• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.111-118
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• 1998

Ambroxol is thought to have antioxidant ability and some antiinflammatory effect. Effect of ambroxol on the oxidative damages of lipid, collagen and hyaluronic acid was examined. F $e_{2+}$(10 $\mu$M) and 100$\mu$Mascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation of liver microsomes was inhibited by 10 and 100$\mu$M ambroxol, 30$\mu$g/ml catalase and 10 mM DABCO but was not affected by 30$\mu$g/ml SOD and 10 mM DMSO. A 10 and 100$\mu$M ambroxol and 10 mM DABCO inhibited the peroxidative action of 10$\mu$M F $e_{3+}$, 160$\mu$M ADP and 100$\mu$M NADPH on microsomal lipids, whereas inhibitory effects of 30$\mu$g/ml SOD,30$\mu$g/ml catalase and 10 mM DMSO were not detected. The degradation of hyaluronic acid caused by 107M Fe2\\`,5007M H2O2 and 100$\mu$M ascorbate was inhibited by 10 and 100$\mu$M ambroxol,30$\mu$g/ml catalase,10 mM DMSO and 10 mM DABCO, while 30$\mu$g/ml SOD did not show any effect. The cartilage collagen degradation caused by 307$\mu$ F $e_{2+}$,500$\mu$M $H_2O$$_2$ and 200$\mu$M ascorbate was prevented by 100$\mu$M ambroxol. $H_2O$$_2$ and OH . were scavenged by ambroxol, whereas $O_2$, was not removed by it. Ambroxol (100$\mu$M) and 1 mM cysteine reduced DPPH to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine. In conclusion, ambroxol may inhibit the oxidative damages of lipid, hyaluronic acid and collagen by its scavenging action on oxidants, such as OH . and probably iron-oxygen complexes and exert antioxidant ability.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.86-94
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• 2019

Background: Ginseng is believed to have antitumor activity. Autophagy is largely a prosurvival cellular process that is activated in response to cellular stressors, including cytotoxic chemotherapy; therefore, agents that inhibit autophagy can be used as chemosensitizers in cancer treatment. We examined the ability of Korean Red Ginseng extract (RGE) to prevent autophagic flux and to make hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells become more sensitive to doxorubicin. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of total RGE or its saponin fraction (RGS) on HCC cells were examined by the lactate dehydrogenase assay in a dose- or time-dependent manner. The effect of RGE or RGS on autophagy was measured by analyzing microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain (LC)3-II expression and LC3 puncta formation in HCC cells. Late-stage autophagy suppression was tested using tandem-labeled green fluorescent protein (GFP)-monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)-LC3. Results: RGE markedly increased the amount of LC3-II, but green and red puncta in tandem-labeled GFP-mRFP-LC3 remained colocalized over time, indicating that RGE inhibited autophagy at a late stage. Suppression of autophagy through knockdown of key ATG genes increased doxorubicin-induced cell death, suggesting that autophagy induced by doxorubicin has a protective function in HCC. Finally, RGE and RGS markedly sensitized HCC cells, (but not normal liver cells), to doxorubicin-induced cell death. Conclusion: Our data suggest that inhibition of late-stage autophagic flux by RGE is important for its potentiation of doxorubicin-induced cancer cell death. Therapy combining RGE with doxorubicin could serve as an effective strategy in the treatment of HCC.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.323-331
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• 2019

Purpose: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are implicated in secondary osteoporosis, and the resulting fractures cause significant morbidity. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a vital role in bone metabolism. However, few trials have studied the impact of omega-3 PUFA-containing oils against GC-induced osteoporosis. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine whether supplementation with omega-3 PUFA-containing dietary oils such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or soybean oil can impede the development of GC-induced osteoporosis. Methods: The fatty acids (FAs) content of oils was determined using gas chromatography. Male rats were subdivided into 5 groups (8 rats each): normal control (balanced diet), prednisolone control (10 mg/kg prednisolone daily), soybean oil (prednisolone 10 mg/kg + soybean oil 7% w/w), flaxseed oil (prednisolone 10 mg/kg + flaxseed oil 7% w/w), and fish oil (from cod liver; prednisolone 10 mg/kg + fish oil 7% w/w). Results: The study data exhibited a significant depletion in bone mineral density (BMD) and femur mass in the prednisolone control compared to the normal control, accompanied with a marked decrease in the levels of plasma calcium and 1,25-$(OH)_2$-vitamin $D_3$, and elevated levels of C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Supplementation with fish oil, soybean oil or flaxseed oil helped to improve plasma calcium levels, and suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Additionally, bone resorption was suppressed as reflected by the decreased CTX levels. However, fish oil was more effective than the other two oils with a significant improvement in BMD and normal histological results compared to the normal control. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that supplementation with dietary oils containing omega-3 PUFAs such as fish oil, soybean oil or flaxseed oil can play a role in the prevention of bone loss and in the regulation of bone metabolism, especially fish oil which demonstrated a greater level of protection against GC-induced osteoporosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.692-698
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• 2019

