Background : The most problematic disease in Boxthorn is Anthracnose. New variety with Anthracnose-resistant is good for high yield and Safe fruit production in open field. Therefore it is necessary to develop a New variety with Anthracnose -resistant and high yield. Methods and Results : The new boxthorn line, CB10511-104 was selected from the cross between Cheongun (IT232599) and CB08456-113 to breed new variety with high yield and Anthracnose-resistant in 2011. Its preliminary yield test was performed from 2012 to 2013 and the selected line was named Cheongyang 25. Its regional yield trials were carried out in Cheongyang, Yesan and Jindo for 3 years, from 2014 to 2016. Cheongyang 25 was registered as the new variety, Cheonggeum, in 2016. The specific characteristics were summarized as follows; Tree shape is open type and the leaf is round-lanceolate. The flowers are normal size and purple. The fruit is large size, round oval and yellowish red. The flowering was June 19 with medium flowering. Number of sprout branch by pruning was generated more than the check variety, Cheongmeong. The infection rates on leaves to Eriophys macrodonis Keifer was as strong as 39.6 percent. Anthracnose on fruits in open field was slightly similare compared to the check variety, but check variety was Anthracnose-resistant. The content of betaine and free sugar in dried-fruits were higher than that of the check variety. The dried-fruit yield was decreased about 17 percent in open field. Conclusion : This variety ‘Cheonggeum’ was suitable for cultivation in open field because of Anthracnose-resistant. It is necessary the companion variety, Cheonghong, because of self-incompatible.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a perennial plant of Campanulaceae with characteristic flavor and aroma and this plant has saponin, flavonoid, and inulin, which are reported to have physiological activity and antioxidant activity. In contrast, breeding or study of C. lanceolata varieties had not been done for a long time. Genetic polymorphism and phylogenetic relationship analysis of the plants by region of the crops can help the collection of genetic backgroud data for variety development. Methods and Results : In this study, we collected 26 C. lanceolata lines (95 individual plants) from 26 regions in Korea. We genotyped the collected lines using SSR markers developed in the previous study and analyzed the population structure based on the results. Population structures were analyzed using model-based STRUCTURE software (version 2.3.4) using the following parameters: Number of clusters (K) set = 1 to 12; Number of Iterations = 5; Length of Burning Period = 100,000; Number of MCMC (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) Reps after Burnin = 100,000. As a result, Of the 26 collections, were genetically grouped into 6 or 7 groups. Conclusion : The 26 C. lanceolata collections (95 individual plants) were genetically grouped but not grouped by collected regions. These results suggest that C. lanceolata has diverse genetic backgrounds and this data could be used as a basis for genetic polymorphism analysis of Codonopsis species.

