In vitro combinatorial anti-proliferative and immunosuppressive effects of Brucea javanica extract with CX-4945 and imatinib in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

Since 1970, the isolated and identified components of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. have been known to contain anticancer effects, particularly antileukemic effect. In this study, the inhibitory effect of Brucea javanica (BJ) on cell growth and inflammation was confirmed in human T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) cells, and its efficacy as an antileukemic agent was verified. Our results showed that BJ extract induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of T-ALL Jurkat cells through inhibition of the CK2-mediated signaling pathway, while exerting no significant cytotoxicity in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, BJ extract suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus, inhibiting the interleukin (IL)-2 expression induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Notably, combined treatment with BJ extract plus CX-4945 or imatinib exerted enhanced inhibitory effects on T-ALL cell growth and IL-2 production. Overall, these results suggest that BJ extract can be a potent therapeutic herbal agent for T-ALL treatment and prevention of IL-2 mediated inflammatory immune responses.

Effects of Zanthoxylum piperitum ethanol extract on osteoarthritis inflammation and pain.

Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common type of arthritis, which is caused by degenerative damage of the cartilage, which primarily protects the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo and in vitro effects of treatment with ZPE-LR (90% EtOH extract of Zanthoxylum piperitum) on pain severity and inflammation. When using an in vivo OA model MIA (monosodiumidoacetate-induced arthritis) rats, ZPE-LR (100 mg/kg) oral-administratio significantly inhibited MIA-induced change in loaded weight ratio on the left foot, and articular cartilage thickness. To confirm the positive effects on pain relief, acetic acid, heat and formalin-induced pain were remarkably decreased by 50 and 100 mg/kg ZPE-LR oral-administration. Pain related KCNJ6 mRNA expression as well as K + current was increased after ZPE-LR treatment in BV-2 cells. To confirm the positive effects on inflammation, TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) induced inflammation measured by mouse ear thickness and biopsy punch weight and TPA-induced iNOS, COX-2 mRNA and protein expression were remarkably suppressed by 50 and 100 mg/kg ZPE-LR oral-administration. In addition, TPA-induced iNOS, COX-2 mRNA level and protein expression were reduced. Acetic acid, heat and formalin-induced pain were remarkably decreased by 50 and 100 mg/kg ZPE-LR oral-administration. We examined in vitro ZPE-LR effects in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. LPS-induced p65 translocation to the nucleus was prohibited by ZPE-LR 100 µg/ml oral administration. Moreover, ROS generation by LPS was significantly inhibited by ZPE-LR 50 and 100 µg/ml treatment. To investigate new ZPE-LR activating mechanisms, the gene fishing method (not a typical term, should probably use PCR based genetic screening) was used. LPS-induced HPRT1 (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1) was decreased by ZPE-LR. However, RPL8 (Ribosomal protein L8) which showed no change in mRNA expression due to LPS, did show increased mRNA levels after ZPE-LR treatment. Our data elucidate mechanisms underlying ZPE-LR and suggest ZPE-LR may be a potential therapeutic agent to modulate osteoarthritis inflammation and pain.

The suppressive effect of the three-herb extract mixture on vascular and liver inflammation in atherogenic diet with high fructose-fed mice.

CONTEXT: Cynanchum wilfordii (Maximowicz) Hemsley (Apocynaceae), Arctium lappa L. var. rubescens Frivald (Asteraceae) and Dioscorea opposite Thunb (Dioscoreaceae) root extracts have been widely used as an alternative for intervening obesity. OBJECTIVES: The synergistic effect of three-herb mixture of C. wilfordii, A. lappa and D. opposita was determined on aortic and liver inflammatory responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CWE, ALE and DOE were prepared from the root of C. wilfordii, A. lappa and D. opposite by 70% ethanol extraction, respectively. CADE was prepared using a powder mixture of 2 CWE:1 ALE:1 DOE. C57BL/6 mice were fed an atherogenic diet combined with 10% fructose (ATHFR) in the presence of 200 mg/kg/day CWE, ALE, DOE or CADE for 8 weeks (each group, n = 6). Biochemical profiles, protein expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on the aorta and liver were determined. RESULTS: CADE could significantly suppress the protein expression of VCAM-1 in both the aorta and liver (80% reduction) compared to ATHFR-fed mice. Impairment of liver function was significantly ameliorated by CADE supplement, as determined by GOT (60% reduction) and GPT (51% reduction) levels. CONCLUSIONS: CADE should be considered when developing medications to suppress the vascular and liver inflammatory responses for individuals who are either non-responsive or resistant to lipid-lowering drugs.

