Background : It is well known that Alzheimer`s disease (AD) is associated with neuronal loss and accumulation of extracellular senile plaque, whose major constituent is β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). In cell cultures, Aβ can directly stimulate neuronal cell death and make neurons susceptible to excitotoxicity which may include glutamate release and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. There are numerous reports in the literature of Cedrela sinensis (CS) for pro-apoptotic effects. It was hypothesized that CS might protect neurons against neurodegeneration in AD due to its pro-apoptotic effects. The current study aimed to determine the protective effect of ethanol extract from the leave of CS on Aβ (25-35)-induced neuronal cell death in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. Methods and Results : Cerebral neurons were collected from embryonic day 15 SD rat fetuses and were cultured on DMEM with serum. Neurotoxicity experiments were proceeded on cultured neurons after 4-5 days in vitro. Cultured neurons were treated with 10 μM Aβ (25-35) for 24 h or 1 mM NMDA for 20 h to induce neuronal death. CS was applied 20 min before the treatment with Aβ (25-35) or NMDA and also present in the medium during the incubations. Colorimetric MTT assay and Hoechst 33342 staining were used to estimate viability of neurons. Western blot analysis was carried out to examine the expression levels of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. CS (5 and 10 ㎍/㎖) significantly inhibited Aβ (25-35)-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death in cultured cortical neurons. CS also inhibited Aβ (25-35)-induced change of apoptosis-related protein expression in western blot analysis. Furthermore CS (5 and 10 ㎍/㎖) reuduced NMDA-induced neuronal cell death. This study demonstrated that NMDA glutamate receptor activation is related with Aβ (25-35)-induced neuronal apoptotic death. Conclusion : CS protected culterd neurons against Aβ (25-35)-induced neurotoxicity probably via inhibition of NMDA receptor activation. These results suggest that CS can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease.

Background : While the anti-inflammatory effects of 20 (S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have been studied, it remains unclear how Rg3 regulates lipid metabolism in inflammatory macrophages. Thus, in this study, we characterized some eicosanoids related to the anti-inflammatory effects of 20 (S)-ginsenoside Rg3 in murine macrophages. Methods and Results : UPLC-MS/MS was used to profile various eicosanoids from RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Rg3. The profiling data were statistically analyzed by principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis and analysis of variance. The anti-inflammatory effect of Rg3 was validated by assessing the levels of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in the activated macrophages treated with Rg3. A total of 69 eicosanoids were analyzed in RAW264.7 cells. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses differentiated control cells from cells treated with LPS, Rg3, or LPS + Rg3 for 12 or 24 h. Furthermore, some differentially regulated compounds were found between macrophages treated with LPS for 24 h and those treated with LPS + Rg3 for 24 h. Conclusion : Rg3 alters eicosanoid metabolism in activated macrophages treated with LPS. Furthermore, we identified several eicosanoids correlated with the anti-inflammatory activity of Rg3.

Background : Alzheimer`s disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss and extracellular senile plaque, whose major constituent is β-amyloid (Aβ), a 39-43 amino acid peptide derived from amyloid precursor protein. In cultures, Aβ directly induce neuronal cell death and can include excessive generation of free radicals and peroxidative injury to proteins, lipids, and other macromolecules. Actinidia arguta, generally called hardy kiwifruit, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antioxidative properties. The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of the leaves and stems of A. arguta using in vitro cultured neurons and in vivo experimental animals. Methods and Results : Primary cortical neuronal cultures were prepared using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat fetuses on embryonic days 15. Neurotoxicity experiments were performed on neurons after 3-4 days in culture. Cultured neurons were treated with 10 μM Aβ (25-35) for 24 h to produce neurotoxicity. In addition, cultured neurons were treated with H2O2 (100 μM) for 15 min and then incubated for 12 h in H2O2-free medium. Viability of cultured neurons was measured by a colorimetric MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 staining of neurons was carried out to examine Aβ (25-35)-induced apoptotic neuronal death. A. arguta over the concentration of 10 to 50 ㎍/㎖ prevented Aβ (25-35) (10 μM)-induced apoptotic neuronal death, and inhibited H2O2-induced decrease of MTT reduction rate. These results suggest that oxidative stress is implicated in Aβ (25-35)-induced neuronal apoptotic death. Memory impairment was produced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) microinjection of 15 nmol Aß (25-35) and examined using passive avoidance test in ICR mice. Chronic treatments with A. arguta (14 days, p.o.) protected memory impairment induced by Aß (25-35). Conclusion : The present study suggests that A. arguta has a therapeutic role for preventing the progression of neurodegenerative disease such as AD.

