• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.544-550
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Atractylodes lancea (A.l.) in a dose-dependent manner on lipid levels and plasma glucose in diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin (STZ). The Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly classified into five groups: normal, STZ-control and three experimental groups [A.l.-1, diabetic treated with ethanolic extract of A.l. (1 g/kg b.w.), A.l.-2, diabetic administered with ethanolic extract of A.l. (2 g/kg b.w.), and A.l.-3, diabetic administered with ethanolic extract of A.l. (3 g/kg b.w.)]. The normal and STZ-control group were fed an AIN-93 diet and the three experimental groups were administered with A.l. extract at doses of 1, 2, and 3 g/kg b.w./day, respectively, for 14 days. The plasma glucose levels in all the experimental groups were significantly lower than the STZ-control group after 14 days of treatment. The total cholesterol of the A.l.-3 and triglyceride levels, atherogenic index (AI) of all three experimental groups were significantly lower than the STZ-control group. The ALT and AST activities at A.l.-2, A.l.-3 were significantly lower than the STZ-control group. This result that demonstrate the administration of Atractylodes lancea can reduce hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia risk in diabetic rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.942-949
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• 2010

Morus alba L., a kind of Oriental medicinal herbs, has been traditionally used to treat pulmonary asthma and congestion. According to recent studies, extracts of M. alba L. have showed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor and hypoglycemic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms on how it acts as a death-inducer in cancer cells have not been fully understood. In this study, we investigated the cell death effects of methylene chloride extracts of M. alba L. (MEMA) in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. It was shown that MEMA induced the apoptotic cell death proved by increased sub-G1 phase cell population, apoptotic body formation and chromatin condensation. MEMA treatment induced the expression of death receptor-related proteins such as death receptor (DR) 4, DR5, Fas and FasL, which further triggered the activation of caspase-8 and the cleavage of Bid in a concentration-dependent manner. However, MEMA reduced anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression which contributed to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the activations of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Meanwhile, the morphological study indicated a characteristic finding of autophagy, such as the formation of autophagosomes in MEMA-treated cells. Furthermore, markers of autophagy, namely, the increased MDC-positive cells, conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II and increased beclin-1 accumulation, were observed. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that MEMA triggered both autophagy and apoptosis in A549 cancer cells. They might suggest that M. alba L. could be a prospective clinical application to treat human lung cancers.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of an ethanol extract of Cassia abbreviata (ECA) bark and the possible mechanisms of its action in diabetic albino rats. Methods: ECA was prepared by soaking the powdered plant material in 70% ethanol. It was filtered and made solvent-free by evaporation on a rotary evaporator. Type 2 diabetes was induced in albino rats by injecting 35 mg/kg body weight (bw) of streptozotocin after having fed the rats a high-fat diet for 2 weeks. Diabetic rats were divided into ECA-150, ECA-300 and Metformin (MET)-180 groups, where the numbers are the doses in mg.kg.bw administered to the groups. Normal (NC) and diabetic (DC) controls were given distilled water. The animals had their fasting blood glucose levels and body weights determined every 7 days for 21 days. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were carried out in all animals at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Liver and kidney samples were harvested for glucose 6 phosphatase (G6Pase) and hexokinase activity analyses. Small intestines and diaphragms from normal rats were used for ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ and glucose uptake studies against the extract. Results: Two doses, 150 and 300 mg/kg bw, significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats and helped them maintain normal body weights. The glucose level in DC rats significantly increased while their body weights decreased. The 150 mg/kg bw dose significantly increased hexokinase and decreased G6Pase activities in the liver and the kidneys. ECA inhibited ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ activity and promoted glucose uptake in the rats' hemi-diaphragms. Conclusion: This study revealed that ECA normalized blood glucose levels and body weights in type 2 diabetic rats. The normalization of the glucose levels may possibly be due to inhibition of ${\alpha}-glucosidase$, decreased G6Pase activity, increased hexokinase activity and improved glucose uptake by muscle tissues.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.485-501
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• 1998

