Inhibitory Effect Of Water Extract Research Articles

A comparison of the corrosion inhibition on 1060 aluminum in HCl solution between water and alcoholic extracts of Mikania micrantha

A detailed comparison of the corrosion inhibitory effect of water extract of Mikania micrantha (MME (H2O)) and 40% ethanol extract (MME (40% C2H5OH)) was conducted on 1060 aluminum in 1.0 M HCl by gravimetric, electrochemical and surface analysis techniques. The results show that two extracts have excellent inhibition performance, MME (H2O) (97.0%) surpasses MME (40% C2H5OH) (93.6%) in terms of maximum inhibition efficiency. MME (H2O) is a mixed-type inhibitor, whereas MME (40% C2H5OH) is mainly a cathodic inhibitor. Salicylic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, sucrose, succinic acid, valine and guanine in MME contribute on the inhibitive action.

Water Extract of Desalted Salicornia europaea Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Prevents Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice

Osteoporosis, which is often associated with increased osteoclast activity due to menopause or aging, was the main focus of this study. We investigated the inhibitory effects of water extract of desalted Salicornia europaea L. (WSE) on osteoclast differentiation and bone loss in ovariectomized mice. Our findings revealed that WSE effectively inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, as demonstrated by TRAP staining, and also suppressed bone resorption and F-actin ring formation in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of genes related to osteoclast differentiation, including NFATc1, ACP5, Ctsk, and DCSTAMP, were downregulated by WSE. Oral administration of WSE improved bone density and structural parameters in ovariectomized mice. Dicaffeoylquinic acids (DCQAs) and saponins were detected in WSE, with 3,4-DCQA, 3,5-DCQA, and 4,5-DCQA being isolated and identified. All tested DCQAs, including the aforementioned types, inhibited osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, and the expression of osteoclast-related genes. Furthermore, WSE and DCQAs reduced ROS production mediated by RANKL. These results indicate the potential of WSE and its components, DCQAs, as preventive or therapeutic agents against osteoporosis and related conditions.

Bioactivity and Component Analysis of Water Extract of Sophora japonica against Hyperuricemia by Inhibiting Xanthine Oxidase Activity.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic condition caused by excessive production or low excretion of uric acid (UA) in the body. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) is the key enzyme in the process of metabolism purines to generate UA. In this study, the in vitro inhibitory effect of water extract of the flower bud of Sophora japonica (WESJ) on XOD was investigated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. A mice model of HUA was constructed to explore the effect of WESJ on UA levels and the mechanism of action on renal function. Based on Box-Behnken design, the optimal extraction process of WESJ was determined to extract Sophora japonica twice with 8 times of water, 0.5 h each time. Pharmacological results showed that low, medium, and high doses of WESJ (200, 400, 600 mg/kg) could significantly reduce serum UA level, inhibit the activity of XOD in blood and liver, and have a protective effect on kidney damage caused by high UA. Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, 214 compounds were identified in WESJ, including flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenoids, organic acids, and others. The rat serum of WESJ was analyzed, and 23 prototype components entering the blood were identified, including 15 flavonoids and polyphenols, which may be the main bioactive components. In conclusion, flavonoids and polyphenols in WESJ may reduce the level of UA and alleviate kidney damage by inhibiting the activity of XOD. WESJ is expected to be used as a plant-based food and dietary supplement for the treatment of HUA.

Inhibitory Effects of Water Extracts of Longan Leaves on Mutation and Tyrosinase

The antityrosinase and antimutation effects of longan leaves and its bioactive compounds was investigated. The water extracts of longan leaves (WLL) inhibited the mutagenicity of 2-aminoanthracene, an indirect mutagen, and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, a direct oxidative mutagen toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100. WLL at 0-0.6 mg/ml displayed free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, chelating ability and protection against lipid oxidative damage. In addition, the inhibitory actions of WLL on tyrosinase activity and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages RAW 264.7 cell increased in concentration-dependent manner. According to HPLC-DAD analysis showed that epicatechin, ellagic acid and gallic acid, the major phenolic compounds, were present in WLL. The phenolic components may in part account for contributing the protective effects of WLL. On the basis of the results obtained, WLL can display biological functions and effectively protective against oxidation, mutation, tyrosinase, and inflammation.

