• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.325-332
• /
• 2018

The mechanism of the previously reported antidiabetic effect of Basella alba is unknown. This study investigated the role of B. alba aqueous leaf extract in the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and islet morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats, between 8 and 10 weeks old, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and administered the following treatments: Healthy control (H-c) and Diabetic control (D-c) animals received normal saline 0.5 mL/100 g body weight daily, while Healthy Treatment (H-Ba) and Diabetic Treatment (D-Ba) rats received the plant extract 200 mg/kg body weight daily. All treatments were administered by oral gavage. Diabetes was induced in D-c and D-Ba rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body). The body weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were recorded every week for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized and samples collected for further analysis. After the experiment, FBS level was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) in rats in the D-Ba group, but increased (p < 0.001) in rats in the D-c group. The absolute (H-c and H-Ba vs D-c, p < 0.05) and relative (D-Ba vs H-c, p < 0.05; D-Ba vs H-Ba, p < 0.005) weights of the pancreases were significantly higher after the experiment. The rats in the D-c group had significantly higher levels of serum interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (p < 0.001 vs H-c; p < 0.05 vs H-Ba and D-Ba) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (p < 0.0001), but lower levels of interleukin-10 (p < 0.05) in comparison with the other groups. Histopathological examination revealed severe interstitial congestion, reduced islet area (p < 0.0001), and increased islet cell density in the D-c group compared with those in the D-Ba group. From these findings, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of B. alba stimulates the recovery of beta-islet morphology in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats by modulating the peripheral production of inflammatory cytokines.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.343-351
• /
• 2017

Plant extracts were screened for antifungal activity against major plant pathogens, Botrytis sp., Collectotrichum sp., Alternaria sp. and Cylindrocarpon sp. using 96-well microdilution method. Among the 662 methanol extracts from 401 plant species, 36 extracts showed complete inhibition of spore germination against at least one of four pathogenic fungi. Extracts of Morus alba twig and Sophora flavescens root showed minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) at $1,250{\mu}g/ml$ against Botrytis sp.. Extracts of Chloranthus japonicus root showed MIC at $1,250{\mu}g/ml$ against Collectotrichum sp.. Extracts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis aerial part, Inula helenium root and Menispermum dauricum root showed MIC between 625 and $1,250{\mu}g/ml$ against Alternaria sp.. G. uralensis aerial part and I. helenium root showed MIC at $1,250{\mu}g/ml$ against Cylindrocarpon sp.. Specifically, the extracts of Agrimonia pilosa root, Angelica tenuissima root, Asarum sieboldii root, Campsis grandifolia leaf and twig, Cnidium officinale root, Dictamnus dasycarpus root, G. uralensis aerial part, I. helenium root and M. alba twig completely inhibited spore germination at lower than $5,000{\mu}g/ml$ against all of four pathogenic fungi. Two methanol extracts from G. uralensis aerial part and M. alba twig may used as a candidate to develop into effective disease management materials in plant cultivation.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
• /
• 2002.10a
• /
• pp.261.2-261.2
• /
• 2002

Hypoglycemic effect of GRA was examined in multiple low dose(MLD) streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats with regard to time of administration. Experimental methods: 20 mg/kg of STZ in 100 mM citrate buffer(pH 4.5) was injected intraperitoneally for 5 consecutive days. In co-treatment groups, GRA was administered intraperitoneally for 3 weeks at dose of 150 or 300 kg/kg. (omitted)

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.32 no.3 s.58
• /
• pp.181-191
• /
• 2006

In this study, we investigated the anti-oxidative, anti-wrinkle and whitening effects of 36 plant extracts collected from self-growing plants in Jeju island. Their anti-oxidant activities were measured by free radical scavenging activity using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical), reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}-EDTA/H_2O_2$ system using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay, and cell protecting activities using the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes. In addition, the inhibitory activities of tyrosinase for whitening effect and elastase for anti-wrinkle were investigated. The results showed that the Rumex crispus (all grass) extract has the most significant free radical scavenging activity ($FSC_{50};\;10{\mu}g/mL$), Plantago asiatica and Rumex crispus extracts for the prominent ROS scavenging activity ($OSC_{50};\;0.006{\mu}g/mL$, $0.04{\mu}g/mL$ respectively), Rumex crispus ($\tau_{50};\;1,140 min $at $50{\mu}g/mL$), Machilus thunbergii leaf (216 min), and Celastrus orbiculatus (200 min) for cell protecting effects, Morus alba stem for the inhibitory activity on tyrosinse (94.8% at $200{\mu}g/mL$), Rumex crispus (81.8% at $200{\mu}g/mL$), Morus alba (74.6%), and Celastrus orbiculatus leaf/stem/flower (63.1%) for the activity on elastase. These results indicated that the extracts of Rumex crispus, Plantago asiatica, Machilus thunbergii leaf, Morus alba stem, Celastrus orbiculatus leaf/stem/flower could have the functional effects when they are added as ingredients in cosmetics. Thus, it is concluded that further experiments are needed to apply for cosmetic products.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.49-67
• /
• 2020

