The aim of this study was to evaluate the alleviative effects of a nude pack containing black tea water extract (NPBT) on inflammation and skin barrier damage in hairless mice. Skin inflammation and skin barrier damage were induced by UVB irradiation to the backs of hairless mice for five weeks. And, at the same time, saline (C), NPBT (1%: E1, 2%: E2), and 0.01% retinoic acid diluted with polyethylene glycol (PC) were applied topically twice per day, five days per week, for a period of five weeks. The skin erythema indices of the E1 and E2 groups were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the C group through one week after the beginning of the experiment. Meanwhile, water contents of the E1 and E2 groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of the C group through two weeks after the beginning of the experiment. Remarkable thickening of epidermis and dermis was observed in the C group, compared with the PC, E1, or E2 groups. In the C group, infiltration of many inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and lymphocytes, was observed in dermis and a large number of mast cells were observed in dermis and hypodermis, and the degree of degranulation was remarkable. However, these phenomena were alleviated in the PC, E1, and E2 groups. Therefore, NPBT could have considerable inhibitory efficacy on inflammation and skin barrier damage induced by UVB irradiation.

살모넬라증은 대표적인 인수공통전염병의 하나로서 세포내 기생하며 질병을 유발하며 장염과 식중독 등을 유발하여 공중보건학적으로 심각한 문제를 야기하고 있다. 본 연구는 삼백초의 수용성 추출물을 (SCWE) 이용하여 숙주세포에 대한 안전성, S. typhimurium 균에 대한 항균효과 및 대식세포 내 균 증 식억제 기능을 규명하였다. 본 실험을 통하여 SCWE 1, 10 및 100 μg/ml 농도로 첨가한 배지에서 RAW 264.7 체포와 24 시간 반응 후 평가해본 결과 세포독성이 인정되지 않았으며, S. typhimurium 균에 대하여 시간 경과에 따라 항균효과가 증가되는 것을 확인하였고, SCWE 처리에 의해 대식세포의 형태적 변화가 증가되는 것으로 나타났으며 (p<0.05), 살모넬라균의 탐식능력 및 대식세포 내 균 증식 억제 능 력이 비 처리군에 비해 현저히 증가되는 것이 확인되었다. 또한 SCWE 처리 한 대식세포에 살모넬라균 감염을 수행하였을 때 대식세포의 nitric oxide (NO) 산생능력이 비 처리 군에 비해 저하되는 것으로 나타나, 살모넬라균에 의한 대식세포의 세포독성을 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 종합적으로 SCWE의 숙 주세포에 대한 안전성, 살모넬라균에 대한 항균효과 및 대식세포 내 균 증식 억제 효과가 있는 것으로 나타나 SCWE를 이용한 세포내 기생세균의 치료제 개발이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

We examined the effect of Bulnesia sarmienti (BS) water extract on hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet. ICR mice were fed a high-fat diet ad libitum for four weeks. Simultaneously, BS water extract was administered intragastrically at 0 mg/kg (control), 30 mg/kg, or 300 mg/kg once daily for four weeks. Male ICR mice were divided into four groups; normal control group (NC), high-fat diet+vehicle treatment group (HF), high-fat diet+BS of 30 mg/kg treatment group (HF+BS30), and high-fat diet+BS of 300 mg/kg treatment group (HF+BS300). The levels of serum biochemical parameters and histological appearances were evaluated. After four weeks, body weight gain and serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were significantly higher in the HF group than in the normal control group. Together, serum High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level in the HF group was lower than that in the normal control group. However, treatment with BS resulted in significantly reduced body weight gain and levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-choleterol. In addition, serum HDL-cholesterol level in the BS treatment group was significantly elevated, compared to that of the HF group. Histopathological evaluation of the liver showed fat accumulation and swelling of hepatocytes in the high-fat diet group; these abnormalities were ameliorated by treatment with BS. These results suggest that treatment with BS water extract resulted in dose-dependent prevention and mitigation of high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia.

