• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.491-502
• /
• 2014

The present study was conducted to investigate effective starter culture to improve biological activity of Asarum sieboldii. Antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity and reduction of enteric rumen methane production were used as criterions for biological activity. Ground A. sieboldii was added in MRS broth at 10% (w/v) and fermented by different starter cultures. Weissella confusa NJ28, Weissella cibaria NJ33, Lactobacillus curvatus NJ40, Lactobacillus brevis NJ42, Lactobacillus plantarum NJ45 and Lactobacillus sakei NJ48 were used for starter culture strains. Each starter culture was inoculated with 1% (v/v) ratio and fermentation was performed at $30^{\circ}C$ with agitation (150 rpm) for 48 h. MRS broth for the control was employed without starter culture. Then the fermentation growth was dried and extracted using ethyl alcohol. The growth of starter culture was detected at NJ40, NJ42, NJ45 and NJ48. And the highest cell growth was found in NJ40. Antibacterial activity against to Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogens, Mannheimia haemolytica and Salmonella gallinarum were observed in the extract fermented by NJ40 and NJ45. All treatments showed antioxidant activities, however, there were no significant differences (p>0.05). In in vitro rumen fermentation, negative control (NC) and positive control (PC) were assigned to without extract and with non-fermented A. sieboldii extract. Significant suppression of gas productions were detected in positive control and treatments compared to negative control (p<0.05). However, total volatile fatty acid production was not suppressed. Significant methane reduction per total volatile fatty acid productions were found in positive control and NJ45 treatment (p<0.05). The present study suggested a fermentation of A. sieboldii using NJ45 strain could improve its biological activity and make possible for its use in bio additive for enteric rumen methane mitigation without suppression of animal productivity.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.801-813
• /
• 2014

A study was conducted to improve the biological activity of two medicinal plants, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, by fermentation. The biological activity was assessed by determining antibacterial, antioxidant and antimethanogenic properties. Fermentation was achieved by adding the plant materials in MRS broth at 10% (w/v) and different starter cultures at 1% (v/v). Condition for fermentation were incubation temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ and agitation at 150 rpm for 48 h. Six starter cultures, Weissella confusa NJ28 (Genbank accession number KJ914897), Weissella cibaria NJ33 (Genbank accession number KJ914898), Lactobacillus curvatus NJ40 (Genbank accession number KJ914899), Lactobacillus brevis NJ42 (Genbank accession number KJ914900), Lactobacillus plantarum NJ45 (Genbank accession number KJ914901) and Lactobacillus sakei NJ48 (Genbank accession number KJ914902) were used. Antibacterial activity was observed in L. curvatus NJ40 and L. plantarum NJ45 only as opposed to other treatments, including the non-fermented groups, which showed no antibacterial activity. Both plants showed antioxidant activity, although E. ulmoides Oliv. had lower activity than G. uralensis. However, fermentation by all strains significantly improved (p<0.05), antioxidant activity in both plants compared to non-fermented treatment. Six treatments were based on antibacterial activity results, selected for in vitro rumen fermentation; 1) non-fermented E. ulmoides, 2) fermented E. ulmoides NJ40, 3) fermented E. ulmoides NJ45, 4) non-fermented G. uralensis, 5) fermented G. uralensis NJ40, 6) fermented G. uralensis NJ45. A negative control was also added, making a total of 7 treatments for the in vitro experiment. Medicinal plant-based treatments significantly improved (p<0.05) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. Significant methane reduction per mol of VFA were observed in G. uralensis (p<0.05). Based on the present study, fermentation improves the biological activity of E. ulmoides Oliv. and G. uralensis. Fermented G. uralensis could also be applied as an enteric methane mitigating agent in ruminant animals.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.13-24
• /
• 2012

Objectives NJ is being used to treat inflammatory diseases in Korea. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of NJ on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like lesions and mast cell-mediated allergy inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Methods and Results We investigated to ascertain the pharmacological effects of NJ on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic reactions under in vivo conditions. Additionally, to find possible explanations for the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of NJ, we evaluated the regulatory effects of NJ on the level of inflammatory mediators in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). Conclusions NJ inhibited the production of the inflammatory cytokines (IgE, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-${\alpha}$) significantly in vivo and in vitro.

