Glucosinolates (GSLs), beneficial secondary metabolites for human health are abundantly present in radish vegetable. Radish is a member of Brassicaceae family and its seed, leaf and root contain very important GSLs. The objective of this study was to determine the variation of individual and total GSL contents in leaves and roots of 44 radish (Raphanus spp.) germplasm (26 R. sativus L., 3 R. raphanistrum, and 15 R. sativus L. var. raphanistroides Makino), and compare the GSL contents between leaves and roots among three Raphanus species. Thirteen GSLs were identified, being the glucoraphasatin (GRS) and glucobrassicin (GBS) the most abundant aliphatic and indolyl GSLs in both the leaves and roots. Variation in individual and total GSL contents was found among the germplasm of three Raphanus species. The GRS content was higher in roots than that of leaves in all three Raphanus species but the GBS content was higher in leaves than roots. GRS was represented 87.0%, 92.7% and 94.7% of the total GSL in roots of R. sativus L., R. raphanistrum and R. sativus L. var. raphanistroides (Makino) germplasm, respectively. Germplasm of R. raphanistrum exhibited the highest (average, 79.5 μmol/g dw) total GSL with a ranged from 62.7 to 92.9 μmol/g dw. The germplasm IT119288, Joseonmu and IT119262 from R. sativus L., RA 504 and K046542 from R. raphanistrum, and Gyeongju-2003-32 (G2003-32) and IT302373 from R. sativus L. var. raphanistroides (Makino) had high total GSL contents and these could be good candidates for developing the functional compounds-rich varieties in radish breeding program.
A total of 447 accessions consisting of seven Brassica spp.; Brassica carinata (34), B. juncea (199), B. rapa subsp. dichotoma (18), B. rapa. subsp. oleifera (14), B. rapa subsp. rapa (36), B. rapa subsp. trilocularis (56) and B. alba subsp. alba (90) were studied for their morphological characters and fatty acid compositions. There was a wide variation for morphological traits, oil content and fatty acid composition among Brassica species. Seed number/silique and yield/plant were varied from 4.2 (B. alba) to 25.1 (B. rapa subsp. trilocularis) and from 170.7 g (B. rapa subsp. oleifera) to 351.9 g (B. juncea L. Czern.), respectively. Among Brassica species, B. rapa subsp. trilocularis exhibited the highest oil (29.2%), stearic (20.4%) and erucic acid (45.3%) content. B. carinata had the highest content of palmitic (5.2%), oleic (21.2%) and linolenic acid (11.1%). B. rapa subsp. dichotoma and B. rapa subsp. oleifera exhibited the highest content of linoleic (8.1%) and behenic (26.9%) acid, respectively. B. rapa subsp. trilocularis exhibited the highest (45.3%) erucic acid content and significant positive relationship was observed between oleic acid and linoleic acid. This variation of agronomic and fatty acid compositions in Brassica species can be utilized to develop new varieties.
Hyperlipidemia is an increase in one or more of the plasma lipids, including triglycerides, cholesterol. Ginseng has been used as a valuable tonic and for the treatment of various diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Jinan red ginseng (JRG) water extract on the blood and serum in rabbits with hyperlipidemia induced by poloxamer 407 when supplied in drinking water. JRG treatment was performed for 20 weeks. We evaluated the effects of the JRG treatment on diabetes through hematological and biochemical analysis before and after JRG treatment were performed. Our results indicate that LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly decreased compared prior JRG supply. CRE, BUN, CK and UA levels indicating renal functions are significantly reduced when compared to those prior to the JRG supply. In addition, AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH were significantly reduced indicating hepatoprotective effect. Blood electrolytes deteriorated in HL rabbits were improved when JRG supplied. In conclusion, Biochemical and hematological analysis demonstrate that the JRG is effective to alleviate the hyperlipidemia signs.
