Aralia Continentalis Research Articles

The polysaccharide from Aralia continentalis Kitagawa enhances immune responses via activating the MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages

BackgroundPolysaccharides derived from Aralia continentalis Kitagawa possess excellent biological properties, such as anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory. However, the immunomodulatory effects of these polysaccharides on macrophages and their underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored due to their complex molecular structure.ResultsThe study isolated and characterized a pure polysaccharide, namely WACP(S)-A3-b from Aralia continentalis Kitagawa to investigate its impact on RAW 264.7 cell activation. The structural analysis of WACP(S)-A3-b revealed an average molecular weight of 40.1 kDa with a pectin-like structure composed of HG and RG-I domains, primarily composed of galacturonic acid, rhamnose, galactose, fucose, and arabinose at molar ratios of 55.56: 19.60: 10.29: 7.85: 6.69; NMR found that WACP(S)-A3-b contains α-1,4-GalpA, α-1,2-Rhap, α-1,2,4-Rhap, and t-α-GalpA. Further results demonstrated that the immunomodulatory activity of WACP(S)-A3-b could enhance the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and promote the expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). Additionally, WACP(S)-A3-b could activate MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby enhancing the ability of RAW 264.7 macrophages to release cytokines.ConclusionsThe study isolated and purified the Aralia continentalis Kitagawa stem polysaccharide, clarified the basic structure of the polysaccharide, and explored the mechanism of immune activity, which provided a theoretical basis for the structure–activity relationship of the polysaccharide.Graphical abstract

Aralia continentalis Root Enhances Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep by Activating GABAA Receptors.

Aralia continentalis exhibits various biological activities; however, their sleep-promoting effects have not been previously reported. In this study, we evaluated the hypnotic effects and sleep-wake profiles of A. continentalis root (KS-126) using a pentobarbital-induced sleep-acceleration test and polysomnographic recordings. Additionally, we investigated the molecular mechanism of KS-126 through patch-clamp electrophysiology. Our polysomnographic recordings revealed that KS-126 not only accelerated the onset of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) but also extends its duration. Considering the temporal dynamics of the sleep-wake stages, during the initial and subsequent periods KS-126 extended NREMS duration and decreased wakefulness, thereby enhancing sleep-promoting effects. Furthermore, the assessment of sleep quality via analysis of electroencephalogram power density indicated that KS-126 did not significantly alter sleep intensity. Finally, we found that KS-126 enhanced GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic responses in primary hippocampal neurons, leading to an increase in the percentage of the GABA current. This effect was not affected by the selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil, but was entirely inhibited by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline. In conclusion, KS-126 extends the duration of NREMS without altering its intensity by prolonging GABAergic synaptic transmission, which modulates GABAA receptor function.

Chitosan-based antioxidant films incorporated with root extract of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa for active food packaging applications

Abstract Aralia continentalis Kitagawa and ginseng are both perennial herbs of Araliaceae. The study aimed to investigate the composite packaging films with better fresh-keeping ability. The different mass concentrations of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa root extract (ARE) 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% (v/w) were compounded with chitosan (CH) to make composite packaging films. Food-based composite film, its thickness, density, water contact angle (WCA), oxygen barrier properties (OP), solubility, swelling, transparency, water vapor permeability (WVP), and other physical properties, as well as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), Young’s modulus (YM), and the mechanical properties were measured, and the oxidation resistance, thermal properties, and biodegradability were also evaluated, and the structure was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that when the ARE content in the film was increased from 0.05 to 0.15 mg·mL−1, high antioxidant capacity of the CH/ARE film was exhibited (the DPPH and ABTS+ free radical scavenging rate was increased), and the thickness, density, swelling degree, solubility, TS, EAB, and YM of the CH/ARE composite film increased, while WCA, OP, WVP, transparency, and biodegradability were slightly reduced. We had noticed that with the increase in the ARE content, the surface microstructure in CH/ARE film changed significantly, indicating the good compatibility between CH and ARE. In summary, as a natural active substance, ARE can be combined with CH to form films, and the packaging film made can effectively improve the performance of the composite film.

Anticancer Activity of Continentalic Acid in B-Cell Lymphoma.

