• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.84-84
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• 2001

The heartwood of Rhus verniciflua has been known to be effective for lingering intoxication and diabetes mellitus and rheumatoidal arthritis in traditional folk medicine in Korea. We have previously reported that antimutagenic effect of flavonoids derived from the heartwood extract of R. verniciflua, and sulfuretin was the active component. Recently, we have demonstrated that sulfuretin could be an anti-inflammatory principle of the R. verniciflua heartwood partially dependent on cyclooxigenase-inhibitory activity. The present study was undertaken to demonstrate the anti-rheumatoidal arthritis effect of the R. verniciflua heartwood extract, its EtOAc fraction and the main flavonoids, sulfuretin and fustin. All the test samples showed variably significant inhibitory effects on hind paw edema induced by Freund's complete adjuvant reagent (FCA reagent). Sulfuretin treatment with 10 mg/kg (i.p.) for seven days showed the inhibitory effect of 54.2${\pm}$3.0%, Similar trends in RA- and CRP tests, vascular permeability test and trypsin inhibitor test were also found. In addition, no dead mouse was found even when the dose was increased up to 5,000 mg/kg (i.p.). Treatment with 250-1,500 mg/kg on normal rats did not show any marked toxicological significances in the tests of body weight gain, wet weight of organs and hepatic functions. These results suggested that the heartwood of R. verniciflua could be an adequate crude drug for rheumatoidal arthritis with an active component of sulfuretin. The toxicological safety of the heartwood of R, verniciflua is contrasted to known severe allergenic action of the stem bark or its exudate.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2015

The seed of Vigna angularis has long been cultivated as a food or a folk medicine in East Asia. Genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone), a dietary phytoestrogen present in this plant, has been known to possess various biological properties. In this study, we investigated the possible lifespan-extending effects of genistein using Caenorhabditis elegans model system. We found that the lifespan of nematode was significantly prolonged in the presence of genistein under normal culture condition. In addition, genistein elevated the survival rate of nematode against stressful environment including heat and oxidative conditions. Further studies demonstrated that genistein-mediated increased stress tolerance of nematode could be attributed to enhanced expressions of stress resistance proteins such as superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) and heat shock protein (HSP-16.2). Moreover, we failed to find genistein-induced significant change in aging-related factors including reproduction, food intake, and growth, indicating genistein exerts longevity activity independent of affecting these factors. Genistein treatment also led to an up-regulation of locomotory ability of aged nematode, suggesting genistein affects healthspan as well as lifespan of nematode. Our results represent that genistein has beneficial effects on the lifespan of C. elegans under both of normal and stress condition via elevating expressions of stress resistance proteins.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2009

The caterpillar-shaped Chinese medicinal mushroom (DongChongXiaCao) looks like a worm in the winter and like a grass in the summer. The fruiting body has been regarded as popular folk or effective medicines used to treat human diseases such as asthma, bronchial and lung inflammation, and kidney disease. The fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris, C. pruinosa and Paecilomyces tenuipes that formed on the living silkworm (Bombyx mori) host were used in this examination. This study was carried out to investigate the soluble sugar, amino acid and fatty acid profiles in the fruiting-bodies. Soluble sugars such as glycerol, glucose, mannitol and sucrose were mainly found in the fruiting bodies of C. militaris, C. pruinosa and P. tenuipes. Total soluble sugar content was 29.23 mg/g in C. militaris, 8.61 mg/g in C. pruinosa and 24.00 mg/g 1in P. tenuipes on dry weight basis. Total free amino acid content was 14.09 mg/g 1in C. militaris, 34.60 mg/g in C. pruinosa and 17.09 mg/g in P. tenuipes. The content of oleic acid in fatty acids was above high more than 30% regardless of species.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.15-22
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• 2013

