This study aimed to establish a marker compound in roasted Astragalus membranaceus (AM) water extract and to validate its analytical methods. The roasting process significantly enhanced the isoflavone content in AM. Among the four isoflavones analyzed, calycosin 7-glucoside (C7G) emerged as the most abundant, with a concentration of 847.88 μg/g in the AM extract. Due to its concentration and representativeness, C7G was designated as the marker compound, and its analytical method was thoroughly validated. Specificity was confirmed by the consistent retention time of the C7G peak at 15.2 minutes across both the sample and the standard compound. High absorbance was recorded at UV wavelengths of 220, 250, and 260 nm. The method exhibited excellent linearity, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9999 across a concentration range of 0.2 to 50.0 μg/mL. The limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 0.029 μg/mL and 0.088 μg/mL, respectively. Precision assessments revealed intra-day and inter-day variations of 0.812% and 1.650%, respectively. Recovery tests yielded values ranging from 99.419% to 104.861%, with relative standard deviations between 1.152% and 2.215%. These results affirm that the analytical method for C7G is highly specific, linear, accurate, and precise. This validated method may serve as a valuable tool for the standardization of roasted AM water extract.

본 연구는 다라수 씨앗 추출물의 생리활성을 평가하여 식품 원료로서의 활용 가치를 검증하 고자 하였다. 다라수 씨앗 추출물의 성분, 항산화, 세포독성, 항염증 분석을 기반으로 효능을 평가하였 다. 그 결과, 다라수 씨앗 추출물은 총 플라보노이드 16.50 mg/100g, 총 폴리페놀 699.66 mg/100g, 비 타민 C 4.44 mg/100g의 함량을 나타냈으며, DPPH 및 ABTS 라디컬 소거 활성이 농도 의존적으로 증 가하였다. 대조군과의 비교했을 때, 세포독성은 200 ㎍/㎖ 농도까지 95% 이상의 생존율을 보였고 해당 농도에서 iNOS 유전자 발현량과 NO 생성량, TNF-α 발현량을 유의성 있게 억제하였다. 이러한 결과 는 다라수 씨앗 추출물이 항산화 및 항염증 효능을 가진 안전한 식품 원료임을 입증하였다. 따라서 본 연구는 다라수 씨앗을 기반으로 한 신규 식품 개발 원료로의 활용 가능성을 제시하는 기초자료가 될 것 으로 기대된다.

본 연구에서 사용된 국내산과 중국산 댕댕이나무 열매 는 평균 길이가 약 2.2 cm이고, 자흑색의 타원형으로 육안 상 국내산과 중국산 댕댕이나무 열매는 비슷한 외형을 보 인다. 국내산과 중국산 댕댕이나무 열매를 기능성 식품소 재로 활용하기 위하여 polyphenol, amino acid 및 fatty acid 를 분석하고, 항염증 활성을 측정하여 원산지에 따른 차 이를 비교하였다. 총 플라보노이드 함량은 국내산 열수 추 출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 각각 8.58±0.11 mg QE/g 과 11.83±0.25 mg QE/g의 결과를 보였고, 중국산 열수 추 출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 각각 3.49±0.09 mg QE/g 과 4.46±0.10 mg QE/g의 결과를 보여 국내산이 중국산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출보다 2배 이상 높았다. Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid 및 rutin을 분석한 결과, chlorogenic acid 함량이 국내산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄 올 추출물에서 각각 1.51±0.02 mg/g과 1.94±0.03 mg/g으 로 중국산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 각각 0.23±0.00 mg/g과 0.25±0.01 mg/g을 보인 결과보다 7배 이상 높았으며, caffeic acid와 rutin은 모든 추출물에서 미 량 또는 낮은 함량을 보였다. 아미노산 분석결과, 국내산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 17종의 아미노산 이 확인되었고, 중국산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출 물에서 cystine을 제외한 16종의 아미노산이 확인되었으며, 주요 아미노산은 glutamic acid로 확인되었다. 총 아미노 산 함량은 국내산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물, 중 국산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 각각 2.02±0.03 g/100 g과 0.81±0.03 g/100 g, 0.15±0.01 g/100 g 과 0.05±0.00 g/100 g의 결과를 보였다. 지방산 분석결과, 국내산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물 및 중국산 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 caprylic acid (C8:0)를 제외한 13종 지 방산이 확인되었고, 중국산 열수 추출물에서 caprylic acid (C8:0)와 lignoceric acid (C24:0)를 제외한 12종 지방산이 확인되었으며, 모든 추출물에서 주요 지방산은 palmitic acid (C16:0)로 확인되었다. 지방산 조성은 포화지방산이 국내산 및 중국산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 52.02±2.00- 84.17±3.51%로 대부분을 차지하였고, 총 지방산 함량은 국 내산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물, 중국산 열수 추출 물과 30% 에탄올 추출물에서 각각 0.49±0.06 mg/g과 1.12±0.03 mg/g, 0.45±0.03 mg/g과 0.76±0.02 mg/g을 보였 으며, 모든 추출물에서 지방산 함유량이 대체로 낮은 결과를 보였다. 세포독성 측정결과, 국내산 및 중국산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물은 500-2,000 μg/mL 농도에 서 RAW 264.7 대식세포에 대한 독성이 나타내지 않았다. NO 생성억제 활성은 국내산 및 중국산 열수 추출물과 30% 에탄올 추출물의 농도에 따라 유의적으로 NO의 생 성량을 감소시키는 것으로 확인되었고, cytokine 생성억제 활성 또한 TNF-α와 IL-6의 생성량이 유의적인 감소를 보 여 항염증 활성을 나타내는 것으로 확인되었다. 이러한 연 구결과를 통하여 댕댕이나무 열매를 활용한 기능성 식품 소재 연구에 이용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

