Alpinia japonica extract induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and activation of JNK.

Hepatic cancer was the third most prevalent cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2018, and its incidence is increasing. While therapeutic agents for hepatic cancer have improved, these agents can cause serious side effects, including damage to healthy tissues. To overcome this limitation, more than 3,000 plants have been used globally as common alternatives for cancer treatment. The anti-cancer activity of Alpinia japonica, one of the traditional herbal medicines (Korean name: Kkot-yang-ha), was investigated. Water extract of A. japonica (AJ) decreased the cell viability of hepatic cancer cells. AJ extract showed greater than 70% loss of mitochondrial potential in HepG2 cells as demonstrated by JC-1 staining. Apoptosis was induced by treatment with AJ extract as shown through FACS analysis, and G0/G1 phase arrest of 76.66% HepG2 cells was confirmed through cell cycle analysis and quantitative RT-PCR. Improper regulation of ERK1/2 might contribute to cell death, and JNK activation is necessary for apoptosis induced by stress stimuli. AJ extract stimulated the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), in HepG2 cells. AJ extract has anticancer activity by inhibiting cell cycle progression, leading to apoptosis of hepatic cancer cells. This extract could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for hepatic cancer.

Evaluation of Dose-Dependent Obesity and Diabetes-Related Complications of Water Chestnut (Fruit of Trapa japonica) Extracts in Type II Obese Diabetic Mice Induced by 45% Kcal High-Fat Diet.

Background and Objectives: The currently used pharmacological agents for metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes have several limitations and adverse effects; thus, there is a need for alternative therapeutic drugs and health functional foods. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of water chestnut (fruit of Trapa japonica) extracts (WC: 50-200 mg/kg) for type II diabetes using a 45% Kcal high-fat diet (HFD)-fed type II obese diabetic mice model for a period of 84 days, and the effects were compared to those of metformin (250 mg/kg). Results: Increases in body weight, serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and blood urea nitrogen, increases in antioxidant defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα1 and AMPKα2) in the liver tissue and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα2 mRNA, leptin, and C/EBPα) in the adipose tissue were observed in the HFD control group. The WC (50 mg/kg)-administered group showed no significant improvements in diabetic complications. However, HFD-induced obesity and diabetes-related complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, activity of antioxidant defense systems, and gene expressions were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited and/or normalized by oral administration of WC (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), particularly at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that WC at an appropriate dose could be used to develop an effective therapeutic drug or functional food for type II diabetes and various associated complications, including NAFLD.

Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Inhibits Candida Biofilm Formation, Increases Susceptibility to Antifungal Agents and Reduces Infection.

(1) Background: Candida is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide, but due to the limited option of antifungal therapies, alternative strategies are required. (2) Methods: Adenophora triphylla var. japonica extract was used for the biofilm formation assay using RPMI1640. The combinatorial antifungal assay, the dimorphic transition assay, and the adherence assay were done to see the influence of inhibition of biofilm formation. qRT-PCR analysis were performed to check the gene expression. (3) Results: Adenophora triphylla var. japonica extract inhibited the Candida biofilm formation. Treatment of extract increased the antifungal susceptibility of miconazole from a 37% reduction in fungal growth to 99.05%, and also dose-dependently reduced the dimorphic transition of Candida and the attachment of Candida to HaCaT cells. The extract blocked the expression of hyphal-related genes, extracellular matrix genes, Ras1-cAMP-PKA pathway genes, Cph2-Tec1 pathway gene, and MAP kinase pathway gene. (4) Conclusions: In this study, the treatment of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica extract showed inhibition of fungal biofilm formation, activation of antifungal susceptibility, and reduction of infection. These results suggest that fungal biofilm formation is a good target for the development of antifungal adjuvants, and Adenophora triphylla var. japonica extract should be a good candidate for biofilm-associated fungal infections.

Hedera rhombea inhibits the biofilm formation of Candida, thereby increases the susceptibility to antifungal agent, and reduces infection.

