Regarding to preserve the cadaver, formaldehyde has been used as a major preservative. However, the usage of formaldehyde has been considered by its harmful effects such as the disturbing ordor, toxicities and limitations to use. Therefore we studied the effect of decomposition-inhibition which is a natural product, grapefruit seed extract (GSE). Concerning the preservative activity, we sacrificed 8 week old male SD rat and collected liver. Using liver tissues, we treated GSE as a time dependant manner under 37degrees, 80+/-5% humidity conditions. To confirm GSE effects, we applied light and electron microscopic analysis. In results, we observed GSE attenuated the morphological changes and putrefaction of liver tissues more than 3 days. Herein, we introduced the potential substitute of formaldehyde to preserve the cadaver as well as animal tissues.
Animals ; Cadaver ; Citrus paradisi ; Electrons ; Formaldehyde ; Humans ; Humidity ; Light ; Liver ; Male ; Rats ; Seeds

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), an atherogenic lysophospholipid, is known to induce the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Naringin is a flavonoid in grapes and grapefruits and has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidative effects. We investigated whether naringin could protect VSMCs from the effect of lysoPC. Additionally, we investigated the changes of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). MATERIALS AND METHODS: VSMCs were prepared from the aorta of Sprague-Dawley rats. Near-confluent VSMCs were preincubated in media containing 0, 10, 100 micrometer naringin, and incubated with 0, 10, 20, 100 micrometer lysoPC. The degree of proliferation of VSMCs was evaluated with [H3]-thymidine incorporation and MTT assay. The changes of nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B in VSMCs were investigated with EMSA. RESULTS: LysoPC promoted the growth of VSMCs, whereas naringin inhibited the proliferative effect of lysoPC on VSMCs. MTT assay showed a 63+/-24% and 89+/-17% increase of cellular growth in the 10 and 20 micrometer lysoPC groups, respectively, as compared with the control group with media only (p<0.01). [H3]-thymidine incorporation assay also showed 61+/-25% and 92+/-25% increase in the 10 and 20 micrometer lysoPC groups, respectively (p<0.01). However, the growth of VSMCs was suppressed in the 100 micrometer lysoPC group (p<0.01). Naringin inhibited the proliferative effects of lysoPC on VSMCs by 34+/-5% (MTT assay) and 35+/-5% ([H3]-thymidine incorporation assay) in the 100 micrometer naringin group (p=0.01). The nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B was stimulated by lysoPC and suppressed by naringin. CONCLUSION: LysoPC promoted the growth of VSMCs, whereas naringin inhibited the proliferative effect of lysoPC on VSMCs. These effects of lysoPC and naringin are associated with the regulation of nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B.
Aorta ; Citrus paradisi ; Lysophosphatidylcholines ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular* ; NF-kappa B ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vitis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of aromatherapy program on lowering body mass index and serum estrogen in obese post- menopause women. METHODS: One group Pretest-posttest experimental design was used. All subjects received intervention of aromatherapy program. The participants used 3% grapefruit oil, cypress and three other kinds of oil. BMI and Serum estrogen level of the participants' were measured by ZEUS 9.9(Resource Medical, 2004) and PACKARD Gamma Counter-Cobra II RI Manual(USA, 1997) before and after interventions being applied at the P. hospital. Data were analyzed by paired t-test using the SPSS/PC+Win 12 Version. RESULT: The level of serum estrogen and BMI of the participants were significantly decreased after aromathetapy program. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the effect of aromatheapy program could be utilized as an effective intervention to reduce BMI and serum estrogen level in obese post-menopause women.
Aromatherapy ; Body Mass Index ; Citrus paradisi ; Cupressus ; Estrogens ; Female ; Humans ; Menopause ; Postmenopause ; Research Design

Naringenin (NAR) as one of the flavonoids observed in grapefruit has been reported to exhibit an anti-cancer activity. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is associated with apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. This study was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which NAR stimulates ATF3 expression and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. NAR reduced the cell viability and induced an apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. ATF3 overexpression increased NAR-mediated cleaved PARP, while ATF3 knockdown attenuated the cleavage of PARP by NAR. NAR increased ATF3 expression in both protein and mRNA level, and increased the luciferase activity of ATF3 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. The responsible region for ATF3 transcriptional activation by NAR is located between -317 and -148 of ATF3 promoter. p38 inhibition blocked NAR-mediated ATF3 expression, its promoter activation and apoptosis. The results suggest that NAR induces apoptosis through p38-dependent ATF3 activation in human colon cancer cells.
Activating Transcription Factor 3 ; Apoptosis* ; Cell Survival ; Citrus paradisi ; Colon* ; Colonic Neoplasms* ; Flavonoids ; Humans* ; Luciferases ; RNA, Messenger ; Transcriptional Activation