Background : In this study, a total of 46 breeding lines consisting of native ginseng collections from Geumsan was analyzed and clustered for the selection of Geumsan native ginseng in Korea using DNA markers. Methods and Results : We collected 46 Ginseng breeding lines from Geumsan : GS97-25 - GS00-58. Analyses of the genetic characteristics of the collection were conducted for extraction gDNA using sprout. 46 Ginseng breeding lines from Geumsan could be identified polymorphism using the selected 5 primer. We determained that the 46 breeding lines analyzed could be classified into 5 groups with similartiy value of 0.77 in dendrogram derived from the cluster analysis based on STS-markers. Group 4, which is the largest one, contained 19 collertions (41%). Conclusion : These finding could be used for morphological and genetic characteristics for produced native ginseng in Geumsan area. Futhermore, We could be used diverse genetic resources for Ginseng breeding.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a perennial plant of Campanulaceae and mainly distributed in East Asia such as Korea, China, and Japan. C. lanceolata has a unique taste and aroma, and it is rich in minerals such as phosphorus and calcium, and vitamin B1 and B2, so our ancestors used the plant as medicinal herb and edible vegetable. However, systematic cultivation and development of varieties have not been achieved compared to demand or high added value. The genetic diversity and relationship analysis of the plants help to increase the efficiency of breeding through genetic variation. Methods and Results : Ten species of Codonopsis plants were used as materials and DNA was extracted from each 4 individuals per species and quantified at a concentration of 10 ng /㎕. The extracted DNA was pooled by species and PCR was performed using the EST-SSR marker developed based on C. lanceolata in the previous study. PCR amplification was carried out using a denaturation at 94℃ for 30 sec, annealing at 58℃ for 30 sec and extension at 72℃ for 30 sec, repeated for 35 total cycles. The PCR products were separated in a 4% agarose gell at 100 V for 40 min. Conclusion : In this study, C. lanceolata collections was determined among several Codonopsis species using these molecular marker. It is expected that the data of this study can be used as reference for genetic polymorphism analysis and related gene studies of Codonopsis species.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a flowering perennial climber. The roots are used as medicinal materials or vegetables. C. lanceolata is distributed in India and East Asia such as China, Japan as well as Korea. Recently, demand for C. lanceolata is increasing as a healthy food. In South Korea, this plant is widely cultivated in Gangwon-do province. Although, C. lanceolata is one of the most important medicinal plants in Korea, it is easy to be confused with other species of the same genus. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker is a powerful tool for distinguish specific species. In addition, there are many studies that show species-specific polymorphisms in chloroplasts SSR. In this study, we developed chloroplast SSR markers that can distinguish C. lanceolata from 6 Codonopsis species. Methods and Results : We collected 6 Codonopsis species include C. lanceolata. and extrated DNA using CTAB method. The DNA was diluted to 10 ng/㎕ and kept at –20℃. We designed the primer sets using CLC Main Workbench based on chloroplast DNA SSR region of C. lanceolata. PCR was performed using three independent plants for each species. Conclusion : We designed six primer sets from six SSR regions of C. lanceolata cpDNA. All of the primer sets amplified the amplicon effectively. Two of the 6 primer sets had polymorphism. We could distinguish C. lanceolata from 6 Codonopsis species using two primer sets.

Background : Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a perennial herb belongs to the family Araliaceae. Wild-cultivated ginseng (WCG) is a specific type of ginseng in Korea which cultivated on artificial forest cultivation method. To obtain a WCG which is similar to wild ginseng (WG), this method usually performed in a mountain using seeds or seedlings of cultivated ginseng (CG) and WG. WCG is very expensive because it is difficult to cultivate. However, systematic cultivation method have not yet been developed compared to high added value. Furthermore, very high price of WCG caused the problem that Panax notoginseng or Panax quinquefolium are sold as WCG in Korean market. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of WCG collected from five areas in Korea using SSR markers. Methods and Results : WCG samples were collected from five areas in Korea (Bucheon, Cheongju, Hoengseong, Judeok and Ulsan). DNA extraction was performed using CTAB method. SSR markers were collected from the published papers. After test PCR using the markers, one of the primer pair was labeled with fluorescence dye (FAM, NED, PET, or VIC) and GeneScan analysis were performed. DNA amplification was conducted using T-100 Thermal Cycler (Bio-Rad). PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis on the ABI 3730 DNA analyzer (Applied Biosystems). Conclusion : Eight SSR markers were collected from the published literature and used for the analysis. From the 8 tested SSR markers, 7 SSR markers showed polymorphism between varieties. GenScan analysis were performed using the selected SSR markers to analyze the phylogenetic relationship of WCG. From the results, WCG cultivated in Korea showed that they have a very diverse genetic background.

Backgoound : This study was conducted to serve as a basis for the selection of superior lines by analyzing the content of antioxidant component and antioxidant activity in Schisandra chinensis Collections Methods and Results : In order to examine antioxidant component and antioxidant activity, 154 species of Schisandra chinensis from whole country were used. Antioxidant component was investigated by total flavonoid content and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity. As a result, the total amounts of flavonoids was highest in SC-20 with 5.03 ㎎/g. However the content of polyphenols showed highest in SC-22 with 2.76 ㎎/g. In addition antioxidant activity results were also relatively high in SC-22. The IC50 value was 548 ㎍/㎖ in DPPH radical scavenging and 640 ㎍/㎖. in ABTS+ radical scavenging. Conclusion : As demand for high income crop has increased, new cultivar breeding is required to produce high quality Schisandra chinensis From this study, analyses of antioxidant component and antioxidant activity in collection can be used for new Schisandra chinensis breeding. Especially SC-22 can be superior lines with high antioxidant component and antioxidant activity.

