Min-Gul Kim

Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet

Yerba Mate, derived from the leaves of the tree, Ilex paraguariensis, is widely-used as a tea or as an ingredient in formulated foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Yerba Mate extract on weight loss, obesity-related biochemical parameters, and diabetes in high-fat diet-fed mice.To this end, by using in vivo animal models of dietary-induced obesity, we have made the interesting observations that Yerba Mate has the ability to decrease the differentiation of pre-adipocytes and to reduce the accumulation of lipids in adipocytes, both of which contribute to a lower growth rate of adipose tissue, lower body weight gain, and obesity. Our data from in vivo studies revealed that Yerba Mate treatment affects food intake, resulting in higher energy expenditure, likely as a result of higher basal metabolism in Yerba Mate-treated mice. Furthermore, in vivo effects of Yerba Mate on lipid metabolism included reductions in serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and glucose concentrations in mice that were fed a high fat diet. In conclusion, Yerba Mate can potentially be used to treat obesity and diabetes.

Effects of Ficus carica paste on loperamide-induced constipation in rats.

OBJECTIVE Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints worldwide. This study examined the effects of fig (Ficus carica L.) paste for the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in a rat model. METHODS Animals were divided into one normal control group and four experimental groups (0, 1, 6, and 30 g/kg). Loperamide (2 mg/kg, twice per day) was injected intraperitoneally to induce constipation in the four experimental groups. Fig paste was administered for 4 weeks to assess its anti-constipation effects. RESULTS Fecal pellet number, weight and water content were increased in the fig-treated groups as compared to the control group. Reductions in body weight and increased intestinal transit length were observed in the fig-treated groups. Fecal pellet number was reduced in the distal colons of the fig-treated rats. Exercise and ileum tension increased in the experimental groups as compared to the control group. According to histological analyses, the thickness of the distal colon and areas of crypt epithelial cells that produce mucin were increased in the fig-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Constipation was decreased when fig fruit was fed to rats. Specifically, fecal number, weight, and water content, as well as histological parameters such as thickness and mucin areas in the distal colon were improved. Fig treatment may be a useful therapeutic and preventive strategy for chronic constipation.

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for determination of compound K in human plasma and clinical application

A rapid, sensitive and selective analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of compound K, a major intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginsenosides in human plasma. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for sample preparation and analysis, followed by liquid chromatography tandem spectrometric analysis and an electrospray-ionization interface. Compound K was analyzed on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (100×2.00 mm, 3 μm) with the mobile phase run isocratically with 10 mM ammonium acetate-methanol-acetonitrile (5:47.5:47.5, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The method was validated for accuracy (relative error <12.63%), precision (coefficient of variation <9.14%), linearity, and recovery. The assay was linear over the entire range of calibration standards i.e., a concentration range of 1 ng/mL to 1,000 ng/ mL (r2 >0.9968). The recoveries of compound K after liquid-liquid extraction at 1, 2, 400, and 800 ng/mL were 106.00±0.08%, 103.50±0.19%, 111.45±5.21%, and 89.62±34.46% for intra-day and 85.40±0.08%, 94.50±0.09%, 112.50±5.21%, and 95.87±34.46% for inter-day, respectively. The lower limit of quantification of the analytical method of compound K was 1 ng/ mL in human plasma. The developed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of compound K after oral administration in ten of healthy human subjects.

Effects of Chungkookjang Supplementation on Obesity and Atherosclerotic Indices in Overweight/Obese Subjects: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

