The major active components of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) are isoflavones, which exist in the form of various glycosides. Nuruk is a traditional fermentation starter in Korea, and is suitable for the biotransformation of isoflavone glycosides because it contains various microorganisms and enzymes. This study was performed to determine changes in the isoflavones and antioxidant properties of AM fermented (AF) with nuruk over 24 hours. AF was sampled after 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h of fermentation, and calycosin 7-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, and formononetin content, and the antioxidant properties of AF were analyzed. The total phenolic content increased with fermentation time, and the ABTS radical scavenging activity increased until 6 h of fermentation and then decreased. During fermentation, the isoflavone glycosides decreased significantly as fermentation time increased. The contents of calycosin and formononetin, which are aglycons of calycosin-7-glucoside and ononin, increased from 100.54 μg/g to 276.84 μg/g and from 56.29 μg/g to 123.04 μg/g, respectively, at 18 h of fermentation. Significant correlations were observed between fermentation time, isoflavone content, and antioxidant properties. The results of this study showed that fermentation with nuruk is suitable for the biotransformation of isoflavones in AM.

Aster koraiensis Nakai (A. koraiensis) which has been used as a food and medicinal plant in the past, is valuable as functional food material. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties and major phenolics of A. koraiensis extracts with different ethanol concentrations (0, 50, 70, and 100% aqueous ethanol solution). When ethanol concentration in the extraction solvent was increased, extraction yield decreased; 34.2, 23.2, 21.0, and 5.5% in 0, 50, 70, and 100% ethanolic extracts, respectively. Total phenolics content and antioxidant activities of extracts were increased in an ethanol concentration-dependant manner. The major phenolics in the extracts were chlorogenic acid (21.264~58.666 mg/g), isochlorogenic acid A (10.432~145.353 mg/g), and isochlorogenic acid C(0.239~13.148 mg/g), and these phenolic contents were higher in 70 and 100% ethanolic extracts than other extracts. Significant correlations were observed between ethanol concentration of extraction solvent, antioxidant properties, and major phenolics. These results indicated that the optimal ethanol concentration for extraction was 70%.

Fresh Omija (Schisandra chinensis) has good marketability, but its quality is difficult to maintain during storage and distribution. Freezing and freeze-thawing treatments can be utilized for the quality maintenance and processing of cold press juice. In this study, the color, antioxidant properties, and the major components of soaked liquor from Omija with freeze-thawing treatment were analyzed during the extraction periods. Each of the frozen and freeze-thawed Omija samples was soaked in 35% ethanol, extracted for 15 days, and used for analysis. The frozen and freeze-thawed samples showed a tendency toward better color and higher antioxidant activity and major component levels than the controls, and freeze-thawing was the best. The results of this study showed that freeze-thawing treatment improved the color, antioxidant properties, and level of the major components of Omija soaked liquor, and freeze storage is suitable for making soaked liquor.

Angelica gigas Nakai (A. gigas) easily changes its color during storage, and appropriate thermal treatment can improve storage stability through inactivation of enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase. Therefore, this study was performed to determine quality characteristics of dried A. gigas in response to high-temperature-short-time (HTST) treatment during storage. Dried A. gigas were treated at 120-180℃ for 10 min, the samples were stored at 4℃ and 50℃ for 10 weeks, and used for the analysis of qualities. Concerning the color values, the sample treated at 120℃ was similar to the control, and the color change was large when treated above 180℃. However, color difference (△E* ab) was lower in treated samples than in control. Browning index was similar for all the samples except for the sample treated at 180℃. Functional qualities (phenolics content, antioxidant activities, and level of major components) showed a slight difference according to storage periods in all samples without control, and nodakenin content was observed in control. The results of this study showed that HTST treatment improved storage stability such as stability of colors and browning index in dried A. gigas during storage, and the appropriate treatment temperature was 120℃ in terms of stability in color and browning index.

The antioxidant and antitumor properties of natural products, often recognized in traditional medicine systems, represent therapeutic modalities to reduce or prevent uncontrolled oxidation processes which in turn potentially ameliorate or tumor based symptoms of chronic diseases. We have studied the antioxidant and antitumor effects of Amanita muscaria (A. muscaria) in vitro and examined whether the A. muscaria has synergistic effects on antioxidant and antitumor properties. Although A. muscaria induced a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity, the latter has a consistently higher antioxidant effect. In mouse monocytes, the lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced tumor necrosis- (TNF-) synthesis was significantly inhibited by A. muscaria in a dose dependent manner and synergistic effects were clearly demonstrated with the A. muscaria on TNF- inhibition. A. muscaria effect was also evident on inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B activity, cyclooxygenase-II activity, and lipid peroxidation in mouse monocytes. This presented results may be a starting point for a comprehensive characterization of biological effects of A. muscaria.

