Fructus Extract Research Articles

Hepatoprotective effects of hoveniae semen cum fructus extracts in ethanol intoxicated mice.

[Purpose]The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract in ethanol induced hepatic damages.[Methods]Hepatic damages were induced by oral administration of ethanol and then Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract was administered.[Results]Following Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract administration, body and liver weights were increased, while aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, γ-glutamyl transferase, and triglyceride levels in the serum, triglyceride contents, tumor necrosis factor -α level, cytochrome (CY) P450 2E1 activity in the liver and mRNA expression of hepatic lipogenic genes, and Nitrotyrosine and 4-HNE-immunolabelled hepatocytes were decreased. However, mRNA expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation was increased. Also, as a protective mechanism for hepatic antioxidant defense systems, decreased liver MDA contents, increased glutathione contents, increased dismutase and catalase activities were observed when compared to the ethanol control.[Conclusion]Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract favorably protected against liver damages, mediated by its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-steatosis properties through the augmentation of the hepatic antioxidant defense system by NF-E2-related factor-2 activation, and down-regulation of the mRNA expression of hepatic lipogenic genes or up-regulation of the mRNA expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation.

In vitro protective effects of Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus extracts against oxidative stress

We evaluated the in vitro cytoprotective effects of Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus (HSCF) extracts against oxidative stress-mediated cell damage using HepG2 cells. Cytotoxic effects of HSCF extracts were observed in HepG2 cells, and the 50% inhibitory concentration was determined. Cytoprotective effects of sublethal doses of HSCF extracts were evaluated using a tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced cellular damage model. We also assessed whether NFE2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) was transactivated by HSCF extracts. The antioxidant capacity of HSCF extracts was evaluated with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and the expression of the antioxidant genes glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO1), and NAD (P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1). HSCF extracts up to 1,000 μg/mL showed no cytotoxic effect in HepG2 cells. Indeed, 300 and 1,000 μg/mL of HSCF extracts significantly protected HepG2 cells from oxidative stress-mediated cell death by tBHP. As a molecular mechanism, HSCF extracts at 1,000 μg/mL significantly increased Nrf2 transactivation and induced expression of its target genes (GCLC, HO1, NQO1). Furthermore, 1,000 μg/mL of HSCF extracts enhanced SOD activity. Although treatment with 300 and 1,000 μg/mL of HSCF extracts tended to slightly increase CAT activity, the increases were not statistically significant. These findings provide direct evident that HSCF extracts have favorable hepatoprotective effects against oxidative stress through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant gene induction.

Effects and Safety of Aqueous Extract of Poncirus fructus in Spinal Cord Injury with Neurogenic Bowel.

Objective. To investigate the effects and safety of the aqueous extract of the dried, immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., known as Poncirus fructus (PF), in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic bowel. Methods. Thirty-one SCI patients with neurogenic bowel were recruited. Patients were evaluated based on clinical information, constipation score, Bristol Stool Form Scale, stool retention score using plain abdominal radiograph, and colon transit time. PF was administered in dosages of 800 mg each prior to breakfast and lunch for 14 days. Results. The morphological feature of the stool before and after administration indicated a statistically significant difference from 3.52 ± 1.33 to 4.32 ± 1.44 points (p < 0.05). Stool retention score before and after administration of PF was represented with low significance (7.25 ± 1.60 to 6.46 ± 1.53 points) in the whole colon (p < 0.05), and the colon transit time was significantly shortened (57.41 ± 20.7 to 41.2 ± 25.5 hours) in terms of the whole transit time (p < 0.05). Side effects were observed in 7 people (28.0%) consisting of 2 people with soft stools and 5 people with diarrhea. Conclusion. For SCI patients, PF administration significantly improved defecation patterns, defecation retention, and colon transit time. PF could be an effective aid to improve colonic motility and constipation.

