Background : Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and genetic factors. Also, hyperinsulinemia directly promotes fat accumulation in hepatocytes. Therefore, it is very important to suppress the most common risks of NAFLD, such as obesity and insulin resistance. In this context, we evaluated for the effects of black ginseng (BG) extract on lipid accumulation inhibition and degradation in hepatocytes. Methods and Results : The aim of this study is to figure out the potential anti-lipogenic effects and the underlying mechanism of BG extract in a cellular-, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animal model associated with NAFLD. T2DM animal used C57BL/KsJ db/db mouse (M. 6 wk, n = 56), treated with extract of BG and Red ginseng (RG) (each 100 and 900 ㎎/ ㎏/day, p.o) for 6 weeks. BG markedly reduced palmitate-induced intracellular lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. On histology of liver tissues of T2DM animal, macrovesicular lipid droplets in cytoplasm of hepatocytes were decreased both RG and BG-treated groups. In liver tissue, BG-treated groups suppressed CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) expression, and SREBP-1c mediated induction of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins related to the induction of adipose differentiation. Futhermore, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was significantly increased in BG-treated groups compared to RG-treated groups. It is also found that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) highly expressed in BG-treated groups. Conclusion : Our results suggest that black ginseng extract has an anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic effects in the liver when administered as a food supplement and has potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity and T2DM induced NAFLD.

Background : This study was performed to investigate the morphological and growth characteristics and metabolomics approach for the diploid and tetraploid Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PMT). Methods and Results : The present study was performed to investigate the effective induction method of tetraploid plants using colchicine treatment. To know the morphological and growth characteristics of PMT overground growing was investigated about the stem diameter, leaf length and width, a scape, inflorescence length, chlorophyll, seed length and seed width. Metabolite profiles from P. multiflorum were analyzed by an ultra performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole - time of flight (UPLC-Q-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). The number of stomata and chlorophyll content was also higher in tetraploid. However, the physiological and morphological characteristics of the newly developed tetraploid showed noticeable results compared to the diploid plant. Also, the inherent characteristics of a newly acquired tetraploid also exhibited better results compared to diploid. Twenty one compounds including catechins from leaf and thirty compounds including stilbenes from roots were identified as major metabolites of PMT. The levels of most root metabolites except dethiobiotin, epigallocatechin gallate, procyanidin B1, epiafzelechin 3-O-gallate, and moupinamide from PMT were higher than those of diploid. The levels of 2,3-digalloylglucose, fallacinol, tricin, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucoside, torachrysone-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, questin, aloe-emodin 8-O-(6′-O-acetyl)-glucoside, polydatin, 2,5-dimethyl-7-hydroxychromone, 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene, aloe-emodin, myrciacitrin II and ω-hydroxyemodin from teraploid PMT were 342, 32, 31, 21, 11, 11, 9, 8, 6, 5, 4, and 2 times, respectively, higher. Conclusion : From above results, overground growing of tetraploid P. multiflorum is fairly better than that of native P. multiflorum.

Background : Korean mountain ginseng adventitious roots culture extract fermentation product (KGEF) is increased the content of low molecular weight ginsenoside Rk1 and Rg5 by purifying, steaming, and fermentation of the wild ginseng adventitious roots culture. In Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the analysis method of low molecular weight ginsenoside (Rk1, Rg5, Rh2, compound K, etc.) has not been proven, therefore we conducted validation to confirm the suitability of the qualitative and quantitative analysis method for Rk1 and Rg5. Methods and Results : Quantitative analysis was performed at a maximum absorption wavelength of 203 ㎚ (specificity). It was confirmed that the retention time of each peak of Rk1 and Rg5 was separated by chromatogram. The separation degree of Rk1 and Rg5 was 2.15 more as 1.5 a result of calculation according to the formula to evaluate the separation limit. (accuracy). The recovery rate was 101.5% of Rk1 and 103.9% of Rg5 in KGEF. (repeatability). The area value of ginsenoside Rk1 and Rg5 showed high reproducibility with relative standard deviation Rk1 0.86% and Rg5 0.68%. Retention time was also reproducible with relative standard deviation Rk1 of 0.054% and Rg5 of 0.09%. (linearity). The correlation coefficients were 0.999 of Rk1 and 0.999 of Rg5. The reproducibility of retention time in linearity was also high, with relative standard deviation Rk1 0.0017% and Rg5 0.0017% (limit of quantification, limit of detection). The quantitative limit of Rk1 was 53.73 ㎍/㎖ and the detection limit was 17.73 ㎍/㎖ and the detection limit of Rg5 was 259.03 ㎍/㎖ and detection limit was 85.48 ㎍/㎖. Conclusion : In this study, we validated ginsenoside Rk1 and Rg5 for identification and content testing. It will be enables to verify physicochemical differentiation and analytical methods, and to be a research-based data of low molecular weight ginsenosides.

