• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.328-333
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• 2006

Many plant extracts are known to have antioxidative effects. However, their activities can be reduced or disappeared during mass production process. The purpose of this study is to compare antioxidative effects of edible plant extracts distributed in Korea. forty three kinds of edible plant extracts commercially available in Korea were selected and investigated for their total phenolics contents and antioxidative potentials(DPPH radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities). In contents of total phenolics, the commercial plant extracts from Artemisia annua(whole plant), Ilex paraguariensis(leaf, Silybum marianum(fruit and leaf, Ulmus pumila(bark), Coliolus versicolor(fruit), and Curcuma longa(root and stem) contained over 70 mg/g of powder, DPPH radical scavenging activities($SC_{50}$, 50% scavenging concentration) of A. annua, I. paraguariensis, Pinus densiflora(leaf),S. marianum, U. pumila, and C. longa were $53.96{\pm}0.81\;ppm,\;24.61{\pm}2.12\;ppm,\;35.96{\pm}1.11\;ppm,\;57.46{\pm}2.13\;ppm,\;55.25{\pm}1.65\;ppm\;and\;12.99{\pm}1.67ppm$, respectively, while that of positive control(vitamin C) was $3.86{\pm}0.81\;ppm$. $SC_{50}$ values against superoxide anion radical of A. annua, Cinnamomum zeylanicum(bark), I. paraguariensis, Rubus coreanus(fruit and leaf), Morus alba(leaf), P. densiflora, S. marianum, U. pumila, C. versicolor, C. longa, Perilla frutescens var. acuta(leaf), and H. sabdariffa(leaf and newer) were $53.21{\pm}1.83ppm,\;50.12{\pm}2.12ppm,\;5.59{\pm}0.84ppm,\;41.60{\pm}8.93ppm,\;20.19{\pm}0.97ppm,\;15.19{\pm}1.66ppm,\;21.20{\pm}1.88ppm,\;15.71{\pm}0.91ppm,\;55.48{\pm}2.42ppm,\;52.12{\pm}2.44ppm,\;23.80{\pm}1.98ppm\;and\;11.14{\pm}0.51ppm$, respectively($SC_{50}$ value of vitamin C: $9.61{\pm}0.93ppm$). In particular, both 1 paraguariensis and P. densiflora had high content of phenolics as well as high scavenging activities of DPPH radical and superoxide anion radical. Consequently, above two commercial extracts may be useful as a source of antioxidative nutraceutics.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2017

Objectives : Mori Radicis Cortex (MRC), the root epidermis of Morus alba L., has been traditionally used to treat lung-related diseases in Korean Medicine. The common of MRC is Mulberry bark Morus bark, and it's pharmaceutical properties and taste are known as sweet and cold, and it promotes urination and reduce edema by reducing heat from the lungs and soothe asthma. In the present study, anti-apoptotic mechanism of MRC in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in mice. Methods : Two-hundred grams of MRC was extracted with methanol at room temperature for 5 days, and this was repeated one time. After filtration, the methanol was removed using vacuum evaporator, then stored at $-20^{\circ}C$ until use. C57BL/6 male mice were housed in an environment with controlled humidity, temperature, and light cycle. In order to determine beneficial effects of MRC on ischemia induced brain damage, infarct volume, neurological deficit scores, activities of several apoptosis-related proteins such as caspase-8, -9, Bcl-xL in MCAO-induced brains of mice were analyzed. Mice in MRC-treated groups were orally administered 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg of body weight for three consecutive days before commencing the MCAO procedure. Results : Pre-treatment of MRC significantly reduced infarct volume in MCAO subjected mice applied with 300 mg/kg of MRC methanol extract, and MRC effectively inhibited Bcl-xL reduction and caspase-9 activation caused by MCAO-induced brain damage. Conclusions : MRC showed neuro-protective effects by regulating apoptosis-related protein signals, and it can be a potential candidate for the therapy of ischemia-induced brain damage.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.191-196
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• 2002