Candida is an opportunistic pathogen and a common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Anti-fungal use against Candida infections has resulted in the appearance of resistant strains. The limited choice of anti-fungal therapy means alternative strategies are needed to control fungal infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of Candida biofilm formation by Hedera rhombea (Korean name: songak) extract. Biofilm formation was assessed using the crystal violet assay which showed a dose dependent reduction in the presence of extract with the biofilm formation inhibitory concentration of C. albicans (IC50 = 12.5µg/ml), C. tropicalis var. tropicalis (IC50 = 25µg/ml), C. parapsilosis var. parapsilosis (IC50 = 6.25µg/ml), C. glabrata (IC50 = 6.25µg/ml), C. tropicalis (IC50 = 12.5µg/ml), and C. parapsilosis (IC50 = 12.5µg/ml) without directly reducing Candida growth. Treatment with 6.25µg/mL of extract increased the antifungal susceptibility to miconazole from 32% decreasing of fungal growth to 98.8% of that based on the fungal growth assay. Treatment of extract dose-dependently reduced the dimorphic transition of Candida based on the dimorphic transition assay and treatment of 3.125µg/mL of extract completely blocked the adherence of Candida to the HaCaT cells. To know the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation inhibition by extract, qRT-PCR analysis was done, and the extract was found to dose dependently reduce the expression of hyphal-associated genes (ALS3, ECE1, HWP1, PGA50, and PBR1), extracellular matrix genes (GSC1, ZAP1, ADH5, and CSH1), Ras1-cAMP-PKA pathway genes (CYR1, EFG1, and RAS1), Cph2-Tec1 pathway gene (TEC1) and MAP kinases pathway gene (HST7). In this study, Hedera rhombea extract showed inhibition of fungal biofilm formation, activation of antifungal susceptibility, and reduction of infection. These results suggest that fungal biofilm formation is good screen for developing the antifungal adjuvant and Hedera rhombea extract should be a good candidate against biofilm-related fungal infection.

Gentisic Acid Stimulates Keratinocyte Proliferation through ERK1/2 Phosphorylation.

Keratinocyte proliferation is important for skin wound healing. The wound healing process includes blood clotting around the wound, removal of dead cells and pathogens through inflammation, and then re-epithelialization through proliferation and maturation. Proliferation assay was performed on acid natural compounds to identify candidates for natural-derived components of skin injury treatment. We found that gentisic acid promoted high cell proliferation activity compared with other compounds. Gentisic acid improved HaCaT cell proliferation by over 20% in MTT assay. Gentisic acid also had higher healing activity in an in vitro wound healing assay than allantoin as a positive control. Furthermore, we have identified how the treatment of gentisic acid can increase proliferation in the cell. Western blot analysis of proteins in the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway showed that ERK1/2 phosphorylation was increased by gentisic acid treatment. Thus, our study indicates that gentisic acid promotes the proliferation of keratinocyte by phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

Acute consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa beverage improves attenuated cutaneous microvascular function in healthy young African Americans.

Flavanols have beneficial effects on vascular health and we have recently demonstrated that cerebral vasodilatory capacity in healthy young African Americans (AA) is improved with acute flavanol intake relative to aged-matched Caucasian Americans (CA). However, whether the positive benefits of acute flavanol consumption would also be present in the cutaneous microvascular circulation of AA remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesized that acute consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa (FC) would improve the previously reported reduced cutaneous microvascular responses to local heating in young AA. Seven AA and seven CA participated in this double-blind crossover study. Data were collected on two different days, separated by a minimum of one week. Two intradermal microdialysis membranes were inserted in the forearm and each site was randomly assigned to receive lactated Ringer's solution or NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either a non-flavanol containing (NF) beverage or FC beverage. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as cutaneous blood flux/mean arterial pressure and normalized as % maximal CVC (%CVCmax). The difference in %CVCmax between the Ringer's site and NOS inhibited site was calculated to assess NO contribution (Δ %CVCmax). In the Ringer's site, acute consumption of FC beverage improved %CVCmax during 39 °C heating when compared to NF beverage in AA (NF: 36 ±â€¯6 vs. FC: 47 ±â€¯5%CVCmax; P < .01) while there was similar %CVCmax during 39 °C heating between beverages in CA (NF: 55 ±â€¯4 vs. FC: 59 ±â€¯5%CVCmax; P = .40). During 39 °C heating, NO contribution was significantly higher with FC beverage than NF beverage in AA (NF: 27 ±â€¯5 vs. FC: 35 ±â€¯4 Δ %CVCmax; P = .03) while there was similar NO contribution between beverages in CA (NF: 42 ±â€¯4 vs. FC: 45 ±â€¯4 Δ %CVCmax; P = .36). This data suggests that acute consumption of FC could be a therapeutic solution to improve an attenuated microvascular function in young AA.

