• 대한본초학회지
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.27-37
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• 2021

Objectives : In the current study, we performed the 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity test and a 4-week recovery test of standardized Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. and Psoralea corylifolia L. 30 % ethanol extract (SCP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats owing to aims for verifying no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Methods : The animal study was performed according to OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals section 4 health effects test No.408 repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rodents (03 October 2008). In the repeated dose toxicity study, SCP was orally administered to female and male rats at dose levels of 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg/day for 13-week. The control group and high dose (4,000 mg/kg/day) group were then monitored for 4 extra weeks to determine recovery time after the study period. 1) Results : Compared with the control group, there were no treatment-related adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, hematology, serum biochemistry (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, 𝛾-Glutamyl transpeptidase, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Glucose, Total cholesterol, Total protein, Creatine phosphokinase, Albumin, Total bilirubin, Triglyceride, Inorganic phosphorus, Albumin/Globulin ratio, Calcium ion, Sodium ion, Potassium ion, Chloride ion), necropsy findings and organ weight (Ovary, Adrenal gland, Pituitary, Thymus, Prostate, Testis, Epididymis, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lung, Brain, Liver) at any dose tested. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the NOAEL of SCP in both genders was considered as over 4,000 mg/kg. Results from this study provide scientific evidence for the safety of SCP.

• Journal of information and communication convergence engineering
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.145-152
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• 2024

Closed quotient (CQ) represents the time ratio for which the vocal folds remain in contact during voice production. Because analyzing CQ values serves as an important reference point in vocal training for professional singers, these values have been measured mechanically or electrically by either inverse filtering of airflows captured by a circumferentially vented mask or post-processing of electroglottography waveforms. In this study, we introduced a novel algorithm to predict the CQ values only from audio signals. This has eliminated the need for mechanical or electrical measurement techniques. Our algorithm is based on a gated recurrent unit (GRU)-type neural network. To enhance the efficiency, we pre-processed an audio signal using the pitch feature extraction algorithm. Then, GRU-type neural networks were employed to extract the features. This was followed by a dense layer for the final prediction. The Results section reports the mean square error between the predicted and real CQ. It shows the capability of the proposed algorithm to predict CQ values.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권8호
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• pp.1017-1025
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• 2022

Bone homeostasis is regulated by constant remodeling through osteogenesis by osteoblasts and osteolysis by osteoclasts and osteoporosis can be provoked when this balance is broken. Present pharmaceutical treatments for osteoporosis have harmful side effects and thus, our goal was to develop therapeutics from intrisincally safe natural products. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide extracted from many species of brown seaweed, with valuable pharmaceutical activities. To intensify the effect of fucoidan on bone homeostasis, we hydrolyzed fucoidan using AMG, Pectinex and Viscozyme. Of these, fucoidan biotransformed by Pectinex (Fu/Pec) powerfully inhibited the induction of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in osteoclasts differentiated from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) by the receptor for activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). To investigate potential of lower molecular weight fucoidan it was separated into >300 kDa, 50-300 kDa, and <50 kDa Fu/Pec fractions by ultrafiltration system. The effects of these fractions on TRAP and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were then examined in differentiated osteoclasts and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, respectively. Interestingly, 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclasts differentiation from BMMs but did not synergistically enhance osteoblasts differentiation induced by osteogenic agents. In addition, this fraction inhibited the expressions of NFATc1, TRAP, OSCAR, and RANK, which are all key transcriptional factors involved in osteoclast differentiation, and those of Src, c-Fos and Mitf, as determined by RT-PCR. In conclusion, enzymatically low-molecularized 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed TRAP by downregulating RANKL-related signaling, contributing to the inhibition of osteoclasts differentiation, and represented a potential means of inducing bone remodeling in the background of osteoporosis.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.254-260
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• 2007

