Background : Excess alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic liver damage and gastritis. Korean thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. maackii) has been reported that it’s administration protective from liver from lipid accumulation and toxicity. Also, Korean dandelion (Taraxacum coreanum Nakai) has been traditionally used for treating various inflammation-related diseases including ethanol-induced gastritis. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the combination treatment of Korean thistle and Korean dandelion could regulate alcoholic liver damage and gastritis in mice. Methods and Results : Seven-week-old mice were treated with ethanol (5 g/㎏ of body weight) by gavage every 12 h for a total of three doses to induce acute liver damage and gastritis. Ethanol extract of Korean thistle, Korean dandelion or combination was gavaged simultaneously with ethanol for three doses. The results showed that the combination treatment of Korean thistle and Korean dandelion significantly inhibited alcohol-induced increase of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, liver weight, and hepatic caspase-3 expressions. Hepatic histopathological changes induced by alcohol were also remarkably improved by the combination treatment. The combination treatment inhibited alcohol-induced Morphological changes of gastritis and attenuated the expressions of pro-inflammatory protein, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase. Conclusion : The results of our study suggest that the combination treatment of Korean thistle and dandelion may simultaneously alleviate acute alcohol-induced gastritis and liver damage.

Background : In the previous results, antidepressants and anxiolytic Effects were reported from the leave extracts of Valeriana fauriei. The major compounds of leave were valeranone and valerianate. The purpose of this study was to the investigation of nerve related bioassay correlation and of low-molecular’s chemical constituents from different parts of V. fauriei. Moorover, we proposed the biochemical pathways from the low molecular’s chemical constituents of V. fauriei. Methods and Results : First, in order to investigate the chemical constituents of V. fauriei, we were analyzed the references of V. fauriei. And, we were analyzed the low molecular’s chemical constituents by using GC-MS from extracts of different parts from V. fauriei. As a result, 39 compounds, which are (+)-8-hydroxypinoresinol, (+)-hydroxipinoresinol, 2S (-)hesperidin, 4a, 10a-epoxy-aromadendrane, 6-methylapigenin, 8-hydroxypinoresinol, acetoxy- valerenic acid, acetylvalerenolic acid, actinidine, anismol A, baldrinal, dihydrode hydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9-isovalerate, E- (-)-3,4-Epoxyvalerenal, E- (-)-3,4-Epoxyvalerenyl acetate, E-valerenyl acetate, E-valerenyl isovalerate, hydroxy- valerenic acid, linarin, mononorvalerenone, orientalol C, pinorespiol, pinorespiol, spatulenol, valdiate, valeranone, valerenal, valerenic acid, valerenol, valerenyl hexanoate, valerenyl n-valerate, valerianine, valtrate, volvalelactone A, volvalelactone B, volvalerenone A, volvatrate A, volvatrate B, Z-valerenyl acetate, Z-valerenyl isovalerate. were reported as the chemical constituents of V. fauriei. And also, hexadecane, propanoic acid, 3-β-hydroxypregn-5-ene-20-carb oxylic acid, spiro [cyclopropane-1,8’ (1H’) methano, from flower, cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid, 1,1-Dimethyl-1-silacyclobutane, oleamide, 3-β-hydroxypregn-5-ene-20-carboxylic acid, per (trimethylsilyl)-D-lyxose from leaf, N- [(-)-jasmonoyl]- (S)-glutamic acid from stem, 9-octadecenamide, 1-ethyl-4- phosphorinanone, thiosemicarbazone, raffinose from root, were detected. We proposed the biochemical pathway from the chemical constituents of V. fauriei. Conclusion : The results of our study suggest that the proposal biochemical pathway of V. fauriei will be useful in the study of correlation of nerve related bioassay.

Background : Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disorder related with oxidative stress and apoptosis leading to cartilage damage. Recently, Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (CJM) was reported to play a protective role in various inflammatory response. However, the role of CJM in cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis progression is still unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the protective effect of CJM in a animal model of osteoarthritis and cartilage degradation. Methods and Results : First, in order to determine active ingredient contents of CJM, we were carried out total polyphenolic content and total flavonoid content analyses. As a result, dried aerial parts of CJM were found to contain 149.2 ± 24.1 ㎎·GAE/g dry weight and 27.9 ± 2.0 ㎎·NE/g dry weight in boiling water extraction. Also, the HPLC analysis of CJM showed major compounds identified as cirsimarin and cirsimaritin. In addition, CJM protected against osteoarthritic cartilage destruction in an osteoarthritis mouse model induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus, as demonstrated by histopathological analysis. Conclusion : The results of this study demonstrate that CJM may protect against the osteoarthritis and cartilage destruction. Further study is needed to identify the mechanism for their improvement effects of osteoarthritis and cartilage destruction.

