The object of this study was to obtain single oral dose toxicity of Arisaema Rhizome (Arisaema amurense f. serratum (Nakai) Kitag) aqueous extracts. Arisaema Rhizome (Chunnamsong in Korean) is one of the most important folk remedy plants used in Asia. In the study, a 28-day rat oral gavage study has been conducted with the extracts from Arisaema Rhizome at dose of 1,250, 2,500 and 5,000 ㎎/㎏/day. The following endpoints were evaluated: clinical observations, body weight, gross and microscopic pathology, clinical chemistry, and hematology. Based on the analysis of these endpoints, it was estimated that NOEL (no observed effect level) for male rats and NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for female rats are 5000 ㎎/㎏/day of the water-extracts from Arisaema Rhizome.
Momordica charantia L. is a valuable food and medicinal plant of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) that is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Physicochemical properties of M. charantia based on cultivars, parts and growing stage were investigated. Crude protein contents of leaf were 27.5%, 26.9%, and 23.6% in native leaf (NL), cv. Erabu leaf (EL), and cv. Dragon leaf (DL), respectively. In particular, the crude protein content was the highest in leaves. The crude fat content was in the order of developmental stage 1 of cv. Erabu fruit (EF1) and developmental stage 1 of native fruit (NF1) with values of 4.0%, and 3.9%, respectively. There was also high amount of crude fiber in stem of all three cultivars. The crude ash content was in the order of cv. Erabu leaf, cv. Dragon leaf, and developmental stage 3 of native fruit (NF3) with values of 23.2%, 17.4%, and 13.6%, respectively. The major minerals found in M. charantia were K, Ca, and Mg. The potassium contents of developmental stage 3 of native fruit (NF3), developmental stage 3 of cv. Dragon fruit (DF3), cv. Dragon stem (DS), and developmental stage 2 of native fruit (NF2) were 498.37, 339.21, 314.30, and 307.34 ㎎ /100g, respectively, while the calcium contents were decreased of EL, DL, and NL with values of 513.45, 371.69, and 209.43 ㎎/100g, respectively. The calcium content was higher in leaves and stems than fruits. On the otherhand, the highest magnesium content was measured in EL (69.92 ㎎/100g). The highest contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were found in NL (442.9 ㎎/100g dw), EL (759.6 ㎎/100g dw), and EL (1164.9 ㎎/100g dw), respectively. The vitamin C contents from developmental stage 2 of cv. Erabu fruit (EF2), NF3, developmental stage 3 of cv. Erabu on fruit (EF3), and NF2 were found with values of 2849.9, 2330.5, 1985.1, and 1844.5 ㎎/㎏, respectively, and found to be higher in Korean cultivar and Erabu fruit than in Dragon. The charantin contents of leaf were higher than the fruit found to be 547.71, 506.04 and 395.62 ㎍/g dw in DL, EL and EF2, respectively. According to the results, mineral contents, total chlorophyll and charantin contents of M. charantia were higher in the leaves (EL and DL) than the fruits. And, vitamin C content was the highest in the fruit (EF2 and EF3). Therefore, much more research needs to be undertaken to use of the leaves as well as fruits. The data showed that M. charantia can be considered a good source of nutrient for application in food system.
There has been little research on the harvesting time-dependent changes in the antioxidant activities of new varieties of highland cultures of Gomchwi (Ligularia fischeri) crossed with Turcs (Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.)) and Nakai (Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis), namely Sammany (S), Gommany (G) and Damogy (D). This study was conducted to assess the effect of different harvesting times on nutritional and health-related properties such as total phenolic contents, flavonoids, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrasyl) free radical scavenging activities and reducing power. From these harvests, extracts were prepared using methanol. Total phenolic content in Jul 14-G (Gommany harvested on July 14, 0.172 ㎎·GAE/㎖) was higher than that in other products harvested after the same period (S, 0.154; D, 0.141 ㎎·GAE/㎖). Flavonoid content was higher in Jul 3-G (0.114 ㎎·QE/㎖), compared to Jul 3-S (0.113 ㎎·QE/㎖) and Jul 14-D (0.089 ㎎·QE/㎖). Antioxidant activities were higher in samples harvested after June 12 in all cases. On July 14, the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activities among all harvest dates were seen (92.875~94.595%). The reducing power was also dependent on harvest day (Abs 0.5~0.6 on July 14), showing a pattern similar to that of DPPH free radical-scavenging activities. Antioxidant activity and harvesting times seem to correlate with total polyphenol and flavonoid contents.
