• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.164-172
• /
• 2019

In Korea, shiitake mushroom, Lentinula edodes, is cultivated on artificial medium containing oak sawdust and wheat bran. The annual production of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of shiitake, a byproduct of the mushroom industry, is estimated to reach over 50,000 tons per year. This study aimed to improve the use of SMS as a novel bioresource. Hot water extracts of SMS after the first and third harvest were prepared and their bioactivities evaluated. Hot water extracts of uninoculated medium and shiitake were used as controls. Extracts of SMS showed higher radical scavenging of DPPH anions, ABTS cations, nitrites, and a higher reducing power than those of shiitake or medium extracts. After the first and third harvests at 0.5 mg/disc, SMS extracts showed no antibacterial or antifungal activities against the pathogenic and food-spoilage bacteria and fungi. However, they showed good inhibitory activities against ${\alpha}$-glucosidase at 0.5 mg/ml. In addition, SMS extracts had strong anti-coagulation activities via their inhibition of thrombin, prothrombin, and blood coagulation factors without platelet aggregation activity. Our results suggested SMS should no longer be perceived as a useless byproduct but should be understood as a novel bioresource, the extracts of which could be developed as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombosis agents.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.52-59
• /
• 2019

The leave of Polygonum tinctorium (LPT) have been used for centuries as a traditional medicine and as a food ingredient and natural dye. The aim of the current study was to develop high-value added products using LPT. Hot water extract (HWE) and ethanol extract (EE) of LPT were prepared, respectively, and their bioactivity was evaluated. The extraction ratio for the HWE was 27.6%, which was two-fold higher than that of the EE. The contents of total polyphenol in the HWE and total sugar in the EE were 51.2 mg/g and 297.8 mg/g, respectively. The total flavonoid and reducing sugar contents were similar in the extracts, irrespective of the extraction solvent. The HWE did not show antimicrobial activity in a disc-diffusion assay, but the EE showed strong growth inhibition against gram-positive bacteria. The EE exhibited stronger DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and reducing power than those of the HWE. The HWE was particularly effective as a scavenger of nitrite ($RC_{50}$ of $6.0{\mu}g/ml$). In an antithrombosis activity assay, the EE showed significant anticoagulation activity as determined by an extended blood coagulation time (thrombin time, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time), in addition to platelet aggregation activity. The HWE also showed platelet aggregation inhibitory activity. This report provides the first evidence of antithrombosis activities of LPT. Our results suggest that LPT has potential as a new antioxidant and antithrombosis agent.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.385-392
• /
• 2024

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a valuable plant that is widely used worldwide for food and medicinal purposes. This study compared ethanol extracts of five native Korean varieties (Yuwol-cho, Subi-cho, Sumihyang, Gounbit, and Chilseong-cho) and five improved varieties (Dabok, Cheongyang, Chungseong, Olbokhap, and Shin-honggildong) of peppers cultured in Korea. The extracts were analyzed for color difference, polyphenol content, and their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombotic activities. The extracts of the improved varieties exhibited higher levels of redness and lower levels of yellowness compared to the native varieties. Polyphenol and flavonoid content analysis revealed significantly higher levels in the Yuwol-cho and Sumihyang varieties, which also exhibited scavenging activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl anion-, 2,2-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cation-radical scavenging, and reducing power assay. The Chilseong-cho, Yuwol-cho, and Dabok varieties showed significantly higher nitrite scavenging activity. Antidiabetic activity based on α-glucosidase inhibition was observed in the Subi-cho, Sumihyang, and Gounbit extracts. Evaluation of antithrombotic activity showed that the Yuwol-cho extract prolonged thrombin time by 1.61 times compared to the solvent control at a concentration of 5 mg/ml, while the Dabok extract prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time by 1.33 times and 2.21 times, respectively. All pepper extracts showed no erythrocyte hemolysis activity up to a concentration of 5 mg/ml. Our results suggest that native Korean peppers have the potential to serve as valuable sources of antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombotic agents. This research also indicates the possibility of replacing improved pepper varieties, which incur significant seed usage fees, with native Korean pepper varieties.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.131-138
• /
• 2017

