MEDICINES
      
Dr. Park's Program (BHNRC, ARS, USDA) is an unique research program to discover bio-active compounds from plants in order to prevent and treat various human diseases. Support and learn more about his program contact Dr. Park
Current Research

ISOLATION/SYNTHESES, CELLULAR ABSORPTION, AND MOLECULAR FUNCTIONS OF BIO-ACTIVE PHYTOCHEMICALS

Jae B. Park, Ph.D., Phytonutrients Laboratory, BHNRC, ARS, USDA

Numerous epidemiological studies have correlated human consumption of diets rich in fruits and vegetables containing high levels of phytochemicals to lower risk for specific chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Phytochemicals are widely distributed in plant-derived foods of the typical U.S. diet. These compounds have been reported to contribute to numerous purported beneficial health effects. However, understanding the specific biological mechanisms involved, relative to human diseases, presents challenging and researchable taskes. Without adequate definitive information on cellular absorption and molecular functions of phytochemicals, it is not possible to accurately assess their beneficial effects on human health. Moreover, optimal but safe intakes of phytochemicals have yet to be determined; these data must be generated before any recommendations of phytochemicals can be made. Therefore, a research project has been proposed to gain information on the cellular absorption and molecular functions of various phytochemicals, which might lead us to a better understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms and to elucidating their beneficial effects.

The proposed research is particularly focused on phytochemicals from several plants including wolfberry, safflower, coco and other plants with potential health effects.

Objectives

1. Purification and/or Syntheses of Bio- Active Phytochemicals:
To purify and/or synthesize bio-active phytochemicals.
2. Bio-availability of Phytochemicals:
To delineate the mechanisms of phytochemical absorption and determine bio-availability of phytochemicals.
3. Cellular and Molecular Actions of Phytochemicals:
To determine cellular and molecular mechanisms related to human diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer.

Bio-active compounds Under Current Investigation

Caffedymine, safflomide, analogues and others

Plants under Current Investigation
Allium fistulosum / Bunching Green Onion
Plant Names
Allium fistulosum 
 
Scallion, Green onion, Spring onion, Bunching onion, Welsh onion
Allium fistulosum (Green Onion) belongs to the family of Alliaceae (Liliaceae), a medicinal and culinary plant widely found in the northern hemisphere. Allium genus consists of with more than 500 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, flavonoids, isoliquiritigenin, terpenoids, daucosterol, yuccagenin glycosides, diosgenin glycosides, alkaloids, atrestamine, sulfur containing compounds, fatty acids, tianshic acid and others. In traditional medicines, Allium fistulosum has been used as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-headache, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-diarrhea agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Allium fistulosum may have been used for treating fever, inflammation, headache, stomachic pain, and diarrhea. In this country, Green Onion is used as a culinary vegetable for preparing various many dishes, because of its activity of aiding in digestion and others.
Allium sativum / Garlic
Plant Names
Allium sativum 
 
Garlic
Allium sativum (Garlic) belongs to the family of Liliaceae, a famous bulbous medicinal plant. Allium genus consists of more than 500 species widely found in the northern hemisphere. The plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, trans-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, flavonoids, isoliquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin-4-O-glucoside, terpenoids, furostanol saponins, macrostemonosides, alkaloids, sulfur containing comounds, Allicin, S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine, and others. In traditional medicines, several Allium species (e.g., Allium chinense, Allium odorum, Allium sativum, Allium tuberosum, Allium uliginosum, Allium fistulosum, Allium porrum) have been used for treating pain, diarrhea, hematemesis, diabetes, asthma, cough and tumor. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Allium sativum have been used as anti-hypertensive, cardiactive, anti-thrombotic, anti-cholesterol, carminative, anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic, and anti-neoplastic drugs. In this country, Garlic is used as a well-known culinary spice, popularly added in preparing many dishes such as poultry, steak and fish. Also, garlic oils and products are often used for flavoring an unquie garlic aroma in dishes.
Allium schoenoprasum / Chive
Plant Names
Allium schoenoprasum 
 
