In this study, bacterial growth was assessed by flow cytometry analysis of fluorescent probes-stained bacteria. Flow cytometry has many advantages of rapid analytical time, a low standard deviation, and highly sensitive detection of live and Dead E.coli over colony forming assay. When untreated bacteria were stained by using Thiazole Orange (TO) and Propidium Iodide (PI), double staining had a short analytical time as compared with that of single staining while its error rate was similar to that of single staining. Through double staining experiments, it was determined that optimal concentrations for TO and PI staining were 420 nM and 9.6 μM, respectively.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Tenebrio molitor. Macrophage cell response by outside stimulation leads expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and trigger expression of genes which are affected by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in formation of inflammatory factors like nitric oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. In order to investigate anti-inflammatory agents, the inhibitory effects on the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO in RAW 264.7 cells were examined. T. Molitor significantly decreased the production of NO in a dose-dependent manner, and also reduced the expression of iNOS, a COX-2 protein. As a result, the levels of protein such as PGE2, iNOS, COX-2 and MARKs were significantly reduced compared to non-treated group in T. Molitor water extract (TDW) treated group. Also, antioxidant effect of T. Molitor were investigated using DPPH, ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests in cell-free system. Antioxidant activity of T. molitor was found low in the DPPH radical scavenging test while high in the ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests. These results show that TDW could be an effective anti-pro-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Corni fructus extracts (CEF, EtOAc extraction; CBF, buthanol extraction; CWF, water extraction) were investigated. The total phenolics of CEF (173.3 mg TAE/g) were significantly higher than those of CWF (26.7 mg TAE/g) and CBF (94.8 mg TAE/g). DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity of CEF (DPPH: RH50; 25.1 μg/mL, ABTS: RC50; 36.1 μg/mL) showed even higher than that of BHA and α-tocopherol used as positive control. All three Corni fructus extracts in the concentration of 1~100 μg/mL were effective inhibitors of NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). NO production was inhibited 71.3~92.2% by CEF, 76.8~85.5% by CBF and 74.4~96.9% by CWF, respectively. CEF, CBF and CWF (1~100 μg/mL) inhibited also pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 very effectively. TNF-α was inhibited up to 51.2% by CWF and IL-1β was inhibited up to 67.1% by CEF. IL-6 was best inhibited by CEF up to 58.9%. This study suggested the potential of Corni fructus for use as an excellent antioxidant substance and inflammatory inhibiting mediators. Therefore CEF, CBF and CWF Corni fructus extracts may be used for therapeutic approach to various inflammatory diseases.

