• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.63-72
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• 2013

To develop a new anti-skin aging cosmetics or functional foods by using antioxidative activity and collagenase inhibitor, a potent collagenase or elastase inhibitor was screened from various extracts of medicinal plants and its optimal extraction condition was investigated. And antioxidative activity, antimicrobial activity and inhibitory of effect against collagenase activity were investigated. In the these results, we selected the Sanguisorba (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) that presents a potential biological activities. Sanguisorba which is very rich in triterpenoid saponin and tannins was recently reported its anti-oxidant activities and phytoestogenic activities in vivo test and many clinical studies. The experiments were carried out in vitro to determine anti-oxidant activities of Sanguisorba extracts on DPPH radical scavenging activity assay, Superoxidase scavenging activity assay, Elastase and collagenase activity assay. It show that the Sanguisorba extracts have the most significant anti-oxidant on free radical scavenging activity assay, and also inhibited significantly activities of elastase, collagenase. Further, Sanguisorba extracts are activated Type I collagen protein expression in CCD-986sk cells. These result suggest that the Sanguisorba extracts on DPPH radical scavenging activity assay, Superoxidase scavenging activity assay, elastase and collagenase activity assay, Type I collagen protein expression in CCD-986sk cells effected could be developed cosmetic ingredients for anti-aging.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.229-237
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• 2008

Recently, parabens have been believed to act as xenoestrogens, an identified class of endocrine disruptors (EDs). These environmental compounds are the most well-known as preservatives in many commercial products, including food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. It has been demonstrated that the human health risks of parabens result from a long-term exposure to skin in which this chemical group is rapidly absorbed through the skin. On the other hand, parabens are also completely absorbed from gastrointestinal tract. It has reported that these substances possess several biological effects in which inhibitory property involved in membrane transports and mitochondrial functions is considered to be important for their action. Testing of parabens has revealed that estrogen-like activities of these chemicals are much less potent than natural estrogen, $17{\beta}$ estradiol (E2). Additionally, the estrogenicity of individual paraben- compounds is distinct depending upon their biochemical structure. Recent findings of paraben-estrogenic activities have shown that these compounds may affect breast cancer incidence in women, suggesting adverse ecological outcomes of this environmental group on human and animal health. Although the biological and toxicological effects of parabens have been demonstrated in many previous studies, possible mechanism(s) of their action are required to be explored in order to bring the better understanding in the detrimental impacts of parabens in human and wildlife. There have several different types of parabens which are the most widely used as preservatives. These include methyl-paraben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, a major metabolite of parabens. In this review, we summarize current database based on in vitro and in vivo assays for estrogenic activities and health risk assessment of paraben- EDs which have been published previously.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2011

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease that is associated with Th2 cell-mediated allergy. The process that leads to infiltration of inflammatory cells into an AD lesion is remarkably dependent on various chemokines, especially TARC (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17) and MDC (macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22). Serum levels of these chemokines are over-expressed in AD patients. Citrus unshiu, which is known as Satsuma mandarin, has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-microviral activity. Therefore, we investigated the effect of EtOH extract of premature C. unshiu on AD. We did this using a DNCB-induced AD mouse model. We also tried to confirm an inhibitory effect for premature C. unshiu on the expression of inflammatory chemokines in IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ stimulated HaCaT human keratinocytes. We found that extract of premature C. unshiu reduced DNCB-induced symptoms such as hyperkeratosis, increased skin thickness, and infiltrated mast cells, in our AD-like animal model. The extract decreased levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 in ConA-stimulated splenocytes isolated from DNCB-treated mice. Also, extract of premature C. unshiu inhibited mRNA expression and protein production of TARC and MDC through the inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation. These results suggest that C. unshiu has anti-atopic activity by regulating inflammatory chemokines such as TARC and MDC.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.213-218
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• 2009

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease and endemic in developing countries. A lack of adequate and definitive chemotherapeutic agents to fight against this infection has led to the investigation of numerous compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RT-01, an organotellurane compound presenting biological activities, in 2 experimental systems against Leishmania amazonensis. The in vitro system consisted of promastigotes and amastigotes forms of the parasite, and the in vivo system consisted of L.amazonensis infected BALB/c mice, an extremely susceptible mouse strain. The compound proved to be toxic against promastigotes and amastigotes. The study also showed that treatment with RT-01 produces an effect similar to that treatment with the reference antimonial drug, Glucantime, in L.amazonensis infected mice. The best results were obtained following RT-01 intralesional administration (720 ${\mu}g$/kg/day); mice showed significant delay in the development of cutaneous lesions and decreased numbers of parasites obtained from the lesions. Significant differences in tissue pathology consisted mainly of no expressive accumulation of inflammatory cells and wellpreserved structures in the skin tissue of RT-01-treated mice compared with expressive infiltration of infected cells replacing the skin tissue in lesions of untreated mice. These findings highlight the fact that the apparent potency of organotellurane compounds, together with their relatively simple structure, may represent a new avenue for the development of novel drugs to combat parasitic diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.610-616
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• 2021