Background : This study aimed to identify the mechanisms of the antinociceptive effects of PG in the fibromyalgia (FM)-like animal model. Methods and Results : To assess the possible effect of PG on FM symptoms, we constructed a FM animal model induced by intermittent cold stress with slight modification. All mice underwent nociceptive assays using electronic von Frey anesthesiometer and Hargreaves equipment. To assess the relation between PG and the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. In behavioral analysis, nociception tests showed that the pain threshold was significantly decreased in the FM group compared to control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus showed downregulation of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the FM group compared to control group. PG recovered these changes at behavioral tests and protein level. These results provide evidence that the effects of PG extract in the FM model may be related to its modulating effect on the BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. Conclusion : Our animal model may be involved in the mechanism by which PG extract is effective as a therapeutic agent for FM.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum root (PGR) was one of the primary herbs used in a phlegm-relieving herb from the past. Platycoside compounds on PGR may exhibit neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergy, improved insulin resistance, and cholesterol-lowering properties. In order to developing a concentrate product that improved the functionality and preference of PGR, it was fermented using lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum N76-10 and 56-12). Methods and Results : The concentrate products were created by PGR-concentrate (PGRC, 60 ºBrix) mixed with fermented PGR-extract (FPGRE, 2 ºBrix) at the level of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200%. Sweetness and preference were supplemented by other added materials including honey, oligosaccharide, concentrate of jujube (60 ºBrix) and pear (60 ºBrix), and cactus Chounnyouncho extract (2 ºBrix). The products were put into investigation for their preference of taste, antimicrobial activity in accordance with amount of FPGRE. When it comes to preference of taste, the most favor is adding 100% of FPGRE on PGRC. The product added 150% FPGRE exhibited a strong microbial anti-proliferation in all four kinds (Corynrbacterium diphtheriae, Klebsiella pnneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) of bacteria inducing bronchus diseases and was higher antimicrobial activity than concentrate without FPGRE. In terms of the sensory evaluation (taste, texture and visco-elasticity), concentrate mixed with FPGRE (10), jujube concentrate (2), pear concentrate (10), cactus Chounnyouncho extract (10), oligosaccharide (2), honey (1) and xanthan gum (0.02) showed the highest scores. Conclusion : Thus, A PGR concentrate was made by adding FPGRE (100%) and it was increased organoleptic quality, antimicrobial activity. These studies may provide new product development for effective utilization on Platycodon grandiflorum root.

Background : Korea ginseng root has been traditionally used as a tonic as it is stated to have the capacity to normalize body functions and strengthen systems that are caused by various stresses. So, ginseng is functional food with the functionalities certified by Korea Food and Drug Administration. But, there are not many different products using ginseng. This study was conducted to develop the new ginseng beverage product using emulsify process. Methods and Results : White ginseng and red ginseng, 4-years old, prepared were ground to 60 ± 5 mesh using a grinder (Cyclotec 1093, POSS Co., Swiss). Emulsion with white ginseng powder (WGP) and lipid phase (canola oil) were prepared using the modified method (Yun & Hong, 2007). Oil-in water emulsions were made by homogenizing (5,000 – 15,000 rpm, 20 – 60 min), and then were analysed ginsenosides content, protein and polysaccharide content. The higher the speed of homogenizer and the longer the time, the higher the ginsenosides extraction rate. On emulsifying for 60 min at 12,000 rpm, ginsenosides were extracted by more than 95%. Red ginseng powder (RGP) was superior to WGP in emulsified activity, but WGP was superior to RGP in emulsion stabilizing. Comparing components of WGP and RGP emulsion, RGP had more ginsenosides content than WGP, and less polysaccharides content. When mixing WGP and RGP with a ratio of 90 : 10 – 70 : 30, the emulsion have excellent emulsifying and stabilizing. Conclusion : Thus, WGP and RGP are the same ginseng, but they have different physiological characteristics because their manufacturing process is different. These studies may provide new product development for effective utilization of ginseng by using excellent emulsion stabilizing of WGP and emulsifying of RGP.