Background : The young stem of Cinnamomum cassia (YSC) as traditional Chinese medicines has been reported to show a variety of pharmacological properties such as anti-allergy, insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, immune-suppressive, and neuronal death prevention, tyrosinase inhibition and anticancer, antioxidant and free radical scavenging, as well as antidiabetic and aldose reductase inhibition activities. In this study, we elucidated apoptotic effect and potential molecular mechanism of hot water extracts from YSC (YSC-HW) against human colorectal cancer cells. Methods and Results : YSC-HW treatment increased ROS level and induced ROS-dependent DNA damage in human colorectal cancer cells. ROS generation mediated by YSC-HW induced DNA induced apoptosis and reduction of cell viability in human colorectal cancer cells. YSC-HW ROS-dependently induced NF-kB activation through p65 nuclear translocation via IkB-α degradation, which exerted the induction of apoptosis. In addition, YSC-HW activated ATF3 expression dependent on ROS, which resulted in apoptosis. Conclusion : Our results suggest that YSC-HW may induce apoptosis through ROS-activation of NF-kB and ATF3 in human colorectal cancer cells. From these findings, YSC-HW has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for human colorectal cancer.

Backgrounds : Camellia sinensis is known to have a very high antioxidant activity, but its petals are small and it is difficult to use it because of its low yield. In comparison Camellia japonica has many petals and yield, however, the biological effects of C. japonica have been less frequently studied. In the present study, we focused on investigating the in vitro antioxidant effect of the ethanol extract from flower of C. sinensis (CSF), C. japonica (CJF) and mixture of CSF and CJF. Methods and Results : Content of total phenolics and total flavonid, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activities, reducing power, superoxide anion and hydroxy radical scavenging activity of CSF and CJF were compared in vitro experimetal models. Total phenolics was contained the higer in CJF (172.19±1.65 mgCAE/gEX) than 146.75±0.15 mgCAE/gEX in CSF. And effects of antioxidant measured by reducing power, superoxide anion generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase and hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction (FeSO4 + H2O2) in a cell-free system was shown higher in mixture of CSF and CJF than BHT, ascorbic acid as a chemical oxidant which was detected by electron spin resonance spectrometry coupled with DMPO spin trapping. These results suggest that Camellia flower extract such as CSF and CJF exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging ROS. Camellia extract contained quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin and kaempferol, which are antioxidant compounds. Conclusion : As a result, the combination of CSF and CJF showed higher antioxidative effect than using CSF or CJF alone.

Background : F. fomentarius extracts have been recently reported to process immune-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the anti-mutagenic effect of F. fomentarius ethanol extracts and the effective chemical components from the extract were analyzed by LC-Q-TOF. Methods and Results : F. fomentarius was extracted with 70% ethanol yielding a crude extract 6.8%. The crude extract was fractionated sequentially to diethyl ether, chloroform, dichloromethane, butanol and water with a yield of 43.9%, 2.958%, 6.8%, 21.6% and 25.5.%, respectively. The anti-mutagenic effect of F. fomentarius extract and its fractions was tested in Ames test by two type of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100). Among the five fractions, diethyl ether has shown the highest and significant anti-mutagenic effect (98.3%, at 3,000 ㎍/plate concentration). Moreover, we investigated the chemical constituents of the extract using UPLC-Q-TOF. A total of 10 compounds such as flavonoids (velutin, 3, 4′,5-Trihydroxy-3′,7-dimethoxyflavanone) and fatty acids (γ-linoleic acid, stearic acid) and deterpenoid (kirenol) were tentatively identified with an accurate mass within 10 ppm mass error. Also, flavonoids and fatty acids were detected with higher rate than other compounds based on obtained chromatograms. Conclusion : We demonstrated that F. fomentarius extract and fractions have anti-mutagenic activity through Ames test. Furthermore, we will carry out isolation of each components from its fraction and use them to conduct additional anti-mutagenic test.

