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Artemisia gmelinii Web. ex Stechm. (AG), a popular medicinal herb in Asia, has been used as a common food ingredient in Korea and is traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate whether AG relieves IBD, a classic chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. We identified 35 chemical compounds in AG ethanol extract using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. In mice with DSS-induced IBD, AG administration attenuated the disease activity index and the serum and colonic levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. AG treatment decreased nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) signaling, a key mediator of inflammation, in the mouse colons. Additionally, AG extract enhanced immune responses in lymphoid tissues such as spleen and Peyer’s patches. Thus, AG consumption potently ameliorated IBD symptoms and improved immune signaling in lymphoid tissues.

Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light induces photoaging of skin, leading to wrinkles and sunburn. The perennial herb Humulus japonicus, widely distributed in Asia, is known to have antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. However, the physiological activities of isolated compounds from H. japonicus have rarely been investigated. This study focused on the isolation of active compounds from H. japonicus and the evaluation of their effects on photoaging in UVB-irradiated human fibroblast (Hs68) cells. When the extract and four fractions of H. japonicus were treated respectively in UVB-irradiated Hs68 cells to investigate anti-photoaging effects, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the strongest inhibitory effect on MMP- 1 secretion. From EtOAc fraction, we isolated luteolin-8-C-glucoside (1), apigenin-8-C-glucoside (2), and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (3). These compounds suppressed UVB-induced MMP-1 production by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and activator protein-1 (AP-1). When the antioxidant activity of the compounds were estimated by conducting western blot, calculating the bond dissociation energies of the O-H bond (BDE) at different grade, and measuring radical scavenging activity, we found luteolin-8-C-glucoside (1) showed the strongest activity on the suppression of UVB-induced photoaging. These results demonstrate the inhibitory effect of three flavone glycosides derived from H. japonicus on MMP-1 production, MAPK and AP-1 signaling, and oxidative stress; this could prove useful in suppressing UVB induced photoaging. [BMB Reports 2020; 53(7): 379-384].

Background Circaea mollis Sieb. & Zucc. has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Hani Ethnopharmacy and possesses anti-arthritic activities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Circaea mollis Siebold & Zucc on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods For in vitro study, MCF7 breast cancer cells and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells were utilized to estimate estrogenic and osteogenic activity. Osteoblastic markers were measured by western blot and real-time PCR. For in vivo study, female mature C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomized and oral administrated with 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of EECM respectively. Results EtOH extract of Circaea mollis Siebold & Zucc. (EECM) increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteoblast marker levels at day 7 during differentiation of mouse preosteoblasts. EECM reduced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in an osteoblast-osteoclast primary co-culture system. In ovariectomized mice, EECM prevented the decrease in bone mineral density and recovered OSX and Runx2 via BMP2/4, Smad1/5/9 and p38. Conclusions The results suggest that EECM may be effective in preventing bone loss, offering a promising alternative for the nutritional management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Background The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal system has increased. IBD, characterized by aberrant immune responses against antigens, is thought to be caused by the invasion of enterobacteria. The pathogenesis of IBD is complicated, hence novel effective therapeutic agents are warranted. Therefore, this study evaluates the potential of Artemisia argyi, a medicinal herb, in alleviating IBD. Methods The effectiveness of the A. argyi ethanol extract was verified both in vitro and in vivo. Inflammation was induced in RAW 264.7 cells by 1 μg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and by 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. During the ten-day colitis induction, 200 mg/kg of A. argyi ethanol extract was orally administered to the treatment group. Levels of inflammation-related proteins and genes were analyzed in the colon, serum, and lymphoid tissues, i.e., Peyer’s patches (PPs) and spleen. The chemical constituent of the A. argyi ethanol extract was identified using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. Results A. argyi ethanol extract treatment ameliorated IBD symptoms and reduced the expression of inflammation-related proteins and genes in the colon and serum samples. Furthermore, A. argyi treatment induced the activation of anti-oxidative associated proteins, such as nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); and the treatment have also inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a central mediator of inflammatory responses. A. argyi enhanced the immunomodulatory effects in the PPs and spleen, which may stem from interleukin-10 (IL-10) upregulation. Chemical analysis identified a total of 28 chemical compounds, several of which have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions The effectiveness of the A. argyi ethanol extract in alleviating IBD was demonstrated; application of the extract successfully mitigated IBD symptoms, and enhanced immunomodulatory responses in lymphoid tissues. These findings suggest A. argyi as a promising herbal medicine for IBD treatment.

