• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2007.12a
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• pp.57-58
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• 2007

Purpose: Ginseng is a well-known medical plant used in traditional Oriental medicine. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been known to have potent biological activities such as radical scavenging, vasodilating, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic activities. However, the mechanism of the beneficial effects of KRG on diabetes is yet to be elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of KRG extract in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. Methods: The db/db mice were randomly divided into six groups: diabetic control group (DC), red ginseng extract low dose group (RGL, 100 mg/kg), red ginseng extract high dose group (RGH, 200 mg/kg), metformin group (MET, 300 mg/kg), glipizide group (GPZ, 15 mg/kg) and pioglitazone group (PIO, 30 mg/kg), and treated with drugs once per day for 10 weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured once every week. At the end of treatment, we measured Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), adiponectin, leptin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). Morphological analyses of liver, pancreas and white adipose tissue were done by histological observation through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Pancreatic islet insulin and glucagon levels were detected by double-immunofluorescence staining. To elucidate an action of mechanism of KRG, DNA microarray analyses were performed, and western blot and RT-PCR were conducted for validation. Results: Compared to the DC group mice, body weight gain of PIO treated group mice showed 15.2% increase, but the other group mice did not showed significant differences. Compared to the DC group, fasting blood glucose levels were decreased by 19.8% in RGL, 18.3% in RGH, 67.7% in MET, 52.3% in GPZ, 56.9% in PIO-treated group. With decreased plasma glucose levels, the insulin resistance index of the RGL-treated group was reduced by 27.7% compared to the DC group. Insulin resistance values for positive drugs were all markedly decreased by 80.8%, 41.1% and 68.9%, compared to that of DC group. HbA1c levels in RGL, RGH, MET, GPZ and PIO-treated groups were also decreased by 11.0%, 6.4%, 18.9%, 16.1% and 27.9% compared to that of DC group, and these figure revealed a similar trend shown in plasma glucose levels. Plasma TG and NEFA levels were decreased by 18.8% and 16.8%, respectively, and plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were increased by 20.6% and 12.1%, respectively, in the RGL-treated group compared to those in DC group. Histological analysis of the liver of mice treated with KRG revealed a significantly decreased number of lipid droplets compared to the DC group. The control mice exhibited definitive loss and degeneration of islet, whereas mice treated with KRG preserved islet architecture. Compared to the DC group mice, KRG resulted in significant reduction of adipocytes. From the pancreatic islet double-immunofluorescence staining, we observed KRG has increased insulin production, but decreased glucagon production. KRG treatment resulted in stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the db/db mice liver. To elucidate mechanism of action of KRG extract, microarray analysis was conducted in the liver tissue of mice treated with KRG extract, and results suggest that red ginseng affects on hepatic expression of genes responsible for glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In summary, multiple administration of KRG showed the hypoglycemic activity and improved glucose tolerance. In addition, KRG increased glucose utilization and improved insulin sensitivity through inhibition of lipogenesis and activation of fatty acid $\beta$-oxidation in the liver tissue. In view of our present data, we may suggest that KRG could provide a solid basis for the development of new anti-diabetic drug.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.611-620
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• 2007

