• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.801-809
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• 2015

Homotypic cell adhesion (homotypic aggregation) in activated monocytes plays a central role in physiological and pathological processes including inflammatory responses, differentiation and migration. The extract of the Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. fruit (Maesil) has potential benefits to human health; such as anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer activities. Indeed, Maesil extract may modulate inflammatory responses via interference with homotypic aggregation in monocytes. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic efficacy of Maesil extract in inflammatory diseases were investigated. It was found that Maesil extract inhibited homotypic aggregation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated monocytes. This was mediated by reduction of nitric oxide (NO) production, partly via inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-activated THP-1 cells. It was confirmed that NO inhibition is a key mechanism in Maesil induced blockade of monocyte aggregation through identification of reversal of this inhibitory effect by the NO-producing agent S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP). In addition, Maesil extract significantly attenuated LPS-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus. In conclusion, Maesil extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of homotypic aggregation of LPS-activated monocytes through mechanisms involving the suppression of NO production and NF-κB activity, suggesting Maesil extract as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.1303-1311
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• 2019

This study was to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuronal cell protective effects of Poria cocos Wolf and Corni fructus extracted by water and 70% ethanol. Total polyphenol content in water extract of Poria cocos Wolf was significantly higher than those of other extracts. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity in water extract of Corni fructus was higher than those of other extracts. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity were increased in a dose-dependent manners. In order to effectively extract total polyphenol contents and anti-oxidant components in Poria cocos Wolf and Corni fructus, hot water extraction method is more efficient than ethanol extraction method. Poria cocos extracts were found to be a superior NO production inhibitory effect compared to Corni fructus extracts. In a neuronal cell viability assay using MPP⁺, the water extract of Poria cocos Wolf protected against MPP⁺-induced neurotoxicity than those of Corni fructus extract. It is considered to be a potential functional material with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuronal protective effect against to oxidative stress according to the extract methods of extracting Poria cocos Wolf and Corni fructus.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.124-132
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological activities such as cytotoxicity and anti-inflammation using Manjakani (Quercus infectoria Olivier) extract. Manjakani was extracted from hot DW and 80% ethanol. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay on RAW 264.7 cells. Also, anti-inflammatory activities were measured through changes in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), leukotrien B4 (LTB₄), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and transcription factor on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The results confirmed that significant cytotoxicity does not appear in the concentration range of 1, 5, and 10 ㎍/㎖ of both extracts of this study. The production of NO was slowed by approximately MDE 37.2% and MEE 43.7% at 10 ㎍/㎖ concentration. Also, level of PGE₂ and LTB₄ was decreased MDE 30.9%/MEE 43.7% and MDE 37.1%/MEE 43.7%. In the case of inflammatory cytokine was reduced to MDE 38.8%/MEE 50.8% for IL-1β, MDE 35.0%/MEE 44.2% for IL-6 and MDE 31.9%/MEE 36.6% for TNF-α at 10 ㎍/㎖ concentration. The mRNA expression of NF-κB, iNOS and COX-2 significantly decreased by MDE 44.0%/MEE 16.0%, MDE 44.0%/MEE 55.0% and MDE 45.0%/MEE 40.0%, respectively, following the 10 ㎍/mL sample treatment when compared to the control. Both extracts were effective in anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, both extracts showed efficient changes of production of NO, PGE₂, LTB₄, pro-inflammatory cytokines and transcription factor. But MEE was found to have a higher inhibitory effect than MDE. In other words, Manjakani was showed significant biological activities showing anti-inflammation without cytotoxicity. These results will be provided as fundamental data for further development of the new health food and therapeutics related to the results above.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.116-124
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• 2017

In this study, we compared the antioxidant and immuno-modulatory effects of water (HR, HL, HS), 70% ethanol (ER, EL, ES), and 70% methanol (MR, ML, MS) extracts of different parts (root, leaf, and seed) from Glehnia Radix. Yields were 17.40-30.17% for water extract, 11.47-28.67% for 70% ethanol extract, and 10.73-30.57% for 70% methanol extract, respectively. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of EL were 10.79 g/100 g and 2.01 g/100 g, respectively. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of EL at $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ were 84.70% and 57.64%, respectively. The superoxide radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of EL at $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ were 84.05% and $975.28{\mu}M$, respectively. Moreover, 70% ethanol and 70% methanol extracts of root from Glehnia Radix significantly inhibited production of NO in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. These results suggest that 70% ethanol and 70% methanol extracts of Glehnia Radix leaf may be a useful functional food material in the food industry.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.275-280
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• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.1026-1032
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• 2016