Background : Oxidative stress and inflammatory response are important features of the brain pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to the antioxidant activity and biochemical characterization of safflower seed. Moreover, we investigated the impact of Safflower seed on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Methods and Results : First, in order to determine active ingredient contents of safflower seed extract, we were carried out total phenol content and total flavonoid content analyses. As a result, dried safflower seed were found to contain 35.4 ± 0.4 ㎎·GAE/g dry weight and 45.3 ± 7.5 ㎎·NE/g dry weight in boiling water extraction. Also, the major compounds of safflower seed from HPLC analysis were identified as serotonin and serotonin derivatives [N- (p-coumaroyl)serotonin and N-feruloylserotonin]. In addition, the antioxidant activity of safflower seed showed IC50 values of 331.4 and 168.2, respectively, against DPPH and ABTS in vitro. Finally, with regard to the memory improvement activity, the administration of Safflower seed extract significantly restored memory impairments induced by scopolamine in the behavior tests such as novel object recognition and Morris water maze test. Conclusion : The results of our study suggest that the safflower seed extract possess potent memory improvement activity and are also a good source of natural antioxidants. Further study is needed to identify the mechanism responsible for their memory improvement activity.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa root (R. root) has been used as traditional medicine, and is important resource for natural medicines and functional foods. In Korea, various varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa have been developed, and these have various characteristics depending on the variety. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of R. root extracts with various varieties (Jihwang 1ho, Goryeo, Daegyeong, Gogang, Togang, Dagang, Wongang, Yeongang, Hwanggang, and Segang). Methods and Results : R. roots were extracted by reflux extraction method with 70% ethanol-water solution at 40℃, and their extracts were used for total phenolic contents, antioxidant and anti-aging activities. The total phenolic content, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities were highest in Yeongang, and these values were 11.50 ㎎/g, 9.37 ㎍/g TEAC, and 7.13 ㎍/g TEAC, respectively. However, the anti-aging activity on human dermal fibroblast cells treated with doxorubicin was higher in Segang, Dagang, and Goryeo than other varieties, and their senescence ratios were measured at 50.66, 57.16, and 61.36% when treated at 200 ㎍/㎖, respectively. The total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity were negatively correlated with anti-aging activity. Conclusion : These results indicated that the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of R. root extracts were differed according to variety of Rehmannia glutinosa, and positive correlation between anti-oxidant activities and anti-aging activity was not shown.

Background : Prepared Rehmanniae root (PRR) has been used as traditional medicine, and is one of the most important oriental herbal medicines. However, physical characteristics of PRR are not suitable for use in industry. This study was performed to suggest preparation method of PRR powder, and determine the physicochemical characteristics of PRR powder with different pre-freezing temperatures. Methods and Results : Moisture content, powder yield, particle size, bulk density, compressive stress, extraction yield, and 5-HMF content of PRR powders with different pre-freezing temperatures (-20℃, -40℃, -60℃, and -80℃) were analyzed, and correlation among these factors was determined. Powder yield increased and particle size decreased in a pre-freezing temperature-dependent manner from -20℃ to -60℃. Hausner ratio increased from 1.186 to 1.225 with decreasing temperature from -20℃ to -80℃, and compressive stress showed the opposite trend. Extraction yield and 5-HMF content were not significantly different between PRR and powder. Significant correlations were observed among pre-freezing temperature and physical characteristics (yield, particle size, hausner ratio, and compressive stress). Conclusion : These results suggest that pre-freezing temperature was important factors affecting physical characteristics of PRR powder, and the results of this study are industrially applicable to production of PRR powder.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa root (R. root) has been used as traditional medicine, and is important resource for natural medicines and functional foods. However, R. root have catalpol which have bitterness, and undigested sugars, including stachyose, raffinose, and verbascose as main compounds, and these compounds can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the changes in reducing sugar producted from undigested sugars and catalpol contents as a bitter taste compound in R. root with aging treatment conditions. Methods and Results : R. root was treated at 10 - 70℃ for 0 - 48 h, and extracted with 50% ethanol solution. Their catalpol content was analyzed using HPLC-UVD, reducing sugar content generated from undigested sugars was measured by the Nelson-Somogyi methods, and these reaction rates were calculated from their variation according to aging time and temperature. During aging treatment, reducing sugar content increased and catalpol content decreased. Their formation and degradation rates were highest at 50℃ and 30 - 40℃, and their rates were 1.89 ㎎/g·h and 23.09 - 23.33%/h, respectively. Conclusion : These results indicated that aging treatment can positively affect the sweetness and digestibility of R. root slurry. Therefore, aging treatment could be considered for improving the sensory qualities and digestibility of R. root.

