Characterization and quantification of γ-oryzanol in grains of 16 Korean rice varieties.

γ-Oryzanol, a mixture of ferulic acid esters of triterpene alcohols and sterols, is a nutritionally important group of rice secondary metabolites. A library of 27 γ-oryzanol was assembled from existing data and used to assist identification and quantification of γ-oryzanol isolated from 16 Korean rice varieties (11 white and 5 pigmented). γ-Oryzanol was analyzed with liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Nineteen different γ-oryzanol were observed and identified as stigmasterol, campesterol and sitosterol or common and hydroxylated triterpene alcohols. In the 16 varieties, the total γ-oryzanol content averaged 43.8 mg/100 g (range, 26.7-61.6 mg/100 g), which Josaengheugchal exhibited the highest level (61.6 mg/100 g). The Korean rice varieties were classified based on qualitative and quantitative γ-oryzanol data by multivariate statistical analysis. Clusters of specialty rice varieties exhibited higher γ-oryzanol levels than those of common rice varieties.

Effect of processing conditions on the content of cis/trans carotene isomers as provitamin A carotenoids in Korean sweet potato varieties.

The present investigation intends to evaluate the changes in the content of cis/trans carotene isomers as provitamin A carotenoids by steaming and roasting processes in the roots of four Korean sweet potato varieties viz. Shinzami, Younwhangmi, Chuwhangmi and Jinhongmi using a liquid chromatography with diode array detection and the negative ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric (LC-DAD-APCI/MS) method and UV spectral pattern library created from several reference data. Except Shinzami, the content of all trans ß-carotenes was found to slightly decreased or remained constant when steamed or roasted. The content of cis α-/ß-carotenes was potentially increased about 2-fold or greater when raw or steamed and the content was slightly decreased while roasted. In Chuwhangmi, the content of 13-cis α-carotene and all trans α-carotenes were rapidly increased when steamed and slightly decreased when roasted. Chuwhangmi exhibited 27.2 mg/100 g DW content of all trans ß-carotenes when roasted and thus, it was considered as a relatively superior cultivar.

Structure of fomitellan A, a mannofucogalactan from the fruiting bodies of Fomitella fraxinea.

Chemical structure of fomitellan A, a polysaccharide with a mitogenic effect isolated from the fruiting bodies of Fomitella fraxinea, has been assigned as a mannofucogalactan with a repeating unit of penta-saccharide, which was composed of a (1 →6)-linked D-galactopyranosyl backbone having a C-2 position substituted with disaccharide units of 3-O-D-mannopyranosyl-L-fucopyranosyl residue. The (1)H and (13)C NMR signals of fomitellan A have been completely assigned by extensive NMR experiments.

Effects of a Rice-Based Diet in Korean Adolescents Who Habitually Skip Breakfast: A Randomized, Parallel Group Clinical Trial.

During adolescence, healthy eating habits are important, and regular meal intake has an especially positive effect on future health. However, the rate of skipping breakfast has gradually increased. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the positive effects of a rice-based breakfast in Korean adolescents who usually skip breakfast. In this open parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, 105 middle and high school students aged 12-18 years who habitually skipped breakfast were recruited. They were randomly divided into three groups: the rice meal group (RMG, n = 35), wheat meal group (WMG, n = 35), and general meal group (GMG, n = 35). The RMG and WMG received a rice-based breakfast and wheat-based breakfast, respectively, for 12 weeks. After a 12-week intervention, the body fat mass (p < 0.05) and body mass index (p < 0.05) in the RMG were significantly lower than those in the other two groups, and the stress score was also significantly lower in the RMG (p < 0.05). Moreover, after the intervention, in the RMG only, compared to baseline levels, the relative theta (RT) wave activity significantly decreased in eight electrode sites, and the relative alpha (RA) wave activity increased significantly. Eating a rice-based breakfast has positive effects on body fat accumulation and cognitive function in Korean adolescents. Furthermore, a rice-based breakfast plan that is preferred by adolescents should be developed to assist them in developing healthy eating habits.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Petasites japonicus (Meowi) Ethanol Extract on RAW 264.7 Macrophages and 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Its Characterization of Polyphenolic Compounds.