Cream Cheese-Derived Lactococcus chungangensis CAU 28 Modulates the Gut Microbiota and Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis in BALB/c Mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a drastic impact on human health owing to complex skin, gut microbiota, and immune responses. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are effective in ameliorating AD; however, the alleviative effects of dairy products derived from these LAB remain unclear. In this study, the efficacies of Lactococcus chungangensis CAU 28 (CAU 28) cream cheese and L. chungangensis CAU 28 dry cells were evaluated for treating AD in an AD mouse model. Overall, CAU 28 cream cheese administration was more effective against AD than L. chungangensis CAU 28 dry cells. Faeces from CAU 28 cream cheese-administered mice had increased short chain fatty acid, butyrate, acetate, and lactic acid levels, as well as butyrate-producing bacteria, including Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Ruminococcus. Furthermore, oral CAU 28 cream cheese administration resulted in regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated suppression of T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses in serum and mRNA expression levels in the ileum. Oral CAU 28 cream cheese further reduced IgE levels, in addition to eosinophil and mast cell numbers. Therefore, CAU 28 cream cheese administration induced a coordinated immune response involving short-chain fatty acids and gut microbiota, indicating its potential for use as a supplement for AD mitigation.

Antifungal activity of magnoflorine against Candida strains.

Candida albicans is a major invasive pathogen, and the development of strains resistant to conventional antifungal agents has been reported in recent years. We evaluated the antifungal activity of 44 compounds against Candida strains. Magnoflorine showed the highest growth inhibitory activity of the tested Candida strains, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 µg/mL based on microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing. Disk diffusion assay confirmed the antifungal activity of magnoflorine and revealed that this activity was stable over 3 days compared to those of berberine and cinnamaldehyde. Cytotoxicity testing showed that magnoflorine could potentially be used in a clinical setting because it didn't have any toxicity to HaCaT cells even in 200 µg/mL of treatment. Magnoflorine at 50 µg/mL inhibited 55.91 ± 7.17% of alpha-glucosidase activity which is required for normal cell wall composition and virulence of Candida albicans. Magnoflorine also reduced the formation of C. albicans' biofilm. Combined treatment with magnoflorine and miconazole decreased the amount of miconazole required to kill various Candida albicans. Therefore, magnoflorine is a good candidate lead compound for novel antifungal agents.

Promotion of Keratinocyte Proliferation by Tracheloside through ERK1/2 Stimulation.

Cell migration and proliferation are important for proper wound healing after skin injury. Recent studies have shown that compounds from plants could promote cell migration and proliferation. Tracheloside, which is a plant lignan, has been found to promote the growth of HaCaT cells over 40% compared to other compounds tested based on a cell proliferation assay. An in vitro scratch assay confirmed the healing activity of tracheloside (more than 2-fold increased healing activity after 24 hours of treatment compared with the control) and revealed that this activity is better than that of allantoin (1.2-fold increased after 24 hours of treatment compared with the control), a positive control. With western blot results, wound healing with tracheloside occurred through the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Therefore, tracheloside is a good candidate to promote wound healing and could be developed as a therapeutic agent for wound treatment or used as a leading compound with higher activity.

