• Natural Product Sciences
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.138-142
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• 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease in industrialized countries. It is estimated that about 47 million people living with dementia and the number of cases will be tripled by 2050. However, the exact mechanism of AD is not known, and full therapy has still not been found. Various tryptophan-derived alkaloids have been reported as promising agents for the treatment of AD. In the present study, a series of tryptophan-derived alkaloids were isolated and characterized from the methanol extract of Hedera rhombea fruit. Based on the analysis of their observed and reported spectroscopic data, their structures were identified as N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan (1), N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan (2), N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan methyl ester (3), and N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan methyl ester (4). These compounds were screened for anti-Alzheimer activity via their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes in vitro. As a result, compounds 3 and 4 showed moderate BChE inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 86.9 and 78.4 μM, respectively, compared to those of the positive control [berberine (IC₅₀ = 11.5 μM)]. However, all four compounds did not show significant inhibition of the AChE enzyme. This is the first time, the AChE and BChE inhibitory activities of these tryptophan-derived alkaloids were investigated and reported.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제61권4호
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• pp.449-454
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• 2023

Free-living amoebae (FLA) rarely cause human infections but can invoke fatal infections in the central nervous system (CNS). No consensus treatment has been established for FLA infections of the CNS, emphasizing the urgent need to discover or develop safe and effective drugs. Flavonoids, natural compounds from plants and plant-derived products, are known to have antiprotozoan activities against several pathogenic protozoa parasites. The anti-FLA activity of flavonoids has also been proposed, while their antiamoebic activity for FLA needs to be emperically determined. We herein evaluated the antiamoebic activities of 18 flavonoids against Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba species which included A. castellanii and A. polyphaga. These flavonoids showed different profiles of antiamoebic activity against N. fowleri and Acanthamoeba species. Demethoxycurcumin, kaempferol, resveratrol, and silybin (A+B) showed in vitro antiamoebic activity against both N. fowleri and Acanthamoeba species. Apigenin, costunolide, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, rosmarinic acid, and (-)-trans-caryophyllene showed selective antiamoebic activity for Acanthamoeba species. Luteolin was more effective for N. fowleri. However, afzelin, berberine, (±)-catechin, chelerythrine, genistein, (+)-pinostrobin, and quercetin did not exhibit antiamoebic activity against the amoeba species. They neither showed selective antiamoebic activity with significant cytotoxicity to C6 glial cells. Our results provide a basis for the anti-FLA activity of flavonoids, which can be applied to develope alternative or supplemental therapeutic agents for FLA infections of the CNS.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.295-313
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• 2023

Objectives : While treatments for cancer are advancing, the development of effective treatments for cancer metastasis, the main cause of cancer patient death, remains insufficient. Recent studies on Dichroae Radix have revealed that its active ingredients have the potential to inhibit cancer metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the cancer metastasis inhibitory effect of Dichroae Radix using network pharmacological analysis. Methods : The active compounds of Dichroae Radix have been identified using Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The UniProt database was used to collect each of information of all target proteins associated with the active compounds. To find the bio-metabolic processes associated with each target, the DAVID6.8 Gene Functional classifier tool was used. Compound-Target and Target-Pathway networks were analyzed via Cytoscape 3.40. Results : In total, 25 active compounds and their 62 non-redundant targets were selected through the TCMSP database and analysis platform. The target genes underwent gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis. The gene list applied to the gene ontology analysis revealed associations with various biological processes, including signal transduction, chemical synaptic transmission, G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, response to xenobiotic stimulus, and response to drugs, among others. A total of eleven genes, including HSP90AB1, CALM1, F2, AR, PAKACA, PTGS2, NOS2, RXRA, ESR1, ESR2, and NCOA1, were found to be associated with biological pathways related to cancer metastasis. Furthermore, nineteen of the active compounds from Dichroae Radix were confirmed to interact with these genes. Conclusions : The results provide valuable insights into the mechanism of action and molecular targets of Dichroae Radix. Notably, Berberine, the main active ingredient of Dichroae Radix, plays a significant role in degrading AR proteins in advanced prostate cancer. Further studies and validations can provide crucial data to advance cancer metastasis prevention and treatment strategies.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제61권3호
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• pp.297-304
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• 2018