Koreans have been consuming Petasites Japonicus (PJ) as food. Although the therapeutic effect of PJ on allergic or inflammatory reactions associated with asthma has been proven, its effect on obesity is unclear. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the obesity related anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic effects of ethanol extract PJ (EPJ) on the inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages and on differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, the polyphenolic compound was quantitatively characterized from the EPJ using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector, quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QToF-MS). In RAW 264.7 or 3T3-L1, reduction of nitric oxide (in macrophages) production as well as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α were observed. Treatment of EPJ in adipocyte differentiation showed an improvement in adiponectin and lipid accumulation and a significant reduction of PPARγ and FABP-4 mRNA expression levels. On the other hand, mRNA expression of UCP-1, PPARα, and ACO increased in the EPJ treated group. In addition, a total of 26 polyphenolic compounds were detected and of which 12 are reported for the first time from PJ. The higher content of diverse polyphenolic compounds presented in EPJ might be responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic effect. These results suggest that PJ is valuable in improving obesity-related inflammatory responses.

A fluorometric assay to determine antioxidant activity of both hydrophilic and lipophilic components in plant foods.

This study aimed to develop a fluorometric method to determine total antioxidant activity of plant foods. The antioxidant activities in plant foods were determined after extracting (1) hydrophilic components with acidified methanol (methanol:glacial acetate acid:water=50:3.7:46.3), (2) lipophilic components with methanol followed by tetrahydrofuran (THF), or (3) both hydrophilic and lipophilic components using sequential extraction of acidified methanol and THF together. Both the hydrophilic assay [using the hydrophilic radical initiator 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (10 mmol/L) and hydrophilic probe 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH)] and the lipophilic assay [using the lipophilic radical initiator [2,2'-azobis (4-methoxiy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), 2 mmol/L], and the lipophilic probe 4,4-difluoro-5-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-undecanoic acid (C11-BODIPY 581/591) (BODIPY: 2 micromol/L)] were used to measure antioxidant activity. The inhibition of BODIPY oxidation was significantly increased (P<.01) when both the hydrophilic and lipophilic components were extracted using acidified methanol and organic solvent as compared to those extracted by organic solvent alone. In addition, the rate of DCFH oxidation was significantly delayed (P<.05) when both components coexisted compared to DCFH oxidation of the hydrophilic component alone. The combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic components in these plant foods showed significantly greater antioxidant activity than that of either hydrophilic or lipophilic component alone. Thus, both hydrophilic and lipophilic components in plant foods and their interactions should be considered when determining their antioxidant activity.

Immunomodulatory properties of dietary plum on coccidiosis.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with a lyophilized powder made from plums (P) on host protective immune responses against avian coccidiosis, the most economically important parasitic disease of poultry. One-day-old White Leghorn chickens were fed from the time of hatch with a standard diet either without P (control and P 0 groups) or supplemented with P at 0.5% (P 0.5) or 1.0% (P 1.0) of the diet. Animals in the P 0, P 0.5, and P 1.0 groups were orally challenged with 5000 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina at day 12 post-hatch, while control animals were uninfected. Dietary supplementation of P increased body weight gain, reduced fecal oocyst shedding, and increased the levels of mRNAs for interferon-gamma and interleukin-15 in the P 1.0 group at 10 days post-infection compared with the P 0 group. Furthermore, chickens fed either the P 0.5 or P 1.0 diets exhibited significantly greater spleen cell proliferation compared with the non-plum P 0 group. These results indicate that plum possesses immune enhancing properties, and that feeding chickens a plum-supplemented diet augments protective immunity against coccidiosis.

Platycodi radix beverage ameliorates postprandial lipemia response through lipid clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein: A randomized controlled study in healthy subjects with a high-fat load.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Elevation of postprandial lipemia characterized by a rise in triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins can increase the risk of atherogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate postprandial lipemia response to a single dietary fat/sugar load test and monitor beneficial changes induced by the consumption of Platycodi radix (AP) beverage in healthy subjects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 52 subjects were randomly assigned to either placebo or AP beverage group with a high-fat shake in a randomized controlled crossover trial. Postprandial blood was collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h and analyzed for TG and lipoprotein lipase mass. Inhibition of pancreatic lipase was determined in vitro. RESULTS: AP inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro (IC50 = 5 mg/mL). Compared to placebo beverage, AP beverage consumption with a high-fat shake induced significant increase of plasma lipoprotein lipase mass (P = 0.0111, ß estimate = 4.2948) with significant reduction in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) TG concentration (P = 0.038, ß estimate = -52.69) at 6 h. Based on significant correlation between high-fat dietary scores MEDFICTS and postprandial TG responses in VLDL (P = 0.0395, r = 0.2127), subgroup analysis revealed that 6 h-postprandial VLDL TG response was significantly decreased by AP consumption in subjects with MEDFICTS ≥ 40 (P = 0.0291, ß estimate = -7214). CONCLUSIONS: AP beverage might have potential to alleviate postprandial lipemia through inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity and elevating lipoprotein lipase mass. Subgroup analysis revealed that subjects with high-fat dietary pattern could be classified as responders to AP beverage among all subjects.

