Background : Platycodon grandiflorum is a perennial plant and a member of Camanulaceae family. Since ancient times, they have been using P. grandiflorum as an important medicinal plant in Korea. Platycodin D is the most abundant saponin derived from P. grandiflorum and pharmacologically active component. UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are important enzymes in the saponin biosynthesis. UGT is a glycosyltransferase and act on the final step of the secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Methods and Results : We tried to identify UGT genes related to saponin biosynthesis of P. grandiflorum through RNA-seq analysis. The sequencing was performed using Illumina Hi-Seq platform after cDNA library preparation. The produced reads were assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench software (CLC Bio, Inc.). We obtained 122,663 contigs and found 137 putative UGT genes. Familes of UGT71, UGT73, and UGT74 were selected as putative saponin biosynthesis related gene families using phylogenetic relationship analysis. qPCR condition about UGT73 is preheating 94℃ 180 sec, denaturation 94℃ 60 sec, annealing 53℃ 60 sec, extension 72℃ 90 sec, final extension 72℃ 600 sec, 45 cycles repeated. Conclusion : The results in this study could help to find the UGTs related to saponin biosynthesis pathway of P. grandiflorum.

Background : Codonopsis is a flowering plants belong to the family Campanulaceae, and has many kinds of medicinal properties. As currently recognized, two other groups, Campanumoea and Leptocodon, are included in the Codonopsis. The enlarged genus Codonopsis is distributed in Eastern, Southern, Central, and Southeastern Asia. C. lanceolata, C. clematidea and C. pilosula has many kinds of medicinal properties and this plants are used as medicinal and edible plants. C. ovata and C. mollis are distributed in Pakistan Kashmir and Himalaya mountains at an altitude of about 3,000 m, and flowers bloom in July to August. Methods and Results : In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 5 Codonopsis species using 8 SSR markers base on C. lancelolata genomic sequences. Samples were obtained from fresh leaves of 5 plants from each species and genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB method. PCR was performed in total 20μl reaction volume containing 20 ng of DNA template and 5 pmole of primers. PCR conditions composed pre-denaturation at 95℃ for 5 min, then 35 cycles of 95°C for 30 sec, 60°C for 30 sec and 72°C for 30 sec, and a final extension at 72℃ for 30 min. The amplified band sizes ranged from 74 to 301 bp and clearly showed single or doble bands in eletrophoresis. From the phylogenetic analysis, C. lanceolata was grouped together, but the others were not grouped together according to the species. Conclusion : We concluded that C. lanceolata cultivated in Korea is different from the other species, and the eight SSR markers used in this study are able to distinguish C. lanceolata from the other species.

Background : Angelica gigas, also called Dang Gui or Korean Angelica, is a major medicinal herb used in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and China. A. gigas has many active constituents such as dercursin, decursinol angelate, nodakenetin, nodakenin, β-sisterol or α -pinene. But, there is no research on the gexpression of the genes related to saponin biosynthesis from A. gigas. In this study, we compared the expression of saponin biosynthesis related genes from various organs of A. gigas. Methods and Results : The reads of Angelica gigas mRNAs were produced using Illumina Hiseq 2000, and the reads were assembled to produce 113,597 contigs using CLC　Genomic Workbench. To select the saponin biosynthesis genes, assembled contigs were subjected to BLAST analysis at NCBI site. RNAs were extracted from five tissues, roots, stems, flowers, old leaves and young leaves of A. gigas. We produced total of 16 gene specific primers and used for RT-PCR. PCR conditions composed pre-denaturation at 95℃ for 3min, then 35 cycles of 95℃ for 30 sec, 57℃ for 30sec and 72℃ for 1min, and a final extension at 72℃ for 5min. Electrophoresis performed at 100 V, 30 min using 1.2% gel. Our experiment shows that A. gigas has several genes related to saponin biosynthesis and the genes were expressed from variety of organs. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest A. gigas genes related to the biosynthesis of saponins.

