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This study compared aroma compositions and sensory aroma attributes of raw and cooked Tenebrio molitor larvae (mealworms). Main sensory aroma attributes of raw mealworms were strong wet-soil-like, and less-intense oily, shrimp-like and sweet-corn-like. Quantitatively, the major aroma components of raw mealworms were hydrocarbons and aldehydes. As cooking proceeded, sweet-corn-like, roasted, and fried-oil-like sensory attributes were increasingly perceived with steaming, roasting, and frying, respectively. Some pyrazines, pyrrolidines, and carbonyls increased or appeared in roasted and fried mealworms. Partial least squares regression also showed differences in raw and cooked mealworms based on aroma components and their sensory attributes. Unlike raw mealworms, steamed mealworms had a relatively strong sweet-corn-like aroma attribute, which was related to 2,4,6-trimethyl-heptane, 2,4-dimethyl-dodecane, and 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyran-4-one. In comparison, roasted and fried mealworms exhibited roasted, shrimp-like, and fried-oil-like aroma attributes, which were associated with intermediates of the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation, such as pyrazines, alcohols, and aldehydes. This result during thermal reactions was very similar to those of meat and/or seafood. The use of mealworms as a savory-type flavor enhancer can be expected.

Adenophora triphylla var. japonica extract has been reported to have estrogenic activity and beneficial effects in postmenopausal women requiring estrogen replacement therapy. This study investigated the effects of A. triphylla extract on cognitive function in ovariectomized mice. Water extracts fro...

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of 80% methanol and water extracts from mustard leaf kimchi during different fermentation periods. The methanol extract exhibited higher TPC and TFC than the water extract. Both extracts from kimchi fermented for two months showed the highest antioxidant effects against the scavenging activities of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2,2-azino-bis diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals. Moreover, the methanol extract from kimchi fermented for two months showed the highest nitrite scavenging activity. The highest metal (Fe2+) chelating effect of the methanol extract and water extract was observed after three months and one month, respectively. Caffeic acid showed the highest increase with fermentation. These findings suggest that the antioxidant activities of kimchi depend on the fermentation period. Accordingly, this study provides basic data for improving the antioxidant activity of mustard leaf kimchi through the establishment of their fermentation period.

Nutritional and physicochemical changes of mustard leaf kimchi were examined during fermentation periods up to 3 months. As the fermentation processed, pH decreased, and titratable acidity gradually increased. The crude ash and protein contents increased during fermentation, but crude lipid content was significantly reduced from 5.97 to 5.07%. Crude fiber and carbohydrate showed no distinct changes. Dietary fiber contents were slowly changed between control and 1 month fermentation sample, and were maintained thereafter. The major free sugars of mustard leaf kimchi were fructose and glucose, and the amount of them were significantly decreased at the end of fermentation stage. Lactic acid showed a dramatic increase and reached its maximum at 3 months. All kimchi contained 20 amino acids; in particular, glutamic acid was the highest in mustard leaf kimchi. Amino acid contents fluctuated during fermentation. Except for calcium and selenium, the content of other ingredients (Fe, K, Mg, Na, and Zn) increased with prolonged fermentation time. Fermentation promotes a significant increasing in the content of linoleic acid and DHA. The highest antioxidant vitamins (β-carotene, tocopherol) contents were determined at mustard leaf kimchi fermented for 2 months. The results will provide fundamental data for proposing an appropriate fermentation periods to promote quality of kimchi

This study was designed to improve the sensory characteristics and mitigate the bitter taste of Platycodon gradiflorum. It was aimed at investigating the qualitative properties of fermented P. gradiflorum after repeated steaming and drying treatments. P. gradiflorum was heated for 2 hr at 95°C, being the first and third treatments compared afterwards. Lactobacillus plantarum, at a concentration of 10%, was used as starter culture. As a result, the third steaming process and the addition of starter improved the physical and chemical properties of P. gradiflorum i.e., crude saponin and total polyphenol contents increased significantly. Moreover, P. gradiflorum steamed three times and fermented by L. plantarum showed the higher overall preference score. Our results indicated that the three-time steaming and drying was an effective manufacturing process for the production of high-quality fermented P. gradiflorum. Lactic acid-fermented P. gradiflorum also could have a potential use as a valuable resource for the development of functional products.

