• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.193-200
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• 1986

In order to investigate the antiotoxic effect of red ginseng extract on serum protein of mouse treated with methyl mercury playing a role as toxic contaminant in ecosystem, variations of the serum protein contents, electrophoretic patterns, and blood components were studied. Mice were divided into 3 groups: Control, group I treated only with methyl mercury, and group II treated together with methyl mercury and red ginseng extract. The total serum protein content of the control group was 5.8g/dl and those of groups I and II were slightly decreased as compared with the control. The control group showed 11 serum protein fractions and groups I and II showed 10 fractions except prealbumin. The amounts of albumin, ${\alpha}_1-$, ${\alpha}_2-$ globulin fractions were decreased and those $\beta$-, $\gamma$-globulin fractions were increased in groups I and II. The amount of each serum protein fraction in group II showed approximately the same level as the control. The hematocrit value and the number of white blood cells of groups I and II were increased, whereas the number of red blood cells showed the decrease as compared with the control.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.236-241
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• 2016

The aim of the study is to evaluate immune-enhancing effects of Yeonsan Ogye. Various extract of Yeonsan Ogye (200 and 400 mg/kg/daily) was treated orally to Balb/c mice for 1 week, before acute inflammation was induced by LPS. After cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and immune cells (white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte) level by serum and blood were counted. As a result, Oral treatment of Yeonsan Ogye extract to the Balb/c mice were significantly decreased cytokine level in serum, in comparison with control group. in addition, production of white blood cell and monocyte in blood was decreased and granulocyte was increased respectively, in comparison with control. Our results demonstrated that Yeonsan Ogye extracts seem to have significant immune-enhancing. Thus, Yeonsan ogye may be developed as a raw material for new health food and medicine to ease the symptoms related with inflammatory and immune.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.363-370
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• 2023

In order to use Cudrania tricuspidata extract for the development of health-functional food, biological changes in normal rodents, such as changes in blood constituent cells, blood lipids, and anti-inflammatory activity, were measured after the rodents had been drinking the substance for 2 weeks. A 30 mg daily dose of the extract taken for 2 weeks produced no change in body weight or renal function, and no toxicity was observed. Increased red blood cell levels and white blood cell levels were confirmed, and platelet counts tended to increase; thus, the extract seems to cause an overall increase in blood cells. In the case of blood lipids, it was confirmed that the extract-treated group exhibited an effect of improved blood-lipid levels, demonstrated through an increase in HDL-C of 21%, with a decrease in triglyceride of 27% compared to the control group. In addition, the decreases in both GOT and GPT led to improved liver function through use of the extract. Therefore, this study suggests that drinking Cudrania tricuspidata extract can have various effects, such as promoting blood cell production, improving blood lipids profile, improving liver function, and improving inflammatory action. The extract would be useful in the future in developing high-value industrial products such as functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.102-102
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• 2018

Protaetia Brevitarsis Seulensis(white grub) has been traditionally used as medicinal stuff to treat blood stasis, occlusion of menstruation, tetanus and liver cancer in Asian countries (Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, India and Myanmar). Especially, Donguibogam, which is traditional korean medicinal book, described the white grub as traditional medicine to treat hepatic diseases and vascular disorders. The white grub has been considered as highly nutritional food. The major constituents of white grub are rich in protein, healthy fats, iron, calcium. Recent studies announced that white grub has hepatoprotective effect and anti-microbacterial effect. However, the immuno-enhancing effect of white grub extracts in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells has not been studied yet. In this study, the various concentrations of white grub extract were examined to find immuno-enhancing effects on RAW 264.7 cells. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay and immuno-enhancing effect of white grub extract was investigated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production compared with only lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. White grub extracts (0.001 - 10 mg/ml) did not show cytotoxicity. Additionally, white grub extracts (0.001 - 1mg/ml) had Immuno-enhancing effect on RAW 264.7 cells compared with only LPS treated group. These results might be provided proof to develop beneficial immuno-enhancing material for human health.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.207-217
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• 2013