The liver X receptors (LXRs) are major regulators of lipogenesis, and their reduced activation by an inhibitor could be a treatment strategy for fatty liver disease. Small molecules originating from dietary food are considered suitable and attractive drug candidates for humans in terms of safety. In this study, an edible plant, Lysimachia vulgaris (LV), used as a traditional and medicinal food in East Asia was evaluated for lipogenesis decreasing effects. Activity-guided fractionation was performed, and the isolated compounds were identified using spectroscopic methods. We conducted in vitro real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting as well as histological and biochemical analyses following in vivo treatments. Using a high-fat diet animal model, we confirmed that LV extracts (LVE) decreased lipogenic metabolism and restored liver function to control levels. To identify active components, we conducted activity-guided fractionation and then isolated compounds. Two compounds, loliolide and pinoresinol, were identified in the dichloromethane fraction, and they significantly attenuated the expression levels of lipogenic factors including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Importantly, loliolide and pinoresinol significantly accelerated the protein degradation of LXRs by enhanced ubiquitination, which inhibited lipogenesis. These results suggest that loliolide and pinoresinol might be potential candidate supplementary treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by reducing lipogenesis through increased ubiquitination of LXRs.

Pterocarpus santalinus has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant owing to its anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, tonic, antihyperglycemic, and diaphoretic properties. We hypothesized that P. santalinus might have therapeutic potential in alleviating allergy and atopic dermatitis. Thus, we investigated the inhibitory effects of P. santalinus extract against allergic responses and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like dorsal skin lesions using immunoglobulin E-sensitized rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 mast cells and NC/Nga mice. Degranulation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were conducted to measure degranulation, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and prostaglandin E2 concentrations in immunoglobulin E/antigen-sensitized RBL-2H3 mast cells. The therapeutic efficacy of P. santalinus extract in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis was evaluated through morphological, physiological, and immunological analysis. P. santalinus extract inhibited β-hexosaminidase and histamine release and reduced tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-4, and prostaglandin E2 secretion. Furthermore, P. santalinus extract suppressed atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by regulating the serum levels of immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin G2a, and messenger ribonucleic acid expression of T helper cell 1- and T helper cell 2-related mediators in the skin lesions. Histopathological analyses showed a decrease in epidermal thickness and intradermal inflammatory cell infiltration. These results suggested that P. santalinus extract might have beneficial effects in treating allergic and atopic dermatitis-like skin disorders.

Additional file 1. HPLC chromatogram at 254 nm and mass spectra of the LV ethanol extract.

Additional file 2. The uncropped membrane images of western blotting analysis.

Background Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver disease caused by a nonalcoholic fatty liver, is increasing in incidence worldwide. Owing to the complexity of its pathogenic mechanisms, there are no therapeutic agents for this disease yet. The ideal drug for NASH needs to concurrently decrease hepatic lipid accumulation and exert anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidative effects in the liver. Because of their multipurpose therapeutic effects, we considered that medicinal herbs are suitable for treating patients with NASH. Methods We determined the efficacy of the alcoholic extract of Lysimachia vulgaris var. davurica (LV), an edible medicinal herb, for NASH treatment. For inducing NASH, C57BLKS/J lar-Leprdb/Leprdb (db/db) male mice were fed with a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet ad libitum. After 3 weeks, the LV extract and a positive control (GFT505) were administered to mice by oral gavage for 3 weeks with a continued MCD diet as needed. Results In mice with diet-induced NASH, the LV extract could relieve the disease symptoms; that is, the extract ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation and also showed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The LV extract also activated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, leading to the upregulation of antioxidants and detoxification signaling. Moreover, the extract presented remarkable efficacy in alleviating liver fibrosis compared with GFT505. This difference was caused by significant LV extract-mediated reduction in the mRNA expression of fibrotic genes like the alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type 3 alpha 1. Reduction of fibrotic genes may thus relate with the downregulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)/Smad signaling by LV extract administration. Conclusions Lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in the liver were alleviated by feeding LV extract to NASH-induced mice. Moreover, the LV extract strongly prevented liver fibrosis by blocking TGFβ/Smad signaling. Hence, LV showed sufficient potency for use as a therapeutic agent against NASH.

