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Excessive stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of mood disorders such as depression. Fermented natural products have recently attracted attention because of their health benefits. We evaluated the antidepressant-like efficacy of fermented

Ajuga multiflora Bunge is a perennial ornamental herb and has been used for the treatment of fever in Korean folk medicine. In the course of searching for protective agents associated with the potential of A. multiflora against dexamethsone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy, a new phytoecdysteroid, 29-hydroxyprecyasterone (1), together with four known compounds (2–5), were isolated from A. multiflora. The structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-MS interpretation. To elucidate the effects of obtained compounds on DEX-induced muscle atrophy, the myotubes diameter, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) positive area, and fusion index were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Overall, each compound treatment effectively prevented the atrophic myotubes through an increase of MyHC-positive myotubes and the number of nuclei. Particularly, the measurement of myotube diameter showed that compounds 1 and 5 treatment significantly alleviated the myotube thickness.

In this study, a centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) separation was applied to identify antioxidant-responsive element (ARE) induction molecules from the crude extract of Lindera strychnifolia roots. CPC was operated with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-methanol-water (10:8.5:1.5, v/v/v) in dual mode (descending to ascending), which provided a high recovery rate (&gt, 95.5%) with high resolution. Then, ARE induction activity of obtained CPC fractions was examined in ARE-transfected HepG2 cells according to the weight ratios of the obtained fractions. The fraction exhibiting ARE-inducing activity was further purified by preparative HPLC that led to isolation of two eudesmane type sesquiterpenes as active compounds. The chemical structures were elucidated as linderolide U (1) and a new sesquiterpene named as linderolide V (2) by spectroscopic data. Further bioactivity test demonstrated that compounds 1 and 2 enhanced ARE activity by 22.4-fold and 7.6-fold, respectively, at 100 μM concentration while 5 μM of sulforaphane induced ARE activity 24.8-fold compared to the control.

This study evaluated the efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus YT1 (MENOLACTO) for alleviating menopausal symptoms. This study was a multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving female subjects (ages: 40&ndash, 60 years) with menopausal symptoms and a Kupperman index (KMI) score &ge, 20. Subjects were administered 1 &times, 108 CFU/day MENOLACTO or placebo, with the primary endpoint being total KMI score, and the effect of secondary endpoints on alleviating menopausal symptoms according to individual categories of the modified KMI, as well as a quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL questionnaire). After 12 weeks, total KMI scores decreased significantly, demonstrating improved menopausal symptoms relative to placebo along with improved modified KMI scores. Additionally, quality of life, according to the MENQOL questionnaire, significantly improved in all four symptoms&mdash, physical, psychosocial, vasomotor, and sexual symptoms. Moreover, we observed no significant difference between the two groups or significant changes in blood follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels or endometrial thickness. These results demonstrated that MENOLACTO alleviated menopausal symptoms without notable side effects and improved quality of life, suggesting its efficacy as an alternative supplement to alleviate menopausal symptoms in women ineligible for hormonal therapy.

Photoaging occurs by chronic skin exposure to the sun and ultraviolet irradiation and leads to skin aging accompanied by a lack of skin hydration. We previously demonstrated the photoprotective effect of fermented Cyclopia intermedia (honeybush) extract on the skin. In this study, we evaluated the skin hydration effects of scaled-up fermented honeybush extract (HU-018) against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in HaCaT immortalized human keratinocytes and hairless mice. Pretreating HaCaT cells with HU-018 attenuated the decreased hyaluronic acid (HA) levels and mRNA expression of genes encoding involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin by UVB irradiation. HU-018 treatment also ameliorated the decreased stratum corneum (SC) hydration and the increased levels of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema index (EI) in hairless mice after UVB exposure. Microarray analysis revealed changes in gene expression patterns of hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2), transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3), and elastin induced by HU-018 in UVB-irradiated mice. Consistently, the mRNA expression of Has2, TGF-β3, and elastin was increased by HU-018 treatment. Moreover, HU-018 restored the increased epidermal thickness and collagen disorganization in skin tissue of UVB-irradiated mice. HU-018 treatment also decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and increased procollagen type-1, elastin, and TGF-β1 expression. In conclusion, we found that HU-018 promoted skin hydration processes in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes and hairless mice by modulating involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin, and HA expression and ameliorating visible signs of photoaging. Thus, HU-018 may be a good skin hydration agent for skin care.

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

This study was carried out to develop mulberry wines fermented with traditional microorganisms (Saccharomyces cerevisiae B-8). S. cerevisiae B-8 is a traditional fermentation microorganism isolated from domestically grown Rubus occidentalis. Each S. cerevisiae B-8 and Fermivin was inoculated into mulberry up to 1×10 9 CFU/kg, followed by incubation at 25°C for 10 days. Mulberry fermented with S. cerevisiae B-8 (MBB) had a high alcohol content (16.47%), and the fermentation rate of MBB was faster than that of mulberry fermented with Fermivin (MBF). The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of MBB were higher than those of MBF. DPPH radical scavenging activity of MBB was as high as that of MBF. ABTS radical scavenging activity of MBF was higher than those of MBB and mulberry juice (MBJ). In addition, reducing power of MBB was much higher than other samples. Flavor constituents of the two fermented wines were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Twenty-three compounds from the sample were separated and identified as fifteen esters, six alcohols, an aldehyde, and an acetate. Particularly, tetradecanoic acid, ethyl ester of orris and violet flavor were ten times more abundant in MBB than in MBF. Several ester components were two times more abundant in MBB than in MBF. In conclusion, current findings indicate that MBB might have better antioxidant activities with flavor, which contributes to improved wine production with high quality and function.

－ 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