This study was designed to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-atherosclerotic effects of supplementation with Chungkookjang (CKJ), a traditional fermented soybean food, in overweight/obese subjects. The study was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial followed by a 3-week screening period. Overweight/obese subjects (both groups having a body mass index ≥23 kg/m(2) and waist hip ratio of ≥0.90 for men and ≥0.85 for women) who were not diagnosed with any disease were included in this study. Sixty subjects were randomly divided into a CKJ (n=30, 26 g/day) or placebo (n=30) group. During the 12-week intervention period, subjects were asked to maintain their usual diet and activity and not to take any functional foods or dietary supplements. Anthropometric parameters, abdominal fat distribution by computerized tomography, and blood parameters (lipid profile, atherosclerotic indices) before and after the 12-week intervention period were measured. Fifty-five subjects (29 CKJ group, 26 placebo group) finished the study. After the 12 weeks of supplementation, subjects in the CKJ group showed a significant improvement in apolipoprotein B (P<.05) compared with the placebo group. Visceral fat areas by computerized tomography scans and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 showed a tendency to decrease in the CKJ group, but there were no significant differences between the CKJ and placebo groups. These results suggested that CKJ supplementation has potential anti-atherosclerotic effects that might be more pronounced when combined with lifestyle modification.

Postprandial glucose-lowering effects of fermented red ginseng in subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundRed ginseng is prepared by steaming raw ginseng, a process believed to increase the pharmacological efficacy. Further bioconversion of red ginseng through fermentation is known to increase its intestinal absorption and bioactivity, and bioconversion diminishes the toxicity of red ginseng’s metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of daily supplementation with fermented red ginseng (FRG) on glycemic status in subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis study was a four-week long, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-two subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to two groups assigned to consume either the placebo or fermented red ginseng (FRG) three times per day for four weeks. Fasting and postprandial glucose profiles during meal tolerance tests were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsFRG supplementation led to a significant reduction in postprandial glucose levels and led to an increase in postprandial insulin levels compared to the placebo group. There was a consistently significant improvement in the glucose area under the curve (AUC) in the FRG group. However, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were not different from the placebo group.ConclusionDaily supplementation with FRG lowered postprandial glucose levels in subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01826409

Preventive Effect of Korean Red Ginseng for Acute Respiratory Illness: A Randomized and Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a functional food and has been well known for keeping good health due to its anti-fatigue and immunomodulating activities. However, there is no data on Korean red ginseng for its preventive activity against acute respiratory illness (ARI). The study was conducted in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers (Clinical Trial Number: NCT01478009). Our primary efficacy end point was the number of ARI reported and secondary efficacy end point was severity of symptoms, number of symptoms, and duration of ARI. A total of 100 volunteers were enrolled in the study. Fewer subjects in the KRG group reported contracting at least 1 ARI than in the placebo group (12 [24.5%] vs 22 [44.9%], P = 0.034), the difference was statistically significant between the two groups. The symptom duration of the subjects who experienced the ARI, was similar between the two groups (KRG vs placebo; 5.2 ± 2.3 vs 6.3 ± 5.0, P = 0.475). The symptom scores were low tendency in KRG group (KRG vs placebo; 9.5 ± 4.5 vs 17.6 ± 23.1, P = 0.241). The study suggests that KRG may be effective in protecting subjects from contracting ARI, and may have the tendency to decrease the duration and scores of ARI symptoms.

Efficacy and safety of ziprasidone in the treatment of first-episode psychosis: an 8-week, open-label, multicenter trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ziprasidone in first-episode psychosis. This was an 8-week, open-label, multicenter trial. In total, 27 patients (14 male patients, 13 female patients) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified comprised the study population. The initial recommended dose of ziprasidone was 40 mg/day. Within the first 2 weeks, the dose could be increased to 120–160 mg/day depending on the patient’s condition. The primary outcome variables were scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale; secondary measures included the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and others. To assess safety, we measured drug-related adverse events, weight, lipid variables, prolactin, and corrected QT (QTc) interval. Among the 27 enrolled participants, 16 dropped out [lack of efficacy (n=7), loss to follow-up (n=7), withdrawn consent (n=1), and serious adverse event (n=1)]. The mean total daily and endpoint doses of ziprasidone were 120.30±40.34 and 131.85±51.22 mg/day, respectively. The administration of ziprasidone resulted in significant improvement in the PANSS (P<0.0001) and CGI scores (P<0.0001) over time. Significant improvement in the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia score (P<0.0001) was also observed at week 8. The response rate (defined as a 30% or greater decrease in the PANSS total score from baseline to last observation) was 51.85%. No significant differences in extrapyramidal symptoms rating scale scores, and lipid and prolactin levels from baseline to last observation were found. However, modest side effects regarding the incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms and hyperprolactinemia, and weight change from baseline in male patients were observed. These results indicate that ziprasidone is effective in the treatment of the positive, negative, and depressive symptoms of first-episode psychosis and has a modest side-effect burden.

