Physicochemical properties of dried Saururus chinensis and the antioxidative activities of water and 70% ethanol extracts / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of different batches of Saururus chinensis using different roasting temperature that were dried at different using different roasting temperatures and their were determined the antioxidative activities of water and 70% ethanol extracts. METHODS: Extracts were examined for the total phenolic acid content, the and flavonoids contents and the antioxidant properties, including DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTs scavenging activity and, the reducing power. RESULTS: Moisture content was significantly higher in the LSC and the crude ash content was significantly higher in the HSC. The crude protein content was higher in the LSC (although not significantly), and the crude fat and carbohydrate contents were higher in the HSC (although not significantly). The total phenolic content was lower in the samples extracted with water, but there was no significant difference. However, the extracts extracted with 70% ethanol at a high drying temperature were significantly higher. The low temperature and high drying temperature batches of Saururus chinensis were significantly higher in the samples extracted with 70% ethanol than those extracted with 70% ethanol. The total phenolic acid content, the total flavonoid content and the electron donating ability were highest in the ethanol extract of Saururuschinensis treated at a high temperature. However, the ABTs radical activity was highest in the water extracted, high-temperature treated Saururuschinensis. The 70% ethanol extract of high temperature roasted Saururuschinensis had the highest antioxidative activities of all the Saururuschinensis batches. CONCLUSION: The total phenolic acid contents, total flavonoid contents, electron donating activity and reducing power activity were highest in all the 70% ethanol extraction batches of the high-temperature treated samples.

Diet and Health Status of Elderly Women According to the Family Type / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the diet and health status of elderly women according to the family type. METHODS: A total of 307 elderly women participated in this study were divided into one of three groups according to their family type: residing with spouse (RSP; n=88), residing with son or daughter (RSD; n=119), and residing alone (RAL; n=100). Chi-square test was used to assess dietary habits and health status of the subjects by the family types. RESULTS: Results demonstrated significant associations between eating regular meals, person preparing meals, coffee intake, and bone fracture experience and family type. Among the three groups, the RSP and RAL groups had a higher percentage for preparing meals by themselves (p<0.001) than the RSD group. The RAL group had a lower percentage for eating regular meals (p<0.01) but a higher percentage for bone fracture experience (p<0.05) than the other groups. There were no significant differences in monthly allowance, self-estimated health status, physical activity, exercise, drinking, and dietary habits such as frequency of consumption of dairy, beans, eggs, fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that elderly women residing alone without a son, daughter, or spouse had more diet-related and health problems such as irregular meals and high bone fracture experience. These findings suggested that elderly women residing alone need more attention and support.

Effectiveness of the combinational treatment of Laminaria japonica and Cistanche tubulosa extracts in hair growth / 한국실험동물학회지

Since scalp hair loss has increased recently even in young people, seriously affecting individual's quality of life, the hair growth-stimulating effects of Laminaria japonica extract (LJE) and Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) were investigated. After confirming anagen phase of follicles under shaving, male C57BL/6 mice were dermally applied with 3% Minoxidil or orally administered with the combinations of LJE and CTE for 21 days. Minoxidil promoted the hair regrowth and increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. In addition, Minoxidil up-regulated epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Co-administration of LJE and CTE at 54 mg/kg LJE plus 162 mg/kg CTE exerted synergistic promoting effects on the hair regrowth, comparable to 3% Minoxidil. LJE preferentially enhanced ALP activity, while CTE increased both gamma-GTP and ALP activities as well as EGF and VEGF expressions. In vivo air pouch inflammation model, carrageenan-induced vascular exudation and increased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 concentrations in the exudates were synergistically suppressed by co-administration of LJE and CTE. In addition, inflammatory cell infiltration was substantially inhibited by the combinational treatment. The results suggest that combinational oral treatment with LJE and CTE in appropriate doses and ratios prevent hair loss and improve alopecia, which might be in part mediated by their anti-inflammatory activities.

