• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.138-141
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• 2020

BACKGROUND: Fresh weight is one of the major quality measurement factors in determining the quality of fresh fruits. A practical method has been developed for rapid and non-destructive measurement using the Chlorophyll Fluorescence Image (CFI) technique to estimate changes in fresh weight of post-harvest products. METHODS AND RESULTS: Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) was used and measured for the fresh weight and CFI under different temperature conditions at 0, 10, and 20℃, from 0 to 21 days after storage (DAS). We observed the fresh weight of kiwifruit and measured the surface image for determining F_v/F_m value in terms of maximum quantum yield on each day. To estimate freshness of kiwifruit we applied linear regression between the measured fruit weights and F_v/F_m values. Results showed that fruit weights were reduced by 4% at 0℃, 6% at 10℃, and 14% at 20℃ for 21 days, respectively. And also, the value of Fv/Fm was shown as decreasing trend at all temperature conditions, especially at 20 ℃. Fv/Fm values showed highly significant correlation (R²>0.9) with fresh weight of kiwifruit at all different storage temperatures. CONCLUSION: Thus, CFI technique can be useful to estimate the fresh weight of kiwifruit.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.246-250
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• 2005

A number of species of the genus Centaurea (Family: Asteraceae), distributed in various parts of Asia, Europe and North America, have been used in traditional plant-based medicine and reported to possess various medicinal properties. As part of our continuing evaluation of plants from the genus Centaurea for their phytochemistry and biological activities, the dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of the seeds of Turkish Centaurea species, C. bornmuelleri, C. huber-morathii and C. schiskinii, were screened for antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Among the three species, C. huber-morathii displayed the most prominent antibacterial activity. Both the MeOH and DCM extracts of this plant showed activity against Citrobacter freundii, Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella goldcoast with the MIC values within the range of $1\;{\times}\;10^{-2}\;to\;1\;{\times}\;10^{-3}\;mg/ml$. The MeOH extract of C schiskinii showed activity $(MIC\;=\;1\;{\times}\;10^{-1}\;mg/ml)$ against Citrobacter freundii and Staphylococcus aureus. While the DCM extract of C. bornmuelleri was only active against Staphylococcus aureus $(MIC\;=1\;{\times}\;10^{-2}\;mg/ml)$, the MeOH extract did not show any inhibitory activity at test concentrations. The DCM and MeOH extracts of all three species demonstrated good degree of antioxidant property in the DPPH assay with the $RC_{50}$ values ranging from $72\;{\times}\;10^{-2}\;to\;31{\times}\;10^{-3}\;mg/ml$. Among these extracts, the MeOH extract of C. hubermorathii was the most active antioxidant extract $(MlC\;=\;31\;{\times}\;10^{-3}\;mg/ml)$.

• CELLMED
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.8.1-8.5
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• 2019

Introduction: Psoriasis is a major health concern around the world. Physicians of the Unani system of medicine have been treating psoriasis for centuries. Aim: The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of Majoon Mundi (a semisolid Unani medication intended for oral intake used as blood purifier) and Qairooti Karnab (a Unani medication in paste form intended for topical application used as emollient) in the treatment $na{\ddot{i}}ve$ psoriasis cases and to collect data to warrant further clinical trials. Material and Methods: Psoriasis cases were diagnosed clinically. Data were collected during treatment of five patients of psoriasis treated with the Majoon Mundi (oral intake of 5 gm twice daily with 200 ml of water for 12 weeks) and Qairooti Karnab (topical application on affected sites twice a day for 12 weeks). Patients were treated for 12 weeks. Treatment response was seen with clinical improvement in skin lesions and measurement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI Scoring) before and after treatment. Results: Reduced PASI Score was observed in all five patients after 12 weeks of treatment [PASI before and after treatment was (mean${\pm}$SD) $20.7{\pm}4.6$ vs. $3.2{\pm}1.8$; p-value <0.05.]. Clinical improvement was noticed within an average of 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate the potential therapeutic role of Majoon Mundi and Qairooti Karnab in the treatment of psoriasis. Clinical trials based on this Unani pharmacopeial formulation should be conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of this formulation in psoriasis