Background : Cirsium plants have been used for perennial edible plants and grow wild in the mountainous regions of Korea, including Cirsium setidens and C. pendulum. In particular, C. setidens is commonly called 'gondre', and it has been used medicinally for diseases such as hematuria, hepatitis and hypertension. Hairy roots cultivation can be used as a method for increasing production through mass culture of medicinal plants, and elicitors such as methyl jasmonate (MeJa) can be treated to increase the content of certain useful ingredients. In this study, the hairy root was derived from the leaf tissues of C. setidens and C. pendulum, and the HPLC pattern was compared by MeJa treatment. Methods and Results : Agrobacterium rhizogenes R1000 was used to induce hairy roots in 1/2× MS medium. In addition, the hairy roots was treated with MeJa for different time (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 24, 48, 72 h) and with various concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, 300 μM). The HPLC pattern changes were analyzed by on-line HPLC-ABTS. Four new peaks were observed in both Cirsium setidens and C. pendulum hairy roots, all of which showed antioxidant activity. In the case of C. pendulum, chlorogenic acid content was about 4 times higher than that of leaves. These peaks, including chlorogenic acid, were all affected by MeJa treatment. Conclusion : Four peaks were detected in the hairy roots of C. setidens and C. pendulum not in the leaves, and they were confirmed to be affected by the treatment of MeJa. It is necessary to clarify the structure through the subsequent compound separation.

Background : In order to develop new cultivar of hybrid kiwifruit with cold tolerance, high useful components and high quality fruit, we have been crossed ‘Hayward’ (Actinidia deliciosa) with A. arguta. The new hybrid kiwifruit cultivars were 'DM', 'HO', and 'JW'. Actinidia arguta, called hardy kiwifruit, has an edible smooth skin and contains high amounts of sugar and vitamin C. It is native to north China, Korea, and Japan. A. deliciosa are known as kiwifruit and originated in Southwest China. The fruit of A. deliciosa appreciated for its sweet, slightly acidic flesh and high nutritional value, especially due its high content in vitamin C like A. arguta. The cultivar ‘Hayward’ of A. deliciosa occupies the majority of the world kiwifruit cultivated surface, and is the cultivar commercially produced in Korea. However, the kiwifruit producing areas are limited to warm climates region, it can be cultivated in the southern parts of Korea. In our research, several hybrids have been developed to enhance cold tolerance by crossing ‘Hayward’ with domestic species. Methods and Results : In our research, several hybrids have been developed to enhance cold tolerance by crossing ‘Hayward’ with domestic species. Freeze dried the fruit of hybrid kiwifruit was finely ground, extracted twice with methanol (MeOH). The crude extracts of the fruit was analyzed with HPLC for vitamin C and β-carotene analysis. Conclusion : Moisture and carbohydrate contents of hardy kiwi fruit in this study varied from 81.40 - 83.57% and 14.63 - 16.90 g/100 g, respectively. Among new cultivars, JW had higher fat(0.17 g/100 g) and protein(1.33 g/100 g) contents than others. The highest vitamin C and β-carotene content of hardy kiwi fruit were 120.70 ㎎/ 100 g, 0.14 ㎎/kg, respectively in DM.