Dietary Intake Assessment and Biochemical Characteristics of Blood and Urine in Patients with Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis is a prevalent gastroentestinal disease in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate status of foods and nutrients intake and health related biochemical indicators in the patients with chronic gastritis. Daily food and nutrient intake, blood lipids, and antioxidant indicators in the urine, were compared between a group of 19 patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis and a control group of 27 subjects having normal gastroscopy. No significant differences were found in age, height, weight, body mass index, and blood pressure between the two groups. Daily energy intakes were 1900.6 kcal for the chronic gastritis patient group, and 1931.8 kcal for the normal control group without significant difference. No significant difference was found between the two groups in all nutrient intakes except for cholesterol. The chronic gastritis patients consumed lower amount of sugars and sweeteners but greater amount of starchy food groups such as potatoes and legumes than subjects of control group consumed. Also the chronic gastritis patients showed higher serum triglyceride concentration than the normal subjects. These results indicate that the dietary pattern of chronic gastritis patients may have relation to a change in the serum lipid level; however, more systematic research with a larger samples size is required.

Efficacy of Cistanche Tubulosa and Laminaria Japonica Extracts (MK-R7) Supplement in Preventing Patterned Hair Loss and Promoting Scalp Health

Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica have been reported to have anti-oxidative, anticoagulant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. They are expected to be a promising candidates for promoting hair growth and treating dandruff and scalp inflammation as a consequence. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) in promoting hair health in patients with mild to moderate patterned hair loss. Using phototrichogram (Folliscope 4.0, LeadM, Seoul, Korea), we compared the density and diameter of hairs in patients receiving a placebo or Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks of the study. In order to determine the efficacy of treatment on dandruff and scalp inflammation, investigator's assessment score and patient's subjective score were also performed. We found a statistically significant increase in the hair density of the test group (n = 45, MK-R7 400 mg) after 16 weeks of consuming the MK-R7 (test group: 23.29 n/cm2 +/- 24.26, control: 10.35 n/cm2 +/- 20.08, p < 0.05). In addition, we found a statistically significant increase in hair diameter in the test group compared to control group at week 16 (test group: 0.018 mm +/- 0.015, control: 0.003 mm +/- 0.013, p < 0.05). There were also significant outcomes regarding the investigator's visual assessment and patient's subjective score of dandruff and scalp inflammation in the test group compared to those in control group. Based on the results of this clinical study, we conclude that Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) are promising substances for promoting health of the scalp and hair.

Perilla oil improves blood flow through inhibition of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation / 한국실험동물학회지

The inhibitory effects of perilla oil on the platelet aggregation in vitro and thrombosis in vivo were investigated in comparison with aspirin, a well-known blood flow enhancer. Rabbit platelet-rich plasma was incubated with perilla oil and aggregation inducers collagen or thrombin, and the platelet aggregation rate was analyzed. Perilla oil significantly inhibited both the collagen- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregations, in which the thromboxane B2 formation from collagen-activated platelets were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. Rats were administered once daily by gavage with perilla oil for 1 week, carotid arterial thrombosis was induced by applying 35% FeCl3-soaked filter paper for 10 min, and the blood flow was monitored with a laser Doppler probe. Perilla oil delayed the FeCl3-induced arterial occlusion in a dose-dependent manner, doubling the occlusion time at 0.5 mL/kg. In addition, a high dose (2 mL/kg) of perilla oil greatly prevented the occlusion, comparable to the effect of aspirin (30 mg/kg). The results indicate that perilla oil inhibit platelet aggregation by blocking thromboxane formation, and thereby delay thrombosis following oxidative arterial wall injury. Therefore, it is proposed that perilla oil could be a good candidate without adverse effects for the improvement of blood flow.

Dietary Nutrient and Food Intake and Their Relations with Serum Heavy Metals in Osteopenic and Osteoporotic Patients

Several studies have reported that heavy metals have a relation with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. In this study, we investigated the association between heavy metal exposure status, as assessed by serum major heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) and bone mineral density (BMD) status among Korean adults. A total of 64 adults participated in this study and were assigned to one of three study groups based on the T-score of spine BMD: a normal group (n = 21, T-score > -1), osteopenia group (n = 29, -2.5 < T-score < or = -1) and osteoporosis group (n = 14, T-score < or = -2.5). We also assessed serum levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Hg) by using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) and daily nutrient and food intakes for 3 days by using 24-hr recall method in the subjects. The mean age was significantly higher in the osteoporosis group compared with the osteopenia and normal groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in serum levels of Pb, Cd and Hg among the three groups after adjusting for age. Daily intakes of energy, nutrients were not significantly different among the three groups. The osteoporosis group consumed significantly higher fish and shellfish than the other groups (p < 0.05). In the correlation analysis controlling for age, sex, BMI, and BMD status, the serum Cd level was significantly negatively correlated with intake of cereals, milks and total food. In summary, we did not find a direct association between serum heavy metal levels and BMD status. However, negative relationships were found between serum heavy metal levels and intake of some foods.