Cortex Mori (Moros alba L.), the root bark of mulberry tree has been used as an autiphlogistic, diuretic and expectorant in herval medicine. Recently, a few papers reported that phenolic extract of Cortex Mori had the hypotensive, hypoglycemic, antiviral and anticancer effects, and hot water extract of Cortex Mori(CM) had inhibitory effect on the degranulation and histamine release from activated mast cells. These previous studies suggest a possibility that CM has an antidotal activity against inflammation which was mediated mainly by macrophage-secreting inflammatory factors. This study was performed to evaluate the influences of CM on carrageenan-induced edema in vivo and release of inflammatory mediators such as NO, TNF and IL-1 by macrophages stimulated with LPS or $IFN-{\gamma}$ in vitro. Subcutaneous injections of carrageenan into the mouse paw rapidly induced local edema by increasing vascular permeability, but single intraperitoneal injection of CM extract at 30 minutes before carrageenan suppressed the development of edema. NO and TNF production from macrophage stimulated by LPS or $IFN-{\gamma}$ were significantly suppressed, especially TNF secretion by up to 3-4 folds. LPS stimulated IL-1 production was also inhibited, but not significantly. Cell viability assay verified that the inhibition was not due to general cell toxicity. These results suggest that reduction of NO, TNF and IL-1 production may be one of the means by which CM prevent inflammation associated diseases.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.155-164
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• 2010

Lycii fructus is the fruit of Lycium chinense Miller and is part of the Solanaceae family. Lycii fructus produces various effects such as hypotensive, hypoglycemic, anti-pyretic, and anti-stress activities. Lycii fructus is known to contain betaine, carotene, nicotinic acid, zeaxanthin, and cerebroside. In the present study, the effects of Lycii fructus aqueous extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in murine raw 264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. In this study we utilized the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and nitric oxide (NO) detection. Lycii fructus aqueous extract suppressed NO production by inhibiting the LPS-induced expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-$\alpha$) mRNA and iNOS protein in murine raw 264.7 macrophage cells. Also, Lycii fructus aqueous extract suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) in the nucleus. These results demonstrated that Lycii fructus aqueous extract causes an anti-inflammatory effect that was likely produced by the suppression of iNOS expression through the down-regulation of NF-$\hat{e}B$ binding activity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1113-1120
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• 2010

This study investigated the efficacy of macelignan and hot water with Chinese traditional herb (CTH) extract on altering severe diabetic conditions in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. Previously, the anti-diabetic effects of macelignan were partly reported as a PPAR $\alpha/\gamma$-dual agonist. Here, we futher studied whether a combination of macelignan and CTH had more beneficial effects or not. The macelignan and CTH compound significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and HbA1c compared to macelignan-treated mice, and also significantly improved postprandial glucose, insulin sensitivity, and plasma lipid profiles (FFA, and TG). On the other hand, insulin levels were not significantly changed compared to the diabetic control group. There were no significant changes in the concentrations of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, but there were changes in HTR and AI. These results suggest that the macelignan and CTH compound ameliorates hyperglycemia and efficiently improves postprandial glucose, insulin sensitivity, and hyperlipidemia compared with macelignan in db/db mice. Moreover, the macelignan and CTH compound seems to be more potent in affecting diabetic complications than macelignan.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.424-455
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• 2002

Diabetes mellitus is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. The insufficiency of medication to cope with this burden has coincided with a dramatic rise in the prevalence of use of complementary and alternative therapies, especially herbal treatments. This surge in demand presents a challenge to prove the safety and efficacy of these treatments in diabetes. Korean red ginseng (steam treated Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a strong candidate to succeed. It has been shown to possess a multitude of hypoglycemic effects and improve metabolic disturbances related to diabetes in in vitro and animal models. Data in humans is also emerging to support these benefits. Whether these results can be replicated in a rigorous clinical testing program is unclear. We therefore investigated the antidiabetic effects of Korean red ginseng in a series of 2 acute and 1 longterm randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials. This paper provides the rationale for this program of study, expanding on the problem of diabetes, its management, and the possible role for Korean red ginseng. It then describes the design and expected findings.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.5 s.72
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• pp.809-818
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• 2005