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of Artemisia capillaris (AC) extract on disorders of hepatic functions and lipid metabolism induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an endocrine disrupter, using male rats (SD, five weeks old) for a period of three weeks. These 37 animals were divided into four groups. AC extract was added as 1.5% or 3% levels to basal diets, respectively. TCDD (40 ug/kg B.W) was administered by intraperitoneal injection into rats after a week from the beginning of the experiment. AC extract alleviated the increase of rat's relative liver weights induced by TCDD. Thymuses of all rats treated with TCDD were apparently shrunken by approximately 80%. Levels of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrits were significantly increased by treatment with TCDD, however, WBC tended to decrease by AC extract diets. In hepatic function, the elevation of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activities by TCDD treatment was diminished by AC extract diets. Serum HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly elevated by AC extract diets. The apparent increase of triglyceride levels of rat livers induced by TCDD was significantly suppressed in the AC extract diet groups. Hepatic cytosolic catalase activities significantly decreased by treatment with TCDD showed a recovering trend by AC extract diets. In histochemical observation, the fat droplets and apoptosis of hepatocytes treated with TCDD were markedly alleviated by AC extract diets. These results indicated that AC could exert recovering effects on some disorders of hepatic functions, lipids metabolism, and antioxidant activities resulting from TCDD treatment.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.577-584
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• 2018

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a widely used traditional herbal supplement that possesses various health-enhancing efficacies. Various ginseng products are available in market, especially in the Korean peninsula, in the form of drinks, tablets, and capsules. The different ginseng types include the traditional red ginseng extract (RGE), white ginseng, and black red ginseng extract (BRGE). Their fermented and enzyme-treated products are also available. Different treatment regimens alter the bioavailability of certain compounds present in the respective ginseng extracts. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the antioxidant and immune-stimulating activities of RGE, BRGE, and fermented red ginseng extract (FRGE). Methods: We used an acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress model for investigating the reduction of oxidative stress by RGE, BRGE, and FRGE in Sprague Dawley rats. A cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model was used to evaluate the immune-stimulating activities of these ginseng extracts in BALB/c mice. Results: Our results showed that most prominently, RGE (in almost all experiments) exhibited excellent antioxidant effects via increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the liver and decreasing serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels compared with the groups treated with FRGE and BRGE. Moreover, RGE significantly increased the number of white blood cells, especially T and B lymphocytes, and antibody-forming cells in the spleen and thymus, and it also activated a number of immune cell subtypes. Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate that RGE is the best supplement for consumption in everyday life for overall health-enhancing properties.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.135-143
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• 2017

Objectives : This trial aimed to determine if Wasong (Orostachys japonicus) extract can enhance immune system and is safe enough to be approved as a health functional food. Methods : Total 62 people, aged 45 and older, will be recruited to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. This study will compare Wasong extract and placebo. Wasong group will take 1g of Wasong extract, once a day, for 8 weeks. Placebo group will take 1g of crystalline cellulose as placebo, once a day, for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be measured at the baseline, the end of 4th week, and 8th week. Primary outcomes are the ratio of NK cells/total lymphocytes and the ratio of T-helper cells/T-suppressor cells. Secondary outcomes are total white blood cell count, the ratio of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes in total leukocytes, the ratio of total T cells, T-helper cells, T-suppressor cells, and B cells to lymphocytes, the amount of blood IgM, IgG, IgA, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, and blood metabolite target &global analysis. Results : This trial was approved by institutional review board of Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital (registry number: 2016006), and registered in Clinical Research information Service, one of WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (registry number: PRE20161006-002). Recruitment opened in February 2017 and is supposed to be completed by August 2017. The result is expected to be published by June 2018. Conclusion : This trial will provide clinical information to determine the efficacy and safety of Wasong in enhancing immune system of middle-aged and older people.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.153-166
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• 1984

