• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2017

Objectives: Selaginella bryopteris L. (family: Selaginaceae), is often used in traditional Indian systems of medicine for the prevention and cure of several disorders and for the treatment of patient with spermatorrhoea, venereal disease, constipation, colitis, urinary tract infections, fever, epilepsy, leucorrhoea, beri-beri and cancer. It is also used as a strength tonic. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of topically administered aqueous, polar and non-polar methanolic fractions ($10mg/20{\mu}L$) of Selaginella bryopteris. Methods: An acute oral toxicity study of Selaginella bryopteris at doses from 250 to 2,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) was performed. Aqueous, polar and non-polar methanolic extracts ($10mg/20{\mu}L$) applied topically for 5 days were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects against 12-tetra-O-decanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA)- induced inflammation by using the redness in the ear, the ear's weight (edema), oxidative stress parameters, such as lipid-peroxide (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in inflammation, such as tumour necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ and IL-6. Indomethacine ($0.5mg/20{\mu}L$) was used for the positive control. Results: Selaginella bryopteris produced no mortalities when administered orally at doses from 250 to 2,000 mg/kg bw. Topical treatment with the non-polar methanolic fraction ($10mg/20{\mu}L$) significantly suppressed redness ($2.4{\pm}0.5$) and edema ($30.4{\pm}1$) and effectively reduced the LPO level ($32.3{\pm}3.3$). The NO level was ($8.07{\pm}0.55$), and the $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6 levels were decreased to $69.6{\pm}15.5$, $7.7{\pm}4.8$ and $82.6{\pm}5.9$, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated for the first time the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of medicinal plants like Selaginella bryopteris and quantified the pharmacological interactions between them. The present study showed this herbal product to be a promising anti-inflammatory phytomedicine for the treatment of patients with inflammatory skin diseases.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.241-248
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• 2011

The use of synthetic additives for preservation and enhancement of the market quality of food products has been emerging as a societal issue in terms of safety as well as changes in consumption patterns. Various research related to natural additives is being conducted to address these issues. This study examined the antibacterial effects of 79 types of medicinal herbs used as oriental remedies on bacteria isolated from beverages of damaged marketable quality. The antibacterial effects of methanol extracts on 13 Bacillus sp. and three Paenibacillus sp. were evaluated. We found that 43 of the herbal medicines analyzed had antibacterial effects on the isolated bacteria. Of those, eight were selected, and their antibacterial effects were further examined using water, ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate as solvents. The results revealed that Prunus mume, Rhus javanica, and Coptis japonica had excellent antibacterial effects against the isolated bacteria. In particular, they exerted greater antibacterial effects when water and ethanol were used as solvents. This result indicates the possibility of developing natural additives using these substances. Since P. mume in particular, has not been sufficiently studied compared to other herbal medicines, it presents an opportunity for additional investigation and the possibility for development as a new product in the future.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.348-356
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• 2011

Liriope platyphylla is a medical herb that has long been used in Korea and China to treat cough, sputum, neurodigenerative disorders, obesity and diabetes. The aims of this study were to study the antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extract of L. platyphylla (AEtLP) through pancreatic and extrapancreatic actions. AEtLP were orally administrated to ICR mice once a day for 7 days. Of three different concentrations of AEtLP, only 10% AEtLP were low toxic to liver, based on body weight and serum biochemical analyses. However, 10% AEtLP-treated mice displayed signifi cant reduction of the glucose concentration and increased insulin concentration; no changes were noted using 5% and 15% AEtLP. Also, the increase of glucose transporter (Glut)-1 expression in liver was dependent on the concentration of AEtLP, and was regulated by the phosphorylation of Akt. The lowest expression of Glut-3 was observed in 15% AEtLP treated mice, followed by 10% AEtLP- and 5% AEtLP-treated mice. This pattern of Glut-3 expression was roughly in accord with the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-teminal kinase (JNK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, a signifi cant rise of the superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) was detected in AEtLP-treated mice. The fi ndings suggest that AEtLP should be considered as a diabetes therapeutic candidate to induce insulin secretion from pancreatic ${\beta}$-cells and glucose uptake in liver cells.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.275-282
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• 2016

