Activity Of Hot Water Extract Research Articles

증포 처리한 삼채 뿌리의 이화학적 특성 및 항산화 활성

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of steam-drying method on physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of Alliun hookeri root (AHR). Moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash contents of raw and steam-dried AHRs were 10.91∼14.15%, 11.14∼13.49%, 0.83∼3.02%, and 7.55∼8.98%, respectively. Sulfur contents of steam-dried AHRs were 2.0 and 2.2 times lower than that of raw AHR (0.51%), respectively. pH and total sugar contents of AHRs were reduced by steam-drying, whereas titrate acidity and browning intensity were increased. The L and b values of AHRs in Hunters value were also reduced, but a value was increased by steam-drying. Among hot water extracts from raw and steam-dried AHRs, four times steam-drying showed the lowest EC 50 values (0.44, 9.01, and 0.48 mg/mL, respectively) in DPPH radical assay, ABTS radical assay, and reducing power, whereas four times steam-drying had the highest total phenolic content (34.47 μg/mg) and browning intensity (2.05 and 0.20 at 280 and 420 nm, respectively). The antioxidant activities of hot water extracts from raw and steam-dried AHRs were closely correlated with their total phenolic contents and browning intensity, showing coefficient of determination (R 2 ) values higher than 0.87. From the results, we suggest that steam-drying method could be used as an effective process for increasing the antioxidant activity of AHR.

LPS 자극 RAW 264.7 대식세포에 있어서 아로니아 열매 열수 추출물의 항염증 효과

In this study, anti-inflammatory activity of hot water extract of Aronia fruits (AF-H) was examined. Pre-treatment with AF-H significantly inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E-2 in a dose-dependent manner in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The inhibitory effect of AF-H on LPS-induced inflammation was also confirmed by down-regulation of inducible NO synthase as well as cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression. Furthermore, treatment with AF-H significantly inhibited secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor-necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Signal transduction pathway studies further indicated that AF-H inhibited LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB, but not mitogen-activated protein kinase. Treatment with AF-H also partially protected against LPS-induced lethal shock in C57BL/6 mice, although its effect was not statistically significant. These results suggest that AF-H is a more promising nutraceutical or medicinal agent for inhibition of LPS-induced inflammation or inflammation-related diseases.

Antiproliferative Activities of Hot Water Extracts from Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms, Ganoderma tsugae and Agrocybe cylindracea (Higher Basidiomycetes) on Cancer Cells.

Using anticancer agents to progress chemotherapy to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells is an effective means. Two medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma tsugae and Agrocybe cylindracea, exhibited various physiological effects, and the antiproliferation effect on HL-60, Hep 3B, and C6 cells was studied. The viability of different cancer cells was decreased significantly by hot water extracts from different forms of G. tsugae and A. cylindracea. The hot water extracts from the fruit body, mycelium, and filtrate of A. cylindracea were less effective in inhibiting the antiproliferation of C6, Hep 3B, and HL-60 cells than were those from G. tsugae, as evidenced by their IC50 values. The IC50 values of G. tsugae on C6, Hep 3B, and HL-60 cells were 1.13, 2.73, and 2.60 mg/mL, respectively, whereas those of baby G. tsugae were 1.87, 2.63, and 3.12 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the filtrates of G. tsugae on C6 and Hep 3B cells were 2.81 and 2.80 mg/mL, respectively. The morphological transformation of 3 cancer cells was observed clearly, and the possible mechanism would be necrosis, apoptosis, or differentiation. Owing to the noticeable effect on antiproliferation of hot water extracts, especially those from G. tsugae, the extract could be of great potential to be used as an alternative cancer therapy.