Aralia continentalis has been used in Korea as a folk remedy for arthralgia, rheumatism, and inflammation. However, its anti-lymphoma effect remains uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrate that A. continentalis extract and its three diterpenes efficiently kill B-lymphoma cells. Our in vitro and in vivo results suggest that the cytotoxic activities of continentalic acid, a major diterpene from A. continentalis extract, are specific towards cancer cells while leaving normal murine cells and tissues unharmed. Mechanistically, continentalic acid represses the expression of pro-survival Bcl-2 family members, such as Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL. It dissociates the mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the stimulation of effector caspase 3/7 activities and, ultimately, cell death. Intriguingly, this agent therapeutically synergizes with roflumilast, a pan-PDE4 inhibitor that has been successfully repurposed for the treatment of aggressive B-cell malignancies in recent clinical tests. Our findings unveiled that A. continentalis extract and three of the plant’s diterpenes exhibit anti-cancer activities. We also demonstrate the synergistic inhibitory effect of continentalic acid on the survival of B-lymphoma cells when combined with roflumilast. Taken in conjunction, continentalic acid may hold significant potential for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma.

Anti-inflammatory effects of 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4\u03b2-ol isolated from the roots of Aralia continentalis on LPS-induced in RAW264.7 cells

Aralia continentalis (A. continentalis) is a medicinal plant belonging to Araliaceae, it has been reported to exert anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and anti-oxidative activities. But the potential mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of compounds isolated from the roots of A. continentalis is still insufficient. So, we evaluated whether compounds isolated from the roots of A. continentalis exert anti-inflammatory effects and elucidated its potential mechanism in RAW264.7 cells. The concentrated residue was subsequently suspended in H2O and partitioned with n-hexane, methylene chloride (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH). The fractions were subjected to sequential column chromatography over silica-gel, RP-18, MPLC, recycling and preparative HPLC to isolated the novel compound. The novel compound was identified as 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol and confirmed anti-inflammatory activity. The 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol dose-dependently blocked NO production and inhibited iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol inhibited LPS-stimulated degradation of IκB-α and nuclear accumulation of p65, which resulted in the suppression of NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 cells. Also, the 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that the nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol isolated from the roots of A. continentalis may have grate potential for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Continentalic acid exhibited nephroprotective activity against the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury through inhibition of the oxidative stress and inflammation

The present study investigated the effect of the continentalic acid (CNT) isolated from the Aralia Continentalis against the LPS and E. coli-induced nephrotoxicity. The LPS and E. coli administration markedly altered the behavioral parameters including spontaneous pain, tail suspension and survival rate. However, the treatment with CNT dose dependently improved the behavioral parameters. The CNT treatment significantly improved the renal functions test (RFTs) and hematological parameters following LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, the LPS and E. coli administration markedly compromised the anti-oxidant enzymes and enhanced the oxidative stress markers. However, the CNT treatment markedly enhanced the anti-oxidants enzymes such as GSH, GST, Catalase and SOD, while attenuated the oxidative stress markers such as MDA and POD. The MPO enzyme is widely used marker for the neutrophilic infiltration, the LPS and E. coli administration markedly increased the MPO activity. However, the CNT treatment markedly attenuated the MPO activity in both LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, the CNT treatment markedly attenuated the NO production compared to the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury group. Additionally, the CNT treatment improved the histological parameters markedly (H and E, PAS and Masson’s trichome staining) and protect the kidney from the inflammatory insult of the LPS and E. coli evidently. The comet assay revealed marked DNA damage, however, the CNT treatment markedly prevented the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney damage. The CNT treatment markedly enhanced the expression of Nrf2, while attenuated the iNOS expression in both models of kidney injury.

Anticariogenic Potential of Korean Native Plant Extracts against Streptococcus mutans.

Numerous chemically synthesized compounds are widely used in oral hygiene products. However, due to their potential risk, there is a need to improve the safety and quality of dental care by seeking alternative control agents such as those naturally found in plant materials. Here we assessed antibacterial potentials of extracts from 100 species of Korean native plants against Streptococcus mutans on cariogenesis. Among those, extracts from five plants (Arctii Fructus, Caryopteris incana, Aralia continentalis, Symplocarpus renifolius, and Lamium amplexicaule) showed a growth inhibition of S. mutans. The five extracts were further individually evaluated for their minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration. Interestingly, a synergistic antibacterial activity was observed with the combination of sodium fluoride and the plant extracts. To determine the anti-biofilm activity of plant extracts, S. mutans was treated with increasing concentrations of the extracts in the range from 1250 to 3750 µg/mL. When S. mutans was grown in the defined biofilm medium containing the individual extracts of 47 species, the biofilm amount markedly decreased compared to that of a negative control. Notably, the extract of S. renifolius significantly downregulated the gtf and spaP genes for synthesis of glucan and adhesive proteins in S. mutans, and L.amplexicaule decreased the expression of gtfD gene. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the five plant extracts modulate survival and pathogenesis of S. mutans by growth inhibition and downregulation of the gene(s) implicated in biofilm formation.