밀착연접(tight junction, TJ)은 인접하는 표피 세포 사이를 서로 연결 및 접합하여 전해질과 수분의 이동을 조절할 뿐만 아니라 세포 내 신호를 전달하고 세포분열을 조절하는 등 다양한 기능을 갖고 있는 것으로 알려졌다. 또한 최근 연구에 따르면 TJ 관련 단백질들의 비정상적 발현은 암 발생 및 진행과 밀접한 관련이 있는 것으로 보고되었으며, TJ 구성 단백질의 발현 조절은 피부 장벽 강화 및 보습 조절과 연관된 것으로 알려졌다. 본 연구에서는 세포 장벽 조절을 통해 피부 보습 조절에 관여하는 새로운 화장품 소재를 발굴하기 위해 여러 가지 소재들에 대한 스크리닝을 수행하였다. 이 중 인공 감미료 소재로 널리 사용되는 스테비올 및 당 유도체(스 테비오사이드)의 미백 및 주름 개선 등의 효능에 대한 기존 보고에 따라, 이들에 의한 TJ 조절 메커니즘을 확인 하기 위해 다양한 세포 활성 기능 시험을 수행하였다. MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3- carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt)를 이용한 실험을 통하여 스테 비올은 human keratinocyte cell line인 HaCaT 세포에 250 μ M 까지 독성을 나타내지 않음을 확인하였다. Quantitative real-time PCR을 이용한 TJ 관련 단백질들의 mRNA 발현 변화를 통하여 스테비올에 의한 TJ 조절 기능을 확인하였다. 그 결과, 스테비올은 TJ 관련 단백질 중 특이적으로 claudin 8을 대조군 대비 30% 수준까지 감소시키는 것을 관찰하였다. 또한, 세포이동에 의한 영향을 관찰한 결과 스테비올 처리에 의해 세포이 동이 현저히 저해되는 것을 확인하였다. 마지막으로 세포 장벽의 투과성 변화를 관찰하기 위해 표피세포 피부저 항(transepithelial electric resistance, TEER) 분석 결과 스테비올에 의한 세포투과성(cell permeability) 또 한 증가되는 것을 관찰하였다. 이에 반해, 스테비올 유도체(스테비오사이드, 리바우디오사이드)에서는 1000 μ M까지 세포 독성이 거의 나타나지 않을 뿐만 아니라 claudin 8 발현 억제 및 세포이동 저해현상도 관찰되지 않았다. 스테비올은 HaCaT 세포의 세포 독성, claudin 8 발현 억제, 그리고 세포 이동의 저해효과를 보이는 반면 스테비올 당 유도체인 스테비오사이드, 리바우디오사이드는 세포 독성 및 세포이동에 영향이 없는 것으로 나타난 본 연구 결과들은 스테비올 당 유도체가 향후 화장품 원료로써 스테비올보다 적합한 소재임을 시사한다

본 연구에서는 참깨 추출물의 주름개선 화장품 원료로의 가능성을 확인하기 위하여, 참깨의 70% 에탄올 추출물을 제조하여, 엘라스타제 저해능, 콜라게나제 저해능, matrixmetallopoteinases (MMPs)의 단백질, mRNA 발현 저해 효능을 측정하였다. Elastase와 collagenase 저해활성은 1000 μ g/mL 농도에서 각각 37.8%와 45%의 효소 활성을 억제를 나타내었다. 섬유아세포에서 참깨 에탄올 추출물의 세포 생존율을 확인한 결과 100 μ g/mL 농도에서 96%의 생존율을 보였다. 참깨 에탄올 추출물을 처리한 섬유아세포에서 matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3)의 단백질 발현 및 mRNA 발현 억제 효과를 확인한 결과 단백질 발현은 100 μ g/mL 농도에서 63%, 43%, 49%의 저해율을 나타내었고, mRNA 발현 억제는 최고농도인 100 μ g/mL에서 각각 82% 79%, 82%의 저해율을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과로 보아 참깨 70% 에탄올 추출물이 주름개선용 기능성 화장품 소재로서의 응용이 가능할 것으로 판단되었다.

엑소좀은 세포에서 분비되는 작은 소낭체로서, 기원세포와 조직에 따라 다양한 기능을 수행하며, 세포생 존 및 세포 간 커뮤니케이션에 중요한 역할을 한다. 최근 엑소좀을 활용하여 종양연구, 면역질환 개선, 질병진단 bio-marker 개발 등 다양한 분야에서 연구가 진행되고 있으나, 피부세포에서 분비기전 및 피부 생리적 기능에 대한 연구는 미흡한 실정이다. 따라서 본 연구에서 인체피부 유래 각질형성세포(HaCaT)로부터 분리된 엑소좀 이 피부각질형성세포의 증식과 이주에 미치는 영향을 확인하고자 하였다. HaCaT으로부터 ExoQuick-TC를 활 용하여 엑소좀을 분리하고, 열처리 엑소좀(boiled exosome)과 무처리 엑소좀(unboiled exosome)으로 구분하 였다. HaCaT 유래 엑소좀은 농도 의존적으로(0.1 ∼ 20 μ g/mL) HaCaT의 증식을 유도하였으며, 20 μ g/mL에 서 대조군(control)에 비해 각각 186.96 ± 3.87%(열처리) 또는 193.48 ± 10.48%(무처리)의 증식 유도활성 을 나타내었다. 또한 HaCaT 유래 무처리 엑소좀은 농도 의존적인(0.1 ∼ 20 μ g/mL) HaCaT의 이주활성을 나타내었고, 20 μ g/mL에서 대조군에 비해 179.39 ± 4.89%의 이주를 유도하였다. 그러나 열처리 엑소좀은 이주 유도활성을 나타내지 않았다. 뿐만 아니라 무처리 HaCaT 유래 엑소좀은 collagen sprout outgrowth를 농도 의존적으로 유도함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과를 통해서 HaCaT 유래 엑소좀은 지질 및 열에 안정한 물질 이 세포의 증식을 유도하고, 단백질 또는 열에 불안정한 물질이 세포의 이동 및 sprout out growth 활성에 관여 하는 것으로 확인되었다. 따라서 피부각질형성세포 유래 엑소좀은 피부의 재상피화 및 상처치유 등의 활성을 나타낼 수 있으며, 향후 화장품소재로서 응용 가능성이 확인되었다.