Chive
Allium schoenoprasum (Chive) belongs to the family of Alliaceae (Amaryllidaceae or Liliaceae), a perennial bulbous vegetable plant. The genus Allium consists of many species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including anthocyanins. In traditional medicines, several species (e.g., Allium chinense, Allium odorum, Allium sativum, Allium tuberosum, Allium uliginosum, Allium fistulosum, Allium porrum) may have been used for treating pain, diarrhea, hematemesis, diabetes, asthma, cough and tumor. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Allium species may have been used for treating diabetes, asthma, cough and pains. In this country, Chive and Garlic chive (Allium tuberosum) are used as culinary vegetables for preparing seasoning dips, sauces, soups, and other dishes.
Anethum graveolens / Dill
Plant Names
Anethum graveolens; syn: Peucedanum graveolens 
 
Dill
Anethum graveolens (Dill) belongs to the family of Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), an aromatic herb with fern-like leaves and small yellow flowers. Anethum graveolens contains numerous phytochemicals including myristicin, apiol, dillapiole, dillapional, dill ether, neocnidilide furanocoumarin, oxypeucedanin, scopoletin, esculetin, bergapten, umbelliferone, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucuronide, isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-glucuronide, kaempferol, vicenin, dillanoside, p-cymene, p-menth-2-ene-1,6-diol, 8-hydroxygeraniol, trans- and cis-dihydrocarvone, trans- and cis-carveol, limonene, d-dihydrocarveol, l-dihydrocarveol, alpha-phellandrene, beta-terpineol, terpinene-4-ol p-cymene, thymol, carvacrol, (+)-4S-R-phellandrene, nonan-1-ol (C9), nonal-2-ol, decaldehyde, and others. In traditional medicines, Anethum graveolens has been used as antioxidant, carminative, digestive, anti-colic, stimulant, lactagogue, anti-bacterial, anti-hyperlipidaemic and anti-hypercholesterolaemic agents. Dill may have been also used either as a regulatory agent of the menstrual cycle for women with irregular cycles or as an anti-fertility agent. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Anethum species may have been used as carminative, digestive anti-colic, and stimulant drugs. In this country, Dill is used as a culinary herb, whose essential oils and leaves are used in preparing many dishes, due to their pleasant, spicy aroma and the purported biological activities.
Camellia sinensis / Green Tea
Plant Names
Camellia sinensis 
 
Green Tea / Camellia sinensis
Camellia sinensis belongs to the family of Theaceae, probably native to eastern and southern Asia. The genus Camellia consists of more than 200 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemical including tea catechin. Camellia sinensis is the source for several types of tea; green, black and oolong teas. Camellia sinensis contains high levels of polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity (e.g., catechin, gallaogatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and apigallocatechin gallate). Antioxidant activity is believed to quench free radicals, contributing to beneficial effects on several human chronic diseases (atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, and cancer).
Carthamus tinctorius / Safflower
picture of a plant
 Plant Names
Carthamus tinctorius 
 
Safflower, Hung Hua, Hung Lan Hua, Kasumba, Kesumba, Qurtum
Carthamus tinctorius belongs to the family of Asteraceae. The genus Carthamus consists of several species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, flavonoids (e.g., kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside), cartharmin, safflower yellow A, quinochalone, safflomin, cartorimine, and alkaloids (e.g., N-[2-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]ferulamide, N,N'-[2,2'-(5,5'-dihydroxy-4,4'-bi-1H-indol-3,3'-yl)diethyl]- di-p-coumaramide, N-[2-[5-(beta-D-glucosyloxy)-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]- p-coumaramide). In traditional medicines, Carthamus species (e.g., Carthamus tinctorius, Carthamus lanatus, Carthamus arthamus, Carthamus oxycantha) have been used for treating asthma, bronchitis, abdominal colic, jaundice, rheumatism, osteoporosis and others including gynecological, heart and inflammation diseases. In Oriental medicines, Carthamus tinctorius may have been used for treating blood stasis, and abnormal menstruation via promoting blood circulation. In culinary purposes, Carthamus tinctorius has been also used as food colorants and dyes in Asian countries, due to its flowers yellow and red colors. Also, Carthamus tinctorius is occasionally used as an inexpensive substitute for saffron crocus (Crocus sativus).
Cinnamomum cassia / Cinnamon
Plant Names
Cinnamomum cassia 
 
Cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia
Cinnamomum cassia (syn: Cinnamomum aromaticum) belongs to the family of Lauraceae. Cinnamomum cassia is an evergreen tree native to southern China and Southeast Asia, and a close relative to Cinnamomum zeylanicum (true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon). The genus Cinnamomum consists of about 300 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including cinnamaldehyde. In traditional medicines, several Cinnamomum species (e.g., Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum zeglanicum) may have been used as tonic, carminative and stimulant agents for treating gastric ulcer, diarrhea, blood circulation disturbances, nausea, flatulence and inflammatory diseases. In Oriental medicines, Cinnamomum cassia may have been used as anti-microbial, vasodilating, astrigent, and analgesic drugs. In this country, Cinnamon is used as a culinary spice for preparing many dishes and drinks. Commonly, Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum are used as popular natural spices. However, the bark from Cinnamomum cassia is frequently substituted with the barks of other Cinnamomum species such as Cinnamomum wilsonii, Cinnamomum japonicum, Cinnamomum mairei, Cinnamomum burmanii, and Cinnamomum loureirii.
Coffea arabica / Coffee
Plant Names
Coffea arabica 
 
Coffee
Coffea arabica belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. The genus Coffea consists of several species (e.g., Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, Coffea liberica, Coffea excelsa, Coffea stenophylla) and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemical including caffeine. Commercially, Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (Robusta coffee) are the two most important species of coffee. In fact, Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee) represents more than 70% of world-wide coffee production. In United States, Kona coffee (a variety of Coffea Arabica) has been cultivated in Hawaii. Numerous studies suggest cautiously some beneficial health effects of coffee consumption on several human diseases such as inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, because some negative effects of coffee consumption on human health have been also reported. Currently, there is only limited amount of information available about phytochemicals found in coffee, related to their beneficial or risky effects on human health.
Foeniculum vulgare / Fennel
Plant Names
Foeniculum vulgare 
 
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare (Sweet Fennel) belongs to the family of Apiaceae (Ulmblliferae), a spice and medicinal herb cultivated in temperate regions. The genus Foeniculum consists of several species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including anethol, dianethole, photoanethole, chavicol, estragole, dillapiol, dillapional, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, scopoletin, bergapten, imperatorin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, isorhamnetin, naringenin, eriodictyol-7-O-neohesperidoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, fenchone, thymol, carvacrol, 8-cineole, linalool, R-terpineol, geraniol, trans-thujan-4-ol, and others. In traditional medicines, several Foeniculum species (e.g., Foeniculum vulgare, Foeniculum officinale) have been used as carminative, digestive, lactagoge, and diuretic agents. In Oriental medicines, Foeniculum vulgare may have been used for relieving gas and bloating, and improving digestion via normalizing stomach functions. Although all plant parts of the fennel (roots, stalks and leaves) are edible, the seed of Foeniculum vulgare has been used as a well-known spice in preparing many dishes. Particularly, Foeniculum vulgare (Sweet fennel) is believed to have beneficial effects on enhancing digestive process in the gut, which can be otherwise very stressful. Therefore, plant parts have been used in making a herbal tea, whose flavor and taste can be enhanced by its sweetness. In this country, Fennel is used as a culinary herb, whose leaves are used to season pork roasts and spicy sausages. They are also used to flavor breads, cakes and confectionery. Fennel is commonly used as a carminative, digestive, and diuretic agent. However, overdose is prohibited due to its adversary effects.
Lycium spp. / Chinese Wolfberry
picture of a plant
 Plant Names
Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense Miller 
 
Chinese Wolfberry
Lycium chinense belongs to the family of Solanaceae, found commonly in northeast Asia. The genus Lycium consists of more than 80 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including N-caffeoyltyramine. In traditional medicines, several Lycium species (e.g., Lycium chinense, Lycium barbarum, Lycium megistocarpum, Lycium ovatum, Lycium trewianum, Lycium turbinatum) may have been used for lowering blood pressure and glucose level, and enhancing immunity. In Oriental medicines, Lycium chinense may have been used as anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-cough, anti-wheezing, anti-pyretic, and anti-microbial drugs. Lycium barbarum (Gou Zi, Ningxia wolfberry) is another medicinal plant, used for increasing immunity and as an anti-cancer agent. In America, Lycium pallidum is found in some desert areas, and the plant is believed to be cultivated by a group of Native American.
Nasturtium officinale / Watercress
Plant Names
Nasturtium officinale 
 