The preservation of pear germplasm, like that of other clonal germplasms, is difficult because it requires conservation of whole plants or their tissues. Among the currently available methods for long-term conservation of clonal germplasm, cryopreservation of shoot tips is the most reliable and cost- and space-effective option. Alginate-coated axillary shoot tips from in vitro−grown pear were conserved successfully in liquid nitrogen (LN) following dehydration. Shoot recovery from cryopreserved shoot tips was improved greatly after 8 weeks of cold acclimation, but recovery decreased slightly after then. The highest regeneration rate was observed when in vitro shoot tips were preincubated in MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium with 0.3 M sucrose for 48 h, and when alginate-coated shoot tips were precultured in MS medium with increasing sucrose concentrations (0.5 M and 0.7 M) for 8 and 16 h, respectively. When the encapsulated beads were dehydrated for up to 7 h [25% water content (fresh weight basis)] under laminar flow, the highest regeneration rate was observed in “BaeYun No. 3” (55.7%) and “Whanggeum” (43.3%) after warming from LN. This technique is useful as a practical procedure to cryopreserve plant material that is sensitive to freezing of the surrounding cryoprotectant medium. Therefore, this technique appears to be promising for the cryopreservation of shoot tips from in vitro−grown plantlets of pear germplasm.
Various bioactive substances are found in Loranthus tanakae, including quercetin 3-rhamnoside (1), kaempferol 3-rhamnoside (2), rhamnetin 3-rhamnoside (3), and rhamnocitrin 3-rhamnoside (4), which inhibit tyrosinase. These compounds are mainly found in the EtOAc fraction of L. tanakae extract and demonstrate higher rates of tyrosinase inhibition than ascorbic acid, which was used as a control. Our results suggest that L. tanakae extracts can be utilized in skin whitening cosmetics.
We investigated traditional knowledge about ethnobotanical uses around national parks in the northern areas of Province Gyeongsangbuk-do, with the focus on the Sobeaksan National Park area. Interviews were carried out to 138 residents at 42 places from 7 counties and/or cities, and verified species and usage information were categorized by taxonomic groups, usage, and used parts. The ethnobotanical species of the regions consisted of a total of 277 taxa: 244 species, 3 subspecies, 28 varieties, and 2 forma in 213 genera of 79 families. The significant native plants included one Endangered Species (Paeonia obovata Max.) and four endemic species (Salix hallaisanensis H. Lev., Aconitum pseudolaeve Nakai, Paulownia coreana Uyeki, and Cirsium setidens (Dunn) Nakai, Sasa coreana Nakai). About 17 Approved Species for Delivering Overseas designated by Korea Ministry of Environment have been also traditionally valuable in the regions. The main usage of the plants were edible (185 taxa) and medicinal (175 taxa). Leaves were most commonly used parts (109 taxa), followed by stems (73 taxa), fruits (69 taxa), roots (67 taxa), and wholes (57 taxa). The traditional usage of plants were diverse as those useful parts. Leaves, fruits and seeds were used as edible and medicinal; sprouts (young shoots) were mainly used as edible; but roots and flowers were used as medicinal. The study does not only provides examples of traditional uses of native plants, but also facilitates sustainable managements and developments of ethnobotanical knowledge for the contemporary society.
In this study, we elucidated anti-cancer activity and potential molecular mechanism of 70% ethanol extracts from Taxilli Ramulus (Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser) (TR-E70) against human colorectal cancer cells. Anti-cell proliferative effect of TR-E70 was evaluated by MTT assay. The effect of TR-E70 on the expression of cyclin D1 in the protein and mRNA level was evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. TR-E70 suppressed the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480. Although TR-E70 decreased cyclin D1 expression in protein and mRNA level, decreased level of cyclin D1 protein by TR-E70 more dramatically occurred than that of cyclin D1 mRNA. Cyclin D1 downregulation by TR-E70 was attenuated in presence of MG132. In addition, TR-E70 phosphorylated threonine-286 (T286) of cyclin D1. TR-E70-mediated cyclin D1 degradation was blocked in presence of LiCl as an inhibitor GSK3β but not PD98059 as an ERK1/2 inhibitor and SB203580 as a p38 inhibitor. Our results suggest that TR-E70 may downregulate cyclin D1 as one of the potential anti-cancer targets through GSK3β-dependent cyclin D1 degradation. From these findings, TR-E70 has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for human colorectal cancer.