The study aimed to enhance quality characteristics of prune juice added with Schisandra chinensis and optimize mixing ratios of its components. Prune juice was prepared using varying proportions of prune concentrate and medicinal herbal plant extracts. Results showed that the pH of the medicinal herbal plant complex extract containing Schisandra chinensis decreased significantly, while the content of soluble solids increased with increasing concentration of prune concentrate. Results of analyzing antioxidant activity of individual component revealed that both prune concentrate and Schisandra chinensis extract demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant activities than other extracts, with Cinnamomum cassia extract showing the lowest antioxidant activity. As a result of antioxidant component analysis, total polyphenol contents, total flavonoid contents, and total tannin contents were all the highest in MSS but the lowest in the control. Regarding antioxidant activity, DPPH radial scavenging activity, ABTS DPPH radial scavenging activity, and SOD-like activity were the highest in MSS but the lowest in the control. In conclusion, findings suggest that incorporating higher proportions of both Schisandra chinensis and prune concentrate can synergistically improve the antioxidant activity and overall quality characteristics of prune juice.

Skin color is primarily determined by the amount of melanin pigmentation in the skin. In recent years, cosmetic compositions have been developed to reduce the melanin pigmentation in the skin. Treatment of the skin with whitening agents, from the pharmacological and cosmetological views, should provide safety and efficacy without side effects. Currently used whitening agents which are mostly cause many harmful and cytotoxic effects. In view of the lack of safe whitening agents, this study has been conducted to find the stable and harmless compounds inhibiting melanogenesis. The use of light and Herbal extract for the purpose of skin whitening has been formally reported. So, this study is to investigate the effects of LED irradiation and Bletillae rhizoma (Br) extract on tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in B16F0 melanoma cells. Melanin biosynthesis was induced by α-MSH. Experimental group were conducted five groups; 1) Pre-LED group (LED light irradiation, followed by 1 μM α-MSH) 2) Post-LED group (α-MSH treat, followed by LED light irradiation) 3) Pre-Br extract group (Br extract treat, followed by 1 μM α-MSH) 4) Post-Br extract group (α-MSH treat, followed by 10 μg/ml Br extract) 5) LED and Br extract group. The melanin contents, tyrosinase activity, dendrite length of cells and expression of melanogenesis-related genes under LED light irradiation and Br extract treatment were investigated. Pre-635, Post-425 nm and Post-Br extract group were significantly reduced melanin contents and tyrosinase activity compared with other group. But both for LED irradiation and Br extract group, melanin contents and tyrosinase activity were increased. However, Pre-425 nm and Post-Br extract group could reduce the melanin contents, tyrosinase activity and dendrites length of cells. In addition, the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins, including microphthalmia associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (TYR) is inhibited. The Pre-425 nm and Post-Br extract group activated Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and involved in the inhibition of melanogenesis via stimulation of MITF degradation. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of Pre-425nm irradiation and Post-Br extract on melanogenesis are derived from reduced TYR expression via the downregulation of MITF signaling, as well as acceleration of ERK phosphorylation. Thus, these results suggest that Pre-425nm irradiation and Post-Br extract could prevent and treat melanin hyperpigmentation or useful in whitening agents.