Pear pomace water extract reduces adiposity in vivo and in vitro by activating the AMPK-dependent pathway

Objective: To explore the inhibitory effect of water extract from pear pomace on abdominal fat accumulation and its underlying mechanism in high fat diet-fed animals. Methods: Three groups of male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a 60% kcal fat diet for 8 weeks. Pear pomace water extract (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered once daily via oral gavage. To confirm the possibility of the water extract of pear pomace acting as an activator of adenosine 5’-monophosphate- activated protein kinase (AMPK), differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was induced in the presence of the water extract of pear pomace with or without compound C. Body weight, food efficacy ratio, insulin resistance, and adipogenic protein expression were measured. Moreover, in the 3T3-L1 cells, lipid content and lipogenesis-related proteins were measured using Oil Red O staining and Western blotting analysis. Results: Body weight gain and total abdominal fat weight were reduced in mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Pear pomace water extract reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin, thereby reducing the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. It also resulted in dose-dependent decreases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol. The protein expression of p-AMPK increased, while the expression of AMPK-downstream proteins including PPAR-γ, C/ EBPa, SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS decreased in the adipose tissue of mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Furthermore, the inhibition of AMPK by compound C blocked pear pomace water extract-induced reduction of lipid content and the expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Conclusions: Pear pomace water extract prevents fat accumulation both in vivo and in vitro by activating AMPK.

Inhibitory Effects of Water Extracts of Eucommiae Cortex and Psoraleae Semen Alone and in Combination on Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone※

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of water extracts of Eucommiae cortex (EC), Psoraleae semen (PS), and their combination on receptor activator of nuclear factor- kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Methods : We assayed the protein expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and β-actin in cell lysates using western blotting. Similarly, mRNA expression levels of NFATc1, c-Fos, tartrateresistant acid phosphate (TRAP), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, spermatogeni (GAPDHS) from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we determined the anti-osteoporotic effects of the water extracts of EC, PS, and their combination in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone-loss mouse model. Results : The in vitro data revealed showed that the combination of EC and PS extract showed a more remarkable inhibition of osteoclast differentiation than each herb did alone. The combination downregulated the induction of c-Fos, NFATc1, and TRAP by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Lastly, the in vivo data showed that PS reduced the LPS-induced bone erosion. Conclusion : The result of this study suggests that EC and PS could be potential therapeutic agents for bone loss diseases such as osteoporosis.

Chemical composition and inhibitory effects of water extract of Henna leaves on reactive oxygen species, DNA scission and proliferation of cancer cells.

From the centuries, Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna) is utilized in traditional health care system as a medicinal and cosmetic agent. The present study was intended to assess antiradical, DNA protective and antiproliferative activity of water extract of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves (W-LI). Antioxidant activity was estimated using various in vitro assays such as DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical scavenging, FRAP, deoxyribose degradation and DNA protection assay. Growth inhibitory effects of W-LI were assessed using MTT assay against different cancer cell lines viz. HeLa, MCF-7, A549, C6 and COLO-205. From the results of antioxidant assays, it was found that W-LI quenched DPPH and ABTS cation radicals with IC50 value of 352.77 µg/ml and 380.87 µg/ml respectively. It demonstrated hydroxyl radical scavenging potential of 59.75 % at highest test dose of 1000 µg/ml in deoxyribose degradation assay. The results of FRAP assay showed that W-LI also possesses significant reducing activity. Extract inhibited hydroxyl radical induced pBR322 plasmid DNA strand scission, thus conferring DNA protection. Growth inhibition of various cancer cell lines was achieved to the varying extent on treatment with W-LI. Further, it was observed that activity was quite promising against colon cancer COLO-205 cells (GI50 121.03 µg/ml). HPLC profiling of W-LI revealed the presence of different polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol etc. which might be contributing towards antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. The present study demonstrated that polyphenols rich W-LI extract from leaves of L. inermis possesses ability to inhibit oxidative radicals and cancer cells proliferation.

Biological activity of Cymbopogon schoenanthus essential oil.

