• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.249-255
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• 2015

Schisandrae fructus [Schizandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baillon] is a medicinal herb widely used for treating various inflammatory and immune diseases in East Asian countries. The Schisandrae Semen essential oil (SSeo) from this plant has pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumoral activities. Nevertheless, the biological activities and underlying molecular mechanisms of the potential anti-cancer effects of this oil remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential inhibition of apoptosis signaling pathways by SSeo in human leukemia U937 cells and evaluated the underlying molecular mechanism. Exposure to SSeo resulted in a concentration-dependent growth inhibition due to apoptosis, which was verified by DNA fragmentation, the presence of apoptotic bodies, and an increase in the sub-G1 ratio. Induction of apoptotic cell death by SSeo was correlated with the down-regulation of members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family (including X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), cIAP-1, and surviving) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and with up-regulation of death receptor (DR) 4 and DR5, depending on dosage. SSeo treatment also induced Bid truncation, mitochondrial dysfunction, proteolytic activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and concomitant degradation of activated caspase-3 target proteins such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Taken together, these findings suggest that SSeo may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for use in the control of human leukemia cells. Further studies are needed to identify its active compounds.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2011

The Echinacea, which has been commonly known as a species of composite herb of dicotyledonous plant, has been used in native American traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases like colds or other infections in North America. We artificially cultured the adventitious roots of Echinacea angustifolia using the bioreactor culture system from Echinacea angustifolia and evaluated the efficacy as a cosmetic ingredient for skin care. Several studies previously have reported neogenesis, wound healing and inflammatory inhibition effect of Echinacea angustifolia but other efficacies were not well known. In the present study, we investigated the cosmetic efficacy to know applicable value of adventitious roots cultured from Echinacea angustifolia as a cosmetic ingredient. The adventitious roots extract of Echinacea angustifolia has superior anti-oxidant effect and matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibitory effect, compared to natural Echinacea angustifolia. These results indicate that the adventitious roots extract cultured from Echinacea angustifolia presents a new possibility of being applicable to skin care and anti-wrinkle products as a cosmetic ingredient.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.604-614
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• 2020

Chronological aging and photoaging affect appearance, causing wrinkles, pigmentation, texture changes, and loss of elasticity in the skin. Phragmites communis is a tall perennial herb used for its high nutritional value and for medicinal purposes, such as relief from fever and vomiting and facilitation of diuresis. In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanol extract of P. communis rhizome (PCE) on skin aging. The total flavonoid and total phenolic content in PCE were 2.92 ± 0.007 ㎍ of quercetin equivalents (QE) and 231.8 ± 0.001 ㎍ of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 mg of dried extract (n = 3). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of PCE for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities were 0.96 and 0.97 mg/mL, respectively. PCE showed inhibitory effects on tyrosinase when L-tyrosine (IC50 = 1.25 mg/mL) and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (IC50 = 0.92 mg/mL) were used as substrates. PCE treatment up to 200 ㎍/mL for 24 h did not cause any significant cytotoxicity in B16F10 melanocytes, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and HaCaT keratinocytes. In B16F10 melanocytes, PCE (25 and 50 ㎍ /mL) inhibited melanin production and cellular tyrosinase activity after challenge with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH; p < 0.05). In HDFs, PCE suppressed the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and reduced the activity of elastase (p < 0.05). In addition, ultraviolet B (UVB)-mediated downregulation of hyaluronic acid synthase-2 gene expression in HaCaT keratinocytes was also effectively suppressed by PCE treatment. Overall, our results showed that PCE has potential anti-skin aging activity associated with the suppression of hyperpigmentation, wrinkle formation, and reduction in dryness. PCE is a promising candidate for the development of an anti-skin aging cosmetic ingredient.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.26 no.7
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• pp.1090-1096
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• 2005

$Ag_4Br_4$ nanoclusters have been synthesized in about 75% of the sodalite cavities of fully $K^+$-exchanged zeolite A (LTA). An additional KBr molecule is retained in each large cavity as part of a near square-planar $K_4Br^{3+}$ cation. A single crystal of $Ag_{12}$-A, prepared by the dynamic ion-exchange of $Na_{12}$-A with aqueous 0.05 M $AgNO_3$ and washed with $CH_3OH$, was placed in a stream of flowing 0.05 M KBr in $CH_3OH$ for two days. The crystal structure of the product ($K_9(K_4Br)Si_{12}Al_{12}O_{48}{\cdot}0.75Ag_4Br_4$, a = 12.186(1) $\AA$) was determined at 294 K by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the space group Pm m. It was refined with all measured reflections to the final error index $R_1$ = 0.080 for the 99 reflections for which $F_o\;{\gt}\;4_{\sigma}\;(F_o)$. The thirteen $K^+$ ions per unit cell are found at three crystallographically distinct positions: eight $K^+$ ions in the large cavity fill the six-ring site, three $K^+$ ions fill the eight-rings, and two $K^+$ ions are opposite four-rings in the large cavity. One bromide ion per unit cell lies opposite a four-ring in the large cavity, held there by two eight-ring and two six-ring $K^+$ ions ($K_4Br^{3+}$). Three $Ag^+$ and three $Br^-$ions per unit cell are found on 3-fold axes in the sodalite unit, indicating the formation of nano-sized $Ag_4Br_4$ clusters (interpenetrating tetrahedra; symmetry $T_d$; diameter ca. 7.9 $\AA$) in 75% of the sodalite units. Each cluster (Ag-Br = 2.93(3) $\AA$) is held in place by the coordination of its four $Ag^+$ ions to the zeolite framework (each $Ag^+$ cation is 2.52(3) $\AA$ from three six-ring oxygens) and by the coordination of its four $Br^-$ ions to $K^+$ ions through six-rings (Br-K = 3.00(4) $\AA$).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.1322-1328
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• 2006