벌나무(Acer tegmentosum Maxim.)는 국내 고산지대를 중심으로 분포하고 있고 간질환 치 료에 효과가 있다고 알려져 왔다. 본 연구에서는 벌나무 추출물의 기능성 화장품 소재로서의 활용 가능 성을 알아보기 위해 항산화, 항균, 항염증 효능 평가를 수행하였다. 시료 추출은 벌나무 껍질을 사용하 였고 벌나무 70% EtOH 추출물 (ATE)와 벌나무 열수 추출물 (ATW)로 나누어 추출하여 두 추출물의 효능을 비교평가 하고자 하였다. DPPH radical 소거능, ABTS+ radical 소거능, 총 폴리페놀 및 플라보 노이드 함량 측정을 진행한 결과 ATE와 ATW 모두 우수한 항산화 능력을 보였다. 항균 효능 평가 결 과, ATW는 E. coli와 P. aeruginosa에 대해 ATE보다 우수한 항균 효과를 보였으나, ATE는 S. aureus 에 대해 ATW보다 우수한 항균력을 보였다. 항염증 효능을 알아보기 위해 세포 독성 평가, NO 생성 측정, Western blotting 실험을 진행한 결과 ATE는 6.25 및 12.5 μg/ml에서 세포독성 없이 NO 생성 을 유의하게 감소시키고 iNOS 및 COX-2의 발현을 억제하여 우수한 항염증 효과를 보였다. 이 연구의 결과를 바탕으로 Acer tegmentosum Maxim. 추출물을 기능성 화장품 소재로 활용할 가능성을 제안한 다.

본 연구는 3차 정제수 (SEW)와 70% 에탄올 (SEE) 용매에 따른 파인애플 세이지 (Salvia elegans Vahl)를 항산화, 미백, 주름 개선, 항균, 항염증에 미치는 영향을 살펴보고자 진행하였다. 그 결 과, 총 폴리페놀 및 플라보노이드 함량은 SEW가 SEE에 비해 더 높았다. SEW와 SEE은 DPPH radical, ABTS+ radical, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)의 소거 활성과 SOD 유사 활성이 보여 농도 의존적으로 높 아졌으며 SEW가 SEE에 비해 우수한 항산화 활성을 나타냈다. Tyrosinase 저해 활성 및 Elastase 저해 활성을 분석한 결과, SEE가 미비한 미백 효능을 보였으며, SEW가 미비한 주름 개선 효능을 나타냈다. 항균 효능은 SEW의 경우 대장균, 녹농균, 표피포도상구균에서 높은 항균 활성 보였으며, SEE의 경우 황색포도상구균, 여드름균에서 높은 항균 활성을 보였다. 항염증 효능은 지질다당류 (LPS)에 의해 염증 이 유발된 RAW 264.7 cell에서 SEE가 SEW에 비해 NO 생성 억제 효과가 우수한 효능을 확인하였다. 또한, iNOS, COX-2의 단백질 발현은 SEE가 SEW에 비해 더 높은 감소량을 보였으며, 이에 따라 mRNA 발현에서도 SEE가 우수한 효능을 보였다. 이는 NO 생성 억제 효과와 동일한 경향을 나타내었 다. 본 연구 결과를 기반으로, SEW는 항산화 및 주름 개선 효과를 나타내고 대장균, 녹농균, 표피포도 상구균에 대한 항균 효과를 보인다. 반면 SEE는 미백 및 항염증 효과를 나타내고 황색포도상구균, 여드 름균에 대한 항균 효과를 보이므로 SEW과 SEE는 제약, 건강식품, 화장품 등과 같은 산업원료의 천연소 재로서 가능성이 있다고 사료된다.