Alstonia scholaris (Family: Apocynaceae) has been indicated for the treatment of various diseases, one among which is wound healing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the wound healing effect and antioxidant role of Alstonia scholaris leaves in animal models. The ethanol and aqueous extracts of Alstonia scholaris (EEAS, AEAS respectively) were tested against excision, incision and dead space wound models to evaluate the wound healing activity. In excision wound model, treatment was continued till the complete healing of wound, in incision and dead space wound models, the treatment was continued for 10 days. For topical application, 5% w/w ointment of EEAS and AEAS were prepared in 2% sodium alginate. For oral administration, EEAS was suspended in distilled water using Tween 80 and AEAS was dissolved in distilled water. The wound healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialisation, skin breaking strength, granulation strength, dry granulation tissue weight, hydroxyproline, collagen and histopathology of granulation tissue. Malondialdehyde level was also estimated to evaluate the extent of lipid peroxidation. AEAS and EEAS significantly promoted wound healing activity in all the wound models studied. Increase in the rate of wound contraction, skin breaking strength, granulation strength, dry granulation tissue weight, hydroxyproline and collagen, decrease in the period for epithelialisation and increased collagenation in histopathological section were observed with EEAS and AEAS treated groups. EEAS and AEAS also significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation. The present study is suggestive that EEAS and AEAS promote wound healing activity.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.174-181
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• 2009

Pterocarpus marsupium, Clitoria ternatea, and Sanseveiria cylindrica are some of the important and endangered medicinal plant species of India. Despite of medicinal properties, antibacterial potential of the plants have not yet been explored. The present study was designed to optimize the in vitro technique for micropropagation and to screen the extracts from leaves and in vitro raised calli for antibacterial properties. Excised leaf-explants from the parent plants were surface sterilized and cultivated on Murashige & Skoog's (MS) medium containing $N^6$-benzyladenine (BA) in concentrations of 1, 2, 5, and $10{\mu}M$. Optimal growth of calli was noticed at a concentration of $5{\mu}M$, therefore the extracts from calli grown at this concentration were further studied for antibacterial activity. Both alcoholic and aqueous extracts from leaves of respective plants, and their in vitro raised calli were tested for antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Aqueous extracts showed antibacterial activity against limited number of bacterial species; notably the extracts of C. ternatea which showed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. Alcoholic extracts of all three plants showed antibacterial activity against a wider range of bacteria. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, extracts from C. ternatea showed strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus spp., whereas the extracts of S. cylindrica showed good antibacterial potential for Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. pyogenes. The extracts from all three plants showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including, Salmonella spp. and Shigella dysenteriae; organisms causing enteric fever and dysentery. In most of the cases, the extracts from respective calli showed comparable, and in some cases better, result in comparison to the extracts from parent leaves. To the best of our knowledge this is the first preliminary report on antibacterial potential, especially through calli extracts, of these plants; and in vitro cultivation of the explants may be used to obtain phytotherapeutic compounds.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제34권5호
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

Objectives : The consumption of licorice is large in Korea, but domestic production is insufficient due to the lack of adaptability. This study aimed to provide a morphological basis for adding interspecific hybrid licorice with improved adaptability to pharmacopoeia. Methods : This study was to establish identification criteria for the original plants, external and internal morphology of the authentic herbal medicines (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra and G. inflata), market products and artificially interspecific hybrid forms of licorice. For this purpose, previous studies were investigated and visual and histological observations were carried out. We focused on the internal morphology by microscopic observation for securing objectivity. Finally, we proposed the identification keys for precise classification of each part. Results : 1) Original plant : Licorice species in the compendium were distinguished by the number of leaflets, presence of hair on the fruit, curvature and swelling of the fruit. 2) External morphology : Licorice species were distinguished by degree of powderiness, tearing gap, radial structure in the cross section and existence of protrusion of outer epidermis. 3) Internal morphology : Licorice species were distinguished by the degree of development of phloem fiber bundle, development of obliterated sieve, whether the secondary medullary ray are branched. In the case of interspecific hybrids, the characteristics of both species used for hybridization were mixed in all observation methods. Conclusions : These results suggest that the interspecific crossbred licorice is suitable for the pharmacopoeial standard. Therefore, it can be applied as a herbal medicine through additional supplementary study.

