• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2012

UV-irradiation is a major factor of photo-aged skin, by which pigmentation, wrinkles and laxity are increased. In addition, the epidermal barrier is disrupted, ultimately causing dryness in photo-aged skin. As an effort to search dietary sources for improving the dryness of UV irradiated skin, the dietary effect of red ginseng based functional foods on the epidermal level of ceramides, a major lipid maintaining epidermal barrier, was determined in this study. Albino hairless mice were fed either a control diet [group UV (UV-irradiated control)] or diets with 0.5% (group M0.5) or 1% (group M1.0) of red ginseng extracts mixed with Torilis fructus and Corni fructus (66.7% red ginseng) in parallel with UV irradiation for 5 wks. A normal control group (group C) was fed a control diet without UV irradiation for 5 wks. The epidermal level of ceramides in group UV was significantly lower than that in group C, in which ceramidase, an enzyme involved in ceramide degradation, was highly expressed. In group M0.5, the epidermal level of ceramide was significantly increased to the level even higher than in group C. In addition, protein expression of serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), a key enzyme involved in de novo ceramide synthesis, was increased in group M0.5. However the epidermal levels of ceramides as well as of ceramidase protein expression in group M1.0 did not differ from those in group UV. In conclusion, we demonstrate that dietary supplementation of red-ginseng extracts mixed with Torilis fructus and Corni fructus at a level of 0.5% level in diet increased the epidermal level of ceramides coupled with the elevated expression of SPT protein.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.301-305
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of Anisi stellati Fructus Water Extract on hydrogen peroxide production in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Anisi stellati Fructus were extracted by hot water. Effects of Anisi stellati Fructus water extract (AS) on hydrogen peroxide production in RAW 264.7 were measured by dihydrorhodamine 123 assay after 20, 24, 28, 44, 48, and 52 h incubation at the concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and $100{\mu}g/mL$. For 20 h incubation, AS significantly increased hydrogen peroxide production in RAW 264.7 cells by $108.6{\pm}1.56%$, $109.5{\pm}1.94%$, $108.4{\pm}1.14%$, and $107.3{\pm}3.06%$ at the concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and $100{\mu}g/mL$ (P < 0.05) respectively. For 24, 28, 44, 48, and 52 h incubation, AS also significantly increased hydrogen peroxide production in RAW 264.7 cells at the concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and $100{\mu}g/mL$ (P < 0.05). These results suggest that Anisi stellati Fructus has the immune - enhancing property related with its increase of hydrogen peroxide production in macrophages.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.85-98
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• 2009

The fruits of Schisandra chinensis and Prunus mume have been traditionally used in the Oriental countries as an astringent against diarrhea and abdominal pain, a protectant for liver disease, an antimicrobial, and a blood tonic. However, little is known about the extract of Schizandrae Fructus and Mume Fructus (SMF-Ex) on dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SMF-Ex on DSS-induced colitis in mice. An experimental colitis was induced by daily treatment with 5% DSS. SMF-Ex was orally administrated the single dose (80 mg/kg, body weight/day) for 7 days with one time per day. SMF-Ex reduced significantly clinical sign of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, increased disease activity index (DAI), and histological colon injury. SMF-Ex also inhibited significantly nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandine $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) productions in DSS-induced colitis mice. Furthermore, SMF-Ex increased significantly an superoxide anion (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity of the colon tissue in DSS-induced colitis mice. These results suggest that SMF-Ex administration could reduce significantly the clinical signs and inflammatory mediators, and increase antioxidant activity in DSS-induced colitis model mice and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective anti-ulcerative agent.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.269-273
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• 2005

