Search

Kombucha is a healthy carbonated beverage made by fermenting tea extracts such as green tea and black tea through symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. In this study, fermentation characteristics and radical scavenging activity of ginseng berry kombucha (GBK) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae M-5 and Gluconobacter oxydans were measured. As fermentation time increased, pH decreased and titratable acidity increased. Reducing sugars decreased rapidly on day 3. Alcohol content increased dramatically during this period and then decreased. GBK showed increased radical scavenging activity and increased total flavonoid content on day 18 of fermentation compared to before fermentation. In particular, during GBK fermentation, the content of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid (2.09-fold) and chlorogenic acid (2.11-fold) increased, contributing to antioxidant activity. In addition, the major ginsenosides of GBK were identified as Rg2 (10.1 μg/mg) and Re (6.59 μg/mg), and the content of minor ginsenosides, which are easily absorbed forms, increased 2.19-fold by fermentation. GBK also extended survival in a Drosophila model treated with 15% hydrogen peroxide. GBK also reduced reactive oxygen species (p

Chitin is mostly produced from crustaceans, but it is difficult to supply raw materials due to marine pollution, and the commonly used chemical chitin extraction method is not environmentally friendly. Therefore, this study aims to establish a chitin extraction process using enzymes and to develop edible insect-derived chitin as an eco-friendly new material. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis. The optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis by RSM were determined to be the substrate concentration (7.5%), enzyme concentration (80 μL/g), and reaction time (24 h). The solubility and DDA of the mealworm chitosan were 45% and 37%, respectively, and those of the commercial chitosan were 61% and 57%, respectively. In regard to the thermodynamic properties, the exothermic peak of mealworm chitin was similar to that of commercial chitin. In the FT-IR spectrum, a band was observed in mealworm chitin corresponding to the C=O of the NHCOCH3 group at 1645 cm−1, but this band showed low-intensity C=O in the mealworm chitosan due to deacetylation. Collectively, mealworm chitosan shows almost similar physical and chemical properties to commercial chitosan. Therefore, it is shown that an eco-friendly process can be introduced into chitosan production by using enzyme-extracted mealworms for chitin/chitosan production.

In this study, explosion puffing was attempted to convert ginsenosides after fermentation. Fermented ginseng was used to measure changes in ingredients including ginsenosides before and after explosive puffing, and changes in radical scavenging capacity and intestinal absorption were evaluated. Explosive puffing process (7.5 and 10 kgf cm−2) after fermentation showed significant changes in the content of major and minor ginsenosides and the radical scavenging activities compared to normal or fermentation ginseng. In the case of ginseng treated with puffing after fermentation, the amount of polyphenols absorbed into the intestine tended to increase significantly compared to normal or fermentation ginseng. In the transmittance of ginsenoside metabolite, explosive puffed ginseng showed a significant increase in transmittance after 3 h compared to normal and fermentation-treated ginseng. These results are expected that ginseng with increased absorption rate by explosive puffing treatment after fermentation will have higher activity than existing ginseng or fermented ginseng.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a mixture of multi-strain probiotics and prebiotics on loperamide-induced constipation in Sprague-Dawley rats. A multi-strain probiotics alone (loperamide-induced group with multi-strain probiotics mixture group; Lop-Pro) and a mixture of multi-strain probiotics and prebiotics (loperamide-induced group with multi-strain probiotics and prebiotics mixture group; Lop-Pro/Pre) were administered orally after inducing constipation. The fecal water content was significantly higher (by 42%) in the Lop-Pro/Pre group (33.5%) than in the loperamide-induced group (Lop) (23.7%) (p

