• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제36권8호
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• pp.819-827
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• 2003

Linoleic acid [LA; 18: 2 (n-6)] is the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in human skin. The exclusion of LA from diet induces epidermal hyperproliferation, which is reversible by the inclusion of LA in diet, and hence, LA is heralded as an essential fatty acid (EFA). Since safflower oil (SO) has been widely recognized as the major dietary source of LA and Arctii Fructus (Arctium lappa L.) is recently reported to contain high level of LA, we compared the antiproliferative effects of SO and Arctii Fructus in this study. Epidermal hyperproliferation was induced in guinea pigs by hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO) diet for 8 wk. During following 2 wk, EFA deficient guinea pigs were fed diets of safflower oil (group HS), water extract of Arctii Fructus (group AW) or organic extract of Arctii Fructus (group AO). Normal control group was fed SO containing diet (group SO) and EFA deficient group was fed HCO containing diet (group HCO) for 10 wk. Epidermal hyperproliferation was reversed in groups AO (55.9% of group HCO) and HS(74.1% of group HCO). However, the thymidine incorporation into epidermal DNA of group HS was greater than of normal control group SO. Epidermal hyperproliferation was not reversed in group AW. The accumulations of LA into phospholipids and ceramides, and of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), the potent antiproliferative metabolite of LA in the epidermis of group AO were greater than of group HS. In contrast, the de novo synthesis of ceramides, the major lipids maintaining epidermal barrier, did not differ between all of groups. Together, our data demonstrate that organic extract of Arctii Fructus is more prominent than safflower oil in reversing epidermal hyperproliferation by inducing the higher accumulations of LA and 13-HODE in the epidermis of guinea pigs.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.83-96
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• 2007

Purpose: Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and Ecliptae Herba has long been used for clinical therapy associated especially with menopausal symptoms in Korea. To provide a scientific rationale for such use, we have investigated the antioxidant and vasorelaxant effects of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, Ecliptae Herba and its mixture. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the extracts from Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, Ecliptae Herba and its mixture were evaluated and compared with that of BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), vitamin C and vitamin E, using the ${\alpha}$,${\alpha}-diphenyl-{\beta}-picrylhydrazyl$ (DPPH) radical scavenging method. Results: Antioxidant activity of all extracts using the DPPH radical scavenging method decreased in the order vitamin C>BHA>vitamin E>Ligustri Lucidi Fructus>Ligustri Lucidi Fructus:Ecliptae Herba(1:1)>Ecliptae Herba>BHT. The vasorelaxant effects of extracts were investigated on the vasomotor tone of the rat thoracic aorta in an organ bath. All of the extracts elicited along-term relaxing response in the endothelium-intact as well as endothelium-denuded rat aorta contracted with norepinephrine. This relaxant effect was abolished by Precontraction with 72 mM KCI. Thus, it is suggested that the mechanism of vasorelaxant effect of extracts not involve voltage-operated $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocking but receptor-mediated route. Conclusion: These antioxidant and vasorelaxant effecs of the extracts may contribute to the beneficial effects in postmenopausal women.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.128-136
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidative effect of Lycii fructus in the Streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The effective fractions were prepared as a form of organic solvents of $CH_{3}(CH_{2})_{4}CH_{3}$ $CHCI_{3}$, EtOAc, BuOH and $H_{2}O$ fractions prepared from the EtOH extract of Lycii fructus and The diabetes were induced by an tail-intravenous injection of STZ with a dose of 45 mg/kg dissolved in citrate buffer. The various fractions of Lycii fructus were orally administrated once a day for 7 days. The contents of serum glucose, and triglyceride in the $CHCI_{3}$ fraction and hepatic lipid peroxidation in the EtOAc, BuOH and $H_{2}O$ fractions treated rats were significantly decreased when compared to those of the STZ-control group In addition, an activity of hepatic GST in the BuOH fraction treated rats was significantly increased compared to that of the STZ-control group. whereas, activities of hepatic catalase, GSH-Px in the BuOH fraction treated rats were significantly decreased compared to those of the STZ-control group. Meanwhile, The content of hepatic glycogen and avtivity of hepatic glucokinase in $CHCI_{3}$ fraction treated rats were significantly increased, but activity of glucose-6-pase was significantly decreased in the $CHCI_{3}$ fraction treated rats. In conclusion, these results indicated that the BuOH fraction of Lycii fructus was effective for the antioxidation, and also the $CHCI_{3}$ fraction of Lycii fructus was effective for the antidiabetes in the STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.249-257
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• 2010