Naringenin (NAR) as one of the flavonoids observed in grapefruit has been reported to exhibit an anti-cancer activity. However, more detailed mechanism by which NAR exerts anti-cancer properties still remains unanswered. Thus, in this study, we have shown that NAR down-regulates the level of cyclin D1 in human colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480. NAR inhibited the cell proliferation in HCT116 and SW480 cells and decreased the level of cyclin D1 protein. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation by MG132 blocked NAR-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation and the half-life of cyclin D1 was decreased in the cells treated with NAR. In addition, NAR increased the phosphorylation of cyclin D1 at threonine-286 and a point mutation of threonine-286 to alanine blocked cyclin D1 downregulation by NAR. p38 inactivation attenuated cyclin D1 downregulation by NAR. From these results, we suggest that NAR-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation may result from proteasomal degradation through p38 activation. The current study provides new mechanistic link between NAR, cyclin D1 downregulation and cell growth in human colorectal cancer cells.
Alanine ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Citrus paradisi ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Cyclin D1* ; Down-Regulation* ; Flavonoids ; Half-Life ; Humans ; Phosphorylation ; Point Mutation

BACKGROUND: The scarcity of local research on extracts of citrus fruits precludes their use as an alternative medication, particularly in the field of Dermatology.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of citrus fruit extracts and to contribute to existing data supporting the use oi these extracts against superficial bacterial and fungal diseases of the skin.
METHODS: Crude ethanolic pulp and/or seed extracts and essential oils of Citrus paradisi(grapefruit), Citrus grandis(pomelo), and Citrofortunella microcarpa(calamansi) were screened for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans the disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of C. microcarpapulp extract against S. aureus was then determined using standard dilution susceptibility testing. Thin layer chromatography was used to identify the presence of flavonoids, using naringin as a standard.
RESULTS: The widest zones of inhibition against the test organisms were seen with calamansi pulp extract. Susceptibility testing showed that calamansi pulp extract was bacteriostatic for S. aureusup to 12.5 percent dilution. However, no bactericidal effect was observed. Naringin was identified only in the pulp extract of grapefruit.
CONCLUSION: In vitro, calamansi pulp extract was shown to be an effective antimicrobial against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. Whether or not this has any dermatologic significance awaits further /w-vj'votesting.

Anti-infective Agents ; Candida Albicans ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Citrus Paradisi ; Dermatology ; Flavanones ; Flavonoids ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ; Staphylococcus Aureus ;

