• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.19-23
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• 2019

A gram-positive bacterium was isolated from the spent substrate of Agaricus bisporus that showed a marked antagonistic activity against Pseudomonas agarici. It was identified as Bacillus safensis HC42 based on its cultural, biochemical, and physiological characteristics, and 16S rRNA sequence. B. safensis HC42 was saprophytic, but not parasitic or pathogenic, in cultivated mushrooms and showed strong inhibition of P. agarici in vitro. Moreover, it showed a control efficacy of 66 % against browning disease caused by P. agarici in Agaricus bisporus. Therefore, B. safensis HC42 may be useful in the future for the development of a biocontrol system.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.239-248
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• 2019

There are no published data on Gyeongokgo (GOK) safety or efficacy despite being commonly use. The Gyeongokgo (GOK) is commonly used in traditional Korean medicine to promote a health qi and blood, but their objective data was not sufficient in clinical field. To investigate the safety and efficacy of GOK with hematologic and serologic testing and the change of the quality of life in healthy individuals. Randomized, subject-assessor-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center pilot study Participants and Interventions 29 healthy volunteer subjects were randomly placed into the GOK group (n = 20) or placebo control group (n = 9) and instructed to take one treatment packet (GOK or placebo) twice daily for 4 weeks. Subjects were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and underwent hematologic and serologic tests and body composition analysis. The FSS total score (p = 0.093) and SF-36 general health index (p = 0.002) were improved following treatment in the GOK group. Post-treatment thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were increased in the GOK group compared with pre-treatment levels (p = 0.0042). C-reactive protein levels decreased (p = 0.0256) in the GOK group compared with that the placebo group. In time-series tests, GOK did not affect post-prandial serum triglycerides, glucose, insulin, or C-peptide levels. Notably, elevations in serum fasting triglycerides at 2- (p = 0.0333) and 4-hours (p = 0.0414) post-prandial were lower than those in the placebo group. GOK reduced fatigue levels and did not significantly affect laboratory test results performed to measure safety, serum glucose, and lipid profiles. Post-meal triglyceride levels were effectively reduced with treatment.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2019

Galgeun-tang (GGT) is a traditional herbal medicine generally used to treat cold, fever, headache, migraine and convulsion. To investigate the difference of ingredient and efficacy of GGT according to production method, mix extract powder and decoction, the quantities of index components, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of two kinds of GGT formulation were compared. The contents of ten index components were simultaneously analyzed with HPLC. A HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination. The GGT mix extract powder contained higher puerarin and daidzin content than the decoction, while the GGT decoction contained higher cinnamic acid and glycyrrhizic acid content than the mix extract powder. But ingredient of GGT mix extract powder and decoction was statistically very similar (r=0.8335). GGT decoction showed higher antioxidant effect than GGT mix extract powder, but the difference was low. The patterns of productions for NO, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were decreased along the increasing dose of GGT formulation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The inhibitory effects on NO, iNOS, COX-2, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in Raw 264.7 cell were very similar to each other. The results obtained in this study could be used as fundamental data for verifying the equivalence and effectiveness of the herbal medicines.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.206-212
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• 2021

This study aimed to maximize the efficacy of Angelica gigas by finding a more effective way to extract active compounds from Angelica gigas. After extracting Angelica gigas by hydrothermal, ethanol, and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction methods, analysis of decursin and decursinol angelate content, quantification of total polyphenol content, and evaluation of efficacy of antioxidant, whitening, and antibacterial were conducted. The content of decursin and decursinol angelate was very high at 38.65% of the supercritical carbon dioxide extract, and the total polyphenol content was high in the order of hydrothermal extract, ethanol extract and supercritical carbon dioxide extract, but the difference was relatively small. The antioxidant effects were consistent with the total polyphenol content, and the antibacterial effects were consistent with the decursin and decursinol angelate content. In other words, through this study, we found that the optimal method for extracting active compounds from Angelica gigas is the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.199-209
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore objective indicators(outcomes) which are used to evaluate clinical efficacy and figure out the mechanisms of herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). We searched randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that mediated with herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for IBS and used objective indicators for outcome from November 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The RCTs that were published in Korean, English and Chinese were included in this study. The selected literatures were analyzed about methods of result measurement and assessed by Cochrane's risk of bias(RoB). Total 18 RCTs were included in this study. There were lots of objective indicators for result measurement; the concentration of hormones in blood and neurotransmitters, the sensitivity of rectum, the functional assessment of central nerve and autonomic nerve system, the change of intestinal flora, the concentration of serum cytokines. Various objective indicators can be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of with herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for IBS, but due to the limitations of the quality of the included studies, systematic review and meta-analysis will be needed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.1186-1194
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• 2022