진피 상층부 모세혈관은 젊은 사람에 비해 노인에서 그 수와 크기가 감소되어 있어 피부에서 모세혈관이 차지하는 비율이 나이에 따라 급격히 낮아진다. 연교는 물푸레나무과에 속하는 개나리 열매를 건조한 것으로 주로 염증성 또는 항균성 질환에 오랫동안 사용되어져온 약재로서 지금까지 피부 혈관신생과 관련된 효능은 보 고되지 않았다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 연교 추출물이 혈관신생과 관련된 인자들에 미치는 영향을 피부 각질형성 세포주를 이용하여 조사하고자 하였다. 우리는 먼저 연교 추출물이 혈관신생과 관련된 인자들의 발현에 어떤 영향을 주는지 알아보고자 각질형성세포에 연교 추출물을 처리하고 혈관신생과 관련된 55개 단백질의 발현을 분석하였다. 발현 변화를 보인 인자들 중 혈관내피세포 성장인자(VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor) 는 강력한 혈관신생 촉진인자로서 연교 추출물에 의해 유의하게 발현이 증가되었다. 따라서 연교 추출물이 VEGF 생성에 미치는 영향에 대해 자세히 알아보고자 연교 추출물을 농도별로 세포에 처리하고 단백질 발현과 mRNA 발현 변화를 조사한 결과, 연교 추출물은 VEGF의 유전자 수준뿐만 아니라 단백질 수준의 발현을 2배 이상 농도 의존적으로 증가시켰다. 다음으로 연교 추출물에 의한 VEGF 발현 증가에 관여하는 신호전달 기전을 밝히고자 MAPK 활성을 살펴본 결과, 연교 추출물을 세포에 처리하면 5 min 내 p38 MAPK의 활성이 관찰되었 으며, 특이적 억제제 전처리를 통해 p38 MAPK 활성을 억제하면 연교 추출물을 처리하더라도 VEGF의 유전자 및 단백질 발현이 완전히 억제됨을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과로부터 연교는 피부 각질형성세포에 작용하여 p38 MAPK 활성을 통해 VEGF 생성을 유도함을 알 수 있었고, 피부에서 노화에 따른 표피아래 모세혈관 손상을 개선하는데 도움을 줄 수 있는 후보 물질로서 연교의 새로운 효능을 제안한다.

