Background : It is known that Platycodon grandiflorum has anti-inflammatory activity and inhibits the production of nitric oxide (NO) in inflammatory macrophages. But the change of bioactivity of platycodon grandiflorum according to steaming is not well known. In this study, We investigated the effects of steaming on anti-inflammatory activity of 70% ethanol extracts of platycodon grandiflorum. Methods and Result : The cytotoxicity of RAW264.7 cells treated with platycodon grandiflorum extracts was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the concentration of NO in culture supernatants were determined using nitric oxide (NO) assay. And western blotting was performed to quantify the expression of iNOS, a protein related to NO production. As a results, it was confirmed that no cytotoxicity was observed at 25, 50 and 100 ㎍/㎖ platycodon grandiflorum extracts in RAW264.7 cells. The production of NO and the expression of iNOS were induced by LPS and suppressed by all platycodon grandiflorum extracts in proportion to the number of steaming in RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion : These results suggest that a steaming process can increase anti-inflammatory activity of platycodon grandiflorum extracts.

Background : The health-promoting effects of green tea are mainly attributed to its polyphenol content, particularly flavanols and flavonols, which account for 30% of a fresh leaf’s dry weight, but the ingredients of the polyphenol content vary depending on the species. This study was conducted to select some candidates with superior anti-oxidative and anti-allergy effects from among seven cultivars of green tea. Methods and Results : Green tea extracts were prepared by extraction with ethanol and by evaporation of the solvent at low pressure. To evaluate their anti-allergy effect and cell viability, the samples were tested for ß-hexosaminidase inhibitory activity and MTT assay of the RBL-2H3 cells, respectively. The anti-oxidation effects of the samples were analyzed with a DPPH radical scavenging activity. According to the results of the experiment, four extracts including Camelia sinensis var. Kemsull, C. sinensis var. Beachwisull, C. sinensis var. Chamnok and C. sinensis var. Fushun showed effective ß-hexosaminidase inhibitory activity at 12.5, 25, 50, 100 ㎍/㎖. At 50 ㎍/㎖, C. sinensis var. Saemidori had the highest cell viability as 86.1%, and all of the samples showed cell proliferation above 70% at 25 ㎍/㎖. The extract of C. sinensis var. Kemsull showed a 60 - 70% inhibitory effect on the DPPH radical at all of the tested concentrations, whereas the extracts of C. sinensis var. Ryohu, C. sinensis var. Saemidori, C. sinensis var. Yabukita showed lower DPPH inhibition effects at around 10 - 30%. Conclusion : The results of this study indicate that the extracts of C. sinensis var. Kemsull, C. sinensis var. Beachwisull, and C. sinensis var. Chamnok have more prominent anti-oxidation and anti-allergy effects than other cultivars, and thus could be utilized as resources for improving health.

Background : Acetylcholine is related with various functions, including cognition and behavior, and increased activity of cholinesterase has been reported in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As such, the inhibition of cholinesterase activity could be a means of ameliorating neuronal degenerative diseases such as AD. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause neuronal cell damage. The AchE inhibitory effects of Sorghum bicolor (SB) have been revealed by research. This study was conducted to compare the cholinesterase inhibitory effects and anti-oxidative effects of SB extracts according to their extraction conditions. Methods and results : Eight extracts were prepared from SB seed, which was extracted using three different methods including room temperature extraction, reflux extraction at 85℃, and accelerate solvent extraction (ASE) at 50℃ by using distilled water and/or ethanol as a solvent. AchE and BuchE inhibition activities of the extracts were measured in vitro, and their inhibitory activities on ROS, nitric oxide (NO) production and cell proliferation were analyzed in lipoppolysacchride–treated BV2 mouse microglia cells. According to the results of the experiments, the 50% ethanol extract obtained by room temperature extraction showed a BuchE inhibitory effect of 40% at the final concentration of 100 ㎍/㎖, while the other 50% ethanol extracts showed a BuchE inhibitory effect of around 20%. The 100% Ethanol extract obtained from reflux extraction at 50 ㎍/㎖ showed the highest inhibitory effect on NO generation as 58.3%, whereas the 50% ethanol extract obtained from ASE extraction at 50 ㎍/ ㎖ showed the highest inhibitory effect on ROS generation as 56.0%. Conclusion : The results of the experiments show that the 50% and 100% ethanol extracts prepared under different temperature, pressure and solvent conditions have more effective on strong cholinesterase inhibition, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects..