We investigated the antihypertensive effects of Artemisia scoparia (AS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The rats were fed diets containing 2% (w/w) hot water extracts of AS aerial parts for 6 weeks. The AS group had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels than the control group. The AS group also had lower angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activity and angiotensin II content in serum compared to the control group. The AS group showed higher vascular endothelial growth factor and lower ras homolog gene family member A expression levels in kidney compared to the control group. The AS group had significantly lower levels of plasma lipid oxidation and protein carbonyls than the control group. One new and six known compounds were isolated from AS by guided purification. The new compound was determined to be 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoyl (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl benzoate, based on its nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy data.

Effects of steeping temperature (15, 25, and 35°C) and steeping period (1, 11, and 21 days) on volatile compounds isolated from waxy rice and gangjeong made using steeped waxy rice were evaluated. Six acids, 4 alcohols, 2 carbonyls, 1 furan, and 2 hydrocarbons were detected in waxy rice. Acids and alcohols accounted for the majority of isolated compounds. Compositions of volatile compounds differed according to steeping temperature and time, probably due to changes in microorganisms and enzymes. Forty volatile compounds were isolated from gangjeong made using steeped waxy rice, including 3 acids, 7 alcohols, 10 carbonyls, 1 furan, 10 terpene hydrocarbons, 5 aliphatic hydrocarbons, 2 sulfur-containing compounds, and 2 miscellaneous compounds. Most volatiles were generated via lipid oxidation and decomposition. 2-Pentyl furan was the major volatile compound in gangjeong. Volatile aroma compounds from waxy rice and gangjeong made using steeped waxy rice varied according to steeping conditions and frying processes.

In accordance to the increasing number of death due to cancer and side effects of chemotherapy, attention has recently focused on combined treatment of natural component and anti-tumor agent. Therefore development of safe and effective functional substances derived from natural materials is required. The emergence of various functional activities of Rubus coreanus Miquel, such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, etc. is continuously increasing its consumption. To utilize the above activities, many products developed by using Rubus coreanus Miquel extracts in the areas of foods, liquors, and cosmetics and medicines. In this review, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory activity and patents of Rubus coreanus Miquel are summarized. Further studies are needed to search for development of functional material from natural origin and various application possibility using stem, leaf and fruit of Rubus coreanus Miquel.

Petasites japonicus is a traditional medicine in Korea for treating carcinoma, bronchitis, and asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms of anti-cancer activity are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to confirm the anti-cancer activity of P. japonicus and its mechanism. Apoptosis was examined using morphological observation of nuclear changes and flow cytometry. Activation of apoptosis-related markers was detected. P. japonicus extract significantly inhibited HeLa cell growth in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of apoptosis by P. japonicus was mediated by up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. P. japonicus also activated caspase-9, capspase-3, and PARP, indicating induction of the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptosis pathway. We also confirmed that administration of P. japonicus significantly reduced tumor weight in the xenografted mice. Thus, P. japonicus was effective for inhibiting tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis, suggesting its usefulness as a potential anti-cancer agent.

Background Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. is a medicinal plant with physiological activities such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and in vitro anti-diabetic activity. However, the effects of aqueous extracts from A. pilosa on insulin-resistant rats have not yet been examined. We investigated the effects of aqueous extract from A. pilosa on impaired glucose metabolism induced by a high-fat diet in rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the following groups: normal-fat diet (NF, n = 9); high-fat diet (HF, n = 9); high-fat diet with 0.1% A. pilosa aqueous extract (HFA, n = 10). Experimental diets were administered for 16 weeks. At the end of the treatment, liver and fat tissues were isolated, and serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Results The HF group rats had a significantly higher liver weight than the NF group rats did, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation (p

Oxidative stress and inflammation are common to many pathological conditions. Defense mechanisms protect cells from oxidative stress, but can become over-activated following injury and inflammation. NF-κB and Nrf2 transcription factors regulate proinflammatory and antioxidant gene expression, respectively. Studies have shown that many natural dietary compounds regulate NF-κB and Nrf2, preventing inflammation and oxidative stress. Here, we report major compounds of Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina such as rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and caffeic acid as a potential therapeutic for oxidative stress and inflammation. The major compounds exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting NO, PGE2 production, NF-κB expression and activating Nrf2 expression. In addition, we examined the effect of major compounds on MafK expression. Among the compounds, oleanolic acid significantly decreased MafK expression and MafK-mediated p65 acetylation. These findings suggest that oleanolic acid as NF-κB inhibitors can potentially be used in therapeutic applications for the treatment of oxidative stressnduced diseases. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(9): 524-529]