Crataegii Fructus is commonly used as a improving digestion, removing retention of food, promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis agent in East Asia. Cadmium (Cd) is widely distributed in the environment due to its use in industry. An exposure to Cd causes dysuria, polyuria, chest pain, hepatic and renal tubular diseases. The liver is the most important target organ when considering Cd-induced toxicity because Cd primarily accumulates in the liver. This study investigated the protective effect of Crataegii Fructus water extract against cadmium ($CdCl_2$, Cd)-induced liver toxicity in H4IIE cells, a rat hepatocyte-derived cell line and in rats. Cell viability was significantly reduced in Cd-treated H4IIE cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. However, Crataegii Fructus water extract (CFE) protected the cells from Cd-induced cytotoxicity via inhibition of PARP cleavage. To induce acute toxicity in rats, Cd (4 mg/kg body weight) was dissolved in normal saline and intravenously injected into rats. The rats then received either a vehicle or silymarin (as a positive control) or CFE (50, 100 mg/kg/day) for 3 days, and were subsequently exposed to a single injection of Cd. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased by Cd treatment. In contrast, pretreatment with CFE reduced ALT, AST and LDH. In histopathological analysis, CFE reduced the hepatic degenerative regions and the number of degenerative hepatocytes. These are considered as direct evidences that Crataegii Fructus has favorable inhibitory effects on the Cd-intoxicated liver damages. The efficacy of Crataegii Fructus shows slight lower than that of silymarin in the present study.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.400-405
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• 2015

Background : As the characterization of medicinal plants is an important aspect of traditional Asian herbal medicine, this study examines the morphological and anatomical characteristics in four fructus form medicinally important plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. Methods and Results : Fruit morphology of four genera was examined using microtome sections and light microscopy. The Anethi Fructus, Anethum graveolens (Siraja) has unique wing-like and membranous lateral ribs that are, approximately $500{\mu}m$ wide. The Coriandri Fructus, Coriandrum sativum (Hoyuja) does not have oil ducts at the dorsal region of the mericarp and differs in the development of the dorsal ribs. The ribs appear upon drying and therefore, consist of primary and secondary ribs. The Foeniculi Fructus, Foeniculum vulgare (Hoehyang) characteristically develops three dominant dorsal ribs and has a strong aromatic fragrance. Finally, the Cnidii Fructus, Torilis japonica (Sasangja) has many oil ducts at the dorsal and carpophores regions and develops many hooked trichomes one the fructus surface. Conclusions : We conclude from this study that each plant has several prominent and distinguishing morphological and anatomical characteristics. Therefore, fruit morphology is very useful for identifying these medicinal plants. In addition, the correct use and herbal name need to be standardized for plants used traditionally in Asian medicine within Korea, China, and Japan.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.244-270
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• 1998

This study was performed to investigate an anti-HBV activities of the aqueous extracts from 10 Korean herbal medicines in the HepG2 2.2.15 cell culture system and the results were as follows: 1. The extracts of 6 plants (Herba Artemisiae Capillaris, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Cinnamomi, Fructus Chebulae, Fructus Rubi and Radix Rubi) decreased, significantly and dose-dependently, the levels of extracellular HBV virion in the concentrations (10, 100, 500 and $1,000\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) tested. 2. However, others (Radix lsatidis, Lignum Sappan, Herba Lysimachiae and Fructus Lycii) did not show any effect either on the replication of HBV or on the levels of virion DNA in the culture media of HepG2 2.2.15 cell. 3. Among the 6 plants which showed the inhibitory potency on the production of extracellular HBV virion, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Cinnamomi, Fructus Chebulae, Fructus Rubi and Radix Rubi except Herba Artemisiae Capillaris also showed the inhibition of the replication of intracellular HEV DNA in the range of $100{\sim}500\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Considering the above results, it is thought that 6 plants(Herba Artemisiae Capillaris, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Cinnamomi, Fructus Chebulae, Fructus Rubi and Radix Rubi) possess the anti-HBV activities in the HepG2 2.2.15 cell culture system. We thus suggest that these plants possess a potential as a therapeutic agent for the chronic viral hepatitis. These results might be useful as a basic data for the development of the new preventive drugs for HBV diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.137-142
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• 2003