The ethanolic extract of Aralia continentalis ameliorates cognitive deficits via modifications of BDNF expression and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disease associated with that the experience of traumatic stress. The traumatic experience results in the development of a prolonged stress response that causes impaired memory function and increased inflammation in the hippocampus. Currently, antidepressants are the only approved therapy for PTSD. However, the efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of PTSD is marginal. The ethanol extract of Aralia continentalis (AC) is traditionally used in oriental medicine, and has been showed to possess pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-diabetic effects. Nevertheless, the effects of AC on cognitive memory and its mechanism of action in PTSD remain unclear. Given the necessity of further treatment options for PTSD, we investigated the effect of AC on the spatial cognitive impairment caused by single prolonged stress (SPS) in a rat model of PTSD.MethodsMale rats were treated with various intraperitoneal (i.p.) doses of AC for 21 consecutive days after inducing chronic stress with the SPS procedure.ResultsCognitive impairment caused by SPS were inhibited after treatment with 100 mg/kg AC, as measured by the Morris water maze test and an object recognition test. Additionally, AC treatment significantly alleviated memory-related decreases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus. Our results suggest that AC significantly inhibited the cognitive deficits caused by SPS via increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, in the rat brain.ConclusionsAC reversed the behavioral impairments and inflammation triggered by SPS-derived traumatic stress and should be further evaluated as a potential therapeutic drug for PTSD.

The Identification of Araliaceae Species by ITS2 Genetic Barcoding and Pollen Morphology.

The genetic barcode ITS2 (ITS: internal transcribed spacer) and pollen morphology were used for the identification of the pharmacologically valuable wild Araliaceae species Panax ginseng, Oplopanax elatus, Aralia elata, Aralia continentalis, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus inhabiting the natural forests of Primorye, Russia. The ITS2 locus successfully identified all six species, which supports the use of ITS2 as a standard barcode for medicinal plants. However, the ITS2 locus was insufficient for intra-specific discrimination in these species, neither within Primorye nor from other world representatives within GenBank. Araliaceae pollen was confirmed to undergo size-reducing metamorphosis. The final morphotypes were species-specific for each of the six species but could not discriminate intra-species geographic localities within Primorye. The morphologies of the final pollen morphotypes from homologous species inhabiting other parts of the world are not yet known. Therefore, whether pollen is applicable for Araliaceae intra-species discrimination between Primorye and other world localities could not be established. Based on these findings, we propose that the ITS2 genetic barcode and the final pollen morphotypes are suitable for the identification of Araliaceae species. However, further studies will be needed to determine the suitability of genetic and pollen traits for Araliaceae geographic authentication.