Pathological increases in adipogenic potential with decreases in osteogenic differentiation occur in osteoporotic bone marrow cells. Previous studies have shown that bioactive materials isolated from natural products can reciprocally regulate adipogenic and osteogenic fates of bone marrow cells. In this study, we showed that Eupatorium japonicum stem extracts (EJE) suppressed lipid accumulation and inhibited the expression of adipocyte markers in multipotent C3H10T1/2 and primary bone marrow cells. Conversely, EJE stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and induced the expression of osteoblast markers in C3H10T1/2 and primary bone marrow cells. Daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg of EJE for 6 weeks to ovariectomized rats prevented body weight increase and bone mineral density decrease. Finally, activity-guided fractionation led to the identification of coumaric acid and coumaric acid methyl ester as bioactive anti-adipogenic and pro-osteogenic components in EJE. Taken together, our data indicate a promising possibility of E. japonicum as a functional food and as a therapeutic intervention for preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures.

This study investigated the estrogen-like activity of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica, which has been shown to have pharmacological activities. Water extracts from A. triphylla (ATWE) could bind to estrogen receptors and displaced binding of E2 to ERα and ERβ. ATWE stimulated the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 cells in a dose dependent manner (p

This study was undertaken to evaluate the change of major nutrient components in boiled broth of anchovy, fish paste, sea tangle, and radish subjected to the boiling processing. The crude protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates in anchovy boiled broth were 0.1%, 0.04%, 0.1%, and 0% respectively as against 0.04%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% in fish paste boiled broth. The protein content in the anchovy boiled broth, the fat and carbohydrate in the fish paste boiled broth, and the ash in the sea tangle boiled broth were high. Major components of the minerals were sodium plus potassium and the boiled broth in anchovy and fish paste had the contents of 19.41 plus 16.19 and 76.77 plus 10.41 mg, respectively. Especially, the potassium in boiled broth of the sea tangle was shown the highest content of 85.94 mg. The Vitamin B1 content in all broth samples were below 0.01 mg per 100 g edible portion. In the case of the B2 content, the anchovy boiled broth had 0.03 mg per 100 g edible portion. On the other hand, the niacin content of the boiled broth on a wet weight basis was detected at an average 0.1 mg. Vit. A, C, tocopherol, and cholesterol was not detected in the boiled broth of any of the subjects. As a result of applying the data of boiled broth in the fish paste soup instead of anchovy and sea tangle which are non-edible, the calcium, dietary fiber, and vitamin A were shown to have a difference of less than 50%.

This study investigated the antioxidant activities of processed Deoduck (Codonopsis lanceolata) extracts treated through high-pressure extraction and steaming with fermentation. The antioxidant activities were determined for DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity, SOD-like activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and chelating. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also measured. Among eight Deoduck extracts, the S5FDW extract had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, 73.9 mg GAE/g and 50.9 mg QUE/g, respectively. The S5FDW extract had the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity (27%) at a 1.0 mg/mL concentration. The ABTS radical-scavenging activity was highest for S5FDW extract (82.1%) at a 10 mg/mL concentration. The HFDE extract showed the highest SOD-like activity (29.7%) at a 1.0 mg/mL concentration. FRAP was highest in S5FDW extract (140.8 ) at a 1.0 mg/mL concentration. The DE extract showed the highest chelating (46%) at a 1.0 mg/mL concentration. The phenolic and flavonoid contents significantly correlated with the antioxidant activity of several processed Deoduck extracts and was higher in the processed Deoduck extracts compared to the raw Deoduck extracts. Therefore, processing techniques can be useful methods for making Deoduck a more potent and natural antioxidant.