Background : Wild-cultivated P. ginseng (WCG) is a specific ginseng in Korea which depends on artificial forest growth 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. Recently, very high price of WCG caused the problem that Panax notoginseng or Panax quinquefolium are sold as WCG in Korean market. This is concerned as a serious problem to consumers. In this study, we tried to develop a method to discriminate WCG, CG or WG using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and phylogenetic analysis. Methods and Results : WCG samples (3, 5, or 6-years old) were collected in Hoengseong, Gangwondo. 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 Gene Scan analysis were performed. NTsys-PC program was used for the phylogenetic analysis of the data. 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. Conclusion : Phylogenetic analysis showed the relationship between WCG and P. ginseng cultivars and the seven SSR markers used in this study are able to distinguish Wild-cultivated P. ginseng.

Background : New ginseng variety “Geumwon” is appropriate for the cultivation in Chungnam. As an effort to develop new ginseng variety for regional specialization, it was collected from the Geumsan ginseng fields, selected and fixed and then was registered as new ginseng variety in 2015 through the verification of production capacity, farm demonstration and regional adaptation test. It is excellent in underground growth, disease-resistance and yield-ability compared to candidate varieties. Methods and Results : Regional adaptation tests were conducted for new ginseng variety “Geumwon” in 3 regions(i.e. Geumsan, Gochang and Icheon). The results suggested that the leaf length and width of 2-year old ginseng was 7.9cm and 4.2cm in 3 regions on an average basis. Anthrax incidence rate was about 2.5%, which was smaller than that of candidate variety(3.6%), and the underground root weight was 5.6g, which was 34% higher than that of candidate varieties. The leaf length and width of 3-year old ginseng was 9.4cm and 4.5cm, and anthrax incidence rate and leaf soot incidence rate was 0.8% and 1.2% respectively, which was lower than that of candidate varieties. The the root weight, root diameter and hull length of “Geomwon” were superior to that of candidate varieties by about 24%, 6% and 9% respectively. In addition, red discoloration and root rot incidence rate were also lower than that of candidate varieties. The growth of 4-year old ginseng was also superior to that of candidate varieties in the order of Geumsan, Ichoen and Gochang, and the anthrax and leaf soot incidence rate was also lower than that of candidate varieties(about 2.2.% and 2.3 %, respectively). Conclusion : The results of this study suggested new ginseng variety “Geumwon” is easy to cultivate in Chungnam because of its superior underground growth and excellent quality, and it was also evaluated to be an excellent variety that would contribute to the specialization of the ginseng cultivated in Geumsan.

Background : This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of water chestnut (Trapa japonica Flerow) extract. Methods and Results : The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of 100% methanol extract of water chestnut were investigated. The methanol extract was evaluated for its total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH•(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging activity,reducing power, andeffect on nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viability using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The total phenolic content was 438.31 ㎍ allic acid equivalent (GAE)/㎎ extract and the total flavonoid content was 61.40 ㎍ quercetin equivalent (QE)/㎎ extract. In addition, results revealed the extract possessed antioxidant activity (DPPH• free-radical scavenging activity) with IC50 value of 5.28 ㎍㎖ The reducing power of the extract was assayed spectro photometrically and showed Abs of 0.71 at 100 ㎍㎖ Furthermore, extracts of water chestnut exhibited no cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the NO assay revealed that LPS-induced NO production was significantly inhibited following treatment with water chestnut extracts. The expression of pro-inflammatory proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The water chestnut extract also decreased tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) release. Conclusion : Therefore, the present findings provide scientific evidence for the nutritional potential, chemical composition, and biological activities of Trapa japonica Flerow anddemonstrate its potential use as a functional food forapplication in the pharmaceutical industry