Free radical scavenging activity of fruiting body extracts of an edible mushroom, Volvariella volvacea (Bull.ex Fr.) Singer: an in vitro study

Mushrooms, being rich source of therapeutic and nutritional substances have received considerable attention for their antioxidant potential. In the present study, methanol (VV MET) and hot water (VV HW) extracts of fruiting bodies of Volvariella volvacea were investigated for free radical scavenging activity. Analysis of antioxidant content of the extracts showed that total phenolics were abundant with 53.13 mg GAEq/g and 36.67 mg GAEq/g in methanol and hot water extracts, respectively. Total flavonoid content in the methanol extract was higher (14.35 mg/g) than the hot water extract (12.54 mg/g). Ascorbic acid levels were 1.72 and 1.52 mg/g in methanolic and hot water extracts, respectively. Reducing power potential of methanol and hot water extracts were 2.11 and 2.38 at 250 mg/ml. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay exhibited 80.32% inhibition at 250 mg/ml concentration. However, hot water extract showed 74.24% inhibition. ABTS assay showed 68.75 % inhibition for methanol extract and 62.56% for hot water. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of hot water extract was maximum (69.34%) when compared to methanol extract inhibition (62.45%). Superoxide and nitric oxide radical inhibition level for methanol extract were found to be 74.23 and 75.25%, respectively at 200ug/ml, whereas hot water extract showed 66.54 and 72.14% inhibition of superoxide and nitric oxide. The study reveals that both the extracts of V. volvacea are having better free radical scavenging potential with high levels of antioxidant compounds

톳 발효 추출물의 생리활성 검증

톳에 포함된 기능성 성분들의 효율적인 이용을 위하여 갈조류인 톳의 건조분말에 Lactobacillus casei와 Weissella sp. SH-1을 각각 접종하여 <TEX>$30^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 한 달 동안 발효를 수행하였으며, 발효 톳의 열수 추출물을 제조하여 항산화 활성, 면역활성 및 항고혈압활성을 측정하였다. 그 결과, 전반적으로 유산균 발효가 톳의 생리활성을 개선한다는 사실을 확인할 수 있었다. Weissellasp. SH-1 접종군은 13.83~62.15%의 DPPH radical 소거활성, 34.9~59.2%의 SOD 유사활성, 최대 82.25%의 ACE 저해활성, 최대 46.53%의 NO 생성 억제활성을 보였다. 또한, L. casei 접종군은 11.98~72.84%의 DPPH radical 소거활성, 14.17~33.62%의 SOD 유사활성, 최대 73.3%의 ACE 저해활성, 최대 65.20%의 NO 생성 억제활성을 보였다. 본 연구결과로, 유산균을 이용한 톳의 발효를 통해 생리활성물질의 이용성이 높아진 것으로 확인되어 이를 이용한 기능성 소재 및 식품의 개발이 가능할 것으로 기대된다. Antioxidative, immunostimulating, and antihypertensive activities of hot water extracts of fermented Hizikia fusiformis were evaluated. Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria generally increased the biological activities of H. fusiformis. Fermentation with isolated Weissella sp. SH-1 resulted in 13.83-62.15% DPPH radical scavenging activity and 34.90-59.25% SOD-like activity. The maximal inhibition of ACE was 82.25%, and the maximal reduction in NO production was 46.53%. Fermentation with Lactobacillus casei resulted in 11.98-72.84% DPPH radical scavenging activity and 14.17-33.62% of SOD-like activity. The maximal inhibition of ACE was 73.31%, and the maximal reduction in NO production was 65.20%. These results hint at the applicability of fermentation with lactic acid bacteria to improve the diverse biological activities of H. fusiformis and to develop functional materials or foods.

Antioxidant, inhibition of α-glucosidase and suppression of nitric oxide production in LPS-induced murine macrophages by different fractions of Actinidia arguta stem

In traditional systems of medicine, fruits, leaves, and stems of Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. have been used to treat various inflammatory diseases. The present study determined the proximate composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic potential of A. arguta stem. Phenolic composition of hot water extract and its sub-fractions was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu’s reagent method. In vitro antioxidant activities of the samples were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity of different fractions was investigated through the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (1μg/ml) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity of hot water extract was determined using p-nitrophenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as a substrate. Ethyl acetate (557.23mgGAE/g) fraction contains higher level of total phenolic content. The antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay showed a strong activity for ethyl acetate (IC50 of 14.28μg/ml) and n-butanol fractions (IC50 of 48.27μg/ml). Further, ethyl acetate fraction effectively inhibited NO production in RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than other fractions (nitrite level to 32.14μM at 200μg/ml). In addition, hot water extract of A. arguta stem exhibited appreciable inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzyme with IC50 of 1.71mg/ml. The obtained results have important consequence of using A. arguta stem toward the development of effective anti-inflammatory drugs.