In this study, for the efficient use of the byproduct of the omija (Schizandra chinensis Baillon: SC) processing industry, the ethanol extracts of the fruit (F), seed (S), and pomace (P) of SC were prepared, and their useful bioactivities were evaluated. For F-SC, S-SC, and P-SC, the extraction yields were 28.3%, 22.1%, and 7.2%, respectively, and the polyphenol contents were 8.81, 37.22, and 9.20 mg/g, respectively. The total flavonoid content in P-SC (4.31 mg/g) was 3.5-fold higher than that in F-SC (0.76 mg/g). In an antioxidation activity assay, P-SC showed stronger radical scavenging activities against DPPH anion, ABTS cation, and nitrite and stronger reducing power activities than the other extracts. The calculated concentration required for 50% radical scavenging activity, $RC_{50}s$, of P-SC for DPPH anion, ABTS cation, and nitrite was 226.2, 192.5, and $92.5{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. In an antimicrobial activity assay, F-SC, S-SC, and P-SC showed similarly strong growth inhibitions against Bacillus subtilis and P. vulgaris at a concentration of 0.5 mg/disc. F-SC and P-SC showed 15-fold extended time in thrombin, prothrombin, and activated partial thromboplastin time assays at a concentration of 5 mg/ml. The anticoagulation activity of P-SC (2.5 mg/ml) was comparable to that of aspirin (1.5 mg/ml). Furthermore, F-SC and S-SC showed very good platelet aggregation inhibitory activities. F-SC, S-SC, and P-SC did not show significant hemolysis against human red blood cell up to a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. These results suggest that S-SC and P-SC, both of which are byproducts of the omija processing industry, show strong potential as novel antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antithrombosis agents.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.678-683
• /
• 2007

Extracts from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba are becoming increasingly popular as a treatment that is claimed to reduce atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and thrombosis. In this study, the effect of ginkgolide B (GB) from Ginkgo biloba leaves in collagen (10 ${\mu}g/ml$)-stimulated platelet aggregation was investigated. It has been known that human platelets release matrix metallo-proteinase-9 (MMP-9), and that it significantly inhibited platelet aggregation stimulated by collagen. Zymographic analysis confirmed that pro-MMP-9 (92-kDa) was activated by GB to form an MMP-9 (86-kDa) on gelatinolytic activities. And then, activated MMP-9 by GB dose-dependently inhibited platelet aggregation, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization, and thromboxane $A_2$ ($TXA_2$) formation in collagen-stimulated platelets. Activated MMP-9 by GB directly affects down-regulations of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) or $TXA_2$ synthase in a cell free system. In addition, activated MMP-9 significantly increased the formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which have the anti-platelet function in resting and collagen-stimulated platelets. Therefore, we suggest that activated MMP-9 by GB may increase the intracellular cAMP and cGMP production, inhibit the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization and $TXA_2$ production, thereby leading to inhibition of platelet aggregation. These results strongly indicate that activated MMP-9 is a potent inhibitor of collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. It may act a crucial role as a negative regulator during platelet activation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.73-78
• /
• 2008

Red ginseng acidic polysaccharide (RGAP), isolated from Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), has been shown to have a variety of biological functions such as immunostimulating and anti-tumor activities. In the present study, we investigated whether RGAP inhibited ligand-induced platelet aggregation. The washed platelet-rich plasma was prepared from male SD rats with successive centrifugation. The platelets $(10^8/ml)$ were preincubated with 1 mM of $CaCl_2$ for 2 min either in the presence or in the absence of RGAP $(10{\sim}50\;{\mu}g/ml)$ and were stimulated with collagen (2.5 ${\mu}g/ml$) and thrombin (0.1 U/ml). RGAP dose-dependently inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation with $IC_{50}$ value of $26.2{\pm}2.0$ ${\mu}g/ml$. In collagen-induced platelet aggregation, RGAP inhibited the reaction with an $IC_{50}$ value of $31.5{\pm}3.0\;{\mu}g/ml$. RGAP potently suppressed the intracellular calcium ion, which was stimulated by thrombin (0.1 U/ ml). Among mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) subtypes, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 MAPK were analyzed in the present study. RGAP inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK2 and p38 MAPK, which was activated by collagen (2.5 ${\mu}g/ml$). Finally, these results suggested that besides saponin fraction, RGAP take an important role in the preventive effect of Korean red ginseng against cardiovascular disease such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.380-388
• /
• 2002