한약재 장기 보존을 위해 감마선 조사한 독활(Aralia continentalis) 추출물의 항산화 효과 비교

본 연구에서는 한약재의 장기보존을 위한 위생처리법으로 잘 알려진 감마선 조사 처리 시 독활 추출물의 항산화 활성에 미치는 영향을 검토하였다. 천연 약용식물인 독활의 감마선 조사 처리에 따른 조사 판별 marker 확인을 위해 광자극 발광법, 열발광분석법, 전자스핀공명법을 이용하여 확인시험법의 판별 특성을 확인하였다. 그 결과 광자극발광법에서 비조사구 0 kGy에서 891.00 PCs의 중간시료 수치를 나타내어 광자극발광법 단독으로는 조사 여부 판별 확인이 어려운 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 하지만 열발광분석법, 전자스핀 공명법에서는 조사구와 비조사구 간의 차이를 명확히 확인할 수 있었으며, 이를 통해 한약재인 독활은 3가지 확인 시험법을 모두 적용하여 분석하는 것이 적합한 것으로 판단되었다. 에탄올 농도별 추출에서는 50% 에탄올에서 비조사구 0 kGy와 조사구 10 kGy에서 각각 5.98 mg/g, 6.86 mg/g의 함량을 나타내었다. 항산화 활성 확인을 위해 추출물의 phenolic 농도를 50~200 μg/mL로 조절하여 DPPH radical 소거 효과를 측정한 결과 열수와 50% 에탄올 추출물의 비조사구 0 kGy와 조사구 10 kGy 50~200 μg/mL phenolic 농도 전 구간에서 84.04~100.00%의 매우 높은 소거효과를 나타내었으나, 감마선 조사 처리에 따른 유의적인 차이는 없었다. ABTS radical 소거 활성 측정 결과 열수와 50% 에탄올 추출물의 비조사구 0 kGy와 조사구 10 kGy 200 μg/mL phenolic 농도에서 95% 이상의 높은 소거 효과를 나타내었다. Antioxidant protection factor(PF) 측정 결과 100 μg/mL phenolic 농도 처리 시 열수 추출물 비조사구 0 kGy와 조사구 10 kGy에서 각각 2.51 PF, 2.01 PF, 50% 에탄올 추출물 비조사구 0 kGy와 조사구 10 kGy는 각각 1.38 PF, 1.48 PF를 나타내었다. TBARs 저해 효과는 50~200 μg/mL phenolic 농도 전 구간에서 열수 추출물 비조사구 0 kGy와 조사구 10 kGy에서 65.23~83.10%를 나타냈으며, 50% 에탄올 추출물 비조사구 0 kGy와 조사구 10 kGy에서 70.67~95.81%로 농도 의존적으로 증가하는 양상을 나타냈다. 본 연구 결과 감마선 조사 처리에 따른 total phenolic compounds 함량은 열수 추출물의 경우 조사 처리 후 함량이 감소하였고, 50% 에탄올 추출물의 경우 조사 처리 후 함량이 증가하는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 독활의 장기저장을 위해 처리한 감마선 조사 전과 후 독활 추출물의 항산화 활성 변화에는 큰 영향을 주지 않는 것으로 보이며 이는 감마선 조사법이 독활을 포함한 한약재의 장기저장을 위한 처리법으로 유용하게 이용될 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

Antifungal Activity against Araliae Continentalis Radix Extract on Rice Sheath blight

Rice sheath blight is caused by Rhizoctonia solan, a plant pathogenic fungus that is spread by insect pests as well as splashing rain andplant contact, causing the most serious damage globally with the second largest cost for antifungal control. The Aralia Continentalis Radixextract has an antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solan, and it was presumed that the ent-Pimara-8(14), 15-diene-19-oic acid containedin Aralia Continentalis Radix is the chemical constituent of the antifungal metabolite. It was confirmed that the Aralia Continentalis Radixextract can be used as a control agent against rice sheath blight. The damage caused by rice sheath blight was decreased to less than16% when the Aralia Continentalis Radix extract (125 mg.L-1 or more) was sprayed onto rice plants in a disaster prevention experimentin a field afflicted by rice sheath blight.

A strategy for the separation of diterpenoid isomers from the root of Aralia continentalis by countercurrent chromatography: The distribution ratio as a substitute for the partition coefficient and a three-phase solvent system

Aralia continentalis (Araliaceae) is widely used as a medicinal plant in East Asia. Previous studies have indicated that diterpenoid isomers (kaurenoic acid, continentalic acid, and ent-continentalic acid) are the major bioactive compounds of this plant. A new strategy was developed to alleviate difficulties in the separation of these isomers from this plant. A three-phase solvent system was applied to separate the isomers, and furthermore, the distribution ratio (Kc) was introduced as a substitute for the partition coefficient (KD). For compounds exhibiting a single equilibrium, their distributions in two immiscible phases were only affected by the partition coefficient of each solute. However, compounds that have a dissociating functional group (e.g., –COOH) are involved in two types of equilibrium in the two-phase system. In this case, the partitioning behaviors of the solutes are greatly affected by the pH of the solution. A mathematical prediction was applied for adjusting the solutions to the proper pH values. To prevent non-used phase (medium phase) waste, both the stationary phase (upper phase) and mobile phase (lower phase) were prepared on-demand without pre-saturation with the application of 1H NMR. Each fraction obtained was collected and dried, yielding the following diterpenoid isomers from the 50mg injected sample: kaurenoic acid (19.7mg, yield: 39%) and ent-continentalic acid (21.3mg, yield: 42%).