STAR of STAR (SS 01-04) is a series of drinks that consist of various extracts obtained from Coriolus versicolor, Artemisia capillaris Thunb., Hovenia dulcis, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus, Lycium chinense, Citrus reticulata, Saururus chinensis, Pueraria lobata, Pyrus pyrifolia, and Oenanthe javanica. A purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of SS 01-04. Antioxidant activity of the drinks was evaluated by conducting a hydroxyl radical-scavenging assay. Cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective potential were determined using HepG2 cells in vitro, while protective effects against acute hepatotoxicity was evaluated in vivo. The antioxidant activity of the SS 01-04 at concentration of 100 and 250 mg/mL was similar to that of $50{\mu}M$ vitamin C. tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was blocked by SS 01, 03 and 04 in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with SS 04 significantly lowered the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in an animal model of carbon tetrachloride $(CCl_4)-induced$ hepatotoxicity (p<0.05). In addition, SS04 increased glutathione level while decreased malondialdehyde level in the liver considerably (p<0.05). It also inhibited the $CCl_4-induced$ increase in the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in serum and the liver. These findings indicated that SS 01-04 possessed antioxidant activity and protect against ROS. In particular, SS 04 is potentially highly beneficial in treating liver damage as it scavenges reactive free radicals and boosts the endogenous antioxidant system.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.124-124
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• 2018

본 연구는 국내 생약중 도라지를 포함, 인삼, 당귀, 생강, 마 5가지를 선별하여 각 원물별로 항산화 활성 가장 높은 기준으로 증숙시킨 조건의 흑도라지, 흑삼, 흑당귀, 흑생강, 흑마를 확보하였다. 증숙시킨 5가지 생약은 다시 혼합 추출(BMHE; Black Mixed Herbal Extract)하여 증숙하지 않은 생약 혼합 추출물(MHE; Mixed Herbal extract)과 항산화, 항염 및 항알러지 활성을 비교하여 증숙공정이 생약의 생리활성에 미치는 긍정적인 영향을 바탕으로 피부향장 소재로 활용가능성을 확인하고자 연구하였다. 실험은 MHE와 BMHE를 각각 50% Ethyl alcohol로 추출하여 감압농축하여 생리활성을 평가하였으며, MHE와 BMHE 추출물에 대한 세포생존률을 확인한 결과 $1,000{\mu}g/ml$의 농도에서 각각 89.4%와 95.3%의 세포생존률을 보임에 따라 $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ 이하의 농도에서 HME와 BMHE 모두 세포독성이 거의 적은 것을 확인하였다. DPPH radical scavenging effects 항산화 활성에 대하여 MHE와 BMHE을 비교한 결과 농도 의존적으로 항산화 활성을 보였으며 $1,000{\mu}g/ml$의 농도에서는 각각 66.8%와 74.2%의 라디칼 소거능을 확인하였다. NO assay로부터 항염활성을 비교한 결과에서도 MHE와 BMHE 모두 농도 의존적으로 NO의 함량 감소시켰으며 $1,000{\mu}g/ml$로 처리한 농도에서는 59.5%와 64.7%의 억제율을 각각 보임에 따라 항염 효과도 우수한 것을 확인하였다. 항알레르기 효능 실험 중 하나인 5-LO 억제효능을 측정하여 ME와 BME의 항알러지 효능을 측정한 결과 상기의 결과와 마찬가지로 농도 의존적으로 5-Lipoxygenase를 억제하였으며, $1,000{\mu}g/ml$의 농도로 MHE와 BMHE를 처리하였을 시 5-Lipoxygenase 효소활성에 대하여 각각 76.2%와 83.5%의 높은 억제율을 확인 하였다. 이는 양성대조군인 EGCG를 $200{\mu}g/ml$의 농도로 처리한 9.10%에 근접한 억제율을 보임에 따라 항알러지 효과가 우수한을 확인할 수 있었다. 실험 결과를 바탕으로 BMHE가 MHE보다 항산화, 항염, 항알러지 활성이 우수한 것을 확인 할 수 있었으며, 이는 증숙기법이 생약의 생리활성을 높여주는 것은 물론 더 나아가 본 연구를 통해 확보된 5가지 흑도라지, 흑삼, 흑당귀, 흑생강, 흑마는 향후 피부향장 소재로 활용이 용이할 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.1-15
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• 1998