Th17 and IL-17 Cause Acceleration of Inflammation and Fat Loss by Inducing α2-Glycoprotein 1 (AZGP1) in Rheumatoid Arthritis with High-Fat Diet.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. High-fat diet (HFD) is a risk factor for RA and is related to inflammation but responds minimally to medication. Given the association between HFD and inflammation, it is important to understand the function of inflammation-related T cells in RA with HFD. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a model of RA, was induced in HFD mice by injection of collagen II, and metabolic markers and T cells were analyzed. The metabolic index and IgG assay results were higher in HFD-CIA mice than in nonfat diet-CIA mice. Numbers of inflammation-related T cells and macrophages, such as Th1 and Th17 cells and M1 macrophages, were higher in spleens of HFD-CIA mice. HFD-CIA mice had a high level of α2-glycoprotein 1 (Azgp1), a soluble protein that stimulates lipolysis. To examine the association between Azgp1 and Th17 cells, the reciprocal effects of Azgp1 and IL-17 on Th17 differentiation and lipid metabolism were measured. Interestingly, Azgp1 increased the Th17 population of splenocytes. Taken together, our data suggest that the acceleration of fat loss caused by Azgp1 in RA with metabolic syndrome is related to the increase of IL-17. Mice injected with the Azgp1-overexpression vector exhibited more severe CIA compared with the mock vector-injected mice.

Combination therapy with metformin and coenzyme Q10 in murine experimental autoimmune arthritis.

Metformin (Met) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are reported to have therapeutic functions in several inflammatory diseases. These drugs have shown anti-inflammatory effects and have been utilized in mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is no evidence of the additive effect of Met and CoQ10 in RA. Although Met and CoQ10 may be involved in the improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, limited information is available regarding whether this effect can improve mitochondrial dysfunction in RA in particular. In this study, we sought to determine whether Met and CoQ10 attenuate the severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and show an additive effect in a mouse model. The combination of Met and CoQ10 improved CIA, reducing joint inflammation, Th17 differentiation and IgG production. In contrast, the combination of Met and CoQ10 induced Treg differentiation. Osteoclastogenesis was reduced by the combination of Met and CoQ10. The protein expression of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in mice splenocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide decreased after drug combination therapy. We also found that the expression of JC-1 and COX IV were enhanced by treatment with the combination of Met and CoQ10. Moreover, the combination of Met and CoQ10 promoted mitochondrial O2 consumption. These findings suggest that the combination of Met and CoQ10 reduced CIA severity, improving mitochondrial dysfunction compared to Met or CoQ10 alone. These results present a novel, significant preventive targets in RA and may enhance our understanding of its pathogenesis.

Ginsenoside F2 possesses anti-obesity activity via binding with PPARγ and inhibiting adipocyte differentiation in the 3T3-L1 cell line.

Abstract Panax ginseng Meyer has been shown to be effective in mitigating various diseases. Protopanaxadiols (PPD) and protopanaxatriols (PPT), which are the main constituents of ginseng, have been shown to impact obesity. Therefore, we selected several important ginsenosides to perform our docking study and determine if they had binding affinity with the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which is a major transcription factor in adipocytes. Among them, only a few ginsenosides demonstrated binding affinity with PPARγ. Other than ginsenoside F2 rest of them were previously reported by the researchers in experimental study in case of obesity cell line 3T3-L1 adipocyte. In few recent studies, it was reported that F2 has protective effects on malignant brain tumors as well as anti-cancer activity in breast cancer. Therefore, we felt it was important to focus on F2 when considering obesity. Our study focused on this ginsenoside and analyzed its impact on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Following the molecular interaction studies, further experimental studies were carried out and demonstrated that ginsenoside F2 when treated with different doses reduces the level of lipid accumulated by the 3T3-L1 cell line during adipogenesis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR results showed reduction in PPARγ and perilipin gene expression levels compared to that of differentiated adipocytes without any treatment. So considering the binding with a major adipocyte transcription factor and the performed experiments, we suggest that ginsenoside F2 may reduce obesity via the inhibition of adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 cell line.

Synthesis and pharmacokinetic characterization of a pH-sensitive polyethylene glycol ginsenoside CK (PEG-CK) conjugate.

The ginsenosides in Panax ginseng have vast structural and pharmacological efficacies. We covalently conjugated polyethylene glycol on the surface of CK (PEG-CK) through an acid-labile ester-linkage that showed increased solubility of CK. HPLC analysis showed that the release of CK was enhanced at acidic pH 5, whereas it was dramatically decreased at physiological pH 7.4. This might enhance the efficacy of CK.