Five dibenzylbutyrolactones were isolated from a methanol extract of Arctii fructus (Arctium lappa L.) by bioassay-guided isolation, using the interleukin-l $\beta$ converting enzyme (caspase-l, ICE) production inhibitory assay in vitro. These compounds were spectroscopically identified as lappaol E (1), lappaol A (2), matairesinol (3), arctigenin (4), and arctiin (5). Among the compounds tested, arctigenin (4) showed the strongest inhibitory activity for ICE production in IL-$\beta$-induced proliferation of D 1 OS cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the arctigenin suppressed the expression of ICE protein in a dose-dependent manner. To estimate the biotransformation of Arctii fructus in vivo by human intestinal bacteria, we carried out an anaerobic incubation of the Arctii fructus extract with a human fecal suspension. From the HPLC analysis of metabolites, Arctiin (IC$_{50}$=74.2$\mu$g/ml), a major component of Arctii fructus, was transformed to aglycone, arctigenin (IC$_{50}$=12.5$\mu$g/ml), by human intestinal bacteria. The ICE production inhibitory activity of Arctii fructus would be much stronger in vivo than in vitro due to the biotransformation by human intestinal bacteria.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2004

The hepatotherapeutic effect of the extract of Lycii fructus has been studied in rats against $CCl_4$ induced liver toxicity. The rats were orally treated with $CCl_4$ (corn oil/$CCl_4$ 1:1, $1m{\ell}/kg$) and then $CCl_4$ ($0.5m{\ell}/kg$) administered four times for 2 weeks. The extracts of L. fructus have been administered every day for 2 weeks after the last $CCl_4$ injection. The experimental groups consisted of negative control (G1), positive control ($CCl_4$ alone; G2), extract of L. fructus (50 mg/kg; G3, 100 mg/kg; G4, 200 mg/kg; G5), respectively. There was a significant decrement to G2 on the serum level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in G5. Also, the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and phosphatidylcholine hydroperxidase, a marker of lipid peroxidation, in the liver were decreased significantly G5 and G4 compared with G2. Although, catalase or superoxide dismutase, antioxidant enzyme, in the liver were decreased significantly too, it would not be a good sign for the liver. In histopathological findings, such a hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration, lobular restructure, cellular infiltration, necrosis, and so on were shown severely in G2. However, G4 and G5 was shown a mild cytoplasmic vacuolation and inflammatory cell. In conclusion, as a protection against cell damage, lipid peroxidation and serum level, it suggested that the extract of Lycii fructus would have been a therapeutic effect of liver injury directly.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.245-255
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• 2019

Objective : Herbal processing is one of the traditional techniques used in Korean medicine to increase the effectiveness of herbs or reduce their toxicity. In this study, Gardeniae Fructus processed with ginger juice and alcohol was prepared to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Methods : The processing of Gardeniae Fructus was performed by adding 40 % ginger juice or 10% alcohol to the total weight of Gardeniae Fructus and then roasting at 150℃ for 5 minutes. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To detect nitric oxide (NO) production, culture media were mixed with Griess reagent and measured the absorbance at 540 nm. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was applied to monitor protein expression levels. Results : LPS-induced NO, PGE₂ and inflammatory cytokines were decreased by the treatment of normal or processed Gardeniae Fructus ethanol extracts (GFE). Compared to normal GFE, the processed GFE showed a stronger inhibitory effect on the production of NO and PGE₂. These inhibitory effect of GFE was due to the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediated from the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Furthermore, processed GFE showed more suppressive effects on the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and IκBα proteins than normal GFE. Conclusion : From these results, it was concluded that GFE had an improved anti-inflammatory effect compared to normal GFE. These results provide an objective evidences for the use of herbal processing in Korean medicine.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.447-450
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• 1992

