Background : Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic, inflammatory skin disease. Here, we focused on the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fructus extracts (GFE) in DNCB treated NC/Nga mice. Methods and Results : In an in vivo study, GFE treatment significantly decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and cytokines expression in spleen and serum of treatment groups mice, compared with the negative controls (administered 0.2% DNCB only). Mice treated with GFE had fewer inflammatory cell infiltrates in the dermis and hypodermis compared to the negative controls. In addition, we also studied β-Hexosaminidase release assay and possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of GFE in RBL-2H3 cells. GFE suppressed the expression of COX-2 and TNF-α, the translocation of NF-κβ, and the phosphorylation of Syk, p38, JNK, and Erk1/2 in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusion : These results strongly suggest that GFE inhibits the allergic response by reducing mast cell activation and may have therapeutic potential as an anti-atopic dermatitis agent.

Background : The aloe has been reported to have significant therapeutic effects, such as inhibition of cancer cells' activation and proliferation as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-oxidation properties. However, the phytochemicals analysis and antioxidant activity of the Aloe vera flower extracts have not been widely investigated. In this regard, we investigated the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of the Aloe barbadensis flower in hydrogen peroxide-treated BALB/c mice. Methods and Results : This research highlights the phenolic constituents' profile and antioxidant activity of 70% ethanol extracts of Aloe vera flower for the first time. The ethanol-based extracts showed the inhibition for linoleic acid oxidation and free radical-induced DNA damage. Among about 11 phenolic constituents of the extract, identified by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the content of vanillic acid was highest, corresponding to strong antioxidant activities of the extract. The extracts elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities in the liver tissue of hydrogen peroxide-treated BALB/c mice. The radical-scavenging activities of the extracts were well-correlated to the total phenolic content. Conclusion : In conclusion, Aloe bardadensis flower might be an effective source of natural antioxidant with high level of phenolic constituents.

Background : This study aimed to determine the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of extracts from CK berry’s and identify the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Methods and Results : Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signal mediators in osteoclast differentiation. AM extracts inhibited ROS production in RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited strong radical scavenging activity. The extracts also attenuated the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated osteoclasts. To attain molecular insights, the effect of the extracts on the signaling pathways induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) were also investigated. RANKL triggers many transcription factors through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ROS, leading to the induction of osteoclast-specific genes. The extracts significantly suppressed RANKL-induced activation of MAPKs, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, and consequently led to the downregulation of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) protein expression which ultimately suppress the activation of the osteoclast-specific genes, cathepsin K, TRAP, calcitonin receptor, and integrin β3. Conclusion : In conclusion, our findings suggest that AM extracts inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by downregulating ROS generation and inactivating JNK/ERK/p38, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated c-Fos and NFATc1 signaling pathway.

Hericium erinaceus is considered a functional food and potential medicinal source. The present study was conducted to examine the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of carried out with water and ethanol extracts of Hericium erinaceus grown on germinated green rice (HEGR-W and HEGR-E, respectively) and the water and ethanol extracts of germinated green rice (GR-W and GR-E, respectively) as potential medicinal resources or antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Methods and Results: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH, and ABTS activity, reducing power, DNA protective activity, cell viability, and NO production were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were highest in HEGR-E (66.53 ± 2.40 ㎎·GAE/100 g and 82.12 ± 7.10 ㎎·CE/100 g respectively). HEGR-E exhibited high DPPH (44.70 ± 1.28%) and, ABTS (44.70 ± 1.28%) activity and reducing power (0.219). HEGR and GR extracts showed protective activity against DNA damage. The cytotoxicity of HEGR and GR in RAW264.7 cells and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells was low. HEGR-E and GR-W exhibited anti-inflammatory effects through a 28% inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions: These results suggested that the extracts of Hericium erinaceus grown on germinated green rice could be a potential medicinal material with natural antioxidant and NO inhibitory properties.

Background : Aronia melanocarpa ‘Viking’ known as black chokeberry, is a species of rosaceae family. Chokeberry is high in flavonoid/anti-oxidants as well as high in vitamins and minerals. Black chokeberry contains high amount of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. Methods and Results : The aim of this study is to figure out the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property of Aronia melanocarpa ‘Viking’ (AMV) for both water and ethanol extract. The extracts have been tested to assess the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2ʹ-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and nitrite scavenging activity. We have also evaluated the reducing power activity of AMV. AMV extracts showed a good radical scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS free radical. The DPPH radical scavenging activity ranges from 20.59% - 80.12% and 26.12% - 95.59% for water and ethanol extract, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents have also been estimated in this study. Moreover, to appraise the anti-inflammation property we examined cell viability and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production by using the lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The extracts showed no cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion : According to the results, we suggest AMV contains noticeable antioxidant properties and could be source of natural antioxidant substances.

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.