Synergistic Antifungal Activity against Disseminated Candidiasis by Combination Therapy of Crataegi Fructus Extract and Fluconazole

Synergistic Antifungal Activity against Disseminated Candidiasis by Combination Therapy of Crataegi Fructus Extract and Fluconazole

사인으로부터 추출한 정유와 용매 추출물의 휘발성 물질 및 금속성분 분석

Amomi Fructus with anti-oxidative activity was chosen and essential oil was obtained by SDE (simultaneous distillation extraction), and 39 constituents were determined by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Major components were camphor, borneol acetate, borneol, D-limonene and camphene. Three solvent extracts such as hexanes, diethyl ether and methylene chloride from Amomi Fructus were obtained. These were analyzed by GC-MS and 4 more constituents were identified in addition to 39 components discovered in essential oil. Five major components such as camphor, borneol acetate, borneol, D-limonene and camphene were also detected, however the relative peak percents of those components were different from those of constituents in essential oil. To estimate the kind and the amount of materials evaporated at certain temperature and conditions from essential oil and solvent extracts, dynamic headspace apparatus was used and materials evaporated and trapped at certain conditions were analyzed by GC-MS. Recovery yield of SDE method from Amomi Fructus was measured by using camphor and standard calibration solution of camphor methanol solution and, the yield was 82.0%. Content of Hg was measured by mercury analyzer and contents of Cd, Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn in Amomi Fructus, essential oils and solvent extracts were determined by ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer). Pb, Cd and Hg were measured in the concentration of 0.72 mg/kg, <0.10 mg/kg and 0.0023 mg/kg, respectively and these were below permission level of purity test. Contents of Mn, Cu and Zn in Amomi Fructus were 213 mg/kg, 8.29 mg/kg and 31.0 mg/kg, respectively and which were relatively higher than other metals such as Cr, Co and Ni. Metals such as Mn (0.65 ~ 9.08 mg/kg), Cu (1.16 ~ 4.40 mg/kg) and Zn (1.10 ~ 3.80 mg/kg) in essential oil and solvent extracts were detected. At this point it is not clear that the metals were cross-contaminated in the course of treating Amomi Fructus or metals were contained in Amomi Fructus. The influence evaluation toward biological model study of these metals in essential oil and solvent extracts will be needed.

구기자 추출액을 첨가한 양갱의 품질특성 및 묘사적 관능평가

구기자 추출액을 첨가한 양갱의 품질특성 및 묘사적 관능평가

The standardized Lycium chinense fruit extract protects against Alzheimer׳s disease in 3xTg-AD mice

BackgroundAlzheimer׳s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. This disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder accompanied with severe learning and memory impairment. This study investigated whether treatment with standardized Lycii Fructus Extract (LFE) would improve the cognitive function and the pathological features of AD in 3xTg-AD mice. Ethnopharmacological relevanceLycii Fructus is a fruit of Lycium chinense Miller and widely distributed in East Asia and has been used traditionally for anti-aging purposes. Materials and methodsThe cognitive function of 3xTg-AD mice was assessed using the Morris water maze test. The levels of the amyloid beta deposits and NeuN in the hippocampus were evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Brain neurotrophic derived factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) expressions were examined by western blot analysis. ResultsLFE treatment significantly ameliorated learning and memory deficits in AD mice, as shown by increased time spent in the target zone during probe tests. In addition, LFE significantly decreased Aβ deposits, increased NeuN-positive cells, and upregulated the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the 3xTg AD mice. ConclusionsThe present study suggests that LFE treatment can be a useful strategy for treating memory impairment induced by several neurodegenerative diseases.

Optimization of vacuum belt drying process of Gardeniae Fructus in Reduning injection by Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology

To optimize the belt drying process conditions optimization of Gardeniae Fructus extract from Reduning injection by Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology, on the basis of single factor experiment, a three-factor and three-level Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize the drying technology of Gardeniae Fructus extract from Reduning injection. With drying temperature, drying time, feeding speed as independent variables and the content of geniposide as dependent variable, the experimental data were fitted to a second order polynomial equation, establishing the mathematical relationship between the content of geniposide and respective variables. With the experimental data analyzed by Design-Expert 8. 0. 6, the optimal drying parameter was as follows: the drying temperature was 98.5 degrees C , the drying time was 89 min, the feeding speed was 99.8 r x min(-1). Three verification experiments were taked under this technology and the measured average content of geniposide was 564. 108 mg x g(-1), which was close to the model prediction: 563. 307 mg x g(-1). According to the verification test, the Gardeniae Fructus belt drying process is steady and feasible. So single factor experiments combined with response surface method (RSM) could be used to optimize the drying technology of Reduning injection Gardenia extract.

Analysis of α-amylase inhibitor from corni fructus by coupling magnetic cross-linked enzyme aggregates of α-amylase with HPLC-MS.