An attempt was made to investigate the some constituents and separation of flesh by drying of Corni Fructus for utilization as processing foods of Cornus officianalis S. et Z. Moisture and reducing sugar contents of Corni Fructus flesh were 40.4% and 18.6%, respectively. The content of anthocyanin was 183.0 mg/100g(dry base). The free sugars of Corni Fructus were consisted of glucose and fructose and their contents were 7.9% and 9.0%, respectively. The compositions of organic acids were malic and succinic acids which contained 1.9% and 0.5%, respectively. The titrable acidity as malic acid and pH were 3.6% and 3.19. The decrease ratio of weight and the drying temperature as the optimum conditions for the separation of flesh and seed of Corni Fructus were $30{\sim}35%$ and $60^{\circ}C$.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.17-36
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of external preparation containing herbal extract(Sophorae Radix, Aurantii Immaturus Fructus, Schizonepetae Spica, Forsythia fructus and Portulacea Herba) on atopic dermatitis patients. Methods : A total of 33 patients who visited the Dept. of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology & Dermatology of Korean Medicine of Korean Medical hospital of Daejeon university from February 2012 to February 2013 were engaged in this study. Patients who corresponded the requirements were enrolled in the study. This study shows symptom comparisons before and after the use of this product. Effectiveness was evaluated through SCORAD(SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) Index, and the quality of life scale was conducted through Skindex-29. Results : 1. Comparison of the general changes through SCORAD Index indicated that the experimental group showed more statistically significant declines than the placebo group after the two-week use. 2. Comparison of changes in intensity criteria(Erythema, Edema, Oozing, Excoriation) through SCORAD Index indicated that the experimental group showed more statistically significant declines than the placebo group after the two-week use. 3. Comparison of changes in subjective symptoms through SCORAD Index indicated that the experimental group showed no statistically remarkable changes. 4. Comparison of changes in the body parts(Upperlimb) through SCORAD Index indicated the experimental group showed statistically significant changes after the two-week use. 5. Comparison of the general changes in quality of life through Skindex-29 indicated that the total score from experimental group showed statistically significant changes after the four-week use. Conclusions: This study, evaluated through SCORAD Index, indicated that the treatment with the external preparation containing herbal extract has a statistically marginal significance of efficacy on atopic dermatitis patients in the short term.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.521-528
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• 2008

This study examined the effects of 2% Lycii fructus powder (LFP) supplementation on lipid metabolism in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 1% cholesterol and 0.25% sodium cholate to induce hypercholesterolemia. Then, 40 rats were divided into four diet groups: a normal diet group (NC), high cholesterol diet group (HC), normal diet plus 2% Lycii fructus powder (NC-LFP) group, and high cholesterol diet plus 2% Lycii fructus powder (HC-LFP) group. The HC group presented higher growth rates and liver weights than NC and NC-LFP however, growth rates and liver weights in the 2% LFP administered groups gradually decreased. HC also showed increased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels and decreased atherogenic index values, HDL-cholesterol, and phospholipid levels, whereas LFP group showed decreased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels as compared to HC. There were no differences in serum triglyceride, phospholipid, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and free cholesterol concentrations between the normal diet groups (NC and NC-LFP). The high cholesterol diet groups (HC and HC-LFP) had significant increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHase) activities. And the 2% LFP administered groups had lower hepatic concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides than the HC groups. Overall, the results suggest that Lycii fructus powder has hypochloesterolemic effects by reducing serum and liver cholesterol contents.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.109-116
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• 2000

This study was carried out to screen herbs among herbal plants showing antimicrobial activity against some food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. One hundred fifteen kinds of herbal plants were extracted by 70% ethanol, and then they have been screened for antimicroorganisms. Six herbal plants such as Salviae radix, Dryopteris rhizoma, Terminaliae fructus, Araliae radix, Psoraleae fructus and Schisandrae fructus showed strong antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis. Antimicrobial activities were showed in Anemarrhena radix and Dryopteris rhizoma on Candida albicans, and in Anemarrhenae radix, Dryopteris rhizoma and Polygalae radix on Schizosaccharomyces sp. It was revealed that eight herbal plants such as Dryopteris rhizoma, Salviae radix, Sappan ligunum, Sinomeniae radix, Schisandrae fructus, Rhui fructus, Sophorae radix and Inulae radix also showed antimicrobial activities on Streptococcus mutans. In addition, Anemarrhena radix, Curcuma tuber, Inulae radix, Polygonum radix, Sanguisorbae radix, Scutellariae radix and Terminaliae fructus and showed antimicrobial activities on Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Four kinds of herbal plants such as Dropteris rhizoma, Salviae radix, Terminaliae fructus and Scutellariae radix which showed broad antimicrobial spectrums were mixed by 1 : 1 ratio with the other herbal paints showing relatively strong microbial activities such as Terminaliae fructus, Sinomeniae radix and Scutellariae radix etc. The extracts of mixed herbal paints showed higher antimicrobial activities than those of single herbal plant.