This study was aimed to determine the changes in vitamin B5 and B6 contents compared to fresh materials after parboiling treatment of the main vegetables consumed in Korea. The specificity of accuracy and precision for vitamin B5 and B6 analysis method were validated using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The recovery rate of standard reference material (SRM) was excellent, and all analysis was under the control line based on the quality control chart for vitamin B5 and B6. The Z-score for vitamin B6 in food analysis performance assessment scheme (FAPAS) proficiency test was -1.0, confirming reliability of analytical performance. The vitamin B5 and B6 contents in a total of 39 fresh materials and parboiled samples were analyzed. The contents of vitamin B5 and B6 ranged from 0.000 to 2.462 and from 0.000 to 0.127 mg · 100g -1 , respectively. The highest contents of vitamin B5 and B6 were 2.462 mg · 100g -1 in fresh fatsia shoots (stem vegetables), and 0.127 mg · 100g -1 in fresh spinach beet (leafy vegetables), respectively. Moreover, the vitamin B5 and B6 contents for parboiling treatment in most vegetables were reduced or not detected. In particular, the contents of vitamin B5 in parboiled fatsia shoots and vitamin B6 in parboiled yellow potato and spinach beet were decreased 20- and 4-fold compared with fresh material, respectively. These results can be used as important basic data for utilization and processing of various vegetable crops, information for dietary life, management of school meals, and national health for Koreans.

Hot and spicy flavor grading in hot pepper powder for gochujang in various cultivars was studied using sensory and physicochemical characteristics. Chungyang, which had the highest capsaicin content had very low redness a value of 17.49 representing stronger red color does not relate to the stronger hot and spicy flavor. Sen sory results showed that chungyang had significantly the highest value of hot and spicy aroma and flavor of 5.73 and 7.87, respectively(p

We conducted differential hybridization using two different tissues (caryopses as a tester and pericarps as a driver) 14 days after fertilization (DAF) to characterize the molecular mechanisms inherent to barley kernel development. Genes that were predominantly expressed in caryopsis were then sequenced and divided into nine categories based on their putative functions. The transcripts of Hordeum vulgare disulfide isomerase (HvPDI), a cDNA encoding disulfide isomerase, were detected in abundance in the caryopses but were expressed only weakly in the pericarps, stems, and leaves. Additionally, expression of HvPDI was abundant in 5-DAF kernels; however, its expression gradually decreased to 20 DAF. In situ hybridization revealed that HvPDI transcripts were detected primarily in the starch endosperm, located near the aleurone layer, during the later stages of kernel development (i.e., 14 and 20 DAF). The HvPDI gene was up-regulated as a result of several different plant hormone treatments, including treatment with ABA, GA3, benzyladenine, and methyl jasmonate. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms inherent in kernel development and assembly of seed storage proteins for accumulation into caryopses.

Sesamum indicum L. was used as an important oil crop in the world. An efficient protocol for in vitro plant regeneration via adventitious shoot formation from deem-bryonated cotyledon explants isolated from mature seeds of sesame is developed. Optimal medium for direct adventitious shoot formation was Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 22.2 μM 6-benzylaminopurin (BA) and 5.7 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Abscisic acid (3.8 μM ABA) and AgNO3 (29.4 μM) were effective in enhancing the frequency of adventitious shoot formation. Preculture of cotyledon explants on high sucrose concentration (6–9%) for 2 wk and subsequent transfer to 3% sucrose enhanced the frequency of adventitious shoot induction. Root formation from the adventitious shoots was easily achieved on MS medium containing 2.7 μM of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized on sand and peat moss (1:1), showing 95% survival with subsequent flowering and seed set. We established the high-frequency plant rege...