Insilico profiling of microRNAs in Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of recently discovered non-coding small RNA molecules, on average approximately 21 nucleotides in length, which underlie numerous important biological roles in gene regulation in various organisms. The miRNA database (release 18) has 18,226 miRNAs, which have been deposited from different species. Although miRNAs have been identified and validated in many plant species, no studies have been reported on discovering miRNAs in Panax ginseng Meyer, which is a traditionally known medicinal plant in oriental medicine, also known as Korean ginseng. It has triterpene ginseng saponins called ginsenosides, which are responsible for its various pharmacological activities. Predicting conserved miRNAs by homology-based analysis with available expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences can be powerful, if the species lacks whole genome sequence information. In this study by using the EST based computational approach, 69 conserved miRNAs belonging to 44 miRNA families were identified in Korean ginseng. The digital gene expression patterns of predicted conserved miRNAs were analyzed by deep sequencing using small RNA sequences of flower buds, leaves, and lateral roots. We have found that many of the identified miRNAs showed tissue specific expressions. Using the insilico method, 346 potential targets were identified for the predicted 69 conserved miRNAs by searching the ginseng EST database, and the predicted targets were mainly involved in secondary metabolic processes, responses to biotic and abiotic stress, and transcription regulator activities, as well as a variety of other metabolic processes.

Post-exposure treatment with ginsenoside compound K ameliorates auditory functional injury associated with noise-induced hearing loss in mice.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is thought to primarily involve damage to the sensory hair cells of the cochlea via mechanical and metabolic mechanisms. Unfortunately, initial studies assessing the effectiveness of post-exposure treatment after hearing loss have yielded largely disappointing results. This study explored the effects of oral treatment with Korean red ginseng (RG) and with two bioavailable ginsenoside metabolites, ginsenoside Rh1 and ginsenoside compound K (GCK), in response to NIHL in a murine model. Pharmacological treatments began 24h after noise exposure and were continued once daily for 7 days. Central auditory function was evaluated using auditory middle latency responses, and cochlear function was determined based on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. Additionally, cochlear hair cell morphology was investigated after noise exposure. Both Korean red ginseng and compound K reduced threshold shifts, central auditory function damage, and cochlear functional and morphological deficits. In contrast, treatment with ginsenoside Rh1 did not result in recovery of NIHL in mice. These results suggest that consumption of Korean red ginseng may facilitate recovery from noise-induced hearing loss. Furthermore, one of the active constituents in ginseng is likely ginsenoside compound K.

Flavobacterium ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., a bacterium with ginsenoside converting activity isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain THG 01(T), was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain THG 01(T) grew well at 25-37 °C and pH 6.0-7.5 in the absence of NaCl on nutrient agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity data, strain THG 01(T) was shown to belong to the family Flavobacteriaceae and was related to Flavobacterium anhuiense D3(T) (97.5 % similarity), Flavobacterium johnsoniae UW101(T) (96.8 %) and Flavobacterium denitrificans ED5(T) (96.7 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between the novel strain and members of other recognized species within the family Flavobacteriaceae were less than 96.7 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain THG 01(T) was 32.1 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone was MK-6 and major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) 3-OH and C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or C(16 : 1)ω6c ) supported the affiliation of strain THG 01(T) to the genus Flavobacterium. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed that DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain THG 01(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours were below 11 %. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain THG 01(T) to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Flavobacterium. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Flavobacterium ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with THG 01(T) ( = KACC 14525(T) = JCM 16720(T)) as the type strain.

Inquilinus ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A Gram-reaction-negative, chemo-organotrophic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium (strain Gsoil 080(T)) was isolated from soil collected in a ginseng field in Pocheon Province, South Korea, and was investigated by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Gsoil 080(T) was related most closely to Inquilinus limosus strains AU0476(T) and AU1979 (98.9 % similarity to both). Strain Gsoil 080(T) shared ≤91.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains of other recognized species examined. The genus Inquilinus belongs to the family Rhodospirillaceae in the order Rhodospirillales, class Alphaproteobacteria. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 7 (C(18 : 1)ω9c/ω12t/ω7c) and C(19 : 0) cyclo ω8c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Gsoil 080(T) was 69.9 mol%. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain Gsoil 080(T) and I. limosus LMG 20952(T) was 12 %. The results of genotypic analyses in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain Gsoil 080(T) represents a novel species of the genus Inquilinus, for which the name Inquilinus ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 080(T) (=KCTC 12574(T) =LMG 23638(T)).