카바(Piper methysticum, P. methysticum)는 비뇨생식기 질환, 류머티즘, 위장 장애, 호흡기 자극 및 폐 통증에 대해 전통적으로 사용되는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 카바에서 분리된 flavokavain C (FKC)가 염증성 유전자의 발현에 관여하는 전사인자인 핵요소-κB (NF-κB) 의존성 산화 질소(NO) 생산 및 산화 질소 합성 효소(iNOS)의 발현에 리포폴리사카라이드(LPS) 처리된 대식세포에서 항 염증 활성을 나타 낸다는 것을 확인하였다. FKC는 과산화수소와 같은 반응성 산소 종(ROS)의 축적을 억제하고, LPS로 유도된 NO 생성 및 각종 염증 관련 유전자(iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6)의 발현을 NF-κB 및 MAPKs (ERK 및 JNK)의 억제를 통해 농도 의존적으로 줄일 수 있었다. 결론적으로, 이러한 결과는 FKC가 NF-κB 경로와 MAPKs 포 함한 염증 프로세스를 억제하는 능력을 가지고 있음을 나타내며, 이는 항 염증 및 항산화 효능 기반 기능성 화장 품에 적용될 수 있음을 암시한다.

종양을 효율적으로 적출, 제거하기 위해서는 부수적으로 방사선 치료 및 항암화학요법을 이용하여 수술 전이나, 수술 후 종양의 크기를 줄이거나 작게 할 수는 있었으나, 종양을 적출하거나 제거하는 방법으로 외과적 절제수술요법이 가장 재래적인 수술 방법이다. 종양의 크기를 줄이거나 작게 하는 방법과, 종양을 사멸시킬 수 있는 항암화학요법은 방사성 감수성을 증가시키는 항암약제를 종양세포에 선택적으로 투여하여 방사선에 대한 감수성에 민감하게 반응 할 수 있도록 한 것이며, 다양한 생물학적인 세포증식억제 방법중 TRAIL은 단백질을 변형 시킬 수 있으며 단백질 구조를 변형시켜 세포의 사멸에 일조를 하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 논문에서는 HCT-116세포를 암세포로 간주하여 TRAIL과 방사선과의 상호관계를 분석하였다. 실험결과 TRAIL과 방사선의 단독사용은 대조군과 비교해 본 결과 각각 세포증식과 세포자멸사에 유의적인 영향을 끼치지 않은 것으로 나타났다. 반대로 TRAIL로 처리하고, 방사선 조사를 병행해서 처리한 경우 HCT-116세포가 유의적으로 세포자멸사가 발생되었음을 알 수 있었고, G1대비 G0의 비율도 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 결론적으로 TRAIL은 방사선 방어적인 세포의 세포자멸사를 증가시켜 방사선 감수성을 증가시켰음을 알 수 있었으며, 또한 세포주기를 변화시켜 세포 증식 능력을 점진적으로 감소시킬 수 있었다. TRAIL은 세포자멸사를 증가시키고 세포증식 능력을 감소시켜 방사선 증감제로서 사용이 가능하다는 것으로 사료된다.

Background : Both Panax ginseng Meyer and Panax quinquefolius are obligate shade-loving plants whose natural habitats are broadleaved forests of Eastern Asia and North America. Panax species are easily damaged by photoinhibition when they are exposed to high temperatures or insufficient shade. In this study, a cytohistological study of the leaf structures of two of the most well-known Panax species was performed to better understand the physiological processes that limit photosynthesis. Leaves of ginseng plants grown in soil and hydroponic culture were sectioned for analysis. Methods and Results : Leaf structures of both Panax species were observed using a light microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The mesostructure of both P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius frequently had one layer of noncylindrical palisade cells and three or four layers of spongy parenchymal cells. P. quinquefolius contained a similar number of stomata in the abaxial leaf surface but more tightly appressed enlarged grana stacks than P. ginseng. The adaxial surface of the epidermis in P. quinquefolius showed cuticle ridges with a pattern similar to that of P. ginseng. Conclusion : The anatomical leaf structure of both P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius shows that they are typical shade-loving sciophytes. Slight differences in chloroplast structure suggests that the two different species can be authenticated using transmission electron microscopy images, and light-resistant cultivar breeding can be performed via controlling photosynthesis efficiency.