Safety evaluation and consideration of 4 Pin Multi-needle for meso-therapy.

This study was conducted according to the method presented in the Republic of Korea Pharmacopoeia 11th Revision, aseptic test method to evaluate the suitability of sterilization for a sterile needle (4 Pin Multi-needle). In this study, four tests were conducted: sterility test, cytotoxicity test, acute toxicity test, skin sensitization test. First, in the aseptic test, the microorganism was not proliferated in the aseptic test of the medium. As a result of the performance test of the medium, it was confirmed that the microorganism developed within 3 days and the fungus was evident within 5 days. Based on this, it was confirmed that the medium was suitable, and as a result of the aseptic test, the development of microorganisms was not observed during the total culture period. Based on these results, tests were conducted which were confirmed to be suitable for aseptic testing because the development of bacteria on the provided samples was not recognized. For cytotoxicity tests ISO10993-5; 2009 (Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, Part 5: Test for in vitro Cytotoxicity). As a result, the MEM eluate of the test substance caused very slight cytotoxicity to the fibroblasts of the mouse and was judged to be Grade 1 (Slightly cytotoxic) according to the judgment standard of ISO 10993-5. On the other hand, solvent control, negative control and positive control showed the expected results on the test. Acute Toxicity Test Results: It was judged that there was no systemic toxicity change when ICR mice were treated with 50 mL/kg B.W. of the eluate of sterile injectable needle for 72 hours. Skin sensitization test result: The Hartley guinea pig was evaluated as a substance which is evaluated as a substance which does not induce any skin reaction when skin sensitization is applied to the dissected material of the sterile injectable needle and is weak in skin sensitivity. Based on the above tests, we will study the stability and efficacy of more reliable medical devices based on the verification and performance of medical devices.

Alveolar Bone Protective Effect of Hiziki Extracts on the Progression of Periodontitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hiziki extract on alveolar bone loss, inflammation, and osteo-biomarker expression in hPDL cells (10, 50, 100 µg/ml final concentrations in culture medium) and on a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model (50, 100, 200 mg/kg with oral administration). Hiziki extract increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation in hPDL cell. In western blot analysis, hiziki extract resulted in increased expression of osteoblast markers, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in hDPL cells. Additionally, expression of osteoclast markers and inflammatory cytokines was inhibited, which were receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), RANK receptor (RANKL) and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). Hiziki extract also prevented alveolar bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model through reducing the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CBJ-ABC) and furcation involvement. These findings suggested that hiziki extract has prophylactic potential for the prevention of periodontitis through anti-inflammation and, anti-bone resorption effects and the inhibition of alveolar bone destruction.

Evaluation of in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Artemisia apiacea H. and Scutellaria baicalensis G. extracts.

PURPOSE: In traditional Korean medicine, Artemisia apiacea H. (ART) and Scutellaria baicalensis G. (SCU) are combined for the treatment of malaria and other malaria-like diseases. Because SCU is well-known as an antibacterial agent, the antimicrobial effect of a mixture of ART and SCU was investigated. METHODOLOGY: Plant samples were purchased from Kyungdong mart and extracted with 70 % ethanol. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ART and SCU against pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay, modified-disc diffusion and agar dilution methods with further CH2Cl2-fractionated ART, SCU and a mixture of ART/SCU (at a ratio of 3 : 5) (THAN-1). RESULTS: ART and SCU were effective against A. niger, C. albicans, B. subtilis and S. aureus. The range of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values was 0.03125 to 4 mg ml-1 in the ART and SCU treatments. ART exhibited stronger activity than SCU. Interestingly, a 3 : 5 ratio mixture of ART and SCU (THAN-1) showed stronger antimicrobial activity than ART or SCU used individually. CONCLUSION: A treatment using a mixture of herbs such as THAN-1 would be useful in the suppression of the growth of pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains.

Attenuated cutaneous microvascular function in healthy young African Americans: Role of intradermal l-arginine supplementation.