Molecular characterization, morphology, and pathogenicity of Alternaria panax from araliaceous plants in Korea

Alternaria blight on araliaceous plants is a common disease caused by Alternaria panax Whetzel and occurs worldwide. Genetic diversity among 58 isolates of A. panax from different araliaceous hosts in Korea was determined by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. Selected isolates from genetic groups (determined by AFLP analysis) were examined based on the results of phylogenetic analyses of eight genes (Alt a1, BT1, BT2, EF-1α, gpd, H3, ITS, and RPB2), morphological characteristics, and pathogenicity tests. Isolates were divided into two distinct genetic groups (A and B) by AFLP analysis and based on the results of sequence analyses of the BT1, BT2, gpd, and RPB2 genes. Isolates from ginseng plants (Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius) fell into group B, whereas isolates from the other araliaceous plants clustered in group A. Morphologically, although some overlap was observed among isolates in the two groups, isolates in group B had longer and narrower conidia, distinct sporulation patterns at 15 °C, and did not secrete pigment into PDA media. Pathogenicity tests revealed that isolates in groups A and B only induced severe disease symptoms on leaves of their hosts, such as isolates in group A on Aralia elata, Aralia continentalis, and in group B on Panax ginseng. The results indicate that the two genetic groups of Alternaria from araliaceous plants should be considered as two different species, and we propose that group A is a candidate of new Alternaria species distinguished from A. panax.

Inhibitory effect of Aralia continentalis on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans

Ethnopharmacological relevance Aralia continentalis has been used in traditional Korean medicine for dental diseases such as toothache, dental caries, periodontal disease and gingivitis, and also has been used for neuralgia, analgesia, sweating, and as an antirheumatic. Aim of the study The present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Aralia continentalis extract on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the most important bacteria in the formation of dental caries and dental plaque. Materials and methods The inhibitory effects of Aralia continentalis extract on the growth, acid production, water-insoluble glucan synthesis, and adhesion were investigated in Streptococcus mutans. The biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and safranin staining. Results The ethanol extract of Aralia continentalis showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and significant inhibition of acid production at the concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml compared to the control group. The synthesis of water-insoluble glucan by glucosyltransferase (GTFase) was decreased in the presence of 0.5–4 mg/ml of the extract of Aralia continentalis. The extract markedly inhibited Streptococcus mutans adherence to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads (S-HAs). The extract of Aralia continentalis has an inhibitory effect on the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilms at the concentrations higher than 2 mg/ml. Conclusions These results suggest that Aralia continentalis may inhibit cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, and also may support the scientific rationale that native inhabitants used the extract for the treatment of dental diseases.

PROMOTION OF HAIR REGENERATION BY ARALIA CONTINENTALIS ROOT EXTRACT IN C57BL/6 MICE

Aralia (Aralia cordata Thunb.) has been documented to possess anti‐inflammation as well as pain relieving effects against rheumatic arthritis and dermatitis in traditional oriental medicine. Among 50 Korean natural herb extracts, aralia continentalis extract (ACE) was screened as candidate for hair regeneration effect in the preliminary animal study. To evaluate the effect of ACE on hair generation in C57BL/6, animals were divided into 4 groups including vehicle control (30% ethanol), positive control (5% minoxidil) and experimental groups (ACE, 1 and 10 mg/ml). And they were topically applied individual treatments on the depilated dorsal skin with an amount of 100 ul everyday for 4 weeks. Hair regeneration was evaluated by photographical and histological observations. ACE groups promoted development of hair follicles approximately 20% more than vehicle group through the stimulation of anagen progression of the hair shaft. Interestingly, hair reconstitution was more effective in the low dose ACE group than the high dose ACE group. In conclusion, our results implicate the enriching potential of ACE for hair regeneration. A further study will present whether the synergistic effect of oral and topical administrations of ACE on hair restoration. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MEST) (No. 2009‐0067117).