The anticancer activities of petroleum ether extract of Panax ginseng root(crude GX) and its partially purified fraction from silicic acid column chromatography (7:3 GX) were studied with Sarcoma 180(S-180) or Walker carcinosarcoma 256 (Walker 256) in vivo and with L1210 leukemic lympocyte in vitro. Potential cytotoxic activities of the crude GX and against L1210 cells were compared with those of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and saponin derivatives (Panax-diol, Panax-triol, Diol saponin, Triol saponin) in vitro. In order to observe the physiological effects of the crude GX and 7:3 GX on the animals with cancer, hemoglobin(Hb), red blood cell(R.B.C) and white blood cell after treatment with each GX in comparison with corresponding control groups, respectively. The anticancer effects of the crude GX and 7:3 GX were estimated by measuring the survival time of S-180 bearing mice after treatment with them. The experimental results obtained are summarized as follows; 1. The one unit of cytotoxic activity against L1210 cells was equivalent to 2.54$\mu\textrm{g}$ and 0.88$\mu\textrm{g}$of the crude GX and 7:3 GX per ml of culture medium, respectively. 2. The cytotoxic activities of Panax-diol, Panax=triol, Diol saponin and triol saponin against L1210 cells were not detected. 3. The anticancer activities of 5-FU against L1210, S-180 and Walker 256 were very effective in vivo and vitro tests. 4. The significantly increased W.B.C values of mice after inoculation with S-180 cells were reduced to normal range by the crude GX treatment. 5. The significantly decreased Hb values of rats after inoculation with Walker 256 were recovered to normal range by oral administration of the crude GX. 6. The survival times of mice inoculated with S-180 cells were extended about 1.5 to 2 times by the 7:3 GX treatment compared with their control group.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.535-540
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Propolis has a rich source of bioactive compounds and has renal and hepatic protective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of propolis against paracetamol-induced liver damage and impairment of kidney function, as well as hematological changes in rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Six groups of rats were used; the first group was served as a control; the second and third groups were treated by propolis extract at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg.B.WT. respectively; the fourth group was treated by paracetamol (200 mg/kg.B.WT.); the fifth group was treated by propolis (50 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days; and the sixth group was treated with propolis (100 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days. All the animals were treated for a period of 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for measurement of the liver enzymes, serum albumin, protein and creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hematological parameters, and urine volume, protein and albumin. RESULTS: Paracetamol over dose significantly lowered hemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, and uric acid, while it significantly increased blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, white blood cells, and platelet count as compared to the control. However, these alterations were significantly attenuated by the use of propolis extract and the effect was dose dependent. Interestingly, propolis prevented paracetamol induced proteinuria, low hemoglobin and body weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis significantly prevented paracetamol induced renal, hepatic and hematological toxicity and might be useful in the management of liver and renal diseases particularly proteinuria.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.1208-1214
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• 1997

This study was designed to know the effect of kimchi on the hematological and immunological parameters in vivo and in vitro, respectively. To study the effects of kimchi on the hematological parameters, rats(S.D., male) were divided into 4 groups and fed diets containing of 3%, 5% and 10% kimchi or kimchi free diet(control) for 6 weeks. The results of CBC(complete blood cell) tests obtained from the bloods of rates were as follows ; In 10% kimchi group, the level of WBC(white blood cells), RBC(red blood cells), Hgb(hemoglobin), Hct(hematocrit) were increased significantly than those of control group(p<0.05). MCV(mean corpuscular volume), one of the red cell indices, was also increased significantly in the animals fed 10% kimchi(p<0.05). RDW(Red cell distritution width) and PCT(plateletcrit) was lowest in 10% kimchi group(p<0.05). To examine the effects of kimchi on immune cell growth in vitro, three types of mouse immune cells-spleen cells, bone marrow cells, thymus cells-were cultured with extracts of salted Chinese cabbage, fresh kimchi and fermented kimchi(for 1 week) for 12 or 20 days. Control was supplemented with PBS(phosphate buffer saline) excluding kimchi extract. The results of spleen cell, bone marrow cell, and thymus cell cultures showed similar tendency: control medium accelerated death of cells, extracts of salted Chinese cabbage reduced the rate of cell death, and extracts of fresh kimchi and fermented kimchi promoted cell growth. From these results, it could be suggested that kimchi possibly has an effect on the hematopoietic ability and increases immune cell development and growth in vivo.