참취의 재배 및 건조 방법에 따른 열수 추출물의 항산화 활성

This study was conducted in order to analyze the polyphenol contents and antioxidant activities of hot-water extracts of Aster scaber in the wild field and cultivated field, and through the drying methods for the comparison on the quality characteristics of Aster scaber, according to cultivation and drying methods, and the development of functional materials. The extraction yield was higher in the Aster scaber cultivated field than those of the Aster scaber in the wild field, and high from the dried Aster scaber. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of Aster scaber hot-water extracts from the wild field were higher than those in the cultivated field. The total polyphenol contents were high in the extract of blanched and dried Aster scaber, and the flavonoid content was high in the non-treated Aster scaber. The electron donating ability (EDA) values of Aster scaber hot-water extracts were increased along with the increase of extract concentration, while the EDA of the blanched and dried Aster scaber extracts was higher than the other extracts. Furthermore, the SOD-like activity was increased by the extract concentration, and was high in the extract of the non-treated Aster scaber. The nitrite scavenging ability in pH 1.2 was high in the non-treated, blanched, dried, and natural dried Aster scaber. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities were increased through the increase of extract concentrations, and higher in the hot-water extract from Aster scaber in the wild field (WRA) than those in the other extracts. The inhibition of tyrosinase and reduction of power were increased by the increased extract concentration, and high in the extracts of blanched and dried Aster scaber. The reduced power was higher in the Aster scaber hot-water extracts of cultivated field, and was higher in the extracts of blanched and dried Aster scaber than those in the extracts dried through the use of other drying methods. Aster scaber has a high content of polyphenol and flavonoid, and antioxidant activities, which were developed as functional materials.

Neuritogenic activity of hot water extract from Hericium erinaceus

Hot water soluble extract was prepared from Hericium erinaceus and its neuritogenic activity on PC12h cells was analyzed, which is a clone originating from a rat pheochromocytomon. The moisture content of freeze dried hot water extract was 12.08%. The extract was mainly composed of carbohydrate (51.24%) followed by crude protein (24.04%), crude fat (0.26%), dietary fiber (5.09), and ash (12.18%). Fatty acids, glucan and inorganic constituents were found as minor components. The neuritogenic activity of hot water extract was evaluated under microscopic observation of neurite outgrowth in PC12h cells and by measuring the neurite length of induvidual cell. The extract exhibited strong effect of neurite outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner from 0.01 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, in which longer neurite outgrowth was observed as the treatment dose increased.

Water extract of licorice had anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLicorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Leguminosae) has been used in herbal medicine and food supplement worldwide for centuries. Licorice is a common ingredient of several prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine which have been proved to inhibit infection of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). There are two preparations of licorice, Radix Glycyrrhizae and Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata. However, it is unknown whether licorice or which preparation of licorice is effective against HRSV, nor is its active constituent. Aim of the studyWe tested the hypothesis that Radix Glycyrrhizae can effectively decrease HRSV-induced plaque formation in respiratory mucosal cell lines. We also tried to find out the active constituent. Materials and methodsAnti-HRSV activities of hot water extracts of preparations of licorice, glycyrrhizin and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), the active constituents of licorice, were examined by plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp-2) and low (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Abilities of crude licorice to inhibit viral replication and to stimulate IFN-β were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. ResultsRadix Glycyrrhizae and Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata dose-dependently inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation in both HEp-2 and A549 cell lines (p<0.0001). The effect of Radix Glycyrrhizae was better than that of Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata on HEp-2 cells. However, there was no difference of their anti-HRSV effects on A549 cells. Besides, glycyrrhizin was ineffective at all. Nevertheless, 18β-GA showed a potent anti-HRSV activity. Radix Glycyrrhizae was more effective when given before viral inoculation (p<0.0001) which may be due to its inhibition of viral attachment on (p<0.0001) and penetration (p<0.0001) into the host cells. The anti-HRSV activity of Radix Glycyrrhizae was further confirmed by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. 300μg/ml Radix Glycyrrhizae markedly decreased the viral amounts within the cells and in the suspension. Radix Glycyrrhizae might further stimulate mucosal cells to secrete IFN-β to counteract viral infection. ConclusionsBoth Radix Glycyrrhizae and Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata are effective against HRSV infection on airway epithelial cells. Radix Glycyrrhizae inhibited HRSV mainly by preventing viral attachment, internalization, and by stimulating IFN secretion. 18β-GA may be one of its active constituents.

