Separation and Identification of an Antimicrobial Substance from Schisandra chinensis Extract against Streptococcus mutans KCCM 40105 Strain.

This study aimed to isolate and identify antibacterial compounds from Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) that are effective against the Streptococcus mutans KCCM 40105 strain. First, S. chinensis was extracted using varying concentrations of ethanol, and the resulting antibacterial activity was evaluated. The 30% ethanol extract of S. chinensis showed high activity. The fractionation and antibacterial activity of a 30% ethanol extract from S. chinensis were examined using five different solvents. Upon investigation of the antibacterial activity of the solvent fraction, the water and butanol fractions showed high activity, and no significant difference was found. Therefore, the butanol fraction was chosen for material exploration using silica gel column chromatography. A total of 24 fractions were obtained from the butanol portion using silica gel chromatography. The fraction with the highest antibacterial activity was Fr 7. From Fr 7, thirty-three sub-fractions were isolated, and sub-fraction 17 showed the highest level of antibacterial activity. A total of five peaks were obtained through the pure separation of sub-fraction 17 using HPLC. Peak 2 was identified as a substance exhibiting a high level of antibacterial activity. Based on the results of UV spectrometry, 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC analyses, the compound corresponding to peak number 2 was identified as tartaric acid.

Isolation and Identification of Fisetin: An Antioxidative Compound Obtained from Rhus verniciflua Seeds.

The goal of this study was to provide basic data for the development of functional food and health materials for Rhus verniciflua (R. verniciflua) seeds. We investigated an antioxidative compound obtained from these seeds. Solvent fractionation was carried out on a 50%-ethanol extract of the seeds. The DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured, and high antioxidant activity was seen in the ethyl acetate fraction. The antioxidant compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction were isolated using silica-gel column chromatography by adjusting the solvent between chloroform and methanol. Fraction numbers 2-7 showed activity of more than 50%. Next, primary column chromatography was used to mix and concentrate the fractions that demonstrated antioxidant activity. The fractions were then subjected to secondary column chromatography to obtain subfraction 4, which showed high antioxidant activity. The separation of subfraction 4 was then performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three peaks were identified and peak number 2 was judged to be the primary antioxidative compound, which was then isolated by pure separation. Finally, the purified subfraction peak number 2 was identified as a fisetin compound by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and HPLC.

Development of an Emulsion Gel Containing Peanut Sprout Oil as a Fat Replacer in Muffins: Physicochemical, Tomographic, and Texture Properties.

Peanut sprouts are known to increase their resveratrol content during germination, leading to cultivation in smart farms. Recently, peanut sprout oil extraction and sales have gained traction; however, processed foods utilizing peanut sprout oil have yet to be developed. In this study, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion gels were structured with water, peanut sprout oil (PSO), sorbitan monostearate (SMS), and candelilla wax (CW) in different ratios, and their potential as shortening substitutes in muffins was evaluated on physicochemical and sensory properties. PSO comprised 67% unsaturated fatty acids and had higher phospholipid (17.97%) and resveratrol (15.95 µg/L) contents and antioxidant activity (71.52%) compared to peanut oil. The PSO emulsion gels were physically structured without changing their chemical compositions. The SMS and CW ratios were found to have a significant influence on the textural properties, solid fat content, rheology, and crystallization of the emulsion gels. The viscoelastic properties of the emulsion gels showed a higher storage modulus than loss modulus and increased with increasing gelator content. Muffins prepared with emulsion gels were characterized by a harder texture and larger pore size, while in the case of muffins mixed with a ratio of 25% SMS and 75% CW, there was no significant difference in overall preference of sensory evaluation compared to shortening muffins. Thus, these findings reveal the potential utility of PSO as a fat substitute and indicate that W/O emulsion gels are suitable for producing muffins without a loss of quality.

Isolation and identification of antimicrobial substances from Korean Lettuce (Youngia sonchifolia M.).

The aim of this study was to identify of antimicrobial substances from Korean Lettuce (Youngia sonchifolia M.). Water and ethanol extracts of Youngia sonchifolia M. exhibited antimicrobial activities against the microorganisms tested. Ethanol extract showed strong antimicrobial activities against most Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms, whereas no lactic acid bacteria and yeasts were not affected. The antimicrobial compound G-6 was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction obtained by silica gel column chromatography and HPLC and was confirmed as stable against heat treatment. Molecular weight of G-6 was calculated as 154 kDa based on information in the MS spectrum. G-6 was identified as 2-nonynoic acid (C9H14O2) by UV, LC-EI/MS, and LC-CI/MS. In support of this, the chromatogram of G-6 was consistent with that of the 2-nonynoic acid standard. Antimicrobial activity of 2-nonynoic acid was identified in all samples, with a significant difference based on concentratio.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of the ethanolic extract of Aralia continentalis Kitag. in IL-1ß-stimulated human fibroblast-like synoviocytes and rodent models of polyarthritis and nociception.