Aroma compounds in four different Byeolmijang made from optional ingredient addition were extracted by SDE (simultaneous steam distillation extraction) and analyzed with GC (gas chromatography) and GC/MS (mass-spectrometry). The major aroma compounds in the four different Byeolmijang during aging were 1-octene-3-ol, hexanal, benzeneacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, fufural, pyrazine, furan and phenol type compounds. Generally, benzeneacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, fufural and phenol type compounds were increased during aging. On the other hand, 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal and furan were decreased during aging. Furfural, 2-furanmathanol and benzeneacetaldehyde in Sanghwangjang, 3-methyl-1-butanol, phenol and 1H-indole in Mujang, hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol and 2,4-decadienal in Bizijang and hexanal, tetramethylpyrazine and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol in Jigeumjang were identified as major aroma compounds, respectively. Generally, the major aroma compound in four different Byeolmijang with optional ingredient was similar with control and pyrazine, furan and phenol type compounds were decreased to addition with optional ingredient. The major aroma compound in Sanghwangjang with optional ingredient (onion) were 1-hexanol and 2,5-dimethylthiophene and the major aroma compounds were 1,2,4-trithiolane and 2-buthyl-2-octenal in Mujang with optional ingredient (Letinus edodes). Furfural, benzaldehyde, benzeneacetaldehyde, 1,2,4-trithiolane and lenthionine were detected in Bizijang due to the addition of powdered Letinus edodes. Linaool and were detected in Jigeumjang due to the addition of powdered red pepper.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of Se on modulating the immune system and antioxidant responses in broiler chickens with experimental necrotic enteritis. Broiler eggs were injected at 18 d of embryo age with either 100 μL of PBS alone or sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) in PBS, providing 0 (SS0), 10 (SS10), or 20 (SS20) μg of Se/egg. At 14 d posthatch, PBS-treated and uninfected chickens were kept as the control group, whereas the remaining chickens were orally infected with 1.0 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria maxima (SS0, SS10, SS20). At 18 d posthatch, E. maxima-infected chickens were orally infected with 1.0 × 10(9) cfu of Clostridium perfringens. Infected control SS0 group showed significantly decreased BW compared with the uninfected control. However, SS20 group showed significantly increased BW compared with the infected control SS0 group, whereas the BW were similar among uninfected control and infected SS10 and SS20 groups. The SS10 group showed significantly lower intestinal lesions compared with the SS0 group, and oocyst production was decreased in both SS10 and SS20 groups. Serum malondialdehyde level and catalase activity were also decreased in both SS10 and SS20 groups, whereas the superoxide dismutase level was significantly lower in the SS10 group compared with the SS0 group. The SS20 group showed significantly higher levels of transcripts for IL-1β and IL-6 in intestine, and SS10 and SS20 groups had higher levels of transcripts for IL-8 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and decreased glutathione peroxidase 7 mRNA levels compared with the SS0 group. The SS10 and SS20 groups also showed increased serum antibody levels to C. perfringens α-toxin and NetB toxin compared with the SS0 group. These collective results suggest that the injection of Se into the amniotic cavity of developing eggs may be beneficial for enhancing immune and antioxidant responses in the hatched chickens exposed to the necrotic enteritis-causing pathogens.

Chungkuk-jang (hereafter referred to simply as jang), a traditional fermented soybean product in Korea, is manufactured by a process similar to that of Japanese itohiki-natto (referred to as natto). The bacteria isolated from jang were identified to belong to Bacillus subtilis (Ehrenberg) Cohn. The quality of jang manufactured with the isolated bacteria and two kinds of natto bacilli, B. subtilis (natto) KFP2 and KFP419, was evaluated to be as good in sensory evaluation except for the viscosity. Therefore, the isolated bacteria were estimated as B. subtilis (natto). In jang, soybean proteins were degraded to increase soluble and formol nitrogens. Sticky materials were produced, and natto-like flavor was emitted. Jang prepared in the laboratory showed elastase activity, and it was twice-to-three-times higher than that of the commercial product. While jang is a different product from that of natto, both products contain the common starter and elastase.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovo administration of selenium (Se) incorporated into hydrolyzed soybean protein (B-Taxim [BT]) on protection against experimental avian necrotic enteritis (NE). Broiler eggs were injected with either 100 μl of PBS alone (BT0), or 20 or 40 μg/egg of BT in PBS (BT20, BT40) at 18 days of embryogenesis. On day 14 post-hatch, the chickens were uninfected or orally infected with 1.0 × 10(4) oocysts of Eimeria maxima (E. maxima). On day 18 post-hatch, E. maxima-infected chickens were orally infected with 1.0 × 10(9) CFU of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). Compared with untreated and infected BT0 controls, BT20 and/or BT40 birds showed increased body weights, decreased fecal shedding of E. maxima oocysts, lower serum α-toxin and NetB levels, increased levels of serum antibodies against C. perfringens α-toxin and NetB toxin, decreased levels of serum malondialdehyde, reduced serum catalase and superoxide dismutase catalytic activities, and increased intestinal levels of gene transcripts encoding interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and peroxiredoxin-6, but decreased levels of transcripts for catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, transcript levels for inducible nitric oxide synthase and paraoxonase/arylesterase 2 were decreased in the BT20 group and increased in the BT40 group, compared with BT0 controls. These results indicate that in ovo administration of broiler chickens with a Se-containing protein hydrolysate enhanced protection against experimental NE possibly by altering the expression of proinflammatory and anti-oxidant genes and their downstream pathways.