Rice is a staple food in Korea. The protein in rice reportedly contains higher levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) than proteins in other grains. Taking BCAAs during exercise can reduce muscle fatigue by reducing muscle glycogen depletion. However, there are limited studies reporting the anti-fatigue effect of rice protein. We investigate the muscular endurance and anti-fatigue effects of the protein hydrolysate of rice syrup meal in mouse models. BALB/C mice were divided into the following groups: control (CON), low and high dose rice syrup meal (RL: 1.5 g kg−1; RH: 3.0 g kg−1), and low and high dose protein hydrolysate of rice syrup meal (PL: 1.5 g kg−1; PH: 3.0 g kg−1). The total activity during a forced swimming test was analyzed by a behavioral assay. The mutual relationship between the anti-fatigue activity and energy metabolism was assessed by biochemical, enzyme activity, and gene expression analyses. The protein hydrolysate of rice syrup meal contained 32.18 mg g−1 BCAAs, such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, and its BCAA ratio (2.5 : 1.0 : 1.4) was considered effective for endurance exercise. Furthermore, PH administration significantly increased the change in the maximum swimming duration by 4.2 min (3.77 ± 0.74 min) compared to that of the CON group (−0.42 ± 0.55 min, p < 0.01). The PH group showed significantly different changes in the blood glucose and lactate levels compared with the CON group; similarly, the aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase levels were significantly lower in the protein hydrolysate of rice syrup meal group than the CON group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The protein hydrolysate of rice syrup meal-mediated improvement of endurance performance was accompanied by an increased in adenosine triphosphate content in the muscle and decreased reactive oxygen species accumulation in the liver. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of phospho-AMP activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α), the major energy-related factors of protein hydrolysate of rice syrup meal, were significantly increased. The protein hydrolysate of rice syrup meal can be utilized as an efficacious natural resource for its muscular-endurance-enhancing and anti-fatigue effects.

Context Depression is a severe mental illness caused by a deficiency of dopamine and serotonin. Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) has long been used to treat pain, nausea, and depression. Objective This study investigates the anti-depressant effects of C. sativa (hemp) seed ethanol extract (HE) in chlorpromazine (CPZ)-induced Drosophila melanogaster depression model. Materials and methods The normal group was untreated, and the control group was treated with CPZ (0.1% of media) for 7 days. The experimental groups were treated with a single HE treatment (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of media) and a mixture of 0.1% CPZ and HE for 7 days. The locomotor activity, behavioural patterns, depression-related gene expression, and neurotransmitters level of flies were investigated. Results The behavioural patterns of individual flies were significantly reduced with 0.1% CPZ treatment. In contrast, combination treatment of 1.5% HE and 0.1% CPZ significantly increased subjective daytime activity (p

In this study, we evaluated the effect of oral administration of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), famous biological molecules that are comprised of galactose and lactose, on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic dermatitis. OVA-induced mice were divided into the OVA-administered group (OVA-C), promethazine hydrochloride-administered group (PC), and 100 and 200 mg kg

We investigated the antidepressant effect of creatine (CRE) and taurine (TAU) mixtures on behavioural changes and biomarkers in stress-induced depression in Drosophila melanogaster and a mouse model. Following CRE/TAU mixture administration in the Drosophila model, depression-like state induced by vibration, locomotion, climbing activity, and survival rate were measured. The normal stress (NS) group demonstrated decreased movement than the control (CON) group; movements in the CRE/TAU-treated group (particularly 0.15/0.5%) returned to the CON levels. Antidepressant effects of CRE/TAU mixtures were confirmed in a depressive mouse model induced by chronic mild stress. In behavioural assessments, movement and sucrose preference of the CRE/TAU group increased to a similar level as in the positive control group; hippocampal catecholamine and serotonin levels increased significantly. Stress-related hormones (adrenocorticotropic and corticotropin-releasing hormones) and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) increased in the NS group but significantly decreased in the CRE/TAU-treated group. Brain signalling protein expression ratio of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Akt, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK)/ERK, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) significantly increased in the CRE/TAU-treated group. These results indicate that CRE/TAU-induced antidepressant effects are associated with increased behavioural patterns and downregulation of stress hormones and cytokines, mediated through Akt and ERK/BDNF pathways in vertebrate models.