BACKGROUND: Blocking the formation and invasive growth of pannus and its secretion of inflammatory cytokines and MMPs is important for treating rheumatoid arthritis. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: Anti-arthritic activity of Aralia continentalis Kitag., an oriental herbal medicine, and the underlying mechanisms involved were investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Anti-inflammatory and anti-nocicpetive activities of the ethanolic extract (50% v/v) of Aralia continentalis Kitag. harvested from Imsil, Korea (ACI) were investigated in IL-1ß-stimulated human fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cells and rodent models of collagen-induced polyarthritis and carrageenan-induced acute paw pain. METHODS: In IL-1ß-stimulated FLS cells derived from rheumatoid arthritis patients, the anti-inflammatory activity of ACI was examined by analyzing the expression levels of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, PGE2, and COX-2 using ELISA and RT-PCR analysis. The anti-arthritic activity of ACI was investigated by measuring body weight, squeaking score, paw volume, and arthritis index in collagen-induced polyarthritis mice. The anti-nociceptive activity of ACI was examined in the paw-pressure test and Tail-flick latency test in rats. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract (50% v/v) of ACI reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, and MMP-13 secreted by IL-1ß-stimulated FLS cells, whereas MMP-3, COX-2, and PGE2 were not significantly affected. ACI inhibited the migration of NF-κB into the nucleus through the inhibition of ERK- and JNK-dependent MAP kinase pathways in IL-1ß-stimulated FLS cells. In collagen-induced polyarthritis mice, oral administration of ACI extract (200 mg/kg) significantly alleviated arthritic behaviors. Histological observations of arthritic mouse knees were consistent with their behaviors. The anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of 200 mg/kg ACI extract were comparable to those of 10 mg/kg prednisolone when administered to mice. However, ACI administration did not significantly affect carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia or thermal nociception in rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of ACI have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects in a rodent arthritis model and in IL-1ß-stimulated FLS cells. Thus, ACI may be a useful candidate for developing pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

Protective effect of cirsimaritin against streptozotocin-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells.

OBJECTIVES: Maintaining glucose homoeostasis is essential for the survival of cells. Despite the various health benefits of Korean thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. maackii), their effects on pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and experimentally investigated in this study. METHODS: The effects of C. japonicum var. maackii and its active component cirsimaritin against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cytotoxicity were assessed in INS-1 cells. By Western blotting analysis, protein expressions related to apoptosis were evaluated. The involvement of apoptosis was also confirmed with image-based cytometric assay and caspase activity tests. KEY FINDINGS: Cirsium japonicum var. maackii extract and cirsimaritin in non-toxic concentrations improved cell viability to near normal levels and protected INS-1 cells against STZ-induced damage. In addition, cirsimaritin reduced the intracellular oxidative stress induced by STZ. Cirsimaritin effectively suppressed apoptosis in pancreatic ß cells by decreasing the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, BID and the DNA repair protein poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and increasing anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential and action mechanism of cirsimaritin for the prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Identification of Antifungal Substances of Lactobacillus sakei subsp. ALI033 and Antifungal Activity against Penicillium brevicompactum Strain FI02.

This study was performed to investigate the antifungal substances and the antifungal activity against fungi of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from kimchi. LAB from kimchi in Imsil showed antifungal activity against Penicillium brevicompactum strain FI02. LAB LI031 was identified as Lactobacillus sakei subsp. Antifungal substances contained in L. sakei subsp. ALI033 culture media were unstable at high pH levels. Both, the control and proteinase K and protease treated samples showed clear zones, suggesting that the antifungal substances produced by ALI033 were non-protein substances unaffected by protesases. Both, the control and catalase showed clear zones, suggesting that the antifungal metabolite was not H2O2. The molecular weights of the antifungal substances were ≤3,000 Da. The organic acid content of crude antifungal substances produced by L. sakei subsp. ALI033 showed high concentrations of lactic acid (502.47 mg/100 g). Therefore, these results suggest that antifungal substance produced by L. sakei subsp. ALI033 is most likely due to its ability in producing organic acid.