Hair growth-promoting activity of hot water extract of Thuja orientalis

BackgroundThuja orientalis has been traditionally used to treat patients who suffer from baldness and hair loss in East Asia. The present study sought to investigate the hair growth-promoting activity of T. orientalis hot water extract and the underlying mechanism of action.MethodsAfter T. orientalis extract was topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of telogenic C57BL/6 N mice, the histomorphometric analysis was employed to study induction of the hair follicle cycle. To determine the effect of T. orientalis extract on the telogen to anagen transition, the protein expression levels of β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in hair follicles were determined by immunohistochemistry.ResultsWe observed that T. orientalis extract promoted hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in telogenic C57BL/6 N mice. Specifically, the histomorphometric analysis data indicates that topical application of T. orientalis extract induced an earlier anagen phase and prolonged the mature anagen phase, in contrast to either the control or 1% minoxidil-treated group. We also observed increases in both the number and size of hair follicles of the T. orientalis extract-treated group. Moreover, the immunohistochemical analysis reveals earlier induction of β-catenin and Shh proteins in hair follicles of the T. orientalis extract-treated group, compared to the control or 1% minoxidil-treated group.ConclusionThese results suggest that T. orientalis extract promotes hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in resting hair follicles and might therefore be a potential hair growth-promoting agent.

Apoptotic effect of hot water extract of Sanguisorba officinalis L. in human oral cancer cells

Sanguisorba officinalis L. has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat diseases including diarrhea, chronic intestinal infections, duodenal ulcers and bleeding. This study examined the antiproliferative effects and apoptotic activity of hot water extract of S. officinalis L. (HESO) on HSC4 and HN22 human oral cancer cells. The effects of HESO were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-20yl)-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulphophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and western blot analysis. HESO was found to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in HSC4 and HN22 oral cancer cells. HESO downregulated myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) in HSC4 cells and was associated with the activation of Bak, resulting in Bak oligomerization on the mitochondrial outer membrane. HESO did not alter Mcl-1 expression in HN22 cells, but it decreased Sp1 expression. The downregulation of Sp1 by HESO in HN22 cells resulted in a decrease in survivin, a downstream target protein of Sp1. These results suggested that HESO inhibited the growth of oral cancer through either Mcl-1 or Sp1, indicating that HESO may serve as a potential drug candidate against oral cancer.

Lack of diuretic activity of hot water extract of whole plant of Amaranthus viridis L. in rats

Objective: To assess the diuretic potential of hot water extract (HWE) of a whole plant of Amaranthus viridis L. Materials and Methods: Different doses (25, 50, and 100 mg / kg) of HWE of the whole plant of A. viridis or vehicle or furosemide, reference drug, was orally administered to hydrated rats (n = six / group) and their cumulative urine output was monitored at hourly intervals for five hours. Result: The HWE of A.viridis does not possess significant ( P > 0.05) diuretic activity. Conclusion : The HWE of the whole plant of A. viridis did not possess diuretic activity in rats, as was claimed in traditional and folkloric medicine.

Radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of commonly used herbs and spices in Korea

Herbs and spices not only variety and racy flavour to Korean foods, they also are the richest source for antioxidant power. The present study evaluates the radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of hot water extracts from commonly used herbs and spices in Korea. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities of bay extract were 39.5% and 22.1%, respectively. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was in order of dill (50.0%) > bay (31.3%) > garlic (27.9%) > white pepper and black pepper (15.1–15.3%) > onion (10.1%) extracts. Bay extract had the highest total phenolic content (17.86 μg CE/g). High correlation coefficients were found between the total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity (R = 0.9162). These results indicate that herbs and spices had high antioxidant activity that is partly due to the phenolic compounds and provide basic data for further development of processed food products.

