Background: Many menopausal women suffer from health problems including metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. Thus they need natural products and functional foods particularly highly nutritional food products, that can help alleviate these diseases. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Drynariae Rhizoma water extract on the lipid and bone metabolism of ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats.Methods and Results: The animals were randomly divided into six dietary groups comprising SHAM-operated rats, OVX rats (normal diet), and OVX-DR rats (Drynariae Rhizoma extract). After 8 weeks, plasma, liver, and fat samples were collected to analyze the lipid metabolism, plasma Ca, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) concentrations, which are biochemical makers of bone metabolism. The left femurs of rats were also collected for histological analyses. OVX counteracted menopause induced body weight gain, as well as increases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids. The Drynariae Rhizoma group showed low levels of triglycerides, high HDL-cholesterol, and decreased lipogenesis based on activity of the lipid-regulating enzymes (fatty acid synthase and malic enzyme). Decreased serum levels of ALP and osteocalcin were observed in Drynariae Rhizoma group.Conclusions: The results of this study show that Drynariae Rhizoma extract may effectively regulate hyperlipidemia and improve bone density.

In vitro and in vivo experiments using Achyranthis radix and Drynariae rhizoma extracts were conducted. Antioxidant properties were analyzed and the effects on bone, glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated. Drynariae rhizoma (64.67%) obtained higher DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to Achyranthis radix (19.03%). Similar results were obtained in the reducing power. No differences were observed on the ABTS radical scavenging ability and SOD. In contrast, Achyranthis radix (77.60%) has higher chelating ability compared to Drynariae rhizoma (46.21%). In vivo experiments revealed higher plasma TBARS in OVX-DR than in OVX-AR. Opposite result was seen in erythrocyte TBARS. Hepatic, nephritic and erythrocyte enzymes were considered for the antioxidant enzyme activities. GSH-Px and PON of hepatic enzymes were higher in OVX-AR. While the CAT and GR were higher in OVX-DR. SOD, GSH-Px, GR and PON of nephritic enzymes of OVX-DR were higher compared to OVX-AR. Almost similar values were obtained in CAT using both extracts. The OVX treated rats obtained higher CAT and GR in the erythrocyte enzymes compared to SHAM. The SOD of erythrocyte enzymes in OVX-DR was higher compared to OVX-AR. On the other hand, the GSH-Px was higher in OVX-AR.

Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma (the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum Hance, known as lesser galangal), a family of Zingiberaceae, has been used to reduce pain of infection and inflammatory diseases in Asian countries. The present study was focused to evaluate the inhibitory degranulation effect of Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma extract in RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. RBL-2H3 cells were stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187. Mast cell degranulation was analyzed by measuring release of β -hexosaminidase in RBL-2H3 cell. Gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR and signaling molecules were detected by immunoblotting. The Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma extract suppressed β-hexosaminidase release in dose-dependent manner and inhibited cycloxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression. Furthermore, it was found that Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma extract reduced mitogen-activated protein kinases, especially phosphorylated p38, at 0.75 ㎎/㎖ of Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma extract concentrations. These data show that Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma extract has immunosuppressive effect in mast cell induced allergic inflammation.

Purpose Rhei Rhizoma (RR) is one of the herbal medicines traditionally used to treat diverse inflammatory diseases. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Rhei Rhizoma on experimental reflux esophagitis (RE) in rats. Methods The antioxidant activity of RR in vitro was measured in terms of radical scavenging capacity such as DPPH and ABTS. RE was produced by ligating both the pylorus and the transitional junction between the forestomach and the corpus. Rhei Rhizoma (125 and 250 mg/kg) were administered every day for 7 days, and its effect was estimated on comparison with RE control and normal rats. Results RR scavenged DPPH and ABTS effectively and IC50ofDPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of RR were 4.8 μg/ml and 15.75 μg/ml. The administration of RR decreased the elevated serum ROS in RE control rats. The RE control rats exhibited the down-regulation of antioxidant-related proteins such as Nrf2 and HO-1expression levels in the esophagitis; however, the level in the RR-treated RE rats was significantly higher than that in the RE control rats. Moreover, RE control rats exhibited the up-regulation of the protein expression related to oxidative stress at the esophagitis, but RR administration significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins through the MAPK-independent signaling pathways. The expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines by NF-κB activation was modulated through blocking the degradation of IκBα. In addition, the oral administration of RR regulated the gastric mucosal damage in RE rats. Conclusion The administration of Rhei Rhizoma effectively ameliorates the inflammatory damage of esophageal mucosa through radical scavenging activity and the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