The effects of fermented chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) on the concentrations of serum glucose, insulin, lipids and lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Rats were fed a semisynthetic diet supplemented with 50 g/kg chaga mushroom powder (the CM group) and fermented chaga mushroom powder (the FCM group), and no supplemented (the control group) for 3 weeks. The polysaccharide concentrations were CM by $42.9\%$ and FCM by $ 39.1\%$, and the total polyphenol concentrations were CM by $ 0.80\%$ and FCM by $0.91\%$. Feed intakes and water consumption, serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly lower in the FCM group than in both the CM and control groups. The activities of AST and ALT were also significantly lower in the FCM group than in the control group. No significant differences were detected with regard to the serum cholesterol and creatinine concentrations among the experimental groups. Lipid peroxidations in hepatic homogenate, microsomal and mitochondrial subcellular and pancreas were significantly lowered by the administration of FCM in the STZ-diabetic rats. Hepatic glutathione concentrations, which is closely associated with antioxidant system, was significantly higher in the FCM group than in the control group, indicating a marked effect of FCM administration on the endogenous antioxidant system. However, CM treatment showed a moderate antioxidative activity in the STZ-diabetic rats. Our results indicate that fermented chaga mushroom exert hypoglycemic and antioxidative effects in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.433-443
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• 2006

The effects of Allium vegetables on blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism in streptozotocin (S12) induced diabetic rats were investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced by S1'2 injection (45 mg/kg 5.w.) into the tail vein. Sprague-Dawley rats weighing $220\;{\pm}\;10\;g$ were randomly assigned to 7 groups: normal, S1'2-control and five Allium groups (Allium cepa, Allium fistulosum, Allium sativum, Allium tuberosum and Allium victorialisL Normal and S12control groups were fed an AIN-93 diet and five Allium groups were fed a modified diet containing. 10% Allium powder each for 4 weeks. Body weight, diet intake, food efficiency ratio (FER) and organ weights- were monitored. Activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) & alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were observed: Plasma lev~ls of glucose, free fatty acid, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol were analyzed. Levels of glycogen, cholesterol and triglyceride in liver were determined. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver, lung, kidney, and pancreas were assayed. The hepatic contents of chromium (Cr) , iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mu) were measured. The Allium sativum group had weight gain and suppressed a hypertrophy of the kidney significantly. The activity of ALT was significantly lowered in the diabetic groups except Allium sativum group compared to STZ-control group. The Allium sativum and Allium tuberosum groups showed the hypoglycemic effects at 4 weeks. There were no significant differences between the control and all the other diabetic groups in the plasma levels of cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids. Most of the Allium groups except Allium fistulosum were observed significantly lowered level of MDA in the lung compared to STZ-control group. The diabetic rats fed the Allium cepa and Allium sativum have shown significantly lowered hepatic Zn contents. The results suggested that the intake of the Allium vegetables may be effective in the antihyperglycemia by lowering blood glucose levels.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.170-176
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• 2008

This study was designed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysates (EH) from Hamcho (Salicornia herbacea L.) on blood glucose and serum lipid status in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal and 5 diabetic groups. The diabetic groups were fed enzymatic hydrolysate-free control (DM) diets or diets supplemented with 0.02% (DM-2), 0.04% (DM-4), 0.08% (DM-8), and 0.16% (DM-16) of enzymatic hydrolysate for 4 weeks. Body weight gains were lower in five diabetic groups than that of the normal group. Blood glucose was decreased in EH-supplemented groups as compared to the normal group, and especially the lowest blood glucose levels were found in DM-4 and DM-8 groups. Activities of three disaccharidase in the middle part of the intestine, such as maltase, sucrase and lactase, in EH-supplemented groups were significantly lower than those of DM group. There was no significant differences in the activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) among all experimental groups. Serum triglyceride in DM group was significantly increased as compared to the normal group, but those of EH-supplemented groups were decreased to the normal level. Total cholesterol level in DM group was higher than EH-supplemented groups and normal group, but that of DM-16 group was significantly decreased to the normal level. HDL cholesterol level in DM group was significantly decreased compared to the normal group, but that of EH-supplemented groups was increased to the normal level. These results suggest that enzymatic hydrolysate from Hamcho has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects on STZ-induced diabetic rats and may be useful as a dietary supplement for the treatment of diabetes.