Background : Oxidative stress condition refers as disturbed homeostasis between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system that results in severe pathological conditions. To balance such an oxidative stress condition external antioxidant sources are required. Methods and Results : In view of the above, present study was carried out to investigate the cytoprotective role of the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa var. Seolhyang) root extract (SRE) against oxidative stress condition stimulated by H2O2 in murine macrophages Raw 264.7 cells and further evaluation of intracellular ROS level, lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as oxidative stress markers. Cytoprotective effect of SRE was evaluated by quantifying survival of macrophages challenged by H2O2 in presence and absence of SRE. Finding suggest a 60.1 ± 7.5% cell survival in H2O2 treated cells as compare to 100% survival in control cells. However, a significant increase in cell survival with 62.7 ± 2.9, 74.2 ± 5.2 and 81.3 ± 3.3% were observed in the cells treated with 2.5, 5, 10 μg/ml of SRE respectively. A reduced ROS level together with inhibition of the lipid peroxidation and MPO activity was observed in the cells treated with SRE as compare to only H2O2 treated cells. Conclusion : Our results signify the potency of SRE to protect the cells from oxidative stress implied by H2O2 and can be used as a source of antioxidant for health benefits.

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 can directly induce neuronal cell death and can render neurons vulnerable to excitotoxicity which may involve glutamate release and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Silybum marianum (SM) has been used for centuries to treat liver disease due to its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, Silymarin, an active constituent of SM, has been reported to decrease lipid peroxidation. Therefore we hypothesized that SM might protect neurons against neurodegeneration in AD due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, the protective effect of ethanol extract from the stem of SM on Aβ (25-35)-induced neuronal cell death was examined in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. Methods and Results : Primary cultured cortical neurons were prepared using embryonic day 15 SD rat fetuses. Neurotoxicity experiments were performed on cultured neurons after 4-5 days in vitro. The cells were treated with 10 μM Aβ (25-35) or 1 mM NMDA for 36 h or 14 h, respectively. SM was applied 15 min before treatment of Aβ (25-35) or NMDA and also present in the medium during the incubations. The viability of neurons was monitored using a colorimetric MTT assay and Hoechst 33342 staining. The expression levels of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins were detected by western blot. An Ethanol extract of the stem of SM (10 and 50 μg/ml) significantly prevented Aβ (25-35)-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death in cultured cortical neurons. Furthermore SM inhibited Aβ (25-35)-induced decrease of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, and increase of pro-apoptotic proteins, Bax and active caspase-2, in western blot analysis. SM (10 and 50 μg/ml) also reduced NMDA-induced neuronal cell death. These results suggest that NMDA glutamate receptor activation is implicated in Aβ (25-35) -induced neuronal apoptotic death. Conclusion : The present study suggests that SM has a possible therapeutic role for preventing the progression of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease.

Background : Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive impairment and personality defects accompanied by diffuse structural abnormalities in the brain. The major pathological hallmarks of AD include beta amyloid (Aß) protein deposition, presence of neurofibrillary tangles and neurodegeneration of cholinergic neurons. Aß, a 39-43 amino acid proteolytic fragment of amyloid precursor protein, is the major constituent of the senile plaques. Rice bran, the major byproduct of the rice milling industry, is the source of a high quality vegetable oil. Rice bran oil (RBO) has attracted much medicinal attention for its strong hypocholesterolemic properties because of its balanced fatty acid composition and high levels of antioxidant phytochemicals such as oryzanols, tocopherols and tocotrienols. The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of RBO against Aß (25-35)-induced neurotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo. Methods and Results : Memory impairment was produced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) microinjection of 15 nmol Aß (25-35) and measured by passive avoidance test in ICR mice. Glutathione concentration, lipid peroxidation rate and acetylcholine esterase activity were measured in mice brain. The expression levels of phosphorylated mitogen activated proteins kinases (MAPKs), inflammatory factors, and anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins in mice brains were detected by Western blot. Cerebral cortical neuronal cells were cultured from 15-days-old fetus. Cortical neurons were incubated with 10 μM Aß (25-35) for 36 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Chronic treatments of RBO (0.1-1 ml/kg, 8 days, p.o.) protected against memory impairment induced by Aß (25-35). Depletion of glutathione level, lipid peroxidation and increased acetylcholine esterase activity by the treatment with Aß (25-35) were inhibited by administration of RBO. The increase of phosphorylated MAPKs, inflammatory factors, and proapoptotic proteins and the decrease of antiapoptotic protein in Aß (25-35)-administered mice brain were significantly inhibited by treatment with RBO. RBO (0.1-5ul/ml) inhibited 10μM Aß (25-35)-induced neuronal cell death in cultured cortical neurons. Conclusion : The present study suggests the role of RBO as a promising therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases like AD and stroke.