Background : To select plant resources of the possibility of development as a natural antioxidant, the antioxidant activities including total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power (RP) of perilla accessions collected from South Korea were conducted. Method and Results : A total of 18 perilla accessions by regions were selected. Two grams of dried perilla leaves were extracted with 85% ethanol and used for analysis of antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity value was measured in a spectrophotometer. Perilla extracts showed variation in TPC ranging from 30.87 to 92.66 ㎍ GAE ㎎-1 dw. ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and RP ranged from 6.83 to 38.64 ㎍ Trolox ㎎-1 dw, 0.63 to 8.62 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, 5.05 to 17.57 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, and 4.52 to 35.69 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, respectively. TPC was high in perilla leaves of Gyeongsang-do, but other antioxidant activities were high in perilla leaves of Chungcheong-do. Cluster analysis based on antioxidant acitivities of 18 perilla accessions consist of group Ⅰ (3 accessions), Ⅱ (2 accessions), Ⅲ (5 accessions) and Ⅳ (8 accessions). Group Ⅱ characterized as higher antioxidant activities than other groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on antioxidant data revealed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) together explained 97.78 % total variation. Conclusion : IT242410 and IT235354 of group Ⅱ showed high antioxidant activity. These resources will be useful for developing natural antioxidants.

Background : Extraction is the first and the most important step in the recovery and purification of bio-active compounds from plant materials. Many important factors such as solvent, solvent composition, solvent to solid ratio, pH, and temperature significantly influence the extraction efficiency of bio-active compounds. Factorial design of a limited set of variables is advantageous when compared to the conventional method which varies a single parameter per trial. Methods and Results : The objective of this study was to screen independent factors, namely, ethanol concentration (60 – 100%), extraction temperature (40 – 80℃), time (6 – 18 hours), and liquid to solid ratio (10 – 50 ㎖/g) on the recovery of the extract yield, antioxidant capacity, phenolic and flavonoid contents from Dendropanax morbifera leaf using factorial design. Total flavonoid content of extract was determined by colorimetric method with aluminum chloride, while antioxidant activity was screened using the DPPH radical scavenging activity, TEAC and FRAP assays. Full factorial design was employed to determine the significant contribution of the above factors towards antioxidant capacity (TEAC, DPPH and FRAP), and flavonoid contents. Among, all the factors examined, ethanol concentration and extraction temperature are very significant (p < 0.0001), in obtaining higher antioxidant activity, total flavonoid contents. Conclusion : Two level full factorial design screening was successfully employed to determine the significant factors, which are ethanol concentration, temperature, time and liquid to solid ratio in contributing to high antioxidant capacity (TEAC, DPPH and FRAP), and flavonoid content determination from Dendropanax morbifera leaf. From the results obtained, ethanol concentration and temperature was very significant (p < 0.0001), in obtaining higher antioxidant activity and flavonoid contents. Further work on optimization using these significant factors are in progress.

Background : Ephedra Sinica has been used to treat obesity in Korean medicine and brown adipocytes also have potential in obesity treatment. Recently, p53 is considered as one of transcriptional regulators regarding thermogenesis of brown adipocytes. Methods and Results : E. Sinica extraction was made with DW and brown preadipocytes were differentiated with adipogenic reagents by incubating for 6 days in the absence or presence of E. Sinica extraction 5 ㎍/㎖ and 10 ㎍/㎖, non-cytotoxic concentration determined by MTT assay. Studies were conducted to see whether E. Sinica modulates the expression of thermogenic and adipogenic genes by qPCR and Western blot. Results showed that E. Sinica significantly activated thermogenesis of brown adipocytes by increasing the mRNA expressions of Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1), Cell Death-inducing DNA Fragmentation Factor Alpha-like Effector A (CIDEA), Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) and Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor (ADRB3). However, major adipogenic genes such as Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma (PPARλ) and PR Domain Containing 16 (PRDM16), showed no significant differences. In addition, the expression level of p53 was decreased by E. Sinica. Conclusion : It is suggest that E. Sinica stimulates the thermogenesis of brown adipocytes via p53 inhibition.