The intake of probiotic lactic acid bacteria not only promotes digestion through the microbiome regulated host intestinal metabolism but also improves diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, and suppresses pathogenic harmful bacteria. This investigation aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects in intestinal epithelial cells and to study the clinical efficacy of the selected the Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium longum groups. The physiological and biochemical properties were characterized, and immunomodulatory activity was measured against pathogenic bacteria. In order to find out the mechanism of inflammatory action of the eight viable and sonicated Bifidobacterium spp., we tried to confirm the changes in the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and chemokines, (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-8) and inflammatory enzymatic mediator (nitric oxide) against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 infection in Caco-2 cells and RAW 264.7 cells. The clinical efficacy of the selected B. breve and B. longum group was studied as a probiotic adjuvant for acute diarrhea in children by oral administration. The results showed significant immunomodulatory effects on the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, MCP-1, IL-8 and NO, in sonicated Bifidobacterium extracts and viable bifidobacteria. Moreover, each of the Bifidobacterium strains was found to react more specifically to different cytokines. However, treatment with sonicated Bifidobacterium extracts showed a more significant effect compared to treatment with the viable bacteria. We suggest that probiotics functions should be subdivided according to individual characteristics, and that personalized probiotics should be designed to address individual applications.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.593-603
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• 2023

Background: Korean Red Ginseng is a major source of bioactive substances such as ginsenosides. Efficacy of red ginseng extract (RGE), which contains not only saponins but also various non-saponins, has long been studied. In the water-soluble component-rich fraction of RGE (WS), a byproduct generated in the process of extracting saponins from the RGE, we identified previously unidentified molecules and confirmed their efficacy. Methods: The RGE was prepared and used to produce WS, whose components were isolated sequentially according to their water affinity. The new compounds from WS were fractionized and structurally analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Physiological applicability was evaluated by verifying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies of these compounds in vitro. Results: High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that the obtained WS comprised 11 phenolic acid and flavonoid substances. Among four major compounds from fractions 1-4 (F1-4) of WS, two compounds from F3 and F4 were newly identified in red ginseng. The analysis results show that these compound molecules are member of the maltol-structure-based glucopyranose series, and F1 and F4 are particularly effective for decreasing oxidative stress levels and inhibiting nitric oxide secretion, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a few newly identified maltol derivatives, such as red ginseng-derived non-saponin in the WS, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making them viable candidates for application to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and functional food materials.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.439-448
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• 2023

Tick infestation causes a significant threat to human and animal health, requiring effective immunological control methods. This study aimed to investigate the potential of recombinant Haemaphysalis longicornis enolase protein for tick vaccine development. The exact mechanism of the recently identified enolase protein from the H. longicornis Jeju strain remains poorly understood. Enolase plays a crucial role in glycolysis, the metabolic process that converts glucose into energy, and is essential for the motility, adhesion, invasion, growth, and differentiation of ticks. In this study, mice were immunized with recombinant enolase, and polyclonal antibodies were generated. Western blot analysis confirmed the specific recognition of enolase by the antiserum. The effects of immunization on tick feeding and attachment were assessed. Adult ticks attached to the recombinant enolase-immunized mice demonstrated longer attachment time, increased bloodsucking abilities, and lower engorgement weight than the controls. The nymphs and larvae had a reduced attachment rate and low engorgement rate compared to the controls. Mice immunized with recombinant enolase expressed in Escherichia coli displayed 90% efficacy in preventing tick infestation. The glycolytic nature of enolase and its involvement in crucial physiological processes makes it an attractive target for disrupting tick survival and disease transmission. Polyclonal antibodies recognize enolase and significantly reduce attachment rates, tick feeding, and engorgement. Our findings indicate that recombinant enolase may be a valuable vaccine candidate for H. longicornis infection in experimental murine model.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.116-135
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• 2013