In our previous study, a novel herb mixture (HIM-I) of Angelica gigas radix, Cnidium officinale rhizoma, and Paeonia japonica radix was developed to protect= the intestinal and immune systems and to promote their recovery from radiation damage. A new herbal composition (HemoHIM) with the high immune modulating activity was developed from HIM-I. In the present study, we examined the effects of HemoHIM on the maturation process of murine bone marrow (BM)-derived dendritic cells (DC). BM cells were cultured in the presence of iL-4 and GM-CSF and the generated immature DC were stimulated with HemoHIM for 24 hours. HemoHIM significantly enhanced the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86, especially. The activation capacity of HemoHIM-treated DC was significantly higher than that of immature DC, as analyzed by IL-2 and $IFN-\gamma$ production and proliferation of the responding T cells in the co-culture with allogeneic T cells. The antigen-presenting capacity of HemoHIN-treated DC was also increased by the co-culture with OVA-specific T cells (HS-1), as analyzed by IL-2 and $IFN-\gamma$ production and the proliferation. These results indicate that HemoHIM causes the maturation and ;Activation of DC, which may be a part of mechanisms of immunomodulation by HemoHIM.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.697-703
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• 2020

Background: GS-3K8 and GINST, both of which are modified ginseng extracts, have never been examined in terms of their effectiveness for the prevention of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in humans. We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of performing a large-scale, randomized, controlled trial. Methods: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study at a single center from October 2014 to March 2015. The 45 healthy applicants were randomly divided into the GS-3K8 (n = 15), GINST (n = 15), and placebo groups (n = 15). The study drug was administered as a capsule (500 mg/cap and 3000 mg/day). GS-3K8 contained 6.31 mg/g of Rg1, 15.05 mg/g of Re, 30.84 mg/g of Rb1, 15.02 mg/g of Rc, 12.44 mg/g of Rb2, 6.97 mg/g of Rd, 1.59 mg/g of Rg3, 3.25 mg/g of Rk1, and 4.84 mg/g of Rg5. GINST contained 7.54 mg/g of Rg1, 1.87 mg/g of Re, 5.42 mg/g of Rb1, 0.29 mg/g of Rc, 0.36 mg/g of Rb2, 0.70 mg/g of Rd, and 6.3 mg/g of compound K. The feasibility criteria were the rates of recruitment, drug compliance, and successful follow-up. The primary clinical outcome measure was the incidence of ARI. The secondary clinical outcome measures were the duration of symptoms. Results: The rate of recruitment was 11.3 participants per week. The overall rate of completed follow-up was 97.8%. The mean compliance rate was 91.64 ± 9.80%, 95.28 ± 5.75%, and 89.70 ± 8.99% in the GS-3K8, GINST, and placebo groups, respectively. The incidence of ARI was 64.3% (9/14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 31.4-91.1%), 26.7% (4/15; 95% CI, 4.3-49.0%), and 80.0% (12/15; 95% CI, 54.8-93.0%) in the GS-3K8, GINST, and placebo groups, respectively. The average days of symptoms were 3.89 ± 4.65, 9.25 ± 7.63, and 12.25 ± 12.69 in the GS-3K8, GINST, and placebo groups, respectively. Conclusion: The results support the feasibility of a full-scale trial. GS-3K8 and GINST appear to have a positive tendency toward preventing the development of ARI and reducing the symptom duration. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.435-449
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• 2017