As a carrier-free immobilization strategy, magnetic cross-linked enzyme aggregates (MCLEAs) showed improved enzyme activity, stability and magnetic response. In this study, MCLEAs of α-amylase (MCLEAs-amylase) was prepared under optimized conditions and characterized with scanning electron microscope and vibrating sample magnetometer. The prepared MCLEAs-amylase showed an amorphous structure and the saturation magnetization was 33.5emu/g, which was sufficient for magnetic separation. Then MCLEAs-amylase coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was utilized to screen and identify α-amylase inhibitors from ethyl acetate extract of corni fructus. The experiment conditions were optimized. At the optimum conditions (incubation time: 10min, pH: 7.0 and temperature: 20°C), querciturone was successfully screened and identified with weak non-specific binding. The screening result was verified by inhibition assays and the IC50 value of querciturone was 22.5μg/mL. This method provided a rapid way to screen active compounds from natural products.

Antioxidative and Anti-Diabetes Activity, and Free Amino Acid and Mineral Contents of Beverage with Gugija (Lycii fructus) Extracts

Abstract Free amino acid and mineral analysis of beverages with Gugija (Lycii fructus) extracts performed to determine the antioxidative and anti-diabetes activities of the beverages. The four major free amino acids in the water- or ethanol-extracts of the Gugija beverages were asparagine (115.23, 51.95 mg%), methionine (20.02, 22.07 mg%), aspartic acid (19.65, 13.72 mg%) and taurine (18.64, 22.44 mg%). The mineral contents of the Gugija beverages with water- and ethanol-extracts were in the order K>Mg>Na>Ca>Zn>Fe. Antioxidant activity determined by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. There was no significant difference in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities between the water-extract beverages and the ethanol-extract beverages, although more phenolics and flavonoids were found in the ethanol-extract beverage. Higher anti-α-glucosidase activity was observed in the ethanol-extract beverage compared to acabose, which was used as the control and is an inhibitor of α-glucosidase, suggesting that the Gugija beverage with ethanol extract could be a potential hypoglycemic agent.Key words: Gugija (Lycii fructus ), beverage, free amino acid, antioxidative activity, anti-α-glucosidase activity

Identification of metabolites of PSORALEAE FRUCTUS in rats by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis

The fruit of Psoralea corylifolia (PSORALEAE FRUCTUS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been used to prevent and treat vitiligo, psoriasis, and osteoporosis in China for thousands of years. Phytochemical investigation on PSORALEAE FRUCTUS, as well as some metabolism research focused on pharmacokinetics of several single compounds from this plant, has been reported. However, the effective material of PSORALEAE FRUCTUS is still unknown. In the present study, the metabolic fate of multiple components of PSORALEAE FRUCTUS in rats was investigated by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). Based on a three-step strategy, a total of 142 PSORALEAE FRUCTUS-related xenobiotics were identified or tentatively characterized in rat biofluids after oral administration of six representative single compounds and PSORALEAE FRUCTUS extract. All six different types of constituents of PSORALEAE FRUCTUS, including furocoumarin, coumestan, isoflavone, flavanone, chalcone and monoterpene phenol, could be absorbed into the circulation system. In addition, compared with the metabolism of six representative single compounds, different metabolic fate was observed after oral administration of PSORALEAE FRUCTUS extract, which indicated that the drug–drug interactions occurred when fed by multi-component herbal extract, and the investigations only focused on several main components were not sufficient to represent and reflect the overall efficacy of plants. The present study will be conducive to further pharmacological mechanism research on PSORALEAE FRUCTUS.

Quality Characteristics of the Yanggeng made by Crataegi fructus Extracts

Quality Characteristics of the Yanggeng made by Crataegi fructus Extracts

Quality Characteristics of the Yanggeng made by Crataegi fructus Extracts

Quality Characteristics of the Yanggeng made by Crataegi fructus Extracts

Mori folium and mori fructus mixture attenuates high-fat diet-induced cognitive deficits in mice.

Obesity has become a global health problem, contributing to various diseases including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and dementia. Increasing evidence suggests that obesity can also cause neuronal damage, long-term memory loss, and cognitive impairment. The leaves and the fruits of Morus alba L., containing active phytochemicals, have been shown to possess antiobesity and hypolipidemic properties. Thus, in the present study, we assessed their effects on cognitive functioning in mice fed a high-fat diet by performing immunohistochemistry, using antibodies against c-Fos, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density protein 95 and a behavioral test. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet for 21 weeks exhibited increased body weight, but mice coadministered an optimized Mori Folium and Mori Fructus extract mixture (2 : 1; MFE) for the final 12 weeks exhibited significant body weight loss. Additionally, obese mice exhibited not only reduced neural activity, but also decreased presynaptic and postsynaptic activities, while MFE-treated mice exhibited recovery of these activities. Finally, cognitive deficits induced by the high-fat diet were recovered by cotreatment with MFE in the novel object recognition test. Our findings suggest that the antiobesity effects of MFE resulted in recovery of the cognitive deficits induced by the high-fat diet by regulation of neural and synaptic activities.