Purpose : The study for changes in components and acitvities of Artemisiae Herba at various processing temperature is generally regarded as a foundation in setting the optimum heat-processing temperature and for getting the maximum activities for medical usage of this herb. Methods: Therefore some experiments were performed either in vitro or in vivo and various changes were observed - the changes in the weitht of Artemisiae Herba, the changes in the relative amount of three kinds of extracts from Artemisiae Herba ( diluted ethanol extract, water extract, ether extract ), the TLC pattern of essential oil at various processing temperature, the existance of inhibitory effects both on ${\beta}$-Glucuronidase activities, and on heat-induced hemolysis, the effects on increased vascular permeability. The valid results derived from the experiments are as follows. Results: 1. The weight of Artemisiae Herba prominently decreased at 240^{\circ}C$. 2. The contents of diluted ether extract were maximum in the unprocessing condition. Those of water extract were maximum at 180^{\circ}C$ and at 210^{\circ}C$. and the changes of diluted ethanol extract at 150^{\circ}C$. 3. The TLC pattern of essential oil in Artemisiae Herba at various processing temperature showed that a component began to increase at Rf 0.56 and another component began to decrease at Rf 0.86. 4. The contents of Eupatilin in Artemisiae Herba at various processing temperature continued to decreased in proportion to the temperature rise, the extent of which was prominent at 210^{\circ}C$, and was unnoticeable at 270^{\circ}C$. 5. Inhibitory effects on ${\beta}$-Glucuronidase activities, trypsin activities and heat-induced hemolysis increased in proportion to the density of Artemisiae Herba. Inhibitory effects on ${\beta}$-Glucuronidase activities and trypsin activities were relatively high at 180^{\circ}C$ while on the writhing syndrome and inhibitory effects on increased vascular permeability induced by acetic acid were maximum at 240^{\circ}C$. those on heat-induced hemolysis were relatively high at 240^{\circ}C$. 6. In vivo, both analgesic effects Conclusions: To maximize of the effectiveness of Artemmisiae Herba, the ideal heating temperature is in the range of 180^{\circ}C{\sim}240^{\circ}C$.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.461-472
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• 2004

Objectives : For the screening of neuroprotective effects of medicinal herbs, the complex system of animal models suffer some disadvantages in controlling critical parameters such as blood pressure and body temperature. Additionally, application of drugs to the appropriate brain area sometimes is difficult, due to poor permeability though the blood brain barrier, and so potential protective effects might be masked. Methods : Organotypic hippocampal slice culture (OHSC) method has the advantages of being relatively easy to prepare and of maintaining the general structure, including tissue integrity and the connections between cells. Drugs can easily be applied and neuronal damage can easily be quantified by using tissues and culture media. This study demonstrates neuroprotective effects of Puerariae radix (葛根, PR), Salviae miltiorrhizae radix (丹蔘, SR), Rhei rhizoma (大黃, RR), and Bupleuri radix (柴胡, BR). These were screenedand compared to MK-801, antagonist of NMDA receptors, by using OHSC of 1 week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) were conducted in an anaerobic chamber $(85%\;N_2,\;10%\;CO_2\;and\;5%\;H_2)$ in a deoxygenated glucose-free medium for 60 minutes. Water extracts of each herbs were treated to culture media with $5\;{\mu}g/ml$ for 48 hours. Results : Neuronal cell death in the cultures was monitored by densitometric measurements of the cellular uptake of propidium iodide (PI). PI fluorescence images were obtained at 48 hours after the OGD and medicinal herb treatment. Also TUNEL-positive cells in the CAI and DG regions and LDH concentrations in culture media were measured at 48 hours after the OGD. According to measured data, MK-801, PR, SR and BR demonstrated significant neuroprotective effect against excessive neuronal cell death and apoptosis induced by the OGD insult. Especially, PR revealed similar neuroprotective effect to MK-801 and RR demonstrated weak neuroprotective effect. Conclusions : These results suggest that OHSC can be a suitable method for screening of neuroprotective effects of medicinal herbs. (This work was supported by the research program of Dongguk University and Grant 01-PJ9-PG1-01CO03-0003 from Ministry of Health & Welfare.)