Background : Tetraploid plants are bigger in the size of fruits, leaves, stems, and roots than diploid plants due to bigger cells attributed to chromosome multiplication. The advantage of tetraploid plants includes breakdown of self-incompatibility and increase of disease resistance. This study was carried out to gain tetraploid resources for breeding of new boxthorn varieties having pest resistance, higher yield, and self-compatibility. Methods and Results : Tetraploid lines and maternal varieties used in this study were C0148-10 and C0412-1 from Cheongyang-jaerae, M0148-94 and M0148-120 from Myongan, B0148-43 and B0148-78 from Bulro, D0148-62 and D0148-72 from Cheongdae, and Y0148-2 and Y0148-24 from Youngha. Betaine content was highest as 0.7 - 1.62% in leaf, followed by 0.55 - 1.17% in fruit and 0.04 - 0.23% in root. Betaine content in plant parts of several tetraploid lines increased compared to martenal varieties, higher in fruit for 5 lines including D0148-72, B0148-78, and C0142-1, higher in leaf for 5 lines including C0148-10, C0412-1, and M0148-94, and higher in root for 7 lines including Y0148-2, M0148-94, and M0148-120. Rutin content in leaf ranged 4.0 – 388.55 ㎎% and was highest as 388.55 ㎎% in Y0148-24. Tannin content in leaf of tetraploid lines was 4.70 - 6.12%, highest as 6.12% in Y0148-2 and M0148-120, similar to the maternal varieties. Youngha of the diploid plants showed the highest tannin content of 7.08%. Total free sugar content in tetraploid lines was higher as 8.53 - 12.53% than maternal varieties. Conclusion : Betaine and rutin contents increased in several tetraploid lines and Total free sugar content in tetraploid lines was higher as 8.53 - 12.53% than maternal varieties. This shows tetraploid boxthorn lines are very useful resources in breeding new varieties.

Background : Tetraploid plants are bigger in the size of fruits, leaves, stems, and roots than diploid plants due to bigger cells attributed to chromosome multiplication. The advantage of tetraploid plants includes breakdown of self-incompatibility and increase of disease resistance. This study was carried out to gain tetraploid resources for breeding of new boxthorn varieties having pest resistance, higher yield, and self-compatibility. Methods and Results : Tetraploid lines and maternal varieties used in this study were C0148-10 and C0412-1 from Cheongyang-jaerae, M0148-94 and M0148-120 from Myongan, B0148-43 and B0148-78 from Bulro, D0148-62 and D0148-72 from Cheongdae, and Y0148-2 and Y0148-24 from Youngha. For organic acid composition of tetraploid lines and matrenal varieties, malic acid was highest as 1.47 – 4.6 ㎎/g in fruit, and citric acid and succinic acid were highest in leaf as 2.67 – 4.08 ㎎/g and 4.28 – 6.00 ㎎/g. Total organic acid content in root ranged from 1.78 to 3.23 ㎎/g, lower than in fruit and leaf. Of 11 fatty acids composing the boxthorn fruit, linoleic acid was highest as 25.36 – 50.33 ㎎/g. For leaf, linolenic acid was highest as 4.39 – 8.77 ㎎/g. Linoleic acid was highest as 1.65 – 6.98 ㎎/g of all fatty acids in root. 19 free amino acids were analyzed. Average content of essential amino acids in fruit was 6.64% and lysine was highest as 1.57%. Non-essential amino acid content was 8.26% and serine was highest as 2.72% of all non-essential amino acids in fruit. D0148-62 was highest in the total amino acid and the essential amino acid as 23.58% and 10.19%, respectively. Total amino acid content in leaf was 26.49%. Essential amino acid was 12.12% and leucine was highest as 2.08%. Non-essential amino acid was 14.37% and serine was highest as 4.61%. Total amino acid content in root was 13.25%. Essential amino acid was 6.66% and arginine was highest as 2.58%. Non-essential amino acid was 6.59% and serine was highest as 2.60%. Conclusion : Organic acid content increased in fruit of tetraploid lines and lines induced from Cheongyang-jaerae, Myongan, and Cheongdae were higher in contents of linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid, resulted in total fatty acid increasing. This shows several induced tetraploid boxthorn lines are very useful resources in breeding new varieties.