Background : Dungkunma (Dioscorea bulbifera, commonly known as the air potato, air yam, bitter yam, cheeky yam, potato yam) is a species of true yam in the yam family, and has been used as folk remedy to treat conjunctivitis, diarrhea and dysentery, etc. This study was carried out to investigate shelf-life and quality of fresh-cut Dungkunma (Dioscorea bulbifera) in order to elevate utilization of Dungkunma as fresh food. Methods and Results : Before vacuum-packaging (in polyethylene/polypropylene film (100 ㎛, 15 × 20 ㎝, 75 ± 2 ㎝Hg) and storage at 2℃, Dungkunma were peeled out and cut to dice type (2.0 ± 0.5 ㎤), and then washed and blanched (30 sec at 90 ± 2℃ hot water and 2% NaCl solution) and pre-dried at room temperature, 40℃ and 50℃ for removing surface water. Each peeled dice Dungkunma were packed 50 g in polyethylene/polypropylene film (100 ㎛, 15 × 20 ㎝) with vacuum treatment (75 ± 2 ㎝Hg) and stored at 2℃ for 90 days. Hardness and adhesiveness of Dungkunma blanched by 2% NaCl and pre-dried at 50℃ (SB50) was the highest and increased and decreased, respectively, but changes was the least during storage. Lightness and yellowness of stored Dungkunma in all treatments decreased slightly and redness increased during storage but changes of color was the least at SB50. On vacuum packing, SB50 showed 1.88 log CFU/g of total aerobic bacteria during 90 days, and E. coliwas detected in all treatments during whole storage periods. Dioscin and allantoin content of SB50 was virtually unchanged during the storage. Conclusion : Consequently, the results of this study suggest that vacuum packaged Dungkunma after blanching at 2% NaCl could be effective to prolong the quality of fresh-cut Dungkunma and could be easily used.

Background : Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain. Especially, MRSA is developing resistance to available antibacterial agents and causing complications in the treatment of infections related to skin, soft tissue, respiratory, bone, joint, and endovascular disorders. Therefore, antibacterial agent combination therapy appears to be a useful option, particularly in developing countries where antibiotic availability is limited. (+)-Usnic acid (UA) is uniquely found in lichens, and is especially abundant in genera such as Usnea and Cladonia. UA has antimicrobial activity against human and plant pathogens. Therefore, UA may be a good antibacterial drug candidate for clinical development. Methods and Results : In search of a natural products capable of inhibiting this multidrug-resistant bacteria, we have investigated the antimicrobial activity of UA against MRSA. In this study, the effects of a combination of UA and permeable agents against MRSA were investigated. For the measurement of cell wall permeability, UA with concentration of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used. In the other hand, Sodium azide (NaN3) was used as inhibitors of ATPase. These results suggest that the antibacterial effect of UA was potentiated by membrane-binding agents and ABC transporter-inhibiting agents, implying that antibacterial activity is associated with damage of the cell wall and inhibition of ATPase function by UA. Conclusion : UA and in combination with EDTA and NaN3 could lead to the development of new combination antibiotics against MRSA infection. The results of this study appear to be promising, and they are expected to enhance the use of natural products as drugs.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is currently used as vegetable, as well as materials for traditional medicines. However, consumers have nagative views on using pesticides and chemical fertilizer in C. lanceolata cultivation. Therefore, this research was conducted to select the appropriate organic fertilizer to improve the growth and saponin components of C. lanceolata by some organic fertilizers application. Methods and Results : Organic fertilizers were applied as 4 types: mixed organic matter, fermentation cake, bacterial culture and rice husks, excluding conventional chemical fertilizer and non-treatment used as control. The result analyzed in soil after fertilizer application showed that soil pH was acidified in fermentation cake and chemical fertilizer treatment, especially, chemical fertilizer treatment showed very high phosphoric-acid content than other treatments, and total N content was higher in fermentation cake, mixed organic matter and chemical fertilizer. Growth of C. lanceolata showed superior tendency in the treatment of mixed organic matter and fermentation cake. Lancemacides could be identified as foetidissimoside A, lancemaside A, lancemaside B, and lancemaside D. However, among them, quantitative analysis could not be conducted on foetidissimoside A due to its very low content, and lancemaside A was the most abundant saponin in the root from all the treatments. The content of lancemaisde A according to organic fertilizer application showed the highest value in the treatment of mixed organic matter, followed by the fermentation cake, bacterial culture, non-treatment, rice husks and chemical fertilizer, in that order. The content of lancemaside B and D was very low compared to lancemaside A, and there was no difference among treatments. Conclusion : The growth of C. lanceolata was superior in application of mixed organic matter and fermentation cake, and the major saponin, lancemaside A, was also increased.