황련은 한의학에서 진정, 소염, 항균 및 해열에 쓰이고 있으며, 주성분인 berberine은 강력한 항균작용을 가지는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 황련에 대한 피부상재균 및 주거환경의 실내 낙하균에 대한 항균효과와 주거 환경에서 검출빈도가 높은 곰팡이에 대한 항진균 효과 및 인체에 대한 안전성을 조사하였다. 황련 열수 추출물(CW)은 Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis에 대해 항균 효과를 보였으며, 각기 다른 4곳에서 포집된 실내 낙하균에 대해서도 항균효과를 보였다. 100 mg/mL의 농도에서 42일까지 항균의 지속력과 열처리 후에도 항균력의 변화가 없는 열 안정성을 보여주었다. CW의 MIC와 MBC는 S. aureus는 0.03, 0.05 mg/mL, S. epidermidis는 0.50, 0.75 mg/mL, P. acne는 0.10, 0.15 mg/mL 였다. 주변 환경에서 검출빈도가 높은 5종의 곰팡이 중 4종에 대해 항진균 활성을 보였으며, 균사 생장의 100%를 억제할 수 있는 최저 농도로 결정하여 MIC를 측정한 결과 Gliocladium virens는 65 mg/mL이었다. Aureobasidium pullulans에 대한 MIC는 90 mg/mL, Penicilium pinophilum 및 Chaetomium globosum에 대한 MIC는 100 mg/mL로 측정되었다. 피부자극 테스트인 패치테스트와 안자극 테스트인 ocular mucous membrane irritation evaluation test에서도 CW는 자극을 보이지 않는 안전한 추출물로 간주되었다. 따라서, 이러한 결과는, 황련(Coptis chinensis)은 항균, 항진균 활성 및 인체 안전성을 가지는 화장품 및 주거 환경 산업의 소재 개발에 응용될 수 있음을 시사한다.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.740-746
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• 2004

In order to identify the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of natural herbal extracts, widely used in the Korean traditional medicine, an in vitro screening system was designed using pGL3, a luciferase reporter vector, and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase (COX)-II as target genes. The promoter regions of each gene was generated by PCR using the human chromosome as template DNA, and inserted into pGL3 vector with Kpnl and Hindlll. The final construct was transfected into human myleomonocytic leukemia cells (U937) that could be differentiated and activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Using this system, we tested the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of several herbal extracts being regarded to have the medicinal effects of diminishing the body heat and complementing Qi. The well-known chemicals of PD98059 and berberine chloride were used as controls of the transcriptional inhibitors of TNF-α and COX-II, respectively. Among them, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan-Sam) was found to exhibit the significant medicinal properties of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.620-631
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• 2016

바이로이드는 매우 작은 RNA 분자로 구성되어 있으며, 외피 단백질이 없고 오로지 식물에만 감염되어 질병을 유발한다. 바이로이드 감염 질병을 예방하거나 진단하는 것은 상당히 어려운 일이며, 이는 병징이 초기에는 발견되지 않고 수확기에 접어들어서 발견되기 때문이다. 한편, 혈청학적인 방법은 식물 병원체를 검출하기 위해 주로 사용되었으나 바이로이드는 핵산인 RNA로만 구성되어 있기 때문에 이 방법으로 검출할 수가 없다. 때문에 바이로이드를 검출하기 위해 주로 사용되는 방법은 분자 생물학적인 방법으로, 초기에는 바이로이드의 분자적인 크기와 구조적 특징을 이용한 겔 전기 영동 방법이 주로 사용되었다. 그 후에는 역전사 반응과 중합효소 연쇄반응을 접목시킨 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응(RT-PCR) 방법이 활용되었고, 그에 대한 효율적인 결과 확인을 위해 형광 물질을 도입한 실시간 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응(Real-time RT-PCR)이 도입되었다. 그러나 그들은 온도를 변화시키기 위한 값비싼 기기와 전문적인 인력이 필요함으로 현장에서는 활용되기가 어렵다. 최근 개발된 고리 기반의 등온 증폭법(Loop-mediated isothermal amplification)의 경우, 온도의 변화가 필요 없어 비싼 온도 조절 기기가 필요하지 않다. 또한 매우 높은 증폭 효율을 지니며 반응 시간이 짧은 등의 여러 장점을 지니고 있기에 최근 현장 진단용 기술에 도입되고 있다. 이러한 배경으로, 이 총설에서는 바이로이드 유발 질병에 대하여 요약하고 그에 대한 검출 및 진단 방법에 대한 연구 동향에 대하여 기술하였다.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.51-59
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• 2016

