• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.91-105
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• 2024

Plantago asiatica L. (P. asiatica) is a perennial plant belonging to the plantaginaceae and is useful in treating a various diseases such as wounds, bronchitis, and chronic constipation. The bioactive effects of P. asiatica extract was evaluated to determine its potential for use as a variety materials in the food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents, free radical scavenging, reducing power activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression were measured to identify the antioxidative activity. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated via analysis of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory protein expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell. As a result of measuring the antioxidant activities of the P. asiatica extract, the total polyphenol content was 50.91±0.78 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and the flavonoid content was 100.99±0.44 mg rutin equivalents/g, and both DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and reducing power increased depending on the concentration. Also, intracellular ROS production was inhibited by the P. asiatica extract. No cytotoxicity was observed when P. asiatica extract was treated, and NO and inflammatory protein expression were inhibited, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation was also inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, P. asiatica is a functional natural resources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can be used in various industries, including food and agriculture.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.57-67
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• 2024

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential biological activity of Veronica incana extracts (VIE) through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. Methods : In vitro, we conducted analyses on the total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) levels, alongside DPPHand ABTS radical scavenging activities. Ex vivo evaluations on adipose tissue measured glycerol release as a marker of lipolysis. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, we quantified nitric oxide (NO) production. Following H₂O₂ induction in U2OS cells, we performed mitochondrial assays such as MitoSox and MitoTracker. Moreover, Bodipy assays were conducted in 3T3-L1 cells. In vivo, we performed anti-osteoarthritis effect of VIE against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Results : The results presented encompass a myriad of models, from cell culture to animal experiments as well as ex vivo studies. VIE demonstrated high TP and TF contents, potent DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, and regulated glycerol release. Moreover, the inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced inflammation was notably confirmed and the reduction of lipid droplets was distinctly shown. Furthermore, in H₂O₂-induced U2OS cells, MitoSox was effectively reduced while MitoTracker noticeably increased. In vivo assays confirmed a significant increase in hindpaw weight distribution (HWD) decreased by MIA after VIE treatment. Additionally, VIE inhibited serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-𝛼, IL-6, and IL-1𝛽) and MDA levels in joint tissue. Conclusion : In conclusion, Veronica incana exhibited various pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.196-210
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of a combination of Syzygium aromaticum L. and Sorbus commixta Hedl. (SS) in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The extracts of Syzygium aromaticum extract (SA) and Sorbus commixta extract (SC) were prepared individually using distilled water. They were mixed in a 1:2 ratio for use in the experiment. To assess the anti-obesity potential of SS in vitro, we examined cell proliferation, cellular triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels, as well as lipogenesis and β-oxidation in 3T3-L1 cells. To confirm its anti-obesity potential in vivo, C57BL/6J mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. SA alone, SC alone, and their combination compound, SS (at a dosage of 200 mg/kg) were orally administered for 6 weeks. Thereafter, to conduct a comparative evaluation, serum analysis, western blotting of liver tissues, and histopathological analysis were performed. Results: Both SS200 and SS400 significantly inhibited the cellular TG and TC contents in the 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, treatment of the cells with SS (at a dose 200 and 400 ㎍/mL) also led to a noticeable regulation of key lipogenic and β-oxidation factors. Treatment of obese mice with SS resulted in a greater reduction in serum leptin and TG levels compared to treatment with the individual compounds (SA and SC). Furthermore, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase α by SS treatment resulted in the suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP)-1, leading to the inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) expression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that SS may have the potential to prevent obesity through a reduction in the TG and TC levels and regulation of lipogenesis and β-oxidation.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.307-313
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• 2024

In this study, the anti-obesity effect of Geranium wilfordii Maxim. extract was studied using 3T3-L1 cells. Geranium wilfordii Maxim. was extracted with water (NG-GT-T1L), 10% ethanol (NG-GT-T2L), 30% ethanol (NG-GT-T3L), 50% ethanol (NG-GT-T4L), 70% ethanol (NG-GT-T5L), and the effects on cell viability, lipid accumulation, triglyceride content, and protein expression in 3T3-L1 cells were confirmed. It was confirmed that NG-GT-T3L extract was superior to other extract conditions in reducing lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in the concentration range that did not show cytotoxicity. In addition, it was confirmed to suppress adipogenesis and lipogenesis by reducing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α(C/EBPα) proteins that regulate adipogenesis, decreasing the expression of fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and stearoyl CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) proteins that regulate lipogenesis, and increasing the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein. From these research results, Geranium wilfordii Maxim. NG-GT-T3L extract is believed to have anti-obesity reduction effects through suppressing lipid accumulation and triglyceride accumulation and regulating adipogenesis and lipogenesis-related proteins.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.540-547
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• 2024

The continuous use of polymer materials has exacerbated waste and environmental challenges, spurring a growing interest in eco-friendly polymers, especially biodegradable polymers. These polymers are gaining attention for their potential as antimicrobial agents, particularly in fields like food packaging a need further underscored by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on the development of an antibacterial polymer by combining poly-butylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) with zinc pyrithione (ZnPt). The antibacterial properties were assessed through turbidity analysis, the shaking flask method, and the film adhesion method. The antibacterial activities of the composites with varying ZnPt% (w/w) contents (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) were evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Results revealed that even at a low concentration of 0.1% (w/w), the composites demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli). Composites with ZnPt concentrations of 0.3% (w/w) or higher achieved over 99.999% antibacterial efficacy. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis of the fracture surfaces of the composites confirmed the uniform distribution of ZnPt particles, ranging from 1-4 ㎛. Further FE-SEM analysis of bacterial suspensions exposed to the composite surfaces showed clear evidence of cell wall destruction in both E. coli and S. aureus. As an antimicrobial biodegradable polymer, PBAT-ZnPt composites show great promise for applications in various sectors, including food packaging.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.768-775
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• 2012