본 연구는 합성 아질산염 대체 천연보존료로 개발하고자 천연물 유래 복합추출물(NP-NAP, NP-NAMR)의 성분 특성 과 소시지에의 적용 시 품질 특성을 규명하였다. NP-NAP 와 NP-NAMR 0.5-1.0% (w/v)는 90.1-100%의 ABTS 라디 칼 저해능과 10 mg/mL에서 각각 811 μM 및 770 μM trolox 상당의 FRAP 활성을 보였다. NP-NAP와 NP-NAMR은 S. aureus와 L. monocytogenes, E. coli 및 S. Typhimurium에 대 해 0.1% (w/v)에서 99.99-100%의 감소율을 보였고 C. perfringens에 대해 1%와 2% (w/v)에서 각각 89.0-91.4%와 84.7-100% 이상의 감소율을 보였다. 천연 복합추출물 첨가 소시지 시제품의 냉장 중 품질 특성에서 4주 차 pH (6.43- 6.57)와 NP-NAMR 첨가 시 높은 a 값(23.54% 및 28.81)을 확인하였다. Springiness와 cohesiveness는 NP-NAP 1%가 높 았으나 다른 모든 시험구는 양성 대조구와 유의적 차이가 없었다(P<0.05). 냉장 중 평균 MDA (0.87-1.183 μM)는 양 성 대조구(0.93-0.96 μM)와 유사하였으며(P<0.05) 총 증가 균수(log CFU)는 1% 첨가(1.10-1.32) 시 nitrite pickling salt (NPS) 0.08% (1.31)과 유사하였고 2% 첨가 시(0.17-0.49)는 commercial product from Spain (CPS) 1% (0.53)보다 적었 다. 종합적 기호도는 NP-NAMR 2% 제외한 모든 시험구는 통계적 유의차가 없었다. 이상의 결과, 과채 추출물 유래 NP-NAP와 NP-NAMR은 항산화, 항균 활성과 안정적인 적 색도와 함께 식약처 고시 소시지류의 기준 및 규격을 만족 하여 합성 아질산염과 시판 수입품을 대체하는, 유효한 소 재가 될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

This study investigated the physiological activities of a 70% ethanol extract of jicama by measuring its polyphenol and flavonoid contents, as well as its DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were found to be 2.45 GAE/g and 3.98 CE/g, respectively. At a concentration of 5 mg/mL, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, along with the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities, were 52.32%, 45.60%, 47.44%, and 36.96%, respectively.

Fine dust absorbed into our body through the skin causes various inflammatory responses in skin cells and accelerates skin aging. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Allomyrina dichotoma larvae, approved as edible ingredients, as inhibitor for fine dust-induced inflammaging. The anti-inflammaging effects of aqueous ethanolic Allomyrina dichotoma larvae extract (ADLE) against ERM-CZ100 were evaluated at the cellular level. Biochemical responses associated with cell damage in human dermal fibroblasts were assessed by measuring intracellular ROS, DNA fragmentation, β-galactosidase activity, cytokines, and protein expression. Exposure to ERM-CZ100 increased ROS production, DNA fragments, and β-galactosidase activity, which reduced cell viability. However, these detrimental effects were significantly mitigated by co-treatment with ADLE. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by ERM-CZ100 was decreased by ADLE treatment, which was further corroborated by a reduction in COX2 protein expression. Additionally, ADLE restored the elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 levels and reduced COL1A1 expression caused by ERM-CZ100 exposure. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that ADLE not only holds nutritional value as a potential future food resource but also exhibits promising properties as a novel material for treating inflammation. Moreover, it demonstrates a positive effect in preventing skin aging caused by environmental pollution.

The leaves and stalks of sweet potato have attracted considerable interest as a health food due to numerous studies reporting the presence of functional compounds and various physiological activities. This study analyzed the functional components in the aerial parts of six domestically developed sweet potato cultivars and compared their antioxidant activities. The total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and total phenolic acid content ranged from 76.9 to 148.6 mg GAE/g, 3.98 to 11.90 mg CE/g, and 44.19 to 93.56 mg/100 g, respectively. Among the cultivars examined, 'Gogeonmi' and 'Tongchaeru' exhibited high levels of these compounds, and their DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were superior to those of the other cultivars. The GABA content ranged from 0.59 to 2.55 mg/g, with 'Tongchaeru' and 'Jinhongmi' showing the highest levels. Lutein content ranged from 0.10 to 0.24 mg/g, with 'Tongchaeru' reaching its maximum concentration 90 days post-cultivation. Extracts from 'Tongchaeru' significantly inhibited the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) inflammatory cytokines, with the water extract demonstrating a stronger effect than the pretanol extract. These findings suggest that the aerial parts of sweet potato could serve as excellent functional vegetables and bioactive ingredients for health food applications.