Background : We studied the anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects of Rhododendron lapponicum (L.) Wahlenb. var. parvifolium (Adams) Herder extract (RLE). Methods and Results : The RLE was prepared using methanol. The antioxidant effects of RLE was evaluated for its DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging activity, reducing power. Subsequently, using the RAW 264.7 cells, the cell viability of RLE was evaluated with or without LPS (lipopolysaccharide), and the anti-inflammatory effects of RLE was also estimated by nitric oxide (NO) and using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The extract showed antioxidant activity (DPPH free-radical scavenging activity) with RC50 value of 57.67 ㎍/㎖. The reducing power of the extract was Abs 0.77 at 250 ㎍/ ㎖. The result indicated that RLE would have significantly high anti-oxidative effects. Cell viability was determined using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity, we examined the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. The NO inhibition rate was 85.44% at 200 ㎍/㎖ RLE. At the same concentration, the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 also decreased. In RLE 50 ㎍/㎖ concentration showed the highest decrease. Conclusion : This result suggest that RLE is a novel resource for the development of foods and drugs that possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Also, RLE can be developed as an inflammatory agents for cosmetic bases in the future.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum root(PGR) was one of the primary herbs used in a phlegm-relieving herb from the past. Purified platycoside compounds from the roots of PGR may exhibit neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergy, improved insulin resistance, and cholesterol-lowering properties. To evaluate preference and functionality of PGR extracts, PGR was fermented by several lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria used were Leuc. mesenteroides N12-4 and N58-5, L. plantarum N76-10 and 56-12, L. brevis N70-9 and E3-8. Methods and Results : This study was performed in order to investigate the changes of platycosides, as well as the antimicrobial activities on bronchus diseases inducing bacteria(C. diphtheriae, K. pnneumoniae, S. aureus, S. pyogenes) of Platycodon grandiflorum root(PGR) fermented by using lactic acid bacteria(Leuc. mesenteroides N12-4, Leuc. mesenteroides N58-5, L. plantarum N76-10, L. plantarum N56-12, L. brevis N70-9, L. brevis E3-8). Growth of L. plantarum on PGR was the most active during lactic acid fermentation by some different strains. Total platycoside, platycoside E, platycodin A, polygalacin D2, polygalacin D and diapioplatycoside E contents of PGR fermented for 96 hours at 37℃ by Leuc. mesenteroides and L. plantarum were increased, while platycodin D and platycodin D3 were decreased. The antimicribial activity on PGR fermented by L. plantarum N56-12 exhibited a strong microbial proliferation in all four kinds of bronchus diseases inducing bacteria and was higher than non-fermented PGR extract. Conclusion : Thus, this results showed antimicrobial activities on bronchus diseases inducing bacteria and platycosides content of PGR by L. plantarum N56-12 were higher than non-fermented PGR extract.

Background : Cordyceps militaris has been an wonder drug to anti-aging efficacy and called the three main drugs with ginseng and deer antler from the past. Cordycepin, cordycepic acid (d-mannitol) and adenosine are known as functional ingredients in Cordyceps militaris. Among them, cordycepin, the representative component, has been reported as antimicrobial substance containing immune enhancement, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Methods and Results : After Cordyceps militaris produced from different types of medium mixed with 10-fold volume of purified water, the mixture were extracted at 70±5℃ for a hour and that extracts re-extracted using ultrasonics wave for 30 minutes. Qualitative analysis of the index component was determined by using the Q-TOF (A quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer), and quantitative analysis was performed by using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) with Xselect HSS T3 column (2.1 X 100 mm, 2.5㎛, Waters, USA) and ultrapure water and acetonitrile as mobile phase A and B. Detection column temperature, injection volume and the flow rate were 35℃, 2 μL and 0.3 mL / minute respectively. The cordycepin content of Cordyceps militaris produced from medium mixed with vegetable and animal ingredients higher than single ingredient. Moreover, through a variety of analyzes by varying the type and content of the medium additives, the cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris produced from medium mixed with animal ingredients highest. Furthermore, the cordycepin content of a fruit body was higher than those of the a mycelium. Conclusion : These results provide a method for producing an high cordycepin content of Cordyceps militaris as functional food ingredient.

