Growth inhibition effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel on Candida albicans / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the growth inhibition effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel on Candida albicans (C. albicans) was observed. METHODS: The Rubus coreanus Miquel was extracted with 70% methanol and concentrated with a rotary evaporator. Antifungal effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel extract on C. albicans was determined by paper disc diffusion method and standard plate count method. Seven different concentrations (2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120 mg/ml) of the extract were tested by paper disc diffusion method. Two kinds of concentration (8, 60 mg/ml) of the extract were tested using standard plate count method on C. albicans with different incubating time (for 6, 12, 24 hours immediately after the cultivation). Morphological changes of C. albicans cells after exposure to the extract were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. RESULTS: The Rubus coreanus Miquel extract showed an antifungal effect on C. albicans in 8, 15, 30, 60, 120 mg/ml of concentrations (P<0.05). The extract with 8 mg/ml of concentration showed about 30% of growth inhibition at 6 h and with 60 mg/ml it showed about 90% of growth inhibition at 24 h. SEM analysis showed damaged surfaces of C. albicans cells when treated with Rubus coreanus Miquel extract. CONCLUSIONS: The Rubus coreanus Miquel might have the potential as a nobel growth inhibitory agent against C. albicans that causes oral infection.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Rubus coreanus Miquel through inhibition of NF-kappaB and MAP Kinase

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Rubus Coreanus Miquel (RCM), used as a traditional Korean medicine, reduces chronic inflammatory diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we examine the anti-inflammatory effects of RCM and their possible mechanisms using RAW 264.7 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Unripe RCM ethanol extract (UE), unripe RCM water extract (UH), ripe RCM ethanol extract (RE), and ripe RCM water extract (RH) were prepared. Inflammatory response was induced with LPS treatment, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6) and NO and PGE2 productions were assessed. To determine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of RCM, we measured NF-kappaB and MAPK activities. RESULTS: UE and UH treatment significantly reduced NF-kappaB activation and JNK and p38 phosphorylation and reduced transcriptional activities decreased iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines expressions, and NO and PGE2 productions. RE and RH treatments reduced IL-1beta and IL-6 expressions through suppressions of JNK and p38 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that RCM had anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of pro-inflammatory mediator expressions. Especially, unripe RCM showed strong anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of NF-kappaB and MAPK activation. These findings suggest that unripe RCM might be used as a potential functional material to reduce chronic inflammatory responses.

Hepatoprotective effects of Rubus coreanus miquel concentrates on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

As well-being foods pursuing healthy life are becoming popular, interest in Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) fruit, a type of Korean blackberry, is increasing due to its medicinal actions including protecting the liver, brightening the eyes, and alleviating diabetes. This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of RCM concentrates on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. RCM, produced in June ~ July 2008 at Chunbook, Gochang (South Korea), was finely mashed. The seeds were removed and the juices were condensed. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups according to treatment: normal (eight rats), CCl4, 1% RCM, and 2% RCM. Experimental diets were provided to the experimental animals for 4 weeks. We measure total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Part of the livers was isolated for histopathological evaluation, and analyzed for lipid peroxide (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and liver proteins. The activities of serum AST, ALT, and ALP were elevated following CCl4 administration. Levels of hepatic TBARS were also significantly increased in the CCl4 groups. However, hepatic TBARS levels and the activities of serum enzymes were markedly reduced by supplementation with the RCM concentrates (P < 0.05). Hepatic SOD activity increased in the RCM concentrates group versus CCl4 groups. Histopathological examination revealed massive necrosis in the centrilobular area and degenerative changes caused by CCl4 were ameliorated by dietary supplementation with RCM concentrates. These results suggest that RCM concentrates have hepatoprotective effects and may improve the symptoms of liver injuries.

Effects of a Rubus coreanus Miquel supplement on plasma antioxidant capacity in healthy Korean men

Korean raspberry, Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM), contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds, which prevent oxidative stress. To determine the effect of RCM on antioxidant capacity in humans, we assessed in vivo lipid oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities from plasma in 15 healthy men. The subjects ingested 30 g of freeze-dried RCM daily for 4 weeks. Blood was taken at baseline and at the end of the study to determine blood lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, liver function, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities. RCM supplementation had no effect on blood lipid or fasting plasma glucose concentrations but decreased alkaline phosphatase activity. RCM supplementation increased glutathione peroxidase activities (P < 0.05) but had no effect on lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that short-term RCM supplementation may offer health benefits by enhancing antioxidant capacity in a healthy population.

A Study of Potential Application of Rubus coreanus Miquel Extract for Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic dermatitis is chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder. Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miquel) is a wild berry to Rosaceae genus and also known to have an anti-inflammation effect. OBJECTIVE: We were to determine the effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel extract for seborrheic dermatitis in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Seven patients with mild seborrheic dermatitis were enrolled in this study. PCR and culture were performed to identify subtypes of six Malassezia species (M. restricta, M. globosa, M. furfur, M. slooffiae, M. sympodialis, M. obtusa). Topical application of Rubus coreanus Miquel Extract was applied twice daily for 2 weeks. Clinical improvement and safety assessment were performed initially and 2 weeks later. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated on Malassezia globosa comparing with ketoconazole and itraconazole. Sebum production was also checked prior the experiment and 2 weeks later. RESULTS: Five of seven patients showed improvement. No significant adverse effects were found during the clinical trial. Mild dryness was reported in 2 patients but they resolved spontaneously without any treatment. Rubus coreanus Miquel Extract didn't show antimicrobial effect to Malassezia globosa. However, Rubus coreanus Miquel Extract showed anti-inflammatory effect. CONCLUSION: In this study, we were verified that Rubus coreanus Miquel Extract can be applied for seborrheic dermatitis treatment. And this action mechanism is not related with antimicrobial effect.

Treatment for Two Cases of Acne Vulgaris with Rubus Coreanus Miquel Extract / 대한의진균학회지

Bokbunja (Rubus Coreanus Miquel) is a wild berry to Rosaceae genus of which application areas have been expanded due to many health effects. Bokbunja contains carbohydrates, protein, fats and dietary fibers as major components and various flavonoids such as tannins, volatile components including organic acids, alcohols and hydrocarbons as minor ones. Those active compounds attribute to increase in immune function, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Recently pure compounds have been isolated from the extracts for the development of medicines. We report here on two cases of acne vulgaris that was successfully treated with Rubus Coreanus Miquel extracts.