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.

Background : As a part of ongoing research to elucidate and characterize anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, six kinds of plant extracts (aerial part of Nepeta cataria, leaves of Lonicera maackii, leaves of Platycarya strobilacea, flower of Fagopyrum dibotrys, flowers and fruits of Solanum nigrum, stem of Physostegia virginiana) were tested for their ability to suppress inflammation. The anti-inflammatory has been studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells which cells synthesized nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In this study, NO synthesis inhibitory activity of six kinds of plant extracts on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated. Methods and Results : Six kinds of plant extracts were parceled out from RDA (Rural Development Administration). RAW 264.7 cells (1.5×105 cells/well) were seeded onto 96-well plates with DMEM media containing 10% FBS and 1% antibiotics. The cells were pretreated with the extracts and LPS-stimulated cells for 24 h. Cellular NO production was stimulated by adding 1 μg/mL of LPS. After incubation, Griess reagent was used to determine NO production. Absorbance was measured at 520 nm by microplate reader. NO synthesis inhibitory activity potential of these extracts was evaluated by assessing NO production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in the presence. As a result, inhibition rate of NO production was about 40% of L. maackii, 33% of F. dibotrys, 23% of P. strobilacea and 17% of P. virginiana. Meanwhile, there was no significant results in aerial part of N. cataria and flowers and fruits of S. nigrum. Conclusion : From the above results, we be able to confirm that leaves of L. maackii and flower of F. dibotrys appeared dose-dependent NO synthesis inhibitory activity and leaves of P. strobilacea appeared NO synthesis inhibitory activity in low-concentration. As screening NO synthesis inhibition of six extracts, they may be a good candidate for delaying the progression of human inflammatory diseases and warrants further studies.

Background : Ginseng has been commonly used as a traditional oriental medicine for its wide spectrum of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic, adaptogenic and anti-aging properties. 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a intestinal metabolite of ginsenosides, is one of the active ingredients in ginseng. In this study, we have found inflammation-related genes regulated by 20(S)-PPD in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) to elucidate the role of 20(S)-PPD in inflammatory signaling pathways. Methods and Results : We examined cell viability of BMDM cells after treatment of 20(S)-PPD and found that 20(S)-PPD has no cytotoxicity up to 10 uM. BMDM cells treated with none or 10uM 20(S)-PPD were used for RNA extraction and microarray analysis. It was found that 2 inflammation-related genes are upregulated and 4 genes are downregulated by 20(S)-PPD. Conclusion : These results can give clues to elucidate the role of 20(S)-PPD in inflammatory signaling pathways.

Background : Recently, ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.) berry has been used as a health-promoting supplements. Also, Mulberries (Morus alba L.) fruit have been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat and prevent diabetes. In this study, we measured the cytotoxicity after fermentation of the extracts in Panax Ginseng Berry and Mulberry Fruit. Methods and Results : The extracts were prepared by decoction for 3 hours in distilled water (100 g/L). The dried extract was then dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in preparation for use. Cell viability was examined by an MTT assay. RAW 264.7 cells were seeded at 1 × 104/mL densities in 96-well plates. Each grouping had a non-treated group as the control. The extracts were added to each well and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C and 5% CO2. The MTT solutions (5 mg/mL) were added to each well, and the cells were cultured for another 2 hours. The supernatant was then discarded, and 100 μL of dimethyl sulfoxide was added to each well. The optical density was read at 540 nm. Conclusion : Probiotics and prebiotics modulate the composition of human and domestic animal gut microbiota. The beneficial effects may result from suppression of harmful microorganisms or stimulation of organisms which contribute in a positive way to the nutrition and health of human and domestic animal. Recently, fermentation using microorganisms for the production of more effective compounds has been extensively studied. In particular, the novel pharmacological effects of a new compound generated by fermentation have been reported. Some previous studies have demonstrated that Fermented herbal medicine extract showed better bioactivity than normal herbal Plants extract when used at the same concentration.