This study was carried out to examine the effects of gamma irradiation on the color removal, antioxidation, DPPH radical scavenger, and antimicrobial activity of Schizandra fructus extracts by different solvents. Schizandra fructus was extracted by hot water, ethanol, acetone and methanol, and the extracts were irradiated 10, 20 and 30 kGy with gamma rays. Hunter color L-value was increased by irradiation in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in brighter color for all solvents used. The a and b values were decreased by irradiation in a dose-dependent manner. Antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of Schizandra fructus against soybean oil was the highest. The free radical scavenging activity was the strongest in hot water extract. All solvent extracts from Schizandra fructus had the strongest antimicrobial activities to B. subtilis, B. natto, B megaterium, S. aureus, Sal. typhymurium and E. coli. These results suggested that Schizandra fructus extracts have a strong potential as natural food preservatives and cosmetic raw materials. Furthermore, irradiation may not influence adversely on biological activites of the extracts when irradiated up to 30 kGy.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.55-62
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• 2017

Objectives : Crataegi Fructus has been used as traditional medicines for more digestion action, amenorrhea due to blood stasis, and hyperlipemia. The aim of this study was to compare of Crataegi Fructus in South Korea collected during three years according to the standards in monographs of the Korean Pharmacopoeia Eleventh edition (KP 11). Methods : Crataegi Fructus was carried out identification test (Qualitative reaction, Thin layer chromatography), heavy metal test, and total ash registered at KP. Add to we tested loss on dry, contents of ethanol-soluble extracts, and HPLC profiling. Results : Identification test (TLC) was on comparing with ursolic acid standard solution in $R_f$ value, all samples showed red purple spot ($R_f$ value 0.9). Ursolic acid spot in $R_f$ value 0.35 showed by changing mobile phase condition. Heavy metals showed contents for Pb, Cd, As, and Hg range of 0.0 ~ 0.5 ppm, 0.0 ~ 0.2 ppm, 0.0 ~ 0.3 ppm, and 0.0 ~ 0.1 ppm. Loss on drying was ranged from 5.5 to 11.9 %, total ash was between the range 2.7 ~ 4.0 %. Contents of ethanol-soluble extracts was ranged from 17.8 to 44.9 %. The content of chlorogenic acid was ranged from 0.0 to 0.1 % based on the chlorogenic acid standard curve. Conclusion : We have verified the current specification standard of Crataegi Fructus and standard that is not set. We hope that it will help the standardization of Crataegi Fructus.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.625-631
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• 1997

This study was peformed to investigate the effects of Lycii fructus extracts on the growth and physiology of S. cerevisae D7l, L. casei KCTC 3165, and E. coli DH5. When Lycii fructus was added into solid culture media, the growth of S. cerevisea D7l and L. casei KCTC 3165 was increased, whereas that of E. coli DH5 was somewhat decreased. The growth of S. cerevisiea D7l and L. casei KCTC 3165 were much promoted in the culture media including methanol extract of 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively. E. coli DH5 was changed its morphology not only in 10% Lycii fructus juice but also 1.0% methanol and chloroform extract of Lycii fructus. Its size in those growth condition was eight times longer than that of the normal E. coli DH5. It was elucidated that elongation phenomenan of E. coli DH5 was also appeared by adding 0.135% of Na$^{+}$, $K^{+}$, and the mixture of Na$^{+}$ and $K^{+}$.TEX> +/.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.76-103
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• 2021

Objectives This study was designed to examine the effect of Gleditsiae Fructus n-hexane (GSF_Hx) on two different groups (on the LPS-induced activation of Raw264.7 cells in vitro, and on the DNCB-induced activation of atopic dermatitis NC/Nga Tnd mice in vivo) to find index components and active components of Gleditsiae Fructus. Methods GSF_Hx was analyzed by HPLC profiling and confirmed echinocystic acid (EA), oleanolic acid (OA) as index components of Gleditsiae Fructus. Using GSF_Hx, EA, OA, we investigated IL-6, TNF-α, NO production by ELISA analysis and evaluated manifestations of MAPKs transcription factors and NF-κB p65 translocation by western blotting. During In vivo study, atopic dermatitis was induced on NC/Nga Tnd mice by DNCB and administered GSF_Hx, EA, OA orally, and checked skin lesions and measured skin clinical score. Serum IgE level, Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and modulating molecular mediators and immune cells in the spleenocyte culture supernatant, PBMCs, ALN and dorsal skin were also measured by real-time PCR. Then, skin rash was evaluated and mast cell distribution was verified by H&E and toluidine blue staining on dorsal skin. Results It is possible that GSF_Hx, EA and OA reduce inflammation and allergic response of atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and modulating molecular mediators and immune cells. They also had moisturizing effect by raising vitality of ceramide in dorsal skin of atopic dermatitis NC/Nga Tnd mice. However, EA particularly had better overall activity data than OA, that EA could be a more effective active component of Gleditsiae Fructus than OA. Conclusions Based on the inflammatory reduction property with moisturizing effect, GSF_Hx may play a role in effective treatment for atopic dermatitis.