• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.884-892
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• 2011

This study was performed to investigate the increase of S-allylcysteine content, a biomarker of black garlic, during its aging period, as well as the serum lipid-lowering effects of black garlic extract in high fat diet fed rats. The highest content of S-allylcysteine was observed on the 15th day of the aging period. Sensory evaluation was also estimated to be extremely good on the 15th day of the aging period. High fat diet rats with induced hyperlipidemia were fed diets containing black garlic extract of low, medium, and high doses for 6 weeks. No significant difference in body weight gain and food efficiency was observed between normal, placebo and black garlic fed groups. Liver weight was significantly higher in black garlic fed groups than in the normal group. Total serum cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly lower in low, medium, and high dose groups than in the normal group. Also, HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher and LDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in black garlic diet fed groups than in the normal group. Hepatic levels including total lipid and cholesterol were especially decreased in the black garlic diet fed group than in the placebo group. These results suggest that black garlic intake reduces the levels of serum and hepatic cholesterol in high fat diet fed rats. In conclusion, black garlic has a potential to be used as a functional health food ingredient with beneficial effects on lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.325-329
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• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of porphyran on enzyme activity in rats and immunity in mice. Animals were divided into 5 groups, and were given porphyran diet for 4 weeks. Porphyran was extracted from Porphyra yezoensis: Diet groups were normal diet, control diet fed high fat, cholesterol and sodium cholate, control and 1% porphyran diet (1% PD), control and 5% porphyran diet (5% PD), control and 10% of porphyran diet (10% PD). Also Balb/c female mouse were injected i.p. with porphyran extract every other day for 20 days at levels of 1%, 2% and 5%. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were lower in the porphyran diet group than those in control group. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in liver homogenates were reduced in porphyran diet group compared to those of control group. Also, the level of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) was lower in porphyran group than that of control group. Porphyran increased IL-1 production in a dose-dependent manner, however, interleukine-2 production was reduced as the amount of porphyran increases. These results showed that supplementation of porphyran lowered antioxidant enzyme activities and has possibility of modulating immunological function.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.49-62
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was designed to examine the effects of Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. on lowering lipid and anti-oxidation using hyperlipidemic rat. Methods : Male rats weighting $195.21{\pm}4.93g$ were divided into 4 groups and fed high fat diet for 8 weeks. Each of 7 rats was divided into a control and sample group. We fed a control group of rats a basal diet and administered normal saline(100 mg/kg, 1 time/1 day) for 4 weeks. And we fed each experimental group of rats basal diet and administered an extract of Polygonatum odoratum(100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 1 time/1 day) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed to determine their chemical composition. We measured lipid of plasma and liver, concentration of anti-oxidative activity and tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$($TNF-{\alpha}$). Results : 1. Concentration of plasma free fatty acid, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol showed a significant decrement in the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. Concentration of plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride showed a significant decrement in all Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. However, concentration of plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol was not significantly different in all the treatment groups. 2. Concentration of liver total cholesterol showed a significant decrement in the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. Concentration of liver triglyceride(TG) showed a significant decrement in all Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. 3. Concentration of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance showed a significant decrement in the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. 4. The values of glutathione peroxidase activity showed a significant increment in all Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. The values of superoxide dismutase activity and catalase activity showed a significant increment in the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. 5. The values of plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities were not significantly different in all treatment groups. 6. Concentration of liver $TNF-{\alpha}$ showed a significant decrement in the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. groups than that of control group. Conclusions : Based on the results in this study, the Polygonatum odoratum EtOH ext. showed a positive effect in lowering lipid and anti-oxidation.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2011

To investigate effects of Ixeris dentata EtOH ext. on lowering lipid levels and anti-oxidation activity, hyperlipidemic rats were treated with Ixeris dentata EtOH ext. and lipid levels and anti-oxdation activity were measured. The Ixeris dentata EtOH ext. groups showed low concentration of plasma FFA, plasma triglyceride, plasma total cholesterol, and plasma LDL-cholesterol compared to control group. However, concentration of plasma HDLcholesterol was not significantly different among all the treatment groups. The Ixeris dentata EtOH ext. groups showed lower level of liver total cholesterol, liver triglyceride, plasma TBARS, and liver TBARS than those of control group. The Ixeris dentata EtOH ext. groups also showed higher level of GSH-Px activity, SOD activity, and CAT activity than those of control group. Moreover, the Ext. showed lower level of TNF-${\alpha}$, Apo-B, Apo-E, and leptin expression than those of control group. The results in this study shows that the Ixeris dentata EtOH ext. have positive effect in lowering lipid level, and anti-oxidative activity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.617-626
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• 1992

