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Background: Recently, clinical research has suggested that red ginseng components play a role in liver protection and combating fatigue. However, fermented ginseng has not been analyzed for liver-protective or anti- fatigue effects. Objective: This study evaluates the positive effects of fermented ginseng powder (GBCK25) on liver function. Methods: Ninety participants with elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (35 ≤ ALT ≤1 05 IU/L) were randomized to one of three groups. The participants were treated with GBCK25 tablets at a dose of 500 mg/ day (high dose), 125 mg/day (low dose), or placebo group daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes included changes in ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. The secondary outcomes included changes in aspartate amino-transferase (AST), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), multidimensional fatigue scale, lipid profile, and antioxidant markers. Results: In male subjects, after 12 weeks of low-dose GBCK25 (125 mg) supplementation, the GGT (P = 0.036) and hs-CRP (P = 0.021) levels decreased significantly more than those in the placebo group. High-dose GBCK25 (500 mg) supplementation significantly decreased the fatigue score compared with the placebo group. There were no clinically significant differences between the groups when studying any safety parameter. Conclusion: Our results suggest that GBCK25 supplementation has beneficial effects on liver function. Trial registration: This study was registered at Clinical Trials.gov (NCT03260543). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cordyceps is a traditional Chinese herb that produces various biopharmaceutical effects, including immune-enhancing effects. In this study, we prepared a Cordyceps mycelium culture extract (Paecilomyces hepiali, CBG-CS-2) to confirm its efficacy in enhancing the immune system and to evaluate its safety in healthy adults. Methods: Healthy adults were divided into the intervention group (n = 39), who were given 1.68 g/day of CBG-CS-2 in capsules, and the control group (n = 40) for 8 weeks. The activities of natural killer (NK) cells and serum levels of monocyte-derived mediators were assessed initially for a baseline measurement and after 8 wks. Results: The CBG-CS-2 group showed a significant 38.8 ± 17.6% enhancement from the baseline of NK cell cytotoxic activity relative to the placebo group after the administration of the capsules for 8 wks. (P < 0.019). Conclusion: The results suggest that the immune system functions well with CBG-CS-2 supplementation, perhaps with less accompanying inflammation. Thus, CBG-CS-2 is safe and effective for enhancing cell-mediated immunity in healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Augmenting glucose utilization in skeletal muscle via the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3 kinase)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway or the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway is necessary to regulate hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: We investigated the effect of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells and explored its in vivo antidiabetic potential. Design: Male db/db mice were treated with either MLE (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 250 mg/kg) or metformin (100 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Results: MLE treatment stimulated glucose uptake, driven by enhanced translocation of glucose transporter 4 to cell membranes in L6 myotubes. These effects of MLE were synergistic with those of insulin and were abolished in the presence of PI3K inhibitor or AMPK inhibitor. In db/db mice, supplementation with MLE decreased fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity, with increases of p-Akt and p-AMPK in skeletal muscle. Moreover, MLE improved blood lipid parameters and attenuated hepatic steatosis in diabetic db/db mice. Discussion: These findings suggest that MLE exerts antidiabetic activity through stimulating glucose disposal in skeletal muscle cells via the PI3K/Akt and AMPK pathways. Conclusions: MLE can potentially improve hyperglycemia and hepatic steatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacokinetic blood sampling is a prerequisite for successful early clinical trials. It is essential to take samples at the precise designated times to ensure the reliability of the clinical trial data; however, investigators have encountered difficulties in conducting procedures with limited manpower. We have recently developed automated schedule broadcast software (Rooibos™) to manage the precise scheduling of procedures for clinical trial centers. Rooibos™ is platform independent because it is programmed in the Java language. It generates scheduled times based on a reference time. It alarms at the scheduled times and pages subjects and alerts staff to prepare for the upcoming procedures. Rooibos™ can also group subjects when multiple clinical trials are conducted simultaneously in one or more clinical trial wards. This software may be applied to any study involving procedures that must be performed at designated times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented foods have unique functional properties imparting some health benefits to consumers due to presence of functional microorganisms, which possess probiotics properties, antimicrobial, antioxidant, peptide production, etc. Health benefits of some global fermented foods are synthesis of nutrients, prevention of cardiovascular disease, prevention of cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, allergic reactions, diabetes, among others. The present paper is aimed to review the information on some functional properties of the microorganisms associated with fermented foods and beverages, and their health-promoting benefits to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a major health problem. A food field research that has recently aroused considerable interest is the potential of natural products to counteract obesity. Yerba Mate may be helpful in reducing body weight and fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Yerba Mate supplementation in Korean subjects with obesity. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Subjects with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 but < 35 kg/m² and waist-hip ratio (WHR) ≥ 0.90 for men and = 0.85 for women) were given oral supplements of Yerba Mate capsules (n = 15) or placebos (n = 15) for 12 weeks. Subjects take three capsules per each meal, total three times in a day (3 g/day). Measured outcomes were efficacy (abdominal fat distribution, anthropometric parameters and blood lipid profiles) and safety (adverse events, laboratory test results and vital signs). Results: During 12 weeks of Yerba Mate supplementation, decreases in body fat mass (P = 0.036) and percent body fat (P = 0.030) compared to the placebo group were statistically significant. WHR was significantly decreased (P = 0.004) in the Yerba Mate group compared to the placebo group. No clinically significant changes in any safety parameters were observed. Conclusions: Yerba Mate supplementation decreased body fat mass, percent body fat and WHR. Yerba Mate was a potent anti-obesity reagent that did not produce significant adverse effects. These results suggested that Yerba Mate supplementation may be effective for treating obese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a major health problem. A food field research that has recently aroused considerable interest is the potential of natural products to counteract obesity. Yerba Mate may be helpful in reducing body weight and fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Yerba Mate supplementation in Korean subjects with obesity. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Subjects with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 but < 35 kg/m2 and waist-hip ratio (WHR) ≥ 0.90 for men and ≥ 0.85 for women) were given oral supplements of Yerba Mate capsules (n = 15) or placebos (n = 15) for 12 weeks. Subjects take three capsules per each meal, total three times in a day (3 g/day). Measured outcomes were efficacy (abdominal fat distribution, anthropometric parameters and blood lipid profiles) and safety (adverse events, laboratory test results and vital signs). Results: During 12 weeks of Yerba Mate supplementation, decreases in body fat mass (P = 0.036) and percent body fat (P = 0.030) compared to the placebo group were statistically significant. WHR was significantly decreased (P = 0.004) in the Yerba Mate group compared to the placebo group. No clinically significant changes in any safety parameters were observed. Conclusions: Yerba Mate supplementation decreased body fat mass, percent body fat and WHR. Yerba Mate was a potent anti-obesity reagent that did not produce significant adverse effects. These results suggested that Yerba Mate supplementation may be effective for treating obese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, powdered persimmon leaves have been reported to have glucose- and lipid-lowering effects in diabetic (db/db) mice. As persimmon leaf is commonly consumed as tea, an aqueous extract of persimmon leaves (PLE) was prepared and its anti-diabetic efficacy was investigated. In the present study, PLE was tested for its inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase in vitro. An oral maltose tolerance test was performed in diabetic mice. Next, the acute effect of PLE was examined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Last, the long-term effect of PLE supplementation was assessed in db/db after eight weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical parameters, as well as histological analyses of liver and pancreas were evaluated at the end of the study. PLE inhibited α-glucosidase activity and increased antioxidant capacity. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice pre-treated with PLE displayed hypoglycemic activity. Daily oral supplementation with PLE for eight weeks reduced body weight gain without affecting food intake, enhanced the glucose tolerance during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), improved blood lipid parameters, suppressed fat accumulation in the liver and maintained islet structure in db/db mice. Further mechanistic study showed that PLE protected pancreatic islets from glucotoxicity. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that PLE exhibits considerable anti-diabetic effects through α-glucosidase inhibition and through the maintenance of functional β-cells. These results provided a rationale for the use of persimmon leaf tea for the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the antioxidant levels and anticancer properties of chicory cultivated using three different kinds of fertilizers (i.e., developed, organic, and chemical) in the presence and absence of pesticides. Phenolic phytochemicals, including total polyphenols and flavonoids, and antioxidant activities, including reducing power, ABTS+ and DPPH radical scavenging activity, were analyzed using several antioxidant assays. HepG2 cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. The antioxidant properties of chicory were found to increase when cultivated with chemical fertilizer in the absence of pesticides. On the other hand, antioxidant capacity was higher in chicory cultivated with eco-developed fertilizer even in the presence of pesticides. Chicory grown using eco-developed or organic fertilizer was more effective in suppressing the proliferation of HepG2 cells when compared to chicory grown with chemical fertilizer. This effect was time dependent, regardless of treatment with or without pesticides. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of chicory were affected by the presence or absence of pesticides. However, developed and organic fertilizers showed a strong anti-proliferative effect against HepG2 cells, regardless of the presence or absence of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Red ginseng is prepared by steaming raw ginseng, a process believed to increase the pharmacological efficacy. Further bioconversion of red ginseng through fermentation is known to increase its intestinal absorption and bioactivity, and bioconversion diminishes the toxicity of red ginseng’s metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of daily supplementation with fermented red ginseng (FRG) on glycemic status in subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes. Methods: This study was a four-week long, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-two subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to two groups assigned to consume either the placebo or fermented red ginseng (FRG) three times per day for four weeks. Fasting and postprandial glucose profiles during meal tolerance tests were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: FRG supplementation led to a significant reduction in postprandial glucose levels and led to an increase in postprandial insulin levels compared to the placebo group. There was a consistently significant improvement in the glucose area under the curve (AUC) in the FRG group. However, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were not different from the placebo group. Conclusion: Daily supplementation with FRG lowered postprandial glucose levels in subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined the therapeutic effects of Gastrodia elata Blume on Alzheimer's disease. Topics discussed include the establishment of a rat model of Alzheimer's disease, the improvement in the spatial memory of Alzheimer's disease rats and the reduction in the number of amyloid deposits in the rats' hippocampus. Also mentioned are the results of Western blot analysis and Ellman method conducted on the rats.