Objective: Evaluations of the in-vitro anti-bacterial activities of aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu (L.F.)Willd, Castanea sativa, Ephedra sinica stapf and Shilajita mumiyo against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are reasonable since these ethnomedicinal plants have been used in Persian folk medicine for treating skin diseases, venereal diseases, respiratory problems and nervous disorders for ages. Methods: The well diffusion method (KB testing) with a concentration of $250{\mu}g/disc$ was used for evaluating the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Maximum synergistic effects of different combinations of components were also observed. Results: A particular combination of Acacia catechu (L.F.) Willd, Castanea sativa, Ephedra sinica stapf and shilajita mumiyo extracts possesses an outstanding anti-bacterial activity. It's inhibiting effect on microorganisms is significant when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive microorganism. The highest anti-bacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia) or gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was exerted by formula number 2 (table 1). Conclusion: The results reveal the presence of anti-bacterial activities of Acacia catechu, Castanea sativa husk, Ephedra sp. and Mumiyo against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Synergistic effects in a combined formula, especially in formula number 2 (ASLAN$^{(R)}$) can lead to potential sources of new antiseptic agents for treatment of acute or chronic skin ulcers. These results considering the significant anti-bacterial effect of the present formulation, support ethnopharmacological uses against diarrheal and venereal diseases and demonstrate use of these plants to treat infectious diseases.

• Mycobiology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.215-218
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• 2007

The caterpillar-shaped Chinese medicinal mushroom (DongChongXiaCao) looks like a worm in the winter and like a grass in the summer. The fruiting body has been regarded as popular folk or effective medicines used to treat human diseases such as asthma, bronchial and lung inflammation, and kidney disease. The fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces tenuipes that formed on the living silkworm (Bombyx mon) host were used in this examination. This study was carried out to investigate the proximate composition, soluble sugar, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and contents of the bioactive ingredient including adenosine and D-mannitol in the fruiting-bodies. The moisture content was 57.56%. Soluble sugars found were glycerol, glucose, mannitol and sucrose, and the contents exceeded $24\;mgg^{-1}dry$ weight. Total free amino acid content was $17.09\;mgg^{-1}dry$ weight. Arginine, glycine, proline and tyrosine were main amino acids. The content of oleic acid in fatty acids was high. Adenosine was more abundant in fruiting bodies than corpus.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.2 s.69
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• pp.279-286
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• 2005

The Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten Makino (Cactus) is a tropical or subtropical plant, which is cultivated or grows naturally in Jeju island. It has been widely used as folk medicine for burned wound, edema and indigestion. In addition, its extract has been claimed to have several biological activities including anti-inflammation in oriental medicine. In this study, we examined the antimicrobial activities of the methanol extract of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten Makino. The extract showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, including antibiotics resistant bacteria (MRSA, R-P. aeruginosa, VRE) and Propionibacterium acnes, yeast, and fungi. The extract retained the activity after heat treatment for 15 min at $100^{\circ}C$ and $121^{\circ}C$ and after extended storage, up to 10 weeks storage period at $4^{\circ}C$ and $25^{\circ}C$, also stably retained its activity. It showed a better inhibitoring effect to the growth of E. coli than sodium benzoate did it at the same concentration. Addition of various salts or metal ions did not affect on its antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the antimicrobial characteristics of the extract can be applicable as a natural preservative and an antimicrobial agent for bacterial disease.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2020

The plant Dendropanax morbifera Léveille is effective folk medicines for the treatment of several conditions, such as infectious diseases, skin diseases, and other illnesses. Although the inhibitory effects of D. morbifera on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have been shown in our previous study, its effects in vivo remain to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of the extracts from D. morbifera (EDM) on neointimal hyperplasia of rat carotid artery and explore the underlying mechanisms. We observed that the ratio of intima to media thickness (I/M) was significantly decreased in the EDM-treated groups by ~80% compared to that of the control. The expression of Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen was decreased by ~70% in the EDM-treated groups compared to that of the control. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 significantly reduced in the neointimal layer of the EDM-treated groups. Moreover, the decreased levels of contractile phenotypic markers of VSMCs, such as α-smooth muscle actin, myocardin, and smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain, were successfully restored by EDM treatment. Furthermore, the levels of synthetic phenotypic markers, cellular retinal binding protein 1 and connexin 43 were also restored to normal levels. These results suggest that EDM inhibits vascular neointimal hyperplasia induced by balloon injury in rats via phenotypic modulation of VSMCs. Therefore, EDM may be a potential drug candidate for the prevention of restenosis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.130-136
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• 2007

