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Oxidative stress and photodamage resulting from ultraviolet radiation exposure play key roles in skin aging. Fermented Cyclopia intermedia, which is used to brew honeybush tea, exerts antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase activity.This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) for skin rejuvenation.120 Korean subjects with crow's feet wrinkles were randomized to receive either low-dose extract (400 mg/day), high-dose extract (800 mg/day), or placebo (negative control, only dextran) for 12 weeks. Wrinkles were evaluated using JANUSGlobal skin wrinkle grade was significantly improved in both low-dose and high-dose groups compared to placebo group, as well as for skin hydration and elasticity. Both the low- and high-dose groups showed significantly decreased TEWL compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse effects during the entire study period.Our data indicate that HU-018 is effective for improving skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration. Therefore, daily supplementation with fermented honeybush could be helpful for protecting against skin aging.

Background Rosae Multiflorae fructus has potent antioxidative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Purpose We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Rosae Multiflorae fructus extract (RMFE) on allergic inflammation in an allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model. Methods Mice were sensitized and intranasally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), the Th1/Th2-related cytokines and histopathology were examinated after RMFE treatments. Primary cell culture from spleen and NALT was performed to evaluate RMFE effect on Th1/Th2 responses. Four active components of RMFE were determined using HPLC and then tested the inhibition on Th2 response. Results Oral administration of RMFE inhibited the accumulation of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and the nasal mucosa, goblet cells in the nasal epithelium, and mast cells in the respiratory region of the nasal cavity. Thus, the swelling of the nasal epithelium, nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), and lung tissue were ameliorated. Furthermore, the RMFE suppressed Th2-related cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in NALF, NALT, and splenocytes, whereas the Th1-associated cytokine IL-12 was up-regulated by RMFE. We also revealed the active components of RMFE, such as ellagic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and miquelianin. They may inhibit IL-4 secretion in allergic responses. Conclusion RMFE may have therapeutic potential for treating AR by modulating the relationships between Th1/Th2 responses.

We investigate black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) wine made using traditional yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae A8, B6, GBY2, GBY3) and S. cerevisiae Fermivin (FM), which is widely used in wine manufacturing, and analyze the biogenic amine content and the volatile flavor compounds. Black raspberries were separately inoculated with yeast up to 1×10 9 CFU/kg, followed by incubation at 25°C for 7 days. FM produced the highest alcohol content, however the final fermentation characteristics of the wine made using four different yeasts were similar. S. cerevisiae A8 had a large biogenic amine (BA) content, specifically tryptamine, thus we excluded this yeast from fermentation. S. cerevisiae GBY3 was selected for black raspberry wine fermentation as a result of sensory evaluation. The volatile flavor compounds of two wines (S. cerevisiae GBY3 and FM) were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. 37 compounds in the samples were separated, and several ester compounds were identified in greater amounts in the wine made with S. cerevisiae GBY3 than in the wine made with FM. A greater amount of the major compound, ethyl benzoate, giving the sweet and fruity flavor, was identified in wine made with S. cerevisiae GBY3 than in the wine made with FM. In conclusion, S. cerevisiae GBY3 was confirmed to produce no major BAs and a better flavored wine. These results give new leads in the production of high quality wine.Key words: black raspberry, traditional yeast, wine, biogenic amine, flavor compound

－ Appetite is inhibited by the anorexigenic neuropeptides POMC (proopiomelanocortin) and CART (cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript) in the hypothalamus. The present study was performed to examine the inhibitory effects of baicalin against food intake and the upregulation of POMC/CART. Short-term food intake (48 h) was significantly inhibited by treatment with baicalin (10 mg/kg, p ＜0.05) in C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that baicalin upregulated POMC and CART levels in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. These effects were also examined using an in vitro system. pPOMC-Luc or pCART-Luc plasmids were transformed into mouse N29-2 neuronal and human SH-SY5Y cells, and the activities of baicalin were examined in these cells. Baicalin increased POMC and CART promoter-driven luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxic effects. These results suggest that baicalin downregulates short-term food intake while upregulating POMC and CART expression.Keywords: Baicalin