Background: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) acts as a master switch for inflammatory responses. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) which is an active ingredient of Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae) is known to possess various therapeutic effects. However, a modulatory effect of Rg3 on TSLP expression in the inflammatory responses remains poorly understood. Methods: We investigated antiinflammatory effects of Rg3 on an in vitro model using HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA plus calcium ionophore (PMACI), as well as an in vivo model using PMA-induced mouse ear edema. TSLP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or real-time PCR analysis. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) expression levels were detected using Western blot analysis. Results: Rg3 treatment restrained the production and mRNA expression levels of TSLP and VEGF in activated HMC-1 cells. Rg3 down-regulated the MDM2 expression level increased by PMACI stimulation. The HIF1α expression level was also reduced by Rg3 in activated HMC-1 cells. In addition, Rg3-administered mice showed the decreased redness and ear thickness in PMA-irritated ear edema. Rg3 inhibited the TSLP and VEGF levels in the serum and ear tissue homogenate. Moreover, the MDM2 and HIF1α expression levels in the ear tissue homogenate were suppressed by Rg3. Conclusion: Taken together, the current study identifies new mechanistic evidence about MDM2/HIF1α pathway in the antiinflammatory effect of Rg3, providing a new effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2017

EtOAc fractions of Magnolia obovata (M. obovata) Bark extracts were studied for the potential ingredient as a safe and effective whitening cosmetic material. The concentration of active substances honokiol was determined by HPLC. In vitro, the fractions reduced the extracellular and intracellular melanin contents in B16F10 cells in dose dependently and inhibited extracellular melanin secretion ($IC_{50}=11.05{\mu}g/mL$). The $12.5{\mu}g/mL$ treatment of maximum concentration effectively inhibited up to about 60% to the amount of extracullular melanin. Also, the $12.5{\mu}g/mL$ treatment of maximum concentration effectively inhibited up to about 59% to the amount of intracullular melanin ($IC_{50}=10.85{\mu}g/mL$). The $IC_{50}$ value of ${\alpha}-arbutin$ used as a positive control was $59.99{\mu}g/mL$. So, EtOAc fractions of M. obovata Bark extracts showed whitening effect when compared with the non-treatment group. In case of in vivo study, Cosmetic cream with EtOAc fractions of M. obovata Bark extracts was approved by Ethics committee of KDRI (IRB number: KDRI-IRB-1537). As a result in progress for skin sensitization as well as assessment of skin irritation through repeated patch test, skin allergens was identified as non sensitizing agents. Also, cosmetic cream with EtOAc fractions of M. obovata Bark extracts showed significant topical whitening effect and reliable skin safety when compared with the non-treatment group. In conclusion, EtOAc fractions of M. obovata Bark extracts may be a useful cosmetic ingredient for effective skin whitening.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-16
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• 2011

Objective : In the theory of Korean medicine, Scrophulariae Radix (SR) can clear away heat and cool the blood, nourish yin and promote the production of the body fluids, relieve toxin and benefit the throat. The present study was carried out to investigate effects of SR on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in mice. Methods : In this experiment, effects of SR on clinical aspects on the skin, histopathological changes such as spongiosis, mast cell distribution, immune cell infiltration in tissue, spleen / body ratio and production levels of serum cytokines were investigated in vivo. In addition, effects on cell viability and release of b-hexosaminidase and histamine were also investigated in vitro. Results : SR treatment diminished erythema, desquamation and keratosis which were induced by repeated painting of DNCB. Spongiosis and edema were diminished by painting of SR in histopathological observation, infiltrations of mast cell and monocytes were also decreased in SR group. In addition, spleen / body ratio was lowered compared to ADC control group. Production level of IFN-${\gamma}$ in serum was decreased, but level of IL-4 did not affected by SR. Finally, more than 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ of SR treatment groups showed decreased cell viabilities in RBL-2H3 cells. Treatment with over 200 ${\mu}g/ml$ of SR decreased b-hexosaminidase release, and treatment with over 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ decreased histamine release in vitro. Conclusion : these data suggest that SR can decrease symptoms of ACD, then SR is useful to treat patient with ACD.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.80-103
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• 2002

