Background: Traditional plant drugs, are less toxic and free from side effects compared to general synthetic drugs. They have been used for the treatment of diabetes and associated renal damage. In this study, we evaluated effect of Hachimi-jio-gan against diabetic renal damage in a rat model of type 1 diabetic nephropathy induced by subtotal nephrectomy plus streptozotocin (STZ) injection, and in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and db/db mice as a model of human type 2 diabetes, and its associated complications. To explore the active components of Hachimi-jio-gan, the antidiabetic effect of corni fructus, a consituent of Hachimi-jio-gan, and 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose, a phenolic compound isolated from corni fructus, were investigated. Methods and Results: We conducted an extensive literature search, and all required data were collected and systematically organized. The findings were reviewed and categorized based on relevance to the topic. A summary of all the therapeutic effects were reported as figures and tables. Conclusions: Hachimi-jio-gan serves as a potential therapeutic agent to against the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetic nephropathy. From the results of characterization active components of corni fructus, 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose is considered to play an important role in preventing and/or delaying the onset of diabetic renal damage. 7-O-Galloyl-D-sedoheptulose is expected to serve as a novel therapeutic agent against the development of diabetic nephropathy.

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.

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.

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 : In this study, we investigated the renoprotective effects of serotonin and its derivatives, on the renal function and expression of inflammation and apoptosis in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mice. Methods and Results : Serotonin and its derivatives were orally administered at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight for 5 days before the intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin 20 mg/kg body weight, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle-treated nephrotoxicity control and normal groups. In the serum and kidney, renal function parameters, reactive oxygen species and expression of protein related to pro-oxidant, antioxidant, inflammation and apoptosis were examined. As a result, serotonin and its derivatives administrations to nephrotoxicity mice lowered serum BUN and creatinine concentrations. These results were derived, at least in part, from attenuation the expression of antioxidant enzymes-related proteins, SOD and GPx. In the cisplatin-induced renal condition, augmented p-p38, p-ERK and p-JNK (mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway) were reduced with a increase in antioxidant enzymes on serotonin and its derivatives treatment. Moreover, in the serotonin and its derivatives-treated groups, NF- κB-induced inflammatory factors and apoptotic protein expressions were regulated in the kidney. Conclusion : The present study indicates that serotonin and its derivatives exerts a renoprotective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through the recovery of kidney function deterioration and attenuation of renal inflammation and apoptosis by regulating oxidative stress condition.

Background : Oxidative stress-related iflammatory mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed is a crude drug rich in serotonin derivatives to exhibit several biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the renoprotective effects of Safflower seed, using cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mice. Methods and Results : Safflower seed was orally administered at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 5 days before the intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin 20 mg/kg body weight, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle-treated cisplatin administered to control and normal mice. In the serum and kidney, renal function parameters reactive oxygen species and expression of protein related to oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation and apoptosis were examined. Safflower seed treatment attenuated serum BUN, createinine and renal oxidative stress through reduction of reactive oxygen species and increase in the protein expression level of catalase. Safflower seed reduced renal protein expression of p-p38 and p-JNK (mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway), pro-apoptotic factors (such as Bax and caspase 3) and nuclear factor-kappa B-targeting pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. In addition, Safflower seed treatment led to significantly attenuated histological damage in the kidney. Conclusion : These renoprotective effects of Safflower seed were achieved through attenuation of oxidative stress and its sensitive protein expression associated with inflammation and apoptosis in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mice.