The water extract from the root bark of Cortex Mori (CM, Morus alba L.: Sangbaikpi), a mulberry tree, has been known in Chinese traditional medicine to have antiphlogistic, diuretic, and expectorant properties. In this study, the cytotoxicity of CM against tumor cells and its mechanism was examined . CM exhibited cytotoxic activity on K-562, B38O human leukemia cells and B16 mouse melanoma cells at concentrations of > 1 mg/ml. A DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage, and nuclear condensation assay showed that those cells exposed to CM underwent apoptosis. The water extract of Scutellarie Radix (SR) was used as a negative control and showed no cytotoxicity in those cells. The flow cytometric profiles of the CM-treated cells were also indicative of apoptosis. However, they did not appear to exert the G1 arrest, which is observed in other tubulin inhibitor agents such as vincristine, taxol. The protein-binding test using Biacore and a microtubule assembly-disassembly assay provided evidence showing that CM bound to the tubulins resulting in 3 markets inhibition of the assembly, but not the disassembly of microtubules. The possible nonspecific effect of the CM extract could be excluded due to the results using SR, which did not affect the assembly process. Overall, the water extract of CM induces apoptosis of tumor cells by inhibiting microtubule assembly.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2018

Objectives: Despite a rise of an interest in tooth whitening, diverse problems are being caused in case of hydrogen peroxide that is being used as a tooth bleaching agent. Thus, the aim was to examine tooth whitening effectiveness using natural products as a plan for supplementing this. Methods: As a result of having measured a tooth color through using VITA Easyshade V after having developed toothpaste with the application of extracts such as Citrus Peels, Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Root Bark, strawberry, and lemon, and then having used it for 10 weeks, they are as follows. Both upper and lower 6 anteriors mostly got brighter. Results: A statistically significant difference was shown especially in the right canine (p=0.015), in the right central incisor (p=0.007), and in the left central incisor (p<0.001). In consequence of having measured a color change, the tooth got brighter gradually in the higher extract content and in the lengthier use time. In case of canine, it got less bright compared to other teeth. In the outcome of evaluating sensuality, most of the questions were indicated to be high in case of using a whitening toothpaste for 10 weeks. But in what "there is no stickiness in the mouth, the stickiness was more felt in the use up to 5 weeks, but was improved in 10 weeks. Conclusions: The bleaching effectiveness was proved by developing a toothpaste with the application of natural extracts. A short-term effect cannot be seen like a whitening agent of using hydrogen peroxide. But there is a continuous effect in consideration of tooth-brushing more than 3 times a day.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.242-242
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• 1994

Cortex mori (Morus alba L.), the root bark of mulberry tree, has been used as an antiphlogistic, diuretic, and expectorant in herbal medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Cortex mori could inhibit the ovalbumin (OA) -induced late asthmatic reaction in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were sensitized by two exposures to an aerosol of OA(1.0%) and then challenged with aerosolized antigen(2.0%), The animals were pretreated by three inhalations of the aerosoled Cortex mori either before antigen sensitization or cahllenge. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) and peripheral blood were collected at 17 hours after OA challenge. The cell populations in BALF and peripheral blood were examined to determine the changes of the relative proportions of eosinophils,neutrophils and mononuclear cells etc. Beta-glucuronidase activity in BALF was measured to evaluate the alveolar macrophage activation. OA-induced histamine release from guinea pig peritoneal fluid cells was measured by radioisotope enzymatic asssay. Results were as follows. The number of eosinophils, neutriphils and lymphocytes recovered in BALF were significantly increased in the 17h following aerosol challenge with OA. Among them, eosinophil and neutriphils were decreased remarkably in group that had been preinhalated with Cortex mori. The number of lymphocytes in BALF were not decreased in group pretreated with CM before sensitization but decreased in Group pretreated with CM before challenge. After OA challenge, the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood were markedly increased, but Cortex mori inhibited significantly the OA-induced eosinophilia. Beta-glucuronidase activity in the supernatants of BALF were significantly increased in the 17h following aerosol challenge with OA, however, pretreatment of Cortex mori had no influence on Beta-glucuronidase activity, suggesting that Cortex mori had no inhibitory effect on OA-induced alveolar macrophage activation. Cortex mori inhibited the OA-induced histamine release from guinea pig peritoneal fluid cells. From the above results, it is suggested that Cortex mori contains some substances with an activity to inhibit the the OA-induced late phase reaction of the bronchial asthma in guinea pigs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.243-243
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• 1994