Background: There is an increasing surplus of chestnut that are abandoned due to their failure to meet customer awareness. Thus, we investigated the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of chestnut (Castanea crenata) inner shell extracts in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells as a potential source of anti-cancer materials. Methods and Results: Distilled water extract (CI-W) and ethanol extract (CI-E) were prepared from chestnut inner shell and evaluated their anti-proliferative effects in vitro. Each extract significantly decreased the cell viability of HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Indeed, the morphology of HepG2 cells treated with CI-W or CI-D was distorted to shrunken cell masses. Furthermore, it was revealed that their extracts induced cell death as evidenced by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), formation of apoptotic body and condensation. In addition, Their extracts clearly modulated the down regulated of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptoic)/ Bax (pro-apoptotic) family and cleaved caspase-3 as an effector caspase in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: These results indicate that the extracts of chestnut inner shell can be used as an anti-proliferative therapeutic agent or functional food.

Background: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a serious problem in diabetes. Hyperglycemia induces the generation of free radicals which disrupts insulin signaling and result in insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potentials of LBO-1 mixture. Methods and Results: To evaluate antioxidant effect of LBO-1 mixture, DPPH, ABTS and reducing power were performed. LBO-1 mixture scavenged DPPH free radicals and ABTS radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The total phenolic contents of LBO-1 mixture was determined by a regression equation using a calibration curve by gallic acid equivalents. The obtained total phenolic contents were 65.90 ± 0.52 ㎎/g. Phenolic components of plant extracts that can scavenge free radicals. In addition, we evaluated effects of LBO-1 mixture on glucose production in high glucose-induced HepG2 hepatocytes. LBO-1 mixture decreased glucose levels in cultured medium and it down regulated Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) levels which is an enzyme used in the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: These results indicate that the LBO-1 mixture can be used as hypoglycemic agent.

Background : Capsaicin is an active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. Research reported capsaicin has antioxidant and anti-inflamatory activity and osteoclast lineages are very susceptible to oxidative stress, as osteoclasts are produced by increased-generation of intracellular ROS and osteoclasts are activated by ROS. Therefore, our study was evaluated the influence of intracellular oxidative stress such as increased ROS level on RANKL-mediated osteoclast differenciation. Methods and Results : Capsaicin showed a good free radical scavenging activity at in-vitro antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effect of osteoclast differentiation on capsaicin was confirmed. Osteoclast differentiation from murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells was induced by RANKL. The effect of capsaicin on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation was demonstrated using a tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assay and TRAP staining. Capsaicin showed an inhibitory effect on TRAP activity. The TRAP staining showed that the number of TRAP positive osteoclasts was reduced in capsaicin-treated cells. Conclusion : Capsaicin revealed an inhibitory effect in osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. These results suggest that capsaicin may have a beneficial effect for the prevention or treatment of osteoclast caused bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Background: Ganoderma lucidum cultured on hulled barley was investigated as a potential natural source of antioxidants and antiinflammatory agents. Methods and Results: The yields from Ganoderma lucidum cultured on hulled barley water and ethanol extract were 17.69% and 25.77%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of Ganoderma lucidum cultured on hulled barley extracts was confirmed by various methods including assayss of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzo thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), nitrite radical scavenging, and Fe3+ to Fe2+ reducing power activity. The ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum cultured on hulled barley showed improved DPPH, ABTS and nitrite radical scavenging activity compared with the water extract. After treatment of RAW264.7 cells with Ganoderma lucidum cultured on hulled barley ethanol extracts, the cell viability compared with the control was 92.82%, even at a concentration of 3,000 ㎍/㎖. The ethanol extract inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with H2O2, even at low concentrations. In addition, the ethanol extract showed an inhibitory effects on the production of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions: This study suggests that the extract of Ganoderma lucidum cultured on hulled barley is a potential source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Background : Lactuca sativa (LS) is a member of lactuca genus and the Asteraceae family. To its usual purpose as an edible leafy vegetable, lettuce has had a number of uses in ancient times as a medicinal herb. Depending on the variety, lettuce is an excellent source vitamin K and vitanin A. Methods and Results : The objective of this study is to find out the antioxidant and oxidative DNA damage prevention capacity of LS for both water and ethanol extract. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents have been estimated in this study. The extracts have been tested to assess the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2ʹ -azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and nitrite scavenging activity. We have also evaluated the reducing power activity of LS. LS extracts showed a good radical scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS free radical as concentration dependent manner. The IC50 values on DPPH radical scavenging activity were 0.75 mg/mL and 0.54 mg/mL for water and ethanol extract respectively. ABTS radical scavenging activity ranges from 38-89 % for water extract and 33-96% for ethanol extract. Although ethanolic extract showed a higher radical scavenging activity as compared to the water extracts. All the extracts exhibited reducing power activity, dose dependently. Moreover, when the DNA was treated with the extracts, supercoiled DNA was restored in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion : According to the results, we suggest that LS contains considerable amount of phenolic and flavonoid content and could be used as a source of natural antioxidant substances and oxidative DNA damage preventer.