Watercress
Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) belongs to the family of Brassicaceae, a perennial vegetable plant growing in low waterways. The genus Nasturtium consists of several species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, flavonoids, glucosinolates. In traditional medicines, several Nasturtium species (e.g., Nasturtium officinale, Nasturtium montanum) have been used as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic and cardioprotective agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Nasturtium species may have been used as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic drugs. In this country, Watercress is used as a culinary salad vegetable and others.
Ocimum basilicum / Sweet basil
Plant Names
Ocimum basilicum 
 
Sweet basil
Ocimum basilicum (Basil) belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, a mint family plant probably native to Asia, but cultivated commercially in many regions of the world. The genus Ocimum consists of more than 30 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, methyl chavicol, vanillin, ferulaldehyde methyl eugenol, and methyl cinnamate, bieugenol, dehydrodieugenol B, citrusin C, flavonoids, apigenin, luteolin, crysoeriol, terpenoids, linalool, thymol, caryophyllene oxide, oleanolic acid, ulsoric acid, stigmasterol, beta -sitosterol, and others . In traditional medicines, the oils and plant parts of several Ocimum species (e.g., Ocimum americanum, Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum gratissimum, Ocimum tenuiflorum) have been suggested to possess anti-oxidant, cardio-protective, anti-fertility, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, anti-cancer activities. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Ocimum species may have been used as anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, and anti-infective agents. In this country, Basil is used as a culinary spice herb for preparing many dishes, due to its unique pleasing and smooth flavor and its purported biological activities (anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, insecticide, and anti-oxidant activities).
Origanum vulgare / Oregano
Plant Names
Origanum vulgare 
 
Oregano, Wild Marjoram, Origanum vulgare
Origanum vulgare (Oregano) belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, a mint family plant widely distributed in Eurasia and North Africa. The genus Origanum consists of about 20 species including Marjoram (Origanum majorana) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare). The plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, phenolic depside, lithospermic acid B, 10-epi-lithospermic acid and epi-lithospermic acid B, 4-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzoyloxymethyl)phenyl-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, flavonoids, apigenin, luteolin, chrysoeriol, diosmetin, eriodictyol, quercetin, cosmoside, vicenin-2, terpenoids, p-menth-3-ene-1,2-diol 1-O-beta-glucopyranoside, thymoquinol 2-O-beta-glucopyranoside, beta-ocimene, germacrene D, beta-caryophyllene, and sabinene, 12-hydroxyjasmonic acid and 12-hydroxyjasmonic acid 12-O-beta-glucoside, and others. Traditionally, Origanum vulgare has been used as anti-cold, anti-fungal and anti-microbial agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Origanum species may have been used as anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agents. In this country, Oregano is used as a culinary herb for preparing soups, casseroles, sauces, stew, stuffing, eggs, olives, teas, chili and pizza, due to a kind of its oily but lightly flavor.
Rosmarinus officinalis / Rosemary
Plant Names
Rosmarinus officinalis 
 
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, a mint family shrub found in Mediterranean and other regions. The genus Rosmarinus consists of several species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, caffie caicd, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, hesperidin, diosmin, terpenoids, carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmanol, epirosmanol and others. In traditional medicines, several species (e.g., Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosmarinus eriocalyx, Rosmarinus laxiflorus, and Rosmarinus laVandulaceus) have been used as anti-infective, stimulant, analgesic, anti-rheumatic agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Rosmarinus species may have been used as digestive anti-flatulent, freshener, and anti-inflammatory agents. In this country, Rosemary is used as a culinary herb for in flavoring steak, pork, lamb, chicken, and other dishes. Due to its tea-like piney aroma. However, little pine-like dry leaves of Rosemary is often hard to chew and ingest, although the texture is not really tough. If possible, you can grind rosemary fresh, prior to uses. When chewed, a kind of freshly mint flavor can be tested.
Sesamum indicum / Sesame
Plant Names
Sesamum indicum, syn: Sesamum orientale 
 