Comparison of Hydroxyl Radical, Peroxyl Radical, and Peroxynitrite Scavenging Capacity of Extracts and Active Components from Selected Medicinal Plants

The ability of 80% ethanol extracts from five medicinal plants, Aralia continentalis, Paeonia suffruticosa, Magnolia denudata, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, and Schizonepeta tenuifolia, to neutralize hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radical and peroxynitrite was examined using the total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay. Peroxyl radical was generated from thermal homolysis of 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (ABAP) ; hydroxyl radical by an iron-ascorbate Fenton reaction; peroxynitrite by spontaneous decomposition of 3-morpholinosydnonimine N-ethylcarbamide (SIN-1) . The oxidants generated react with α-keto-γ-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA) to yield ethylene, and the TOSC of the substances tested is quantified from their ability to inhibit ethylene formation. Extracts from P. suffruticosa, M. denudata,and S. tenuifolia were determined to be potent peroxyl radical scavenging agents with a specific TOSC (sTOSC) being at least six-fold greater than that of glutathione (GSH) . These three plants also showed sTOSCs toward peroxynitrite markedly greater than sTOSC of GSH, however, only P. suffruticosa revealed a significant hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity. Seven major active constituents isolated from P. suffruticosa, quercetin, (+) -catechin, methyl gallate, gallic acid, benzoic acid, benzoyl paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin, were determined for their antioxidant potential toward peroxynitrite, peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. Quercetin, (+) -catechin, methyl gallate, and gallic acid exhibited sTOSCs 40~85 times greater than sTOSC of GSH. These four components also showed a peroxynitrite scavenging capacity higher than at least 10-fold of GSH. For antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radical, methyl gallate was greatest followed by gallic acid and quercetin. Further studies need to be conducted to substantiate the significance of scavenging a specific oxidant in the prevention of cellular injury and disease states caused by the reactive free radical species.

Protective effect of the Aralia continentalis root extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

The root of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa has been used in traditional Korean medicine to relieve pain and to treat inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the extract of A. continentalis roots (AC) against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) and the mechanism of its hepatoprotective effect. In mice, pretreatment with AC prior to the administration of CCl 4 significantly prevented the increased serum enzymatic activity of ALT and AST as well as the formation of hepatic malondialdehyde. Histopathological evaluation of the livers also revealed that AC reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl 4. In addition, pretreatment with AC significantly prevented both the depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) content and the decrease in glutathione- S-transferase (GST) activity in the liver of CCl 4-intoxicated mice. Hepatic GSH levels and GST activity were increased by treatment with AC alone. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to be induced by oxidative stress and to confer protection against oxidative tissue injuries. Interestingly, AC markedly upregulated hepatic HO-1 expression in CCl 4-treated mice, which might provide anti-oxidative activity in the liver. These results indicate that AC plays a critical protective role in CCl 4-induced acute liver injury by promoting anti-oxidative protein expression.

인삼 캘러스와 독활 엽육조직의 원형질체 융합

Protoplasts of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and Aralia continentalis K. (Araliaceae) were isolated from callus cells and mesophyll cells, respectively. The maximum yield of protoplasts isolated from callus cells of P. ginseng were obtained by incubation for 3 hrs in the enzyme mixture of 0.5% macerozyme, 1.5% cellulase, and 0.5 M mannitol as an osmoticum. In the case of mesophyll cells of A. continentalis, the highest yield of protoplasts were obtained by incubation for 5 hrs in the enzyme mixture of 1% macerozyme, 2% cellulase, and 0.6 M mannitol. A polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment induced an intergeneric fusion of the protoplasts. The fusion products, that is, heterokaryocytes were obtained by treatment of 50% PEG containing 0.05 M Ca salts.

