• CELLMED
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.24.1-24.6
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• 2020

Kushta Jast (KJ) is a unique herbo-mineral preparation of the Unani System of Medicine (USM) which is prepared by taklis (calcination) and prescribed by the practitioners of USM for the treatment of various ailments, including the respiratory ailments. It is used as muqawwi (tonic) to boost the immunity (Muqawwi-i-badan), and can increase the phagocyte activity of the immune cells, thereby, promoting the growth and spread of lymphocytes and increasing circulating antibodies to neutralize a harmful pathogen and reduce humma or body fever (Dafi'-i-humma). Incidentally, the principal mineral component of KJ, zinc, has been widely acknowledged for its beneficial influence on the immune function, and decrease the risk of developing serious respiratory illnesses. In this manuscript, we provide a glimpse of the literature on KJ and postulate its potential beneficial effects in respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

• CELLMED
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.4
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• 2020

Ayurveda scholars have well described about the physio-anatomical aspect of mammary gland (Stana), physiology of lactation, importance of breast milk (Stanya) in growth and development of baby, various factors affecting the lactation and causing changes in property of milk, Galactogouge (Stanyajanana), and drugs for purification of mother milk (Stanya Shodhana). The recent studies provide evidence for above descriptions of Ayurveda. Breast milk (Stanya) is the nearly complete sole source of nourishment for infants. It has been considered as subsidiary tissue (Upadhatu) of blood plasma (Rasa Dhatu) as it is formed out of Rasa Dhatu (Plasma) and its quality and quantity gets affected by quality of nutrient fraction of food formed after complete digestion (Aahar Rasa). It provides health (Aarogya), strength and immunity (Bala) to the feeding child and gives innumerable beneficial effects like protection against not only acute infections like URTI, diarrhoea but also on chronic illnesses like CVD, metabolic disorders too. The Ayurveda description related to Mammary gland and physiology of lactation still need a better understanding for its implementation on promotion of health. Thus an attempt has been made to compile and analyze the view of Ayurveda scholars on Breast (Stana), Breast milk (Stanya) and physiological aspect of lactation as well as to draw a possible scientific understanding for the relevance.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2009

Roots of Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) (Astragali Radix, AR) has been used as a herbal medicine for gastrointestinal disorders in China, Korea, Japan, and other Asia countries. In this study we investigated the effects of the AR 70% ethanol extract and compounds isolated from AR on gastritis in rats and growth of human gastric cancer cells. AR 70% ethanol extract showed the potent acid-neutralizing capacities and partly cytotoxicity of Helicobacter pylori and human AGS gastric cancers cell. Astragaloside I and daucosterol, which were isolated from AR, significantly inhibited HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions. In addition, daucosterol increased the mucus content to almost the same as the positive control. The results of this study suggest that astragaloside I and daucosterol may be good candidates for the development of new drugs or neutraceuticals which can be used for the treatment or prevention of gastritis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.12
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• pp.821-827
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• 2019

Aging is the most important single risk factor for many chronic diseases such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders. Targeting aging itself might, therefore, be a better strategy than targeting each chronic disease individually for enhancing human health. Although much should be achieved for completely understanding the biological basis of aging, cellular senescence is now believed to mainly contribute to organismal aging via two independent, yet not mutually exclusive mechanisms: on the one hand, senescence of stem cells leads to exhaustion of stem cells and thus decreases tissue regeneration. On the other hand, senescent cells secrete many proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and proteases, collectively termed as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which causes chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Much effort has been recently made to therapeutically target detrimental effects of cellular senescence including selectively eliminating senescent cells (senolytics) and modulating a proinflammatory senescent secretome (senostatics). Here, we discuss current progress and limitations in understanding molecular mechanisms of senolytics and senostatics and therapeutic strategies for applying them. Furthermore, we propose how these novel interventions for aging treatment could be improved, based on lessons learned from cancer treatment.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.273-279
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• 2020

BACKGROUND: After transplanting, the recent abnormal low temperature caused physiological disorders of pepper seedlings. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of UV-A LED, a physical elicitor, on the chilling tolerance of pepper seedlings. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seedlings were continuously irradiated with 370 and 385 nm UV-A LEDs with 30 W·m^-2 for 6 d. After that, seedlings were exposed to 4℃ for 6 h and then recovered under the normal growing condition for 2 d. There were no significant differences in growth characteristics of UV-A treatments compared to the control. Fv/Fm values of two UV-A treatments were below 0.8. Electrolyte leakage in the control was increased by chilling stress, while 385 nm UV-A had the significantly lowest value. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of two UV-A treatments significantly increased due to UV-A radiation. However, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the control increased due to chilling stress and tended to decrease again during the recovery time. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that UV-A light was effective to induce the chilling tolerance of pepper seedling, and the supplemental radiation of 385 nm UV-A LED before transplanting could be used as a cultivation technique to produce high quality pepper seedlings.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2014