Background : Currently, obesity and adult diseases as a result of sugar intake have been a consistent problem in Korea. Natural sweeteners as sugar substitutes have many advantages over sugar as a small quantity. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate possibility of industrialization as food additives by using the nature sweetness components of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). Method and Results : Stevia was cultivated in a plastic house. The leaves and stems were harvested at October. They were ground into fine powder using a mill, and were extracted by high temperature and pression extraction method. The extracts were evaporated under vacuum and lyophilized. Three strawberry cultivars of ‘Seolhyang’, ‘Maehyang’, and ‘F22-196’ were cultivated in a plastic house and were harvested from March to May. The fruits harvested were stored at 50℃ until processing. In order to test the processing suitability of stevia extract, the characteristics of the three strawberry varieties (line) were investigated. As a result, the ‘F22-196’ line, which was bred as a processing strawberry, generally contained more antioxidant materials and activity than those of ‘Maehyang’ and ‘Seolhyang’ varieties. Comparing the sugar contents which affects the quality of strawberry jam, the average sugar contents of ‘F22-196’ line was higher than 'Maehyang' and 'Seolhyang' varieties. In the preparation of strawberry jam using ‘F22-196’, strawberry jam was prepared by adding only sugar or stevia extract powder, which was 1/100 of the amount of the sugar in only sugar strawberry jam, to the sensory test. As a result, we identified that sugar jam and stevia jam added stevia extract showed 50 : 50 at the sensory test and stevia jam does not make a difference to the marketing jam at the point of view of general consumers. Conclusion : ‘F22-196’ line represented the best quality for strawberry jam in test caltivars. Stevia powder is judged to be used as a sweetener of sugar substitutes in the production of strawberry jam and processing food.

Background : Stevia extracts were reported to contain steviol glycosides like stevioside and rebaudioside A, as well as various polyphenol compounds. However, there are many difference in researchers with extract methods, considering components and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to select optimum extraction method based on reported methods by measuring the natural sweeteners contents, analyzing antioxidant materials and activity according to extraction methods. Method and Results : Stevia leaves were extracted through vacuum extraction, hot water extraction, soxhlet extraction, high temperature and pressure extraction and ultrasonic extraction to identify the high extraction efficiency. Extraction yield was high in order of hot water extraction, soxhlet extraction, high temperature and pressure extraction and ultrasonic extraction except for vacuum extraction and contents of rebauduoside A and stevioside in stevia leaves was highest in high temperature and pressure extraction followed by vacuum extraction, soxhlet extraction, hot water extraction and ultrasonic extraction. Also, total phenolic contents and flavonoid contents were highest in high pressure extraction and vacuum extraction according to extraction methods. But DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in ultrasonic extraction and tended to be rather low in high temperature and pressure extraction (ultrasonic extraction > hot water extraction > high pressure extraction > soxlet extraction > vacuum extraction) and there wa no difference in ABTS radical scavenging activity among extraction methods. Conclusion : The high temperature and pressure extraction is considered to be a suitable method for extracting stevia leaves because it showed high extraction yield and had high contents of rebaudioside A, stevioside, total phenolic contents and flavonoid contents.

