• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.339-344
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• 2018

Schizandra chinensis has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine and is known to have various bioactive components, including schizandrin and gomisin A. In the current study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activities and their working mechanisms of ethanol extracts of pomace of Schizandra chinensis (PSC), schizandrin (SZ), and gomisin A (GA). First, we analyzed the effects of PSC on nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viabilities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results indicated that PSC dramatically reduced NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viabilities. PSC also decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory genes iNOS and COX-2, whereas the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ was not affected by PSC. In addition, PSC inhibited phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK but did not change the expression of their total protein. The results indicate that PSC can regulate LPS-induced inflammatory responses by suppressing MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling. We also analyzed the effects of SZ and GA on NO production and cell viabilities in RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that SZ and GA also decreased NO production in a dose-dependent manner in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells without affecting cell viabilities. SZ reduced the expression of iNOS, whereas GA downregulated iNOS and COX-2. Overall, these findings clarify the molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects mediated by PSC, SZ, and GA.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.692-698
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• 2010

This study investigated anti-diabetic activity of Kocat-D1, which is a currently used traditional medicine for treatment of diabetes in Shandong, China. Insulin sensitizing activity was observed in a cell-based glucose uptake assay using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The treatment of 0.2 mg/mL of hot water extract of Kocat-D1 with 0.2 nM insulin was associated with a significant increasing in glucose uptake ($165.0{\pm}0.7%$) over the treatment of 0.2 nM insulin. C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice (8 weeks of age) were separated into 3 groups: normal control (control, db/+ mice untreated), diabetic control (DM control, db/db mice untreated), Kocat-D1 (db/db mice treated with Kocat-D1 extract 350 mg/kg/day). After 16 weeks of treatment, body weight and total diet intake of Kocat-D1 group were significantly lower than DM control groups. Blood glucose levels of the Kocat-D1 group ($14.7{\pm}1.4\;mmol/L$) were significantly lower compared to the DM control group ($27.1{\pm}0.2\;mmol/L$). Furthermore, insulin level was significantly increased in the Kocat-D1 group ($0.17{\pm}0.02\;ng/mL$) compared with the DM control group ($0.05{\pm}0.02\;ng/mL$). The glomeruli in kidney was stained using periodic acid-shiff base (PAS) for confirming collagen accumulation. The glomeruli in kidney of Kocat-D1 group had significantly reduced PAS-positive compared with that of DM control.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.477-484
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger on colitis induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in Balb/c mice. Beopje means a process that herbal medicines are treated by a specific Korean traditional method in order to obtain better pharmacological effects. Mice were fed saline or two different doses of ethanol extracts (ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger) once a day for 14 days. Colitis was induced from day 7 to 14 via administration of 2.5% DSS in drinking water. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: Nor (Normal, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline without 2.5% DSS-treated group), Con (Control, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline and 2.5% DSS treated group), G (500 mg/kg of ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group), and BG (500 mg/kg of Beopje ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group). Body weights of both ginger-administered groups increased compared to the control. Colon length increased to 7.6, and 8.0 cm in the G and BG groups, respectively, whereas that of control was 5.7 cm. Histological colon injury induced by DSS-induced colitis was reduced (P<0.05). In serum and DSS-treated colon tissues, mRNA expression levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-12 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly suppressed compared to those of the ginger-treated groups. Expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly reduced compared to those of the ginger-treated groups (P<0.05), and BG showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects on colitis. These results indicated that ginger exerted anti-inflammatory effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice, and its effects could be increased through Beopje.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.452-463
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• 2020

Purpose: Aster tataricus (AT) is one of the Asteraceae perennial herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb contains various bioactive substances, such as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and phenolic compounds in the roots, and exhibits a range of effects including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study compared the immunomodulatory effects of ethanol and water extracts of whole AT, except the roots, and analyzed the molecular mechanisms for the regulatory effects on cytokine secretion from THP-1 cells. Methods: The effects of AT extract on the cell viability and proliferation of THP-1 cells were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant of the AT-treated THP-1 cells were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in the cell lysates were determined by western blotting. Results: The water extract and the ethanol extract of AT did not affect the cell viability, and increased the proliferation of THP-1 cells significantly compared to the vehicle. The water extract increased the secretion of IL-1β from THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but the ethanol extract had no effect. The expression of COX-2 and iNOS protein and the phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt were induced in AT-treated cells. In addition, IκBα was degraded by AT in a concentration-dependent manner. IL-1β secretion by AT was reduced by extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors, while TNF-α secretion was decreased by inhibitors of ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Interestingly, the p38 MAPK inhibitor increased the production of IL-1β by AT further. Conclusion: The water extract of the above-ground parts of AT contains immunomodulatory bioactive substances that stimulate immune cells through the MAPK signaling pathway.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.877-885
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• 2020