It has been established that endothelial function in conduit vessels is reduced in young African Americans (AA) relative to Caucasian Americans (CA). However, less is known regarding endothelial function in microvasculature of young AA. We hypothesized that microvascular function in response to local heating of skin is attenuated in young AA relative to age-matched CA due largely to the lack of NO bioavailability, which is in turn improved by intradermal l-arginine supplementation and/or inhibition of arginase. Nine AA and nine CA adults participated in this study. Participants were instrumented with four microdialysis membranes in the cutaneous vasculature of one forearm and were randomly assigned to receive 1) lactated Ringer's solution as a control site; 2) 20 mM NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NAME) to inhibit NO synthase activity; 3) 10 mM l-arginine to local supplement l-arginine; or 4) a combination of 5.0 mM (S)-(2­boronoethyl)-l-cysteine-HCL (BEC) and 5.0 mM Nω-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine (nor-NOHA) at a rate of 2.0 µl/min to locally inhibit arginase activity. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as red blood cell flux divided by mean arterial pressure. All CVC data were presented as a percentage of maximal CVC (%CVCmax) that was determined by maximal cutaneous vasodilation induced by 44 °C heating plus sodium nitroprusside administration. The response during the 42 °C local heating plateau was blunted in the AA at the control site (CA: 84 ±â€¯12 vs. AA: 62 ±â€¯6 vs. %CVCmax; P < 0.001). This response was improved in AA at the l-arginine site (Control: 62 ±â€¯6 vs. l-arginine: 70 ±â€¯18%CVCmax; P < 0.05) but not in the arginase inhibited site (Control: 62 ±â€¯6 vs. Arginase inhibited: 62 ±â€¯13%CVCmax; P = 0.91). In addition, the AA group had an attenuated NO contribution to the plateau phase during 42 °C local heating relative to the CA group (CA: 56 ±â€¯14 vs. AA: 44 ±â€¯6 Δ %CVCmax; P < 0.001). These findings suggest that 1) cutaneous microvascular function in response to local heating is blunted in young AA when compared to age-matched young CA; 2) this attenuated response is partly related to decrease in NO bioavailability in young AA; and 3) a local infusion of l-arginine, but not arginase inhibition, improves cutaneous microvascular responses to local heating in young AA relative to CA.

Muscle-protective effects of Schisandrae Fructus extracts in old mice after chronic forced exercise.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Schisandrae Fructus (SF), the dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., is a well-known traditional herb used in Asia for enhancing physical work capacity as well as providing anti-stress and anti-inflammatory effects. Extracts of SF (SFe) have also been reported to increase skeletal muscle mass and inhibit muscle atrophy. AIM OF THE STUDY: We examined whether SFe had muscle-protective effects in old mice after chronic forced exercises, and, if so, relevant mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten-month-old aged male mice were divided into six groups. One group received no forced swimming after oral administration of distilled water (Intact); the other groups received forced swimming after administration of distilled water (SW), oxymetholone (OXY), or SFe at 500, 250 and 125mg/kg (SFe500, SFe250, and SFe125, respectively). Forced swimming was conducted for 2min at 30min after oral administration; the treatment was repeated for 28 days. Muscle thickness, weight, lean proportion, and strength were examined. The sampled muscles were subjected to histopathological and biochemical analyses. Plasma was examined by biochemical analyses. RESULTS: The thicknesses of the calf muscle and the sampled gastrocnemius and soleus, protein proportion and muscle strength increased significantly in the SW group versus Intact, and they were further increased in the SFe and OXY groups versus SW. The forced swimming in the SW group upregulated mRNA expression related to protein synthesis (Akt1, PI3K) and muscle growth (A1R, TRPV4), while it downregulated mRNAs related to protein degradation (atrogin-1, MuRF1) and muscle growth inhibitor (myostatin, SIRT1). The detected upregulation and downregulation were enhanced in the SFe groups. In addition, the SFe administration inhibited lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species, and accelerated activities of endogenous anti-oxidants and anti-oxidant enzymes. Plasma biochemistry showed decreases in creatine, creatine kinase and LDH in the SFe groups versus SW, suggesting muscle-protective effects of SFe. In the SFe groups versus SW, histopathological analyses revealed an increase in myofibre diameter, and immunohistochemistry showed increases in myofibres immunoreactive for ATPase and decreases in myofibres for apoptosis markers (caspase-3, PARP) and oxidative stress markers (NT, 4HNE, iNOS). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of SFe, especially SFe500, enhanced exercise-induced adaptive muscle strengthening in aged mice after forced swimming through anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant effects, mediated via modulation of gene expression related to muscle synthesis or degradation. These results suggest that SFe may be helpful in improvement various muscle disorders as an adjuvant therapy to exercise-based remedies.

