• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.444-453
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• 2022

Background: Compound K (CK) is among the protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenoside group, which produces multiple pharmacological effects. Herein, we examined the effects of CK on muscle atrophy under hyperlipidemic conditions along with its pro-myogenic effects. Further, the molecular pathways underlying the effects of CK on skeletal muscle have been justified. Methods: C2C12 myotubes were treated with palmitate and CK. C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated using CK for 4-5 days. For the in vivo experiments, CK was administered to mice fed on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The protein expression levels were analyzed using western blotting analysis. Target protein suppression was performed using small interfering (si) RNA transfection. Histological examination was performed using Jenner-Giemsa and H&E staining techniques. Results: CK treatment attenuated ER stress markers, such as eIF2a phosphorylation and CHOP expression and impaired myotube formation in palmitate-treated C2C12 myotubes and skeletal muscle of mice fed on HFD. CK treatment augmented AMPK along with autophagy markers in skeletal muscle cells in vitro and in vivo experiments. AMPK siRNA or 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, abrogated the impacts of CK in C2C12 myotubes. CK treatment augmented p38 and Akt phosphorylation, leading to an enhancement of C2C12 myogenesis. However, AMPK siRNA abolished the effects of CK in C2C12 myoblasts. Conclusion: These findings denote that CK prevents lipid-induced skeletal muscle apoptosis via AMPK/autophagy-mediated attenuation of ER stress and induction of myoblast differentiation. Therefore, we may suggest the use of CK as a potential therapeutic approach for treating muscle-wasting conditions associated with obesity.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.743-749
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to develop hydroponic-cultured ginseng vinegar (HGV) containing ginsenoside Rg2 in order to its anti-obesity and anti-hyperlipidemic effects in C57BL/6J mice. HGV was prepared by two-stage fermentation. The ginsenoside Rg2 contained in acetic acid-fermented HGV increased by 4.0 times compared to that in pre-fermented HGV. To measure the anti-obesity effect of HGV, thirty two mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal diet group (ND), high-fat diet group (HFD), high-fat diet-supplemented with HGV group (HGV), and high-fat diet-supplemented with green tea extract group (GT). Body weight, fat weight, and liver weight decreased in the HGV group. The HGV group also showed lower plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides, and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol compared to the corresponding levels in the HFD group. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in plasma aspartase aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the HGV group compared to the corresponding levels in the HFD group. These results suggest that HGV can be used as an anti-obesity therapeutic agent or functional ingredient.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.73-84
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• 2013

단삼(丹蔘) (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge)은 꿀풀과 배암차즈기속에 속하며 중국(中國)이 원산지(原産地)인 여러해살이풀로, 동의보감(東醫寶鑑)에는 "성질(性質)은 약간 차고 맛이 쓰며 독(毒)이 없다. 다리가 약하면서 저리고 아픈것과 팔다리를 쓰지 못하는 것을 치료한다. 또는 고름을 빨아내고 아픈 것을 멎게 하며 살찌게 하고 오래된 어혈(瘀血)을 헤치며${\ldots}$" 등으로 기술되어 있으며 이전부터 부인과(婦人科)에 많이 응용하는 약재 중 하나로 그 효능이 어혈(瘀血)을 없애는데 있기 때문이다. 임상(臨床)에서는 부인과(婦人科) 질환(疾患)뿐만 아니라 심혈관(心血管) 질환(疾患)에도 사용되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 이러한 효능의 객관적 근거를 마련하고 약재의 작용 기전 중 일부를 확인하기 위해 고지혈증이 유발된 생쥐에 단삼(丹蔘) 추출물을 투여하여 혈중 콜레스테롤 및 트리글리세라이드 수치를 낮추는 작용을 확인했으며 동시에 간조직 내 지방의 축적도 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 변화가 간조직 내 유전자의 변화와 어떠한 관련이 있는지 확인하기 위해 RNA를 분리하여 Microarray 분석을 수행한 결과 고지혈증으로 인해 변화된 유전자들이 단삼(丹蔘) 추출물의 투여로 인해 정상에 가까운 정도로 조절됨을 확인하였으며 향후 본 연구를 통해 확인된 핵심 유전자를 고지혈증 치료의 지표 등으로 활용할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.813-828
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• 2010

Objective : Yegangji-tang (YJT) is noted in China as effective medicine for hyperlipidemia. This experiment was performed to determine the effects of Yegangji-tang (銳降脂湯: YJT) on antioxidant activity and hyperlipidemia induced by hypercholesterolemic diet in mice. Methods : We observed three experimental groups: normal, control, and treatment. Rats were provided a normal diet in the normal group, and the other groups were provided a hypercholesterolemic diet to induce hyperlipidemia. After 2 weeks, YJT was treated to the treatment group. We observed the change of body and liver weight, change of serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity of liver tissue, cholesterol gene revelation control efficiency, and histologic change of liver and abdominal aorta. Results : Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly with YJT, whereas HDL cholesterol increased significantly. Lipid peroxidation decreased and antioxidant activity of the liver increased significantly. Gene revelation of ACAT and HMG-CoA reductase in hepatic tissue decreased significantly with YJT. We also found that tissue defects of the liver and abdominal aorta were controlled by YJT on histologic study. Conclusion : These results suggest that YJT might be effective in treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.143-153
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of herbal acupuncture with Schizandrae Fructus solution at $GB_{34}$(Yangneungcheon) on hyperlipidemia in rats. Methods : In the present study, herbal acupuncture with Schizandrae Fructus solution was administered into hyperlipidemic mice. The author performed several experimental items to analyze the levels of various components and enzymes in serum, liver, as well as the histological changes of liver and aorta. Results : 1. In the Schizandrae Fructus herbal-acupuncture group, serum total cholesterol and Atherogenic index were significantly decreased, and the ratios of HDL to total cholesterol, and phospholipid to total cholesterol in serum were significantly increased as compared with those of the control group. 2. In the Schizandrae Fructus herbal-acupuncture group, HMG-CoA reductase activity was significantly decreased as compared with those of the control group. 3. Schizandrae Fructus herbal-acupuncture reduced deposit of lipid in the liver tissue. Conclusions : From the above results, it is suggested that Schizandrae Fructus herbal-acupuncture at $GB_{34}$ has a therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.172-178
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• 2009