This study was conducted to compare and analyze forest vegetation distributed in Geumosanseong-inside in Geumosan Provincial Park from 2017.10 to 2019.6. The vegetation structure was classified by the phytosociological method and TWINSPAN and the correlation between the community structure and the environmental factors was analyzed using DCCA ordination analydsis. The vegetation structures are Quercus mongolica, Fraxinus mandshurica, Q. acutissima, Larix leptolepis, Prunus padus and Morus alba community by the phytosociological method and 16 communities under TWINSPAN. The importance value of Q. mongolica(64.5) was the highest, and followed by F. mandshurica, L. leptolepis, Acer pseudosieboldianum, M. alba, P. padus, Q. acutissima, Sorbus alnifolia, P. serrulata var. pubescens, F. sieboldiana, Rhododendron schlippenbachii and Castanea crenata which is consistent with species having the dominance status by analysis of the vegetation structure. As the results of DBH analysis for taxon with high importance values, Q. mongolica and M. alba represented normal distribution, and thus, the dominance status of these species is likely to continue. L. leptolepis will maintain the dominance status due to high density of large individuals as compared with species above medium size. However, it will decrease because of high mortality after increase in age class. F. mandshurica and P. padus continue to show dominance status due to high density of young individuals as compared with species above medium size. Q. acutissima have high density of individuals above intermediate size and low density of young individuals, and thus, will maintain the dominance status. A. pseudosieboldianum, F. sieboldiana and R.schlippenbachii which are arborescent will present continuously high dominance status because of high density of young individuals. Soil analysis shows that whereas pH, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in the research area were lower than the average values of overall forest soil and O.M, T-N, C.E.C and P₂O₅ were higher. We expected that these results were due to agricultures until 50 years ago in Geumosanseong-inside. As a result of DCCA ordination analysis using eleven environmental factors and communities classified by the phytosociological method analysis showed that Q. mongolica was distributed in the environment with higher elevation and O.M and steep slope, and lower P₂O₅, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺. In contrast to F. mandshurica, Q. acutissima was distributed in higher K⁺ and lower pH. L. leptolepsis was distributed in various environment.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.12
• /
• pp.1635-1647
• /
• 2023

Muscle atrophy, which is defined as a decrease in muscle mass and strength, is caused by an imbalance between the anabolism and catabolism of muscle proteins. Thus, modulating the homeostasis between muscle protein synthesis and degradation represents an efficient treatment approach for this condition. In the present study, the protective effects against muscle atrophy of ethanol extracts of Morus alba L. (MA) and Angelica keiskei Koidz. (AK) leaves and their mixtures (MIX) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that MIX increased 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide-induced C2C12 myotube thinning, and enhanced soleus and gastrocnemius muscle thickness compared to each extract alone in dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy Sprague Dawley rats. In addition, although MA and AK substantially improved grip strength and histological changes for dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in vivo, the efficacy was superior in the MIX-treated group. Moreover, MIX further increased the expression levels of myogenic factors (MyoD and myogenin) and decreased the expression levels of E3 ubiquitin ligases (atrogin-1 and muscle-specific RING finger protein-1) in vitro and in vivo compared to the MA- and AK-alone treatment groups. Furthermore, MIX increased the levels of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) that were reduced by dexamethasone, and downregulated the expression of forkhead box O3 (FoxO3a) induced by dexamethasone. These results suggest that MIX has a protective effect against muscle atrophy by enhancing muscle protein anabolism through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and attenuating catabolism through the inhibition of FoxO3a.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.110-114
• /
• 2004

