Ewha Womans University · Neuroscience
Professor Seikwan Oh's research lab specializes in the discovery and development of biologically active natural products and synthetic derivatives with a focus on neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory agents, and modulators of sphingolipid metabolism. The lab investigates the therapeutic potential of compounds from traditional medicines—such as Rhodiola rosea, red ginseng, and fumonisin-exposed models—in mitigating neuroinflammation, age-related cognitive decline, and stress-related disorders like PTSD. Key research directions include the design of novel chalcone and modafinil derivatives, evaluation of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and identification of novel biomarkers for toxicological assessment. The lab integrates in vitro cell-based assays with in vivo animal models to validate biological mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Practical synthesis and biological activities of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-2-propene derivatives are described. The novel chalcone derivatives were prepared by acid catalysed one-step condensation of 1,3- or 1,4-diacetylbenzene and 1,3,5-triacetylbenzene with 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde. They were then evaluated for free radical scavenging activity, suppression of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced NO generation, and anti-excitotoxicity in vitro. It was found that all compounds showed good effects
To determine the biological activity of Rhodiola rosea, the protein expression of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines was measured after the activation of murine microglial BV2 cells by LPS under the exposure of constituents of Rhodiola rosea: crude extract, rosin, rosarin, and salidroside (each 1-50 μ g/mL). The LPS-induced expression of iNOS and cytokines in BV2 cells was suppressed by the constituents of Rhodiola rosea in a concentration-dependent manner. Also the expression of the proinflamma
The results revealed that when red ginseng is administered over long periods, age-related decline of learning and memory is ameliorated through anti-inflammatory activity.
Fumonisins are specific inhibitors of ceramide synthase in sphingolipid metabolism. An alteration in sphingolipid metabolism as a result of fumonisin B1 (FB1) exposure is related to cell death, and sphinganine/sphingosine ratio has been used as an indicator of fumonisin exposure in animals. The objective of this study was to investigate a new biochemical marker for the prediction of fumonisin-induced toxicity. When mice were treated with FB1 (10 mg/kg ip/d) for 5 d, the serum levels of sphingoid
Simple synthesis of modafinil derivatives and their biological activity are described. The key synthetic strategies involve substitution and coupling reactions. We determined the anti-inflammatory effects of modafinil derivatives in cultured BV2 cells by measuring the inhibition of nitrite production and expression of iNOS and COX-2 after LPS stimulation. It was found that for sulfide analogues introduction of aliphatic groups on the amide part (compounds 11a–d) resulted in lower anti-inflammato
Our findings suggest that KRG has an antidepressant effect in rats subjected to SPS and may represent an effective use of traditional medicine for the treatment of PTSD.
The benzylideneacetophenone derivative JC3 [(2E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)phenylpro-2-en-l-one] (JC3) was synthesized by modifying yakuchinone B obtained from the seeds of Alpinia oxyphylla, a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which are widely used as a folk remedy and as an anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-arthritic effects of JC3 in rat models of carrageenan-induced paw pain and carrageenan/kaolin-induced knee arthritis. The anti-nociceptive e
Blue cohosh has been used as a medicinal herb in eastern North America. It was commonly used as traditional medicines for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, rheumatic pain, and as anti-inflammatory remedy. Particularly, extract of blue cohosh roots has been used as anti-inflammatory antipyretic in traditional medicines. In the present study, we investigated the effects of blue cohosh components on the suppressive expression of iNOS or proinflammatory cytokines after the activation of microgli
Sleep is the most basic and essential physiological requirement for mental health, and sleep disorders pose potential risks of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Tryptic hydrolysate of α<sub>S1</sub>-casein (α<sub>S1</sub>-CH) has been shown to possess stress relieving and sleep promoting effects. However, the differential effects of α<sub>S1</sub>-CH on electroencephalographic wave patterns and its effects on the protein levels of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA<sub>A</sub>) receptor subtype
A simple synthesis of sulfonamides 4-22 as novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors is described. The key synthetic strategies involve N-sulfonylation of L-proline benzyl ester hydrochloride (2) and coupling reaction of N-sulfonyl chloride 3 with amines in high yields. It was found that several compounds showed good cellular potency with the most potent compound 20 exhibiting an IC50 = 2.8 microM in vitro.
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