본 연구는 산약(Dioscorea Rhizoma)이 급성 위궤양을 유발 한 흰쥐의 위장 장애에 미치는 효과를 조사하였다. 산약 분말사 료를 섭이한 실험군과 산약 분말액을 투여한 실험군의 궤양성 출혈은 1 일 이상 진행되었으나 시간이 경과함에 따라 서서히 호 전되었으며, 특히 산약즙을 처리한 실험군의 경우 급성 위궤양 유발직후에 국소적인 위점막 울혈만이 관찰되었다. 또한 산약 분말액과 산약즙을 투여한 실험군에서는 급성 위괘양 유발 후 증가되는 gastrin과 histamine의 농도가 감소되어 산약이 위산 의 과다 분비를 억제하는 것으로 조사되었으며, 산약을 투여한 모든 실험군에서 과도한 지질과산화물의 생성이 감소되었다. 이와 더불어 산약의 투여는 급성 위궤양에 의해 급격하게 증가 된 SOD와 GPX의 활성을 감소시키는 반면, CAT의 활성은 높여 주어 조직 내 항산화효소 활성을 정상 수준으로 회복시켜주는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 산약은 급성 위궤양에 의한 위 조직의 손상을 감소시키고 혈장 성분과 항산화효소의 활성을 정상수준 으로 회복시켜 위궤양으로부터 위장기능을 개선하는데 높은 효 과가 있을 것으로 사료된다.

This study investigated that anti-browning effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba extract and L-cysteine combination. Mushrooms were dipped in solutions (0.1% Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba extract containing 0.05% L-cysteine) for 3 min. The dipped mushrooms were packaged in a polystyrene (PS) tray and wrapped with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, and stored for 14 days at 10℃. The browning inhibition activity (Hunter L, a, b color scale and tyrosinase inhibition activity) and quality changes (weight loss rate, gas composition, firmness and sensory evaluation) were analyzed during storage period. After 14 days, the Hunter L and ΔE value of mushrooms treated in 0.1% Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba extract containing 0.05% L-cysteine were 87.24 and 5.56, respectively. The mushrooms treated with 0.1% Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba extract containing 0.05% L-cysteine also showed higher firmness (13.31 N) and smaller weight loss rate (2.87%) than the untreated mushroom (11.42 N, 3.04%) on storage day 14. During storage period, the sensory evaluation showed that overall acceptability of mushrooms treated with 0.1% Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba extract containing 0.05% L-cysteine were higher than those of the untreated mushrooms, except those that were stored for five days. Overall, the mushrooms treated with 0.1% Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba extract containing 0.05% L-cysteine had a higher tyrosinase inhibition activity than the untreated mushrooms during storage period. This study suggests that the browning of the mushrooms treated with 0.1% Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba extract containing 0.05% L-cysteine solution were inhibited, and the that their shelf life was extended.

In order to product dry goods of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with high quality, tubers were treated with various dry methods such as cutting, drying methods and steaming. In cutting than no cutting, they were shown shorter drying hours and lower drying yield. Drying hours in freeze drying was shorter than those of hot air and far-infrared ray. Total polyphenol content was higher in cutting than no cutting. According to steaming, it was increased in freeze drying but decreased rapidly in the other dry methods. Among all treatments, hot air dry treatment with cutting and no steaming had the highest total polyphenol content. Gastrodin and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol contents generally were similar or higher in cutting than no cutting. By steaming, gastrodin content in freeze drying was decreased but 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content was increased. But hot-air and infrared ray dry, they were shown opposite results. Gastrodin and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol contents showed opposite reaction to each other and were shown various response by dry methods.

The rhizomes and herbal medicines originating from Acorus gramineus, A. calamus, A. tatarinowii, and A. gramineus var. pusilus, show significant similarity, and the correct identification of species is very difficult. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) were used to develop a reliable method for identification of these four species. Several distinct SCAR markers were developed from species-specific RAPD amplicons for each species. Furthermore, a useful molecular marker was established for multiplex-PCR, in order to the four species could be distinguished concurrently. These markers allow efficient and rapid identification of closely-related Acorus species and will be useful for standardization of herbal medicines.