IntroductionA number of plant species, including Cymbopogon schoenanthus, are traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases. C. schoenanthus is currently, traded in the Saudi markets, and thought to have medicinal value. This study aimed at investigating the biological activities of C. schoenanthus against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and to identify its chemical ingredients.Materials and methodsThe inhibitory effects of water extracts of C. schoenanthus essential oils were evaluated against ten isolates of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar well diffusion and dilution methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assayed using the Broth microdilution test on five of the ten isolates. The death rates were determined by the time kill assay, done according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The chemical composition of the essential oils of the plant was performed using GC/MS.ResultsThe C. schoenanthus essential oil was effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) S. aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The essential oil was not effective against Staphylococcus saprophyticus at the highest concentration applied of >150 μg/ml. The MIC values were as follows: 9.37 μg/ml for E. coli 4.69 μg/ml for S. aureus (MRSA), 2.34 mg/ml for MSSA and 2.34 μg/ml for K. pneumoniae. The time-kill assay indicated that there was a sharp time dependent decline in K. pneumoniae counts in the presence of the oil. This is in contrast to a gradual decline in the case of S. aureus under the same conditions. The eight major components of the essential oil were: piperitone (14.6%), cyclohexanemethanol (11.6%), β-elemene (11.6%), α-eudesmol (11.5%), elemol (10.8%), β-eudesmol (8.5%), 2-naphthalenemethanol (7.1%) and γ-eudesmol (4.2%).ConclusionThe results of the present study provide a scientific validation for the traditional use of C. schoenanthus as an antibacterial agent. Future work is needed to investigate and explore its application in the environmental and medical fields. In addition, to evaluating the efficacy of the individual ingredients separately to better understand the underlying mechanism.

Study on inhibitory effect of water extract of Polygonum multiflorum on CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions in rat liver

Rats were continuously given different doses of water extract of Polygonum multiflorum (1, 10 g x kg(-1)) for 7 days to prepare liver microsomes. Cocktail in vitro incubation approach and Real-time quantitative PCR technology were used to observe the effect of water extract of P. multiflorum on CYP450 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions in rat liver. Compared with the blank control group, both 1, 10 g x kg(-1) water extract of P. multiflorum treated groups showed significant inhibitions in CYP2E1 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions (enzymatic activities of CYP2E1, P < 0.01; mRNA expression of CYP2E1, P < 0.05 in 1 g x kg(-1) group, P < 0.01 in 10 g x kg(-1) group). They revealed a significant increase in the enzymatic activity of CYP3A1 (P < 0.01), but without significant change in mRNA expressions. The 10 g x kg(-1) group showed a significant inhibition in CYP1A2 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions in rat livers (P < 0.01).

Inhibitory Effects of Water Extract from Rice Bran Due to cAMP-dependent Phosphorylation of VASP (Ser157) on ADP-induced Platelet Aggregation

In this study, we investigated the effect of water extract from rice bran (RB) on ADP (20 μM)-stimulated platelet aggregation. RB dose-dependently inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and its IC50 value was 224.0 μg/mL, which was increased by adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. RB elevated the phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ) which was also inhibited by SQ22536 and Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. It is thought that RB-elevated cAMP contributed to the phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ) to inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Therefore, we demonstrate that RB has an antiplatelet effect via cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ), and RB may have preventive or therapeutic potential for platelet aggregation-mediated diseases, such as thrombosis, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Vitamin C from standardized water spinach extract on inhibition of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by heavy metals in HepG2 cells

Inhibitory effects of water extract of water spinach (WEWS) on cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by heavy metals were examined. Antioxidant activities of WEWS were expressed as vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity in 238 mg/100 g of water spinach using ABTS·− scavenging assay. Vitamin C was identified as a major bioactive component in WEWS by using UPLC/MS. The content of vitamin C was 42 mg from 100 g of dried powder. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (a yellow tetrazole) assay and dichlorofluorescein assay were conducted to measure cytotoxicity and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by heavy metals, respectively. Cytotoxicity was inhibited at the concentrations of 1.06, 1.06, 1.06, and 2.65 mg/L of WEWS for Cd, As, Pb, and Hg, respectively. Pretreatment of WEWS in HepG2 cell attenuated the generation of ROS in a dose-dependent manner. Results of present study suggest that WEWS mainly containing vitamin C could be effective dietary source for reducing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress-induced heavy metals in HepG2 cell.