In this study, we isolated the milk sphingolipid-enriched fraction (MSEF) of sweet buttermilk powder and conducted a clinical trial for evaluating its efficacy in skin barrier recovery.Milk sphingolipid-enriched fraction was isolated via solvent extraction of buttermilk powder, and further concentrated by removing the phospholipids and neutral lipids. A cream containing 1% MSEF was used during clinical trials to assess for water holding and skin barrier recovery capacities.The main components of the MSEF were sphingomyelin, glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide, confirmed by TLC, HPLC, MS and NMR. The MSEF cream-treated group had a significantly higher (P 0.05) water holding capacity, compared with the base cream (vehicle) group. Compared with that in the base cream group, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) recovery increased in the presence of the sphingolipid-containing MSEF cream (MSEF group), with a significant difference (P 0.05) recorded on day 14.The MSEF cream contributed to improving the water holding capacity and skin barrier recovery of damaged skin. Therefore, sphingolipid-containing MSEF can be useful for strengthening or repairing skin barrier function.Dans la présente étude, nous avons isolé la fraction enrichie en sphingolipides du lait (milk sphingolipid-enriched fraction, MSEF) du lait de baratte doux en poudre et mené un essai clinique pour évaluer l’efficacité de la récupération de la barrière cutanée. MÉTHODES: La fraction enrichie en sphingolipides du lait est isolée par l'extraction de solvant du lait de baratte en poudre, et ensuite concentrée en enlevant les phospholipides et les lipides neutres. Une crème contenant un pourcent (1%) de la fraction enrichie en sphingolipides du lait (MSEF) est utilisée pendant des essais cliniques visant à évaluer les capacités de la rétention d’eau et de la récupération de la barrière cutanée. RÉSULTATS: Les principales composantes de la fraction enrichie en sphingolipides du lait (MSEF) étaient la sphingomyéline, la glucosylcéramide, et le lactosylcéramide, confirmées par la chromatographie sur couche mince (TLC), la chromatographie liquide à haute performance (CLHP), la spectrométrie de masse (MS) et la RMN(NMR). La groupe traitée par la crème enrichie en sphingolipides du lait (MSEF) avait une capacité de la rétention d’eau beaucoup plus élevée (P0.05), par rapport au groupe utilisant la crème de base (véhicule). Comparé au groupe utilisant la crème de base, la récupération de la perte d'eau transépidermique (TEWL) a augmenté en présence de la fraction enrichie en sphingolipides du lait (MSEF), avec une différence significative (P0.05) enregistrée au 14ème jour.La crème enrichie en sphingolipides du lait (MSEF) a contribué à améliorer les capacités de la rétention d’eau et de la récupération de la barrière cutanée de la peau endommagée. Par conséquent, la fraction enrichie en sphingolipides du lait (MSEF) peut être utile pour renforcer ou réparer la fonction de barrière cutanée.

In this study, we used various proteinases to investigate the effect of whey protein hydrolysates on proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. To confirm hydrolysis of the whey protein hydrolysates, the yield and α-amino acid content were determined. Since osteogenic cell activity is an important factor in osteogenesis, we evaluated the proliferation of osteogenic cells by measuring 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. To analyze bone matrix formation, we identified calcium deposition by staining with Alizaline red-S. The free amino acid content was significantly higher in the whey protein hydrolysates prepared using Protamex, Flavourzyme, and Alcalase than in the control. When cells were treated with 500 μg/mL of whey protein hydrolysates prepared using Protamex and Alcalase, cell proliferation increased by 120% and 130%, respectively, compared with the control group. In addition, ALP activity was significantly higher following treatment with 500 μg/mL of whey protein hydrolysates prepared using Protamex and Alcalase (142.61% and 135.06%, respectively; P

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a lipid carrier in mammals including humans that consists mainly of polar lipids, like phospholipids and glycolipids. In this study, a process to enrich polar lipids in commercial butter and whey powder, including polar lipids of MFGM, was developed. WPC (whey protein concentrate) 60 was selected as the most suitable raw material based on the yield, phospholipid, protein, and lactose content of the polar lipid fraction obtained by ethanol extraction of two WPC (WPC60 and WPC70) and two buttermilk (A and B). After fractionation under optimum conditions, the polar-lipid enriched fraction from WPC60 contained 38.56% phospholipids. The content of glycolipids, cerebroside, lactosylceramide, ganglioside GM3, ganglioside GD3, was 0.97%, 0.55%, 0.09%, and 0.14%, respectively. Rancimat results showed that the oxidation stability of fish oil increased with an increase in the polar-lipid fraction by more than 30 times. In addition, the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with 0.1 to 100 ppm of the polar lipid fraction. In this study, polar lipid concentrates with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, were prepared from milk processing by-products. The MFGM polar lipid concentrates made from by-products are not only additives for infants, but are also likely to be used as antioxidants in cooking oils and as active ingredients for functional foods.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tannase-converted green tea extract on body composition, muscle oxidative stress-related factors, and differentiation-related factors. The mean bone-related parameters and body composition were determined by the live dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to determine mRNA expression and protein levels, respectively. The results of total mass testing in the epicatechin control (EC) and middle concentration tannase-converted green tea extract (T1) intake groups were not significantly different compared with those in the control group; however, the high-concentration tannase-converted green tea extract (T2) group showed a significantly higher effect to the lean than that of all other groups (p<0.05). The results of the assay of muscle differentiation-related genes indicated that the expression levels in the EC and T1 groups (p<0.05) and the expression levels in the T2 group (p<0.01) were significantly different in the bicep femoris compared with that in the control group. The results of the SOD gene assay indicate that the expression levels in the EC and T1 groups (p<0.05) and the expression level in the T2 group (p<0.01) were significantly different in the bicep femoris compared with that in the control group. Additionally, SOD gene expression in the T2 group was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the soleus compared with that in the control, EC and T1 groups. Our results suggest that tannase-converted green tea extract prevents muscle loss and regulates the quantity and quality of muscle by the levels of antioxidant stress-related enzymes and muscle differentiation factors to a greater extent than the administration of epicatechin and middle dose green tea extract.