Glucosinolates (GLs), found in Brassicaceae family, are precursor metabolites with anti-cancer properties. Increased GLs have been studied under various environmental growth conditions. Pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is a GL-rich vegetable. We hypothesize that long exposure to light and drought will increase the biomass of, and GL production in, pak choi. The experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. Long light exposure (20 h/day) increased, whilst drought exposure (12 h/week) decreased the plant growth. The plants exposed to a combination of drought and long light conditions showed similar growth pattern as control plants. GL production increased at week 6 in plants exposed to long light, while drought exposure had no impact on GL production, with the exception of glucoraphanin. Significant positive correlations were observed between plant growth and GL yield with accumulated light exposure time. Our findings suggest that long exposure to light can be used to increase both the biomass and GL production in pak choi.

This study was conducted to analyze the blooming characteristics of chocolates containing maltitol and tagatose ( d -tagatose) as alternative sweeteners in terms of their physical and sensory properties to determine the blooming progress of each chocolate and its typical characteristics. In the X-ray diffraction analysis, tagatose-added chocolate showed the slowest change in fat crystal formation. In the analysis of the surface characteristics of chocolates, the number of white fat crystals, the Hunter scale values, and the whiteness index increased as blooming proceeded. In the results of the sensory evaluation the bloom area, bloom color, crumbliness, grittiness, bitterness of taste, and powderiness of after-feel increased, but hardness, chewiness, sweetness of taste, overall flavor intensity, and cocoa flavor decreased as blooming proceeded (p

The incidence of obesity has increased worldwide, leading to metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. Therefore, novel functional foods and therapeutic agents against obesity-related metabolic disorders are needed. We explored the effectiveness of the edible herb Heracleum dissectum Ledeb. (HD) against metabolic syndrome symptoms in a high-fat diet (60% of kcal) obesity mouse model. Metabolic syndrome was induced after 8 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, and HD extract (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage during feeding. HD extract effectively decreased body weight gain and ameliorated the serum lipid status. HD extract also upregulated adiponectin/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, and had anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-insulin resistance effects. HD extract further elevated phosphorylation of AMPK and mitochondria biogenesis in the adipose tissue, resulting increased energy expenditure via the triglyceride/fatty acid cycle. Thus, HD extract could be considered a multi-targeting functional food candidate with novel molecular mechanisms.

The purpose of this study was to determine how seeding time changes the properties of soybean products meju and doenjang. Soybeans were seeded on the last day of May (5L), on the mid day of June (6M), and on the last day of June (6L), respectively. The 5L soybeans experienced a distinguishing hot and humid climate at the ripening stage, and these climate conditions resulted in smaller seed sizes. Fermentation briskly progressed in all doenjang until 120 days, and the 5L doenjang exhibited the lowest fermentation efficiency. The 5L soybeans showed the highest GABA, polyphenol contents, and ACE inhibitory activity, and the 6M soybeans showed the highest radical scavenging activity among the groups tested. In doenjang, the functional properties generally increased as the aging time approached the 120 th day, and the 6M doenjang showed the highest functional properties at the 120 th day. Therefore, 6M soybeans had the most appropriate characteristics when producing doenjang.