Although active systemic anaphylaxis and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis have been empolyed to study anaphylactic hypersensitivity, it is difficult and time-consuming to induce these reactions in experimental animals. In recent, Jun et al have found a simple method to induced anaphylactic hypersensitivity such as anaphylactic shock(AS) and cutaneous reaction(CR) using compound48/80. Cortex mori (Morus alba L.), the root bark of mulberry tree has been used as an antiphlogistic, diuretic, and expectorant in herbal medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the methanol extract of Cortex mori could inhibit the compound 48/80-induced AS and CR. To induce AS, various doses of compound 48/80 (5, 7.5, 10, 15$\mu\textrm{g}$/gm B.W.) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into ICR mice. The animals were pretreated by three injection(i.p.) of Cortex mori before compound 48/80 administration. Peripheral blood was collected from the right ventricle to estimate the level of serum histamine at 15 minutes after the injctin(i.p.) of various concentration of compound48/80. Mortility rate, mean death time and mesenteric mast cell degranulation rate were evaluated over a 72 hour period. To estimate the effect of Cortex mori on compound 48/80-induced cutaneous reaction, various doses of compound 48/80 with or without Cortex mori were injected intradermally(i.d.) into the shaved flank of Sprague-Dawley rats, and the blue cutaneous patchs induced by Evans'blue injection at the compound 48/80 alone and Cortex mori plus compound 48/80 injection sites were observed. As a Parameter of these reactions, the levels of histamine in the supernatant, calcium uptake and intracellular CAMP of RPMC were measured. supernatant, 1)compound 48/80-induced mortility rate, mean death time, mesenteric mast cell degranulation rate, and serum histamine level in ICR mice were significantly inhibited by pretreatment of Cortex mori, 2) cutaneous reaction inducd by compound48/80 was well developed in Sprague-Dawley rat, but Cortex mori inhibited the compound 48/80-induced blue patch formation remarkably, 3) the compound 48/80-induced degranulation, histamine release and calcium uptake of RPMC pretreated with Cortex mori were significantly inhibited, compared to those of control without Cortex mori pretreatment, and 4)the level of cAMP of RPMC was reduced bythe increased concentration of compound 48/80, pretreatment of Cortex mori not only inhibited the compound 48/80-induced reduction of CAMP but also significantly increased the level of cAMP naturally, from the above results, it is suggested that Cortex mori has an some substances with an ability to inhibits the compound 48/80-induced AS,CR, and mast cell activation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.265-272
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• 2006

Acne is a chronic inflammatory follicular disorder of the skin, occurring in specialized pilosebaceous units on the face, and Propionibacterium acnes, a strict anaerobic pathogen, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acne. To develop a reliable and effective anti-acne agent, we have evaluated antibacterial activity of 500 plant extracts, prepared from 335 plants, against P. acnes. Based on the results of disc-paper method, 25 plant extracts, including the extracts of Chloranthus japonicus (aerial part), Sophora flavescens (radix), Evodia officinalis (fructus), Ginko biloba (semem), Morus alba (root bark), Aralia continentalis (whole) and Reynoutria elliptica (radix), were selected as possible sources of anti-acne agent. Among them, the extract of S. flavescens (radix) was finally selected and kuraridin and kurarinone were identified as major active compounds of S. flavescens. These results suggested that medicinal and wild plants could be the potential source of anti-acne agent.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.18-27
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• 2016