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 : 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) is a representative compound of the antidiabetic constituent in mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.). The hot water extracts of mulberry leaves were fermented with lactic acid bacteria in order to analysis the changes of the DNJ contents and α-glucosidase inhibition. Methods and Results : The mulberry leaves were extracted with hot water (121℃, 3 hr). The extracts were fermented with nine strains of lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, in order to increase the contents of DNJ and α-glucosidase inhibition. DNJ contents in the fermented extracts were determinated by HPLC analysis. The α-glucosidase inhibition was mesured by comparing dose-inhibition curves of α-glucosidase and IC50 value. The DNJ contents after fermentation have increased in the almost fermented extracts. Especially, DNJ of the extracts fermented with L. acidophilus was increased from 8.38 ㎍ ㎖ -1 to 21.77 ㎍ ㎖-1. IC50 values of the α-glucosidase inhibition were shown to be decreased in the fermented extracts. The extracts fermented with L. casei KCTC 3109 was determined at 290.04 ㎍ ㎖-1, resulting it is lower about 140 ㎍ ㎖-1 than 429.76 ㎍ ㎖-1 of the control. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that the lactic acid fermentation of mulberry leaves extracts can more enhance the hypoglycemic activities such as DNJ contents.

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 : This study was carried out to investigate the cytotoxicity in 9 extracts from 8 medicinal plants, such as leaf extract of Lonicera maackii (Llm), leaf extract of Platycarya strobilacea (Lps), flower extract of Fagopyrum dibortryis (Fdf), stem extract of Physostegia virginiana (Spv), root extract of Allium senescence (Ras), aerial part extract of Allium schoenoprasum (Aas), aerial part extract of Artemisia japonica var. manshurica (Aaj), stem extract of Caryopteris incana (Sci), and leaf extract of Caryopteris incana (Lci), on human cancer cell lines. Methods and Results : Dried plant extracts were granted from National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Sciences. The extracts of each plant were dissolved in DMSO and stored in deep freeze at –20℃. The cell viabilities were examined by MTT assay. On SK-OV-3 cell line, Lps, Aas, Sci ans Lci showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. On A549 cell line, almost samples show dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, but especially Aaj showed relatively high cytotoxic effect. In case of HCT-15 cell line, Llm and Aas showed relatively high cytotoxic effect. Conclusion : These results suggested that Lonicera maackii, Platycarya strobilacea, Fagopyrum dibortryis, Physostegia virginiana, Allium senescence, Allium schoenoprasum, Artemisia japonica var. manshurica, and Caryopteris incana can be utilized as potential sources of anticancer agent due to their cytotoxicity.

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 : The interests in the consumption of red pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is, to a large extent due to its content of bioactive compounds and their importance as dietary antioxidants and Red pepper is commonly used as food material and a broad variety of medicinal applications, Therefore, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of red pepper. Methods and Results : This present study was evaluated the effect of red pepper ethanol and distilled water extracts on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant activity of the extracts were evaluated by the assay of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power, along with the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The ethanol and the water extracts showed strong antioxidant activity by the testing methods. Total phenol content was high in ethanol extract, whereas total flavonoid content was high in water extract. The red pepper extract exhibited high scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and showed high reducing power. In vitro cytotoxic assay, red pepper extract showed noncytotoxic effect in the RAW 264.7 cells with or without LPS. The level of nitric oxide (NO) production induced by LPS decreased in a dose-dependent manner (0.25 ㎍/ ㎖ – 1.0 ㎎/㎖). Proinfllamatory cytokine level including TNF-ɑ and IL-6 decresed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by treating red pepper extracts. Conclusion : These results indicate that the ethanol and distilled water extracts of red pepper can be used as an anti-proliferative therapeutic agent or functional food.