci medulla, Rhus javanica L., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Syzygium aromaticum has strong antimicrobial activities against different food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Determination of MIC and MBC/MFC further showed that the extract of Syzygium aromaticum has MIC of 1.25 mg/mL and MBC/MFC of 1.25~5.00 mg/mL against Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. And, the extract of Junci medulla, Rhus javanica L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge showed strong antibacterial activities with MIC of 0.08~0.63 mg/mL and MBC/MFC of 0.08~2.50 mg/mL against the tested bacteria except E. coli and P. aeruginosa. In a while, the results of hemolytic activity of 68 different herbal extracts against human red blood cells showed that the extract of Angelica tenuissima Nakai has hemolytic activity at 0.5 mg/mL concentration. Therefore, Illicium verum, Junci medulla, Rhus javanica L., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Syzygium aromaticum were finally selected for natural antimicrobial resources. Further research on active substances and the mode of action of the selected herbal medicine is necessary.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

This research was performed to assess a Fenton-like oxidation using naturally present iron in the field to treat remained oils throughout silty clay residues which finally resided even after a series of soil washing process. Biodegradability was thus tested for reaction products to investigate a possible treatment of the Fenton-like oxidation coupled with a biological treatment process. For those purposes, two types of field soil samples (e.g., dewatered cake after conditioning with a polymer and not-dewatered residue) were tested to remove TPH by adding the various concentration of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$). Moreover the biodegradability of treated samples was observed based on the ratio of $BOD_5/COD_{Cr}$ after Fenton-like oxidation. The Highest removal of TPH was at 1% of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) when hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) was continuously injected for a period of time rather than that of spot introduction with the same amount of it. For the dewatered cake, TPH was effectively treated when the ratio of solid and water was mixed at 1 : 2. Employing cooking oil could increase solubility of TPH due to enhanced surface-active escalating TPH desorption from silty clay. Nonetheless, the biodegradability was decreased as long as the oxidation duration being extended regardless of operational conditions. It was therefore proved that Fenton-like oxidation using $H_2O_2$ and natural iron minerals was able to remove adsorbed oils in silty clay but the removal efficiency of TPH was low. And if a biological treatment process followed after Fenton-like oxidation, microorganisms would need enough time for acclimation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.316-322
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• 2011

BACKGROUND: Pesticides concentration was monitored in 50 agricultural lakes, and ecological risk for aquatic organism was assessed using risk quotient (RQ) and probabilistic methods. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pesticides concentrations detected in 50 agricultural lakes during peak season (June and September) were in the range of $0.17{\sim}0.99{\mu}g/L$. The RQ for algae and the other species was estimated to be 0.25 and below 0.01, indicating medium risk and no risk. Oxadiazon predominantly contributed to RQ value of 99% for algae, fishes, and amphibians. In terms of hazardous concentration at 5% of species ($HC_5$), ecological risk quotients (ERQ) for oxadiazon ranged from 0.18~0.33, showing a medium risk level. Overall, the concentrations of pesticides were much lower than $HC_5$), value. Probability of combined ecological risk for pesticides ranged from 1.82% to 2.41%. CONCLUSION(s): Combined ecological risk probability did not exceed the acceptable level of 5%, indicating no ecological risk for selected aquatic species. This study suggests that regular ecological risk assessment (ERA) will be required to protect and manage an agricultural lake. Not only ERA at screening level by comparing exposure with toxic effects for aquatic species also advanced ERA technique considering species in indigenous to Korea, chronic toxicity, pulse dose, fate, and environmental factors should be required.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.35-43
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• 2004

Radioprotective effects of ginseng extracts on liver damage induced by high energy x-ray were studied. To one group of ICR male mice were given white(50 mg/kg/day for 7days, orally) and fermenta ginseng extracts(500 mg/kg/day for 7days, orally) before irrdiation. To another group were irradiated by 5 Gy dose of high energy x-ray. Contrast group were given with saline(0.1 ml). This study also investigated the radioprotective effect between SOD, CAT, hydrogen peroxide and ginseng extracts on hepatic damage. This study measured the level of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$) in liver tissue. Administrating orally white (50 mg/kg/day for 7days, orally) and fermenta ginseng extracts(500 mg/kg/day), the activity of SOD, CAT were generally increased and the hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$) was decreased. After irradiation, the activity of SOD, CAT were generally decreased and the hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$) was increased. Therefore, ginseng extracts increased antioxidative enzyme activity. And We know that the antioxidatant effect of extracts from white and fermenta ginseng protect radiation damage by direct antioxidant effect involving SOD, CAT. It was included that ginseng can protect against radiation damage through its antioxidatant properties.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.30-37
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• 2007

It is well-known that Korean mistletoe (Viscum album) extract has an immune activity and anticancer effect. In this study, Korean mistletoe extract, M11C (non-lectin components), was used to examine whether this extract might activate human peripheral monocyte to produce tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha$ $(TNF-\alpha)$. To examine the effect of M11C on the production of $TNF-\alpha$ from monocyte, the monocyte were stimulated by the M11C, and then collected the supernatant (M11C stimulated monocyte-conditioned media; MCM). MCM was treated to the $TNF-\alpha$ sensitive L929 cells, and then L929 cytotoxicity was measured by means of MTT. MCM had cytotoxic effect on L929. And the cytotoxic effect of MCM on L929 was almost abolished by $anti-TNF-\alpha$ antibody. These data indicated that MCM contained $TNF-\alpha$, suggesting the $TNF-\alpha$ generation from M11C-stimulated monocyte. This suggestion was confirmed from the data that $TNF-\alpha$ was highly detected in MCM by immunoblotting technique. M11C effect on $TNF-\alpha$ production from monocyte was in the dose and stimulating time dependent manners. Also the effect of M11C on the expression of $TNF-\alpha$ mRNA from monocyte was shown in the dose and stimulating time dependent manners. As a result, Korean mistletoe extract, M11C, could be used for an immunostimulator.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.213-221
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• 2013

Bibimbab (mixed rice) is a traditional Korean one-dish meal. This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of raw and seasoned ingredients used in Bibimbab (Cucurbita moschata P., Platycodon grandiflorum A., Vigna radiata L., Porphyra yezonensis udea, Allium ampeloprasum L., Pterdium aguilinum, Raphanus sativus). Human mast cells (HMC-1) were pretreated with 70% ethanol extracts of Bibimbab and further cultured for an appropriate time after the addition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187. Cell viability was determined by an MTT assay. None of the ingredients showed cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 1.0 ${\mu}g/ml$. Anti-inflammatory effects were analyzed at 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/ml concentrations of the raw, seasoned ingredients of PMA. A23187 stimulated HMC-1. Among the various ingredients, seasoned A. ampeloprasum L. extract showed the highest inhibition of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 secretion (90% and 93%, respectively) at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml. The R. sativus extract showed the highest inhibition (85%) of IL-8 secretion. DPPH analysis of the antioxidation properties of the ingredients showed that raw and seasoned A. ampeloprasum extracts exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (67.50 and 73.65%, respectively). These results suggest that seasoned ingredients used in Bibimbab have lower anti-inflammatory effects in relation to TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 secretion than raw ingredients in PMA- and A23187-treated HMC-1. In addition, the seasoned ingredients showed a tendency to increase antioxidative activity. Therefore, the ingredients used in Bibimbab have potential as anti-inflammatory and antioxidation agents.