Cholesterol-lowering effect of astringent persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) extracts.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanol extract of astringent persimmon on antioxidant activity, cholesterol, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase activity, and mRNA expression of cholesterol metabolism-related genes in human hepatoma cell line (HepG2 cells). In the results, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity showed that the different types cultivars of astringent persimmon was similar to Vitamin C as positive control. However, there are not significant differences among samples. In addition, our results showed that cholesterol amounts and HMG-CoA reductase activity were inhibited by astringent persimmon in HepG2 cells. Further, treatment with astringent persimmon upregulated the expression of LDL receptor and SREBP-2, and also increased the level of HDL-associated ABCA1. Taken together, our results indicate that astringent persimmon regulate cholesterol accumulation by inhibiting the oxidative stress and controlling the levels of LDL & HDLassociated gene.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Rubus coreanus Miquel through inhibition of NF-κB and MAP Kinase.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Rubus Coreanus Miquel (RCM), used as a traditional Korean medicine, reduces chronic inflammatory diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we examine the anti-inflammatory effects of RCM and their possible mechanisms using RAW 264.7 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Unripe RCM ethanol extract (UE), unripe RCM water extract (UH), ripe RCM ethanol extract (RE), and ripe RCM water extract (RH) were prepared. Inflammatory response was induced with LPS treatment, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and NO and PGE2 productions were assessed. To determine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of RCM, we measured NF-κB and MAPK activities. RESULTS: UE and UH treatment significantly reduced NF-κB activation and JNK and p38 phosphorylation and reduced transcriptional activities decreased iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines expressions, and NO and PGE2 productions. RE and RH treatments reduced IL-1ß and IL-6 expressions through suppressions of JNK and p38 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that RCM had anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of pro-inflammatory mediator expressions. Especially, unripe RCM showed strong anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of NF-κB and MAPK activation. These findings suggest that unripe RCM might be used as a potential functional material to reduce chronic inflammatory responses.

Bioavailability of plant pigment phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei in older adults: A pilot absorption kinetic study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Angelica keiskei is a green leafy vegetable rich in plant pigment phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. This study examined bioavailability of flavonoids and carotenoids in Angelica keiskei and the alteration of the antioxidant performance in vivo. SUBJECTS AND MATERIALS: Absorption kinetics of phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei were determined in healthy older adults (> 60 y, n = 5) and subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 5). Subjects consumed 5 g dry Angelica keiskei powder encapsulated in gelatin capsules with a low flavonoid and carotenoid liquid meal. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h. Samples were analyzed for flavonoids and carotenoids using HPLC systems with electrochemical and UV detection, respectively, and for total antioxidant performance by fluorometry. RESULTS: After ingestion of Angelica keiskei increases in plasma quercetin concentrations were observed at 1-3 and 6-8 hr in the healthy group and at all time points in the metabolic syndrome group compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Plasma lutein concentrations were significantly elevated in both the healthy and metabolic syndrome groups at 8 hr (P < 0.05). Significant increases in total antioxidant performance were also observed in both the healthy and the metabolic syndrome groups compared to baseline (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study clearly demonstrate the bioavailability of phytonutrients of Angelica keiskei and their ability to increase antioxidant status in humans.

Evaluation of sugar content and composition in commonly consumed Korean vegetables, fruits, cereals, seed plants, and leaves by HPLC-ELSD.