The objective of this study was to examine the quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of yogurt containing hot water extract from maca. Four different levels (0, 4, 8, 12%) of maca extract were added to milk followed by fermentation with lactic acid bacteria at 37℃ for 12 hrs, and then the physicochemical properties of the samples were investigated. During 7 days of storage at 4±1℃, the acid production (pH and titratable acidity) of the yogurt increased with the addition of maca extract. The Hunter L value (lightness) decreased, while the b value (yellowness) increased as the maca extract level in the yogurt increased. Viable cell counts were not significantly different among the samples. The results of consumer acceptance tests showed that no significant differences in overall acceptability were observed between the yogurts containing 4% and 8% of maca extract and a control yogurt. The yogurt containing maca extract exhibited higher DPPH radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities than the control yogurt over the storage period.

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of Phellinus linteus (PL) water extract against carrageenan- and cotton pellet-induced acute and chronic inflammation in rats. Animals were divided into four experimental groups for conduct of acute and chronic inflammations studies: the vehicle control group, positive control group (aminopyrine 100 mg/kg), PL 10 mg/kg group, and PL 20 mg/kg group. Oral administration of PL water extract has dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects against both acute and chronic inflammation models. In carrageenan-induced paw edema, significant inhibition was observed at 0.5 and 1 h in the PL 10 mg/kg group and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h in the PL 20 mg/kg group. In cotton pellet-induced granuolma formation, PL water extract at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day also showed significant inhibition in dry weights of granuloma. Results of the free radical scavenging assay showed that PL has a dose-dependent scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals. The results obtained in this study indicate that this plant material may be used beneficially as an anti-inflammatory agent having antioxidant action.

흑목이 버섯의 자실체로부터 열수추출에 의해 흑갈색 색소를 함유한 조다당(crude polysaccharide)을 분획하였고, 이 조다당 분획의 흑갈색 색소 성분을 탈색 제거하기 위해 활성탄을 이용한 흡착공정을 검토하였다. 흡착 평형은 10분 이내의 빠른 시간에 도달하였으며, 최적의 흡착 조건은 pH 7.0 및 온도 40oC에서 조다당 용액 1 mL당 활성탄 16.7 mg을 첨가하였을 때 얻어졌다. 이 때의 최대 흡착효율은 약 80%이었고, 색소 성분의 제거로 다당은 정제되어 1.25배의 정제율을 나타내었다. 한편, 활성탄에 의한 색소의 등온흡착은 Langmuir 등온식에 따랐으며, 흡착속도는 2nd order model 식으로 나타낼 수 있었다. 또, 흡착은 확산을 통해 조절되는 물리적 흡착공정인 것으로 나타났다. 흑목이 버섯 조다당으로부터의 활성탄에 의한 색소흡착 공정은 그동안 보고된 바 없으며, 경제적이고 간편하여 향후 흑목이 버섯 조다당의 색소 제거와 정제 및 이에 의한 다당 정제공정으로서의 가능성이 있는 것으로 판단하였다.

The desmutagenic activity of the water extract of Cassia tora L on the mutagenicity induced by 4- nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) and N-methyl-N-nitro-N'-nitrosoguani-dine (MNNG) was studied using the SOS Chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37. The inhibition rates of water extract of Cassia tora L. at concentration of 100 μg/assay were 27.5% and 40% against 4-NQO and MNNG. The water extract of Cassia tora L. was separated into methanol soluble and methanol insoluble parts. The methanol soluble part exhibited higher inhibition effects than the methanol insoluble part against the mutagenic activities of 4-NQO and MNNG. Step-wise fractionation of methanol soluble part was done to obtain methanol, ethyl acetate and water fractions. Among these fractions, water fraction had the strongest inhibitory effects of 23.0 and 19.0% against mutagenicities of MNNG and 4NQO, repectively. The results clearly indicated that the water fraction showed much stronger antimutagenicity against MNNG than 4NQO. The inhibition rates of aqueous fraction of methanol-soluble from water extracted Cassia tora L. at concentrations of 1.0 10, 100 and 250 μg/assay were 8.0%, 12.0%, 25.5% and 43.0%, respectively. The water fraction showed the inhibitory effects with dose response against the mutagenic activities induced by MNNG.