Inhibition of collagenase and melanogenesis by ethanol extracts of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger: possible involvement of Erk and Akt signaling pathways in melanoma cells.

Orostachys japonicus is an herb that contains several functional components and has traditionally been used to treat various diseases in Asia. In this study, bioactive components from different parts of the O. japonicus plant were investigated, and the contents of the functional components in ethanol extracts of O. japonicus cultivated in Korea and China were compared. The antioxidant effects of O. japonicus ethanol extracts were investigated using Raw 264.7 cells. It was found that 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity was significantly decreased in the cells treated with the extracts. Moreover, the novel inhibitory functions of O. japonicus extracts on collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase were established. We also found that O. japonicus extracts strongly inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by decreasing MITF protein levels and activating the Erk and Akt signaling pathways. Thus, these findings would be useful for developing new cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations based on O. japonicus extracts.

Decrement of Serum Vitamin D Level After Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the serum vitamin D level and its determinant factors in stroke patients. METHODS: Fifty-one stroke patients who had documented serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D) were included. Patients were divided into subacute (n=23) and chronic groups (n=28). The mean levels of 25(OH)D of the two groups were compared. Correlations between each 25(OH)D level and post-stroke duration were also analyzed. To assess other possible influencing factors, patients were subdivided by ambulation ability and feeding methods for comparison of 25(OH)D level. RESULTS: The mean level of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in the chronic group than in the subacute group (12.3 vs. 16.3 ng/mL; p<0.05). The serum 25(OH)D level decreased according to the duration after stroke (r=-0.52, p=0.01). Patients with a history of total parenteral nutrition had lower 25(OH)D levels than subjects who had enteral nutrition in the subacute group (7.3 vs. 18.8 ng/mL; p<0.01). However, the levels of 25(OH)D were not different between the oral feeding and tube feeding groups. Among the chronic group subjects, patients who could walk without assistance had higher 25(OH)D levels than non-ambulatory patients (ambulatory vs. non-ambulatory group; 18.3 vs. 11.3 ng/mL; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: After stroke onset, serum vitamin D level decreases with time regardless of feeding methods, and total parenteral nutrition may aggravate its deficiency. In terms of long-term care, non-ambulatory patients might be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation of vitamin D should be considered especially for stroke patients who are non-ambulatory and on total parenteral nutrition.

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of "enzyme-treated red ginseng powder complex (BG11001)" for antiwrinkle and proelasticity in individuals with healthy skin.

BACKGROUND: During the aging process, skin shows visible changes, characterized by a loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles due to reduced collagen production and decreased elasticity of elastin fibers. Panax ginseng Meyer has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases due to its wide range of biological activities including skin protective effects. Ginsenosides are the main components responsible for the biological activities of ginseng. However, the protective activities of an enzymatic preparation of red ginseng against human skin aging have not been investigated. METHODS: The efficacy of an enzyme-treated powder complex of red ginseng (BG11001) in preventing human skin aging was evaluated by oral administration to 78 randomized individuals. All patients were requested to take three daily capsules containing either 750 mg of BG11001 or a placebo vehicle for 24 wk; at the end of the testing period, skin roughness, elasticity, and skin water content were measured. RESULTS: BG11001 significantly reduced the average roughness of eye wrinkles and the Global Photo Damage Score compared with the placebo, although there were no significant differences in arithmetic roughness average between the groups. In addition, gross elasticity and net elasticity values increased, and transepidermal water loss level decreased, indicating improved skin elasticity and moisture content. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract significantly improved eye wrinkle roughness, skin elasticity, and moisture content. Moreover, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract would be useful substance as a bio-health skin care product.