구기자 추출액을 첨가한 다식의 품질특성 및 항산화 효과

The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality characteristics and antioxidative effect of Dasik prepared with Lycii fructus extract(LD). LD were added in ratios (w/w) of 0(C), 5(LD1), 10(LD2), and 15%(LD3), and then proximate compositions, physicochemical properties, sensory evaluations and antioxidative effect of the Dasik were measured. LD1~LD3 samples showed higher contents of moisture, crude lipid, crude protein and crude ash as well as pH and sugar content compared to control (p<0.001). The total phenol content of LD samples (LD1, 31.5% ; LD2, 66.1% ; and LD3, 69.7%) was higher than that of control (4.71%). DPPH radical scavenging activity of LD3 showed the highest activity of 65.3%, whereas that of control (27.0%) was the lowest among samples. Additionally, ABTS radical scavenging activity of LD samples was higher than that of control (C, 38.9% ; LD1, 53.6%; LD2, 80.5% ; and LD3, 83.3%). The results of texture analysis on all samples showed that control had the highest but LD3 was the lowest (p<0.001). In sensory evaluation, the scores of appearance, flavor, taste and overall preference for LD2 was significantly higher than the samples(C, LD1, and LD2). Form the findings, this study suggests that 10% addition of LD was effective for preparation of Dasik in the aspects of the consumer acceptability and functionality.

비만세포에서 연교(連翹) 추출물의 Th2 사이토카인 발현 및 신호전달 기전 억제 효과

Objectives Forsythiae Fructus treatment has been used for inflammatory and allergic diseases in Korean Medicine. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action and the cellular targets are not understood well. The pathogenesis of allergic diseases are associated with Th2 cytokines such as IL-13, MIP-<TEX>$1{\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-13, IL-5, GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX> and IL-6, which are secreted by the mast cells. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Forsythiae Fructus extracts (FF) on Th2 cytokines expression and signal transduction in MC/9 mast cells. Methods In the study, MC/9 mast cells were stimulated with DNP-IgE for 24 hours and then treated separately with CsA <TEX>$10{\mu}g/m{\ell}$</TEX> and varying doses of FF for one hour. MC/9 mast cells stimulated with DNP-IgE was the control group, a treatment with CsA was the positive control group and a treatment with varying doses FF was the experimental groups. The mRNA levels of IL-13, IL-5, GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-6 were analyzed with Real-time PCR. The levels of IL-13, MIP-<TEX>$1{\alpha}$</TEX> were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA). NFAT, AP-1 and NF-<TEX>${\kappa}B$</TEX> p65 were examined by Western blot analysis. Results 1. FF were observed to suppress the mRNA expression of IL-13, IL-5, GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-6 in comparison to DNP-IgE control group. 2. FF also has inhibited the IL-13, MIP-<TEX>$1{\alpha}$</TEX> production significantly in comparison to DNP-IgE control group. 3. Western blot analysis of transduction factors involving Th2 cytokines expression has revealed a prominent decrease of the mast cell specific transduction factors including NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Jun, and NF-<TEX>${\kappa}B$</TEX> p65 but c-Fos. Conclusions In conclusion, the anti-allergenic activities of FF may be strongly related to the regulation of transcription factors NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Jun, and NF-<TEX>${\kappa}B$</TEX> p65 causing inhibition of Th2 cytokines in mast cells.

Application of temperature-correlated mobility theory for optimizing the MEKC separation of the main lignans from Schisandra Chinensis Fructus and its prescription Yuye Decoction.

The present work shows the application of the temperature-correlated mobility theory for the optimization of the separation and peak alignment of the main lignans from water extracts of traditional Chinese medicine Schisandra Chinensis Fructus as well as its prescription Yuye Decoction (Jade Fluid Decoction; YYD). This is the first application of this theory for MEKC separations, and the data presentation allows a much easier peak tracking and thereby identification of the analytes. Most interestingly, the data obtained and presented in the mobility scale at 298 K, show that Schisantherin A, which is easily mistaken as one of the analytes using traditional time scale, was actually not detected in Schisandra Chinensis Fructus and Yuye Decoction (Jade Fluid Decoction) water extracts. This proves the value of the temperature-correlated mobility scale for method optimization of complex samples. Thus, in the temperature-correlated mobility scale, the optimization of the system conditions for the MEKC separations can easily be achieved by correcting for viscosity changes. Also, the influence of the operating temperature can be monitored in a more distinct way.

