Changes in flavonoid content and tyrosinase inhibitory activity in kenaf leaf extract after far-infrared treatment.

The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of ethanolic extract of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) leaf was evaluated before and after subjecting it to far-infrared (FIR) irradiation. The main component of the extract was analyzed as kaempferitrin (kaempferol-3,7-O-α-dirhamnoside).

Synthesis and anti-melanogenic effects of lipoic acid-polyethylene glycol ester.

To develop a new potent anti-melanogenic agent, we have conjugated lipoic acid (LA) to poly (ethylene) glycol (PEG) of molecular weight 2000 and examined the effects on inhibition of tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. The water-soluble LA-PEG 2000 was synthesized from LA and methylated PEG by an esterification reaction in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide. Synthetic LA-PEG 2000 was confirmed by IR and (1)H-NMR spectroscopy.

Preparation and characterization of quercetin-loaded polymethyl methacrylate microcapsules using a polyol-in-oil-in-polyol emulsion solvent evaporation method.

Flavonoids and related compounds exhibit a wide range of useful pharmacological properties but present challenges related to their stability and solubility in commonly available solvents. In this study, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microcapsules were prepared using a novel polyol-in-oil-in-polyol (P/O/P) emulsion solvent evaporation method as a means of stabilizing the flavonoids, using quercetin as a model flavonoid drug. The morphology of the microcapsules was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope, revealing a spherical shape with a smooth surface.

Black rice (Oryza sativa L. var. japonica) hydrolyzed peptides induce expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 gene in HaCaT keratinocytes.

Black rice (Oryza sativa L. var. japonica) has been used in folk medicine in Asia.

Anti-oxidative and photo-protective effects of coumarins isolated from Fraxinus chinensis.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated by UV irradiation, may cause serious injury to skin cell membranes, DNA and functional proteins. In addition, these agents stimulate the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which can degrade most components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including collagen. In order to develop new anti-photoaging agents, five major components from the extract of Fraxinus chinensis extract (FCE) were identified.

Antioxidative activity of the hydrolytic enzyme treated Sorbus commixta Hedl. and its inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase-1 in UV irradiated human dermal fibroblasts.

Superoxide radical scavenging activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity were assessed in order to evaluate the antioxidant effect of the Sorbus commixta Hedl. extract (SCoE). SCoE was also treated with several carbohydrate-hydrolytic enzymes that significantly increased the total phenol and flavonoid composition of SCoE.

Structure activity relationship of antioxidative property of flavonoids and inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase activity in UVA-irradiated human dermal fibroblast.

Collagenase, a matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is a key regulator in the photoaging process of skin due to the reactive oxygen species generated after exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA). Flavonoid compounds have been demonstrated to possess antioxidant properties, and could be useful in the prevention of photoaging. In this study, to investigate the structure-activity relationship of flavonoid compounds on their antioxidant property and inhibitory effects against the MMP activity, the effects of several flavonoids; myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin and chrysin, on the reactive oxygen species scavengering activity and inhibitory effect against the MMP activity were examined in vitro and in human dermal fibroblasts induced by UVA.

Inhibitory effect of obovatol on nitric oxide production and activation of NF-kappaB/MAP kinases in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7cells.

The components of Magnolia obovata are known to have many pharmacological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of obovatol, a neolignan compound isolated from the leaves of M. obovata, on nitric oxide (NO) production and NF-kappaB activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.

Antioxidative and acute antiinflammatory effects of Torreya grandis.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of seeds of Torreya grandis (EST). Exposure of human dermal fibroblasts to the extract at 50 and 250 microg/ml showed significant protective effect against hydrogen peroxide (300 microM). EST not only protected cell survival from H(2)O(2)-induced toxicity, but also inhibited the H(2)O(2)-induced LDH release significantly.

Antioxidative and acute anti-inflammatory effects of Campsis grandiflora flower.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract of the flower of Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.) K. Schum.

Production of exopolysaccharide from mycelial culture of Grifola frondosa and its inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts.

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) was prepared by submerged mycelial culture of a newly isolated mushroom Grifola frondosa HB0071 in a 5-l stirred-tank fermenter. This fungus produced a high concentration of biomass (24.8 gl(-1) at day 4), thereby achieving high EPS concentration (7.

Stimulative and sedative effects of essential oils upon inhalation in mice.

This study investigated the stimulative or sedative effects of inhaling fragrant essential oils (EOs) by using a forced swimming test (FST) with mice. This behavioral test is commonly used to measure the effects of antidepressant drugs. The inhalation by mice of EOs, such as ginger oil (p<0.

The isolation and antioxidative effects of vitexin from Acer palmatum.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV exposure or other environmental factors are critical players in cellular damage and aging. In order to develop a new anti-photoaging agent, this work focused on the antioxidant effects of the extract of tinged autumnal leaves of Acer palmatum. One compound was isolated from an ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the A.

Antioxidants and inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression from leaves of Zostera marina L.

In order to develop new anti-photoaging agents, we examined the antioxidative activity and the inhibition effect of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) on the extracts of a marine product, Zostera marina L., which is known for its potent activity. Three compounds (compounds 1, 2, and 3) were isolated from an ethyl acetate (EtOAc) soluble fraction of the product; they were identified as apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (1), chrysoeriol (2), and luteolin (3).