Changes in the ginsenoside content during the fermentation process using microbial strains

Background Red ginseng (RG) is processed from Panax ginseng via several methods including heat treatment, mild acid hydrolysis, and microbial conversion to transform the major ginsenosides into minor ginsenosides, which have greater pharmaceutical activities. During the fermentation process using microbial strains in a machine for making red ginseng, a change of composition occurs after heating. Therefore, we confirmed that fermentation had occurred using only microbial strains and evaluated the changes in the ginsenosides and their chemical composition. Methods To confirm the fermentation by microbial strains, the fermented red ginseng was made with microbial strains (w-FRG) or without microbial strains (n-FRG), and the fermentation process was performed to tertiary fermentation. The changes in the ginsenoside composition of the self-manufactured FRG using the machine were evaluated using HPLC, and the 20 ginsenosides were analyzed. Additionally, we investigated changes of the reducing sugar and polyphenol contents during fermentation process. Results In the fermentation process, ginsenosides Re, Rg1, and Rb1 decreased but ginsenosides Rh1, F2, Rg3, and Compound Y (C.Y) increased in primary FRG more than in the raw ginseng and RG. The content of phenolic compounds was high in FRG and the highest in the tertiary w-FRG. Moreover, the reducing sugar content was approximately three times higher in the tertiary w-FRG than in the other n-FRG. Conclusion As the results indicate, we confirmed the changes in the ginsenoside content and the role of microbial strains in the fermentation process.

A placebo-controlled trial of Korean red ginseng extract for preventing Influenza-like illness in healthy adults

AbstractsBackgroundStandardized Korean red ginseng extract has become the best-selling influenza-like illness (ILI) remedy in Korea, yet much controversy regarding the efficacy of the Korean red ginseng (KRG) in reducing ILI incidence remains. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of the KRG extract on the ILI incidence in healthy adults.Methods/DesignWe will conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study at the onset of the influenza seasons. A total of 100 subjects 30-70 years of age will be recruited from the general populations. The subjects will be instructed to take 9 capsules per day of either the KRG extract or a placebo for a period of 3 months. The primary outcome measure is to assess the frequency of ILI onset in participated subjects. Secondary variable measures will be included severity and duration of ILI symptoms. The ILI symptoms will be scored by subjects using a 4-point scale.DiscussionThis study is a randomized placebo controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the KRG extract compared to placebo and will be provided valuable new information about the clinical and physiological effects of the KRG extract on reduction of ILI incidence including flu and upper respiratory tract infections. The study has been pragmatically designed to ensure that the study findings can be implemented into clinical practice if KRG extract can be shown to be an effective reduction strategy in ILI incidence.Trial RegistrationNCT01478009.

Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles

Constipation is one of the most common functional digestive complaints worldwide. We investigated the laxative effects of figs (Ficus carica L) in a beagle model of constipation induced by high protein diet and movement restriction. The experiments were consecutively conducted over 9 weeks divided into 3 periods of 3 weeks each. All 15 beagles were subjected to a non-treatment (control) period, a constipation induction period, and a fig paste treatment period. We administered fig paste (12 g/kg daily, by gavage) for 3 weeks following a 3-week period of constipation induction in dogs. Segmental colonic transit time (CTT) was measured by counting radiopaque markers (Kolomark) using a radiograph performed every 6 h after feeding Kolomark capsules, until capsules were no longer observed. Fig paste significantly increased fecal quantity in constipated dogs, and segmental CTT was also reduced following fig paste administration. There were no significant differences in feed intake, water intake, body weight, or blood test results, between the constipation and fig paste administration periods. Our results demonstrate that fig is an effective treatment for constipation in beagles. Specifically, stool weight increased and segmental CTT decreased. Fig pastes may be useful as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from chronic constipation.