Lentinuls edodes has been used for traditional food and medicine around Asia, and a variety of biological effects have been reported. In this study, L. edodes water extract (LWE) was investigated for its anti-photodamage effect in HaCaT keratinocytes. To perform the necessary assays, L. edodes was extracted with distilled water for 8 hr at 40℃ in an extract tank. Anti-photodamage activity was assessed using a scratch wound healing assay, cell proliferation, and a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging test and by measuring the mRNA and protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and type I procollagen. MMPs and collagen expression are major markers of UV-induced photodamage in skin. Prior to photodamage analysis, the total polyphenol and β-glucan contents of the LWE were evaluated and found to be 4.64 mg GAE/g DW and 165.96 mg/g, respectively. Treatment with LWE induced cell migration and cell proliferation in UV-irradiated HaCaT cells, and LWE effectively scavenged the ROS induced by H₂O₂ and UVB irradiation in HaCaT cells. UVB irradiation induced ROS generation and led to increased production of MMP-1 and MMP-9 and to decreased collagen production in human keratinocytes. Treatment with LWE upregulated the expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-9, and type I procollagen in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. This study suggests that LWE could be used to develop cosmetic materials with anti-photodamage effects.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.674-679
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• 2008

Scutellaria radix (SR) has been utilized as a traditional medicine for a variety of diseases including Rheumatoid arthritis and its major flavonoids - baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin - have been reported to exert beneficial health effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain poorly understood. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effect of SR on osteoblast and osteoclast cells. SR extract was prepared using 70% ethanol solvent. Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and osteoclast precursor Raw 264.7 macrophage cells were utilized. SR extract increased MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity dose-dependently, 152.0% of the control at concentration $1{\mu}g/mL$. Additionally, SR extract ($1{\mu}g/mL$) stimulated Bone nodule formation activity in MC3T3-E1 cells, approximately 223.3% of the control, 20 days after the exposure. In addition, SR extract significantly reduced the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive (TRAP+) multinucleated cells from Raw 264.7 cells. In conclusion, SR extract stimulates the proliferation and bioactivities of boneforming osteoblasts, and inhibits the activities of bone-resorbing osteoclasts to a certain degree.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1 s.31
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• pp.280-301
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• 1996

This thesis is on the effects of the Injections of Mokhyangsunkisan extract, Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract and Palmisunkisan extract clinical experiments wre done with medicines to research their analgesic and anti-convulsive action and their efficiency on $O_3$ and Xylene-poisoned lung damage and the pulmonary thromboembolism of rats and mice. The results are as follows; 1. As to the analgesic action, each Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract, Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract and Palmisunkisan extract had significant effects. Among them the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract had the highest effect. 2. As to the anti-convulsive action, each Injections of Mokhyangsunkisan extract and Palmisunkisan extract had significant effects whereas that of the Injection of Mokhvangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract had no effect. 3. In the frsearch of the Lung TBA values of $O_3$-poisoned rats. each Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract and Palmisunkisan extract had significant effects whereas that of the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract had no effect. 4. None of the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract, Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L, extract and Palmisunkisan extract had significant effects in the experiments about the variation of the $Na^+$ contents and $K^+$ contents in the serum electrolytes of the $O_3$-poisoned rats. 5. In the research of the Lung TBA values of Xylene-poisoned rats all the three Injections had prominent effects. 6. In the research of the Lung weight in Xylene-poisoned rats each Injections of Mokhyangsunkisan extract and Palmisunkisan extract had significant effects whereas that of the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract had no effect. 7. In the experiments about the variation of the $Na^+$ contents in the serum electrolytes of the Xylene-poisoned rats the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract had a significant effect whereas those of the Injections of Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract and Palmisunkisan extract had no significant effects. 8. None of the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract, Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract and Palmisunkisan extract had significant effects in the experiments about the variation of the $K^+$ contents in the serum electrolytes of the Xylene-poisoned rats. 9. All the three Injections had prominent death-repressive effects on the pulmonary thromboembolism induced by Sodium Arachidonate. 10. Each Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract and Palmisunkisan extract had death-repressive effects on the pulmonary thromboembolism induced by ADP, whereas the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract had a feeble death-repressive effect By all results of the clinical experiments. the following conclusions are drown; Each Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract and Palmisunkisan extract has analgesic and anti-convulsive effects and is also effective for the $O_3$ and Xylene-poisoned Lung damage and pulmonary thromboembolism of rats and mice. The Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract has on analgesic effect and is also effective for the pulmonary thromboembolism. Especially its analgesic effect is prominent. Therefore, each Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan extract and Palmisunkisan extract can be used for injection to improve the pulmonary functions whereas the Injection of Mokhyangsunkisan plus Rheum undulatum L. extract is partly effective for the improvement of the pulmonary function. In view of the results so far achieved, fluid acupuncture therapy can be applied as well as traditional way of oral administration of the decoction.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.389-399
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• 2016