Background: Rehmanniae radix preparata (RRP) has been used as a traditional medicine and is one of the most important oriental herbal medicines. However, the physical characteristics of RRP are not suitable for use in industry. The present study was undertaken to determined the preparation method of RRP powder and the physicochemical characteristics of RRP powder by milling under different pre-freezing temperatures. Methods and Results: Moisture content, powder yield, particle size, bulk density, compressive stress, extraction yield, and 5-HMF content of PRR powders by milling with pre-freezing temperatures (−20, −40, −60, and −80℃) were analyzed, and correlation among these factors was determined. Powder yield increased and particle size decreased in a pre-freezing temperature-dependent manner from −20 to −60℃. The Hausner ratio increased from 1.186 to 1.225 with decreasing temperature from −20 to −80℃, whereas compressive stress showed the opposite trend. Extraction yield and 5-HMF content were not significantly different between RRP powder. Significant correlations were observed among pre-freezing temperature and physical characteristics (e.g., yield, particle size, Hausner ratio, and compressive stress). Conclusions: These results suggest that the pre-freezing temperature is an important factor affecting the physical characteristics of PRR powder and applicable to the industrial production of RRP powder

Background: Glycyrrhiza uralensis Radix (GR) is a crude drugs used in Asian countries that has been reported to prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The present study examined whether GR and its active compounds, glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and isoliquiritigenin (IL), exerted protective effects on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in C6 glial cells. Methods and Results: We exposed C6 glial cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 h and investigated the cellular response to GR and its active compounds by evaluating cell viability, reactivie oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis-related protein expression. GR successfully mitigated the reduced cell viability and ROS production induced by H2O2 in C6 glial cells, IL and GA significantly increased the cell viability and decreased ROS production. In addition, IL and GA down-regulated apoptotic Baxdependent caspase-3 activation, but each compound exerted different mechanisms, i.e., IL dose-dependently decreased ROS production and, GA up-regulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that GR and its active components, IL and GA, exhibit potential for use as natural neurodegenerative agents for the modulation of apoptosis in C6 glial cells.

Background : Cordyceps militaris is a non-toxic, medicinal mushroom, which is known to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activities. And also, Glycyrrhiza uralensis is widely used as a crude drug in oriental medicine. However, the effects and mechanism of action of C. militaris and G. uralensis on Herpes simplex virsu (HSV), which is a serious skin disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. militaris and G. uralensis on Herpes simplex virus. Methods and Results : The results showed that the extracts and major compounds C. militaris and G. uralensis increased the TNF-α product on RAW 264.7. And also, these extracts and major compounds inhibited TNF-α product in RAW 264.7 induced by LPS. Querceitn, which was identified from G. uralensis, was showed Anti-virrus effect of Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Conclusion : Taken together, these results indicate that the anti-stomach cancer effect of C. militaris and G. uralensis in xenograft model implantated Epstein-Barr virus positive-stomach cancer cell line.

Background : Arctii Radix (the dried roots of Arctium lappa L., AR) is used in traditional medicine to treat oxidative stress related diseases including cancer. Therefore, this study focuses on the antioxidant potential of AR as extraction solvents. Methods and Results : To increase the extraction amount of active ingredient, the AR were extracted by ethanol (ARE) and water (ARW). In order to determine active ingredient content of AR, we were carried out total polyphenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) analyses. As a result, TPC (47.74 ± 1.02 g․GAE/㎏ extract) and TFC (19.34 ± 0.30 g․CTE/㎏ extract) of ARE were found significantly higer as compared to ARW. The IC50 values based on the DPPH (59.00 ± 3.25 ㎍/㎖), ABTS (93.20 ± 1.30 ㎍/㎖), ROS (57.78 ± 3.44 ㎍/㎖) and ONOO- (14.56 ± 1.24 ㎍/㎖) for ARE were generally stronger showing potential antioxidant properties compared to ARW. Conclusion : Data from results revealed Arctii Radix ethanol extracts act as an antioxidant agent due to its free radical scavenging activity.