The inhibitory effects of the traditional herbal medicine Hwao-tang on the progression of the atherosclerotic lesions were studied using the spontaneous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) model, Kurosawa and Kusanagi-hypercholesterolemic (KHC) rabbits. Hwao-tang is activate blood circulation, vital energy and regulate menstruation, etc. Nowadays, Hwao-tang is mainly used for the treatment of inflammation, hyperlipemia and arteriosclerosis. However, pharmacological mechanisms of Hwao-tang on lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis formation are poorly understood. We have investigated the pharmacological effects of Hwao-tang on hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis using a spontaneous experimental model. In conclusion, the protection of extracts of HOT and its herbs on the ischemic infarction induced artificially might be related to their inhibitory effects on DIC, platelet coagulation and thrombic action. These suggest that Hwao-tang has inhibitory effects on the development of atheromatous plaque formation in spontaneous FH model rabbits. It is possible that the anti oxidative effects of Hwao-tang on LDL led to the beneficial effects observed in this study.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.5
• /
• pp.1494-1504
• /
• 2004

The present paper reports the effects of Hwaotang an atherosclerosis using a spontaneous experimental model, We have also investigated the pharmacological effect of Hwaotang on collagen- and ADP-induced blood platelet aggregation, thrombin-induced conversion of fibrinogen and fibrinolysis in in vitro experiments, and various effects on stimuli-induced superoxide generation in human neutrophils. Hwao-tang was shown to have inhibitory effect on collagen- and ADP-induced blood platelet aggregation, on thrombin-induced conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and on the activity of plasminogen or plasmin. Hwao-tang also significantly inhibited fMLP-induced superoxide generation in a concentration-dependent manner, but not that induced by arachidonic acid. Hwao-tang inhibited neutrophil functions, including degranulation, superoxide generation, and leukotriene B4 production, without any effect on 5-lipoxygenase activity. In conclusion, the protection of extracts of Hwao-tang on the ischemic infarction induced artificially might be involved to their inhibition of thrombotic action. The results also indicate that Hwao-tang exerts the effects on superoxide generation related to the inhibition of neutrophil functions.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.33 no.2 s.129
• /
• pp.130-136
• /
• 2002

Melanogenesis is a physiological process resulting in the synthesis of melanin pigments, which play a crucial protective role against skin photocarcinogenesis. The heart wood of Caesalpinia sappan L.(C. sappan) has long been commonly used in Oriental folk medicines to promote blood circulation, and as an emmenagogue, analgesic or anti-inflammatory agent as well as a remedy for thrombosis. From the heartwood, many constituents have been purified and among them, brazilin and hematoxylin are two of the most abundant. This present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of butanol extract from C. sappan on proliferation and melanogenesis in Melan-a cells. After 48 h treatment of these cells with various concentrations of butanol extract, the cells showed a dose-dependent inhibition in their proliferation without apoptotic cell death. Therefore, the growth retardation by the extract may be due to the cell arrest or cell differentiation. We also estimated total melanin content as a final product and activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme, of melanogenesis in Melan-a cells. The melanin content and tyrosinase activity were deσeased in extract-treated cells in a dose dependent manner compared to control group. The butanol extract also resulted in a decrease of melanin content in ${\alpha}-melanocyte-stimulating$ hormone (MSH)-induced melanogenesis, indicating that butanol extract of C. sappan could be developed as skin whitening components of cosmetics.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.460-466
• /
• 2006

We wondered whether the mechanisms of antiplatelet aggregation of DJS-WE were through multiple pathways. Danggijakyak-san(DJS) consisting of 6 herbes of Paeoniae Radix, Poria Cocos, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Alismatis Rhizoma, is a crude mixture of a commonly used Korean herbal medicine. The water extract (DJS-WE) of DJS has been known to have an anti-platelet aggregation activity. We have reported that DJS-WE inhibited ADP-induced aggregation as well as arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of human platelet. Clinical studies on the cardiovascular effects of DJS-WE have been done in Korea. The DJS has been used as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal pain, dysentery), headache, amenorrhea, and postpartum hemorrhage. It has also been claimed to have a remarkable central stimulant effect, a transient hypertensive effect, and positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. In this paper, we evaluated the possible mechanisms of the antiplatelet activity of DJS-WE using human platelets. On the other hand, the role of DJS-ethanol extract on the inhibition of platelet aggregation and hemolytic effect have not yet been investigated in detail. We also used the method of activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT) for the first time to study the inhibition on platelet aggregation activity of DJS-ethanol extract. The effect of DJS-WE on hemolysis was also investigated. DJS-WE showed a high hemolysis ability on human blood.