The liver X receptors (LXRs) are major regulators of lipogenesis, and their reduced activation by an inhibitor could be a treatment strategy for fatty liver disease. Small molecules originating from dietary food are considered suitable and attractive drug candidates for humans in terms of safety. In this study, an edible plant

OBJECTIVES: The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises the broad histopathological states of liver, that ranging from asymptomatic hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver cirrhosis. In some studies, they suppose that almost 25–30% of world population is underlying NAFLD. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is the herb that has some traditional medicinal usages. Also rosmarinic acid (RA; O-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid), the major chemical compound of lemon balm, already reported that it has the potency on anti-obesity and -inflammatory. Hence, we evaluate the whether lemon balm extract (LBE) and RA could suppress the pathogenesis of NASH using an in vitro and in vivo model. METHODS: In vitro model: The palmitic acid (PA) exposed HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells can imitate the lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. PA exposed HepG2 cells were exposed with or without LBE or RA. In vivo model: The methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet fed db/db C57BL/6 J mice model was used. This model is known as it can mimic well symptoms of human NAFLD. The LBE or RA were treated by oral gavage. RESULTS: With the MCD diet only, the severe liver damage was caused by progression of NASH in animal model. LBE and RA treatments alleviated the oxidative stress in the MCD diet-fed db/db mice and PA-exposed HepG2 cells by increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes (NRF2, SOD) and augmented lipolysis-related gene (PPARα, PGC-1α, CPT-1 L) expression. In addition, LBE and RA treatments inhibited the expression of genes involved in hepatic fibrosis (α-SMA, COL1A1) and fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c, CPT-1 L) and activated AMP-activated protein kinase in vitro and in vivo. Also, the histopathological results were ameliorated by treatment of LBE or RA. CONCLUSIONS: LBE and RA modulate lipid metabolism via AMPK activation and suppress inflammation via changes in NRF2 and NF-κB signalling. Importantly, the extract of lemon balm obtained with 20% EtOH showed effectiveness similar to that of RA at high concentrations. Therefore, LBE may be a good candidate for the treatment and prevention of NASH. FUNDING SOURCES: This work was supported by the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) funded by the Korea Government (MSIP) (grant No. CRC-15-01-KIST). SUPPORTING TABLES, IMAGES AND/OR GRAPHS

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is a popular herb used as an aromatic and medicinal resource as well as a herbal tea. Due to a lack of information on the hydroponic growth of lemon balm, three hydroponic systems (artificial soil bed, perlite bed, and aeroponic) that could be applied to industrial production were tested in the present study. In this context, the growth parameters, mineral contents, color traits, anti-oxidative capacities, and phenolic compounds of lemon balm were analyzed. As a result, the three types of systems assessed showed similar yields and even compared to previous studies. However, the soilless cultivation system (perlite and aeroponic) showed increased nitrate content but decreased the chlorine mineral content. In addition, they showed lowered total phenolic acid content and radical scavenging capacity, which was associated with decreased rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid A, the major phenolic compounds in lemon balm. Conversely, the caffeic acid and methyl rosmarinate content increased by 6–8 times in soilless cultivation system compared to soil-based conditions. In conclusion, the hydroponic cultivation methods used in this study could be applied to the industrial production of lemon balm with yields and qualities consistent with traditional growth conditions. In addition, soilless hydroponic systems could be used to produce specified lemon balm rich in caffeic acid and methyl rosmarinate.