To investigate the perception and consumption of imported and organic produce, a survey was conducted using a questionnaire in Seoul, Taejon and Cheongju from February to March in 1995. The responses of 350 housewives were analyzed. Most of the subjects (96.8%) know an increase of imported produce, and 86.3% thought that imported produce was not safe. Ninety-two percent of the subjects preferred domestic produce to imported produce. The reasons were for the support of domestic farming (36.7%), hazardous chemicals in imported produce (25.0%), good taste (24.1%) and high quality of domestic produce (13.1%). Seventy-eight percent of the subjects had purchased imported produce. The reasons for purchase were cheap price (67.7%), high quality (16.2%), and good taste (5.4%). Imported produce were purchased in the following order ; fruits such as banana, kiwi, orange and grapefruit, seasonings such as garlic and sesame, vegetables such as onion, braken and green onion, and beans and grains such as soybean, red bean, and barley. Most of the subjects (94.3%) had been informed on organic produce. Among these, 45.2% obtained the information by TV or radio. However, son for purchase was low residual chemicals (64.6%). The reasons against purchase were inconvenience of purchase (42.3%), high price (25.4%), and disbelief of low residual chemicals (19.7%). Therefore, domestic produce should be good in quality and taste, and be safe without residual chemicals in order to compete with imported produce with cheap price. Informations on organic and imported produce should be provided to consumers, and the distribution system of organic produce should be improved for consumers convenience.
Edible Grain ; Chungcheongbuk-do ; Citrus paradisi ; Citrus sinensis ; Daejeon ; Fabaceae ; Food, Organic* ; Fruit ; Garlic ; Hazardous Substances ; Hordeum ; Musa ; Onions ; Seasons ; Seoul ; Sesamum ; Soybeans ; Vegetables ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Erosion is a gradual process that occurs fairly quickly, and the full extent of the erosive effects of acidic beverages is not yet clear. The present study aimed to determine the differences in the erosive potentials among four naturally acidic fruit nectars within the same range of titratable acidity and to determine the influence of the components of organic acids on tooth erosion. METHODS: Diluted fruit nectars (mandarin 1:1.1, orange 1:1.7, lemon 1:15, grapefruit 1:20) with the same range of titratable acidity (7.9 ml) and their corresponding organic acids (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% citric acid, malic acid, and a citric and malic acid mixture [pH 2.8], respectively) were used. Specimens were placed in conical tubes with 50 ml of each of the test solutions for 1 hour. A microhardness test and scanning electron microscopy were used to measure enamel erosion. Acid separation was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze the composition of each test solution. RESULTS: Similar decreases in the Vickers hardness number (VHN) were observed among the groups treated with the following diluted fruit nectars: diluted mandarin nectar (75.9 ΔVHN), diluted lemon nectar (89.1 ΔVHN), diluted grapefruit nectar (91.7 ΔVHN), and diluted orange nectar (92.5 ΔVHN). No statistically significant differences were found in the enamel surface hardness after erosion (p>0.05). Citric and malic acids were the major organic acids in the test fruits. The lemon and orange groups had the highest malic acid concentrations, and the mandarin group had the lowest malic acid concentration. CONCLUSION: The titratable acidity and the citric and malic acid contents of the fruits could be crucial factors responsible for enamel erosion. Therefore, fruit-based drinks should be regarded as potentially erosive.
Beverages ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Citric Acid ; Citrus paradisi ; Citrus sinensis ; Dental Enamel ; Fruit ; Hardness ; In Vitro Techniques ; Microscopy ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Plant Nectar ; Tooth Erosion

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of aromatherapy massage on abdominal fat and body image in post-menopausal women. METHOD: A Non-equivalent control group pre-post test Quasi-experimental design of random assignment was applied. All subjects received one hour of whole body massage as treatment by the same researcher every week for 6 weeks. Participants also massaged their own abdomen two times everyday for 5 days each week for 6 weeks. The two groups used different kinds of oil. The experimental group used 3% grapefruit oil, cypress and three other kinds of oil. The control group used grapeseed oil. Data was collected before and after the treatment using Siemens Somatom Sensation 4, a tape measure and MBSRQ. Data was analyzed by ANCOVA using the SPSS/PC+Win 12 Version. RESULT: Abdominal subcutaneous fat and waist circumference in the experimental group significantly decreased after aromathetapy massage compared to the control group. Body image in the experimental group was significantly better after aromathetapy massage than in the control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Aromatheapy massage could be utilized as an effective intervention to reduce abdominal subcutaneous fat, waist circumference, and to improve body image in post-menopausal women.
*Abdominal Fat ; Aromatherapy/*methods ; *Body Image ; Citrus paradisi ; Cupressus ; Female ; Humans ; Massage/*methods ; Middle Aged ; Obesity/*therapy ; Oils, Volatile/*therapeutic use ; Plant Oils/therapeutic use ; *Postmenopause ; Women

We compared the effects of grapefruit seed extract (GFSE), green tea extract (GT) and their microencapsulated extract on anti-inflammatory activities in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages cell line. In order to protect the bioactive compounds in the extracts, they were microencapsulated with maltodextrin and H2O. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression and thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBARS) were analyzed in LPS activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The green tea extract at the range of 100-600 microg/mL inhibited NO, PGE2 production and iNOS protein expression without cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Grapefruit seed extract had strong inhibitory effects on NO and PGE production and iNOS protein expression at the range of 5-20 microg/mL without cytotoxicity. Microencapsulation of green tea extract had further inhibitory effects on NO and PGE2 production and on iNOS protein expression, whereas microencapsulated GFSE did not show any further inhibitory effects on these parameters. Taken together, our results suggest that GSFE might be a promising candidate for preventing inflammation related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer or diabetes, and the microencapsulation of green tea extract could improve its bioactivity.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cell Line ; Citrus paradisi ; Dinoprostone ; Drug Compounding ; Inflammation ; Macrophages ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; Polysaccharides ; Prostaglandins E ; Seeds ; Tea ; Thiobarbiturates ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha