In this experiment, we developed and validated the HPLC method for quantifying sappanone A from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L. (Leguminosae). The extraction procedure based on sonication was established and the analysis method was optimized using a C18 column. Method validation was conducted in accordance with the KFDA validation guideline, evaluating linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, and limit of quantitation. All tested analytical parameters were within acceptable range, indicated that the developed HPLC method is reliable for the quantitative analysis of sappanone A of C. sappan heartwood.

Beta vulgaris L. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as beetroot, is distributed across regions of the Americas, Europe, and Asia and is rich in diverse phytochemicals such as betalains, flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins. These metabolites have been associated with a broad spectrum of biological effects, including regulation of lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. As part of our ongoing efforts to discover compounds with novel pharmacological potential, the roots of B. vulgaris were investigated. This study led to the isolation of four feruloyl amide derivatives from the EtOAc fraction: N-trans-hibiscusamide (1), N-trans-feruloylhomovanillylamine (2), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (3), and S-(−)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-methoxyethyl]acrylamide (4). Their chemical structures were identified through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, such as 1D/2D NMR and LC-MS analyses. Among the isolates, compounds 1 and 4 were isolated from B. vulgaris for the first time. Moreover, in silico molecular docking simulation revealed that all of the compounds exhibited stronger binding affinities toward PPAR-α than the control ligand, highlighting their potential as promising PPAR-α agonists.

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine and contains various bioactive com- pounds including condensed tannins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. This review aims to comprehensively examine the dual immunomodulatory mechanisms of D. kaki-derived components. Flavonoids and triterpenoids exert anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB and MAPK pathway inhibition, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. In contrast, polysaccharides exhibit immunostimulatory effects by activating macrophages through MAPK signaling. In disease models, persimmon extracts demonstrated therapeutic effects in atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, and immediate-type hypersensitivity, while enhancing host defense in tumor and infection models. These findings indicate that persimmon possesses bidirectional immune regulatory properties depending on pathophysiological context, suggesting its potential as a functional material for immune balance modulation.

The flowers of Inula britannica var. japonica (Asteraceae) has been listed in the Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a medicinal herb used to alleviate cough, phlegm, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Traditionally, it has been prescribed for inflammatory disorders such as bronchitis, as well as for metabolic diseases including diabetes and hypertension. Recent pharmacological studies have validated its traditional uses and revealed novel bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective effects, largely attributed to its sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoid constituents. To investigate the neuroprotective and anti-stress potential of Inulae Flos, the present study employed a corticosterone-induced PC12 cell model, which mimics stress-induced neuronal dysfunction. In this study, hot-water and ethanolic extracts of Inulae Flos were evaluated for their protective effects on ROS generation, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis and neurotrophic signaling including BDNF, NGF, and CREB activation in corticosterone-induced PC12 cells. The extracts significantly restored cell viability and reduced ROS production and apoptotic cell death. Western blot analysis revealed that Inulae Flos extracts upregulated the phosphorylation of CREB and enhanced the expression of BDNF and NGF, while suppressing the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 MAPK involved in inflammatory signaling. Markedly, Inulae Flos extract increased BDNF expression to the level comparable to the positive controls, L-theanine and fluoxetine. These findings demonstrate that Inulae Flos exerts a potent neuroprotective effect against glucocorticoid-induced neuronal stress by modulating oxidative, inflammatory, and neurotrophic pathways. The results suggest that Inulae Flos extract has promising potential as a functional ingredient for stress alleviation and brain health improvement.

In order to find lifespan extending compound from natural resources, subsequent activity-guided fractionation of Ginkgo biloba leaves (Ginkgoaceae) methanol extract was performed using Caenorhabditis elegans model system. From the most active ethyl acetate soluble fraction, sciadopitysin was isolated, and sciadopitysin showed the antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo experiments. Sciadopitysin revealed the potent lifespan-promoting activity and it elevated the survival rate of worms against stressful environment including thermal, osmotic and oxidative conditions. As well, sciadopitysin was able to elevate antioxidant enzyme activities of nematodes, and reduced intracellular ROS accumulation of N2 worms in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrated that the increased stress tolerance of sciadopitysin-mediated nematode could be attributed to promoted expressions of stress resistance proteins like heat shock protein (HSP-16.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-3). And, intestinal lipofuscin level of nematode was decreased by sciadopitysin treatment compared with the control. Moreover it was found that there were no significant changes due to sciadopitysin in aging-related factors including food intake, reproduction, movement and growth. These results suggest that sciadopitysin exerts longevity-promoting activity without affecting above factors. Further study using knockout mutants such as daf-2 and age-1 showed that the sciadopitysin increased the activity of DAF-16 gene which can improve the lifespan of the nematodes.

Lipofuscin is known as an aging pigment observed when aging proceeds in organic organisms. The intestinal lipofuscin value of Caenorhabditis elegans decreased in the experimental group treated with the ethyl acetate fraction of interest compared to the control group. Among several factors related to aging, movement, body length, and exercise of the pharynx were measured to determine the effect of treatment with the Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. ethyl acetate fraction on nematode intake or growth and motility, respectively. The increase in food intake or body length showed no significant change compared to the control group, but the exercise amount showed a significant increase compared to the control group.