The optimized RAPD-PCR conditions, that can be utilized as a basic information for analysis of the gelletic characteristics were developed for genetic analysis of four mulberry varieties, named Milsung, Chungil, Suil, and Hansung using a primer, OPY15 (5'-AGTCGCCCTT-3') from Operon company. We tested several different factors for best PCR condition including concentrations of DNA, primer, Mgclu annealing temperature, number of PCR cycle, and prosence/absence of pre-heating time at the begining of PCR reaction in the $25 \mul$volume. The best RAPD profiles were obtained using 50 ng of DNA, 1 $\mu$M of primer, $1 \mum$of $MgCl_2\;,45^{\circ}C$ of annealing temperature and an absence of pre-heating time. An establishment of the stable and reproducible RAPD-PCR conditions are expected to be useful for the subsequent RAPD-related investigation, such as genetic characterization of the mulberry varieties, re-establishment of phylogenetic relationships and development of new varieties.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.499-503
• /
• 2007

Antioxidant activity, total phenolics level and cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts from the young sprouts of 5 Korean woody salad plants were determined. Methanol extracts of Kalopanax pictus had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an $IC_{50}$ value of 23.5mg $100g^{-1}$, and followed by Valeriana fauriei(43.1mg $100g^{-1}$), and Morus alba(>100mg $100g^{-1}$). Total phenolic content showed the highest amount in methanol extracts from Kalopanax pictus(23.7mg $100g^{-1}$), and followed by Valeriana fauriei(22.7mg $100g^{-1}$), Aralia elata(16.8mg $100g^{-1}$) and Morus alba(14.2mg $100g^{-1}$). In a MTT assay, methanol extracts of Aralia elata with $IC_{50}$ values of 151.0 and $140.7{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$ showed the most potent cytotoxicity on Calu-6 and MCF-7, respectively. On the other hand, methanol extracts of Kalopanax pictus($IC_{50}=96.5{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$) showed the highest activity against HCT-116, and followed by those of Aralia elata($123.3{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$), and Actinidia arguta($162.0{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$). Total phenolic content of the tested plant extracts was correlated with the DPPH radical scavenging activity, suggesting the phenolic compounds may contribute to the antioxidant properties of Korean salad plants.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.39-44
• /
• 2011

To evaluate the growth rate of larval and pupal parameters of silkworm Bombyx mori fed with Silver Nanoparticles (AgNps) treated $MR_2$ mulberry leaves, the following works have been considered. The AgNp was synthesized by chemical reduction method, it was diluted by different concentrations such as 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (without dilution). Fresh mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) were sprayed by each concentration and were fed to silkworms, from $3^{rd}$, $4^{th}$ and $5^{th}$ instar, five feedings/day. Group $T_1$ larvae received $MR_2$ mulberry leaves sprayed with distilled water and served as control, group $T_2$, $T_3$, $T_4$ and $T_5$ larvae received 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% AgNps sprayed mulberry leaves, respectively. Silkworm larvae fed on M. alba ($MR_2$) leaves sprayed with 25% concentration of AgNps (group $T_2$) was significantly increased the larvae and cocoon length, width and weight as compared to those fed on control (group $T_1$) $MR_2$ mulberry leaves and other groups ($T_3$, $T_4$ and $T_5$). Hence, 25% AgNps dose was fixed as an effective dose. It has been observed from the present study that 25% AgNps treated (group $T_2$) leaves fed by silkworms have enhanced the larval and pupal growth and quantity of silk production than control.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.62 no.2
• /
• pp.111-122
• /
• 2019

The mulberry tree (Morus alba L.) has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. We investigated the effects of bioconversion on different components of the mulberry tree, and determined changes in the physiological activities. Ethyl acetate-soluble fractions of five different segments (fruit, Mori Fructus; leaf, Mori Folium; twig, Mori Ramulus; root, Mori Cortex; and mistletoe, Loranthi Ramulus) of the mulberry tree show enhanced anti-oxidant effects in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylvenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, and enhanced anti-inflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, after being treated with a crude enzyme extract from Aspergillus kawachii, in the following order of activity: Mori Folium>Mori Cortex>Mori Ramulus>Mori Fructus>Loranthi Ramulus. Ethyl acetate- soluble fraction of mulberry leaves (Mori Folium) that underwent bioconversion was most effective, and was devoid of any cytotoxicity. The fraction was also effective against mRNA expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, $interleukin-1{\beta}$, and interleukin-6. In addition, the fraction was effective in LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and IKK, and $I{\kappa}B$ degradation, followed by translocation of the nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Thus, bioconversion increased the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the mulberry leaf.