We performed the present study to investigate whether Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch (RG) extracts (RGX) and Eleutherococcus senticosus Max (ES) extracts (ESX) play any roles in bone metabolism. We examined cellular activities of bone cells by measurement of osteoblastic cell viability, osteoprotegerin (OPG) secretion from osteoblasts, osteoclastogenesis, and osteoclastic activity. There is no cytotoxicity from osteoblasts after treatment with RGX and ESX. The secretion of OPG from the osteoblasts showed marked increases after treatment with RGX and ESX. In addition, RGX and ESX treatment decreased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells and the resorption areas. RGX and ESX, when mixed at optimal ratios, induced synergic effects, in vitro. OPB, which showed synergic effects, is the extract of natural ingredients RG and ES mixed at a raw material weight ratio of 4 : 1. It can be suspected that extracts of RG and ES mixtures contains active ingredients involved in bone tissue metabolism and may be effective in improving osteoporosis.

We developed a kind of soy-based sauce for stews using three recipes and sensory evaluation processes, and examined the biological activities such as antioxidative, fibrinolytic and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of hot water extract of Cornus officinalis S. et Z in order to use as functional ingredient. The developed stew was composed of soy sauce 1½ Tbsp, sugar 114 Tbsp, garlic, small green onion, powdered sesame and sesame seed oil ½ tsp, respectively, ginger extract 14 tsp, black pepper 18 and water ⅔C per 300 g of main ingredients(pork rib, chicken and dried pollack). It was evaluated more highly acceptable than the original recipes by sensory test. Replacement of water in the recipe of the developed stew sauce with hot water extract of Cornus officinalis S. et Z did' nt affect the sensory quality. From the above results. we concluded that hot water extract of Cornus officinalis S. et Z might be a excellent source to provide health functionality.

The purpose of this present study is to measure the changes of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) was continually monitored by laser-doppler flowmeter (Transonic Instrument, USA) through the data acquisition system composed of MacLab and Macintosh computer. Contractile force was measured with force displacement transducer under 1.5 g loading tension. Rhus verniciflua stokes increased the changes of rCBF in rats, significantly. The rCBF of Rhus verniciflua stokes was decreased by pretreated propranolol, l-NNA and methylene blue. But atropine indomethacin did not change the rCBF. Contractions evoked by PE 0.1μM were significantly inecreased by Rhus verniciflua stokes. Propranolol significantly altered the effect of Rhus verniciflua stokes, but l-NNA, ODQ and indomethacin did not change the relaxation of Rhus verniciflua stokes. These results suggest that Rhus verniciflua stokes can increase the rCBF and relax EP induced contraction of isolated rat aorta, and that is related to sympathetics and nitric oxide.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a circulating peptide hormone with 28 amino acids secreted from cardiac atria, plays an important role in the maintenance of fluid and electrolytes homeostasis. The actions of ANP appear to be mediated by specific receptors on target cells. However, the specific antagonist for ANP receptors is not yet to be defined. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antagonistic effects of water extract obtained from the gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) on the natriuretic peptide receptor system in the kidney. In the kidney of Sprague Dawley rats, specific 125I-ANP binding sites were localized in glomerulus, inner medulla, intrarenal artery, and vasa recta bundle by using quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography. These specific bindings were competitively displaced in a dose dependent manner by water extract obtained from the gardenia. Moreover, productions of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) via activation of particulate guanylyl cyclase (GC) by ANP were increased in receptor proteins from the glomerulus and inner medulla of rat kidney. These cGMP productions were inhibited in a dose dependent manner by water extract obtained from the gardenia. The inhibitory effect of water extract obtained from the gardenia on activation of GC was quantitatively more potent rather than on 125I-ANP bindings to these renal structures. From affinity cross-linking study on the specific receptor proteins, the water extract obtained from the gardenia inhibited the 125I-ANP labeling of GC-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor from renal glomerulus of rat. Intravenous infusion of ANP elicits the potent diuresis, increment of urine osmolariry, and excretions of urinary chloride, creatinine and PAH in New Zealand White rabbit. These renal effects of ANP were inhibited by the intravenous pre-treatment of water extract obtained from the gardenia without changes in systemic hemodynamics including mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. These results indicate that the water extract obtained from the gardenia may could be block the GC-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor, and suggest that the extract may contain a natural antagonistic molecule regulating the renal natriuretic peptide system.