Antioxidant Activities of Hot Water Extracts from Various Spices

Recently, the natural spices and herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and caraway have been used for the processing of meat products. This study investigates the antioxidant activity of 13 spices commonly used in meat processing plants. The hot water extracts were then used for evaluation of total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and antioxidant activities. Our results show that the hot water extract of oregano gave the highest extraction yield (41.33%) whereas mace (7.64%) gave the lowest. The DPPH radical scavenging ability of the spice extracts can be ranked against ascorbic acid in the order ascorbic acid > clove > thyme > rosemary > savory > oregano. The values for superoxide anion radical scavenging activities were in the order of marjoram > rosemary > oregano > cumin > savory > basil > thyme > fennel > coriander > ascorbic acid. When compared to ascorbic acid (48.72%), the hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of turmeric and mace were found to be higher (p < 0.001). Clove had the highest total phenolic content (108.28 μg catechin equivalent (CE)/g). The total flavonoid content of the spices varied from 324.08 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g for thyme to 3.38 μg QE/g for coriander. Our results indicate that hot water extract of several spices had a high antioxidant activity which is partly due to the phenolic and flavonoid compounds. This provides basic data, having implications for further development of processed food products.

갯장어껍질 열수 추출물의 항산화 효과

For the development of functional food and cosmetics using hot water extract of Muraenesox cinereus’s skin, contents of vitamin, amino acid and element, and antioxidant activity were investigated. The results are shown as follows: among vitamins, A(0.21mg/100 g), C (78.12mg/ 100 g), D3 (0.03 mg/100 g), E (1.97 mg/100 g) and Niacin (2.53mg/100 g) were detected, respectively.Mineral contents were an order of K > P > Na >Mg > Ca > Fe and Zn. Contents of total amino acids were an order of Pro > Gly > Arg > Glu > Phe > Ala. Especially, the sum of total amino acids was 27.17 mg/100 mL, which was about 4.0 fold higher than that of free amino acid. DPPH radical scavenging activity of hot water extract of M. cinereus’s skin at 25 mg/mL was 63.5% and did not increase at above 50 mg/mL. Activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of ethanol-treated rats using hot water extract of M. cinereus’s skin were investigated. Compared to control group, activities of ADH and GSH-px were decreased. In the case of CAT and SOD activity, they were increased. These results showed that the hot water extract of M. cinereus’s skin can be applied to raw macterial for functional food and cosmetics.

감태 열수 추출물의 생리활성

The biological activity of hot water extract from Ecklonia cava Kjellman (ECE) was investigated to assess antioxidative, anti-skin aging, and nitrite scavenging abilities, as well as alcohol metabolizing activities. Antioxidant activity of ECE was measured by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. DPPH radical scavenging activity and SOD-like activity of ECE increased in a remarkably dose-dependent manner, and were about 91.4% and 75% at 1 ㎎/ml, respectively. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity was indicated to be about 70% at 1 ㎎/ml of ECE. Nitrite scavenging ability of ECE showed to be 93.6% at 1 ㎎/ml and pH 1.2. The influence of ECE on alcohol metabolism was demonstrated through the generating activity of reduced-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The facilitating rate of ADH and ALDH activity by ECE was 167.2% and 334% at 10 ㎎/ml, respectively. In addition, tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities of ECE were 58% and 72% at 10 ㎎/ml, respectively. These results indicated that ECE has valuable biological attributes owing to its antioxidant, nitrite scavenging, alcohol metabolizing, and elastase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities.

숙성 홍마늘의 생리활성

The antioxidant activities of hot water extracts from fresh, red and black garlic processed in low temperatures were compared. The chromaticity value of browning garlic was between that of fresh and black garlic. Red garlic was similar in browning intensity to fresh garlic. Also, total phenol, flavonoids, total pyruvate and thiosulfate contents were similar between fresh and black garlic. DPPH, ABTs, NO radical scavenging activity and reducing power of red garlic were significantly higher than fresh garlic, but lower than those of black garlic. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity in red garlic was similar to that in black garlic. Antioxidant activities of red garlic were higher than fresh garlic but lower than black garlic, and it was confirmed that antioxidant activity by production of browning material through the thermal process was the main parameter of the biological activity in the aged red garlic.