The current study was designed to define whether a blend of prunus mume extract(25%) containing lactic acid(75%) and grape seed extract(10ppm) could affect in vitro antimicrobial activity and growth performance, intestinal microflora, plasma biochemical profiles and digestive enzymes activities in broiler chickens. In paper disc agar diffusion test, we clearly observed antimicrobial activity against E. coli in response to prunus mume extract or a blend of prunus mume extract. For in vivo test, a total of ninety six 3-d-old male broiler chicks were assigned to basal diet(CON), basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (ANTI) and 0.5% a blend of prunus mume extract(PRNUS) until 35 days of age. Throughout the entire experimental period(3-35 days), there were no differences in BW and FCR between the birds fed the basal diet with antibiotics and the diet supplemented with a blend of prunus mume. However, ANTI group showed a significant increase in BW and total gain compared to CON group. The weights of digestive organs such as the pancreas and mucosal tissues were not affected by dietary treatments. There was no difference in plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, AST and ALT activity. However, triglyceride in plasma increased(P<0.05) in the birds fed the diet supplemented with 0.5% a blend of prunus mume extract compared to those fed antibiotics supplemented diet. The activities of pancreatic trypsin and amylase, and intestinal hydrolase including disaccharidase were not affected by dietary treatment. The colony forming units(CFU) of lactobacillus in the lower ileal-cecum of the birds fed the diet supplemented with a blend of prunus mume extract was significantly(P<0.05) higher than that of birds fed antibiotic supplemented diet without affecting the CFU of E. coli. In conclusion, the birds fed the diet supplemented a blend of prunus mume as an alternative to antibiotics showed a similar growth performance and an significant increase in lactobacillus population compared with the birds fed basal and antibiotics supplemented diets.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.11
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• pp.1604-1610
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• 2010

We investigated the anti-obesity effects of Foeniculum fructus water extract on body weight, epididymal adipocyte size, plasma lipid levels and activities of key enzymes such as lipoprotein lipase (LPL), acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) in high fat diet-induced obese mice. Experimental groups were normal diet group (ND), high fat diet group (HFD), high fat diet with 0.05% orlistat group (HFDO), and high fat diet with 0.5% Foeniculum fructus group (HFDF). Eleven-weeks feeding with HFD resulted in significant increase in lipid levels, body weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue weight, compared with the ND group. Diet containing Foeniculum fructus water extract significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose concentrations as well as body weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue weights. Plasma LDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the HFDF group than those in HFDO group. LPL activities elevated by a high fat diet were significantly decreased by Foeniculum fructus water extract administration. ACS activities decreased in the high fat diet group and markedly increased in the Foeniculum fructus water extract administered group. All things considered, Foeniculum fructus water extract efficiently inhibits the inflow of fatty acid into the cell, and activates metabolic process that uses fatty acids flowing as an energy source. Thus, Foeniculum fructus water extract may have great potential as a novel anti-obesity agent.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.150-157
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• 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of combined extract of safflower seed with herbs on the improvement of blood glucose, lipid peroxides, lipids in the plasma and liver of strpetozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats in the experimental group were orally administered with combined extract of safflower seed (100 mg, 200 mg/kg B.W.) with herbs (Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gaqler, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, Mori Folium, Poria cocos, Rehmannia glutinosa, Eriobtrya japonica, Aralia continentalis Kitagawa, Zizyphus jujuba var, Cornus officinalis, Paeonia suffruticosa, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim and Schizandra chinensis Baill) for 4 weeks. Body weight gain and food efficiency ratio were significantly lower in diabetic groups than those of control group. These were no protective effect of the supplementation of combined extract of safflower seed with herbs. Concentration of blood glucose was significantly higher in the diabetic groups than those in the control group. Blood glucose concentration was remarkably lower supplementation of combined extract of safflower seed (200 mg/kg B.W.) with herbs. There was no significant difference of plasma lipid peroxides among experimental groups, while liver lipid peroxides of diabetic group was significantly higher in control group. But supplementation of combined extract of safflower seed with herbs was induced markedly lower in liver lipid peroxides in diabetic rats. Diabetic groups had markedly higher levels in triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index, while had lower HDL-cholesterol level. Triglyceride levels of plasma and liver were significantly lower with combined extract of safflower seed with herbs. But total cholesterol, phospholipid and free fatty acid were no differing significantly among experimental groups.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.674-682
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• 2009