Sakuranetin Inhibits Inflammatory Enzyme, Cytokine, and Costimulatory Molecule Expression in Macrophages through Modulation of JNK, p38, and STAT1.

Sakuranetin is flavonoid phytoalexin that serves as a plant antibiotic and exists in Prunus and several other plant species. Recently, we identified the anti-inflammatory effect of Prunus yedoensis and found that there were few studies on the potential anti-inflammatory activity of sakuranetin, one of the main constituents of Prunus yedoensis. Here, we isolated peritoneal macrophages from thioglycollate-injected mice and examined whether sakuranetin affected the response of the macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon- (IFN-) γ or LPS only. Sakuranetin suppressed the synthesis of iNOS and COX2 in LPS/IFN-γ stimulated cells and the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 in LPS stimulated cells. The surface expression of the costimulatory molecules, CD86 and CD40, was also decreased. Among the LPS-induced signaling molecules, STAT1, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation was attenuated. These findings are evidence that sakuranetin acts as anti-inflammatory flavonoid and further study is required to evaluate its in vivo efficacy.

Fucoidan Prevents the Progression of Osteoarthritis in Rats.

This study investigated the effects of fucoidan (extract from Hizikia fusiforme) on symptoms and inflammatory cytokine activation in rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA). Forty male SD rats were divided into five groups, including normal, negative control (MIA), positive control (Lyprinol), and two experimental groups treated with 50 or 100 mg/kg fucoidan. Weight-bearing assessments were done after MIA injection into the right knee to induce OA. After 14 days of treatment, microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT) images were made of rat knee joints, and then animals were sacrificed for joint histology and inflammatory cytokine level assessments. MIA injection successfully induced OA by causing 40% weight-bearing imbalance, severe bone loss and cartilage degeneration, and markedly increased cytokine levels. However, fucoidan groups showed over 45% of imbalance and no articular cartilage surface lesions or change in subchondral trabecular bones in Micro-CT images. Histological analysis revealed that cartilage morphology and cell counts were also normal in the 100 mg/kg fucoidan group. In addition, the 100 mg/kg fucoidan groups exhibited lower serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (30%), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) (48%), and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) (65%) compared to the MIA groups. These results suggest that administration of fucoidan prevents the progression of OA in a MIA-induced OA rat model.

Laxative effects of fermented rice extract in rats with loperamide-induced constipation.

Constipation is a common problem in males and females. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the laxative effects of fermented rice extract (FRe) on rats with loperamide-induced constipation. FRe (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally once per day for six days following 1 h loperamide treatment. The laxative effects of FRe were compared with those of sodium picosulfate (S. picosulfate). Following the induction of constipation in the rats, a marked decrease was observed in the fecal pellet number and water content discharged over 24 h, the surface mucus thickness in the colonic lumen, intestinal charcoal transit ratio, thickness of the colonic mucosa and the number of mucus-producing cells, while an increase was observed in the number of fecal pellets remaining in the colonic lumen and their mean diameter, as compared with the normal vehicle control rats. These conditions were significantly alleviated following the administration of the three doses of FRe when compared with the loperamide control group. However, the alleviating effects were lower than those of S. picosulfate, with the exception of the intestinal charcoal transit ratio. Similar effects on the intestinal charcoal transit ratio were detected for the three doses of FRe when compared with the S. picosulfate-treated rats. In conclusion, the results indicated that FRe exhibits a laxative effect without causing diarrhea, as compared with sodium picosulfate; thus, FRe may be effective as a complementary medicine in patients suffering from lifestyle-induced constipation.