Inhibitory effects of water extract of Flos Inulae on mutation and tyrosinase

In this study, the effects of a water extract of Flos Inulae (WFI) on antioxidant, antimutation and antityrosinase were investigated. The results showed that WFI inhibited the mutagenicity of 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA), an indirect mutagen; and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO), a direct mutagen toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100. In addition, WFI, in the range of 0.2–0.6mg/ml, showed radical scavenging, reducing activities and chelating activity as well as decreased lipid oxidative damage. Meanwhile, WFI also inhibited tyrosinase activity and NO generation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages. High performance liquid chromatography analysis suggests that the major phenolic constituents in WFI are chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol. These bioactive components may contribute to the protective effects of WFI. The obtained data suggests that Flos Inulae can be applied to antimutation, antityrosinase and anti-inflammation.

Inhibitory effects of water extract from longan twigs on mutation and nitric oxide production

This study examines the inhibitory effects of water extract from longan twigs (WLTs) on mutation and nitric oxide (NO) production. The results show that WLT inhibited the mutagenicity of 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA), an indirect mutagen, and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO), a direct mutagen toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100. In addition, WLT in the range 0–0.6mg/ml showed radical scavenging, reducing activities and chelating activity, as well as decreased lipid oxidative damage. Meanwhile, WLT also inhibited tyrosinase activity and NO generation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages. High performance liquid chromatography analysis suggests that the major phenolic constituents in WLT are epicatechin, ellagic acid and gallic acid. These bioactive components may contribute to the protective effects of WLT. Our data suggests that WLT can be applied to antimutation, anti-inflammation and antityrosinase.

Inhibitory effects of water extracts of fermented rice bran on allergic response

In this study, the effects of water extracts of fermented rice bran (FRBE) on immediate-type allergic reactions in vitro (RBL-2H3 cell line) and in vivo [ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized mice model] were investigated. FRBE inhibited β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE while FRBE pretreatment profoundly inhibited the systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. Moreover, FRBE had a significant inhibitory effect on the mRNA expression of anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-10, all of which mediate inflammatory reactions triggered by allergic reaction. To determine the mRNA levels of cytokines in an OVA-sensitized mice model after FRBE treatment, spleen cells were harvested with several concentrations of FRBE. The FRBE-treated group showed decreased levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10. These results suggest that FRBE suppressed allergic and inflammatory reactions through inhibition of degranulation, histamine release, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production from mast cells.

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACT AND ITS MAIN CONTENTS OF PERSIMMON LEAVES ON STIMULUS-INDUCED SUPEROXIDE GENERATION IN HUMAN NEUTROPHILS

In this paper, we investigated the inhibitory effect of water extract of persimmon leaves and its main contents (kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin) on stimulus-induced superoxide generation in human neutrophils. When the cells were pre-incubated with the water extract of persimmon leaves, the superoxide generation induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) was significantly suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, it also showed a weak inhibitory effect on arachidonic acid (AA) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide generation. Three main flavonoid compounds (kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin) were isolated from water extract; the investigation showed that these three compounds significantly suppressed the superoxide generation induced by fMLP in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, they weakly enhanced the AA-induced superoxide generation in low concentration but suppressed in high concentration. Moreover, they showed weakly inhibitory effect on PMA-induced superoxide generation even at a high concentration. These results indicate the potential value of health protection of persimmon leaf tea. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Persimmon is widely distributed over the world. Persimmon leaves, as an abundant natural resource, has attracted a lot of attention for its exploitation. The persimmon leaf tea is accepted in Asia as health food with anti-oxidantion, anti-aging and immune-enhancement activities. Current work was focused on the superoxide generation inhibitory effect of main flavonoid constituents in persimmon leaf. The results show that the water extract and three flavonoid compounds (kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin) of persimmon leaves suppressed the stimulus-induced superoxide generation in human neutrophils, from which, a protective effect for oxidative stress is expectable from the persimmon leaf tea. This conclusion support the rationality of persimmon leaf tea as health food and may be of help in the research and development of persimmon leaf.

Evaluation of inhibitory effect and apoptosis induction of Zyzyphus Jujube on tumor cell lines, an in vitro preliminary study

In the present study, water extract of dried fruit of Zyzyphus Jujube was tested for its possible anticancer effect and induction of apoptosis on human tumor cell lines, HEp-2, HeLa and Jurkat cell lines. The inhibitory effect of water extract of this fruit on cell proliferation was assessed by MTT colorimetric assay. The induction of apoptosis of this extract was analyzed by DNA fragmentation analysis. Zyzyphus Jujube extract showed inhibitory effects on mentioned cell lines. Jurkat leukemic line was found the most sensitive cells with IC50 of 0.1 mug mL(-1). Our study also showed a typical DNA laddering in this cell line. The present study showed cytotoxic activity of Zyzyphus Jujube on tumor cells. Although Zyzyphus Jujube has useful compounds for medical applications.