Collagen-tripeptide (CTP) and galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), which improve collagen homeostasis and barrier function in the skin, are widely used in the food industry to improve wrinkle-related parameters and skin health. In this study, the photoprotective effect of CTP/GOS mixtures (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3) in ultraviolet (UV) B-irradiated hairless mice was examined. Skin parameter analysis, histological approaches, molecular biology techniques and HPLC analysis were applied to investigate the photoaging protective effect, signaling pathways and changes in the microbiota. Oral administration of CTP/GOS mixtures ameliorated photoaged physical parameters and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to UV-irradiated control group. Administration of the 1:3 mixture showed significant changes in the extracellular matrix-related gene expression compared to other mixture groups. The cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content showed a significant increase in the CTP/GOS mixed group with a higher GOS content than the control group. In the 16S rRNA-based analysis of cecal microbiota, the relative abundance ratio of the Akkermansia genus belonging to the Verrucomicrobia phylum was higher in CTP and GOS mixture-administered groups than in the UV-irradiated control group. Taken together, CTP/GOS mixtures showed a synergistic effect on photoprotective activity through changes in the gene expression, cytokine levels and intestinal microbiota composition.

Although Ginsenosides are a major physiological component of red ginseng (RG), some isolated ginsenosides are known to have cytotoxic activity. This study was intended to reduce cytotoxicity and promote anti-inflammatory activity of ginsenosides by mixing the crude ginsenosides (RG-CG) and polysaccharides (RG-CP). RG-CG-CM, fractionated from RG-CG, not only had higher anti-inflammatory activity than that of RG-CG at 100 μg/mL, but also showed increased cytotoxicity, while RG-CP-4P and RG-CP-8P, fractionated from RG-CP, showed no anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity. To reduce the cytotoxicity without affecting the high anti-inflammatory activity of RG-CG-CM, RG-CG-CM and RG-CP-4P were mixed in a ratio of 2:8. The anti-inflammatory activity was significantly increased at a concentration of 75 μg/mL, while no cytotoxicity was observed. A combination of RG-CP and RG-CG effectively reduced the cytotoxicity and enhanced the anti-inflammatory activity of RG-CG, specifically RG-CG-CM fraction, providing scope for its industrial application.

This study aimed to evaluate the hangover relieving effect of ginseng berry kombucha (GBK) fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Gluconobacter oxydans in in vitro and in vivo models. The antioxidant activity and oxidative stress inhibitory effect of GBK were evaluated in ethanol-treated human liver HepG2 cells. In addition, biochemical and behavioral analyses of ethanol treated male ICR mice were performed to confirm the anti-hangover effect of GBK. The radical scavenging activity of GBK was increased by fermentation, and the total ginsenoside content of GBK was 70.24 μg/mL. In HepG2 cells, in which oxidative stress was induced using ethanol, GBK significantly increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes by upregulating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Moreover, GBK (15 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations in ethanol-treated mice. GBK significantly increased the levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, including alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. The balance beam test and elevated plus maze test revealed that high-dose GBK significantly ameliorated ethanol-induced behavioral changes. Collectively, GBK exerted a protective effect against ethanol-induced liver damage by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

Amino acids, as nutrients, are expected to improve sleep disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the generation- and age-dependent sleep-improving effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) coadministration. The differentially expressed genes and generation-related behavior after the administration of a GABA/5-HTP mixture were measured in a Drosophila model, while age-related changes in gene expression and oxidative stress-related parameters were measured in a mouse model. The GABA/5-HTP-treated group showed significant behavioral changes compared to the other groups. Sequencing revealed that the GABA/5-HTP mixture influenced changes in nervous system-related genes, including those involved in the regulation of the expression of behavioral and synaptic genes. Additionally, total sleep time increased with age, and nighttime sleep time in the first- and third-generation flies was significantly different from that of the control groups. The GABA/5-HTP mixture induced significant changes in the expression of sleep-related receptors in both models. Furthermore, the GABA/5-HTP mixture reduced levels of ROS and ROS reaction products in an age-dependent manner. Therefore, the increase in behavioral changes caused by GABA/5-HTP mixture administration was effective in eliminating ROS activity across generations and ages.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the extracts of green romaine lettuce (GRE) on sleep enhancement. GRE contains 1071.7 and 199.2 µg/g of extracts of lactucin and lactucopicrin, respectively, known as sleep enhancement substances. When 100 mg/kg of GRE was administered orally, sleep latency and duration time were significantly increased compared to controls (p < 0.05). Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep decreased with 100 mg/kg of GRE administration and non-REM (NREM) sleep also increased. There was no significant difference between REM and NREM among the oral GRE administration groups receiving 100, 120, and 160 mg/kg GRE. In the caffeine-induced insomnia model, total sleep time was significantly increased by 100 mg/kg GRE administration compared to the caffeine-treated group (p < 0.05). In addition, GRE inhibited the binding of [3H]-flumazenil in a concentration-dependent manner, and affinity of both lactucin and lactucopicrin to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A-benzodiazepine (BDZ) receptor was 80.7% and 55.9%, respectively. Finally, in the pentobarbital-induced sleep mouse model, the sleep enhancement effect of GRE was inhibited by flumazenil, an antagonist of BDZ. Thus, these results demonstrate that GRE acts via a GABAergic mechanism to promote sleep in a rodent model.

Background Probiotics have been reported to be the active component used in the treatment of many functional gastrointestinal symptoms and syndromes. Lactobacillus and yeast culture are extensively used in probiotic supplements and traditional treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotic treatments (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii) on the behavioral response, targeted gene expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of Pi (Post infectious)-IBS -induced mice. Methods Pathogen-free male C57L/B6 mice and the Trichinella-infected mice were used to measure the score of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR). To compare molecular, biological and biochemical evidences of given probiotics with normal and positive control groups in mice, we conducted quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, and cytokine analysis. Results Pi-IBS-induced immune response was confirmed that PAR-2 mRNA level was significantly increased by Trichinella infection (P

Context: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter and it is well established that activation of GABAA receptors favours sleep. l-Theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid first discovered in green tea, is a well-known anti-anxiety supplement with proven relaxation benefits. Objective: This study investigated the potential synergistic sleep enhancement effect of GABA/l-theanine mixture. Materials and methods: Pentobarbital-induced sleep test was applied to find proper concentration for sleep-promoting effect in ICR mice. Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis was performed to investigate total sleeping time and sleep quality in normal SD rats and caffeine-induced awareness model. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to investigate whether the sleep-promoting mechanism of GABA/l-theanine mixture involved transcriptional processes. Results: GABA/l-theanine mixture (100/20 mg/kg) showed a decrease in sleep latency (20.7 and 14.9%) and an increase in sleep duration (87.3 and 26.8%) compared to GABA or theanine alone. GABA/l-theanine mixture led to a significant increase in rapid eye movement (REM) (99.6%) and non-REM (NREM) (20.6%) compared to controls. The use of GABA/l-theanine mixture rather than GABA or l-theanine alone restored to normal levels sleep time and quality in the arousal animal model. The administration of GABA/l-theanine led to increased expression of GABA and the glutamate GluN1 receptor subunit. Conclusions: GABA/l-theanine mixture has a positive synergistic effect on sleep quality and duration as compared to the GABA or l-theanine alone. The increase in GABA receptor and GluN1 expression is attributed to the potential neuromodulatory properties of GABA/l-theanine combination, which seems to affect sleep behaviour.

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with age represents an important source of frailty and functional decline in the elderly. Antioxidants from botanical extracts have been shown to enhance the development, mass, and strength of skeletal muscle by influencing age-related cellular and molecular processes. Tannase-treated green tea extract contains high levels of the antioxidants (−)-epicatechin (EC) and gallic acid that may have therapeutic benefits for age-related muscle decline. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tannase-treated green tea extract on various muscle-related parameters, without concomitant exercise, in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Administration of tannase-treated green tea extract (600 mg/day) for 12 weeks significantly increased isokinetic flexor muscle and handgrip strength in the treatment group compared with those in the placebo (control) group. In addition, the control group showed a significant decrease in arm muscle mass after 12 weeks, whereas no significant change was observed in the treatment group. Blood serum levels of follistatin, myostatin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and cortisol were analyzed, and the decrease in myostatin resulting from the administration of tannase-treated green tea extract was found to be related to the change in muscle mass and strength. In summary, oral administration of tannase-treated green tea extract containing antioxidants without concomitant exercise can improve muscle mass and strength and may have therapeutic benefits in age-related muscle function decline.

Current pharmacological treatments for insomnia carry several and long-term side effects. Therefore, natural products without side effects are warranted. In this study, the sleep-promoting activity of the lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) extract was assessed using ICR mice and Sprague Dawley rats. A pentobarbital-induced sleep test and electroencephalogram analysis were conducted to measure sleep latency time, duration, and sleep architecture. The action mechanism of the extract was evaluated through ligand binding experiments. A high dose (300 mg/kg) of the ethanolic lotus leaf extract significantly increased sleep duration compared to the normal group (p &lt, 0.01). Administration of low (150 mg/kg) and high doses (300 mg/kg) of the extract significantly increased sleep quality, especially the relative power of theta waves (p &lt, 0.05), compared to the normal group. Furthermore, caffeine and lotus leaf extract administration significantly recovered caffeine-induced sleep disruption (p &lt, 0.001), and the sleep quality was similar to that of the normal group. Additionally, ligand binding assay using [3H]-flumazenil revealed that quercetin-3-O-glucuronide contained in the lotus leaf extract (77.27 μg/mg of extract) enhanced sleep by binding to GABAA receptors. Collectively, these results indicated that the lotus leaf extract, particularly quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, exhibits sleep quantity- and quality-enhancing activity via the GABAergic pathway.

Kombucha is a fermented beverage containing organic acids by yeast and acetic acid bacteria. In this study, microbial community analysis of kombucha produced in Korea was performed, and changes in components during kombucha fermentation were analyzed using commercial kombucha pellicle and culture broth as starter. The major phylum-level strains of commercial kom-1 and kom-2 showed differences in proteobacteria of 35.60% and 78.1%, and Firmicutes of 64.06% and 15.57%, respectively. During fermentation with pellicle (Kom-P) and broth (Kom-F), the level of reducing sugar during fermentation tended to decrease rapidly. The production of acetic acid and D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (DSL) in Kom-P and -F tended to increase with increasing fermentation time. In Kom-P, lactic acid and glucuronic acid production increased until 7 days of fermentation and then decreased, whereas in Kom-F, it continued to increase with fermentation time. ABTS radical scavenging activity tended to decrease with increasing fermentation time. However, DPPH radical scavenging activity increased within 7 days of fermentation and then decreased slightly (Kom-P) or remained constant (Kom-F). It has been found that the use of culture broth rather than the use of pellicle as a starter is advantageous to increase the active compound content and DPPH radical scavenging ability.

Current pharmacological treatments for insomnia carry several and long-term side effects. Therefore, natural products without side effects are warranted. In this study, the sleep-promoting activity of the lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) extract was assessed using ICR mice and Sprague Dawley rats. A pentobarbital-induced sleep test and electroencephalogram analysis were conducted to measure sleep latency time, duration, and sleep architecture. The action mechanism of the extract was evaluated through ligand binding experiments. A high dose (300 mg/kg) of the ethanolic lotus leaf extract significantly increased sleep duration compared to the normal group (p < 0.01). Administration of low (150 mg/kg) and high doses (300 mg/kg) of the extract significantly increased sleep quality, especially the relative power of theta waves (p < 0.05), compared to the normal group. Furthermore, caffeine and lotus leaf extract administration significantly recovered caffeine-induced sleep disruption (p < 0.001), and the sleep quality was similar to that of the normal group. Additionally, ligand binding assay using [3H]-flumazenil revealed that quercetin-3-O-glucuronide contained in the lotus leaf extract (77.27 μg/mg of extract) enhanced sleep by binding to GABAA receptors. Collectively, these results indicated that the lotus leaf extract, particularly quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, exhibits sleep quantity- and quality-enhancing activity via the GABAergic pathway.