Effects of an Education Program on Knowledge about Environmental Health and Allergy Symptoms among Elementary School Students / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a health education program to improve knowledge about environmental health and allergy symptoms among elementary school students. METHODS: This study has nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. Participants of this study were 60 elementary students (30 experimental and 30 control) who agreed to participate in the study. The education program consisted of information on environmental health and allergies, the atmosphere, indoor environments, food and allergies, and activities with parents. The program was carried out one time (50 minutes) per week during 6 weeks. Knowledge and symptoms of allergies were recorded before and after the program among both groups. The collected data were analyzed by ANCOVA and t-test using SAS program. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in knowledge about allergies in the experimental group compared to the control group, but allergic symptoms were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that environmental health education programs are effective in the area of school health nursing for increasing knowledge about environmental health and allergies. Further research is needed to develop programs for reducing allergic symptoms as an environment health problem among children.

A Comparative Study of the Prevalence of Allergic Disease between Rural and Urban Elementary School Students

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of allergic disease among elementary school students in rural and urban areas. METHODS: In this study, 1,513 elementary students (1,163 in urban areas, 350 in rural areas) were surveyed. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage of allergic symptoms and chi2 test was used to identify differences in the prevalence of allergic symptoms between urban and rural area students. The SAS program was used in the data analysis. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the prevalence of allergic disease according to whether there was a family member with a prior history of allergy symptoms. 48.7% of surveyed students (49.4% in urban, 46.3% in rural) had allergic symptoms. Allergic rhinitis was the most frequent allergic symptom in both urban and rural students. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there is a need to prevent and manage allergies among elementary students. The family history should be considered an important factor when a program for allergy prevention and management is developed. Interventions are needed in both areas, especially for students with allergic rhinitis.

Evaluation of Energy and Nutrient Intake as well as Dietary Behaviors in Elementary School and Middle School Students Residing in Chungnam according to Breakfast Eating Status

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary behaviors as well as energy and nutrient intake in elementary and middle school students according to breakfast eating status. The survey was conducted using questionnaires and dietary records among 191 elementary school students and 280 middle school students residing in Chungnam. The subjects were divided into two groups according to frequency of eating breakfast: breakfast skipping (frequency of eating breakfast under 4 times/week) and breakfast eating (frequency of eating breakfast over 5 times/week). The rate of breakfast skipping was 27.2% for the elementary school students and 31.1% for the middle school students. The breakfast skipping group had a significantly lower frequency of having dinner, a lower proportion of eating at regular meal times, and a significantly higher frequency of leaving food after meals than the breakfast eating group for both elementary and middle school students. In the case of the elementary students, there was a significant difference in carbohydrate intake between the two groups. In the case of the middle school students, the intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, Ca, and Fe in the breakfast skipping group were significantly lower than those in the breakfast eating group. These results show that nutrient deficiencies among breakfast skipping individuals cannot be compensated for at the other meals during the day in middle school-aged adolescents whose nutrient requirements are high for growth. Therefore, in support of proper dietary management, it is necessary to promote and support breakfast eating in adolescents.

Vegetable and fruit intake and its relevance with serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline in Korean adults

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the daily vegetable and fruit intake status of Korean adults and to examine the relationship of vegetable and fruit intake with bone metabolism. The vegetable and fruit intake of 542 healthy male and female adults was analyzed. Then, by selecting 51 targets from the subjects, the relation of vegetable and fruit intake with serum calcium, osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion in urine was examined. The total vegetable intake per day was 397.7 g and 333.5 g by men and women respectively for the age group of 20-29, 366.9 g and 309.2 g respectively for the age group of 30-49, 378.4 g and 325.9 g respectively for the age group of 50-64. Of vegetable varieties, leafy and stem vegetables displayed the highest intake. The order of major intake items of vegetables and fruits was found to be Chinese cabbage kimchi, onion, radish, cucumber, and welsh onion for the age group of 20-29, watermelon, Chinese cabbage kimchi, peach, potato, and onion for the age group of 30-49 and watermelon, Chinese cabbage kimchi, tomato, potato, and peach for the age group of 50-64. Of 51 targets, beta-carotene intake displayed a significantly negative correlation with serum osteocalcin. While caloric intake as well as protein, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorous, zinc and total food intake displayed a significantly negative correlation with DPD excretion in urine, tuber vegetable intake displayed a significantly positive correlation with DPD excretion in urine. In the future, a study will be necessary to accurately explain the relevance of vegetable and fruit intake with bone mineral density and bone metabolism. Also, efforts will be required to increase vegetable and fruit intake.

