LC-QTOF/MS-Based Profiling of the Phytochemicals in Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) and Their Bioactivities.

Recent assessments of the correlations between food and medicine underscore the importance of functional foods in disease prevention and management. Functional foods offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, with fresh fruits and vegetables being particularly prominent because of their rich polyphenol content. In this study, we elucidated the phytochemicals in ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), a globally consumed vegetable, using an LC-QTOF/MS-based untargeted detection method. The phytochemicals were clustered based on their structural similarity using molecular networking and annotated using the in silico tool for network annotation propagation. To identify the bioactive compounds, eight compounds were isolated from ice plant extracts. These compounds were identified using extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Additionally, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of all the isolates. Among the tested compounds, three showed antioxidant activity and all eight showed anti-inflammatory activity, demonstrating the potential of ice plant as a functional food.

3-Hydroxybutyrate-containing triterpenoid saponins from Brachyscome angustifolia and their immunogenic activity.

Three unique hydroxybutyrate-containing triterpenoid saponins, angustiside A-C (1-3), were isolated from the shoots of Brachyscome angustifolia (Asteraceae). The extensive spectroscopic study showed that their aglycone is a previously undescribed one, 16-hydroxy olean-18-en-28-oic acid, named as angustic acid (1a), and 2 and 3 contain hydroxybutyrate moiety in their side chains. The absolute configuration of 1a was determined to be (3R,5R,9R,13S,16S) by X-ray crystallography. The immunity assay revealed that 2 and 3 containing both acyl chains and branched saccharides significantly enhanced the proliferation of OT-I CD8+ T cells and secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), presenting their immunogenic activity.

Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation of Phytochemicals Isolated from Chestnut Shells (Castanea crenata).

Castanea crenata (Fagaceae) is a species of chestnut tree that is endemic to the Republic of Korea and Japan. While its kernels are consumed, chestnut by-products such as shells and burs, which account for 10-15% of the total weight, are discarded as waste. Phytochemical and biological studies have been carried out to eliminate this waste and develop high-value products from its by-products. In this study, five new compounds (1-2, 6-8) along with seven known compounds were isolated from the shell of C. crenata. This is the first study to report diterpenes from the shell of C. crenata. Comprehensive spectroscopic data including 1D, 2D NMR, and CD spectroscopy were used to determine the compound structures. All isolated compounds were examined for their ability to stimulate dermal papilla cell proliferation using a CCK-8 assay. In particular, 6ß,7ß,16α,17-Tetrahydroxy-ent-kauranoic acid, isopentyl-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and ellagic acid exhibited the most potent proliferation activity of all.

Lycium chinense Miller fruit extract lowers liver enzyme levels in subjects with mild hepatic dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: In our previous study, we showed that Lycium chinense Miller fruit extract (LFE) exerted hepatoprotective effects in mice. In the current study, we examined the effect of LFE on liver enzyme levels in subjects with mild hepatic dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 90 subjects, aged 19 to 70 years old, with abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, were randomly placed into either an LFE (n = 45) treatment group or a placebo group (n = 45). During the 12-week clinical trial, subjects in each group received either LFE or placebo capsules, and were instructed to take four tablets per day (1760 mg/day). The primary outcome of the study was the changes of ALT and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels in each subject. The safety of LFE supplementation was assessed and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: LFE supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction of ALT (P = 0.0498) and GGT (P = 0.0368) levels in comparison to the placebo. No clinically significant changes were observed in any safety parameters. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LFE can be applied to subjects with mild hepatic dysfunction with no possible side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) as no. KCT0003985.

Chemical constituents from the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin and their SREBP-1c inhibitory activity.

One new lignan, julibrissinoside II, along with thirteen known compounds, was isolated from the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin. The structure of julibrissinoside II was determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including NMR and CD spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds were tested for their SREBP-1c inhibitory activity at different concentrations using mouse hepatocyte AML12 cell lines. Among them, linoleic acid (2) and 3-O-methylfisetin (4) showed significant SREBP-1c inhibitory activity at the concentration of 100 µM.

The chemical constituents from twigs of Hamamelis japonica and their antiviral activities.

Three new monoterpenoid glycosides (1-3) and one new flavanol (4) along with 15 known compounds were isolated from the twig of Hamamelis japonica Sieb. et Zucc. The chemical constituent study of the twig of H. japonica has performed for the first time in the present investigation. Their structures were determined based on extensive spectroscopic methods including 1 D and 2 D NMR and CD spectra data. All isolated compounds were tested for their antiviral activities against HRV1B-, EV71-, PR8- and CVB3-infected Vero cells. Among the tested compounds, (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate exhibited the most consistent and effective antiviral activities against EV71 and PR8 infections.

The Non-Coalescence of /h/ and Incomplete Neutralization in South Jeolla Korean.

This study examines articulatory and acoustic data in order to investigate the non-coalescence of /h/ in South Jeolla. Seoul Korean speakers produce /pap/ "rice" followed by /hana/ "one" as [pa.pha.na] with the coalescence of /p/ and /h/; this is called an aspiration merger. In South Jeolla Korean, this merger may be blocked, as in cases where speakers produce /pap+hana/ as [pa.ba.na]. Electroglottographic (EGG) data indicate the existence of two groups of South Jeolla speakers: one that merges the plosive and /h/ (the merger group), and the other with the canonical South Jeolla Korean pronunciation that does not merge the two consonants (the non-merger group). The production of non-coalesced lenis stops in the non-merger group is phonetically comparable with an underlying lenis stop produced by both of the groups. However, in the non-merger group, the open quotient (OQ) of a vowel following a non-coalesced lenis stop is higher (breathier) than that of an underlying lenis stop. Spectral tilt results display a similarly increased breathiness when the vowel follows a non-coalesced lenis stop. As for the non-merger group of South Jeolla, we argue that speakers display incomplete neutralization such that the non-merger group produces two types of voiced lenis stops differing in the phonation of the following vowel. These findings suggest that previous phonological analyses that posit the /h/-deletion in the non-merger group of South Jeolla Korean need to be revisited.

A comparative phytochemical study of nine Lauraceae species by using chemometric data analysis.

The diversity of secondary metabolites of individual plants results from multiple enzymatic processes in planta and various environmental factors, such as temperature, moisture, and soil conditions. Chemical composition analysis of plants can lead to a new method to understand relationship among comparable plants along with biological classification such as genetic and anatomical method. In this study, the chemical diversity of nine different Lauraceae species was investigated, and the plant samples were chemically analyzed and classified. Multivariate analysis methods, such as PLS-DA, were used to select important metabolites distinguishing the nine Lauraceae species. The selected metabolites were identified through preparative LC-MS or MS/MS fragment pattern analysis. In addition, the chemical dendrogram for the nine Lauraceae species was interpreted through molecular network analysis and compared with the genetic dendrogram. This approach enabled us to compare the complete chemical compositions of multiple plant samples to identify relationships among plants.

Effect of Ginseng Extracts on the Improvement of Osteopathic and Arthritis Symptoms in Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Ginsenosides are active compounds that are beneficial to bone metabolism and have anti-osteoporosis properties. However, very few clinical investigations have investigated the effect of ginseng extract (GE) on bone metabolism. This study aims to determine the effect of GE on improving bone metabolism and arthritis symptoms in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 90 subjects were randomly divided into a placebo group, GE 1 g group, and GE 3 g group for 12 weeks based on the random 1:1:1 assignment to these three groups. The primary outcome is represented by bone metabolism indices consisting of serum osteocalcin (OC), urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and DPD/OC measurements. Secondary outcomes were serum CTX, NTX, Ca, P, BsALP, P1NP, OC/CTX ratio, and WOMAC index. The GE 3 g group had a significantly increased serum OC concentration. Similarly, the GE 3 g group showed a significant decrease in the DPD/OC ratio, representing bone resorption and bone formation. Moreover, among all the groups, the GE 3 g group demonstrated appreciable improvements in the WOMAC index scores. In women with osteopenia, intake of 3 g of GE per day over 12 weeks notably improved the knee arthritis symptoms with improvements in the OC concentration and ratios of bone formation indices like DPD/OC.

Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 Supplementation Improves Glycemic Control in Prediabetic Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

A recent animal study demonstrated that administration of Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 isolated from Korean kimchi improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetic mice. In the present study, we evaluated Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01's effects on metabolic parameters of prediabetic human subjects. Forty subjects with isolated impaired glucose tolerance were randomly assigned to receive a daily placebo (n = 20) or a dose of Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 (n = 20) over eight weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in 2 h postprandial glucose (2h-PPG) levels and the secondary endpoints were assessment of other glucose metabolism parameters, including HbA1c, gut microbiota composition, and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The group with a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 saw a significant reduction in 2h-PPG and HbA1c levels compared to the placebo group. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, microbiota composition, and fecal SCFAs, however, were not significantly altered. No serious adverse effects were reported. This is the first clinical trial to show a beneficial effect of single-strain probiotic supplementation administered over eight weeks on HbA1c levels in prediabetic subjects.

Effect of processed aloe vera gel on immunogenicity in inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine and upper respiratory tract infection in healthy adults: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera is a functional food with various pharmacological functions, including an immune-modulating effect. Until now, A. vera has never been studied as an adjuvant in influenza vaccine, and its effects on upper respiratory tract infection (URI) are unknown. PURPOSE: The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of processed A. vera gel (PAG) on immunogenicity of quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and URI in healthy adults. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed. METHODS: This study was conducted in 100 healthy adults at a single center from September 2017 to May 2018. Subjects were randomly divided into a PAG group (n = 50) and a placebo group (n = 50). The enrolled subjects were instructed to ingest the study drug for 8 weeks. The participants received a single dose of quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine after taking the study drug for the first 4 weeks of the study. The primary endpoint was seroprotection rate against at least one viral strain at 4 weeks post-vaccination. Other outcomes were seroprotection rate at 24 weeks post-vaccination, seroconversion rate, geometric mean fold increase (GMFI) at 4 and 24 weeks post-vaccination, seroprotection rate ratio and geometric mean titer ratio (GMTR) at 4 weeks post-vaccination between PAG and placebo groups, and incidence, severity, and duration of URI. RESULTS: The European Committee for proprietary medicinal products (CPMP) evaluation criteria were met at least one in the PAG and placebo groups for all strains. However, there was no significant difference in the seroprotection rate at 4 weeks post-vaccination against all strains in both PAG and placebo groups. Among secondary endpoints, the GMFI at 4 weeks post-vaccination for the A/H3N2 was significantly higher in the PAG than in placebo group. The GMTR as adjuvant effect was 1.382 (95% CI, 1.014-1.1883). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed a reduction in incidence of URI (p = 0.035), and a generalized estimating equation model identified a decrease in repeated URI events (odds ratio 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39-0.83; p = 0.003) in the PAG group. CONCLUSIONS: Oral intake of PAG did not show a significant increase in seroprotection rate from an immunogenicity perspective. However, it reduced the number of URI episodes. A well-designed further study is needed on the effect of PAG's antibody response against A/H3N2 in the future.

Phytochemicals in Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum) Induce the Skeletal Muscle Cell Proliferation via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Smad Pathways in C2C12 Cells.

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is a medicinal food that is cultivated and consumed mainly in Asian countries. Its various phytochemicals and physiological effects have been reported, but only a few phytochemicals are available for skeletal muscle cell proliferation. Herein, we isolated a new compound, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-feruloyl)-sophoroside (1), along with one known flavonoid glycoside (2) and six amino acid (3-8) compounds from the water-soluble fraction of the shoot of the Chinese chive. The isolated compounds were identified using extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and evaluated for their proliferation activity on skeletal muscle cells. Among the tested compounds, newly isolated flavonoid (1) and 5-aminouridine (7) up-regulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, which implies a positive effect on skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. In particular, compound 1 down-regulated the Smad pathways, which are negative regulators of skeletal muscle growth. Collectively, we suggest that major constituents of Chinese chive, flavonoids and amino acids, might be used in dietary supplements that aid skeletal muscle growth.

Application of UPLC-QTOF-MS Based Untargeted Metabolomics in Identification of Metabolites Induced in Pathogen-Infected Rice.