Objectives We studied long-term preservation in stability of a mixed preparation of distilled and 70% alcohol extracted Hwangnyunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture to establish standards for expiration date and quality control. Methods Three lots of consecutively prepared Hwangnyunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture were each tested in triplicate to a total 5 tests at 3 month intervals over a period of 12 months for analysis of appearance, pH, specific gravity, index component content, endotoxins, microbial sterility, residual organic solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides. Items with no difference by elapsed time were tested at the initial and final timepoints, and data of items with potential difference by elapsed time were analyzed for trends to establish individual quality control standards. Results All tested items were stable over the study period, and therefore the expiration date was set as 12 months. pH quality control standards were set as 3.66~5.69, and that of specific gravity as 0.802~1.203, respectively. In index component content standards, berberine was set at $4.96{\sim}8.98{\mu}g/vial$, baicalin at $6.47{\sim}10.31{\mu}g/vial$, and geniposide at $116.03{\sim}189.55{\mu}g/vial$, respectively. Standards for other items with no difference by elapsed time were set according to general Korean herbal medicine standards in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Conclusions Manageable expiration date and quality control standards were established through long-term preservation testing of Hwangnyunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture, furthering standardization of Korean medicine pharmacopuncture.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.80-99
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• 2016

Objectives : Instrumental chemical analysis was utilized to investigate the effect of Add-Omit-Saenghyeoryunbu-eum(AO-SHU) on diabetic treatment. One of the most exciting, yet also controversial, arguments is the safety and biological mechanisms of the natural medicine on human body. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a better understanding on bioactive chemical components, hazards of heavy metal contamination and biological mechanism of the diabetic medicine composed of 12 different natural herbs. Methods : To study bioactive compound and metallic component in the diabetic medicine in detail, LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass/Mass), GC (Gas Chromatography) and ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) were utilized to characterize the extract of the diabetic medicine and the result was compared with 18 marker substances selected from literature survey. In addition, in vitro assay experiments including GPR 119 activity and human DGAT-1 inhibition, and OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) were performed to verify the effectiveness of this medicine on diabetic treatment. Results : Out of 18 marker substances, 9 bioactive compounds were identified from LC-MS/MS analysis which include Citruline, Catalpol, Berberine, Ginsenoside Rb1, Ginsenoside Rg1, Oleanolic acid, β-Sitosterol, Mangiferin, and Schizandrin. ICP study on 245 residual pesticides revealed that 239 species were not detected but 6 species, Dimethomorph, Trifloxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, Isoprocarb, Carbaryl and Flubendiamide, while the amounts are trace levels, below permitted concentrations. The biological activity was observed in vitro assay and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test(OGTT), which are consistent with a preliminary clinical test result, a drop in blood sugar level after taking this herbal medicine. Conclusions : Instrumental chemical analysis using LC-MS/MS, GC, and ICP was conducted successfully to identify bioactive compounds in AO-SHU for the treatment of diabetes, finding 9 bioactive compounds. Furthermore, in vitro assay experiments and OGTT show that AO-SHU has its biological activities, which imply that it can be a candidate for the future diabetes remedy.