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.131-138
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• 2019

Objective : Sparassis crispa has been recognized for its therapeutic value since the late 20th century because of its high β-glucan content. Since then, researches have been conducted on the pharmacological effects but most of these are individual studies on the effects of β-glucan from S. crispa and the comprehensive reviews are lacking. The purpose of this study was to review the compounds composition and pharmacological effects of S. crispa. Methods : This review analyzes the papers about chemical and nutritional composition and pharmacological effects of S. crispa. The data in this review is based on selected papers after reviewing all studies containing the keyword "sparassis crispa" for PubMed, NDSL, and J-Stage published before February 2019. Results : S. crispa is composed of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates. Most of the compounds are carbohydrates and the highest content is β-glucan. More than 40% of the dried fruiting body of S. crispa is composed of β-glucan. In addition, it contains polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids and phthalide-based compounds. Broad spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been established which include immunomodulatory, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiobesic and neuroprotective effects. Conclusion : The most studied fields have been shown to have immunomodulatory and anticancer effects by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and angiogenesis and increasing hematopoitic responses. Unique structure and characteristic of high molecular weight β-glucan are considered to have high immunomodulatory effects of S. crispa. And low molecular fractions or phthalides of S. crispa also have antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer effects.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.60-67
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• 2012

For the genetic differentiation of $Pseudomonas$ $syringae$ pathovar $tomato$, a total of 51 $P.$ $syringae$ pv. strains infecting 33 different host plants were analyzed using repetitive element PCR(REP-PCR) and universal rice primer PCR(URP-PCR). The entire DNA fingerprint profiles were analyzed using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA). The 51 $P.$ $syringae$ pv. strains could be divided into five clusters based on 65% similarity by Rep-PCR using BOX, ERIC, and REP primers. $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ cluster was well separated from other 31 $P.$ $syringae$ pathovars. $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ cluster included only $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $maculicola$ and $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$. $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ strains could be divided into two genetic groups. Meanwhile, the Pseudomonas pv. strains could be divided into four clusters based on 63% similarity by URP-PCR using 2F, 9F, and 17R primers. $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ cluster was also well separated from 30 other $P.$ $syringae$ pathovars. In this case, $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ cluster included $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $maculicola$, $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $berberidi$, and $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$. $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ strains was also separated into two genetic groups by URP-PCR analysis. Overall, our work revealed that $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ can be genetically differentiated from other $P.$ $syringae$ pathovars by the DNA fingerprint profiles of REP-PCR and URP-PCR. We first report that there are two genetically diverged groups in $P.$ $syringae$ pv. $tomato$ strains.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6039-6046
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• 2015

Aims: To investigate effect of metallic nanoparticles, silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as antitumor treatment in vitro against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and their associated mechanisms. This could provide new class of engineered nanoparticles with desired physicochemical properties and may present newer approaches for therapeutic modalities to breast cancer in women. Materials and Methods: A human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was used as a model of cells. Metallic nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxic effects of metallic nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells were followed by colorimetric SRB cell viability assays, microscopy, and cellular uptake. Nature of cell death was further investigated by DNA analysis and flow cytometry. Results: Treatment of MCF-7 with different concentrations of 5-10nm diameter of AgNPs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of $6.28{\mu}M$, whereas treatment of MCF-7 with different concentrations of 13-15nm diameter of AuNPs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of $14.48{\mu}M$. Treatment of cells with a IC50 concentration of AgNPs generated progressive accumulation of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and prevented entry into the M phase. The treatment of cells with IC50 concentrations of AuNPs similarly generated progressive accumulation of cells in sub-G1 and S phase, and inhibited the entrance of cells into the M phase of the cell cycle. DNA fragmentation, as demonstrated by electrophoresis, indicated induction of apoptosis. Conclusions: Our engineered silver nanoparticles effectively inhibit the proliferation of human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 in vitro at high concentration ($1000{\mu}M$) through apoptotic mechanisms, and may be a beneficial agent against human carcinoma but further detailed study is still needed.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2018