Metabolomics is a useful tool for comparing metabolite changes in plants. Because of its high sensitivity, metabolomics combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) is the most widely accepted metabolomics tools. In this study, we compared the metabolites of pathogen-infected rice (Oryza sativa) with control rice using an untargeted metabolomics approach. We profiled the mass features of two rice groups using a liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) system. Twelve of the most differentially induced metabolites in infected rice were selected through multivariate data analysis and identified through a mass spectral database search. The role of these compounds in metabolic pathways was finally investigated using pathway analysis. Our study showed that the most frequently induced secondary metabolites are prostanoids, a subclass of eicosanoids, which are associated with plant defense metabolism against pathogen infection. Herein, we propose a new untargeted metabolomics approach for understanding plant defense system at the metabolic level.

Fatty Acid Derivatives Isolated from the Oil of Persea americana (Avocado) Protects against Neomycin-Induced Hair Cell Damage.

Avocado oil is beneficial to human health and has been reported to have beneficial effects on sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, the compounds in avocado oil that affect SNHL have not been identified. In this study, we identified 20 compounds from avocado oil, including two new and 18 known fatty acid derivatives, using extensive spectroscopic analysis. The efficacy of the isolated compounds for improving SNHL was investigated in an ototoxic zebrafish model. The two new compounds, namely (2R,4R,6Z)-1,2,4-trihydroxynonadec-6-ene and (2R,4R)-1,2,4-trihydroxyheptadecadi-14,16-ene (compounds 1 and 2), as well as compounds 7, 9, 14, 17 and 19 showed significant improvement in damaged hair cells in toxic zebrafish. These results led to the conclusion that compounds from avocado oil as well as oil itself have a regenerative effect on damaged otic hair cells in ototoxic zebrafish.

The Antifungal Test: An Efficient Screening Tool for the Discovery of Microbial Metabolites with Respiratory Inhibitory Activity.

Valuable natural compounds produced by a variety of microorganisms can be used as lead molecules for development of new agrochemicals. Furthermore, high-throughput in vitro screening systems with specific modes of action can increase the probability of discovery of new fungicides. In the current study, a rapid assay tested with various microbes was developed to determine the degree of respiratory inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in two different liquid media, YG (containing a fermentable carbon source) and NFYG (containing a non-fermentable carbon source). Based on this system, we screened 100 fungal isolates that were classified into basidiomycetes, to find microbial secondary metabolites that act as respiratory inhibitors. Consequently, of the 100 fungal species tested, the culture broth of an IUM04881 isolate inhibited growth of S. cerevisiae in NFYG medium, but not in YG medium. The result is comparable to that from treatment with kresoxim-methyl used as a control, suggesting that the culture broth of IUM04881 isolate might contain active compounds showing the inhibition activity for respiratory chain. Based on the assay developed in this study and spectroscopic analysis, we isolated and identified an antifungal compound (-)-oudemansin A from culture broth of IUM04881 that is identified as Oudemansiella venosolamellata. This is the first report that (-)-oudemansin A is identified from O. venosolamellata in Korea. Taken together, the development of this assay will accelerate efforts to find and identify natural respiratory inhibitors from various microbes.

Effects of rice-based and wheat-based diets on bowel movements in young Korean women with functional constipation.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have reported the effects that dietary fiber intake from different types of grains and fiber components have on bowel movements, insufficient attention has been paid to comparing and evaluating the effects of rice-based and wheat-based diets. This study compared and evaluated the effects of ingesting rice-based (brown rice-based diet: BRD; white rice-based diet: WRD) and wheat-based diet (WD) on the bowel movements of young women with functional constipation. METHOD: Based on an open, randomized, controlled, and parallel design, 39 subjects were assigned to BRD, WRD, and WD groups (13 in each group). Each participant had received three types of experimental diets over the course of 4 weeks and we recommended that the subjects eat only the test diet provided during the study. Primary outcomes (total colon transit time TCTT) and secondary outcomes (bowel movements, short-chain fatty acid content, and fecal enzyme activity) were compared before and after the 4-week intervention period. RESULTS: After the 4-week study, the rice-based diet (BRD and WRD) groups and the WD group had a statistically significant difference in TCTT (p = 0.028). The TCTT of the BRD group was significantly reduced (p = 0.028) compared with the WRD group (-16.5 ± 8.1 vs +6.8 ± 2.1), and the TCTT of the WD group was also significantly reduced (p = 0.022) compared with that of the WRD group (-17.1 ± 11.9 vs +6.8 ± 2.1). CONCLUSION: Among women with functional constipation, the BRD and WD both improved bowel function by reducing TCTT and increasing the number of bowel movements compared with the WRD group.