• 동국한의학연구소논문집
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• 제5권
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• pp.281-306
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• 1996

A study on the effect of the Sun-Moon-Stars(日月星辰) in Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經") on the formation of the Yunqi theory(運氣理論) have revealed following conclusions. 1. There was a record of Stars(星辰) written by Gabgol-Character(甲骨文字) in the Yin(殷) Dynasty. But the very first documentary records of Stars(星辰) is Shu Jing("書經"). Ancient astronomy had the tendency of astrology of combined with theory of the Five Elements(五行) and finally effects the theory of formation of Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經"). 2. Shu Jing("書經") said that Junrak(錢樂) made an Armillary sphere(運天儀) in the Sung(宋) Dynasty. And in the Jin(秦) and the Han(漢) Dynasty, they already observed the stars. The Sunkiokhyung(璿機玉衡) which is machinery of star-observing, became to be called an Armillary sphere (運天儀) by the pass of times. 3. As of the theory of the Cosmos-structure(宇宙-構造論) in Ohanunhangdaeron("五運行大論"), Guiyugu(鬼兒區) announced the Hypothesis of Covering Heaven(蓋天說) but Kibak(岐伯) supported the Hypothesis of chaosheven's(蓋天說) and in the theory of atmosphere(大氣論) in Ohanunhangdaeron("五運行大論") said that the earth was in Great Empty(太虛) and it was floating in the universe by the Great Chi(大氣). 4. The knowledge about the Five stars(五星) in Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經") is presented in the section of Gemgwejineonron("金?眞言論"), Gigoupyondaeron("氣交變大論"), Youkwonjeonggidaeron("六元正紀大論").ln the method of identifying the Five stars(五星) presented the criteria of the brightness, the altitude, the colours and the orbit etc. 5. The jupiter which has twelve year's revolution cycle was the basis of determination on the Twelve constellation(12辰), the Twelve field of heaven(12次), the Twelve Houses in the ecliptic(黃道 12宮), the Twelve Earth's Branches(12支) and the Twelve fields of Earth(12分野) and also it became the origin of the duodecimals(12進法). 6. The saturn having about twenty-eight year's revolution cycle became the criterion in identifying the Twenty Eight Constellations(28宿) which was used as the coordinates of the Celestial sphere (天球). 7. By the Percussional movement(歲差運動), the position of polaris and the Vernal-Antumal equinox(春秋分点) were shifted. Therefore the ancient the Heaven Gate-Earth Door(天門-地戶) changed from the position of Sil-Byuk(室壁), Yik-Jin(翼軫). And the precisional movements brought about the concept of the WunHoyYunSe(元會運世) that is a method of dividing a period. Also the precisional movement gave three dimension(三次元) foundation interpreted the Sixty JiaZi (六十甲子) which is revolving through sixty years uniformally. 8. The Hypothesis of the Nine Houses and Eight Winds(九宮八風論) which is one field of the astrology of ancient polaris-nine Houses divination plate(太一九宮占盤) brought about the concept of deficiency and excess and the concept of the Wind Vice(風邪). In the Calendar System(曆法) presented in Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經") the tropical year of the Sun-Moon-Stars(日月星辰) and the revolution and the rotation of the earth give explanations the changes of Yin-Yang(陰陽) by the use of the ten Celestial branches(十干) and the twelve Earth branches(十二支).

• 대한약리학회지
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.17-26
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• 1995

8주, 18주, 그리고 32주된 Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR)과 Wistar-Kyoto Rats(WKY)과의 blood pressure(혈압)를 측정하여본 결과 SHR 그룹이 WKY에 비해 19에서 70 mmHg 차이로 SHR 그룹이 WKY group에 비하여 혈압이 높았다. 18주된 SHR과 WKY에서 제 3 뇌실내 (intraventricular)로 투여된 morphine과 ${\beta}-endorphin$의 진통작용을 검색하여 보았다. WKY group에 비하여 SHR group에서 뇌실내로 투여된 ${\beta}-endorphin$은 진통작용에 있어서 상승작용 (potentiation)을 보임을 발견하였고 뇌실내로 투여된 morphine은 SHR group에서 약간만 상승작용을 보였다. SHR과 WKY group간에 opioid의 진통작용에 있어서 중요한 역할을 하는 Midbrain과 Medulla (pons), 그리고 spinal cord (척수)의 lumbar부위의 $[Met^5]-enkephalin$과 proenkep-halin A mRNA level을 측정하여 보았다. SHR과 WKY group간의 $[Met^5]-enkephalin$과 proenkephalin mRNA의 양은 별로 차이를 보이지 않았다. 이러한 결과로 미루어 볼때 SHR group에서 뇌실내로 투여된 ${\beta}-endorphin$은 그의 진통효과에 있어서 보인 상승작용은 척수상부에 위치하고 있는 opioid deptide의 양이 변해서가 아니라 다른 기전에 의하여 조절되어지고 있음을 시사한다.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2005년도 춘계 학술발표대회
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• pp.41-51
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• 2005