청미래덩굴 뿌리(Smilacis rhizoma)로부터 칼슘과 결합하는 물질을 분리하고자 열수로 추출한 추출물을 ion exchange, normal-phase HPLC 및 gel filtration chromatogarphy를 이용하여 칼슘 결합 물질을 순차적으로 분리하였다. 그 결과 ion exchange chromatography에서 7개의 major peaks를 얻었으며, 이 중 F6 fraction이 0.083 mM로 칼슘과 가장 높은 결

천마음료를 제조시 첨가물로 천마 추출액을 달리하여 제조한 pH, 당도, 색도, 총페놀 함량, DPPH radical 소거 활성능, 유리당, 유기산 및 유리아미노산 함량, 무기질 함량, 관능 검사를 분석하여 품질 특성을 검토하였다. 천마음료 제조 시 GCE 5(Brix 천마 농축 추출액), GCE 10(Brix 천마 농축 추출액), GCE 15(Brix 천마 농축 추출액), GCE 20(Brix 천마 농축 추출액)으로 나누어서 제조하였다. pH는

This study aimed to investigate the anti-allergic activity and the mechanism of action of Crassirhizomae rhizoma (CR). The extract of CR exhibited potent inhibitory activity in mast cells; its IC50 values were 31.2±1.5μg/ml for rat basophile leukemia (RBL)-2H3 mast cells and 51.5±2.1μg/ml for bone marrow-derived mast cells by antigen stimulation. It also suppressed the expression of TNF-α and IL-4 mRNAs in RBL-2H3 cells. In an in-vivo animal allergy model, it inhibited a local allergic reaction, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), in a dose-dependent manner. With regard to the mechanism of action, CR inhibited the activating phosphorylation of Syk kinase, a key signaling protein for the activation of mast cells. Taken together, these results strongly suggested that the anti-allergic activity of CR is mediated through the inhibition of histamine release and allergic cytokine production by the inhibition of Syk in mast cells.

The effects of hwangryun(Coptidis Rhizoma) on lowering lipid and oxidative stress in the induced obesity rat was observed. The concentration of plasma triglyceride in hwangryun treatment groups showed the low values compared to the control group, and as the increased hwangryun, the concentration of triglyceride decreased. The concentration of plasma total cholesterol decreased in all hwangryun treatment groups. However the concentration of plasma HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol showed no significantly difference in all the treatment groups. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance(TBARS) concentration in plasma and liver showed low values in all hwangryun treatment groups compared to the control group. Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities showed no significantly difference in all the treatment groups. However catalase(CAT) activity showed a tendence to increase in hwangryun groups, and in 200mg/kg hwangryun treatment group showed significantly a high value than the control group. Summarizing the results above, hwangryun has the functional materials that lowering lipid and works with oxidative stress.

형태학적으로 구분이 어려운 황정과 위유의 범위를 구분하기 위해 황정에 속하는 층층갈고리둥굴레, 다화황정, 진황정 등 3종과 위유에 속하는 8종의 둥굴레 동속 식물 등 11종 23 개체 시료로 RAMP분석한 결과를 요약하면 다음과 같다. 1. 황정그룹과 위유그룹은 NTSYS를 통한 유연관계 분석에서 55%의 유연관계를 나타냈으며, 층층갈고리둥굴레와 층층둥굴레는 81.75%로 분석에 사용된 둥글레 동속 식물 중 가장 높은 유연관계를 나타냈다. 2. 둥굴레 동속식물에 해당하는 층층둥글레는 황정의 약재인 층층갈고리둥굴레와 외부형태학적으로, 그리고 다형성패턴결과가 매우 유사하므로 황정의 약재에 속하는 것으로 사료된다. 3. 진황정은 위유와 외부형태적으로 유사하며, 유연관계분석에서도 위유의 그룹에 속하므로 위유의 약재에 대한 구분을 새롭게 할 필요성이 있다.

To develop optimal storage method of root of Zingiberis Rhizoma, which has been grown as major cultural herbal medicine materials, root of Zingiberis Rhizoma, was stored for 10 months with different packing materials and sealing methods. The loss in dry weight as influenced by packing materials and sealing methods was the lowest at vacuum packing and followed by complete sealing methods with transparent polyethylene film. The ratio of root rot during the storage period was not significantly different between packing materials but was significantly different between sealing conditions. Conclusionally, vacuum packing and complete sealing with polyethylene film appears to be optimal for storage of Zingiberis Rhizoma.