Background : Exposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) causes oxidative stress, inflammation, pigmentation and severe skin damage. Astragalus membranaceus (AG) has been used as a traditional medicine and have been studied various physiological activities. During the roasting process, bioactive substances is change including antioxidant substances. The aim is study the antioxidant effects and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitory effect of the roasted A. membranaceus (R-AG). on Human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Methods and Results : To prepare of R-AG samples, roasting machine was used. AG and R-AG were extracted to water and 70% ethanol. AG samples were evaluated the antioxidant potential by measuring the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2`-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activities. Additionally, total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents was compared with antioxidant ingredients. AG and R-AGs were analyzed with HPLC determine the major compounds such as calycosin, mononetin and glycosides. The antioxidant activities of R-AG increased and changed in major compounds. In UVB exposed HDF cells, AGs did not affect cell viability and R-AG inhibited ROS more effectively than AG. Conclusion : From these results, R-AG can inhibit oxidative stress induced UVB in HDF cells.

Background : Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) is important medicinal resource in korea. Gastrodin and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4-HBA) are major active compounds of G. elata, and ρ-cresol is major cause of off-odor like pig slurry from G. elata. The off-odor can decrease the quality of fresh G. elata as well as its products. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the influence of extraction temperature on bio-active and odorous compounds of G. elata extract. Methods and Results : G. elata was extracted with distilled water at 0, 30, 60, and 90℃ for 20, 40, 60, and 120 min. Gastrodin and 4-HBA contents were analyzed by using a HPLC-UVD, and ρ-cresol content was analyzed by using a SPME-GC-MS. Gastrodin content increased as increasing extraction temperature and time, and showed the highest value in extract at 90℃. 4-HBA content showed the highest value at 60℃, and increased as increasing extraction time. Total content of gastrodin and 4-HBA was higher in extract from G. elata at 60℃ for 120 min than other extracts. ρ-Cresol content was varied according to extraction temperature, and was lower in extract at 30 and 60℃ than 0 and 90℃. Conclusion : These results indicated that the extraction temperature can affect the bio-active components and off-odor of G. elata extract, and 60℃ is appropriate to improve the qualities including bio-active component and off-odor of G. elata extract and its products.

Background : Gastrodia elata (GE) is a perennial herb that belongs to the orchidaceae and is used as a medicinal or food material. Known pharmacological agents include gastrodin and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. It is used as medicinal herb that is traditionally used for headache, migraine, dizziness, epilepsy and infant seizures. It is used for medicinal herbs such as sedation, hypnosis, epilepsy treatment, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, neuroprotection, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, Antioxidant, memory improvement, anti-aging, antiviral, anti-tumor. The purpose of this study was to find the extraction method with the highest oxidative stress inhibition and to optimize the pharmacological effect of the extract. Methods and Results : GE was freeze-dried to obtain 5 g, and then extracted into 50 ㎖ of water. Extraction temperature was 0, 30, 60 and 90℃ for 20, 40, 60 and 120 min, respectively. After centrifugation, the mixture was filtered through a 0.45 ㎛ filter. ABTS scavenging ability, DPPH scavenging ability, total phenol content, neuronal cell line (PC12) cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress scavenging activity in neurons were measured by this extract. ABTS scavenging ability, DPPH scavenging ability and total phenol content increased with increasing temperature and extraction time. However, at 60℃ and 90℃ extraction temperature, there was no significant difference. The cytotoxicity of 2 ㎎/㎖ of GE extract was significantly increased in the extract group of 90℃ after 20 hours. Conclusion : From the above results, the water extraction conditions to optimize the pharmacological activity of GE were 120 minutes at 60℃ or less.

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.

Nitrogen budgets in Sihwa-ho in 2010 were estimated using a mass balance approach. Major nitrogen fluxes sources can be divided into three sections: cities, agricultural area, and forest. Surplus nitrogen 2,030~2,214 ton/yr (2,123 ton/yr in average) was discharged to Sihwa Lake. 20% of the surplus nitrogen is removed from the wetland and 60% is removed tidal flats. Therefore net nitrogen discharge from Sihwa basin is estimated to be 650 708 ton/yr (679 ton/yr in average). Wet and dry nitrogen deposition and load from non-point sources ware estimated to be 97 ton/yr and 69 ton/yr, deposition is using CAMx model. So estimated total nitrogen discharge into Sihwa-ho was 817 875 ton/yr (846 ton/yr in average). The atmospheric load explains 11.1 11.9% (11.5% in average) of the total nitrogen load Sihwa-ho.