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is linked with high mortality rate. Several agents have been developed so far to reduce the risk of HIRI. In this study, we investigated the effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract (AS) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion. To explore the protective effects of A. senticosus extract injection (ASI) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury rats animal model were used. After the development of HIRI by using clamping method rats were then randomly divided into five groups. Different doses of AS were administered in HIRI rat model. The level of ALT, AST, and MDA content in serum were detected in sham and HIRI groups. The activity of SOD, MPO and Ca2+-ATPase, content of MDA, and cAMP in hepatic tissue were also measured. Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein were detected by immunohistochemical staining method. Compared with sham group, ASI has the protective effect on the HIRI model in rats. Blood levels of ALT, AST, SOD, MPO, and MDA were significantly lower in ASI group compared with HIRI. Indeed SOD and Ca2+-ATPase activities, MDA content, and cAMP level were improved in ASI group. Furthermore, Bcl-2 and Bax protein were improved in ASI group compared with only HIRI group. These results suggest that AS may provide potential ameliorative therapy by inhibiting the damage signaling mechanism in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury model.
Dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization karyotype analysis was created using repetitive sequences including two types of rDNA repeats (45S and 5S rDNAs) and Arabidopsis-type telomere sequence repeats. The somatic metaphase cells of Carthamus tinctorius were observed as diploids (2n=2x=24). A symmetrical or slightly asymmetrical karyotype with seven pairs of metacentric and five pairs of submetacentric chromosomes was observed. The lengths of the somatic metaphase chromosomes ranged from 4.18 to 6.53 ㎛, with a total length of 60.71 ㎛. One locus of 45S rDNA was located on the pericentromeric regions of three pairs of chromosomes and the other pair was situated on the terminal regions of the short arms of a single pair of chromosomes. One locus of 5S rDNA was detected on the interstitial regions of the short arms of two pairs of chromosomes. Arabidopsis-type telomeric repeats were detected on the terminal regions of all pairs of chromosomes. Co-localization of loci between telomeric repeats and 45S rDNA was observed in a single pair of chromosomes. The results provide additional information for the existing physical mapping project of C. tinctorius and will also serve as a benchmark to a more intricate cytogenetic investigation of C. tinctorius and its related species.
Rubia cordifolia has been used to treat diseases for many years in China and India. Although the biological properties and major compounds of R. cordifolia have been extensively studied, the underlying mechanisms of its biological effects remain elusive. In terms of immunological effects, anti-inflammation effect of macrophage (Raw 264.7) simply has been reported. In this study, R. cordifolia was extracted in 70% ethanol and the extract did not affect to macrophage (Raw 264.7) pro-inflammation and T cell (Molt-4). However, in mast cell (RBL-2H3), it showed inhibition of degranulation. The inducing inhibitory effect on degranulation was related to concentration dependent variation in phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 and upregulating the JNK phosphorylation in RBL-2H3 cells. Based on these data, we concluded that R. cordifolia newly have anti-allergenic effects in RBL-2H3 and might be used as a therapeutic agent to treat or prevent allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis.