Background: Breast cancer is a severe disease and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. To surmount this, various diagnosis and treatment options for breast cancer have been developed. One of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment is to induce apoptosis using naturally occurring compounds. Compound K (CK) is a ginseng saponin metabolite generated by human intestinal bacteria. CK has been studied for its cardioprotective, antiinflammatory, and liver-protective effects; however, the role of CK in breast cancer is not fully understood. Methods: To investigate the anticancer effects of CK in SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 cells, cell viability assays and flow cytometry analysis were used. In addition, the direct targets of CK anticancer activity were identified using immunoblotting analysis and overexpression experiments. Invasion, migration, and clonogenic assays were carried out to determine the effects of CK on cancer metastasis. Results: CK-induced cell apoptosis in SKBR3 cells as determined through 3-(4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V staining, and morphological changes. CK increased the cleaved forms of caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-9, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 was reduced by CK. In assays probing the cell survival pathway, CK activated only AKT1 and not AKT2. Moreover, CK inhibited breast cancer cell invasion, migration, and colony formation. Through regulation of AKT1 activity, CK exerts anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CK could be used as a therapeutic compound for breast cancer.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2021

Objective : Citrus unshiu peel (Citri Unshius Pericarpium) has been prescribed to suppress coughing and phlegm in Korean medicine. In this study, the effect of ethanol extract of Citrus unshiu peel (CEE) on apoptosis was investigated using cadmium chloride (CdCl2) treated HepG2 cells. Methods : CEE was prepared by extracting 300 g of Citri Unshius Pericarpium in 3 L of ethanol for 72 h. Apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored using the membrane-permeable fluorescent dye Rh123. The expression level of each protein was monitored by Western blot analysis. Results : CEE protected HepG2 cells from apoptosis as determined by the TUNEL assay. A decrease in MMP was observed in cells exposed to cadmium, indicating that mitochondria are involved in the induction of apoptosis. However, CEE recovered the reduction in MMP caused by cadmium. In addition, decreased expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), procaspase, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by cadmium was increased by CEE. The anti-apoptotic effect of CEE was found to be associated with inhibition of JNK and p38 phosphorylation when examining the expression of phosphorylated MAPK by Western blot. Conclusion : This study showed that CEE exerted anti-apoptotic effects in cadmium-induced HepG2 cells by inhibiting the reduction of MMP and changes in the expression level of apoptotic proteins. These results suggest the potential for CEE to be used for heavy metal-induced liver damage.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.278-290
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the hangover relieving effect of HO-series. HO-S1 is an herbal mixture, which consists of extracts from Flower of Pueraria lobata Ohwi, Glycyrrhiza glabra Linné, Fruit of Lycium chinense Miller, Poria cocos Wolf, Acanthopanax sessiliflorum Seeman, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Atractylodes lancea De Candlle and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. HO-S2 is a candidate that has been performed to ultra filtration based on HO-S1. HO-S3 is a mixture of amino acids and vitamins based on HO-S2. HO-01 is the final beverage base produced based on HO-S3. The antioxidant activity of HO-series was similar to that of vitamin C or trolox. The production of t-BHP induced reactive oxygen species(ROS) was significantly blocked in the presence of HO-series. In vivo study, AUC of alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations in HO-S2 and HO-S3 treated groups significantly decreased. Hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH) activity were significantly higher in HO-S2 and HO-S3 treated groups. And 2E1 activity and glutathione were significantly elevated, while the malondialdehyde level was not significantly in liver tissue. After alcohol exposure, the sensitivity scores of blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration and hangover symptoms were significantly decreased in the HO-01 intake group compared with the non-intake group. ALDH activity was significantly increased in the HO-01 intake group. HO-series have antioxidant activity and a protective effect from ROS. HO-S2, HO-S3 and HO-01 are potentially highly beneficial in relieving hangover, as it scavenges reactive free radicals and boosts the endogenous antioxidant system.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.46-59
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Aster yomena (Kitam.) Honda (AY) has remarkable bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer activities. On the other hand, the effects of AY against obesity-induced insulin resistance have not been reported. Therefore, this study examined the potential of AY against obesity-associated insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: An obesity model was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a 60% HFD for 16 weeks. The C57BL6/When ethyl acetate fraction from AY (EFAY) at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day was administered orally to mice fed a HFD for the last 4 weeks. Normal and control groups were administered water orally. The body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured every week. Dietary intake was measured every other day. After dissection, blood and tissues were collected from the mice. RESULTS: The administration of EFAY reduced body and organ weights significantly compared to HFD-fed control mice. The EFAY-administered groups also improved the serum lipid profile by decreasing the triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein compared to the control group. In addition, EFAY ameliorated the insulin resistance-related metabolic dysfunctions, including the fasting blood glucose and serum insulin level, compared to the HFD-fed control mice. The EFAY inhibited lipid synthesis and insulin resistance by down-regulation of hepatic fatty acid synthase and up-regulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. EFAY also reduced lipid peroxidation in the liver, indicating that EFAY protected hepatic injury induced by obesity. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EFAY improved obesity-associated insulin resistance by regulating the lipid and glucose metabolism, suggesting that AY could be used as a functional food to prevent obesity and insulin resistance.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2013