This experimental study aimed to determine the anti-obesity effects of burdock(Arctium lapp L.) extract and processed (Beopje) burdock extract in a high fat diet-induced obesity model. When burdock extract was orally administered at a concentration of 250 mg/kg BW and the Beopje burdock extract was administered at 250 and 500 mg/kg BW, they significantly decreased body weights increased by a high-fat diet, improved food efficiency ratio, decreased adipose tissue weight by site, and significantly decreased blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels. Blood ALT and AST contents as liver function-related indices increased by the high fat diet were significantly decreased by the Beopje burdock extract. Results of histological analysis of the liver showed that the Beopje burdock extract alleviated fatty liver phenomenon induced by a high-fat diet. In addition, levels of blood TNF-α, IL-6, and IL1-β increased by a high-fat diet were significantly decreased by ALB-L and ALB-H. Therefore, Beopje burdock extract can improve obesity in a high-fat diet-induced obese animal model by improving blood lipids and blood biochemical indices, increasing body water, and decreasing body fat more than the burdock extract.

Chrysanthemum coronarium L (CC)., a leafy vegetable, has various biological properties, including anti-oxidative, antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, and anti-osteoporosis effects. However, the vascular protective effects of CC remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified the vascular protective effect of CC against ferroptosis in aortic thoracic smooth muscle A7r5 cells. The vascular protective effects of CC against erastin (Era)-induced A7r5 cells were assessed by estimating cell viability, glutathione (GSH) levels, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial morphological change, and using western blot analysis. The CC treatment effectively ameliorated Era-induced ferroptotic cytotoxicity, including cellular death. The treatment also suppressed mitochondrial morphological change in the Era-induced A7r5 cells. CC significantly regulated Era-induced abnormal mechanisms related to GSH, lipid peroxidation, cysteine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 (xCT), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein expression in A7r5 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicate that CC shows potential as a functional food supplement, nutraceutical, or medicinal food, with protective effects with respect to vascular health by regulating ferroptosis.

In a previous study, beverages containing Centella asiatica extracts (CAE) that exhibited anti-inflammatory effects were prepared. This study aimed to establish the optimal extraction conditions for CAE to enhance its anti-inflammatory activity in functional labeling beverages (FLB-CCS) containing Aloe vera gel powder and Codonopsis lanceolata extract, and to determine their effects on intestinal epithelial cells. Initially, FLB-CCS 1 (containing 3% CAE) and FLB-CCS 2 (containing 1% CAE), which had varying CAE extraction ratios, displayed no significant cytotoxicity in IL-1β-induced inflammatory intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells. FLB-CCS 1 significantly more effectively inhibited the production of inflammatory factors, such as IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), compared to FLB-CCS 2. FLB-CCS 1 also reduced the mRNA expression of genes encoding IL-6 and MCP-1. Additionally, FLB-CCS 1 regulated the expression of IL-1 receptor type 1 by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB transcription factor p65. In conclusion, these results suggest that an increased CAE extraction ratio (FLB-CCS 1) could enhance the anti-inflammatory activity and serve as materials in functional labeling beverages for intestinal health.

산화적 스트레스는 활성산소의 과도한 생성으로 인해 발생하며, 이는 만성퇴행성질환의 원인으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 식용 덖음 꽃차 8종 추출물의 폴리페놀 및 플라보노이드 함량, radical 소거 활성 측정을 통해 이들의 항산화 활성을 확인하고자 하였다. 8종의 식용 꽃차 에탄올 추출물 중에서 생강나무(Lindera obtusiloba, LO), 산수유(Cornus officinalis, CO) 및 카모마일(Matrecaria chamomilla) 꽃차 추출물의 총 폴리페놀 함량은 각각 20.21, 13.39, 12.39 mg gallic acid equivalent/g의 수치를 나타내었으며, 총 플라보노이드 함량은 LO, CO, 및 매화(Prunus mume) 꽃차 순으로 높은 수치를 나타내었다. 8종의 식용 꽃차 에탄올 추출물은 10, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL의 농도에서 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 및 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) 라디칼 소거 활성을 농도 의존적으로 증가시켰다. 특히, LO와 CO 꽃차 추출물은 다른 꽃차 추출물에 비해 우수한 DPPH 라디칼 소거 활성을 보였다. 또한 100 μg/mL 농도에서 CO, LO, 및 목련(Magnolia kobus) 꽃차 추출물의 ABTS+ 라디칼 소거 활성이 70% 이상의 수치를 나타내어 우수한 ABTS+ radical 소거 활성을 나타내었다. 본 연구 결과를 통해 식용 덖음 꽃차는 radical 소거 활성 및 폴리페놀과 플라보노이드를 함유함에 따라 항산화 활성을 나타냄을 알 수 있었으며, 특히 다른 꽃차 추출물에 비해 LO와 CO의 폴리페놀과 플라보노이드 함량 및 radical 소거능이 우수하여 항산화 기능성 소재로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