Background: Previous animal studies have shown that Curcuma longa (turmeric) improves liver function. Turmeric may thus be a promising ingredient in functional foods aimed at improving liver function. The purpose of the study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of fermented turmeric powder (FTP) on liver function in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. Methods: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted between November 2010 and April 2012 at the clinical trial center for functional foods of the Chonbuk National University Hospital. The trial included 60 subjects, 20 years old and above, who were diagnosed mild to moderate elevated ALT levels between 40 IU/L and 200 IU/L. Sixty subjects were randomised to receive FTP 3.0 g per day or placebo 3.0 g per day for 12 weeks. The treatment group received two capsules of FTP three times a day after meals, for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in the ALT levels in the two groups. The secondary efficacy endpoints included its effect on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), and lipid profiles. Safety was assessed throughout the study using ongoing laboratory tests. Adverse events (AEs) were also recorded. Results: Sixty subjects were randomised in the study (30 into the FTP group, 30 into the placebo group), and among them, twelve subjects were excluded from the analysis for protocol violation, adverse events or consent withdrawal. The two groups did not differ in baseline characteristics. After 12 weeks of treatment, 48 subjects were evaluated. Of the 48 subjects, 26 randomly received FTP capsules and 22 received placebo. The FTP group showed a significant reduction in ALT levels after 12 weeks of treatment compared with the placebo group (p = 0.019). There was also observed that the serum AST levels were significantly reduce in the FTP group than placebo group (p = 0.02). The GGT levels showed a tendency to decrease, while the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), TB, and lipids levels were not modified. There were no reported severe AEs during this study, or abnormalities observed on blood glucose, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels. Conclusion: The data of this trial indicate that FTP is effective and safe, generally well-tolerated without severe AEs, in the treatment of subjects with elevated ALT levels over a 12 weeks period. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01634256 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health benefits of Kochujang (KCJ) and its bioactive compounds have been reported in several in vitro and animal studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of KCJ supplementation on body composition and blood lipid profiles in overweight adults. Methods: Sixty overweight men and women with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) ≥0.90 for men and ≥0.85 for women were randomly assigned to a KCJ supplement (n=30, 32 g/day) or placebo (n=30, 32 g/day) group for a 12-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study. We measured anthropometric parameters, serum lipid profiles, abdominal fat distribution by computerized tomography and calculated the atherosclerosis indices in 53 subjects (n=26 in KCJ group, n=27 in placebo group) who completed the study. Results: After 12 weeks, the KCJ group showed a significant reduction in visceral fat (cm2) (p<0.05), although body weight (kg) and WHR did not change. Serum concentration of triglycerides and ApoB were decreased when compared to those of the placebo group. Conclusion: KCJ supplementation (32 g/day) for 12 weeks in overweight adults showed anti-atherosclerotic and anti-obesogenic effects. Trial registeration: Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT01532375. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive role of epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG, a derivative of green tea) in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of isolated rat hearts. It has been suggested that EGCG has beneficial health effects, including prevention of cancer and heart disease, and it is also a potent antioxidant. Rat hearts were subjected to 20 min of normoxia, 20 min of zero-flow ischemia and then 50 min of reperfusion. EGCG was perfused 10 min before ischemia and during the whole reperfusion period. EGCG significantly increased left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and increased maximum positive and negative dP/dt (+ /-dP/dtmax). EGCG also significantly increased the coronary flow (CF) at baseline before ischemia and at the onset of the reperfusion period. Moreover, EGCG decreased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP). This study showed that lipid peroxydation was inhibited and Mn-SOD and catalase expressions were increased in the presence of EGCG. In addition, EGCG increased levels of Bcl-2, Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase expression and decreased levels of Bax and increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in isolated rat hearts. Cleaved caspase-3 was decreased after EGCG treatment. EGCG markedly decreased the infarct size while attenuating the increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the effluent. In summary, we suggest that EGCG has a protective effect on I/R-associated hemodynamic alteration and injury by acting as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent in one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigates whether sodium para-amino salicylic dihydrate could block manganese-induced apoptosis in SK-N-MC neurons. It performs cell viability and dichlorofluorescin diacetate analysis to measure reactive oxygen species. Results show that manganese chloride has decreased in the viability of SK-N-MC cells while sodium para-amino salicylic dihydrate inhibits manganese-induced apoptosis in neurons.