Objectives : We investigated differances of physiological functionalities in the steamed Schisandrae Fructus. Methods : The samples were extracts of dryed schisandrae fructus without steaming process (S0), extracts of schisandrae fructus with three times steamed (S3), extracts of schisandrae fructus with five times steamed (S5) and extracts of schisandrae fructus with seven times steamed (S7). We analyzed contents of schisandrin, gomisin, total polyphenol and flavonoid and antioxidant activities. We researched antiinflammation effects for Raw264.7 cells. To evaluate liver protective activity, we measured AST, ALT and gamma-GTP in serum of alcoholic mice. Results : As the steaming number of schisandrae fructus increase, the contents of schisandrin and gomisin were more increased. The contents of total polyphenol of S5 and S7 were significantly increased compared to that of S0. DPPH free radical scavenging activities of S5 and S7 were significantly increased compared to that of S0, ABST radical scavenging activities of S3 and S5 were significantly increased compared to that of S0 in vitro. The NO production of all sample was significantly decreased compared to control, PGE2 release of S3, S5 and S7 were significantly decreased compared to control. IL-$1{\beta}$ release of S5 and S7 were significantly decreased. AST, ALT and gamma-GTP of S3, S5 and S7 were significantly decreased compared to control. Conclusions : We think that extracts of schisandrae fructus with steaming process may have more potential efficacy than a schisandrae fructus without steaming process.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2024

Objectives : This study evaluates how various traditional Korean herbal medicines assess MUC5AC expression for esophageal mucosal defense and analyzes the associated mechanisms involved in inflammation. Methods : Forty types of traditional Korean herbal medicines were assessed for in vitro antioxidant activities, and the real-time PCR method was employed to analyze MUC5AC expression under pH 4.5 conditions in human esophageal epithelial cells (HET-1A). Eight types of Korean herbal medicines were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activities, and Reactive oxygen specise (ROS) expression was analyzed under bile salt (480 𝜇M) and pH 5.5 conditions in human esophageal epithelial cells (HET-1A). Simulation experiments involving bile salts and acidity were conducted for one hour to assess the efficacy of four drugs, and the activities of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MEK), Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-𝜅B), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were detected through Western blot analysis. Results : Compared to the Normal group, the Control group exhibited higher ROS generation. Such increased ROS levels were significantly reduced by four extracts: Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (CUP), Cnidium officinale Rhizoma (CR), Ginseng Radix (GR), and Linderae Radix (LR). The protein expression of COX-2 decreased with the treatment of LR, CUP, and CR. Particularly, CUP and CR exhibited superior effects compared to other groups in inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-𝜅B. Conclusion : Based on the results obtained, we have identified drugs that inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation caused by bile acid in esophageal epithelial cells. Our future plans involve comparing and analyzing the efficacy of these herbal medicines through animal experiments.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.138-144
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• 2024

Crocin is a major carotenoid of the Gardenia jasminoides fruit and Crocus sativus stigma (saffron), which are used in various cuisines as flavoring and coloring agents, as well as in phytomedicine for the treatment of several disorders, including headache, fever, edema, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, respiratory disease, menstruation disorders, insomnia, and hypertension. Crocin (C₄₄H₆₄O₂₄) is a chemical diester composed of the dicarboxylic acid crocetin and disaccharide gentiobiose. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted about the biological and pharmacological function and toxicity of crocin. Crocin has been revealed to have no genotoxicity and pathological manifestation. Crocin acts as an antioxidant, anti-cancer, memory enhancer, anxiolytic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, anti-atherosclerotic, cardioprotector, and hepatoprotector. Here, an inclusive review of crocin is introduced based on previously explored studies referred to in the literature. Different studies have confirmed the protective role of crocin in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, gastritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression. It is surmised that crocin suppresses inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptotic processes through multiple mechanisms. Crocin is considered a safe and effective therapeutic choice for patients with inflammatory conditions, although more research investigating its mechanisms and results acquired in clinical trials are needed.