Anti-inflammatory activity of hot water extract of Berberis koreana in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage-like cells

Berberis koreana has been known as enthopharmacologically valuable plant in Korea, China and Japan. This plant has been reported to display numerous pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidative, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects. Although the pharmacological potentials have been demonstrated, anti-inflammatory effect of this plant has not been fully elucidated yet. To evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity, macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were employed and the production of inflammatory mediators was explored in terms of understanding its molecular inhibitory mechanism. Hot water extract from B. koreana (Bk-HWE) was able to suppress the production of NO and TNF- production and up-regulation of surface levels of costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86. The anti-inflammatory effect of Bk-HWE seemed to be due to the inhibition of MAPK activation and c-fos translocation, according to immunoblotting analysis. In addition, Bk-HWE strongly suppressed the cell-cell adhesion events induced by functional activation of adhesion molecules such as CD29 and CD43. Therefore, our results suggest that Bk-HWE can be applied as an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine. To prove this assumption, further in vivo efficacy test will be continued in the following project. Key words: Sorbus commixta, macrophages, inflammatory mediators, AP-1 translocation, JNK activation.

Antioxidant and Immune-Stimulating Activities of Hot-Water Extract from Seaweed Sargassum Hemiphyllum

The hot-water extract of seaweed Sargassum hemiphyllum was evaluated antioxidant activity by using four different methods, including DPPH free radicals scavenging activity, Fe(superscript +2) chelating activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and reducing power, and the immune-stimulating activity by using HB4C5 cells and J774.1 cells. It was found that the antioxidant activity was increasing in correlating with the concentration below 3.5 mg/ml. The HB4C5 cells showed the maximum relative activities of cell proliferation (174%) and IgM secretion (132%) at 120 μg/ml of hot-water extract. Overheating slightly reduced the immune-stimulating activity of hot-water extract. At 80 μg/ml, J774.1 cells showed the maximum relative activities of cell proliferation (141%) and phagocytosis (147%). Hence, the hot-water extract of seaweed S. hemiphyllum plays the important role on antioxidant and immune-stimulating activities.

Hypoglycemic effects of Welsh onion in an animal model of diabetes mellitus

Tight control of blood glucose is the most important strategy for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Here, we investigated the beneficial effects of Welsh onion on fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia. Inhibitory activities of hot water extracts from the green stalk and white bulb, which are the edible portions of the Welsh onion, and the fibrous root extract against yeast α-glucosidase were measured in vitro. To study the effects of Welsh onion on postprandial hyperglycemia, a starch solution (1 g/kg) with and without Welsh onion fibrous root extract (500 mg/kg) or acarbose (50 mg/kg) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after an overnight fast. Postprandial plasma glucose levels were measured and incremental areas under the response curve were calculated. To study the hypoglycemic effects of chronic feeding of Welsh onion, five-week-old db/db mice were fed an AIN-93G diet or a diet containing either Welsh onion fibrous root extract at 0.5% or acarbose at 0.05% for 7 weeks after 1 week of adaptation. Fasting plasma glucose and blood glycated hemoglobin were measured. Compared to the extract from the edible portions of Welsh onion, the fibrous root extract showed stronger inhibition against yeast α-glucosidase, with an IC50 of 239 µg/mL. Oral administration of Welsh onion fibrous root extract (500 mg/kg) and acarbose (50 mg/kg) significantly decreased incremental plasma glucose levels 30-120 min after oral ingestion of starch as well as the area under the postprandial glucose response curve, compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The plasma glucose and blood glycated hemoglobin levels of the Welsh onion group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.01), and were not significantly different from those fed acarbose. Thus, we conclude that the fibrous root of Welsh onion is effective in controlling hyperglycemia in animal models of diabetes mellitus.