This study was designed to observe the effects of the feeding mixed oils of the sardine oil containing n-3 EPA(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and the safflower oil in which were plenty of n-6 linoleic acid, on the fatty acid metabolism of serum and liver in the dietary hyperlipidemic rats. Experimental oils mixed with 16% butter(control group), 8% butter + 8% olive oil and 8% butter with various level of sardine and safflower oils were administered to the male rats of the Sprague Dawley for 4 weeks. In the fatty acid compositions of serum phospholipid, triglyceride and cholesteryl ester, according as the contents of mixed safflower oil increased, n-3 PUFA(polyunsaturated fatty acid) contents and ratio of EPA/AA(arachidonic acid) tended to be decreased, but n-6 PUFA contents and ratio of AA/PUFA tended to be increased. In the fatty acid composition of triglyceride component in liver lipid, DHA contents were most in the liver lipid. And components of cholesteryl ester, n-6 linoleic acid contents were high percentage. Fatty acid compositions of serum and liver lipids were influenced from the fatty acid composition of the test lipids.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1 s.69
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• pp.224-236
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• 2007

Background : Chunghyul-dan is a combinatorial herbal medicine; previous studies reported it had therapeutic effects for microangiopathy, a major part in the progression of small vessel disease, as well as having anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefor, we examined the inhibitory effect of Chunghyul-dan on stroke recurrence in patients with small vessel disease. Methods : We prescribed Chunghyul-dan at 600 mg a day to patients with small vessel disease, and monitored stroke recurrence, drug compliances, and adverse effect for 1 year. We then performed follow-up brain MRI to find new vascular lesions after 1 year of Chunghyul-dan medication. For the subjects lost to follow-up, we assessed their prognosis after 1 year by telephone. Results : There were 73 subjects treated with Chunghyul-dan for 1 year; new vascular events were found in 3. Of the 85 subjects lost to follow-up, fifty four could be contacted, and eight of them had stroke recurrence. One year of Chunghyul-dan medication reduced the odds ratio of stroke recurrence by 75% compared to the subjects lost to follow-up and the rate increased to 88%, when adjusted for other relevant risk factors for stroke recurrence. These reductions were much higher than those of aspirin and other kinds of conventional anti-platelets. There was no adverse effect in any of the study subjects. Conclusions : We suggest Chunghyul-dan could be useful for inhibition of stroke recurrence. Further study with a randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm this suggestion.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.703-709
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• 2001

To compare the hypolipidemic effects of perilla oil with different kinds of dietary fat and oil forty eight 20 days old male Wistar rats were fed one of the following diets for 4 weeks: basal diet for control containing 9.4 w/w% corn oil(CO), 9.4 w/w% beef tallow (BO), 9.4 w/w% perilla oil(PO) and 4.7 w/w% beef tallow plus 4.7% perilla oil(BP). The amount of diet consumed and body weight gain rate were not significantly different among the four dietary groups. The levels of plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol in PO group were significantly lower than those of BO and BP groups. PO group also had significantly lower LDL-cholesterol in BP group were than other groups. The levels of plasma triglyceride tatal-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in BP group were significantly lower than those in BO group by 9.2%, 10.3% and 18.6% respectively. Plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and uric acid levels in PO group were significantly higher than other groups and were somewhat beyond the normal levels. These findings showed that perilla oil with hypolicpidemic effects could have some adverse effects on hepatic and other organic functions in rats.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.1-19
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and mechanisms of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) herbal acupuncture. Methods : Anti-diabetic and anti-steatotic activity of the AS herbal acupuncture was investigated on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. After random grouping at the age of 9 weeks, the herbal acupuncture groups were injected subcutaneously at the left and right Gansu (BL18) corresponding acupuncture points alternately on exactly the same time every day with 0.1ml of either 400 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg of AS (AS400 and AS800) for 8-week period. As a positive control, metformin was administrated at a dose of 300 mg/kg (MT300). Body weights were measured weekly, and on every other week blood was collected for blood glucose analysis. At the end of study, blood was also collected for determination of plasma insulin and lipid levels, after which they were killed and periepidydimal fat, liver, muscle, and pancreas were immediately removed. The removed tissues were instantly soaked in liquid nitrogen and stored at $-70^{\circ}C$ for morphological examination and mRNA analysis. Results : The AS herbal acupuncture significantly prevented weight gain on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The AS herbal acupuncture lowered blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The increase of insulin response during the OGTT was inhibited by the AS herbal acupuncture. Insulin sensitivity of skeletal tissue was enhanced. Plasma lipid levels were significantly improved in the AS herbal acupuncture groups. The AS herbal acupuncture decreased hepatic lipogenesis and hepatic triglyceride production, and increased fatty acid (FA) transporter that involves in FA uptake. The AS herbal acupuncture inhibited the increase of liver mass by prevention of the accumulation of TG but did not inhibit weight gain of fat tissue on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. Conclusion : In summary, we have demonstrated several unique properties of the AS herbal acupuncture in decreasing body weight, and reversing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. This AS herbal acupuncture acts as an insulin sensitizer and specifically decreases circulating glucose and lipids, and suppresses hepatic lipogenesis.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09b
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• pp.108-109
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• 2003