Background : This study was conducted to serve as a basis for the production of high quality organic cultivation Platycodin grandiflorum Ridix roots by analyzing the content of saponins according to organic fertilizer for organic farming. Methods and Results : As basal fertilizer were treated before transplanting Platycodin grandiflorum Ridix with chemical fertilizer(Super21, 21-17-17, Namhae Chemical), mixed organic fertilizer, livestock manure, bacterial cultures and fermented oil cake in each trial of nitrogen based on 3 ㎏/10a criteria. A root of Platycodon grandiflorum were analyzed saponins using HPLC harvested on October. Content of Plantycodin D3 was an average of 40.6 ㎎ /100g, which appeared as 48.1 ㎎/100g highest content in the bacteria cultures treated. Deapioplatycodin D showed the highest 70.9 ㎎/100g in the control, the rest was investigated 28.1∼54 ㎎/100g. The content of Platycodin D was shown to 327.4∼373.8 ㎎/100g, the highest values were observed in mixed organic fertilizer, it showed the lowest value in the control. The content of Polygalacin D showed up to 336.7 ㎎/100g in the manure as the biggest difference, the lowest value were 54.5 and 74.2 ㎎/100g in bacterial cultures and control. Large differences between fertilizers was not showed, but the overall saponin content of Platycodin grandiflorum Ridix were low in value compared to the control than organic fertilizers. Conclusion : For the increasing the yield that Pharmacological effect, organic fertilizer is effective to increase the number of fine-root high which high contented with saponins.

Background : The root of Platycodin grandiflorum has been widely used as a crude drug or a dependent on the cultivation area and cultivation method. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the effect of organic fertilizer on the changes of antioxidents and antioxidant activity of Platycodin grandiflorum Ridix. Methods and Results : As basal fertilizer were treated before transplanting Platycodin grandiflorum Ridix with chemical fertilizer(Super21, 21-17-17, Namhae Chemical), mixed organic fertilizer, bacterial culture, fermented oil cake and manure in each trial of nitrogen based on 3㎏/10a criteria. The total polyphenol content was highest values were 15.5mg/g appear in the mixed organic fertilizers, the lowest were 9.1mg/g appeared in the manure and control. Flavonoid content showed the highest 15.3 mg/g in the mixed organic fertilizer, and investigated at the lowest 5.0 mg/g in the fermented oil cake. ABTS radical scavenging activity was the highest in was 65.7 mgTE/g in the chemical fertilizer, showed the lowest value in the control to 13.0 mgTE/g. Therefore, both flavonoid and polyphenol content showed a high value on organic fertilizers. Conclusion : Therefore, both flavonoid and polyphenol content showed a high value on organic fertilizers. It is determined that to have researches for a variety of antioxidants by the organic fertilizers made in the future.

Background : This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activities and the contents of antioxidant compounds in extracts derived from 24 medicinal crops. Methods and Results : Dried plant materials were extracted by methanol. The extracts of each plant were evaporated under vacuum and stored in deep freeze at -20℃ until use. The levels of total phenolic compounds were much higher in Evening primrose, Houttuynia cordata, Chinaberry, Sumac, Gaeddongssuk, Giant knotweed and Dendropanax morbifera compared with other crops. On the other hand, the total phenolic compound levels in Safflower, Fleeceflower root, Gingko, Black nightshade, Saposhinikovia root, and Maize woody pith were relatively low. The total flavonoid contents were highest in Houttuynia cordata, followed byDendropanax morbifera, Gaeddongssuk, Aralia cordata and Evening primrose. DPPH activity was significantly higher in Gaeddongssuk, Sumac, Chinaberry, Dendropanax morbifera and Evening primrose, and ABTS activity was significantly higer in Sumac, Chinaberry, Evening primrose, Giant knotweed, Gaeddongssuk and Dendropanax morbifera than other plants. The antioxidant activities dertermined in all assays positively correlated with the total phenolic compoubds (0.619≤ r ≤0.895) and flavonoid contents (0.488≤ r ≤0.619) as well as among themselves (r=0.900). Conclusion : These results suggest that Evening primrose, Gaedongssuk, Sumac, Dendropanax morbifera, and Giant knotweed can be utilized as food additives and natural antioxidants due to their strong antioxidant activity.