• 약학회지
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• 제57권4호
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• pp.293-298
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• 2013

Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HRT) is a traditional herbal medicine, which has been known as a useful prescription for anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunosuppressive activity. In this study, the variation in the amount of eight bioactive components of Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HRT) and its fermentation HRT with Lactobacillus casei KFRI 127, Lactobacillus curvatus KFRI 166 and Lactobacillus confuses KFRI 227 was investigated via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of eight bioactive components; geniposide, genipin, baicalin, wogonoside, palmatine, berberine, baicalein and wogonin was achieved by comparing their retention times ($t_R$) and UV spectra with those of the standard components. All calibration curve of standard components showed good linearity ($r^2$ >0.979). As a result, the geniposide amount was $15.52{\pm}0.19{\mu}/mg$ that as a main components in HRT. The wogonoside was decreased by 29.28~58.35% with Lactobacillus casei KFRI 127 and L. confuses KFRI 227 ($3.17{\pm}0.31{\mu}g/mg$ and $3.55{\pm}0.13{\mu}g/mg$) compared with the original HRT ($5.02{\pm}0.14{\mu}g/mg$). Otherwise wogonin was increased by 16.28~41.86% with Lactobacillus casei KFRI 127 and L. confuses KFRI 227 ($0.61{\pm}0.01{\mu}g/mg$ and $0.50{\pm}0.02{\mu}g/mg$) compared with the original HRT($0.43{\pm}0.00{\mu}g/mg$). HRT fermented with L. casei KFRI 127 and L. confuses KFRI 227 were evaluated as creating the changes in wogonoside to that aglycon wogonine. In the fermented HRT using Lactobacillus acidophilus KFRI 166, the genipin was only detected, among 3 species of fermentation strains. Thus, these results considered that the strains 166 were exhibited the remarkable changes in genipin.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.233-239
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• 2010

본 연구에서는 초고압 및 초음파 공정을 병행하여 실시하는 추출공정을 이용하여 매자나무 수피의 면역활성 및 Sarcoma-180에 의해 유발되는 복수암 및 고형암에 대한 항암활성 증진 효과를 평가하였다. 상기 추출 공정을 통해 매자나무 추출물의 수율이 일반 열수 추출에 비해 1.7배 증가하였으며, 정상세포에 대한 생존율을 80%이상 유지하는 것으로 나타나 독성 저감 효과도 갖는 것으로 확인되었다. 특히, 매자나무의 초고압, 초음파 병행 추출물이 소화기계 암세포주인 AGS와 Caco-2에 대해서 약 70%의 암세포 생육 저해활성을 나타내며, 최고 4 이상의 selectivity를 나타내며 선택적인 암세포 사멸 효과를 나타내었다. 기존의 연구에서 항암성 면역증강제로 사용되고 있는 버섯의 단백 다당체와 관련하여 영지버섯이 효과적인 항암 활성을 나타내며, 특히 위암 세포인 AGS에 대해 50 mg/mL의 고농도의 영지버섯 추출물이 76% 이상의 암세포 생육저해 활성을 나타내었다(24). 이러한 연구 결과와 비교할 때 본 연구의 매자나무 추출물이 갖는 소화기계 암세포 생육저해 활성은 매우 높다고 할 수 있다. 또한 항암성 면역 활성 측정 결과 초고압, 초음파 병행 추출물이 일반 열수 추출 공정이나 초음파, 초고압 단독 추출 공정을 통한 추출물에 비해 nitric oxide 및 IgG의 생성을 증가시키는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 초고압 및 초음파 추출 공정이 약용작물의 활성성분 용출에 기여하며, 특히 저온 초고압 추출 공정이 매자나무의 주요 활성성분인 berberine의 용출을 증가시킨다는 연구 결과(25,26)에 미루어 볼 때 초고압, 초음파 병행 추출 공정이 매자나무 활성 성분 용출에 효과적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 사료된다. In vivo 실험을 통한 추출 공정별 매자나무 추출물의 항암 활성 평가를 통해서 상기 공정을 통한 매자나무 추출물이 40% 이상의 복수암 유발 마우스의 수명율 연장과 약 75%의 고형암 억제 활성을 나타내며 효과적인 항암활성을 확인할 수 있어, 향후 항암성 면역증강제 및 기능성 항암제로서의 기능성 소재화로서의 활용성이 매우 높을 것으로 사료된다.