We examined whether extracts from 14 local citrus spp. on Jeju Island (Korea) contained chemosensitizing activity that would increase the cytotoxic effect of vincristine(VCR) in drug-resistant cancer cells. We report that methanol extracts from fruits and flowers of some species had a chemosensitizing effect that reversed P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR). Using drug-sensitive AML-2/WT and drug-resistant AML-2/D100 in the absence of VCR in human acute myelogenous leukemia cells we found that fruit or flower extracts alone generally had low cytotoxicity $(IC_{50}>200\;{\mu}g/ml)$. In studies examining the effect of extracts on 120 ng/ml VCR cytotoxicity in drug-resistant AML-2/D100 cells, we found that immature fruit extracts had greater chemosensitizing activity than either extracts from mature fruit or flower. Of the 14 species examined, the immature fruit extract from Inchangkyool (Citrus ichangiensis) showed the hishest chemosensitizing index(CI) valus. Immature fruit extracts of Hongkyool(C. tachibana), Byungkyool(C. platymamma), Cheongkyool(C. nippokoreana) and Jinkyool (C. sunki) also strongly potentiated VCR cytotoxicity in AML-2/D100 cells. The chemosensitizing effect of peel extracts was 2-10-fold that of whole fruit extracts from Hongkyool (C. tachibana), Byungkyool (C. platymamma) and Inchangkyool (C. inchangiensis). The CI values for flower extracts were higher than those for mature fruit extracts, but lower than those for immature fruit extracts. These results indicate that immature citrus fruits contain compounds that do not exert their activity solely through cytotoxicity. In particular, Incahngkyool (C. inchangiensis), Byungkyool(C.platymamma), Cheongkyool(C. nippokoreana) and Hongkyool (C. tahibana) may be useful sources of chemosensitizing compounds.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.591-599
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• 2009

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play important roles in nervous system functions and are involved in a variety of diseases. We previously demonstrated that ginsenosides, the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, inhibit subsets of nAChR channel currents, but not ${\alpha}7$, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Mutation of the highly conserved Leu247 to Thr247 in the transmembrane domain 2 (TM2) channel pore region of ${\alpha}7$ nAChR induces alterations in channel gating properties and converts ${\alpha}7$ nAChR antagonists into agonists. In the present study, we assessed how point mutations in the Leu247 residue leading to various amino acids affect 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ ($Rg_3$) activity against the ${\alpha}7$ nAChR. Mutation of L247 to L247A, L247D, L247E, L247I, L247S, and L247T, but not L247K, rendered mutant receptors sensitive to $Rg_3$. We further characterized $Rg_3$ regulation of L247T receptors. We found that $Rg_3$ inhibition of mutant ${\alpha}7$ nAChR channel currents was reversible and concentration-dependent. $Rg_3$ inhibition was strongly voltage-dependent and noncompetitive manner. These results indicate that the interaction between $Rg_3$ and mutant receptors might differ from its interaction with the wild-type receptor. To identify differences in $Rg_3$ interactions between wild-type and L247T receptors, we utilized docked modeling. This modeling revealed that $Rg_3$ forms hydrogen bonds with amino acids, such as Ser240 of subunit I and Thr244 of subunit II and V at the channel pore, whereas $Rg_3$ localizes at the interface of the two wild-type receptor subunits. These results indicate that mutation of Leu247 to Thr247 induces conformational changes in the wild-type receptor and provides a binding pocket for $Rg_3$ at the channel pore.