Background : This study was conducted to determine the effects of mulching, an environmentally friendly organic cultivation method, on antioxidant compounds and growth in Codonopsis lanceolata. Methods and Results : C. lanceolata was treated by mulching with a non-woven fabric, biodegradable film, or rice husks, as well as hand weeding, and non-treatment. The growth and levels of weed control in C. lanceolata were better in plants cultivated under mulching treatments (non-woven fabric, biodegradable film, and rice husks) than under non-mulching treatments (hand weeding, non-treatment). The contents of antioxidant compounds, such as total flavonoids, phenolics, and anthocyanin, were highest under biodegradable film treatment, followed by non-woven fabric treatment, rice husks treatment, hand weeding, and non-treatment. DPPH and ABTS activity were able to identify to have differences their activity in comparison to antioxidant compounds content by solvent fractions. Mulching treatments produced a higher activity in water and ethyl ether fractions for DPPH scavenging activity and in n-butanol fractions for ABTS scavenging activity compared to other fractions, although total activity of DPPH and ABTS were not increased with mulching treatments. Conclusion : Mulching C. lanceolata with biodegradable film and non-woven fabric is an effective method for improving plant growth and inhibiting the occurrence of weeds as well as increasing antioxidant compound content and changing of antioxidant activity.

Background : Lectins were individually isolated from natural Korean mistletoe (nML) and its in vitro cultured calli (cML). Both of the lectins showed the difference in bioactivities such as cytotoxicity and cytokine induction. Methods and Results : Target cells (1 x 104 cells/well) were seeded independently into each well of a 96-well culture plate and incubated with different concentrations of each lectin. Survivability of target cells was determined by CCK-8 kit (Sigma, USA) according to manufacturer’s directions. The nML showed 46, 34 and 5.5 times stronger than cML in cytotoxicity (IC50) to human melanoma cell line (SK-MEL-28), human carcinoma cell line (NCI-H1650) and murine macrophage (RAW 264.7), respectively. In addition, respective lectins directly stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 but they showed the difference in enhanced productivity of some inflammatory cytokines. Compared with cML, the nML induced both TNF-α and IL-1β at its low concentration. Administration of two kinds of lectins (10-1000 μ g/kg body weight) to ICR mouse did not show any significant changes on the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), glutamate-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in sera. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that nML and cML showed differences in cytotoxic effects and cytokine production due to the difference in amounts from sources.

Background : With the increasing demand of the mistletoe in larger quantities for cancer therapy, it has been depleted from its natural habitat in the Far East countries including Korea because of overharvesting for high-value products (e.g., lectins and viscotoxins). The rapid multiplication of mistletoe by tissue culture can help this problem and provide the benefits in the phamaceutical industry. Methods and Results : Mistletoe plants growing on oak trees were collected and their leaf and stem segments were inoculated on MS basal medium supplemented with various concentrations of growth regulators. Calli were induced only from stem explants on MS medium containing 2,4-D and transferred onto MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-D, NAA and BAP, respectively, for their propagation. The best callus multiplication rate of more than 15 folds (759 mg) was obtained in treatment of 2,4-D (4 mg/L) that produced yellowish-green, white and friable callus on this medium. To compare biochemical characterization, lectins were partially purified from natural mistletoe plants (nML) and in vitro cultured mistletoe calli (cML), respectively. The former was purified by lactose-agarose affinity chromatography and the latter was done by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed Sephadex G-25 chromatography. Both nML and cML showed similar molecular weight on SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses. In addition, they showed similar carbohydrate-binding specificities and hemagglutination activities. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that nML and cML showed the similarity in biochemical characters.

