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
Dr. Park's Current Research

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

Jae B. Park, Ph.D., 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, cancer and aging.
4. Construction of Inter-related Plant, Phytochemical and Bio-activity Databases related to Human Chronic Diseases:
To build inter-related plant, phytochemical and activity databases related to human diseases such as inflammation, obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and aging.

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) belonging to the Alliaceae (Liliaceae) family is 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, sativioside C, macrostemonosides, proto-eruboside-B, eruboside-B, 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 this country, Garlic has been 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) belonging to the Alliaceae (Amaryllidaceae or Liliaceae) family is 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.
Camellia sinensis / Green Tea Leaves
Plant Names
Camellia sinensis 
 
Green Tea / Camellia sinensis
Camellia sinensis belonging to the Theaceae family is a tea plant, 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 catechins (e.g., epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate). In fact, Camellia sinensis is the source for producing several types of tea; green, black and oolong teas. Camellia sinensis contains high levels of polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity which is believed to contribute 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 (Cinnamon, 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 culinary purposes, Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum are also used as popular natural spices in many parts of the world. In fact, 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. In this country, Cinnamon has been used as a culinary spice and others in preparing various dishes and drinks.
Coffea arabica / Coffee
Plant Names
Coffea arabica 
 
Coffee
Coffea arabica (Coffee) belonging to the Rubiaceae family is a well-known coffee plant. 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, chlorogenic acids and others. 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 and other coffee varieties have been cultivated. Numerous studies have been done using major coffee chemicals (caffeine and chlorogenic acids) suggesting cautiously some beneficial health effects of coffee consumption on several human diseases such as inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular and other diseases, because some negative effects of coffee consumption on human health have been also reported in some conditions. However, there is currently accumulating evidence suggesting that chlorogenic acids found in coffee (e.g, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (neochlorogenic acid), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid and other derivatives) have positive health effects on several human chronic diseases.
Foeniculum vulgare / Fennel Seed
Plant Names
Foeniculum vulgare 
 
Fennel seed, Anise, Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare (Sweet Fennel) belonging to the Apiaceae (Ulmblliferae) family is a plant used as a spice and a 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. 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 has been used as a culinary herb, whose leaves are used to season pork roasts and spicy sausages. Also, their stalks are used in preparing soups and stews. They are also used to flavor breads, cakes and confectionery. Fennel is commonly used as a carminative, digestive, and diuretic agent, but overdose is prohibited due to its adversary effects.
Glycine max / Soy Bean
Plant Names
Glycine max 
 
Soy Bean
Glycine max (Soy Bean) belonging to the Fabaceae family is an important bean grown and consumed in America, Asian and other countries. Glycine max contains numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, isoflavones, terpenoids, and others. Traditionally, Glycine max (Soy Bean) has been used for preventing and/or treating several chronic diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, menopausal uneasiness and cancer. In culinary purposes, Glycine max (Soy Bean) has been a major source of energy, protein, mineral and others. Many different soy products are available in markets such as tofu, soy sauce, soy flour, soymilk, soy cheese, soy ice cream, soy yogurt and soy meat.
Linum ustitatissimum / Flax, Flaxseed, Linseed
Plant Names
Linum usitatissimum 
 
Flax, Flaxseed, Linseed
Linum usitatissimum (Flax) belonging to the family of linaceae is an important flowering crop cultivated around the world for the production oil and fiber. The genus Linum consists of more than 100 species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including lignans, fatty acids and others. In traditional medicines, several Linum species (e.g., Linum usitatissimum, Linum stelleroides) have been used for treating ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, constipation and others. In nutritional uses, flaxseed has been utilized due to its potential health benefits associated with fiber, alpha-linolenic acid and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside lignin.
Lycium barbarum / Boxthorn
Plant Names
Lycium barbarum 
 
Boxthorn, Box thorn, Gou Zi, Ningxia wolfberry Chinese Wolfberry
Lycium barbarum (Box thorn, Gou Zi, Ningxia wolfberry) belongs to the Solanaceae family, a plant 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 chinense (Chinese Wolfberry) is another medicinal plant, used as tonic, anti-inflammatory, and other agents. 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) belonging to the Brassicaceae family is 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 (Dried)
Plant Names
Ocimum basilicum 
 
Sweet basil
Ocimum basilicum (Basil) belonging to the Lamiaceae family is a mint family plant probably native to Asia and other regions, 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, methyl cinnamate, bieugenol, dehydrodieugenol B, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, apigenin, luteolin, crysoeriol, terpenoids, citrusin C, linalool, thymol, caryophyllene oxide, oleanolic 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 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 (Dried)
Plant Names
Origanum vulgare 
 
Oregano, Wild Marjoram, Origanum vulgare
Origanum vulgare (Oregano) belonging to the Lamiaceae family is 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 digestive, carminative, anti-cold, anti-fungal and anti-microbial agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Origanum species may have been used as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and carminative drugs. In this country, Oregano has been 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 aromatic flavor.
Rosmarinus officinalis / Rosemary
Plant Names
Rosmarinus officinalis 
 
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) belonging to the Lamiaceae family is 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 has been used as a culinary herb for in flavoring steak, pork, lamb, chicken, and other dishes, due to its tea-like piney aroma.
Sesamum indicum / Sesame
Plant Names
Sesamum indicum, syn: Sesamum orientale 
 
Sesame
Sesamum indicum (Sesame) belonging to the Pedaliaceae family is 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 has been used as a culinary herb, whose seeds are used for preparing many dishes including cakes, breads, and dressing. Its oil is also used commonly 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 Labiatae family, 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 has been 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. Also, although not commonly, Lemon thyme (a hybrid specie) has been used a culinary herb due to its placid lemon scent.
Zingiber officinale / Ginger
Plant Names
Zingiber officinale 
 
Ginger
Zingiber officinale (Ginger) belonging to the Zingiberaceae family is 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, vomiting, gastric ulcers, cancer, 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 side-effects, and treating abdominal pains. However, its uses are currently extended to treating several disease conditions such as inflammation, headaches, nausea, motion-sickness, 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, and also used for preparing tea and other goods.
 

 

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