Background Recently, considerable attention has been focused on exploring the potential antioxidant properties of plant extracts or isolated products of plant origin. Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina is widely distributed in Korea, Japan, China, and Europe, and it continues to be used to treat inflammation, eye pain, headache, and dizziness. However, reports on the antioxidant activities of P. vulgaris var. lilacina are limited, particularly concerning the relationship between its phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anticancer activities of an ethanol extract from P. vulgaris var. lilacina and its fractions. Methods Dried powder of P. vulgaris var. lilacina was extracted with ethanol, and the extract was fractionated to produce the hexane fraction, butanol fraction, chloroform fraction and residual water fraction. The phenolic content was assayed using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. Subsequently, the antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract and its fractions were analyzed employing various antioxidant assay methods including DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, SOD activity and production of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the extract and fractions were assayed for their ability to exert cytotoxic activities on various cancer cells using the MTT assay. We also investigated the expression of genes associated with apoptotic cell death by RT-PCR. Results The total phenolic contents of the ethanol extract and water fraction of P. vulgaris var. lilacina were 303.66 and 322.80 mg GAE/g dry weight (or fractions), respectively. The results showed that the ethanol extract and the water fraction of P. vulgaris var. lilacina had higher antioxidant content than other solvent fractions, similar to their total phenolic content. Anticancer activity was also tested using the HepG2, HT29, A549, MKN45 and HeLa cancer cell lines. The results clearly demonstrated that the P. vulgaris var. lilacina ethanol extract induced significant cytotoxic effects on the various cancer cell lines, and these effects were stronger than those induced by the P. vulgaris var. lilacina solvent fractions. We also investigated the expression of genes associated with apoptotic cell death. We confirmed that the P. vulgaris var. lilacina ethanol extract and water fraction significantly increased the expression of p53, Bax and Fas. Conclusions These results suggest that the ethanol extract from P. vulgaris var. lilacina and its fractions could be applied as natural sources of antioxidants and anticancer activities in food and in the pharmaceutical industry.

Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina, a herbal medicine, has long been used in Korea for the treatment of sore throat, and to alleviate fever and accelerate wound healing. Although the therapeutic effect of P. vulgaris var. lilacina is likely associated with anti-inflammatory activity, the precise underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we sought to elucidate the possible mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of the various solvent fractions (hexane, butanol, chloroform and water) from the ethanol extract of P. vulgaris var. lilacina in activated macrophages. The hexane fraction exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activities, inducing inhibition of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Moreover, the hexane fraction from P. vulgaris var. lilacina significantly inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p50 and p65 subunits. These results indicate that P. vulgaris var. lilacina has an anti-inflammatory capacity in vitro, suggesting that it could be a potential source of natural anti-inflammatory agents.

Background Postmenopausal women experience estrogen deficiency-related menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes and mood swings) and a dramatic increase in the incidence of chronic diseases. Although estrogen-replacement therapy (ERT) can reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease and improve osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms, its side effects have limited recent use. This study investigated the estrogen-like activity of aqueous extract from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. Methods The estrogenic activity of A. pilosa was investigated by using several in vitro assays. The binding activity of A. pilosa on estrogen receptors was examined using a fluorescence polarization-based competitive binding assay. The proliferative activity of A. pilosa was also examined using MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the effect of A. pilosa on the expression of 3 estrogen-dependent genes was assessed. Results Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the 3 major peaks of A. pilosa aqueous extract were identified as apigenin-hexose, luteolin-glucuronide, and apigenin-glucuronide. The aqueous extract induced the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 cells (p A. pilosa-stimulated proliferation was blocked on adding the estrogen antagonist ICI 182,780. Moreover, A. pilosa treatment increased the mRNA expression of the estrogen-responsive genes pS2 and PR (p Conclusions These results suggest A. pilosa can be used to improve estrogen deficiency-related menopausal symptoms or to treat diseases in postmenopausal women.

The leaves and stems of the plant Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCMLS) are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which have antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue and anti-cancer effects. However, RCMLS is not included in the Korean Food Standards Codex due to the lack of safety assurance concerning RCMLS. We evaluated single and repeated oral dose toxicity of RCMLS in Sprague-Dawley rats. RCMLS did not induce any significant toxicological changes in both male and female rats at a single doses of 2500 mg/kg/day. Repeated oral dose toxicity studies showed no adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, necropsy findings, organ weight, and histopathology at doses of 625, 1250, and 2500 mg/kg/day. The LD50 and LOAEL of RCMLS might be over 2500 mg/kg body weight/day and no target organs were identified. Therefore, this study revealed that single and repeated oral doses of RCMLS are safe.