Nocardioides ginsengisegetis sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (Gsoil 485(T)) was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field located in Pocheon province in South Korea. This bacterium was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position by using the polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 485(T) was shown to belong to the family Nocardioidaceae and related to Nocardioides koreensis (96.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Nocardioides basaltis (96.7%), Nocardioides salarius (96.7%), and Nocardioides sediminis (96.5%). The sequence similarity with other species that had validly published names within the genus Nocardioides was less than 96.4%. Strain Gsoil 485(T) was characterized chemotaxonomically as having LL-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in a cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-8(H(4)) as the predominant menaquinone, and iso-C(16:0), C(18:1) ω9c as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 71.6 mol%. The chemotaxonomic properties and phenotypic characteristics supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 485(T) to the genus Nocardioides. The results of both physiological and biochemical tests allowed for genotypic differentiation of strain Gsoil 485(T) from the recognized Nocardioides species. Therefore, strain Gsoil 485(T) is considered to represent the novel species, for which the name Nocardioides ginsengisegetis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 485(T) (KACC 14269(T) =KCTC 19469(T) =DSM 21349(T)).

Panacagrimonas perspica gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of Gammaproteobacteria isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A taxonomic study was carried out on Gsoil 142(T), a bacterial strain isolated from the soil collected in a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed a clear affiliation of this bacterium to the Gammaproteobacteria, and it was most closely related to Hydrocarboniphaga effusa ATCC BAA 332(T) (94.4%, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Nevskia ramosa DSM 11499(T) (94.1%) and Alkanibacter difficilis MN154.3(T) (92.0%). Strain Gsoil 142(T) was a gram-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.9% and predominant ubiquinone was Q-8. Major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C(18:1) omega7c and/or omega6c, 36.3%), summed feature 3 (iso-C(15:0) 2-OH and/or C(16:1) omega7c, 20.6%) and C(16:0) (17.4%). The major polar lipids detected in strain Gsoil 142(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and an unknown glycolipid. On the basis of polyphasic evidence, it is proposed that strain Gsoil 142(T) should be placed in a novel genus and species, for which the name Panacagrimonas perspica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 142(T) (= KCTC 12982(T) = LMG 23239(T)).

Effect of baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis on prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been thought to primarily involve damage to the sensory hair cells of the cochlea via mechanical and metabolic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of baicalin, baicalein, and Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) extract against NIHL in a mouse model. Mice received oral treatment with SB, baicalin, baicalein beginning 30 min prior to noise exposure and continuing once daily throughout the study. Hearing threshold shift was assessed by auditory brain stem responses for 35 days following noise exposure. Central auditory function was evaluated by auditory middle latency responses. Cochlear function was determined based on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. SB significantly reduced threshold shift, central auditory function damage, and cochlear function deficits, suggesting that SB may protect auditory function in NIHL and that the active constituent may be a flavonoid, baicalein.

Variovorax ginsengisoli sp. nov., a denitrifying bacterium isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A Gram-negative, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, motile, rod-shaped bacterium (strain Gsoil 3165(T)) was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon, South Korea. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Gsoil 3165(T) was shown to belong to the family Comamonadaceae, class Betaproteobacteria, and was related most closely to the type strains of Variovorax boronicumulans (98.9 % similarity), Variovorax paradoxus (98.3 %), Variovorax soli (98.2 %) and Variovorax dokdonensis (96.6 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Gsoil 3165(T) and the type strains of other species in the family Comamonadaceae were less than 97.0 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Gsoil 3165(T) was 66 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (Q-8 as the major ubiquinone; C(16 : 0) and C(17 : 0) cyclo as major fatty acids) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 3165(T) to the genus Variovorax. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain Gsoil 3165(T) from recognized Variovorax species. Gsoil 3165(T) is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Variovorax, for which the name Variovorax ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 3165(T) (=KCTC 12583(T) =LMG 23392(T)).

Sphingomonas ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., with ginsenoside converting activity.

The Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped bacterial strain designated Gsoil 1429(T) was isolated from the soil of ginseng cultivating field of Pocheon province in South Korea. This bacterium was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position by using the polyphasic approach. Strain Gsoil 1429(T) grew well at 25-37°C and at pH 7.0 on R2A and nutrient agar without NaCl supplement. Strain Gsoil 1429(T) had -glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenoside Rb1 (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to F(2) via gypenoside XVII. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 1429(T) was shown to belong to the family Sphingomonadaceae and to be related to Sphingomonas yunnanensis YIM 003(T) (98.2% sequence similarity), S. phyllosphaerae FA2(T) (97.5%), S. koreensis JSS26(T) (97.3%), and S. asaccharolytica IFO 15499(T) (97.1%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 65.6%. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C(18:1) 7c/ωt/12t), C(16:0) and C(14:0)2OH. DNA and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 1429T to the genus Sphingomonas. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain Gsoil 1429(T) and its closest phylogenetically neighbours were below 28%. Strain Gsoil 1429(T) could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the recognized species of the genus Sphingomonas. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingomonas ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 1429(T) (=KACC 14949(T) =JCM 17074(T) =LMG 25799(T)).