In this study, the efficiency of photosynthetic electron transfer according to LED color temperature was verified in order to find a way to efficiently grow trees under night illumination. The experiment was carried out with White treatment, Warmwhite treatment, and non-treatment with donarium cherry. The study uses to a method for analyzing and evaluating the color temperature of an LED light source by photochemical analysis. We found that all treatments 115 DAT of maximum fluorescence amount(P) had the lowest. In the treatment using white light and the Warm-white light, the T amount of florescence of the late stage during the transition of the J-I level was increased, and the photosystem I electron transfer efficiency was decreased. Therefore, the electron transport efficiency of $RE1_O/CS$ and RE1o/RC were reduced. Especially, compared to Warmwhite, the light intensity increased greatly in the white-light treatment, The $PI_{TOTALABS}$ of 7 DAT was the highest value, but it was decreased to the lowest value on 115 DAT. This study has shown that the white treatment was low in electron transfer efficiency and soundness. Warmwhite-light treatments showed lower stress.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.567-573
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• 2020

The persimmon is commonly cultivated in temperate regions of the world, including China, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, and Italy. In some Asian cultures, consumers are aware of the health claims related to the persimmon and its functional ingredients. The rich phytochemistry of the persimmon has opened new avenues of research on diet-based regimens designed to cure various ailments. This study was conducted to identify the genotoxicity of immature green persimmon (Diospyros kaki THUNB.) extract (DKA). The bacterial reverse mutation assay, the chromosomal aberration assay, and the mammalian micronucleus test were performed to determine the DKA genotoxicity. The result of the bacterial reverse mutation assay revealed that the DKA did not induce mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA with or without metabolic activation of S9 mixture. The oral administration of DKA also caused no significant increase in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes or in the mean ratio of polychromatic to total erythrocytes. In addition, DKA did not cause a significant chromosome aberration on CHL cells in the presence or absence of S9 activation. In conclusion, DKA could be considered as a reliable and safe functional food since no toxicity was found under the condition of this study.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.98-103
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• 2023

Sphaeranthus africanus is commonly used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and pain treatment in Vietnam. The aerial parts have been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. However, the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the plant has not been explored. In this work, hydrophilic extracts of the plant's aerial parts were prepared in order to investigate its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Also, the cytotoxicity of the root was evaluated and compared to that of the aerial parts. All of the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.05 to 3.56 ㎍/mL, indicating substantial antioxidant activity. At an IC₅₀ value of 4.80 ㎍/mL, the 50% ethanol extract exhibited the most potent inhibition of α-glucosidase. The cytotoxic activity of root extracts is 2 to 5-fold less than that of the aerial parts. Nevertheless, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the root demonstrated a selective effect on leukemia cells, with no harm towards the normal HEK-293 cell line. This work provides a scientific support for the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the plant. Hence, it may find a promising material for the development of novel antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. More research can be conducted on the phytochemistry and anticancer activities of the plant's root.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.283-290
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• 2023

The Republic of Korea reclaimed land to increase its food self-sufficiency rate, but the yield was reduced due to abnormal climate. In this study, it was hypothesized that rapid and continuous monitoring technology could help improve yield. Using the vegetation index (VI) analysis, the drought stress index was calculated and the drought stress for corn grown in Hwaong, Saemangeum, and Yeongsan River reclaimed tidal land was predicted according to drying treatment. The vegetation index of corn did not decrease during the last 20 days of irrigation when soil moisture rapidly decreased, but decreased rapidly during the 20 days after irrigation. The reduction rate of the vegetation index according to the drying treatment was in the order of Saemangeum>Yeongsan River>Hwaong reclaimed tidal land, and normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI) decreased by approximately 50% in all reclaimed tidal lands, confirming that drought stress occurred due to the decrease in moisture content of the leaves. In addition, structure pigment chlorophyll index (SIPI) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI), which are calculated based on changes in light use efficiency and carotenoids, were reduced; drought stress caused a decrease in light use efficiency and an increase in carotenoid content. Therefore, vegetation index analysis was confirmed to be effective in evaluating and predicting drought stress in corn growing on reclaimed tidal land corn.