This study was designed to examine the effects of Compositae plants on plasma glucose and lipid levels in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups: normal, STZ-control and three experimental groups [Artemisia iwayomogi (A. iwayomogi), Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea), and Taraxacum mongolicum (T. mongolicum)]. Normal and STZ-control group were fed an AIN-93 diet and three experimental groups were each fed a modified diet containing 10% compositae powder for 4 weeks. The plasma glucose levels at 4 weeks of A. iwayomogi, A. lancea, and T. mongolicum groups were significantly lower than STZ-control group. The A. iwayomogi and A. lancea groups had significantly suppressed hypertrophy of liver and kidney. The hematocrit levels of A. lancea and T. mongolicum group were significantly lower than STZ-control groups. The total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and atherogenic index (AI) of A. lancea group were significantly lower than STZ-control group. Intake of Compositae plants may be effective in antihyperglycemia by lowering blood glucose levels. The A. iwayomogi, A. lancea, and T. mongolicum can be beneficial for the diabetic complications and damage from the lipid peroxidation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.437-444
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• 2008

Anti-obesity effects of ginseng and herbal plant mixtures were investigated to develop natural materials for anti-obesity. After inducing obesity with high fat diet for 8 weeks in male SD rats, ginseng and herbal plant mixtures DM1 (ginseng, puer tea, opuntia) and DM2 (ginseng, puer tea) were administrated orally to rats for another 8 weeks. During administration, food efficacy ratio and body weight of rat were measured twice weekly. After administration, body weight, body fat contents, and serum lipid level were estimated for anti-obesity effect and hematological analysis blood level of ALP and ASP was checked for safety. Body weight in rats fed high fat diet was significantly increased. Body weight in obese rats induced by high fat diet was significantly decreased by DM1 and DM2 feedings. The amount of body fat (epididymal, perirenal and visceral fat, brown adipose tissue) was significantly reduced by DM1 and DM2 treatments. The amount of TG, the concentration of leptin in blood plasma, and the concentration of insulin in blood plasma were significantly diminished by DM1 and DM2. Lipid accumulation on liver was reduced in DM2. There were no side effects among all groups according to blood analysis, hematological findings, and body weight. The findings of this study suggest that DM1 and DM2 may be effective materials for anti-obesity through reducing plasma triglyceride and body fats, and also decreasing body weight without side effects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2016

This study investigated the effects of green tea polyphenol and vitamin C on type 2 diabetes mellitus by administering polyphenon 60 (P60) and sodium ascorbate (SA) to diabetic rats induced by high fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin. The experimental group was divided into five different groups: non-diabetic control group (NC), diabetes control group (DC), diabetes+P60 group (DM+P60), diabetes+SA group (DM+SA), and diabetes+P60+SA group (DM+P60+SA). P60 and SA were dissolved in 0.1% drinking water. After P60 and SA were administered for 16 weeks, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, serum triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels as well as kidney alkaline phosphatase (AP) and ${\gamma}$-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activities were measured. Fasting blood glucose level increased 5-fold in the DC group compared to the NC group. In the DM+P60 group, fasting blood glucose level decreased by 14%. In the DM+P60+SA group, fasting blood glucose level decreased by 28% compared to the DC group, whereas the DM+SA group did not show any significant difference. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index increased in the DC group and decreased in the DM+P60+SA group compared to the DC group. Serum creatinine level increased in the DC group, but decreased by 17% in the DM+P60 group and by 43% in the DM+P60+SA group compared to the DC group. The serum BUN level increased in the DC group, but decreased by 41% in the DM+P60+SA group compared to the DC group. Kidney GGT and AP activities decreased in the DC group compared to the NC group; however, they were reversed by DM+P60+SA group. These results show that combined administration of both green tea polyphenol and vitamin C had better effects on improving blood glucose level, insulin resistance, serum triglyceride level, and protecting kidneys than administration of either green tea polyphenol or vitamin C alone in the context of type 2 diabetes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.677-683
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• 2010