A recent study reported that Pleurotus ostreatus has the potential to be used as a β-glucan-based cream for supportive complementary therapy of atopic dermatitis. KH054 is a new herbal prescription consisting of P. ostreatus and Panax ginseng. The effects of atopic dermatitis-induced materials on the expression of cytokine genes in human monocytes (THP-1, EoL- 1) have been examined. Some reports demonstrated that P. ginseng augments the activity of natural killer cells, which plays an important role in innate immunity against infection and tumor development. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 have important roles in mediating the infiltration of various cells into the skin of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The present study investigated whether KH054 on induced IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 secretion by house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronissinus) in THP-1 (human acute monocytic leukemia) and EoL-1(Human eosinophilic leukemia) cell. D. pteronissinus functions in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis and asthma. The inhibitory effect of KH054 on the induction of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 secretion by D. pteronissinus extract in THP-1 and EoL-1 cells was examined. KH054 potently suppressed the elevated production of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by D. pteronissinus treatment in THP-1 and EoL-1 cells. Based on the present results, KH054 may be useful for developing functional foods to treat atopic dermatitis.

The present study investigated the effects of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on the nuclear maturation of canine oocytes. Oocytes were recovered from mongrel female ovaries in various reproductive states; follicular, luteal or anestrous stage. Oocytes were cultured in serum-free tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with various concentrations of FSH (Exp. 1: 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 10 IU) or hCG (Exp. 2: 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 10 IU) or both (Exp. 3: 1 IU FSH + 1 IU hCG) for 72 hr to determine the effective concentration of these hormones, and to examine their combined effect. After maturation culture, oocytes were denuded in PBS containing 0.1% (w/v) hyaluronidase by gentle pipetting. The denuded oocytes were stained with 1.9 μM. Hoechst 33342 in glycerol and the nuclear state of oocytes was evaluated under UV light. More (p<0.05) oocytes matured to MII stage when follicular stage oocytes were supplemented with 1 IU FSH (6.2%) compared with the control, 0.1 or 10.0 IU FSH (0 to 1.2%). Significantly higher (p<0.05) maturation rate to MII stage was observed in follicular stage oocytes supplemented with 1.0 IU hCG (7.2%) compared with the control or other hCG supplemented groups (0 to 1.5%). However, the combination of FSH and hCG did not improve the nuclear maturation rate of canine oocyte (2.4 %) compared with FSH (6.2%) and hCG alone (7.2%). In conclusion, FSH or hCG alone significantly increased the maturation of canine oocytes to MII stage.

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 : 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 : 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 : Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim) Seem, belonging to the Araliaceae family, is widely distributed in Korea, China, and Japan. The plants belonging to Acanthopanax species are traditionally used in Korea as anti-rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic drugs and are recognized to have ginseng-like activities. A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed and validated for independent analysis of major compounds and chlorogenic acid in A. sessiliflorus fruits. Chlorogenic acid was reported that prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease in vivo. Also, it has antioxidant effect in vitro test. In the previous experiment, chlorogenic acid were found in A. sessiliflorus fruits. This study was performed to identification of the major compounds and investigate the method validation for the determination of chlorogenic acid in A. sessiliflorus fruits. Methods and Results : Three major compounds were recorded on a Varian Unity Inova AS-400 FT-NMR spectrometer and analyzed by the new HPLC analysis method. HPLC analysis was carried out using an Waters e2695 and PDA detector. The new analyasis method was validated by the measurement of intra-day, inter-day precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD, S/N=3), and limit of quantification (LOQ, S/N=10) of chlorogenic acid. The results showed that the correlation coefficient (R2) for the calibration curves of chlorogenic acid was 0.997 in terms of linearity. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.565 ㎍/ml and 2.88 ㎍/ml, respectively. There was no interfering peak observed each other and HPLC system was suitable for analysis showing goodness of peak and high precision. Conclusion : This method is suitable to detect and quantify major compounds in A. sessiliflorus fruits. Furthermore, the result will be applied to establish chlorogenic acid as an standard compound for A. sessiliflorus fruits.

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.