홍화씨와 한약재 흔합추출물이 Streptozotocin으로 유도한 흰쥐의 혈당과 혈액 성분에 미치는 영향

당뇨병은 생체내 당 이용 능력의 이상으로 일어나는 만성대사성 질환으로서 심혈관계 합병증이 일으키는 대표 증상인 고혈당과 지질대사를 치료하기 위하여 많은 환자들이 민간요법에 의존하고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 홍화씨와 한약재혼합 추출물이 혈당강하와 지질상태 개선에 대한 효능을 검증하고자 실시하였다. 당뇨는 streptozotocin(45 ㎎/㎏ B.W.)으로 S.D.계 흰쥐에게 근육주사로 유도시킨 다음 주재료로 볶은 홍화씨 50 g, 100 g 각각에 부재료로 맥문동, 감초, 상엽, 백복령, 숙지황, 비파엽, 독활, 대추, 산수유, 목단피, 천화분, 오미자를 섞어서 만든 한방 혼합 추출물을 당뇨 유도 쥐에게 체중 ㎏ 당 100 ㎎, 200 ㎎의 홍화씨를 섭취할 수 있도록 각각 경구 투여하였다. 당뇨쥐의 고혈당 증상은 100 g의 홍화씨를 넣고 추출한 한약재 혼합추출물의 투여로 정상수준은 아니었지만 34% 낮아졌다(p＜0.0.5). 혈장 내 지질과산화물 함량은 정상군과 당뇨 유도군 간에 유의한 차이는 없었으나, 간 마이크로좀의 지질과산화물 함량은 정상군은 6.20±2.25 n㏖/㎎ protein에 비하여 당뇨군은 7.74 n㏖/㎎ protein로 p＜0.05 수준에서 높았다. 그러나 100 g의 홍화씨를 첨가하여 만든 한약재 혼합추출물 투여했을 때 5.85 n㏖/㎎ protein 수준까지 낮추어 주었다. 혈액과 간 조직 내 중성지방 함량은 역시 100 g의 홍화씨를 첨가하여 만든 한약재 혼합추출물 투여로 p＜0.05 수준에서 저하효과가 현저하였다(p＜0.05). 그러나 혈액과 간 조직 내 유리지방산, 총콜레스테롤과 인지질함량은 실험 전 군에서 유의적인 차이를 볼 수 없었고, 정상군에 비하여 당뇨군에서 혈장내 LDL-콜레스테롤과 동맥경화지수가 유의적으로 높은 반면에 HDL-콜레스테롤은 낮았으며 홍화씨와 한약재 혼합추출물이 이들 함량 변화에 미치는 효과는 관찰되지 않았다. 이상의 본 실험결과는 당뇨에 의한 혈당, 지질과산화물 그리고 중성지방 증가는 홍화씨와 한약재 혼합추출물의 투여로 다소 완화되었다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 체내 혈당조절에 의한 당뇨병의 예방 및 치유효과가 있는 홍화씨와 같은 천연물질의 기능성 성분에 대하여 향후에 보다 심층 있는 연구를 통하여 건강 기능성 식품 소재로 활용하는 것이 매우 중요할 것으로 여겨진다.

자생 및 약용 식물의 Streptococcus mutans항균 활성의 검색

식용 및 약용 식물 215 종의 천연물로부터 추출부위를 달리한 메탄올 추출물 309 종을 조제하였으며, 안전성이 우수한 천연물 충치예방 및 치료제 개발을 목표로 309종의 추출물의 S. mutans JC-2에 대한 항균 활성을 평가하였다. 항균활성은 96 well microtiter method에 의한 생육저해능 측정 및 disk paper method에 의한 생육저지환 크기를 측정하여 평가하였으며, 그 결과 가죽나무(가지), 곰딸기(열매), 독활(잎), 상수리나무(잎), 여뀌(전초), 작약(종자), 짚신나물(뿌리) 추출물에서 강한 활성을 확인하였다. 상기 7종 천연물의 최소 생육저지농도(MIC)를 측정하여 항균 활성을 비교한 결과, 여뀌, 상수리나무, 가죽나무 추출물이 <TEX>$25\∼30{\mu}g/ml $</TEX>의 농도에서 생육을 완전히 억제하였다 이러한 결과는 항균력이 우수한 천연물로부터 새로운 충치 예방 및 치료제 개발이 가능함을 제시한다 Oral streptococci are major constituents of dental plaques, and their prevalence is closely linked with various pathologic symptoms, such as dental caries. To develop natural anticaries agent, we prepared 309 kinds of plant extracts from 215 species of edible or medical plants, and antibacterial activity of the extracts against Streptococcus mutans JC-2 were evaluated based on 96 well microtiter plate assay and disk paper method, subsequently. Among the tested plant extracts, Ailanthus altissima, Paeonia lactiflora, Rubus phoenicolasius, Aralia continentalis, Quercus acutissima, Persicaria hydropiper and Agrimonia pilosa extracts showed strong antimicrobial activity. Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the selected seven plant extracts showed that Ailanthus altissima, Persicaria hydropiper and Quercus acutissima extracts (<TEX>$MIC=25\∼30[\mu}g/ml$</TEX>) has potential as a source of natural anticaries agents.