• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.158-165
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• 2009

The aim of this study was to clarify the origins of grubs which were used in the experiments, and to determine many other effects that are now written in the classical medical and herbal books. We compared the efficacy of grubs written in the herbal and medical books on the one hand, and studied the origins of grubs used in the experiments, on the other hand. The following results were obtained. There are three kinds of grub species for medicinal uses. Holorichia diomphalia Bates mainly produced in China, Cetoniidae species mainly produced in Korea, and Protaeria brevitarsis in Korean folk remedy are three species. Grubs were used in 25 experiments. Of these experiments, Holotrichia diomphalia were used 12 times, Larve of Protaeria brevitarsis 3 times, and Protaetia orientalis was used once. So, of total 25 experiments, 36%(9 experiments) did not clarify the origins of grubs used in the experiments. Currently, the grubs, which are imported from China and used in Korea, are Holotrichia diomphalia Bates from China. Current experimental study shows that grubs have efficacy for protecting liver. So the use of grubs in folk medicine is believed to be based on the scientific evidence. Efficacy of grubs, though it is not recorded in the medical books, has the effects of anti-cancer(anti-tumor), antioxidant, and anti-diabetes mellitus. The ingredients of Holotrichia are protein, peptide, fat, enzyme, mineral, and other several nutrients. Study on the grubs so far has a tendency to be done with little focus on the differen of origin of grubs. So, from now on, it needs that the origin of grubs be clarified, and the study on the efficacy from each origin be done. Considering the effects that the classical herbal books have recorded, it is necessary that more profound study proceed to prevent and treat diseases on eyes and ears, on the basis of the fact that grub has multiple ingredients to replenish the vital essence.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.346-352
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• 2016

Aroma inhalation therapy has traditionally been used not only in alternative medicinal treatment but also in psychotherapy. In the first stage of the study, the in silico molecular binding affinity of the major ingredients of Smart-Wave (SW) on the active site of the odorant-binding protein (OBP) was compared with that of citrate anions. The binding affinity of the chemical mixture formula of the major ingredients of SW on the OBP was relatively higher than that of citrate anions. In addition, nasal inhalation of SW had a positive effect upon changes in brain waves. Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in the experiment. The study consisted of measurements of the brain’s meditation level recordings in the pre- and post-SW inhalation periods as compared with negative (EV) and positive (HB) control groups. After SW inhalation, all the subjects stated that they felt “fresher” and that the SW trial group had significantly changed the brain’s meditation in a positive way. SW inhalation also converted EV-induced unstable brain meditation wave patterns into more stable patterns. Collectively, the results of this empirical study strongly suggest that the SW mixture activates the OBP and controls the mental state by regulating brain waves. The results provide scientific evidence that the SW formula has potential as an effective mental-stress controller.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.730-735
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• 2012

Existing pharmaceutical studies show that Magnolia biondii is effective in treating rhinitis and in reducing cholesterol, given its endogenous, volatile ingredients. The study herein seeks to assess the cosmeceutical activities and anti-inflammatory activities of Magnolia biondii extracts for possible application as cosmetic ingredients. The cosmeceutical and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated using hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition, cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) inhibition, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by Western blotting. Magnolia biondii extracts were identified to have antioxidant activities in hydroxyl free radical scavenging, SOD-like activity, and XO inhibition. In testing the anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts, NO production was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, in a dose-dependent manner, the Magnolia biondii extracts were able to suppress iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. From these results, Magnolia biondii showed adequate potential for application in cosmetic production and related industries as well as a functional material.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.58-65
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• 2003