Purpose Osteoporosis is a metabolic skeletal disease characterized by bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Agastache rugosa on postmenopausal osteoporosis and elucidate its mechanisms in modulating the bone status. Methods and results In the osteoblast differentiation process with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, ethanol extract of Agastache rugosa (EEAR) and its compounds increased the expression of the proteins and genes of the osteoblast differentiation-related markers such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and β-catenin along with the elevation of calcium deposits. An ovariectomized mouse model was utilized to determine the impact of EEAR extract on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Twelve weeks of AR treatment suppressed the loss of bone strength, which was observed through micro-computed tomography. AR elevated osteogenic markers in the bone marrow cells, and collagen type 1 alpha 1 in the distal femoral bone. The results of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of cecal gut microbiomes demonstrated that AR reversed the ovariectomy-induced changes in the gut microbiomes. Conclusion Ethanol extract of Agastache rugosa has a therapeutic effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis via bone morphogenic protein, transforming growth factor β, and Wnt signaling pathway. It also increases the diversity of gut microbiota. Therefore, these data suggest that EEAR could be a potential candidate to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) is a classic edible insect with high nutritional value for substituting meats from vertebrates. While interest in mealworms has increased, the determination of carbohydrate constituents of mealworms has been overlooked. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the carbohydrate content and composition of mealworms. In addition, the characteristics of mealworm chitin were determined as these were the major components of mealworm carbohydrate. The crude carbohydrate content of mealworms was 11.5%, but the total soluble sugar content was only 30% of the total carbohydrate content, and fructose was identified as the most abundant free sugar in mealworms. Chitin derivatives were the key components of mealworm carbohydrate with a yield of 4.7%. In the scanning electron microscopy images, a lamellar structure with α-chitin configuration was observed, and mealworm chitosan showed multiple pores on its surface. The overall physical characteristics of mealworm chitin and chitosan were similar to those of the commercial products derived from crustaceans. However, mealworm chitin showed a significantly softer texture than crustacean chitin with superior anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, mealworm chitin and chitosan could be employed as novel resources with unique advantages in industries.

The production of low potassium vegetables arose out of the dietary needs of patients with renal dysfunction. Attempts have been made to reduce potassium content in vegetables and fruits; however, induced potassium deficiency has often resulted in decreased yields. Here, we investigated a new method of producing low potassium kale and present the characteristics of the resulting produce. By substituting potassium nitrate with calcium nitrate in the nutrient solution 2 weeks before harvesting, the potassium content of kale was reduced by 70% without a deterioration in yield and semblance qualities. Despite no relationships being detected between potassium deficiency and anti-oxidative properties, the total glucosinolate content, an indicator of the anti-cancer effect of cruciferous vegetables, was significantly increased by potassium deficiency in kale. This study demonstrates a novel method of producing low potassium kale for patients with renal failure, without a reduction in yield but with beneficial increase in glucosinolates.

Physicochemical properties and oxidative stabilities of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) oils under different roasting conditions were investigated. Oils were extracted using n-hexane from mealworms roasted at 200°C for 0, 5, 10, and 15 min and physicochemical properties and oxidative stabilities of oils were analyzed. Roasting increased the color intensity and the oleic acid and δ-tocopherol contents, but decreased linoleic acid, and α- and γ-tocopherol contents. An improvement in oxidative stability was observed in roasted mealworm oils, demonstrated by induction time and peroxide values. Mealworm oil contained abundant essential fatty acids and exhibited a superior oxidative stability.

Scope Metabolic syndrome and obesity are rising worldwide concerns that are accompanied by adverse health consequences. Here, it is hypothesized that the ethanol extract from Gymnaster koraiensis (GK), an edible Korean plant known for its anti-cancer and hepatoprotective properties, could attenuate metabolic syndrome-related symptoms in high-fat dietary-induced obese (DIO) mice. Methods and results Administration of 100 mg kg-1 GK extract to DIO mice effectively reduces body and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight. It also reduces cardiovascular disease risk and improves insulin resistance by lowering the fasting blood glucose levels and mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, supplementation with GK causes elevated energy expenditure in WAT by increasing the mitochondrial oxidative capacity and lipid catabolism through upregulated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. Orlistat is used as a positive control drug due to its widespread use in previous studies. It is found that GK extract causes weight loss, similar to Orlistat, and it additionally shows unique functions, such as upregulation of energy consumption in WAT. Conclusion GK extract treatment prominently reduces obesity and its associated metabolic complications, such as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. Hence, It can be used as a promising multi-target functional food that can improve metabolic syndrome-related symptoms.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges in severity from hepatic steatosis to cirrhosis. Lemon balm and its major constituent, rosmarinic acid (RA), effectively improve the liver injury and obesity, however, their therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of RA and a lemon balm extract (LBE) on NAFLD and liver fibrosis and elucidated their mechanisms. Palmitic acid (PA)-exposed HepG2 cells and db/db mice fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet were utilized to exhibit symptoms of human NASH. LBE and RA treatments alleviated the oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes and modulated lipid metabolism-related gene expression by the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vitro and in vivo. LBE and RA treatments inhibited the expression of genes involved in hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Together, LBE and RA could improve liver damage by non-alcoholic lipid accumulation and may be promising medications to treat NASH.