Background : Recently, there have been dynamic researches conducted on stevia as natural sweetener subtitute for sugar, However, Researches related to harvest period and parts of plant in stevia are few. Therefore, this study was conducted to select optimum harvest time and parts by measuring the natural sweeteners contents and analyzing antioxidant materials and activity according to harvest times, parts of plant. Methods and Results : Stevia was cultivated in plastic house, The leaves were harvested from April to October and the stem were only harvest in July and September. Stevia leaves and stems were extracted using high temperature and pressure extraction: Dried stevia leaves of 5g were added by 100ml of distilled water equivalent to 20 times of dry weight, and the mixture were extracted by autoclave at 121℃ for 15min. The contents of Rebaudioside A and Stevioside of stevia leaves harvested from April to October showed a tendency to increase gradually from July to October as the temperature increased, but the contents of rebaudioside A and stevioside decreased slightly in August due to excessively high temperature. The extraction yield of stevia leaves were highest in October and September, and there was no significant difference in the other period. In the stevia stems, the extraction yield was lower than that of stevia leaves in general regardless of harvest time. Total phenolic contents and flavonoid contents according to harvest time showed little difference among treatment. Conclution : stevia leaves were better than stevia stems regarding the use of rebaudioside A and stevioside as natural sweeteners. Also, it was confirmed that the stevia leaves of July, September and October, except for the high temperature period of August, had superior in quality and quantity.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. Its roots have been utilized as a traditional medicine but the aerial parts (flower, flower stalk, leaf) were not used. In this paper, we aimed to determine the content of three compounds [aucubin, catalpol, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)] in different organs of R. glutinosa. Methods and Results : The flower, flower stalk, leaf, and root of R. glutinosa were harvested in the end of August. The aucubin and catalpol were analyzed by LC/MS, whereas GABA was analyzed by GC/MS. The aucubin content was the highest in the leaf, while catalpol and GABA were the highest in the flower. The aucubin content of in the leaf was 1.43, 0.81, and 1.07 ㎎/g, respectively. The catalpol content of flower in Dakang, Tokang, and Suwon 9 was 41.06, 28.78 and 37.48 ㎎/g, respectively. The GABA content of flower in Dakang, Tokang, and Suwon 9 were 0.79, 0.76 and 0.65 ㎎/g, respectively. Conclusions : The contents of aucubin, catalpol, and GABA were higher in leaf and flower than that of root. This study provides the important information of R. glutinosa leaf and flower as a potential supplement.

Backgoound : This study was conducted to evaluate the quality variation of Ixeris dentata on the antioxidant contents and antioxidant activities according to the different producing area. Methods and Results : The samples were extracted with 70 % EtOH and then analyzed for total flavonoid contents, polypenol contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Luteinol 7-O-β-D-glucoside, an index component of the Ixeris dentata, was analyzed by HPLC. The leafs of Ixeris dentata in Jinan had the highest concentration of polyphenols (23.91 ㎎/g), followed by Jinbu (22.63 ㎎/g) and Eumseong (21.36 ㎎/g). Flavonoid content was highest in Jinan (15.27 ㎎/g), but there was no significant difference between Jinbu (14.05 ㎎/g) and Eumseong (13.99 ㎎/g). The contents of luteinol 7-O-β-D-glucoside were confirmed in Jinan (0.68%), Jinbu (0.49%) and Eumseong (0.36%), respectively. Conclusion : The comparison of antioxidant contents and antioxidant activities of Ixeris dentata according to the different producing area, Jinan was had the highest concentration, followed by Jinbu and Eumseong. Our results showed that the content of luteoline-7-D-glucoside varied among the different producing area.

Background: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a serious problem in diabetes. Hyperglycemia induces the generation of free radicals which disrupts insulin signaling and result in insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potentials of LBO-1 mixture. Methods and Results: To evaluate antioxidant effect of LBO-1 mixture, DPPH, ABTS and reducing power were performed. LBO-1 mixture scavenged DPPH free radicals and ABTS radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The total phenolic contents of LBO-1 mixture was determined by a regression equation using a calibration curve by gallic acid equivalents. The obtained total phenolic contents were 65.90 ± 0.52 ㎎/g. Phenolic components of plant extracts that can scavenge free radicals. In addition, we evaluated effects of LBO-1 mixture on glucose production in high glucose-induced HepG2 hepatocytes. LBO-1 mixture decreased glucose levels in cultured medium and it down regulated Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) levels which is an enzyme used in the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: These results indicate that the LBO-1 mixture can be used as hypoglycemic agent.

Background: There is an increasing surplus of chestnut that are abandoned due to their failure to meet customer awareness. Thus, we investigated the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of chestnut (Castanea crenata) inner shell extracts in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells as a potential source of anti-cancer materials. Methods and Results: Distilled water extract (CI-W) and ethanol extract (CI-E) were prepared from chestnut inner shell and evaluated their anti-proliferative effects in vitro. Each extract significantly decreased the cell viability of HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Indeed, the morphology of HepG2 cells treated with CI-W or CI-D was distorted to shrunken cell masses. Furthermore, it was revealed that their extracts induced cell death as evidenced by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), formation of apoptotic body and condensation. In addition, Their extracts clearly modulated the down regulated of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptoic)/ Bax (pro-apoptotic) family and cleaved caspase-3 as an effector caspase in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: These results indicate that the extracts of chestnut inner shell can be used as an anti-proliferative therapeutic agent or functional food.