Aim: To characterize the effects of papaverine on HERG channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes as well as cardiac action potential in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Methods: Conventional microelectrodes were used to record action potential in rabbit ventricular myocytes. HERG currents were recorded by 2-electrode voltage clamp technique in Xenopus oocytes injected with HERG cRNA. Results: Papaverine increased the cardiac action potential duration in rabbit ventricular myocytes. It blocked heterologously-expressed HERG currents in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 71.03±4.75 μmol/L, NH 0.80, n=6), whereas another phosphodiesterase inhibitor, theophylline (500 μmol/L), did not. The blockade of papaverine on HERG currents was not voltage-dependent. The slope conductance measured as a slope of the fully activated HERG current-voltage curves decreased from 78.03±4.25 μS of the control to 56.84±5.33, 36.06±6.53, and 27.09±5.50 μS ( n=4) by 30, 100, and 300 μmol/L of papaverine, respectively. Papaverine (100 μmol/L) caused a 9 mV hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of steady-state inactivation, but there were no changes in the voltage-dependence of HERG current activation. Papaverine blocked HERG channels in the closed, open, and inactivated states. Conclusion: These results showed that papaverine blocked HERG channels in a voltage- and state-independent manner, which may most likely be the major mechanism of papaverine-induced cardiac arrhythmia reported in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bax inhibitor 1 (BI-1), a transmembrane protein with Ca2+ channel-like activity, has antiapoptotic and anticancer activities. Cells overexpressing BI-1 demonstrated increased cell adhesion. Using a proteomics tool, we found that BI-1 interacted with γ-actin via leucines 221 and 225 and could control actin polymerization and cell adhesion. Among BI-1-/- cells and cells transfected with BI-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA), levels of actin polymerization and cell adhesion were lower than those among BI-1+/+ cells and cells transfected with nonspecific siRNA. BI-1 acts as a leaky Ca2+ channel, but mutations of the actin binding sites (L221A, L225A, and L221A/L225A) did not change intra-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+, although deleting the C-terminal motif (EKDKKKEKK) did. However, store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is activated in cells expressing BI-1 but not in cells expressing actin binding site mutants, even those with the intact C-terminal motif. Consistently, actin polymerization and cell adhesion were inhibited among all the mutant cells. Compared to BI-1+/+ cells, BI-1-/- cells inhibited SOCE, actin polymerization, and cell adhesion. Endogenous BI-1 knockdown cells showed a similar pattern. The C-terminal peptide of BI-1 (LMMLILAMNRKDKKKEKK) polymerized actin even after the deletion of four or six charged C-terminal residues. This indicates that the actin binding site containing L221 to D231 of BI-1 is responsible for actin interaction and that the C-terminal motif has only a supporting role. The intact C-terminal peptide also bundled actin and increased cell adhesion. The results of experiments with whole recombinant BI-1 reconstituted in membranes also coincide well with the results obtained with peptides. In summary, BI-1 increased actin polymerization and cell adhesion through Ca2+ regulation and actin interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the molecular mechanism by which Bax inhibitor 1 (BI1) abrogates the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Electron uncoupling between NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase (NPR) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (P450 2E1) is a major source of ROS on the ER membrane. ER stress produced ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation of the ER membrane, but BI1 reduced this accumulation. Under ER stress, expression of P450 2E1 in control cells was upregulated more than in BI1-overexpressing cells. In control cells, inhibiting P450 2E1 through chemical or siRNA approaches suppressed ROS accumulation, ER membrane lipid peroxidation and the resultant cell death after ER stress. However, it had little effect in BI1-overexpressing cells. In addition, BI1 knock down also increased ROS accumulation and expression of P450 2E1. In a reconstituted phospholipid membrane containing purified BI1, NPR and P450 2E1, BI1 dose-dependently decreased the production of ROS. BI1 bound to NPR with higher affinity than P450 2E1. Furthermore, BI1 overexpression reduced the interaction of NPR and P450 2E1, and decreased the catalytic activity of P450 2E1, suggesting that the flow of electrons from NPR to P450 2E1 can be modulated by BI1. In summary, BI1 reduces the accumulation of ROS and the resultant cell death through regulating P450 2E1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]