Effects of Allium hookeri root water extracts on inhibition of adipogenesis and GLUT-4 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Anti-adipogenic and antidiabetic activities of Allium hookeri root water extracts (ARW) were assessed. Oil Red O staining showed that treatment with ARW caused a dose-dependent reduction in lipid accumulation. ARW was also involved in adipocyte lipolysis via LPL activity, and in the concentration of glycerol in a culture medium. On the basis of the concentration of adipokines following ARW treatment, ARW appeared to inhibit expression of PPAR-γ, to reduce concentrations of leptin and resistin, to increase the concentration of adiponectin, and to inhibit lipid accumulation. ARW modulated adipokine expression associated with insulin resistance and sensitivity. 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with ARW showed increased GLUT-4 expression with increased glucose uptake into adipocytes. ARW showed effectiveness for improvement of diabetic conditions.

Quality and storage characteristics of yogurt containing Lacobacillus sakei ALI033 and cinnamon ethanol extract.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to examine the quality and storage characteristics of yogurt containing antifungal-active lactic acid bacteria (ALH, Lacobacillus sakei ALI033) isolated from kimchi and cinnamon ethanol extract. The starter was used for culture inoculation (1.0 % commercial starter culture YF-L812 and ALH). RESULTS: The antifungal activity of cinnamon extracts was observed in treatments with either cinnamon ethanol extracts or cinnamon methanol extracts. Changes in fermented milk made with ALH and cinnamon extract during fermentation at 40 °C were as follows. The pH was 4.6 after only 6 h of fermentation. Titratable acidity values were maintained at 0.8 % in all treatment groups. Viable cell counts were maintained at 4 × 10(9) CFU/mL in all groups except for 1.00 % cinnamon treatment. Sensory evaluations of fermented milk sample made with ALH and 0.05 % cinnamon ethanol extract were the highest. Changes in fermented milk made with ALH and cinnamon ethanol extract during storage at 4 °C for 28 days were as follows. In fermented milk containing ALH and cinnamon ethanol extracts, the changes in pH and titratable acidity were moderate and smaller compared with those of the control. Viable cell counts were maintained within a proper range of 10(8) CFU/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the overgrowth of fermentation strains or post acidification during storage can be effectively delayed, thereby maintaining the storage quality of yogurt products in a stable way, using cinnamon ethanol extract, which exhibits excellent antifungal and antibacterial activity, in combination with lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi.

Anti-diabetic Effect of Fermented Milk Containing Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric isomers of conjugated dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid. CLA has been reported to be able to reduce body fat. In this study, we investigated the antidiabetic effect of fermented milk (FM) containing CLA on type II diabetes db/db mice. Mice were treated with 0.2% low FM, 0.6% high FM, or Glimepiride (GLM) for 6 wk. Our results revealed that the body weight and the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and leptin were significantly decreased in FM fed mice compared to db/db mice. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were significantly ameliorated in FM fed mice compared to db/db mice. Consistent with these results, the concentrations of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol were also significantly decreased in FM fed mice compared to db/db mice. However, the concentration of HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in FM fed mice compared to db/db mice. These results were similar to those of GLM, a commercial anti-diabetic drug. Therefore, our results suggest that FM has anti-diabetic effect as a functional food to treat type II diabetes mellitus.

Anti-Amnesic Effect of Fermented Ganoderma lucidum Water Extracts by Lactic Acid Bacteria on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats.

This study investigated the anti-amnesic effect of fermented Ganoderma lucidum water extracts (GW) on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats. GW were fermented by the lactic acid bacterium Bifidobacterium bifidum (FGWB), followed by Lactobacillus sakei LI033 (FGWBL). To induce amnesia, scopolamine (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into rats 30 min before the behavioral tests. Step-through latencies of rats treated with primary fermented extracts (300 mg/kg, FGWB) and secondary fermented extracts (300 mg/kg, FGWBL) were significantly longer than those of rats treated with GW (300 mg/kg) in the retention trial of the multiple trial passive avoidance test. In the Morris water maze task, FGWBL significantly shortened escape latencies in training trials. Furthermore, swimming times within the target zone during the probe trial with FGWBL were significantly higher than the GW and FGWB treatments. In addition, acetylcholinesterase activities were lower in the brains of scopolamine-treated rats treated with FGWBL. These results suggest that FGWBL could be useful to enhance learning memory and cognitive function via cholinergic dysfunction.