Juniperus chinensis (Cupressaceae) is a valuable woody plant resource, but this rare plant is only distributed in restricted regions in Korea. In this study, we surveyed the geographic distribution regions, variation of sex ratio and the dynamics of natural populations of J. chinensis. in order to establish conservation strategies for the sustainable conservation of this important resource tree. The 17 natural populations of J. chinensis are restrictively distributed in the shore cliffs of (1) Ulleungdo island, (2) Gyeongju-si to Gangneung-si of the eastern coast, the riverside cliff along (3) Donggang-river of Jungsun-gun and Pyeongchang-gun and (4) branch of Nakdonggang-river in Uiseong-gun. The populations in Ulleungdo island showed continuous population distribution of over 200 individuals, but populations in other regions had discontinuous population distribution of under 200. The population of J. chinensis surveyed in Korea was estimated in ca. 3,200 individuals. The sex ratio (male/female) among populations of J. chinensis was diverse with variation from 0.46~1.67 range, but showed no significance. The sex ratio of the total individuals by species level was 0.74, and the percentage of female tree was significantly higher than the male. The results of dynamics analysis within population among regions showed that seedlings and saplings of J. chinensis in three regions surveyed were continuously regenerating. The distribution of DBH class showed a stable population structure of inverse J shape graph, but fragmentation and decrease in populations because of invading broad-leaved shrubs and trees from the surroundings were concerned. Further studies, and in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for the sustainable conservation on natural populations of this rare resources woody plant, J. chinensis in Korea are recommended.
Lonicera caerulea var. edulis is a rare species found in some alpine region of Korea. Genetic variation in L. caerulea var. edulis has been investigated by examining 161 individuals from six natural populations: Mt. Seorak 1, Mt. Seorak 2, Mt. Jeombong, Mt. Bangtae, Mt. Gyebang, Mt. Halla. The mean genetic diversity for all the six populations was 0.25 (S.I.). The highest genetic diversity was found in Mt. Seorak (S.I.=0.3158) and the lowest was in Mt. Gyebang (S.I.=0.1047). Comparatively low level of genetic diversity was observed (Ae=1.25, P= 64.6%, S.I.=0.25), which is a typical pattern for rare tree species. AMOVA showed exceptionally large proportion of genetic variations both for among populations (34.69%) and within populations (65.31%). Excluding Mt. Gyebang, the genetic variation among and within population was 18.71% and 81.29% respectively. The UPGMA dendrogram based on genetic distance is not suitable for geographic relationship. Genetic distance of Mt. Gyebang was most distant from the other populations. Excluding Mt. Gyebang, the genetic identities among the five populations were 0.95 to 0.97, which is very high similarity level of genetic identity. This low level of genetic variations and the lack of site in nature indicates that L. caerulea var. edulis demanded a serious conservation.
This study was carried out to investigate the flora of indigenous habitat of Simjeok forest wetland, Mt. Jeombomg forest wetland, Mt. Sohwangbyung forest wetland, Jilmoi-neup, and Mt. Myeon forest wetland in Gangwon Province. The vascular plants were summarized as 547 taxa; 92 families, 296 genera, 468 species, 4 subspecies, 67 varieties, 8 forms. The plants that are specially noteworthy are 17 taxa of Korean endemic plants, 3 taxa of Critical Endangered Species (CR), 4 taxa of Endangered Species (EN), 8 taxa of Vulnerable Species (VU) and 17 taxa of Least Concemed Species (LC) in rare plants as categorized by the Korean Forest Service. Furthermore, V, IV, III degrees of floristic regional indicator plants as categorized by the Korean Ministry of Environment included 9 taxa, 14 taxa and 34 taxa, respectively. In addition, 25 taxa of naturalized plants were observed. In this study, we identified a variety of plants observed in the wetlands of Gangwon Province. We believe that this study will provide useful data for future research on the conservation and management of wetlands.