Purpose: Our previous study demonstrated the hypoglycemic effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf and the underlying mechanisms. Here we explored the potency of mulberry twigs (TW) and root barks (RB) in postprandial hypoglycemic effects in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The major components of TW and RB were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Alpha-glucosidase inhibition and glucose/fructose uptake inhibition in Caco-2 cells were determined for TW, RB, and their major components, followed by an oral sugar tolerance test (OSTT) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet for 2 weeks and then a single dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg B.W) was administered by intraperitoneal injection. Rats with fasting blood glucose levels above 126 mg/dL were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8/group) for the following treatments by gavage for 4 weeks: vehicle (normal control and diabetic control), 200 mg/kg B.W of TW or RB or 100 mg/kg B.W of oxyresveratrol (OXY). Results: OXY and mulberroside A were identified as the major components of TW and OXY, mongolicin, and kuwanon H for RB. A significant inhibitory activity on ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ was found for TW, RB, and OXY (p = 0.0099). There was a dose-dependent inhibition of TW and RB on the intestinal sugar uptakes in Caco-2 cells, showing a greater impact on fructose compared to glucose. The OSTT showed that TW and RB significantly delayed time to maximal concentration (p = 0.0088) and decreased maximal concentration (p = 0.0043) compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that TW and RB may have a postprandial hypoglycemic effect, particularly in the case of high fructose or sucrose intake. OXY was suggested as a contributor to the hypoglycemic effect of TW and RB. Further studies are needed for the systemic effect of TW and RB in circulation.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-31
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• 1981

Rootability of the hardwood cuttings of mulberry was related not only histological characteristics but dependent on biochemical properties. In this connection, the characteristics of the hardwood cuttings were histologically observed and the growth substances produced by the cuttings were also identified by means of mung bean bioassay. Amino acid, carbohydrate, nucleic acid contents, and the C/N ratio were also analysed. The results are summarized as follows. 1. There were differences in rootability of cuttings between mulberry species and varieties Among the three mulberry species tested, Morus Lhou Koidz. showed the highest rootability while M. bombycis showed the lowest one. In varietal differences in rootability, it was shown that the varieties could be grouped according to rootability: high varieties(above 80%), medium(41~79%), and low(below 40%). The higher varieties were Kemmochi, Nakamaki, Kosen, and Wusuba roso. 2. The histological characteristic of the hardwood cuttings most closely related to rootability was cell layer arrangement in the sclerenchyma tissue. The lower rootability varieties developed two or three overlapping cell layers in the bark tissue and in the higher rootability varieties they were scattered over the primary cortex. 3. In the higher rootability varieties, there was a positive correlation between the development of root primodia and rootability of the hardwood cuttings. It was also shown that there was a close relationship between the size of primodia and the surface area of the lenticel with rootability of the cuttings. 4. Effect of growth substances extracted from the hardwood cuttings were determined by mung bean bioassay. The higher rootability varieties usually showed higher activities of the growth substances, in contrast the lower rootability varieties showed higher activities of the inhibitory substances. 5. It was evident that the substance separated by paper chromatography was identified as indole acetic acid with $R_f$ value ranging from 0.3 to 0.5. The other substances detected at a $R_f$ value ranging from 0.8 to 1.0 and origin to 0.1 were also responsible for rooting. 6. There exists a quantitatively different distribution of growth substances in a synergistic system in the tissues of cuttings, and the balance between growth and inhibitory substances gives rise to the development of rooting. Particularly, no descent of the substances from winter buds resulted in no rooting of cuttings but these substances were produced a week after planting in a warm environment. 7. It was shown that there were positive correlations between carbohydrate ($r=0.72^*$) and total sugar ($r=0.67^*$) and rootability, respectively, but there were negative correlations between reducing sugars ($r=-0.75^*$) and rootability. 8. High C/N ratio gave rise to high rootability($r=0.67^*$). The latter therefore depended on high amount of carbohydrate rather than nitrogen in the cuttings. 9. The content of RNA and DNA in the cuttings was not changed for upto two weeks after the cuttings were planted. Then an increase in RNA content took place in only the high rootability varieties. 10. There were quantitative and qualitative differences in the compositions of the amino acids between the high rootability varieties and the low rootability varieties. More aspartic acid and cystine were found in the higher rootability varieties than in the low rootability varieties.