Artemisia capillaris THUNB is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Compositae spp and the most common plant among the various herbal folk remedies used in treatment of abdominal pain, hepatitis, chronic liver disease, jaundice and coughing in Korea. In this study, antimicrobial effects of Artemisia capillaris extracts on the food poisoning bacteria were investigated for further clinical application, which is an alternative for the use of antibiotics and their unexpected resistance. Artemisia capillaris extract using ethyl acetate showed the highest antimicrobial effects on S. enteritidis, E. coli O157 : H7, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. The chloroform extract showed strong effects on all kinds of bacteria; whereas ethanol and methanol extracts showed weaker effects. Finally, ether and water extracts showed the weakest effects under the same conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethyl acetate extract was 1 mg/mL for E. coli O157 : H7 and L. monocytogenes, and 2 mg/mL for S. enteritidis and S. aureus. The inhibitory effects on all the bacteria continued for 12 hours after incubation using 20 mg/mL and 30 mg/mL of ethyl acetate extract. The inhibitory effects continued maximally for 72 hours. The results of these studies indicate Artemisia capillaris extract exhibited excellent antimicrobial and inhibitory effects on the food poisoning pathogenic bacteria; S. enteritidis, E. coli O157 : H7, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.367-371
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• 2007

Artemisia capillaris THUNB is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Compositae spp and the most common plant among the various herbal folk remedies used in treatment of abdominal pain, hepatitis, chronic liver disease, jaundice and coughing in Korea. This experiment was conducted to investigate cytotoxic effects of Artemisia capillaris extracts on the Hepa-1c1c7 and Sarcoma 180 cancer cells on in vitro experimental tests. On in vitro tests using MTT assay and SRB assay, the extracts showed prominent cytotoxic effects on the two kinds of cancer cell lines, respectively. Antihumor effects appeared in the concentration of over $250{\mu}g/mL$ of both ethanol and ethyl acetate extract, over $500{\mu}g/mL$ of methanol extract, over $5000{\mu}g/mL$ in water extract and over 50% cytotoxicity on the Hepa-1c1c7 and Sarcoma 180. The results suggest that Artemisia capillaris extracts have prominent cyotoxic effects on the cancer cell lines Hepa-1c1c7 and Sarcoma 180.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.81-88
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• 2019

Trifolium pratense leaves (red clover) has been used in Oriental and European folk medicine for the treatment of whooping cough, asthma, and eczema, and is now being used to treat and alleviate the symptoms, such as hot flushes, cardiovascular health effects that occur in postmenopausal women. However, relatively little scientific data is available on the physiological activity of this plant. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of T. pratense leaves using methanol extract of T. pratense leaves (MeTP) on human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. MeTP inhibited the viability of FaDu cells by inducing apoptosis through the cleavage of procaspase-3, -7, and -9 and poly (adenosine diphosphate ribose-ribose) polymerase (PARP), downregulation of Bcl-2, and upregulation of Bax, as determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Live & dead assay, 4'6-diamidino-2-phenylindole stain, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and Western blot analysis. In addition, colony formation was slightly inhibited when FaDu cells were treated with a non-cytotoxic concentration (0.125 mg/mL) of MeTP and almost completely inhibited when cells were treated with 0.25 mg/mL MeTP. Collectively, these results indicate that MeTP induced cell apoptosis via caspase- and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways, and inhibited colony formation of cancer cells in FaDu human hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. These findings suggest MeTP should be considered for clinical development as a chemotherapeutic option in oral cancer.