Alginate, obtained from the seaweeds, is a widely used biomaterial for cell transplantation, since its positive effect on viability of capsulized cells and its easier encapsulation capability of living cells. Demineralized bone powder (DBP), derived from the natural bone tissue, is widely applied for clinical trials for its low rate of reaction and antigenicity. A chondrocyte was seeded into an alginate with DBP of different contents, and a microcapsule was produced. The adhesion and proliferation of cells was observed through the MTT analysis, and the PCR was applied to estimate the content of the glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen, and confirm the specific genetic pattern of the chondrocytes. Also, the alginate microcapsule where the chondrocyte is seeded was extracted after transplantation under the skin of a nude mouse, and was immunochemically stained. The experimental result confirmed that the alginate microcapsule containing 1% of DBP not only showed the highest proliferation of cell but had a positive effect of chondrocytes by the interaction between the alginates and the growth factor in DBP. It can be expected that the microcapsule with application of the alginates and DBP might be an appropriate scaffold for tissue engineering.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.342-347
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• 2013

In this study, we investigated changes in the organosulfur compounds of garlic (by fermentation with lactic acid bacteria) and the effects of these fermented garlic extracts on alcohol-induced cytotoxicity in CYP2E1-transfected HepG2 cells. Lactobacillus plantarum has the highest growth rate in a garlic medium and the S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) in fermented garlic extracts with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus were significantly higher compared to other lactic acid bacteria strains (p<0.05). The SAC, S-ethyl cysteine (SEC) and S-methyl cysteine (SMC) in garlic extracts were all increased by fermentation with lactic acid bacteria. However, alliin in the fermented garlic extracts with lactic acid bacteria strains was lower than the original garlic extract and the contents of cycloalliin in the garlic extracts did not change with fermentation (p<0.05). The electron donating ability of the fermented garlic extracts increased with dose. The electron donating ability of the fermented garlic extract with L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus was over 90% efficient at 5 mg/g. The fermented garlic extracts (with lactic acid bacteria) and garlic extract were not influenced, up to $100{\mu}g/mL$, in CYPE1-transfected HepG2 cells. The CYPE1-transfected HepG2 cell viabilities were 92.60% and 92.23% when treated with both alcohol (200 mM) and fermented garlic extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) with lactic acid bacteria respectively, for 6 days.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.673-679
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• 2015

In vitro antioxidant activities and neuronal cell protective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of a new green extract (Brassica oleracea var. botytis aut italiana) against $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress were investigated, and its industrial feasibility was evaluated. The extract showed the highest contents of total phenolic compounds among other extracts as well as a 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) inhibitory effect. This extract not only decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen (ROS) level but also protected the neuronal cells against $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress. On analysis using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry, the following phenolic compounds were identified: quinic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. Collectively, these results suggest that this new green extract could contain functional substances that would help prevent the risk of neurodegenerative disease.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.517-527
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• 2018

The current study investigated in vitro anti-diabetic and neuroprotective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction in Actinidia arguta sprouts (EFAS), on $H_2O_2$ and high glucose-induced cytotoxicity in human neuroblastoma MC-IXC cells. EFAS had high total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. An assessment of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity of EFAS, as well as its potential for inhibiting malondialdehyde production, indicated that EFAS may possess significant antioxidant properties. EFAS exerted inhibitory effects on ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ via glycemic regulation which forms advanced glycation end products. In addition, EFAS exhibited significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects. Moreover, EFAS displayed protective effects against $H_2O_2$ and high glucose-induced cell death, and inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in MC-IXC cells. Finally, the main physiological compound of EFAS was identified via high performance liquid chromatography as a rutin.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.25 no.4 s.83
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• pp.311-319
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• 1997

These studies were carried out to develop an artificial cultivation method. The diameter and thickness of pileus ranged $1.5{\sim}7.0\;cm$ and $0.8{\sim}3.0\;cm$, respectively. The diameters of stipe were $1.2{\sim}2.5\;cm$ and the lengthes were $4.5{\sim}9.0\;cm$. The spore fingerprint was white. The sizes were spore $10.8{\sim}12.2{\times}4.35{\sim}5.65\;{\mu}m$, basidia $50.0{\sim}59.2{\times}7.4{\sim}7.8\;{\mu}m$, nalsistidia $21.75{\sim}28.7{\times}4.8{\sim}6.1\;{\mu}m$, pileus hymenium cell $50.6{\sim}66.0{\times}4.4{\sim}6.7\;{\mu}m$, and stipe hymenium cell $28.6{\sim}33.0{\times}5.5{\sim}6.6\;{\mu}m$. The thirty percent mixture of rice and wheat bran into sawdust gives the high density of mycelia and the good development of fruiting structure. The optimum water contents of sawdust substrates were $60{\sim}65%$ in which condition the mycelium grows well and gives high density. In PP bottle cultivation, the first fruiting period was $6{\sim}8$ days earlier in nonscratching samples than scratching ones, but the quantity of fruiting body was higher in scratching samples than nonscratching ones. In the case of PP bag cultivation, the first fruiting was 10 days faster, and the quantity of fruiting bodies was 30% higher in samples with 30% wheat bran than those with rice bran. The fleshiness of stipe was $2{\sim}3$ times harder than that of pileus.