Background : The purpose of the present investigation is to enhance extracellular acidic protease production by subjecting a protease producing strain Cordyceps pruinosa DK-01 to random mutagenesis by UV irradiation after ethidium bromide treatment. Methods and Results : Mutants were screened as protease producers on the basis of zone of clearance and relative proteolytic activity (RPA) on skimmed milk agar plates. In addition, mutants showed strong pink-red color intensity and different RAPD profiling compared with wild type control. Four mutants were randomly selected and their extracellular enzyme activities were investigated. In liquid culture without casein, 2.2-, 2.9-, 5.2- and 4.4-fold higher acid protease activity was achieved from mutants DK-m9, -m11 and -m12, respectively, than that of wild type strain (11.13 ± 1.60 U/ml). In liquid culture with casein, 1.1-, 1.3-, 1.3 and 1.3-fold higher acid protease activity was achieved with those mutants were found to produce, respectively, than that of wild type strain (93.95 ± 12.84 U/ml). Maximum acid protease activity was noticed from a mutant DK-m11 in liquid culture with casein (121.18 U/ml) and without casein (57.65 U/ml). The extracellular acid protease produced from DJ-m11 that was active in the pH range 4.5-6.5 and optimum temperature for the activity was 37°C. Furthermore, we found a deformed, shorten structure of setae on the elytron surface of dynastid beetles treated with culture supernatant of the DK-m11. Conclusion : These findings have more impact on enzyme economy for biotechnological and insecticidal applications of fungal proteases.

Background : From 2000 years ago, Panax ginseng is identified as precious pharmaceutical plant. Depend on growing environment, the name would be vary. For instance, it is called "mountain cultured ginseng (jangnoesam)" which is artificially grown ginseng, "Cultured ginseng (jaebaesam)" which refer to the ginseng grown in the forest, and lastly "Wild ginseng (sansam)" which inhabits in deep mountain. The main active compounds in the Panax ginseng is called ginsenoside and many researches have been performing in biological field. However, most studies focus on functional ability of ginseng. In this study, to seek the suitable extraction condition and antioxidant activity, cell cultured Panax ginseng was extracted according to different ethanol concentration and extraction time. Methods and Results : To establish the optimal extraction condition, the sample was pulverized into 500 μm and added 10% (v/v), 30% (v/v), 50% (v/v), 70% (v/v) and, 90% (v/v) EtOH. After that, the samples are extracted in different time by ultrasonic bath (Power sonic 520, Hwashin Co., Korea). The extracts was filtered by Whatman No. 2 filtering paper. Eventually, the saponin was separated by n-butanol as the ginsenoside, the combination of terpenoid and sugar. The extraction yield of 90% cell cultured panax ginseng EtOH extract was 7.36±0.33%, which was the lowest extraction yield and simultaneously, 10% EtOH extract showed 1.8 times more yield that of 90% EtOH extract. The saponin extraction yield revealed 10% and 70% EtOH extract showed 1.64±0.06% and 3.13±0.08%, respectively. Conclusion : The suitable extraction yield in cell cultured panax ginseng and saponin were evaluated by different extraction condition such as ethanol concentration and extraction time. As a result, when 10% EtOH was applied as solvent, the yield was doubles of 90% EtOH extract. As ethanol became high concentrations, the extraction yield was gradually increased. Among them, crude saponin, the main active compounds in Panax ginseng was extracted the most by 70% EtOH and that value was 3.13±0.08%.