Objective : The purpose of this study is to develop the one-session positive psychology based strength enhancing workshop and verify effect of this program. This program is composed of lecture based on positive psychology and activities for identifying and utilizing personal character strengths. Methods : Total 81 participants were participated in this study. Positive Resources Test was assessed the change of personal positive resources at pre-, post program and subjective satisfaction for the workshop was measured at the post program. Repeated-t test was performed to identify the effect of this program. Results : Among the positive resources, satisfaction with life, positive affect, gratitude, acceptance, personal growth, efficacy, flow, resilience, hope, spirituality are significantly increased after program. Conclusion : Although this study is a single-session program without control group for comparison, it is meaningful to try a short-term intervention concise the program consisting of more than 8 sessions. This study will be based on the future development a variety of positive interventions.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.10
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• pp.327-332
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• 2017

Purpose: Short stature affects approximately 2%-3% of children, representing one of the most frequent disorders for which clinical attention is sought during childhood. Despite assumed genetic heterogeneity, mutations or deletions in the short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX ) are frequently detected in subjects with short stature. Idiopathic short stature (ISS) refers to patients with short stature for various unknown reasons. The goal of this study was to screen all the exons of SHOX to identify related mutations. Methods: We screened all the exons of SHOX for mutations analysis in 105 ISS children patients (57 girls and 48 boys) living in Taif governorate, KSA using a direct DNA sequencing method. Height, arm span, and sitting height were recorded, and subischial leg length was calculated. Results: A total of 30 of 105 ISS patients (28%) contained six polymorphic variants in exons 1, 2, 4, and 6. One mutation was found in the DNA domain binding region of exon 4. Three of these polymorphic variants were novel, while the others were reported previously. There were no significant differences in anthropometric measures in ISS patients with and without identifiable polymorphic variants in SHOX. Conclusion: In Saudi Arabia ISS patients, rather than SHOX, it is possible that new genes are involved in longitudinal growth. Additional molecular analysis is required to diagnose and understand the etiology of this disease.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.04a
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• pp.9-9
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• 2018

Arctii Fructus (AF), which contains arctigenin (ARC) as a major constituent, is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory medicine to treat inflammatory sore throat. Although several studies have proven its anti-inflammatory effects, there have been no reports on its use in inflammation related disorders such as obesity, cancer metastasis, and allergic responses. This study investigated the anti-obesity effect and anti-metastasis effect of AF and ARC. AF and ARC inhibited weight gain by reducing the mass of white adipose tissue in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Serum cholesterol levels were also improved by AF and ARC. In in vitro experiments, AF and ARC decreased differentiation of white adipocytes. Furthermore, AF induced differentiation of brown adipocytes, which are able to consume surplus energy through non-shivering thermogenesis. Also, AF and ARC inhibited colon cancer and lung metastasis of colon cancer. They suppressed not only colorectal cancer cell progression by inhibiting cell growth, but also prohibited lung metastasis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and the invasion. These effects were confirmed in an experimental metastasis mouse model. In addition, AF and ARC inhibited mast cell mediated allergic responses. Collectively, our study suggests that AF and ARC might show inhibitory effects on inflammation related diseases, including obesity, cancer, cancer metastasis, and allergic responses.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.169-180
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• 2005

Objective : Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn stems, Chinese vine plants, have been used for the relief of menstrual disorders and rheumatic arthralgia. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn on cervical cancer in vitro. Methods : HeLA cervical cancer cell lines were used as targets. We examined the effect of water extract from Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn on cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation and cell cycle-regulating gene expression. Further, we investigated the apoptotic effects of Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn on cervical cancer cell lines. Results : Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn significantly inhibited the proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent and time dependent manner. Fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis indicated that Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn induced G1 cell cycle arrest. Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn enhanced the expression of $p21^{waf1}$ and $p27^{kip1}$ with cell cycle arrest. Further, Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn stimulated apoptosis via caspase3 pathway. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn is a candidate agent for the treatment of cervical cancer. p21waf1 and $p21^{waf1}$ and $p27^{kip1}$ may play an important role in Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn-induced cell cycle arrest and cell growth inhibition.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.265-275
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• 2006

In the developing brain, capillaries are differentiated and matured into the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is composed of cerebral endothelial cells, astrocyte end-feet, and pericytes. Since the BBB regulates the homeostasis of central nervous system (CNS), the maintenance of the BBB is important for CNS function. The disruption of the BBB may result in many brain disorders including brain tumors. However, the molecular mechanism of BBB formation and maintenance is poorly understood. Here, we summarize recent advances in the role of oxygen tension and growth factors on BBB development and maintenance, and in BBB dysfunction related with brain tumors.