Background : Cellular oxidative stress as reactive oxygen species (ROS), whether produced endogenously as a consequence of normal cell functions or derived from external sources, pose a constant threat to cells living in an aerobic environment as they can result in severe damage to DNA, protein, and lipids. The effects of Valeriana fauriei extract and fractions on hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal cell damage are studied. Methods and Results : Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases. Valeriana fauriei extract (VFE) and EA fractions (VFEA) was investigated total phenolic contents using method. VFE of total phenolic contents had 2.54 ± 0.01 mg/g, also, VFEA had a 18.78 ± 0.03 mg/g. High phenolic content of the VFEA is expected to better the inhibition of oxidative stress. VFE and VFEA were experimented to inhibit ROS induced 200 μM 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1). VFE of inhibit SIN-1 induced-ROS dose dependently and signficantly. In addition, VFEA inhibition was also dose dependant and significant. Moreover, The treatment of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH cells with VFEA significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced generation of intercellular ROS. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that VFEA might have useful as a material for functional food and pharmaceutics for the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases.

Background : We have previously reported that Oligonol, a low-molecular polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, has protective effect on the liver and kidney of diabetic animal model. In this study, we examined whether Oligonol has any beneficial effects on pancreas of diabetic rats. Methods and Results : Oligonol was orally administered at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight for 10 days to STZ-induced diabetic rats, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle-treated diabetic control and non-diabetic control rats. The administration of Oligonol reduced hyperglycemia in diabetic rats through an improvement of serum and pancreatic insulin levels. The increased reactive oxygen species levels in pancreas of diabetic control rats was attenuated by the Oligonol administration through inhibiting the expression of NADPH oxidase-related proteins. The enhanced expression of pro-apoptotic proteins in pancreas of diabetic control rats was significantly reduced by Oligonol administration through down-regulation of phosphor-c-Jun N-terminal kinases protein in pancreas. Furthermore, the expressions of cell proliferation-related protein were also augmented in Oligonol treated-diabetic rats. However, Oligonol treatment led to improved histological changes in the pancreas. Conclusion : These pancreatoprotective effects of Oligonol were achieved through attenuation of oxidative stress and its sensitive protein expression associated with apoptosis and cell proliferation in diabetic rats.

Cynanchum wilfordii Radix (CWR), Arctium lappa L (ALL), and Dioscorea opposite (DO) have been known to improve blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and inflammation. To find the optimal combination ratio of CWR, ALL, and DO in terms of vascular health improvement, we compared the effects of various combinations on gene expression of Vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). VCAM-1 mediates endothelial leukocyte adhesion and is upregulated in atherosclerosis. Cells was stimulated by TNF-α (10 ng/㎖, 2h) and treated with various combinations for 24 h. A combination (CADM5, CWR:ALL:DO = 2:1:1) showed the strongest suppression of VCAM-1 so that CADM5 was chosen for further experiments. We performed cell viability test with CADM5 (0, 3.125, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/㎖) and no cytotoxicity was found. We also investigated the effect of CADM5 on protein expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, Nrf-2, and HO-1 using western blotting. We found that CADM5 diminished the expression of VCAM-1 and increased the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1. Therefore, we concluded that CADM5 (CWR:ALL:DO = 2:1:1) effectively improves vascular health by regulating the expression of VCAM-1.

Background : Cellular damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) generations has been implicated in several human diseases. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro ROS and ONOO- scavenging activities of Cirsium japonicum parts. Methods and Results : The dried Cirsium japonicum parts (whole plant, leaf, seed coat) were extracted by EtOH, at room temperature. In order to determine antioxidant activity of Cirsium japonicum parts, we were carried out ROS and ONOO- scavenging analyses. As a result , the IC50 in ROS scavenge were showed 203.99 ± 22.04 μg/ml, 174.44 ± 7.78 μg/ml, 86.77 ± 7.02 μg/ml. The IC50 in ONOO- scavenge were showed 15.68 ± 0.57 μg/ml, 12.99 ± 0.15 μ g/ml, 10.33 ± 0.19 μg/ml, respectively. Active compound content in C. japonicum was determined using a HPLC/UV, reverse-phase column with gradient elution program (water in 0.5% formic acid : acetonitrile = 100:0 to 0:100 for 45 min, 0.8 ml/min). UV detection was conducted at 340 nm. The content of apigenin was measured in whole plant (1.04±0.06 mg/g), leaf (0.91±0.02 mg/g), seed coat (33.33±0.93 mg/g). Conclusion : Each part of Cirsium japonicum was analyzed antioxidant activity and the content of apigenin with EtOH extract. In result antioxidant activity, seed coat > leaf > whole plant. Seed coat were showed a very strong antioxidant activity. The comparative patterns between the antioxidant capacity and HPLC analysis results for the apigenin contained in Cirsium japonicum may also prove to be significant.