This study investigated the effect of young Phragmites communis (Pc) leaves on lipid profiles, lipid metabolism and erythrocyte antioxidant defense system in high-fat diet fed mice. Three groups of mice were fed different diets for 8 weeks: normal diet (Normal), high-fat diet (High-fat; 37% calories from fat) and high-fat diet supplemented with 1% Pc (wt/wt, HF-Pc). Body weight, daily food intake and energy intake tended to decrease by Pc supplement in high-fat fed mice. Pc supplementation significantly lowered plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations compared to the high-fat control group. Pc also lowered hepatic and heart cholesterol contents, whereas it significantly increased fecal excretion of triglyceride and cholesterol compared to the high-fat control group. Pc significantly inhibited fatty acid synthase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activities compared to the high-fat control group. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were also significantly higher in the high-fat group than in the normal group, however Pc supplementation reversed these changes. The Pc supplementation significantly lowered erythrocyte lipid peroxidation level compared to the high-fat control group. Accordingly, these results suggest that Pc improves lipid metabolism and erythrocyte antioxidant defense system in high-fat diet fed mice.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2005

The effects of pectin on obesity was studied using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and rats fed 20% high fat diets. The concentration of leptin released from 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the presence of pectin was significantly decreased by 85% compared to that of the control (p<0.05), however, glycerol concentration was not changed. These data indicate that pectin seems to inhibit lipids accumulation in the adipocytes rather than enhance the lipolytic activity. Forty Sprague Dawley rats were fed 20% high fat diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity and then divided equally into four groups. Experimental groups were normal diet group (ND), high fat diet group (HFD), HDF with 10% pectin group (HFP10), and HDF with 20% pectin group (HFP20). Diet for the each group was prepared to be iso-caloric following AIN-76 guideline. After obesity was induced, rats were placed on an restricted diet for 9 weeks. The body weight of HFD increased 50% (p<0.05) compared to the ND, while it was decreased by 12% and 16% for HFP10 and HFP20, respectively (p<0.05). The relative amount of visceral fats for HFDl0 and HFD20 were decreased by 45% and 59% compared to that of HDF (130%), respectively (p<0.05). Pectin seems to have a greater effect on reducing visceral fats accumulation than weight reduction. Significantly increased level of triglyceride, total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol in the plasma of HFD was returned to the normal or even below the normal by pectin diet, while the level of HDL-cholesterol increased. Lipid lowering effect was also observed in the liver and heart. These effects of pectin were dosedependent. In conclusion, the beneficial effect of pectin on the obesity was observed from cell culture experiment and animal study in terms of inhibiting the accumulation of lipids in the adipocytes.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.475-481
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• 2006

Purpose : As the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus have become problems. High homocysteine levels and low vitamin $B_{12}$ supplementation are acknowledged to have a role in coronary artery disease, but there are few studies on homocysteine, insulin and vitamin $B_{12}$ levels in obese children. We aimed to study whether homocysteine, insulin, vitamin $B_{12}$, folic acid levels could have any difference and relation in obese children. Methods : The disease group consisted of 27 children from 8 to 11 years old, whose obesity index was over 130. The control group consisted of 30 healthy children of the same age group. Obesity index and body mass index were calculated by height and body weight of the children, and their systolic and diastolic blood pressures at resting state were checked. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, homocysteine, insulin, vitamin $B_{12}$, folic acid levels were studied after 10 hours of fasting. Intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, protein, mineral, muscle mass, lean body fat, fat mass and fat percentages were checked by bioelectrical impedance. Results : Homocysteine levels were higher in obese children($8.1{\pm}2.1{\mu}mol/mL$ vs. $4.9{\pm}1.0{\mu}mol/mL$). Insulin levels were also higher in obese children($26.8{\pm}11.2{\mu}IU/mL$ vs. $12.5{\pm}5.24{\mu}IUl/mL$). Vitamin $B_{12}$ was lower in obese children($798.6{\pm}174.3pg/mL$ vs. $967.8{\pm}405.0pg/mL$). But there was not a difference in the folic acid levels between the two groups. In obese children, systolic blood pressure (r=0.535), triglyceride(r=0.517), total cholesterol(r=0.408), folic acid(r=0.408), vitamin $B_{12}$(r=0.338) and abdomoanl fat %(r=0.306) had a positive correlation. Conclusion : We found definite differences of insulin, homocysteine, and vitamin $B_{12}$ plasma levels in obese children, but we need more study to use those parameters as risk factors of metabolic syndrome in pediatric obese patients.