Effects of grape pomace on the antioxidant defense system in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits

The effects of grape seeds extract and grape peels extract prepared from grape pomace on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, degree of lipid peroxidation in serum and liver tissue were investigated in rabbits fed on high cholesterol diet. New Zealand white rabbits were divided as follows ; 1) NOR (normal group); 2) CHOL (cholesterol group); 3) GSH (cholesterol + grape seed extract group); 4) GPE (cholesterol + grape peel extract); 5) GSP (cholesterol + grape seed powder); 6) GPP (cholesterol + grape peel powder); 7) GE (cholesterol + grape seed and peel extract); 8) GP (cholesterol + grape seed and peel powder). Eight groups of rabbits were studied for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, rabbits were sacrificed and the liver tissue were removed. Then, GSH, GPx, GST, CAT and MDA in the liver were measured. In liver tissues, total glutathione contents (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activity, which was significantly higher by grape seed extract supplementation. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the serum of rabbits fed grape seed extract or grape peel powder plus cholesterol than in the serum of rabbits fed cholesterol alone. It is therefore likely that grape seed extract prepared from grape pomace functioned as antioxidants in vivo, negating the effects of the oxidative stress induced by 1% cholesterol diet. The grape seed extract was found effective in converting the oxidized glutathione into reduced glutathione, and in removing H2O2 that is created by oxidative stress. The grape peel powder was found to have small influence on reduced glutathione content, CAT and GPX activity, but it increased GST activity in liver tissues, resulting in promoting the combination of lipid peroxide and glutathione (GSH), and further, lowering the formation of lipid peroxide in the serum. Therefore, grape pomace (grape seed extract and grape peel powder) supplementation is considered to activate the antioxidant enzyme system and prevent damage with hypercholesterolemia.

Effects of Ovariectomy and Calcium Intake on Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Capacities in Rats

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of the calcium intake on lipid profile and antioxidant capacities in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups and fed diet with different levels of calcium (low 0.1%, adequate 0.5%, high 1.5%) for 4 weeks. The half of rats in each group was ovariectomized and the others were sham-operated. And rats were fed same diets for 8 weeks after operation. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly higher in OVX group than those in sham-operated. Serum HDL-cholesterol was the highest in high-calcium group of OVX. Hepatic triglyceride of low-calcium group in sham-operated was the highest, while that of highcalcium group in OVX was the highest. Hepatic activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase were significantly decreased by increasement of calcium intake. Hepatic TBARS level was the lowest in high-calcium group of OVX. And hepatic level of TBARS induced by AAPH was significantly decreased by increasement of calcium intake. These results may indicate that the high calcium intake have the potential role to improve lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities in OVX rats.

Effects of Boron Supplementation on Lipid Profiles and Antioxidant Capacities in the Ovariectomized Rats

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of the boron supplementation on lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups and fed diet with intake levels of boron (0.5 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm) for 4 weeks. The half of rats in each group was ovariectomized and the others were sham-operated. And rats were fed same diets for 8 weeks after operation. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly increased by increasing boron intake and higher in OVX group than those in sham-operated. FER was significantly higher in OVX group than that of sham-operated. There were no significant differences in serum lipid profiles among the groups. The contents of hepatic total lipid were significantly higher in OVX group than those of sham-operated and the lowest in high-boron group. Hepatic GST activity was significantly decreased by ovariectomy and the lowest in very high-boron group. Hepatic catalase activity was the lowest in high-boron group of OVX. Hepatic TBARS level of high-boron group was the lowest in sham-operated groups. Hepatic TBARS level induced by AAPH was significantly decreased by increasement of boron supplementation. Taken together, this results suggest that the boron supplementation have the potential role for improving lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities in OVX rats.