Fermented ginseng (FG) is an ethanol extract of ginseng radix processed with $\beta$-galactosidase. It was hypothesized that FG may exert anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-diabetic activities through modulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. In this study, we showed that AMPK phosphorylation was stimulated by FG. These effects were abolished by pretreatment with an AMPK inhibitor, compound C. In addition, FG regulated the expression of genes associated with lipogenesis and lipolysis, thus causing suppression of hepatic triglyceride accumulation. In vivo study using db/db mice, FG reduced fasting plasma glucose, HbAlc, and insulin resistance index, when compared to diabetic control. FG also increased the phospho-AMPK and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expressions in liver and skeletal muscle, respectively. In liver, expressions of lipogenic gene were decreased whereas expressions of lipolytic genes were induced, when compared to diabetic control. Taken together, we may suggest that FG ameliorates hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia through activation of AMPK and could be developed as a health functional food or therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetic patients.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.489-497
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• 2014

We examined the effects of unripe black raspberry water extract (UBR-W) on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in mice. C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups: those administered a control diet (CTL), high-fat diet (HFD), UBR-W and simvastatin for 12 weeks. In the HFD group, LDL cholesterol were significantly higher than in the CTL group. However, the UBR-W treated group showed dose-dependent reduction of plasma LDL levels. Hepatic total lipid, TC, and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in hyperlipidemic mice. However, supplementation with either UBR-W or simvastatin effectively reduced these lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation. UBR-W increased mRNA expression of the LDL receptor, sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) compared to that observed in the HFD group. In addition, UBR-W and simvastatin showed significantly reduced oxidized LDL uptake by the scavenger receptor CD36. These results suggest that UBR-W is useful for treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and lipid peroxidation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.198-204
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• 2011

Target herbal ingredient (THI) is an extract made from two herbs, Scutellariae Radix and Platycodi Radix. It has been developed as a treatment for metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. One component of these two herbs has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-obesity activities. However, there have been no reports about the effects of the mixed extract of these two herbs on metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated the metabolic effects of THI using a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. High-fat diet (HFD) mice were orally administered daily with 250 mg/kg of THI. After 10 weeks of treatment, the THI-administered HFD mice showed reduction of body weights and epididymal white adipose tissue weights as well as improved glucose tolerance. In addition, the level of total cholesterol in the serum was markedly reduced. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of the metabolic effects of THI in vitro, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with THI, after which the mRNA levels of adipogenic transcription factors, including C/$EBP{\alpha}$ and $PPAR{\gamma}$, were measured. The results show that the expression of these two transcription factors was down regulated by THI in a dose-dependent manner. We also examined the combinatorial effects of THI and swimming exercise on metabolic status. THI administration simultaneously accompanied by swimming exercise had a synergistic effect on serum cholesterol levels. These findings suggest that THI could be developed as a supplement for improving metabolic status.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.10
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• pp.1491-1499
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• 2014

We examined the effects of unripe black raspberry (UBR) and red ginseng (RG) extracts on cholesterol improvement in C57BL/6J mice fed a HCD (high cholesterol diet) for 12 weeks. Hepatic total lipid and total cholesterol contents were significantly induced in hyperlipidemic mice. However, supplementation with UBR, RG and simvastatin effectively reduced these lipid profiles. Further, UBR and co-treatment with UBR and RG increased expression of LDL receptor, SREBP2, and SR-B1 mRNA compared with HCD. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was reduced by co-treatment with UBR and RG compared to treatment with UBR. In addition, histopathologic evaluation showed that co-treatment with UBR and RG suppressed lipid accumulation as well as FAS and leptin expression in plasma. These results indicate that co-treatment with UBR and RG may be useful for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.667-673
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• 2009

The antihyperlipidemic and glycemic control effects of mycelia of Inonotus obliquus including protein-bound polysaccharides extract were investigated. In high fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice, the mycelia of Inonotus obliquus including protein-bound polysaccharides extract showed significant decrease in epididymal fat tissue weight, blood triglyceride and VLDL level, triglyceride and total cholesterol level in liver, serum insulin and HOMA-IR level and AUC. Oral glucose tolerance test glucose level reduction were 4.9% (M150L; ${\beta}$-glucan 1.303 mg/kg bw), 9.5% (M150; ${\beta}$-glucan 2.606 mg/kg bw) after 180 min of glucose loading compared to H-C group. Besides, the mycelia of Inonotus obliquus including protein-bound polysaccharides extract treatment significantly increased glycogen contents in liver and adiponectin level in high fat diet-induced obese mice. In conclusion, the results showed that the mycelia of Inonotus obliquus including protein-bound polysaccharides extract possesses significant antihyperlipidemic and glycemic control effects in C57BL/6J mice.