In the present investigation, evaluation of sugars viz. fructose, galactose, glucose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and raffinose in commonly consumed raw Korean vegetables, fruits, cereals, seed plants, and leaves has been analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). Of the 58 samples analyzed, Onion showed the highest content of fructose (27.74g/100g) and glucose (31.80g/100g) and Chestnuts showed the highest content of sucrose (21.82g/100g). On the other hand, Glutinous sorghum (polished grain), Green tea leaves, and Paddy rice (well-polished rice) showed the lowest content of fructose (0.20g/100g), glucose (0.68g/100g) and sucrose (0.23g/100g), respectively. Glutinous barley (Hopimbori-whole grain) and Green tea leaves showed 0.17g/100g and 0.57g/100g of galactose and lactose respectively. Glutinous barley (Seodunchalbori-polished grain) and Black soybeans (Cheongjaho, dried) showed the highest content of maltose (0.51g/100g) and raffinose (1.82g/100g), respectively. In few samples, galactose, maltose, lactose, and raffinose were detected in trace quantities. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was also performed to discriminate the analyzed samples.

Antioxidant activities and determination of phenolic compounds isolated from oriental plums (Soldam, Oishiwase and Formosa).

The purposes of this study were to determine phenolic compounds and to evaluate antioxidant activities of plums (Soldam, Oishiwase and Formosa). Soldam contains the highest amount of total phenolics among cultivars (Formosa: 4.0%, Oishiwase: 3.3%, Soldam: 6.4% for total phenolic) as well as the total flavonoids of which constituents were mainly myricetin and anthocyanidin. The antioxidant activities were measured by DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, and SOD-like activities. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of Korean plum extracts (200 µg/mL) showed more than 43%, and the Soldam turned out to be the highest : ID(50) value: 160-177 µg/mL for Formosa and Oishiwase; 58-64 µg/mL for Soldam. The ABTS radical scavenging activity of Korean plum extracts (200 µg/mL) was found to be more than 50%. The SOD-like activity of Korean plum extracts (200 µg/mL) showed more than 70%. Among three kinds of cultivars, Soldam had the highest antioxidant activity. The nitrite scavenging activity of Soldam was 61.5%, which is the highest, compared with that of the other cultivars, about 50%. From these results, Korean plums turned out to be phytochemical rich fruit as well as to show high antioxidant activities.

The Safety Evaluation of a Potent Angiogenic Activator, Synthetic Peptide (SFKLRY-NH2) for the Skin Application.

A novel synthetic hexapeptide (SFKLRY-NH2) that displays angiogenic activity has been identified by positional scanning of a synthetic peptide combinatorial library (PS-SPCL). This study was carried out to investigate the irritation of the SFKLRY-NH2 on the skin. The tests were performed on the basis of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) guidelines. In results, cell toxicity is not appeared for SFKLRY-NH2 in HaCaT cells and B16F10 cells. SFKLRY-NH2 induced no skin irritation at low concentration (10 µM), mild irritation at high concentration (10mM). We consider that this result is helpful for saying about the safety of SFKLRY-NH2 in clinical use.

An integrated high resolution mass spectrometric and informatics approach for the rapid identification of phenolics in plant extract.

An integrated approach based on high resolution MS analysis (orbitrap), database (db) searching and MS/MS fragmentation prediction for the rapid identification of plant phenols is reported. The approach was firstly validated by using a mixture of phenolic standards (phenolic acids, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanols, isoflavones). In particular, the integrated approach consists of the following steps: (1) LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis in data dependent scan mode using an orbitrap mass analyzer (resolution 60,000; positive ion-mode, ESI source); (2) searching the experimental monoisotopic masses (tolerance 1 ppm) in plant phenols databases; (3) filtering the entries on the basis of the phenol class to which the unknown belongs, as determined on the basis of the UV spectrum. Final identification is achieved by matching the isotopic pattern and by MS/MS fragmentation studies. In particular, experimental MS/MS fragments are matched with those predicted by a commercially available software. The method was then successfully applied for the rapid identification of phenolics contained in an EtOH extract of Angelica keiskei.

Skin Hydration and Collagen Synthesis of AF-343 in HS68 Cell Line and NC/Nga Mice by Filaggrin Expression and Suppression of Matrix Metallopreteinase.

Extract of Taraxacum platycarpum (AF-343) has been reported to have several biological properties such as skin hydration and anti-inflammatory effects. Although clinical evidences of skin hydration and antiinflammatory effect were proven in clinical trial, precise mechanism of skin hydration was not fully understood yet. In this study, we have focused skin hydration mechanism related filaggrin, collagen, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in vitro and animal study. Herein, skin hydration mechanism of AF-343 is due to recovery of filaggrin in mice model and increased production of collagen with suppression of matrix MMP in vitro fibroblast cell line.