The Effect of Grape Seed Oil, Perilla Oil, or Corn Oil-Containing Diet on Lipid Patterns in Rats and Fatty-Acid Composition in Their Liver Tissues

The study analyzed the lipid patterns and fatty acid compositions of serum and liver tissues in groups of Sparague-Dawley rats. Some of the groups were fed with an basal diet, which contained corn oil (C), grape seed oil (GSO), or perilla oil (P), and the others were fed with a high fat diet, which had cholesterol (1%) and lard (10%) mixed with corn oil (CHF), grape seed oil (GSHF), or perilla oil (PHF). The amount of dietary intake was higher for the basal diet groups than the high fat diet groups. And diet efficiency was significantly low in the group of rats fed with the basal diet mixed with perilla oil. From the analysis of the serum lipid patterns, a significant decrease in total lipid concentration was observed in the group of rats fed on the basal diet mixed with perilla oil and the high fat diet group. The levels of triglyceride and phospholipid were significantly low in the basal diet group when perilla oil or grape seed oil was involved. The ordinary diet groups showed significantly higher in HDL-C than the high fat diet groups. There was no significant difference among the basal diet groups, whether the diet was mixed with grape seed oil, perilla oil, or corn oil. However, a significant increase in HDL-C was observed in the group of rats fed with the high fat diet containing perilla oil. For LDL-C, there was a significant difference between the high fat diet groups and the basal diet groups. LDL-C was especially low in the group of rats fed with the high fat diet to which perilla oil was added, and the grape seed-added high fat diet group showed a decreasing tendency in LDL-C. The content of total fat, total cholesterol, and triglyceride was the lowest in the group of rats fed with the perilla oil-containing basal diet, and this group was followed in order by the grape seed oil-containing diet group and corn oil-containing diet group. In the analysis of the fatty-acid composition in liver tissue, the high fat diet groups showed an increase in saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, but a decrease in mono unsaturated fatty acids when compared to the basal diet groups. The composition ratio of fatty acids varied according to which type of oil the diet contains. Our finding suggest that grape seed oil was an apparent diet effect on the fatty-acid composition.

Effects of Acorn Supplementation on Lipid Profiles and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

This study was performed to investigate the effect of acorn supplementation on the lipid profile and redox antioxidant enzyme activities in obese rat. Obesity in the rats was induced by feeding diet contained 10% lard and 0.5% cholesterol for 4 week. After 4 weeks, rats were divided into the following 5 groups; high fat diet (Control), high fat diet plus 10% Acorn powder (AP10%), high fat diet plus 20% Acorn powder (AP20%), high fat diet plus 0.2% Acorn extract (AE0.2%), high fat diet plus 0.5% Acorn extract (AE0.5%). Total food intake and food efficiency ratio (FER) was not significantly different by acorn powder and extract supplementation. But, body weight was decreased by 20% acorn powder. Acorn powder and extract supplementation for 4 weeks tend to decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride level on the serum and hepatic tissue. There was no significant difference in hepatic glutathione (GSH) content among all the groups. The hepatic GST activity in acorn supplemented groups was lower than that of control. Glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were higher in acorn supplemented groups than that of control. Hepatic TBARS levels of experimental groups were also significantly lower than that of control group. Our finding suggest that acorn powders and extract might have potential role for improving lipid profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities in obese rats.

The Effect of Isoflavone and/or Grape Seed Oil Supplementation on Blood Lipid Profiles and Bone Strength in Ovariectomized Female Rats

The study was performed to investigate the effects of isoflavone and/or grape seed oil supplementation on serum and liver lipid profiles and bone strength in ovariectomized female rats. Female Spraque-Dawley rats were assigned into 4 groups of ovariectomized (O), isoflavone (0.085 mg/100 g b.w/day) in ovariectomized rats, grape seed oil in ovariectomized rats and isoflavone and/or grape seed oil in ovariectomized rats. After 8 weeks, biochemical profiles of serum, liver and bone were analyzed. Total food intakes, body weight gains and FER (food efficiency ratio) were not statistically significantly different among groups. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels in serum were decreased by fed of isoflavone and/or grape seed oils. However, crude lipid and total cholesterol contents in liver were not affect of isoflavone and/or grape seed oil. The hepatic glutathione contents were increased by isoflavone and/or grape seed oil fed. The hepatic glutathione-S-transferase activity in isoflavone and/or grape seed oil supplemented groups were higher than that O group. Bone (scapular and femur bone) dry weight, femur of max weight and bending strength were no significant difference among groups. Our finding suggest that isoflavone/grape seed oils might have potential role for serum lipid profiles improvement and bone strength in vivo.