Sesame
Sesamum indicum (Sesame) belongs to the family of Pedaliaceae, an important plant cultivated in moderate and subtropical regions. Sesamum indicum contains numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, chlorogenic acid, lignans, sesamin, saminol, sesamolin, naphthoquinones, hydroxysesamone, anthraquinones, anthrasesamones, vitamins, fatty acids, linolein acid, palmitine acid, stearic acid, myristic acid and others. In traditional medicines, Sesamum indicum has been used as nutrient, tonic, laxative, anti-hepatic, anti-hypertensive, emollient, demulcent, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Sesamum species may have been used as a nutrient tonic for treating degenerative neuritis and neuroparalysis. In this country, Sesame is used as a culinary herb, whose seeds are used for sprinkling over cakes and breads, and oil is commonly used for cooking. Particularly, black sesame seed and oil are preferably used in Asian dishes. In fact, Sesamum indicum is one of the most important crops throughout the world and its seeds have been used for producing essential oils and many food products.
Theobroma cacao / Cocoa
Plant Names
Theobroma cacao 
 
Cacao
Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) belongs to the family of Sterculiaceae, a bean-bearing tree cultivating in many tropical regions including Hawaii. The genus Theobroma consists of about 20 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including flavonoids, theobromine and caffedymine. Traditionally, Theobroma cacao has been believed to contain anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-heart disease effects. Theobroma cacao is also known as“cocoa, and its fermented and roasted seeds have been used in manufacturing cocoa beverages and chocolate confectionary products. Currently, a great number of scientific research have been performed using phytochemicals found in the plant.
Thymus vulgaris / Thyme
Plant Names
Thymus vulgaris 
 
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) belongs to the family of Labiatae, a mint family plant probably native to Mediterranean regions, but now cultivated worldwide. The genus Thymus consists of more than 300 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemical including phenolics, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, eriodictyol, terpenoids, thymol, carvacrol, gamma-terpinene and p-cymene and others. Traditionally, Thymus vulgaris has been used as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, carminative, diuretic, urinary disinfectant, and anti-coughing agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Thymus species may have been used as anthelminitic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, antibronchitis, cancer, diarrhea, gastritis, rheumatism, skin ailment drugs. In this country, Thyme is used as a culinary herb, whose dried leaves and flowering tops of Thymus vulgaris have been used as a seasoning spice in enhancing tastes of foods, due to their subtle minty flavor.
Zingiber officinale / Ginger
Plant Names
Zingiber officinale 
 
Ginger
Zingiber officinale (Ginger) belong to the family of Zingiberaceae, a perennial Zinger family plant cultivated in many subtropical and tropical countries. The genus Zingiber consists of several species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including zingerones, gingerol, dehydrozingerone, dehydroshogaol, zingerones, methylheptenone, shogaols, paradol, shogasulfonic acid A, diarylheptanoids, terpenoids phellandrene, camphene, citral, linalool, d-borneol, zingiberene, curcumene, alkaloids, melatonin, and gingerglycolipids. In traditional medicines, several Zingiber species (e.g., Zingiber officinale, Zingiber zerumbet) have been used for treating headaches, nausea, rheumatism, colds, inflammation, gastric secretion, cancer, vomiting, gastric ulcers, and others. In Oriental medicines, Zingiber officinale may have been used for helping lung and spleen functions via dispersing cold, harmonizing stomach and spleen, helping water flow to kidney, alleviating pathogenic influences, and treating sudden abdominal pains. However, its uses are extended to treat several disease conditions such as inflammation, headaches, nausea, rheumatism, ulcer, and colds. Particularly, Zingiber officinale (Ginger root) is sliced and used with honey in preparing a thermogenic herbal tea. In this country, Ginger is used as a culinary spice for flavoring meat, fish and others, due to its unique and pungent taste.
 

 

Usage Policy || Statement || Privacy Policy || Disclaimer