The mealworm is a typical edible insect, and when mealworms are processed to powder form, their desirability to consumers may increase. To identify optimal conditions for producing mealworm powders, six conditions were tested and verified. First, spray-dried whole-fat powder and solvent-defatted powder ground with a cutter mill were prepared. In addition, four types of press-defatted powders were ground with a pin-, hammer-, jet-, or cutter-mill. In conclusion, whole-fat spray-dried powder had more round shape and showed high homogeneity of particle size, but there were many limitations in powder flowability. Mealworm powders had better flowability and other physical properties, such as emulsion and foaming activities, when the fat was removed. However, the solvent-defatted powders, which lacked fat, were less desirable to consumers due to their lack of flavor. Among the press-defatted mealworm powders, the one milled by a jet mill showed better flowability and physicochemical properties compared to the other powders.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes on the characteristics of the oxidative stability of Tenebrio molitor larvae during cold storage at . Pretreatment for T. molitor larvae was designed into three methods: raw (R), freeze-dried (F.D.), and pan-fried (P.F.). The water content of the raw sample (61.46%) was higher than those of other samples (F.D.: 5.02%, P.F.: 3.67%) and its high water content was expected to facilitate the oxidation of the raw sample. In our results, the peroxide value and the carbonyl value of all of the samples increased and the raw sample, after storage for 18 day, showed the highest value. The pan-fried sample had no significant increase in its lactic acid content, acid value, and thiobarbituric acid value; whereas those values were increased in the raw sample and the freeze-dried sample (p

OBJECTIVES: Postmenopausal osteoporosis, a condition of low bone density consequent to decreased estrogen levels after menopause in women, is generally treated with hormone replacement therapy. However, long-term hormone use may cause critical side effects including breast cancer. Alternatively, phytoestrogens, which have similar structures to steroid hormones, are reported to cure postmenopausal symptoms with fewer side effects. Here, we investigated the effects of EtOH extract of Circaea mollis Siebold & Zucc. (EECM), a traditional herbal medicine in Asia that exhibits anti-arthritic activities, on postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: In vitro model: MCF7 breast cancer cells and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells were utilized to estimate estrogenic and osteogenic activity. Osteoblastic markers were measured by western blot and real-time PCR. In vivo model: Female mature C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomized and oral administrated with 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of EECM respectively. RESULTS: EECM increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteoblastic markers including osteoprotegerin at day 6 during mouse preosteoblast differentiation. EECM inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in an osteoblast-osteoclast primary co-culture system via osteoprotegerin-mediated RANK/RANKL signaling. In ovariectomized mice, EECM prevented bone mineral density decrease and recovered osteoblastic molecules. CONCLUSIONS: EECM enhanced the differentiation of osteoblasts via osteogenic markers and modulated RANK/RANKL signaling via an elevation of OPG from osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, EECM may be effective in preventing bone loss and offers a promising alternative for the nutritional management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. FUNDING SOURCES: This work was supported by the Center Project for the Korea-Mongolia Science and Technology Cooperation (2U06170). SUPPORTING TABLES, IMAGES AND/OR GRAPHS

Physicochemical properties and oxidative stabilities of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) oils under different roasting conditions were investigated. Oils were extracted using n-hexane from mealworms roasted at 200°C for 0, 5, 10, and 15 min and physicochemical properties and oxidative stabilities of oils were analyzed. Roasting increased the color intensity and the oleic acid and δ-tocopherol contents, but decreased linoleic acid, and α- and γ-tocopherol contents. An improvement in oxidative stability was observed in roasted mealworm oils, demonstrated by induction time and peroxide values. Mealworm oil contained abundant essential fatty acids and exhibited a superior oxidative stability.