Berberine has been used clinically for more than a decade to treat various diseases, has been shown to be effective in osteoblast differentiation, and is a potential treatment option for osteoporosis. However, compared with existing osteoporosis drugs, berberine is somewhat less effective. This study aimed to identify a new compound with efficacy superior to that of berberine. The osteogenic activities of various berberine derivatives were evaluated via cell differentiation in C2C12 preosteoblast cell lines. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining assay and structure– activity relationship demonstrated that compound 2b had a potent osteogenic effect. Furthermore, compound 2b dose dependently increased ALP activity and showed no toxicity at the effective concentration, indicating its efficacy. Additionally, compound 2b upregulated BMP2-induced transcriptional activity in a promoter activity assay using ALP, BSP, and OC promoters.

Carotene, xanthophyll, carotenoid anthocyan, phycopyrine, chlorophyll, and monascus pigments are used as natural coloring agents since they are more stable to human body than synthetic coloring agents. Among them, monascus pigments are a natural red pigment produced by the Monascus purpureus. For the development of edible paint using natural pigment, Monascus purpureus strain was cultured at a temperature of 35℃ for 15 days on a PDYA plate and liquid medium to produce a red pigment. In addition, a large amount of the red pigment was extracted from Hongkuk Koji in parallel with water extraction and ultrasonic wave extraction. At this time, the yield of ultrasonic extract was 2~4 times higher. Thus, Monascus purpureus strains, etc. were prepared by freeze-drying powder. In conclusion, natural paints made with red pigments have enabled the development of been edible paints that can be used as eco-friendly materials with good viscosity, enhanced spread ability and coloration.

Schwannoma, benign neoplasia derived from schwann cell, is rare tumor, and prevalent in tongue, palate, floor of mouth and buccal mucosa. Thirty-six-year-old male with asymptomatic protrusion of mandible angle was evaluated. We surgically removed the mass and histological examination gave the diagnosis of ancient schwannoma. We report a case of ancient schwannoma in masseter muscle and review of literature.