This study measured the proliferative activity of malto-oligosaccharide (MOS) as a prebiotic against Bifidobacteria, resistance to digestion in vitro, and changes during in vitro fermentation by human fecal microorganisms. It consisted of 21.74%, 18.84%, and 11.76% of maltotriose, maltotetraose, and maltopentaose produced by amylase (HATT), respectively. When 1% of MOS was added to a modified PYF medium as the carbon source, proliferation of Bifidobacterium breve was increased significantly. During the in vitro digestion test, MOS was partially degraded by intestinal enzymes. Fermentation characteristics by human fecal microorganisms were evaluated by adding 1% galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), as well as 1% and 2% MOS as carbon sources to the basal medium, respectively. In comparison with the addition of 1% of MOS and GOS, the total short chain fatty acid (SCFA) content increased over time when 2% of MOS was added. The species diversity and richness of intestinal microbiota increased significantly with 2% MOS compared to those with 1% GOS. In addition, the 2% addition of MOS reduced intestinal pathobiont microorganisms and increased commensal microorganisms including Bifidobacterium genus. Collectively, MOS produced by amylase increased the SCFA production and enhanced the growth of beneficial bacteria during in vitro fermentation by human fecal microbiota.

Unbalanced dietary habits and the consumption of high protein and instant foods cause an increase in constipation. Here, we evaluated the effects of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) on a rat model of loperamide-induced constipation by measuring various biological markers and cecal microbiota. The fecal water content and intestinal transit ratio significantly increased in the GOS-administered (GL and GH) groups than in the control group (p &lt, 0.05, p &lt, 0.01, and p &lt, 0.001, respectively). The length of intestinal mucosa (p &lt, 0.05 and p &lt, 0.01, respectively) and area of crypt cells were (p &lt, 0.01, both) significantly increased in the GOS-administered groups compared to the control group. The distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal, which is related to the intestinal movement, showed a significant increase in GOS-administered groups than in the control group (p &lt, 0.01, both). The relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, significantly increased in the GL group than in the control group. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the gut microbiota in the GL groups. These results demonstrated that GOS administration effectively alleviates constipation by increasing LAB proliferation in the intestinal microbiota and SCFA production.

Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale, DO) is a traditional medicinal herb used in China. Phytochemicals and its antioxidant activity of puffed dendrobium extract was measured for antioxidant capacity. Physiological mechanism on skeletal muscle was analyzed by blood glucose, lactic acid, glycogen and ATP content and mRNA gene expression. Antioxidant effect of the extract on liver were measured. The extraction yield and phytochemical contents in DO extract were increased by the change of puffing pressure. In addition, antioxidant activities creased after explosive puffing process. DO extract treated with explosive puffing at high dose was significantly prolonged in swimming time. The glycogen content of puffing DO at high dose was significantly different. The expression of the PGC1-α and the level of ATP in PHD was higher. Explosive puffing DO strongly improve fatigue resistance of mice correlated with inhibiting the depletion of glycogen stores, regulating oxidation related enzymes, and modulating the activation of PGC-1α.

Accumulating evidence indicates that botanical extracts affect skin biophysical parameters, such as hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin index, erythema index, and wrinkle development. Vaccinium uliginosum extract contains a high level of anthocyanins as antioxidant and is ideal for use in dietary skin care products. Here, we assessed the photoprotective effects of dietary V. uliginosum extract in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated hairless mice. Quantitative analysis of anthocyanin composition in the ethanol-extracted V. uliginosum sample was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Skin parameter analysis and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were conducted on skin samples from UVB-irradiated hairless mice to evaluate the effects of V. uliginosum extract on skin conditions. In addition, skin mRNA and protein expression were assessed to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the anthocyanin-enriched extract on skin appearance and condition. Administration of the ethanol-extracted V. uliginosum sample caused significant changes in skin water-holding capacity, TEWL, wrinkle-related parameters, and epidermal thickness in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. In addition, oral administration of V. uliginosum attenuated the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and increased levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) and antioxidant-related genes. Further, V. uliginosum administration downregulated inflammatory cytokine levels and UVB-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signaling regulated kinase (ERK), as well as Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 protein levels. Oral administration of anthocyanin-enriched V. uliginosum extract can improve the appearance and condition of the skin following UV irradiation.

This study investigated the suppression of photoaging by galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) ingestion following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To investigate its photoprotective effects, GOS along with collagen tripeptide (CTP) as a positive control was orally administered to hairless mice under UVB exposure for 8 weeks. The water holding capacity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and wrinkle parameters were measured. Additionally, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to determine mRNA expression and protein levels, respectively. The GOS or CTP orally-administered group showed a decreased water holding capacity and increased TEWL compared to those of the control group, which was exposed to UVB (CON) only. In addition, the wrinkle area and mean wrinkle length in the GOS and CTP groups significantly decreased. Skin aging-related genes, matrix metalloproteinase, had significantly different expression levels in the CTP and GOS groups. Additionally, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases and collagen type I gene expression in the CTP and GOS groups significantly increased. Oral administration of GOS and CTP significantly lowered the tissue cytokine (interleukin-6 and -12, and tumor necrosis factor-&alpha, ) levels. There was a significant difference in UVB-induced phosphorylation of JNK, p38, and ERK between the GOS group and the CON group. Our findings indicate that GOS intake can suppress skin damage caused by UV light and has a UV photoprotective effect.