A floristic study on the vascular plants from Mt. Seounsan region, which ranges from Seoun-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do to Baekgok-myeon, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, was conducted 9 times in total, from April 2014 to October 2015. Based on the voucher specimens, it was revealed that the vascular plants in this region comprised 501 taxa: 97 families, 306 genera, 439 species, 5 subspecies, 51 varieties, and 6 forma. Among these plants, 185 taxa were recorded for the first time from this region. 8 Korean endemic species including Asarum patens (K.Yamaki) B.U.Oh, Scutellaria insignis Nakai, and Weigela subsessilis (Nakai) L.H.Bailey were found in this region. 5 taxa of rare plants designated by the Korea Forest Service, including Iris ruthenica KerGawl., Leontopodium leontopodioides (Willd.) Beauverd, and Tricyrtis macropoda Miq., were also found. 11 taxa of floristic regional indicator plants in the $3^{rd}$ to the $5^{th}$ degrees were identified. In addition, 46 taxa of naturalized plants were recorded, and 2 taxa of ecosystem disturbance plants, which were Ambrosia trifida L. and Aster pilosus Willd., also found.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.2691-2696
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• 2009

Effects of representative group II and transition metal ions on the stability of the $poly(dA){\cdot}[poly(dT)]_2$ triplex were investigated by the van’t Hoff plot constructed from a thermal melting curve. The transition, $poly(dA){\cdot}[poly(dT)]_2\;{\rightarrow}\;poly(dA){\cdot}poly(dT)\;+\;poly(dT)$, was non-spontaneous with a positive Gibb’s free energy, endothermic (${\Delta}H^{\circ}$ > 0), and had a favorable entropy change (${\Delta}S^{\circ}$ > 0), as seen from the negative slope and positive y-intercept in the van’t Hoff plot. Therefore, the transition is driven by entropy change. The $Mg^{2+}$ ion was the most effective at stabilization of the triplex, with the effect decreasing in the order of $Mg^{2+}\;>\;Ca^{2+}\;>\;Sr^{2+}\;>\;Ba^{2+}$. A similar stabilization effect was found for the duplex to single strand transition: $poly(dA){\cdot}poly(dT)\;+\;poly(dT)\;→\;poly(dA)\;+\;2poly(dT)$, with a larger positive free energy. The transition metal ions, namely $Ni_{2+},\;Cu_{2+},\;and\;Zn_{2+}$, did not exhibit any effect on triplex stabilization, while showing little effect on duplex stabilization. The different effects on triplex stabilization between group II metal ions and the transition metal ions may be attributed to their difference in binding to DNA; transition metals are known to coordinate with DNA components, including phosphate groups, while group II metal ions conceivably bind DNA via electrostatic interactions. The $Cd_{2+}$ ion was an exception, effectively stabilizing the triplex and melting temperature of the third strand dissociation was higher than that observed in the presence of $Mg_{2+}$, even though it is in the same group with $Zn_{2+}$. The detailed behavior of the $Cd_{2+}$ ion is currently under investigation.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.171-176
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• 1992

Volatile flavor components of Codonopsis lanceolata were extracted by gas co-distillation (GCD), solvent extraction/fractionation (SEF), and headspace sampling (HSS) methods. The extracts were analyzed by dual-capillary gas chromatography-retention index (GC-RI) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The two extracts prepared by SEF and HSS gave more similar fragrance to the Codonopsis lanceolata than the GCD extract. The GC profiles of the SEF and HSS extracts were similar to each other except for differences in peak areas. The extract prepared by SEF gave a sweet note while the extract prepared by HSS gave a green note. The GCD extract began to give a burnt note of herb medicine with prolonged distillation. Rapid extraction of flavor components from Codonopsis lanceolata was possible in several short steps by SEF and HSS methods compared to GCD. GC-MS and GC-RI were used for peak identification. GC-RI was more effective for identification of isomers, and polar FFAP column was more suitable for identification of polar compounds. From Codonopsis lanceolata we identified 35 volatile flavor constituents, 24 of which have not been previously reported by simultaneous distillation extraction method $^{(5)}$. trans-2-Hexanal, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, trans-2-hexen-1-ol, and hexanol were considered key components of the green note and 1-octen-3-ol, the component of the fresh note. Esters, including amyl propionate, seem to be responsible for the sweet note particular to Codonopsis lanceolata.

• Archives of design research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.97-106
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• 2004

Oukjuk becomes to known to the people and valuates due to the importance of the effect of the medicine. Known as taoist hermit plant, Oukjuk tea has called as a Solomon's Seal Tea in the western countries. Dissimilarly from other herb teas, it contains a high percentage of minerals. Because of the utility value of this, people used to use Oukjuk as an oriental medical treatment for various kinds of the condition of illness as for nutritive food or tonic material. According to the records, a sage of old or people seeking after truth had enjoyed the tea very much. In spite of these all effects, public has only a superficial understanding of the matter, Comprehending the problems, this study analyses ways and means of the functional packaging for the Solomon's Seal tea. In this research, the most problems came out with the quality of the products and the level of their packaging which is not variously in forms and not properly developed in materials and designs. As a conclusion the paper pointed out the importance of keeping the traditional high quality in product and having an appeal to packaging for customer's needs.