• Bulletin of the Korean Mathematical Society
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.273-285
• /
• 1999

In this paper we establish the weak law of large numbers for randomly weighted partial sums of random variables and study conditions imposed on the triangular array of random weights {$W_{nj}{\;}:{\;}1{\leq}j{\leq}n,{\;}n{\geq}1$} and on the triangular array of random variables {$X_{nj}{\;}:{\;}1{\leq}j{\leq}n,{\;}{\geq}1$} which ensure that $\sum_{j=1}^{n}{\;}W_{nj}{\mid}X_{nj}{\;}-{\;}B_{nj}{\mid}$ converges In probability to 0, where {$B_{nj}{\;}:{\;}1{\;}{\leq}{\;}j{\;}{\leq}{\;}n,{\;}n{\;}{\geq}{\;}1$} is a centering array of constants or random variables.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.45 no.7
• /
• pp.402-407
• /
• 2012

Nardostachys jatamansi (NJ) belonging to the Valerianaceae family has been used as a remedy for gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases for decades. However, the potential for NJ to ameliorate alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the inhibitory effects of NJ on ACP. C57black/6 mice received ethanol injections intraperitoneally for 3 weeks against a background of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. During ACP, NJ was ad libitum administrated orally with water. After 3 weeks of treatment, the pancreas was harvested for histological examination. NJ treatment increased the pancreatic acinar cell survival (confirmed by amylase level testing) and reduced collagen deposition and pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) activation. In addition, NJ treatment reduced the activation but not death of PSC. In conclusion, our results suggest that NJ attenuated ACP through the inhibition of PSC activation.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.97-106
• /
• 2022

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is one of gram-positive foodborne pathogens with a very high fatality rate. Unlike most foodborne pathogens, L. monocytogenes is capable of growing at low temperatures, such as in refrigerated foods. Thus, various physical and chemical prevention methods are used in the manufacturing, processing and distribution of food. However, there are limitations to the methods such as possible changes to the food quality and the consumer awareness of synthetic preservatives. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-listeria activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from kimchi and characterize the bacteriocin produced by Lactococcuslactis which is one of isolated strains from kimchi. The analysis on the anti-listeria activity of a total of 36 species (Lactobacillus, Weissella, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus) isolated from kimchi by the agar overlay method revealed that L. lactis NJ 1-10 and NJ 1-16 had the highest anti-listeria activity. For quantitatively analysis on the anti-listeria activity, NJ 1-10 and NJ 1-16 were co-cultured with L. monocytogenes in Brain Heat Infusion (BHI) broth, respectively. As a result, L. monocytogenes was reduced by 3.0 log CFU/mL in 20 h, lowering the number of bacteria to below the detection limit. Both LAB strains showed anti-listeria activity against 24 serotypes of L. monocytogenes, although the sizes of clear zone was slightly different. No clear zone was observed when the supernatants of both LAB cultures were treated with proteinase-K, indicating that their anti-listerial activities might be due to the production of bacteriocins. Heat stability of the partially purified bacteriocins of NJ 1-10 and NJ 1-16 was relatively stable at 60℃ and 80℃. Yet, their anti-listeria activities were completely lost by 60 min of treatment at 100℃ and 15 min of treatment at 121℃. The analysis on the pH stability showed that their anti-listeria activities were the most stable at pH 4.01, and decreased with the increasing pH value, yet, was not completely lost. Partially purified bacteriocins showed relatively stable anti-listeria activities in acetone, ethanol, and methanol, but their activities were reduced after chloroform treatment, yet was not completely lost. Conclusively, this study revealed that the bacteriocins produced by NJ 1-10 and NJ 1-16 effectively reduced L. monocytogenes, and that they were relatively stable against heat, pH, and organic solvents, therefore implying their potential as a natural antibacterial substance for controlling L. monocytogenes in food.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.624-629
• /
• 2010