Alternative sugars containing isomaltulose were investigated to confirm the hypothesis that isomaltulose ingestion affects endurance capacity due to slow rates of hydrolysis and absorption rate at the intestine. A swimming time of the control group tends to decrease, but the group administrated with low glycemic index (GI) sweeteners tend to increase gradually. Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and inverted sugar (IS), contained isomaltulose, groups showed a significant difference of change in blood glucose and lactic acid level than control group (p < .05). Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and serum lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) of PAL100 were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < .05). IS showed a significant difference in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) compared to Con and PAL20 (20% isomaltulose) group (p < .05). Consuming FOS seems to increase an endurance capacity since fructose and FOS based in isomaltulose contained syrup showed low absorption rate and GI level. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Sugar is a major energy source for exercise, but it causes excessive intake because of the short duration of sweetness, which causes diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and skin aging. An alternative sugar complex containing isomatulose was found to be a sugar substitute for athletic performance. Athletic performance is not just for athletes or active people. In general, elderly people with low muscle mass have low mobility. Alternative sugars can be a good source of supplements to help them perform smoothly with less intake. Therefore, an endurance test with alternative sugars is and important study for energy supplements industry.

Constipation is a chronic disease caused by infrequent, inadequate, and difficult bowel movements. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential laxative effect of maltooligosaccharide (MOS) on loperamide-induced constipation in a rat model. In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of MOS on the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Moreover, to examine the effect of MOS administration on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with loperamide-induced constipation, the drinking water for the rats was supplemented with 10% or 15% of MOS for 14 days, and, thereafter, the improvement in constipation was assessed. For this, the rats were divided into five groups: normal (Nor), loperamide-induced constipated (Con), positive control (15% of dual-oligosaccharide (DuO-15)), 10% MOS treated (MOS-10), and 15% MOS-treated (MOS-15). In an in vitro test, MOS treatment promoted the growth of lactic acid bacteria except Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Treatment with higher MOS dose relieved constipation in rats by improving the fecal pellet and water content. Furthermore, in the high MOS dose group, the cecal short-chain fatty acid levels significantly increased compared to those in the control group (P<0.001). MOS treatment also improved the mucosal thickness as well as mucin secretion and increased the area of intestinal Cajal cells compared to that in the control group (P<0.001). These findings suggest that MOS relieves constipation and has beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, and, therefore, it can be used as an ingredient in functional foods for treating constipation or improving intestinal health.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of romaine lettuce leaves extract (RE), skullcap root extract (SE) and their mixture on sleep behaviors in vertebrate models. HPLC analysis showed that RE contains lactucopicrin (0.02±0.01 mg/g extract), chlorogenic acid (4.05±0.03 mg/g extract), caffeic acid (2.38±0.03 mg/g extract), and chicoric acid (7.02±0.32 mg/g extract) as main phenolic compounds, while SE includes baicalin (99.4±0.5 mg/g extract), baicalein (8.28±0.21 mg/g extract), and wogonin (3.09±0.32 mg/g extract). The mixture of RE (100 mg/g extract) and SE (40 mg/g extract) increased total sleep time by 50.9% compared with the control in pentobarbital-induced sleep model. In electroencephalography (EEG) analysis, RE/SE mixture significantly increased Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM), in which delta wave was enhanced by around 40% compared with normal control, leading to the increase of sleep time. In caffeine-induced wake model, RE/SE mixture greatly decreased (53%) caffeine-induced wake time, showing a similar level to normal control. In addition, caffeine-induced decreased of NREM and delta wave effectively increased with RE/SE mixture; NREM and delta wave increased by 85% and 108%, respectively. Furthermore, RE/SE mixture was shown to bind to a gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA)-benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor stronger than RE or SE single extract. Taken together, RE/SE mixture effectively improved sleep behavior with the increase of NREM via GABAA-BZD receptor binding. RE/SE mixture can be used as an herbal agent for sleep disorders.