Objectives: This study was intended to clarify how Jakyakkamchobuja-tang (hereinafter referred to JKBT) affects mice of C57BL/10 whose osteoarthritis was induced by papain. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced in mice by injecting papain in the knee joint. Mice were divided into 4 groups (n=6). The normal group were not treated at all whereas the control group (OAC-control) were induced for osteoarthritis by papain and oral medicated with 200 ul of physiological saline per day. The positive comparison group (OAC-$Joins^{(R)}$) were injected with papain and after 7 days, 100 mg/kg of $Joins^{(R)}$ were medicated with 200 ul of physiological saline mixed. The experimental group (OAC-JKBT) were injected with papain and after 7 days were medicated with 400 mg/kg of JKBT mixed with 200 ul of physiological saline. OAC-$Joins^{(R)}$ and OAC-JKBT were oral medicated for each substance for a total of 4 weeks, once per day. After experiments (from 1 week after injection of papain to 4 weeks elapsed), the function of liver and kidney, inflammation cytokine values within serum, degree of revelation for inflammation cytokine genes, immune cells within blood, metabolism of arachidonic acid and amount of cartilage were measured and histopathological variations for knee joint structures were observed. Results: Functions of liver and kidney were not affected. IL-$1{\beta}$ (interleukin-$1{\beta}$), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and TNF-${\alpha}$ (tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$) were significantly reduced and IL-6 (interleukin-6) was also reduced but not significantly. After analyzing inflammation cytokine in joints with mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid), revelation of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and iNOS-II (inducible nitric oxide synthase-II) were all significantly reduced. Revelation of IL-$1{\beta}$ gene was also reduced but not significantly. Neutrophil for WBC (white blood cell) within serum was significantly reduced; monocyte was also reduced but not significantly. PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), TXB2 (thromboxane B2) were significantly reduced and LTB4 (leukotriene B4) was also reduced but not significantly. Destruction of cartilage on micro CT (computed tomography)-arthrography was reduced but had no significant differences. In terms of histopathology, infiltration of inflammation, proliferation of synovial membrane, subsidence of cartilage and bone due to penetration of excessive formation of synovial cell and destruction of cartilage were small (H&E (hematoxylin and eosin), safranine O staining). Conclusions: Based on these results, Jakyakkamchobuja-tang (JKBT) is believed to be useful for suppressing the progress of osteoarthritis and its treatments because of its anti-inflammatory effects and alleviation of pain with histopathological effective efficacy.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.260-274
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• 2015

This paper has shown the experimental results about the physiological activities of water-, ethanol-, ethyl acetate-soluble fractions from ethanolic extracts of leaves, stems and roots of Cudrania tricuspidata on the skin, which has been used for a long time as a traditional herb medicine in Korea and China. The effects of these fractions on the secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines from macrophage(RAW 264.7 cell) exhibited that the ethyl acetate and water fractions from leaves inhibited the release of nitric oxide, all fractions inhibited thoses of inflammatory cytokine $IL-1{\alpha}$, and the ethyl acetate fractions of leaves, stems and roots inhibited thoses of inflammatory cytokine IL-6. The only ethylacetate fraction of leaves demonstrated significantly the reduction of melanin synthesis in melanoma cells. In order to evaluate the efficacy of collagen synthesis, the treatment with extracts on the human normal fibroblast cell(CCD-986sk cell) resulted in finding that the water fractions of leaves, stems and roots and the ethanol fractions of leaves and stems showed the increased synthesis of collagen.