Curtobacterium ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A Gram-positive, non-motile, pale-yellow, short rod-shaped bacterium, strain DCY26(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in South Korea and was investigated to determine its taxonomic position. The organism grew optimally at 30-37 degrees C. The G+C content of its DNA was 65.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DCY26(T) was related most closely to species of the genus Curtobacterium, in the family Microbacteriaceae. Strain DCY26(T) showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Curtobacterium pusillum DSM 20527(T) (96.3 %), Curtobacterium luteum DSM 20542(T) (96.2 %), Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens LMG 3645(T) (96.2 %), Curtobacterium citreum DSM 20528(T) (96.1 %), Curtobacterium albidum DSM 20512(T) (96.1 %) and Curtobacterium herbarum DSM 14013(T) (95.3 %). The predominant menaquinone of strain DCY26(T) was MK-9. Other chemotaxonomic data also supported the affiliation of strain DCY26(T) to the genus Curtobacterium. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain DCY26(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Curtobacterium, for which the name Curtobacterium ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY26(T) (=KCTC 13163(T) =JCM 14773(T)).

A cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing sesquiterpenoid isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia princeps PAMPANINI (Sajabalssuk).

Repeated silica gel and octadecyl silica gel (ODS) column chromatography of the aerial parts of Artemisia princeps PAMPANINI (Sajabalssuk) led to the isolation of a new sesquiterpenoid, 3-((S)-2-methylbutyryloxy)-costu-1(10),4(5)-dien-12,6 alpha-olide (2), along with two previously reported sesquiterpenoids: 8 alpha-angeloyloxy-3beta,4 beta-epoxy-6 beta H,7 alpha H,8 beta H-guaia-1(10),11(13)-dien-12,6 alpha-olide (1, carlaolide B) and 3beta,4 beta-epoxy-8 alpha-isobutyryloxy-6 beta H,7 alpha H,8 beta H-guaia-1(10),11(13)-dien-12,6 alpha-olide (3, carlaolide A). The structure of compound 2 was elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, including one dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Of the isolates, compound 2 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against human cervix adenocarcinoma cells and induced apoptosis.

Sanguibacter soli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, designated strain DCY22(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in South Korea and characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain DCY22(T) belonged within the family Sanguibacteraceae, and highest levels of sequence similarity were found with Sanguibacter marinus 1-19(T) (96.8 %), Sanguibacter suarezii ST-26(T) (96.0 %), Sanguibacter inulinus ST-50(T) (95.9 %), Sanguibacter keddieii ST-74(T) (95.5 %), Terrabacter terrae PPLB(T) (94.0 %) and Terrabacter tumescens DSM 20308(T) (93.8 %). Chemotaxonomic investigations revealed that strain DCY22(T) possessed menaquinone MK-9, a common feature of members of the genus Sanguibacter. Predominant fatty acids were unknown ECL 13.961 (45.81 %), 17 : 0 anteiso (23.46 %), 18 : 0 iso (15.42 %) and unknown ECL 14.966 (8.70 %). The results of physiological and biochemical tests clearly demonstrated that strain DCY22(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sanguibacter, for which the name Sanguibacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY22(T) (=KCTC 13155(T)=JCM 14841(T)).

Parapedobacter soli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

Strain DCY14(T), a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, was isolated from soil from a ginseng field in Korea and was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain DCY14(T) belongs to the family Sphingobacteriaceae, the highest degree of sequence similarity being found with respect to Parapedobacter koreensis Jip14(T) (95.8 %). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain DCY14(T) possesses MK-7 as the major menaquinone. The major fatty acids present were anteiso-C(13 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH and summed feature 4 (C(16 : 1)omega7c/iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH). The results of physiological and biochemical tests clearly demonstrated that strain DCY14(T) represents a distinct species. On the basis of these data, DCY14(T) represents a novel species of the genus Parapedobacter, for which the name Parapedobacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY14(T) (=KCTC 12984(T) =LMG 24069(T)).