Citrus platymamma hort. ex Tanaka is widely used in traditional Korean medicine because of its medicinal benefits including an anti-inflammatory effect. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory activities of C. platymamma during its harvest period. Fruit peel samples were obtained between September 2015 and February 2016. The results indicate that C. platymamma peel extract (CPE) was an effective inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory effects of CPE at $100{\mu}g/mL$ concentration included dose-dependent decreases in the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. In addition, CPE decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6. The highest anti-inflammatory activity and flavonoid content were observed in CPE of C. platymamma peel harvested during the immature fruit period in September. Further, to assess the suitability of CPE for cosmetic use, we performed MTT assays using HaCaT keratinocytes and observed that CPE did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. To test the potential application of CPE as a cosmetic material, we also performed primary skin irritation tests on normal skin of 30 volunteers and no adverse reactions were observed. The results of this study indicate that CPE may be considered as an anti-inflammatory candidate for inclusion in cosmetic materials.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.686-702
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Schisandrae Fructus, the fruit of Schisandra chinensis Baill., has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb for the treatment of various diseases, and has proven its various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Schisandrae Fructus ethanol extract (SF) on inflammatory and oxidative stress in particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MATERIALS/METHODS: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of SF in PM2.5-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the levels of pro-inflammatory mediator such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the effect of SF, the expression of genes involved in the generation of inflammatory factors was also investigated. We further evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of SF against PM2.5 in the zebrafish model. RESULTS: The results indicated that SF treatment significantly inhibited the PM2.5-induced release of NO and PGE₂, which was associated with decreased inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. SF also attenuated the PM2.5-induced expression of IL-6 and IL-1β, reducing their extracellular secretion. Moreover, SF suppressed the PM2.5-mediated translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) from the cytosol into nuclei and the degradation of inhibitor IκB-α, indicating that SF exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, SF abolished PM2.5-induced generation of ROS, similar to the pretreatment of a ROS scavenger, but not by an inhibitor of NF-κB activity. Furthermore, SF showed strong protective effects against NO and ROS production in PM2.5-treated zebrafish larvae. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SF exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against PM2.5 through ROS-dependent down-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, and that SF can be a potential functional substance to prevent PM2.5-mediated inflammatory and oxidative damage.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.555-563
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• 2019

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of an ethanol extract of Elaeagnus umbellata leaves (EUL-EE) on skin-related biological activities. Previously, we have reported that gallic acid was the major phenolic compound in EUL-EE through quantitative analysis and that EUL-EE had an inhibitory effect against the proliferation of liver cancer HepG2 cells. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of EUL-EE on melanin production and tyrosinase activity in ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulated hormone-stimulated B16-F0 cells were determined to assess the effects of EUL-EE on skin whitening. The anti-wrinkle effect using UVB-irradiated CCD-986sk cells was examined by the expression of type I procollagen and metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 release. The EUL-EE significantly decreased intracellular melanin production (33.0% inhibition at $100{\mu}g/ml$) when compared with untreated B16-F0 cells. Tyrosinase activities in the stimulated B16-F0 cells were also decreased by EUL-EE (47.8% inhibition at $100{\mu}g/ml$). The EUL-EE also dose-dependently increased the production of type I procollagen (up to 1.74-fold at $250{\mu}g/ml$) in CCD-986sk cells when compared with UVB-irradiated controls. EUL-EE showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to $500{\mu}g/ml$. In addition, EUL-EE at $10-500{\mu}g/ml$ inhibited the release of MMP-1 to the medium from UVB-irradiated CCD-986sk cells. Taken together, these observations indicate that EUL-EE has high potential for use as inner beauty and cosmetic materials due to its whitening and anti-wrinkle effects.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.80-89
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• 1996

The expression and secretion of human lactoferrin (hLf) in Sacclnromyces diastaticus were performed. 1. For the secretion of hLf in yeast, recombinant plasmid pYEGLf was constructed using promoter, secretion signal sequence of glucoamylase I gene (STA1) and transcriptional terminator of GAL7 gene. 2. Each correct recombinant plasmid was selected by mini-preparation of plasmid DNA from E coli transformant and restriction enzyme digestion analysis. The selected plasmids, pYEGLf, were transformed into S. diastaticus YIY345 as a expression host, respectively. 3. Western blot analysis using rabbit anti-hLf was carried out to identify expressed hLf. Positive signals were shown in culture supernatant of pYEGLf transformant. 4. About $100{\mu}g-1mg$ of concentrated culture supernatant of positive clone were loaded on paper disc and tested for the antimicrobial activity against E coli. However, no activity was observed. We concluded that this fact results from low concentration of hLf secreted from yeast, compared with the fact that MIC of hLf is as high as $3mg/m{\ell}$. Therefore, the purification of secreted hLf may be require to investigate the antimicrobial activity. From this study, the feasibility of low-cost production of sufficient quantities of human lactofferin for nutritional and therapeutical applications were suggested.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.731-739
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• 2015

We conducted this study to investigate possibilities of applying cosmetic material about extrats from Sparassis crispa. The extracts of Sparassis crispa conducted a antibacterial activity against Straphylococcus epidermidis, Straphylococcus aureus, Escheri chia coli, Candida albicans by the paper disc method and antioxidative effect and Nitric oxide production inhibitory activity were performed in Raw 264.7 cells. Also, we evaluated of pH, viscosity, particle observation stability of emulsion that are applied of extracts from Sparassis crispa. The antimicrobial activity showed by the paper disc method against Straphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans. The physical stability were stable of pH, viscosity in emulsion included extracts from Sparassis crispa. Emulsion containing Sparassis crispa extracts did not change particles into optical microscope. These results suggest that extracts from Sparassis crispa may have value as the potential cosmetic formulations.