This study was carried out to investigate the flora of Mt. Byeollipsan (Ganghwa-gun). The vascular plants from 13 field surveys were revealed to total of 574 taxa; 116 families, 355 genera, 505 species, 8 subspecies, 52 varieties, 7 forms and 2 hybrids. A high plant diversity were Asteraceae (12.3%), Poaceae (10.6%), Cyperaceae (6.1%), Fabaceae (4.5%) and Rosaceae (4.2%) in regular order. The seven taxa of Korean endemic plants such as Clematis brachyura, Viola seoulensis, Populus × tomentiglandulosa, Salix koriyanagi, Ajuga multiflora f. rosea, Hemerocallis hakuunensis and Polygonatum infundiflorum were collected. The red data of vascular plants according to IUCN valuation basis were examined five taxa; Least Concern (LC) species of both Phacelurus latifolius and Belamcanda chinensis, Not Evaluate (NE) species of Lithospermum arvense, Scorzonera austriaca ssp. glabra and Polygonatum infundiflorum. The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 34 taxa comprising one taxa of degree IV, six taxa of degree III, 11 taxa of degree II, and 16 taxa of degree I. In addition, the naturalized plants were identified as 46 taxa and the percent of naturalized index (NI) was 8.0%, Urbanization Index (UI) was 14.3%, respectively.
We have investigated the flora of Yeongheungdo Island in Ongjin-gun, Incheon. A total of 13 separate field trips were carried out from March 2012 to October 2013. As a result, 302 taxa including 80 families, 211 genera, 261 species, 6 subspecies, 31 varieties and 4 forms were identified. These include the following: 1 taxon protected under the Act on the Protection and Management of Wildlife, 3 Korean endemic taxa, 8 floristic indicator species including 2 taxa of grade V, 3 of grade II and 3 of grade I, 33 naturalized taxa with the naturalization rate of 10.9% and 1 northern taxon vulnerable to climate change.
This survey was conducted in order to investigate the vascular plants of Hak Reservoir Valley in the DMZ Area, Korea. The vascular plants were collected six times (from April 2014 to November 2014) and consisted a total of 238 taxa; 69 families, 172 genera, 206 species, 2 subspecies, 26 varieties and 4 forms. The observed rare plant species as designated by Korea Forest Service were 3 taxa including Carex capricornis Meinsh. ex Maxim., Acorus calamus L., Penthorum chinense Pursh. Endemic plant species were 2 taxa including Salix koriyanagi Kimura, Clematis brachyura Maxim. 17 taxa were listed as specific plant species based on phytogeographical in the investigated area. 25 taxa were recorded as naturalized plants, and their Naturalization Ratio and Urbanization Index were recorded as 10.46%, and 7.78%, respectively. Of the 238 taxa listed; 105 were pasturing plants, 92 edible plants, 76 medicinal plants, 24 ornamental plants, 6 stain plants, 4 timber plants, 2 fiber plants, 2 industrial plants and 55 unknown plants.
This study was carried out to inventory the vascular plant flora in Deokjeokdo and its adjacent regions (Mungapdo, Soyado), Ongjin-gun, South Korea, from April to October 2014. Based on the voucher specimens, vascular plants in this area consisted of 108 families, 362 genera, 578 species, 5 subspecies, 66 varieties and 4 forms, totally 653 taxa. In the flora of this area, 5 taxa of Korean endemic plants were found distributed in the sites, including Hepatica insularis Nakai and Asarum glabrata (C.S.Yook & J.G.Kim) B.U.Oh. Korean rare and endangered plants found in this area were 1 taxa of Critical Endangered Species (CR) and 5 taxa of Vulnerable Species (VU). The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 67 taxa comprising 3 taxa of grade V, 2 taxa of grade IV, 12 taxa of grade III, 3 taxa of grade II and 47 taxa of grade I. Naturalized plants consisted of 67 taxa, such as Chenopodium album L. and Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. were recognized widely distributed in the area.