Various physicochemical parameters for the active ingredients of 245 herbicides were calculated to develope a diagnosis and estimation system for utility as herbicide. The range of physico-chemical parameters for each inhibitors of photo system II (H1), acetolactate synthase (ALS) (H2) and herbicides were confirmed. The distribution ranges of 85% dependence for each physicochemical parameters were Obs.logP :$-0.90\sim4.50$, dipol moment: $1.80\sim12.22$ (debye), molecular refractivity: $53.0\sim104.0(cm^3/mol)$, polarizability: $19.0\sim37.0(\AA^3)$, HOMO energy: $-9.98\sim-7.34$ (eV), LUMO energy:$-2.76\sim0.40$ (eV), Van der Waals molecular volumes: $558.0\sim995.0(cm^3)$, molecular weight: $202.0\sim430.0$ (amu) and surface areas (Grids): $194.0\sim356.0(\AA^2)$, hydration energy: $-10.16\sim114.7$ Kcal/mol, respectively. It is suggested that MR and polarizability constants will be able to distinguish between herbicides and medicinal drugs. Results revealed that various compounds based on the range of physicochemical parameters of herbicides could be diagnosed and estimated.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1385-1393
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• 2010

Three mold strains, Aspergillus oryzae (AOFAG), Aspergillus kawachii (AKFAG), and Monascus purpureus (MPFAG) were used for fermentation of Angelica gigas Nakai powder. The contents of polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, minerals, decursin and decursinol angelate and the activities of DPPH (${\alpha},{\alpha}'$-diphenyl-$\beta$-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging, reducing power, and tyrosinase were measured. The highest contents of phenolic compound and flavonoid were NFAG at 2.78% and MPFAG at 1.18%, respectively. Major minerals were K, Mg, Fe, Na and Ca. Decursin and decursinol angelate were the major ingredients of Angelica gigas according to HPLC analysis. Decursin area was higher in all fermented Angelica gigas than in NFAG. The activities of free radical scavenging and tyrosinase were stronger in all fermented Angelica gigas than NFAG. However, the Fe/Cu reducing powers were stronger in NFAG than all fermented Angelica gigas. Overall, these results may provide the basic data needed to understand the biological activities and chemical characteristics of Angelica gigas fermented by mold for the development of functional foods.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.385-393
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• 2007

Much research is conducted on the biological activities of medicinal herbs, traditional plants, and agricultural products, cultivated in Korea. This study focused on optimization of hot-water extraction methods for such products, by analyzing and monitoring extraction characteristics using a response surface methodology. We found that the total phenolics contents, electron-donating abilities, and nitrite-scavenging abilities of extracts were significantly affected both by the solvent used for extraction, and by the nature of the particular herb or plant under study. The extraction efficiencies of valuable ingredients such as alliin, allicin, and total thiosulfinate, were greatly affected by extraction temperature, but not by extraction time or the solvent used. We elicited a regression formula for each variable. We first entered the optimal values of all extraction conditions giving active ingredients into the model. Next, we entered the optimal values of all extraction conditions favoring the retention of valuable antioxidant characteristics. Finally, we entered processing factors into the model. Overall, the optimal extraction was at $80^{\circ}C$ for 3.5 hr with 8.5 ml of solvent/g of sample. The predicted values of each variable were similar to the actual values.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.141-147
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• 2018

Background: Astilbe chinensis (Maxim.) Franch. Et Savat. is a plant belonging to Saxifragaceae family and contains various active ingredients including astilbin and bergenin. It has been used as a traditional Korean medicine to improve fever, pain, and cough. Recently, a number of Korean medical resources have been studied for cancer and inflammation treatment, but A. chinensis (Maxim.) Franch. Et Savat. has not yet been investigated. Consequently, this study investigated the inhibitory effect of ethanol extracts from A. chinensis (Maxim.) Franch. Et Savat. (ARE) on oxidative stress and colorectal cancer using RAW264.7 and the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116. Methods and Results: In total, $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ ARE reduced cell viability by $38.96{\pm}1.32%$, and increased caspase-3 activity by $133.08{\pm}3.41%$ in HCT-116 cells. Moreover, TUNEL signaling and the early apoptosis ratio ($34.56{\pm}1.67%$) increased by $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ ARE treatment. $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress and cell death were diminished by $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ ARE treatment through decreasing ROS (reactive oxygen species). Conclusions: The inhibitory effects of ARE against human colorectal cancer cells is mediated by apoptosis and caspase-3 activation, and $H_2O_2$-induced ROS generation and cell death are decreased by ARE treatment in RAW264.7 cells. However, further study is required to explore how ARE treatment is involved in the signaling pathway to decrease ROS.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.168-172
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• 2006