Clinical Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors of Prediabetes in the Southwestern Region of Korea from 2010-2019.

This study investigated the clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of prediabetes in the southwestern region of Korea. A total of 323 subjects from 13 prediabetes studies were included in the data analysis. Subjects with prediabetes were divided into the following subtypes: (1) normal glucose tolerance (NGT) with HbA1c 5.7%-6.4%; (2) isolated impaired fasting glucose (I-IFG); (3) isolated impaired glucose tolerance (I-IGT); and (4) combined I-IFG and I-IGT (C-IFG/IGT). Clinical and biochemical variables were compared among subtypes, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for prediabetes subtypes. The overall proportion of subjects with NGT, I-IFG, I-IGT and C-IFG/IGT was 8.4%, 20.7%, 33.1% and 37.8%, respectively. In men, C-IFG/IGT was the most common subtype, while in women, I-IGT was the most common. The parameters related to dysglycemia, atherosclerosis and liver dysfunction were higher in subjects in the C-IFG/IGT subtype than in other subtypes. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed independent risk factors for increased FPG, 2h-PPG and HbA1c levels. This study identified the clinical features and independent risk factors for prediabetes subtypes.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Assessing the Effects of Angelica Gigas Nakai Extract on Blood Triglycerides.

Angelica gigas Nakai, Korean dang-gui, has long been widely used in traditional treatment methods. There have been a number of studies of the health effects of A. gigas and related compounds, but studies addressing effects on blood triglycerides (TG) are lacking. To investigate the effects of A. gigas Nakai extract (AGNE) on TG in Korean subjects, we carried out a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects who met the inclusion criterion (130 mg/dL ≤ fasting blood TG ≤ 200 mg/dL) were recruited for this study. One hundred subjects were assigned to the AGNE group (n = 50) or the placebo group (n = 50), who were given 1 g/day of AGNE (as a gigas Nakai extract 200 mg/d) in capsules and the control group for 12 weeks. Outcomes were efficacy TG, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, and safety parameters were assessed initially for a baseline measurement and after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of supplementation, TG and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentration and TG/HDL-C ratio in the AGNE group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (p < 05). No significant changes in any safety parameter were observed. These results suggest that the ingestion of AGNE may improve TG and be useful to manage or prevent hypertriglyceridemia.

Chemical components from the twigs of Caesalpinia latisiliqua and their antiviral activity.

Three new compounds, (3S)-dihydrobonducellin 8-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3',5'-dimethoxy-jezonolid (2), and latisilinoid (3), along with 16 known compounds, were isolated from the twigs of Caesalpinia latisiliqua (Leguminosae). The known compounds were identified as flavonoids, stilbenes, and phenolics as determined by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiviral activity in HRV1B-, CVB3-, and EV71-infected cells. Among the tested compounds, three flavonoids (4-6) and two stilbenes (12 and 14) exhibited significant antiviral activity. This is the first phytochemical investigation of C. latisiliqua twigs.

Chemical constituents of leaves of Persea americana (avocado) and their protective effects against neomycin-induced hair cell damage

ABSTRACT Persea americana Mill., Lauraceae, commonly known as the avocado, is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including Brazil. From the leaves of P. americana, one previously undescribed flavonol glycoside (1) together with ten known flavonoids (2-11), four megastigmane glycosides (12-15) and two lignans (16-17) were isolated. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. This is the first investigation that reports megastigmane glycoside and lignan classes within the genus Persea. All the isolated compounds have been assessed through the cell survival of larval zebrafish following neomycin-induced damage and the cell viability of a House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 mouse auditory cell line. Among the tested compounds, juglanin (2) and (+)-lyoniresinol (16) showed significant cell regeneration in neomycin-damaged hair cell without cellular toxicity.