Background : The objective of this study was to Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemarié, (Zingiberaceae) is widely distributed among several countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is a well known spice in Asia, produces a nice refreshing effect in the mouth. Additionally, it's dried fruit is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cardiac diseases, edema, eye trouble, skin, itch and impotence. The objective of this study was evaluated the inhibitory activity on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells from A. tsao-ko. Methods and Results : The fruits of A. tsao-ko were extracted with 80% EtOH two times at room temperature. The EtOH extract was suspended in distilled water and partitioned with solvent to give CH2Cl2, EtOAc and n-BuOH. The CH2Cl2 was suspended in n-hexane and partitioned with solvent to give 50%, 70% and 90% MeOH. The purification of each fraction by column chromatography separation and HPLC analysis. Consequently, several constituents were isolated five known compounds. The identification and structural elucidation of compounds were established by using NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometry. Conclusion : These compounds were identified as fluorenone (1), phenanthrene (2), anthracene (3), methyl linolenate (4), 1,2-benzenediol (5). All isolates were tested for their inhibitory activities on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells.

Background : Ganoderma lucidum is a non-toxic, medicinal mushroom, which is known to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activities. However, the effects and mechanism of action of Ganoderma lucidum on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and its-related cytokine expression are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum on NO production and NO-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in LPS/IFN-γ-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. Methods and Results : The results showed that Ganoderma lucidum inhibited inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression of RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations probably through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. After pre-treatment of cells with non-toxic doses of Ganoderma lucidum; NO production was significantly decreased. Moreover, Ganoderma lucidum treatment suppressed LPS/IFN-γ -stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, including interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : Taken together, these results indicate that the anti-inflammatory activation of Ganoderma lucidum in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages might be due to abrogation of NO-dependent cytokine release by impairment of iNOS expression via ROS generation.

Background : The roots of Codonopsis lanceolata have been used as a tonic crude drug and an edible plant in Korea. The plant mainly contains triterpenoid saponins, including codonolaside, codonolasideⅠ-Ⅴ, lancemaside A-G. Their saponins have shown anti-inflammatory effects such as bronchitis and cough, insomnia and hypomnesia. C. lanceolata is well known to affect various pharmacological effects for human health, and its consumption is increasing. Recently, plant and plant-derived products were treated a part of the healthcare system by applying the bioactive phytochemicals. Antioxidant and immune activity substances in food play an important role as a health-protecting factor. This study was designed to investigate the in vitro immune cell growth and xanthine oxidase Inhibitory activity of different storage period and storage temperature of C. lanceolata. Methods and Results : The plant materials were used the roots of C. lanceolata cultivated in Jeju area, Korea. Immune enhancing effect was conducted using T cell and B cell of human immune cells. Each cell incubated for 8 days with the sample extracts compared to the control group, and the immune activation was measured according to the growth of immune cells. The xanthine oxidase Inhibitory activity was measured by modifying the method of Noro(1983). In different storage period and storage temperature conditions, the immune cell growth of C. lanceolata extract promoted a concentration-dependent manner in both human T cell and B cell, and did not show a significant difference. The xanthine oxidase Inhibitory activity of C. lanceolata extract tended to decrease more, depending on the longer the storage period or the higher the storage temperature. Conclusion : These results of this study suggested that the root of C. lanceolata may assist in the potential biological activities, and can be used as a source of human health products.