This study was performed to investigate the hepatotoxicity reducing effect of ethanol extracts from Youngia denticulata Houtt Kitamura (YD) fermented by Aspergillus oryzae, which is well known as a Korean traditional meju microbe. Experimental rats were divided into 4 diets groups (six rats/group) (NC: normal control group, EC: ethanol supplemented control group, ENY: ethanol extracts 0.5% supplemented diets of the non-fermented YD group, EFY: ethanol extracts 0.5% supplemented diets of the fermented YD group). After feeding them for four weeks, the activities GOT and GPT in serum, contents of neutral lipid, total cholesterol, LPO and GSH, and activities of XO (O type) enzyme, SOD and GST in liver tissue were observed. Compared to the NC group, the GOT and GPT activities in the EC group were markedly increased by 87.91% and 57.02%, and the contents of neutral lipid, total cholesterol and LPO were increased by 77.51%, 18.56% and 193.86%, respectively. On the other hand, the GSH content was decreased by 29.52%. The activities of SOD and GST which are anti-oxidation-related enzymes, were decreased by 42.78% and 0.94%, respectively, compared to the NC group, but the XO (O type) enzyme activity was significantly increased by 70.83%. These results confirmed that the liver tissue and anti-oxidation system of the EC group had been damaged. Compared to the EC group, the GOT and GPT activities of the ENY and EFY groups were significantly decreased by 24.73~41.99% and 22.91~30.11%, respectively. The contents of neutral lipid, total cholesterol and LPO were decreased by 16.65~33.33%, 22.44~23.11% and 63.34~66.13%, respectively, but the GSH content was significantly increased by 24.61~35.60%. The GST activity was not significantly affected, but the SOD activity was significantly increased by 214.94~261.19%. The XO (O type) enzyme activity was significantly decreased by 40.34~51.20%. Compared to the ENY group, the GOT and GPT activities of the EFY group were significantly decreased by 22.93% and 9.34%, respectively. The plasma contents of neutral lipid, total cholesterol and LPO were decreased by 20.01%, 0.86% and 7.59%, respectively. The SOD activity was significantly increased by 21.52%, and the XO (O type) enzyme activity was decreased by 18.19%. Given decreasde TG, total cholesterol, LPO contents of liver tissue, GOT, GPT and XO activity, and increased SOD activity, these study results that ethanol extracts from fermented Youngia denticulata Houtt Kitamura may be effective in reducing hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1397-1403
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• 2013

Fructus Sophorae, the dried ripe fruit of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.), is an herbal ingredient used in traditional Oriental medicine. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Fructus Sophorae extracts (FSE) on immune modulation in a murine RAW 264.7 macrophage model. As immune response parameters, the production of prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and tumor necrotic $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) were evaluated. Our data revealed that FSE increased the macrophage activation and the production of $PGE_2$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$, which was consistently correlated with upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and $TNF-{\alpha}$ expression at both transcriptional and translational levels. On comparative cytokine protein array, FSE significantly increased several cytokines, which was associated with phosphorylation of mitogen- activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and Akt in RAW 264.7 cells. However, each inhibitor of these molecules attenuated the FSE-induced $PGE_2$ production. These results indicate that FSE activated macrophages through the activation of MAPKs and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages. These findings suggest that FSE may provide a promising source of an immunoenhancing agent.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 2008

In Asia Saussurea lappa (SL) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat abdominal pain and tenesmus. Recently, in vitro cell culture studies have shown that SL has anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. To explore its potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects in colon cancer, we examined whether the hexane extract of SL (HESL) could inhibit the growth of HT-29 human colon cancer cells, and investigated the mechanisms for this effect. The cells were cultured with various concentrations (0-5 ${\mu}g/mL$) of HESL. The results indicated that HESL markedly decreased the numbers of viable HT-29 cells; whereas at the concentration of 5 ${\mu}g/mL$, HESL slightly decreased the viable cell numbers of CCD 1108Sk human skin normal fibroblasts at 72 hr. HESL substantially increased the numbers of cells in the sub G1 phase, and dose-dependently increased apoptotic cell numbers. Western blot analysis of the total cell lysates revealed that HESL increased Bax protein levels, but did not affect Bcl-2 levels. HESL induced the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and caspases 8, 9, 7, and 3. This study demonstrated that HESL inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in HT-29 cells, which may be mediated by its ability to increase Bax levels and activate the caspase pathway. These findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for colon cancer treatment.