To screen the effective materials for hair loss treatment, several natural extracts were tested using in vivo and in vitro test models. Firstly, all test materials were applicated onto the back skin of C57BL／6 mouse and then hair growth pormoting effect were measured using hair growth index As a result, Polygonum muitifiorum Thunb and Terrninalia chebula Retz. showed potent hair growth promoting effect, ranking as 1.5-2.0 of hair growth index. However, there were no plant extracts, which have remarkable potential of growth promotion of human hair dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro. In the experiments of 5${\alpha}$-reductase type Ⅱ inhibition assay, Morus alba L., Chaenomelis Fructus, Saussureae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Polygonum multifiorum Thunb, and Angelica dahurica (Fischer) Bentham et Hooker f. showed effective potential to inhibit the activity of 5${\alpha}$-reductase type Ⅱ. To investigate the possible involvement of effects of several plant extracts on the gene expression of growth factors in human hair dermal papilla cells, RT-PCR analyses were performed. As a consequences, Mentha haplocalyx Briq., Cimicifuga foetida L., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Pinus densiflora S. et. Z, and Polygonum muitifiorum Thunb revealed the regulatory roles on the expression of growth factors such as IGF-I, KGF, HGF and VEGF in the dermal papilla cells. Another test for inhibition of microbial such as P. acne and P. ovale were also carried out to find whether these plant extracts have anti-microbial activities. Morus alba L. and Chaenomelis Fructus showed anti-microbial effects on Propionibacterium acnes, which is believed as a pathogen of acne. Together, these results showed several plant extracts can be used for hair growth promotion.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1995.04a
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• pp.79-79
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• 1995

Although synthetic antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) have been used to dissect gene function in vitro, technical difficulties of targeted delivery prevented the use of this approach for investigating the effect of gene products in vivo. Here we report the use of local delivery of antisense transforming growth factor-${\beta}$l (TGF-${\beta}$1) oligonucleotides to decrease the fibrosis in the skin wound. Adult wounds heal with scar-tissue formation, whereas fetal wounds heal without scarring and with a lesser inflammatory and cytokine response. We reasoned that strategy emptying antisense TGF-${\beta}$1 ODNs complementary to TGF-${\beta}$1 mRNA might decrease the scarring in dermal wound of mouse. To evaluate this concept, we tested the effects of antisense ODNs targeted to TGF-${\beta}$1 mRNA by topical application of the chemical on the skin wound. Phosphorothioate antisense ODNs was employed to retard their degradation. When antisense TGF-${\beta}$1 ODNs were applied into the wound site, there was a maked reduction of scar compared with control wound site, These effects of antisense TGF-${\beta}$1 ODNs on the scar formation were associated with decreased expression of TGF-${\beta}$1 gene. However sense TGF-${\beta}$l ODNs had no effect on expression of TGF-${\beta}$1 gene. Also, control wounds healed with excessive fibrosis, whereas the antisense treated wounds healed with less fibrosis. In conclusion, our results indicate that antisense TGF-${\beta}$1 ODNs could be used for amelioating scar formation during wound healing.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.178-185
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• 2014

Leonuri Fructus, a semen of Leonuri Herba, has been used for the treatment of menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and leukorrhea and for the remedy of hyperemia. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Leonuri Fructus extract (Leonurus japonicus Houtt. EtOH extract; LJE) in vivo and in vitro. In vitro study, the MTT assay for cell viability was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentration of LJE treatment in media. The levels of NO were measured with Griess reagent. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA method. The inflammation-related proteins of this study were detected by immunoblot anlaysis. The increases of NO production and iNOS expression were detected in LPS-treated cells compared with control, but LJE attenuated the increases of NO and iNOS by LPS. LJE reduced the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ induced by LPS stimulation. LJE suppresses the signaling pathways of NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophage cells. In vivo study, carrageenan-induced hind paw acute edematous inflammation rat model was used for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of LJE. LJE significantly inhibited the increases of hind paw swelling, skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations, and decreased the numbers of mast cell induced by carrageenan injection. These results suggest that LJE has an anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential, which is mediated through modulating NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and MAPK phosphorylation. Inhibition of the rat paw edema induced by carrageenan is considered as direct evidence that LJE may be a useful source to treat inflammation.