Inhibitory effects of water extract of propolis on doxorubicin-induced somatic mutation and recombination in Drosophila melanogaster

Propolis is a substance produced by honeybees ( Apis mellifera L.). Its components are strong antioxidants and free radical scavengers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of a water extract of Brazilian green propolis (WEP) combined with the antitumor agent doxorubicin (DXR) on Drosophila melanogaster wing cells through the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). Two different crosses were used: The standard (ST) cross and the high bioactivation (HB) cross. The HB cross is characterized by a constitutively enhanced level of cytochrome P450 which leads to an increased sensitivity to a number of promutagens and procarcinogens. Larvae obtained from these two crosses were chronically treated with different concentrations of WEP (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/mL) alone or combined with DXR (0.125 mg/mL). The results obtained with the two different crosses were rather similar. Neither toxicity nor genotoxicity were observed in WEP treated series. Simultaneous treatment with different concentrations of WEP and DXR led to a reduction in the frequency of recombination compared to the treatment with DXR alone. This anti-recombinogenic effect was proportional to the concentrations applied, indicating a dose–response correlation and can be attributed to the powerful scavenger ability of WEP.

잎새버섯 추출물의 생리 기능 및 음료 제조

Contents of polyphenol compounds and the physiological activity of extracts from Grifola frondosa by water and methanol extraction were investigated to determine their functional effects. A functional beverage was developed using the extracts. The yield and phenolic compounds content of the water extracts were highest (49.2% and 327 ㎎/100 g, respectively), while for the methanol extraction method they were 28.7% and 130 ㎎/100 g, respectively. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity was 76.3% for the water extract and 65.4% for methanol extract, whereas the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity was low (26.3～36.8% at 1,000 ㎍/mL concentration). Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory effect of water extract (75.1%) was higher compared to the methanol extracts (41.2%). Tyrosinase inhibition activity was 42.5% for the water extracts and 31.8% for the methanol extracts at 1,000 ㎍/mL concentration. The most acceptable formulation for G. frondosa beverage developed was 0.5% G. frondosa water extract, 8.0% oligosaccharide, 2.0% green tea extract, 2.0% jujube extract, 1.0% Solomon's seal extract, 0.01% vitamin C, and 2.0% apple extract. The final product had 9.8 Brix and color values of L, 35.2＋1.1; a, 3.2＋0.2; b, 13.6＋0.3.

Effects of some plant extracts on larval hatch of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

The inhibitory effect of water extract of seed, leaf and bark of five plants, viz., Tamarindus indica, Cassia siamea, Isoberlinia doka, Dolnix regia and Cassia sieberiana was evaluated on larval hatch of Meloidogyne incognita in the laboratory. All the plant parts inhibited larval hatch of M. incoginta Percentage inhibition was higher in the seeds followed by the leaves and bark. Degree of inhibition observed, was directly related to the concentration of the extract. The standard suspensions inhibited hatching by about 97% while dilutions of S/100 inhibited larval hatch by 3%. Nematicidal activity of the plant parts of the five plants showed that C. siamea was the most effective followed by C. sieberiana, I. doka, T. indica and D. regia.

Inhibitory effects of water extracts from fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on raised serum lipid peroxide levels and aortic cholesterol deposition in atherosclerotic mice.

We investigated the effects of the water extracts of the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis (WECS) on lipid metabolism in mice fed an atherogenic diet. WECS was orally administered at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. WECS showed no toxic effects on the growth rate, liver or kidney weights of the mice. Mice fed the atherogenic diet showed marked increases in serum lipid and lipid peroxide levels and also aortic cholesterol levels, particularly cholesteryl ester level, a major lipid constituent in atherosclerotic lesions. WECS significantly suppressed the increased serum lipid peroxide level but not other lipid levels in a dose-dependent manner. WECS also suppressed the increased aortic cholesteryl ester level in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that WECS prevents cholesterol deposition in the aorta by inhibition of LDL oxidation mediated by free radicals rather than by reduction in serum lipid level. WECS may exert beneficial effects on the formation of the atherosclerotic lesion induced by oxidative stress with few side effects.