Rubi Fructus (Rubus coreanus) activates the expression of thermogenic genes in vivo and in vitro.

To investigate the anti-obesity effect of Rubi Fructus (RF) extract using brown adipose tissue (BAT) and primary brown preadipocytes in vivo and in vitro. Male C57BL/6 J mice (n=5 per group) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks with or without RF. Brown preadipocytes from the interscapular BAT of mice (age, post-natal days 1-3) were cultured with differentiation media (DM) including isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone, T3, indomethacin and insulin with or without RF. In HFD-induced obese C57BL/6 J mice, long-term RF treatment significantly reduced weight gain as well as the weights of the white adipose tissue, liver and spleen. Serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also reduced in the HFD group which received RF treatment. Furthermore, RF induced thermogenic-, adipogenic- and mitochondria-related gene expressions in BAT. In primary brown adipocytes, RF effectively stimulated the expressions of thermogenic- and mitochondria-related genes. In addition, to examine whether LIPIN1, a regulator of adipocyte differentiation, is regulated by RF, Lipin1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and RF were pretreated in primary brown adipocytes. Pretreatment with Lipin1 siRNA and RF downregulated the DM-induced expression levels of thermogenic- and mitochondria-related genes. Moreover, RF markedly upregulated AMP-activated protein kinase. Our study shows that RF is capable of stimulating the differentiation of brown adipocytes through the modulation of thermogenic genes. This study demonstrates that RF prevents the development of obesity in mice fed with a HFD and that it is also capable of stimulating the differentiation of brown adipocytes through the modulation of thermogenic genes, which suggests that RF has potential as a therapeutic application for the treatment or prevention of obesity.

Inhibitory effects of Rubi Fructus extracts on hepatic steatosis development in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

The present study was performed to investigate the potential effects of the unripened dried fruit of Rubus coreanus Miq., Rubi Fructus (RF), on hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) known to induce obesity and hyperlipidaemia. Rubi Fructus extract (RFex) fed mice demonstrated a reduced body weight and adipose tissue weight. RFex fed mice also demonstrated decreased aminotransferase levels, lipid contents [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)], leptin content and increased high‑density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL‑C) contents in the plasma. These effects were accompanied by a decreased expression of lipogenic genes, including sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, liver X receptor, fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl‑CoA carboxylase, cluster of differentiation 36, lipoprotein lipase and decreased lipogenic enzyme FAS and 3-hydroxy-3 methylglutamyl coenzyme reductase enzyme activities, while elevating carnitine palmitoyltrasferase-1 activity. Based on these results, the present study hypothesized that the inhibitory effect on hepatic steatosis of RFex is the result of the suppression of lipid synthesis in mice fed with HFD, suggesting that RFex may be beneficial in preventing hepatic steatosis and liver lipotoxicity.

Leonuri Fructus Ameliorates Acute Inflammation via the Inhibition of NF-κB-mediated Nitric Oxide and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Production

Leonuri Fructus, a semen of Leonuri Herba, has been used for the treatment of menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and leukorrhea and for the remedy of hyperemia. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Leonuri Fructus extract (Leonurus japonicus Houtt. EtOH extract; LJE) in vivo and in vitro. In vitro study, the MTT assay for cell viability was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentration of LJE treatment in media. The levels of NO were measured with Griess reagent. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA method. The inflammation-related proteins of this study were detected by immunoblot anlaysis. The increases of NO production and iNOS expression were detected in LPS-treated cells compared with control, but LJE attenuated the increases of NO and iNOS by LPS. LJE reduced the production of TNF-α and IL-1β induced by LPS stimulation. LJE suppresses the signaling pathways of NF-κB and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophage cells. In vivo study, carrageenan-induced hind paw acute edematous inflammation rat model was used for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of LJE. LJE significantly inhibited the increases of hind paw swelling, skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations, and decreased the numbers of mast cell induced by carrageenan injection. These results suggest that LJE has an anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential, which is mediated through modulating NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation. Inhibition of the rat paw edema induced by carrageenan is considered as direct evidence that LJE may be a useful source to treat inflammation.