Curcuma longa L. of Zingiberaceae family, has been reported to have radical scavenging activity and antiinflammatory effect. On these facts, biological activity and whitening effect were examined to evaluate a bioactivity of the extracts of Curcumma longa L. by extraction conditions as a possible pharmaceutical material. When compared extraction methods, supercritical extraction was the best showing various biological activities and whitening effect. The highest electron donating ability $(89%\;at\;1,000{\mu}g/ml)$ were detected and SOD-like activity was inhibited up to $95%\;at\;500{\mu}g/ml$ in supercritical extraction. To evaluate the whitening effect, tyrosinase inhibitory activity was conducted 89% of tyrosinase inhibitory effect examined at $1,000\;{\mu}g/ml$. From these results, we suggest that the supercritical extracts from Curcuma longa L. is useful for cosmetic ingredients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.288-297
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• 2014

Objectives: The goal of this project was to measure the antibacterial effectiveness of Hwangryunhaedok-tang (barberry root decoction for detoxification) and its constituents. All of the active ingredients including the final product were prepared using high-pressure sterilization for use as medicinal eye drops. The varying forms of Hwangryunhaedok-tang (barberry root decoction for detoxification) were used to treat Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis which are found in keratitis. Methods: The antibacterial effect was measured by observing the presence or absence of antimicrobial activity when treated with varying concentrations of Hwangryunhaedok-tang extract. The tests were performed using a dosage of $70{\mu}l$ dosages of 100%, 50%, 10% and 1% the extracted solution by the minimum growth inhibitory concentration measurement. Antimicrobial activity was measured by examining the correlation between dosage strength and bacterial activity from $70{\mu}l$ to $10{\mu}l$ at the same concentration. Results: 1. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (barberry root decoction for detoxification), Phellodendri Cortex, and gardenia didn't show any antimicrobial effects against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, or E. faecalis. 2. Barberry root showed antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and S. epidermidis depending on the levels of concentration but didn't show any antimicrobial effects against E. faecalis. 3. Skullcap showed antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and S. epidermidis when a dosage of 100% extract $70{\mu}l$ was used. However, did not show any antimicrobial effects at all against E. faecalis. Conclusions: Hwangryunhaedok-tang (barberry root decoction for detoxification) and its constituents such as barberry root, phellodendri cortex, skullcap, and gardenia, can be used as an alternative to antibiotic medicinal eye drops to treat keratitis. However, further research on effective uses of and efficient extraction methods are needed.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.468-472
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• 2015

Background : Chinese matrimony vine (Lycium chinense Mill.) is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Solanaceae. The leaves are used as an alternative raw material replacing dried fruits associated with high production costs in many industires. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of drying temperature on the leaves used in the manufacture of functional products. Methods and Results : The leaves of Chinese matrimony vine were harvested when the plant height reached 60 - 70 cm in the spring and treated at four different temperatures ($40^{\circ}C$, $50^{\circ}C$, $60^{\circ}C$ and $70^{\circ}C$). The time to reach the desiccation state of 20% was 63 h at $40^{\circ}C$, 37 h at $50^{\circ}C$, 17 h at $60^{\circ}C$ and 11 h at $70^{\circ}C$. The drying rate per hour was 1.28% at $40^{\circ}C$, 2.25% at $50^{\circ}C$, 4.94% at $60^{\circ}C$ and 7.60% at $70^{\circ}C$. No significant difference were observed in ash, crude fat, polyphenol or rutin content of treated samples. Crude protein and betaine content decreased with higher dry temperatures. Nitrogen free extract of the treated samples increased with higher drying temperatures. Conclusions : Taking into consideration drying time, drying rate, color value, energy consumption and functional ingredients is advantageous to dry the leaves of the Chinese matrimony vine at $60^{\circ}C$ using a hot air agricultural dryer.