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.550-555
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• 2013

Extrinsic skin aging is characterized by the loss of skin tone and resilience, irregular pigmentation, and deep wrinkles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ehwa Makgeolli containing oriental herbs (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Lycium chinense MILL., Morus alba L., and Saururus chinensis Baill) on skin whitening and wrinkling in human skin cells. We prepared Makgeolli extracts (HEE) with 70% ethanol. HEE significantly inhibited in vitro mushroom tyrosinase activity and reduced the cellular and secreted melanin content of mouse melanoma melanocytes (B16F1 cells). HEE down-regulated the protein expression of tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-1/-2, a key player in melanogenesis. Treatment with HEE in human keratinoctyes (HaCaT cells) inhibited the proteolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 in a dose-dependent manner and dramatically reduced the expression of MMP-2/-9. In addition, HEE attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). These results indicate that HEE may be a great cosmeceutical ingredient for its whitening, anti-wrinkle, and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.161-168
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• 2007

Salicornia herbacea L. (Chenopodiaceae: S. herbacea) is a salt marsh plant, which has long been prescribed in traditional medicines for the treatment of intestinal ailments, nephropathy, and hepatitis in Oriental countries. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of this herb, we conducted an anti-oxidative activity, the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, and the suppression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, with the solvent-extracts of S. herbacea. We found that both ethyl acetate and n-butanol tractions showed potent anti-oxidative effects in comparison to other fractions using xanthine oxidase assay with $IC_{50}$ values of $66.0{\pm}0.5\;{\mu}g/ml$ and $82.5{\pm}3.8\;{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. In addition, both ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions showed more electron donating activity (EDA) than other tractions, according to DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-lpicrylhydrazyl radical) assay. The EDA of ethyl acetate fraction ($IC_{50}$ values of $117.5{\pm}3.8\;{\mu}g/ml$) is more significant than that of n-butanol fraction ($IC_{50}$ values of $375.0{\pm}12.5\;{\mu}g/ml$). Among potential anti-oxidative tractions, ethyl acetate traction dose-dependently suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS, $0.1\;{\mu}g/ml$)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cell, while n-butanol did not. As expected, ethyl acetate fraction suppressed the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in RAW264.7 cell stimulated by $0.1\;{\mu}g/ml$ of LPS. Moreover, the ethyl acetate traction suppressed the expression of interleukin-1 $(IL)-1{\beta}$ and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mRNA in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Therefore, these results suggest that S. herbacea may have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities by modulating radical-induced toxicity and various pro-inflammatory responses.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.255-269
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• 2020

Objectives : Hemistepta lyrata Bunge (Bunge) is a wild herb that has been used for managing fever and wound in Korean Traditional Medicine. The present study explored the effects of H. lyrata extract on liver X receptor (LXR) α-dependent lipogenic genes in hepatocyte-derived cells. Methods : After HepG2 cells or Huh7 cells were pre-treated with 1-10 ㎍/mL of H. lyrata extract or its fractionated extract for 0.5 h, the cells were subsequently exposed to LXR ligand for 6-24 h. Cell viability, LXR response element (LXRE)-driven luciferase activity, sterol regulatory element binding protein-response element (SREBP-RE)-driven luciferase activity, SREBP-1c expression, and mRNA levels of LXRα and its-dependent target genes were determined. In addition, LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted to explore major compounds in H. lyrata-chloroform fractionated extract #4 (HL-CF4). Results : Of various H. lyrata extracts tested, chloroform extract and its fractionated extract #4, HL-CF4, significantly decreased T0901317-mediated SREBP-1c expression. In addition, HL-CF4 significantly reduced LXRE atransactivation and LXRα mRNA expression without any cytotoxicity. Moreover, HL-CF4 prevented the SREBP-RE-driven luciferase activity and mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 induced by T0901317. Results from LC-MS/MS analysis at positive/negative mode indicated that HL-CF4 contained several compounds showing m/z 197.1176 (C₁₁H₁₇O₃), 693.2913/227.1069 (C₃₈H₄₅O₁₂/C₁₅H₁₅O₂), 203.1797 (C₁₅H₂₃), 181.1225 (C₁₁H₁₇O₂), 591.2957 (C₃₅H₄₃O₈), 379.1040 (C₁₈H₁₉O₉), 409.1509 (C₂₀H₂₅O₉), 309.1348 (C₁₆H₂₁O₆), 391.1404 (C₂₀H₂₃O₈), and 669.2924/389.1248 (C₃₆H₄₅O₁₂/C₂₀H₂₁O₈). Conclusion : Based on its inhibition of the LXRα-dependent signaling pathway, H. lyrata chloroform extract and HL-CF4 have prophylactic potentials for managing non-alcoholic fatty liver.