Screening of Biodegradable Function of Indigenous Ligno-degrading Mushroom Using Dyes.

The process of biodegradation in lingo-cellulosic materials is critically relevant to biospheric carbon. The study of this natural process has largely involved laboratory investigations, focused primarily on the biodegradation and recycling of agricultural by-products, generally using basidiomycetes species. In order to collect super white rot fungi and evaluate its ability to degrade lingo-cellulosic material, 35 fungal strains, collected from forests, humus soil, livestock manure, and dead trees, were screened for enzyme activities and their potential to decolorize the commercially used Poly-R 478 dye. In the laccase enzymatic analysis chemical test, 33 white rot fungi and 2 brown rot fungi were identified. The degradation ability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) according to the utilized environmental conditions was higher in the mushrooms grown in dead trees and fallen leaves than in the mushrooms grown in humus soil and livestock manure. Using Poly-R 478 dye to assess the PAH-degradation activity of the identified strains, four strains, including Agrocybe pediades, were selected. The activities of laccase, MnP, and Lip of the four strains with PAH-degrading ability were highest in Pleurotus incarnates. 87 fungal strains, collected from forests, humus soil, livestock manure, and dead trees, were screened for enzyme activities and their potential to decolorize the commercially used Poly-R 478 dye on solid media. Using Poly-R 478 dye to assess the PAHdegrading activity of the identified strains, it was determined that MKACC 51632 and 52492 strains evidenced superior activity in static and shaken liquid cultures. Subsequent screening on plates containing the polymeric dye poly R-478, the decolorization of which is correlated with lignin degradation, resulted in the selection of a strain of Coriolus versicolor, MKACC52492, for further study, primarily due to its rapid growth rate and profound ability to decolorize poly R-478 on solid media. Considering our findings using Poly-R 478 dye to evaluate the PAH-degrading activity of the identified strains, Coriolus versicolor, MKACC 52492 was selected as a favorable strain. Coriolus versicolor, which was collected from Mt. Yeogi in Suwon, was studied for the production of the lignin-modifying enzymes laccase, manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP), and lignin peroxidase (LiP).

Immunostimulatory effects of oriental plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.).

The fruit of the plum tree (Prunus salicina Lindl.) has been used as a traditional medicinal food in humans to enhance immunity against infectious agents and to treat cancers. However, limited information exists on the mechanisms responsible for its immune enhancing properties. In this study, the immunostimulatory effects of a methanol extract of plum fruit following methanol evaporation and dissolving in PBS were assessed by in vitro lymphocyte proliferation, tumor cell cytotoxicity, and nitric oxide (NO) production. The crude methanol extract stimulated spleen lymphocyte proliferation and NO production by cultured macrophages, and inhibited the viability of tumor cells, significantly greater than media controls. Sequential gel filtration chromatographic separation of the extract on Sephadex G-25 and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration columns resulted in a more purified preparation that retained the ability to induce lymphoproliferation, tumor killing, and NO production. These results suggest that Prunus salicina contains immunostimulatory components that potentially may be useful in human and veterinary medicine.

Analysis of the Chemical Constituents of Agaricus brasiliensis.

This study examined the chemical composition of A. blasiliensis and the chemical structural properties of an immuno-stimulating polysaccharide. The amino acids, free sugars, and organic acids by HPLC and fatty acids by GC were analyzed. The immuno-stimulating substance from A. blasiliensis was extracted with hot water and purified by ethanol precipitation. It underwent ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration on Toyopearl HW 65F. Through GP-HPLC, the substance was found to be homogeneous. Its chemical structure was determined by (13)C-NMR. Fatty acids, organic acids, and sugar alcohol composition consisted exclusively of linoleic acid, fumaric acid and mannitol, respectively. The amino acids were mainly glutamic acid, glycine, and arginine. By (13)C-NMR analysis, the immuno-stimulating substance was identified as ß-(1→3) (1→6)-glucan, composed of a backbone with (1→3)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues branching a (1→6)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residue. The ß-glucan from A. blasiliensis showed pronounced immuno-stimulating activity on the antibody-production ability of B-lymphocytes by the hemolytic suspension assay. In these results, A. blasiliensis was estimated to have potent pharmacological properties and potential nutritional values.