Natural products have recently emerged as promising candidates for anticancer therapeutics. However, research on their use as adjuvants to existing chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains limited. This study investigated the potential of METO, a methanol extract derived from Thuja orientalis, to induce apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms in the OSCC cell line HSC4. The results demonstrated that METO induces apoptosis in HSC4 cells, which is likely mediated through the activation of the ERK and JNK pathways, both of which were observed to be activated in METO-treated cells. Additionally, METO-induced apoptosis appears to involve signaling pathways associated with SOCS3 and p53. These findings highlight that METO exhibits strong anticancer activity in OSCC cells and suggest its potential as a promising chemotherapeutic agent for OSCC treatment.

Skeletal muscle is an organ that regulates biological metabolic energy. Its dysfunction causes decline of body functions and disability, thus deteriorating the overall quality of life. Various materials are being developed with an anti-sarcolytic effect. However, anti-sarcolytic effect of Sinomenium acutum rhizomes extract (SAE) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate anti-muscle atrophy effects of SAE and its alkaloids, including sinomenine (SIN), magnoflorine (MF), acutumine (ACU), and N-ferultyramine (NFT) isolated from SAE, on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced myotubules. C2C12 myogenic cells differentiated for 6 days were treated with 1 mM Dex for 24 hours. Induction of muscular atrophy was confirmed by a decrease in myogenin expression. We found that Dex increased expression levels of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx/atrogin-1. However, mRNA and protein levels of these muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases were significantly reduced by cotreatment with SIN, MF, and NFT in myotubes. Glucose uptake reduced by Dex in myotubules were also restored by SIN, MF, and NFT treatments. These results suggest that SIN, MF, and NFT can reduce muscle wasting and enhance glucose uptake in Dex-treated myotubes, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents to prevent muscle atrophy.

The present study was conducted to investigate effects of rabbit meat extract on energy metabolism and muscle differentiation in C2C12 myotubes. Water extract of rabbit meat (10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) was used to treat differentiated C2C12 cells. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to determine mRNA or protein levels of energy metabolism-related genes. Total adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was also measured. Treatment with rabbit meat extract significantly increased expression levels of muscle differentiation markers (myogenin and myosin heavy chain) and mitochondrial biogenesis regulators (PGC1α, NRF1, and TFAM) in C2C12 myotubes compared to non-treated control. Additionally, rabbit meat extract activated phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC). Rabbit meat extract significantly increased ATP contents in myotubes. These results suggest that rabbit meat extract has the potential to improve energy metabolism in skeletal muscles.

Hair dyeing, hair perming, and daily hair dryer use can substantially damage hair. Consequently, the demand for products containing natural ingredients for the care of damaged hair is growing. Although polyphenols with antioxidant effects are often used for hair conditioning, few studies have focused on hair conditioning, and the potential of Sparassis latifolia mushroom extract for hair improvement has not been evaluated to date. In this study, the antioxidant activity of and polyphenol content in hot water, 70% and 100% ethanol (EtOH), n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and water extracts of S. latifolia were analyzed. A hair treatment containing S. latifolia extract was prepared, and its effect on damaged hair was evaluated. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the hot water and EtOAc extracts. Moreover, polyphenol analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy confirmed that the EtOAc fraction has relatively high contents of specific polyphenols beneficial for hair. Based on these results, a hair treatment containing S. latifolia extract was applied to damaged hair, and hair improvement was evaluated using hair thickness, tensile strength, and scanning electron microscopy. The hair treatment containing 70% EtOH extract effectively improved hair condition. We postulate that this improvement was caused by the high hydrophobic polyphenol content in the 70% EtOH extract.