The inhibitory effects of water extract of Cortex Mori(CM) was investigated for allergic asthma in a mouse model. Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitoneal sensitization and aerosol challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). CM extract (10mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice were given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 7 days during the course of challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by β-methacoline-induced airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CM-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and cytokine levels in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed in order to evaluate CM effect on pulmonary inflammation. Total number of leukocytes in BALF was lower in CM-treated mice than in control without significance. Interestingly, CM treatment elevated a distribution of eosinophils which are crucial in asthmatic response. However, comparison of absolute number showed that it resulted from a decrease of total leukocyte and macrophage numbers. Levels of type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL4, IL5 and IL 13) measured by ELISA in BALF were not significantly reduced by CM and IFN-γ, a type 1 (Th1) cytokine, was also comparable between two groups, indicating that CM treatment has little or no effect on airway inflammation and secretion of relevant cytokines. For an insight into the mechanism of CM effect on AHR, immunemodulatory activity of CM was analyzed at a cellular level. Peribronchial lymph node(LN) cells and lung-infiltrating lymphocytes (LIL) collected from CM-treated and control mice were in vitro stimulated with OVA antigen. Although there was no significance, number of LN cell and LIL was higher in CM-treated mice than controls and their Ag-specific proliferative response (3H-TdR uptake assay) was similar. Production of Th2 cytokine, IL 5 and IL 13 was relatively enhanced, but without statistical significance, while IFN-γ production was minimally altered in CM-treated mice. Immunemodulation of CM in the field of humoral immunity, antibody levels in serum were measured and compared. No significant difference was observed in the levels of IgE. However, levels of type 1 and 2 antibody IgG2a and IgG1 were signifcantly enhanced by CM treatment. As CM-mediated alleviation of AHR was not clearly explained by above results, degranulation of eosinophils was finally examined by their release of peroxidase. Levels of peroxidase in BALF was significantly lower in CM treated mice, suggesting that CM inhibits in vivo degranulation of eosinophils, although its effect was not shown during their in vitro incubation. Taken together, data from current study indicate CM extract alleviates AHR through inhibition of eosinophil degranulation rather than any immunological regulation. Instead, immunemodulatory activity of CM is likely to be adversely effective in (Th2)

Effect of Gojanghwan on intestinal function was investigated in rabbit, making use of its water extract. Gojanghwan water extract(GW) made the motility and tension of ileum strips isolated from rabbit decreased. While it did not affect on the acetylcholine action, GW exhibited the significant inhibition on the actions of serotonin and histamin to ileum strips. In the longitudinal muscle of colon, GW suppressed the motility, but did not influenced significantly on the tension, and in the circular muscle of colon, GW showed the inhibitory effect on the motility and tension. GW inhibited markedly the actions(motility and tension) induced by acetylcholine, serotonin and histamine in the longitudinal and circular muscles of colon. According to the above results suggest that GW inhibited the intestinal function in rabbit, this inhibition was related to the various mechanism being induced by responses on the receptor of muscarine, serotonin and histamine. 

To evaluate the effect of Jingansikpungtang water extract on cultured mouse spinal sensory neuron which was inhibited by glucose oxidase(GO)-induced cytotoxicity, NR assay and TBARS assay for lipid peroxidation were carried out after the cultured mouse spinal sensory neuron were pre-incubated with various concentrations of Jingansikpungtang water extract for 3 hours prior to exposure of GO. GO, a oxygen radical, decreased the survival rate of the cultured mouse spinal sensory neuron cells on NR assay. Jingansikpungtang water extract have efficacy of decreasing lipid peroxidation increasing by GO in cultured mouse spinal sensory neuron. From above the results, it is concluded that Jingansikpungtang has marked efficacy as a treatment for the damages caused in the GO-mediated oxidative process..