Background : Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJ) is a perennial herb with a wide distribution in East Asia including Korea, China, and Japan, and it is mainly used as a medicinal plant. In Korea, AJ has been widely used to control pain and improve symptoms in OA patients. AJ contains several important phytochemicals such as saponins, inokosterone, ecdysterone, and oleanolic acid bisdesmoside. Methods and Results : The aim of this work was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of fermented and ethanol extracts of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJ). The extracts showed strong reductive power and nitrite scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, and DNA damage prevention activities. Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with AJ inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO secretion and iNOS expression without affecting cell viability. AJ also inhibited cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression, leading to the suppression of COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 production. These inhibitory effects of AJ were accompanied by reduced production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins (IL)-1β, -6, and -10. Furthermore, AJ suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38. Moreover, AJ inhibited malondialdehyde production and myeloperoxidase activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion : The antioxidant activity of plants is closely related to their medicinal properties and is widely used as a parameter to determine the bioavailability of medicinal plants. The antioxidant and biological activities of AJ extracts might be due to the synergistic actions of multiple bioactive compounds. It can be concluded that AJ extracts are a potential source of biologically important drug candidates.

Background : ROS produced by oxidative stress damaged endothelial cells, and cause a variety of vascular complications. In diabetic hyperglycemia state, ROS increase. The polyol pathway occur in diabetic complications, the excess glucose is absorbed into the polyol pathway when aldose reductase increased, NADPH changes it to sorbitol. Glutathione (GSH) removes ROS. GSH level is reduced by glutathione reductase, using NADPH as an electron donor. Activation of the polyol pathway decrease NADPH, and GSH also reduced. As a result, ROS is increased. In diabetic hyperglycemia state, Glycolysis increases. Effects of increased glycolysis, protein kinase C (PKC) is increased. NAD(P)H oxidase, stimulated by PKC-dependent pathway, increases ROS in the cell. In this study, we measured the ROS scavenging activity of 5 natural products (Lycii fructus, Astragalus membranaceus, Cassia Tora, Polygonatum odoratum, Rubus Coreanus), to confirm the efficacy as diabetic antioxidants. Methods and Results : We extracted 5 natural product by distilled water and ethanol. DPPH radical scavenging activity was significantly higher in Lycii fructus, Rubus coreanus. ABTS radical scavenging activity was better Rubus coreanus, Lycii fructus, Cassia Tora. In addition to, Rubus coreanus, Cassia Tora, Lycii fructus was comparatively higher reducing power activity than other natural products. And total phenolic and flavonoid contents were much higher in Rubus coreanus compared with other extracts. Conclusion : These results suggest that Lycii fructus, Rubus coreanus can be applied as diabetic antioxidant that prevent vascular complications caused by ROS.

Background : Dioscorea quinqueloba(DQ) is a medicinal herb that is used as an alternative therapy for cardiovascular disease and various medical conditions. The objective of this study was to characterize the antioxidant activities of DQ. Methods and Results : The samples were extracted with Distilled water and analyzed for total flavonoid contents, polyphenol contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ABTS radical scavenging activity. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells were subjected to H2O2, to study the protective effect of DQ on cell viability, and ROS production. The total amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, which indicate the antioxidant capabillity of water extracts from DQ were 27.21mg/g and 22.95mg/g, respectively. The DQ water extract showed highest antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities. The DQ water extract was protected cells against H₂O₂-induced cell death without any cytotoxicity, as determined by the MTT assay. The DQ water extract also was inhibiting production of intracellular ROS. Conclusion : These observations suggest that DQ can use potentially good natural antioxidant in daily life for possible health benefits.

Background : Osteoclasts as multinucleated cells originate from hematopoietic monocyte/ macrophage precursor cell, shows the bone absorption through the commitment, differentiation, fusion, and bone resorption stages by regulation of M-CSF and RANKL. It has been reported a significant negative correlation between the increase of oxidative stress and the bone density, and when RANKL reaction to the osteoclasts precursor cells is mainly generated ROS is due to increased activity of NADPH oxidase1 (NOX1), and these ROS act as a factor which promotes osteoclasts differentiation. Thus, RANKL signaling process is important that excessive osteoclast formation and differentiation inhibited through the regulation of each step. Methods and Results : F3570 ethanol extract showed relatively high activity at in-vitro antioxidant activity. F3570 water extract inhibited ROS generation in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with H2O2 and RANKL, even at low concentrations. The inhibitory effect of osteoclast differentiation on F3570 water extract was confirmed that shown through NF-κB pathway, MAPK pathway including ERK and JNK. F3570 ethanol extract is considered to be regulated by the p38 MAPK and the other signaling pathway. Also, F3570 both water and ethanol extract were significantly reduced gene expression such as TRAP, calcitonin receptors and integrin β3 of RANKL-induced mature osteoclast in the bone resorption stage. Conclusion : Through this study, F3570 extract revealed an outstanding inhibitory effect and signaling mechanisms in osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. These results suggest that F3570 is bone diseases associated with aging or osteoporosis caused by menopause in an aging society is expected to be a superior candidate for the treatment or the prevention