The purpose of this study is to offer the flora data for conserving the biodiversity of Gyeongju National Park by objective surveying and analysing the flora distributed in Mt. Gumi District, Gyeongju National Park, South Korea. The flora of Mt. Gumi were surmmarized as 476 taxa including 97 families, 297 genera, 419 species, 3 subspecies, 46 varieties and 8 forms. The rare plants were 6 taxa such as Aristolochia contorta, Paeonia lactiflora var. trichocarpa, Potentilla discolor, Berchemia berchemiaefolia, Trigonotis icumae and Iris odaesanensis. The Korean endemic plants were 9 taxa such as Carpinus laxiflora, Pseudostellaria coreana, Philadelphus schrenkii, Indigofera koreana, Lespedeza maritima, Vicia chosenensis, Galium koreanum, Lonicera subsessilis and Weigela subsessilis. The specific plants by floristic region were 38 taxa such as Salix chaenomeloides (I), Hylomecon vernalis (I), Oxalis obtriangulata (I), Viola orientalis (II), Adoxa moschatellina (II), Cirsium chanroenicum (II), Vitex negundo var. incisa (III) and so forth. The naturalized plants were 36 taxa such as Fallopia dumetorum, Chenopodium album, Lepidium virginicum, Amorpha fruticosa, Euphorbia supina, Carduus crispus, Erigeron strigosus, Festuca myuros and so forth. The invasive aline plant was Aster pilosus. The target plants adaptable to climate change were 8 taxa such as Artemisia rubripes, Carpesium macrocephalum and so forth.
Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SJ) is a perennial plant and its root has been used in oriental traditional medicine for treatment of fever, inflammation, diarrhea and anticancer effect, etc. In this study, plant tissue culture system for SJ was developed. Stem piece of younger plant was optimum explant for callus induction and growth on MS medium supplemented with NAA 1.0 ㎎/L plus BA 0.5 ㎎/L. Plantlet regeneration through callus culture was well on MS medium containing NAA 1.0 mg/L. SJ has been known biologically active substances such as baicalin, baiclein, and wogonin. This study was carried out to examine the effect of plant growth regulators for production of baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin through callus culture. The HPLC pattern of callus extract was identical to that of standard solution, it shows that the callus produced by tissue culture has the same flavonoids composition of SJ. Baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin production was 471.5~52.8 ㎍/g, 137.6~4.0 ㎍/g, and 16.6~1.3 ㎍/g, respectively, on MS media with nine different plant growth regulator combinations. This may indicate that plant tissue culture of SJ possible to produce the biologically active substances effectively.
Germination properties, leachate electrical conductivity (EC), and inorganic compound leaching were analyzed to ascertain the storage ability and change of physiological characteristics during storage of Hippophae rhamnoides seeds. Seeds were placed in an incubator at 25℃ and sown in different soil media (sand, vermiculite and horticultural substrate) after being stored for 6, 18 and 30 months at 2℃. All germination properties decreased in accordance to an increase of the seed storage period. Compared with the seed storage for 18 months, germination percentage (GP), germination performance index (GPI), and germination value (GV) of seeds stored for 30 months decreased by more than 50%. When the seeds were sown in different soil media in a greenhouse, those germination properties were similar to the seeds germinated in an incubator, and mean germination time, GPI and GV had a significant difference except GP among soil media. EC and inorganic ion concentration had a strong positive correlation with the seed storage period, but the ratios of inorganic ions from stored seeds revealed that K + /Mg 2+ and Na + /Mg 2+ were inversely correlated with the storage period.
This study was carried out to investigate the effect of simple hydroponic culture in cultivation of grafted cactus. The results obtained are as follows: Growth indexes of grafted cactus cultivars, such as scion diameter, fresh weight, and scion hardness were improved in simple hydroponic culture compared with soil culture regardless of cultivars. Stem rot and rate of non-graft take were lower in simple hydroponic culture than in soil culture, but no significant difference was monitored between cultivars. Time for harvesting was fast in simple hydroponic culture compared with soil culture. Marketable yield increased in simple hydroponic culture.