Ursolic acid (UA) and Oleanolic acid (ONA), known as urson, micromerol, prunol and malol, are pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds which naturally occur in a large number of vegetarian foods, medicinal herbs, and plants. They may occur in their free acid form or as aglycones for triterpenoid saponins, which are comprised of a triterpenoid aglycone, linked to one or more sugar moieties. Therefore UA and ON A are similar in pharmacological activity. Lately scientific research, which led to the identification of UA and ONA, revealed that several pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperlipidemic could be attributed to UA and ONA. Here, we introduced the effects of UA and ONA on acute barrier disruption and normal epidermal permeability barrier function. To clarify the effects of UA and ONA on skin barrier recovery, both flank skin of 8-12 weeks hairless mice were topically treated with samples (2mg/ml) after tape stripping, then measured recovery rate using TEWL on hairless mice. The recovery rate increased in UA and ONA treated groups at 6h more than 20% compared to vehicle treated group (p <0.05). For verifying the effects of UA and ONA on normal epidermal barrier, hydration and TEWL were measured for 1 and 3 weeks after UA and ONA applications (2mg/ml per day). We also investigated the features of epidermis and dermis using electron microscopy (EM) and light microscopy (LM). Both samples increased hydration compared to Vehicle group from 1 week without TEWL alteration (p<0.005). EM examination using Ru04 and OsO4 fixation revealed that secretion and numbers of lamellar bodies and complete formation of lipid bilayers were most prominent (ONA$\geq$UA>Vehicle). LM finding showed that stratum corneum was slightly increased and especially epidermal thickening and flattening was observed (UA>ONA>Vehicle). Using Masson-trichrome and elastic fiber staining, we observed collagen thickening and elastic fiber increasing by UA and ONA treatments. In vitro results of collagen and elastin synthesis and elastase inhibitory experiments were also confirmed in vivo findings. This result suggested that the effects of UA and ONA related to not only skin barrier but also collagen and elastic fibers. Taken together, UA and ONA can be relevant candidates to improve barrier function and pertinent agents for cosmetic applications.

• Plant Resources
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.216-221
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• 2004

The present study examined the effects of Schizandra chinensis extract on the serum lipid composition and the antioxidant of rats in which obesity was induced through high fat diet. Fifty male Sprague-Dawely rats weighing 163.91$\pm$4.17g on the average were adjusted to basic diet and laboratory environment and were fed with high fat diet freely for 6 weeks to induce obesity. Forty rats, the final weight of which was 400g, were selected and were divided into a control group(C), treated groups(T I ; body weight of 100mg/kg, TII ; 150mg/kg and TIII ; 200mg/kg), 10 heads of similar weight for each, and test breeding was performed for 4 weeks. During the test breeding, all treated groups were fed with basic diet and difference in intake among the treated groups were maintained to be less than 5%. According to the result, the quantity of Triglyceride in serum was lower in all of the groups treated with Schizandra chinensis than the control group, but the difference was not significant except the treated group of 200mg (P>0.05). The quantity of Total cholesterol in serum was significantly lower in all the groups treated with Schizandra chinensis than in the control group (P<0.05) but differences according to the quantity of Schizandra chinensis applied were not observed. The quantity of HDL-cholesterol was not significantly different among all the groups including the control group (P<0.05) and no regular tendency of change in the quantity was observed according to the quantity of Schizandra chinensis applied. The quantity of LDL-cholesterol was lower in all the groups treated with Schizandra chinensis, but the treated group of 100mg was not significantly different from the control group. The quantity of TBARS in serum was lower in all the groups treated with Schizandra chinensis than in the control group (P<0.05), but no regular tendency of change in the quantity was observed according to the quantity of Schizandra chinensis applied. The quantity of liver TBARS was not significantly different among all the treated groups (P>0.05). The levels of glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and catalase activity were higher in all the groups treated with Schizandra chinensis treated group than in the control group (P<0.05), and the treated group of 200mg showed the highest activity among the treated groups.