Backgrounds : Pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) is the kind of citrus fruit which is Dicotyledoneae belongs to Rutaceae and special product in Jeju island. According to the previous researches, coumarin, eliocitrin, naringin are identified and these kinds of constituents revealed to be effective as anticancer, antioxidant, and antidiabetic. Until recently, there are many investigations about its functional properties were reported, but investigation about biological activities depend on extraction conditions are not sufficient. Methods and Results : 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was performed by the method of Blois with minor modification. After adding DPPH radical to each sample solutions, the mixtures were incubated in 30 minutes at aphotic place. Then, the degree of scavenging activity was recorded by microplate reader at 490 nm. The scavenging activity was expressed by RC50, which is the concentration of sample solution necessitated to scavenge 50% DPPH radical against negative control. For α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, the method using p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) was applied. To each samples, α-glucosidase and pNPG were mixed and incubated, consequently, Na2CO3 was added to terminate the reaction. Finally, absorbance was read at 450 nm. The same as DPPH radical scavenging activity, the inhibition was explicitly expressed by the amount of sample solution to inhibit 50% α-glucosidase, IC50. The 80% MeOH extract demonstrated the highest radical scavenging activity with 74.32±8.45 μg/ml. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity was carried out to evaluate the inhibitory activity of sugar digestion and absorption and 60, 80% MeOH extract exhibited 416.35±11.07 μg/ml and 336.57±2.03 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion : The DPPH radical scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were evaluated in this study. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was seen in 80% Citrus grandis Osbeck MeOH extract, following 60% MeOH extract exhibited the second highest scavenging activity. Also, 80% MeOH extract showed 336.57±2.03 μg/ml, which was the highest α-glucosidase inhibition among all extracts.

Background : Indigenous plant in Jeju island, Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai, belongs to the Bambusoideae and inhabit around Mt. Halla. According to the ancient book such as Dongui Bogam, Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai have been known to possess the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diuresis effect. However, because of gradual upturning temperature, Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai was spread out to wider area and intrude the habitat that other plant species are growing. Recently, although the study to seek effective use of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai, the investigation about functional properties has not been taken place enough. Methods and Results : To assess the inhibitory activity of melanin synthesis, we employ the tyrosine as substrate and measure the formation of dopaquione at 490 nm. Firstly, 0.1 mM potassium phosphate buffer and tyrosinase were mixed and incubated at 37℃. After incubating at 37℃, the absorbance rate was measured at 490 nm. The value was compared with positive control, arbutin, and calculated with the rate between sample and control value. Previously, formononetin, glabrene, glabridin, glabrol, artocarbene, dihydromoriin are known as effective substances for whitening. Moreover, the arbutin, which was separated from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Sprengel, are widely used in cosmetic field. Arbutin inhibits tyrosinase and tyrosine synthesis, which induce blackish pigmentation. Practically, the Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai leaf ethanol extract depend on different solvent condition, whole extracts showed stronger inhibition than arbutin. Especially, 60% ethanol extract exhibited twice higher tyrosinase inhibitory activity than arbutin, whereas least inhibitory activity was seen in 20% ethanol extract. Conclusion : In this study, a attempt was made to investigate the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai leaves extracted by different solvent condition. In the results, each extracts was prior to arbutin. Yet, 20% ethanol extract was lowest, but on the one hand, 60% ethanol extract demonstrated the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Background : Dioscorea quinqueloba(DQ) is a medicinal herb that is used as an alternative therapy for cardiovascular disease and various medical conditions. The objective of this study was to characterize the antioxidant activities of DQ. Methods and Results : The samples were extracted with Distilled water and analyzed for total flavonoid contents, polyphenol contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ABTS radical scavenging activity. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells were subjected to H2O2, to study the protective effect of DQ on cell viability, and ROS production. The total amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, which indicate the antioxidant capabillity of water extracts from DQ were 27.21mg/g and 22.95mg/g, respectively. The DQ water extract showed highest antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities. The DQ water extract was protected cells against H₂O₂-induced cell death without any cytotoxicity, as determined by the MTT assay. The DQ water extract also was inhibiting production of intracellular ROS. Conclusion : These observations suggest that DQ can use potentially good natural antioxidant in daily life for possible health benefits.