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 : 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.

2014년 슬러지 발생량은 10,187ton/day로 2008년 기준 약 7,446ton/day에 비해 발생량이 약 37% 증가하였다. 하수슬러지의 발생량은 매년 증가할 것으로 예상되기 때문에 하수슬러지 발생량을 최소화 시키고 자원화하기 위한 여러 가지 대안 중 혐기성 소화방법과 슬러지 감량화 기술이 대안으로 제시되고 있다. 소화조는 장시간의 체류시간, 설계 값보다 낮은 소화효율 등의 고질적인 문제가 있으므로 슬러지를 효과적으로 처리 하기위해 이용 효율을 극대화하는 방안이 필요하다. 따라서 소화조 투입 전 단계에서 하수슬러지를 가용화하는 전처리를 실시하여 가수분해를 촉진시키고, 소화 효율을 높이는 방법을 이용하고 있다. 전처리 공정은 열적처리, 물리·화학적 처리, 생물학적 처리 등으로 구분되며, 이중 열적전처리 공정은 고온조건이나 저온조건에서 고분자 형태로 존재하는 슬러지를 저분자 형태로 전환시켜 바이오가스의 생산량과 소화효율을 증대시키는데 효과적인 것으로 알려져 있다. 열적전처리 중에서도 저온 열적전처리는 고온 열적전처리에 비해 공정 운전에 들어가는 에너지 소모량이 적고, 바이오가스 생산면에서도 효과적으로 알려져있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 생슬러지 및 잉여슬러지를 대상으로 60~120 ℃, 30~120분 조건에서 실시한 저온 열적전처리 공정에 의한 물리·화학적 특성 변화를 분석하고, BMP test를 통하여 바이오 가스 생산율을 평가하였다. 용존성 물질로 존재하는 SCODCr, NH4+, PO43-, VFAs 분석결과, 생슬러지 및 잉여슬러지 모두 열적전처리 온도가 상승함에 따라 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 가용화율은 120 ℃ 120분조건에서 SCODCr의 경우 가용화 전 각각 453mg/L, 1,698mg/L에서 열적전처리 후 최대 5,337mg/L, 8,769mg/L로 증가하였으며, TCODCr 중 SCODCr가 각각 약 12%, 18.6%차지하는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 저온열적가용화 또한 슬러지의 세포 floc 파괴에 의한 내부 물질의 용출에 기인하여 가수분해 단계를 촉진시켜 소화효율을 향상시킬 수 있다고 판단된다.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, induces toxicity in cells and in experimental animals. Ginseng extracts were evaluated to determine whether they can inhibit BPA-induced toxicity. The antioxidant activity of fresh ginseng extract (WGE), dried white ginseng extract (DGE), and dried red ginseng extract (RGE) was measured using the DPPH assay. WGE and RGE increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Cell viability was measured in HepG2 cells following treatment with BPA and ginseng extracts using the MTT assay. DGE and RGE increased HepG2 cell viability following treatment with 200 μM BPA. RGE reduced levels of biochemical markers of liver damage, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) that increased in mice following treatment with BPA. In addition, the regeneration and proliferation of damaged liver cells were significantly increased in RGE-treated mice. Moreover, RGE inhibited hepatic fibrosis in the surrounding area and in the central vein of the liver microstructure. RGE also significantly inhibited BPA-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, RGE protected liver damage and regenerated liver tissues in BPA-treated animals. These results show that RGE may represent a potential candidate drug for the treatment and prevention of liver damage caused by environmental toxins.

Background : Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) appears to enhance the differentiation of osteoblasts and to activate the mineralization of bone. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ginseng complex on the remodeling of rats tibia. Methods and Results : Ginseng complex significantly increased serum IGF-1 by 58% and 34.5% than the control, respectively. Treatment with α-amylase when manufacturing these extracts remarkably increased the concentration of IGF-1 by 63% and 36% above the control, respectively. This ways that this ginseng complex, especially α-amylase treated extracts, contained a higher level of IGF-1 secretion in the ginseng complex groups. In addition, increases of 8% in femuf length were found after 12 weeks of oral administration with ginseng complex (300mg/kg). Conclusion : These results mean that ginseng complex have beneficial effects on bone effects on bone growth via IGF-1.

Background : 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, 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.