Nardostachys jatamansi water extract (NJ) has long been used for the treatment of inflammation-and immune-mediated disorders in the oriental countries. However, its site of action and pharmacological mechanism are not fully investigated. In this study, the authors tried to explore the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions of NJ. First of all, NJ has no harmful effects on viability of neuronal cell line HT22 cells in the dose range of 300 mg/ml. On the contrary, it shows cytoprotective effects on the cells treated with reactive oxygen species H2O2. Probably the cytoprotective effects of NJ might be caused by its ability to induce well known cytoprotective gene hem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Furthermore, NJ shows inhibitory effects on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NO production which are known to destroy the integrity of both cells and tissues. It also inhibits potent proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) production. The blocking effects of NJ on cytopathic and proinflammatory actions of LPS might be caused by the induction of cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory genes HO-1 in macrophages cell line RAW 264.7 cells. The results in this study suggest NJ could be used for the amelioration of inflammation which is underlying mechanism responsible for most chronic diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.14-25
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate inhibitory effect on the maturation of dendritic cells from aqueous extract from Nardostachys Jatamansi(NJ). Methods: I examined the phenotypic maturation(class II MHC, CD40, CD86), expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine(TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-12) and endocytosis of FITC-Dextran in the LPS-induced bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDCs) of mice. Furthermore, the Western-blot analysis reveals the mechanism of inhibitory effect. Results: 1. The NJ extract inhibited the phenotypic maturation of BMDCs in a dose-dependent manner. 2. The NJ extract inhibited the LPS induced cytokine production of BMDCs in a dose-dependent manner. 3. The NJ extract enhanced the endocytosis of Dex-FITC in LPS treated DC. 4. The NJ extract inhibited the activation of JNK and p38 phosphorylation, but not ERK phosphorylation of MAPK family and doesn't inhibit Ik-Ba degradation in LPS-stimulated BMDCs. Conclusion: These results suggest that NJ extract is able to attenuate the inflammation and maturation in BMDCs and may inhibit proliferation of T cells. In conclusion, this experiment suggests that NJ extract may be useful in hypersensitivity disease including autoimmune disease.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.135-147
• /
• 2019

Objectives This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Pyrola japonica extract (NJ) and its principal constituent, homoarbutin (HA) on osteoclast differentiation and gene expression and bone resorption. The osteoclastogenesis and gene expression were determined in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)-stimulated RAW264.7 cell. Methods In order to evaluate the effect of HA extracted from NJ on bone resorption, osteoclasts were used to be differentiated and formed by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with RANKL. Tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (+) polynuclear osteoclast formation ability was evaluated, and differentiation control genes including cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), and TRAP in osteoclast differentiation were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunoblotting was performed to measure the effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) factors on bone resorption, and the effect of osteoclasts on osteoclast differentiation was measured. Results Both NJ and high concentration of HA blocked RANKL-stimulated differentiation from RAW264.7 cell to TRAP-positive multinucleated cells. NJ reduced RANKL-induced expression of TRAP, cathepsin K. Both NJ and high concentration of HA inhibited RANKL-mediated expression of MMP-9, nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, and cellular Jun-fos. NJ suppressed RANKL-stimulated expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and levels of interleukins. Both NJ and HA decreased bone resorption in osteoclast-induced bone pit formation model. Conclusions These results suggest that NJ and HA blocked bone resorption by decreasing RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis through down-regulation of genes for osteoclast differentiation.

• Journal of the Korean Mathematical Society
• /
• v.55 no.5
• /
• pp.1193-1205
• /
• 2018

We focus our attention on a ring property that nilpotents are contained in the Jacobson radical. This property is satisfied by NI and left (right) quasi-duo rings. A ring is said to be NJ if it satisfies such property. We prove the following: (i) $K{\ddot{o}}the^{\prime}s$ conjecture holds if and only if the polynomial ring over an NI ring is NJ; (ii) If R is an NJ ring, then R is exchange if and only if it is clean; and (iii) A ring R is NJ if and only if so is every (one-sided) corner ring of R.