Persimmon seeds contain considerable amounts of minerals, amino and organic acids, natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate quality characteristics and antioxidant potential of Korean persimmon seeds. The pH (4.88-4.94), color values, contents of minerals, free amino acids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds and DPPH free radical scavenging potentials of persimmon seed extracts significantly (p < 0.05) varied with the genotypes. This study showed that the seeds could be used as a source of different mineral elements (47.14-85.07 ㎎/㎏) without any measureable amount of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. Similarly, considerable amounts of organic (1550.13-2413.08 ㎎/㎏) and essential amino (50.85-54.03 ㎎/㎏) acids and total phenolic compounds (1227.91-1307.78 ㎍ gallic acid equivalent/g) were also found in the seed extracts, indicating their potential food value as a natural antioxidant. Results of the present study imply that prethanol-A, a food preservative, can be used as an effective extraction to obtain the minerals, organic and free amino acids, and phenolic compounds from the persimmon seeds, which possess a big potential to be commercially used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Stachys affinis tubers are known for its high content of stachyose and eaten as an edible vegetable. In this work, we assessed on the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation activity of a various type of extracts derived from S. affinis tubers. The n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions were showed the high cytotoxicity on the cell lines including RAW264.7 macrophages, HEK293 human kidney cell, A549 human lung cancer cell, KB human oral cancer cell, and a PC-3 human prostate cancer cell. N-butanol and water fractions were not exhibited cytotoxicity on the tested cancer cells, limited in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Nevertheless, the ethyl acetate fraction showed little harm to RAW264.7 cells but inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) significantly. In addition, it arrests the cell growth in A549, KB, and PC-3 cell while little cytotoxicity on HEK293 cells. Consequently, these results supported that the ethyl acetate fraction of S. affinis tubers could be a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer ingredient.
The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of surfactant to extract higher phenolic compound, flavonoid and antioxidant activity from Tartary buckwheat and evaluate the potentiality of surfactant as a screening agent for breeding purpose. Primarily, we employed two types of surfactant (Hydrophilic: Tween 20 and Lipophilic: Span 80) to select the suitable surfactant agent for the extraction of optimum bioactive compounds. Between two surfactants, Tween 20 showed highest efficiency at 4 mM concentration to extract total phenolic content (TP), total flavonoid (TF) and antioxidant activity (AA). Tween 20 at 4 mM concentration was fixed for further analysis along with hot water (90℃) treatment as a control. In our findings, highest TP (118 ㎎/g), TF (38 ㎎/g) and AA (76%) was achieved in KW21 and KW22 among the fifteen accessions of Tartary buckwheat. In other way, TP, TF and AA was 200%, 120% and 110% higher in surfactant formulation compared with control treatment, respectively.
The quality control of natural products is principal key to guarantee the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) for the functional food, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals in the industry. In this study, we examined the quantitative analysis of berberine as marker substance of Coptidis Rhizoma by high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The HPLC method was validated and met all the requirements for the quality control analysis recommended by FDA and ICH. The berberine was separated on a Xterra C18 column (5 ㎛, 4.6 × 250 ㎜) using mobile phase consisting of distilled water and acetonitrile with KH2PO4 (3.4 g) and Na2SO4 (1.7 g). Calibration curve of berberine has been estimated (y = 42293.47x-41589 with the correlation coefficient 0.9999). The amount of berberine was calculated as 4.25%. And berberastine, palmatine, columbamine, jatrorrhizine, epiberberine, berberine and coptisine in the Coptidis Rhizoma were identified by high performance liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization-mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-MS) method.
For rapid production of freesia ‘Shiny Gold’ shoots by using a bioreactor, several culture conditions were investigated. Young shoots (< 1 ㎝) obtained from freesia corm section in vitro were used as plant materials for this experiment. As a basic experimental environment, 20 young shoots were inoculated into a 5 L balloon type bubble reactor which contained 1 L 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 30 g sucrose (3%), and the aeration was 0.1 vvm (vessel volumes per minute). The bioreactors were placed in a growth room with 23℃ temperature, 60% relative humidity and 60 μmol·m-2·s-1 light condition (16 h/8 h, day/night). The concentrations of MS media were set with 1/4, 1/2, 1 strength, medium volume 10, 20, 40%, sucrose concentration 3, 6, 9%, and aeration 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 vvm. After 4 weeks of cultivation, the growth indexes including the fresh and dry weight, and plant height were evaluated. At the same time, the consumption, pH, and EC of medium were estimated 4 weeks after incubating. The best results were achieved when 40 young shoots were incubated in a bioreactor in which 1 L of 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 6% sucrose was used for the rapid production of freesia shoots. The shoots were 17 cm in plant height and 1.0 g in fresh weight only 4 weeks after incubation which could be a good plant material suitable for corm enlargement i