Background : The continuous cropping of Cnidium officinale is a serious problem for the cultivation practices, which is an unelucidated subject. This study is concerned mainly with rhizosphere microbiome and meteological factors on the cause of physiological damage in the continuous cropping of Cnidium officinale. Methods and Results : Microbial population and community dynamics was evaluated with metagenomic DNA by IonTorrent PGM. Results of HPLC profiling revealed that metabolic components of symbiotic interaction with Cnidium officinale was not detected in cultivated soils. Proteobacteria groups such as nitrogen fixing bacteria, Pseudomonas and Burkholderia of rhizosphere soil in continuous cropped fields mainly decreased compared to the first cropped soil. Principle component analysis of bacterial community showed a significantly differentiated vector between first cropping field and continuous cropped fields. Although growth characteristics including height, leaf length, leaf diameter amd stem diameter etc., was not different with continuous cultivation year until mid-July, physiological damage was dramatically started from late July. Yield of Rhizoma in continuous cropped fields significantly decreased compared to first cropped field. Evapotranspiration of Cnidium officinale with lysimeter for summer season was evaluated. It showed high relationship between solar radiation and evapotranspiration with R2 = 0.7778 and 41% of solar radiation converted into evapotranspiration during 16 days. This result imply that evapotranspiration is mainly controlled by radiation energy in clear days. Water and heat cycle through evapotranspiration is suppose to be one of the important factors related with physiological disorder of Cnidium officinale. Conclusion : This result imply that physiological damage resulted from continuous cropping is involved in decrease of Proteobacteria at rhizosphere soils under stressed conditions.

Background: This study were to investigate the effect of Pediococcus pentosaceus fermented Radix astragali (AMRP) and non-fermented products (AMRNP) on collagen synthesis in the cultures of human dermal fibroblasts, and their inhibitory effects on the matrix-degrading enzymes (collagenase, elastase, and gelatinase). Methods and Results: Both AMRP and AMRNP significantly improved cell growth and proliferation of HDF cells. However, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis demonstrated that AMRP, but not AMRNP, significantly and dose-dependently stimulated the biosynthesis of type I procollagen in both aged (74 y) and young (21 y) HDF cells. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that expression of type I, type III procollagen and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA was significantly stronger in AMRP-treated HDF cells than that of AMRNP-treated and un-treated HDF cells. The AMRP revealed an increase in astragaloside Ⅳ only depending on increase in fermentation period, because other astragalside converted to astragaloside Ⅳ, which it detached acyl group by fermentation processing of Pediococcus pentosaceus. Conclusion: The results also suggested that AMRP could stimulate the collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts, which is, associated with the regulation of procollagen biosynthesis resulting from AMRP-induced TGF-β1 expression and the mitogenic activity in HDF cells, and therefore, is expected to reduce the age-dependent loss of extracellular matrix proteins.

Background : Anemarrhena asphodeloides has efficacy such as anti-fungal, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, Anti-UV etc. Metal nanoparticles are used for photo imaging, cancer resection and drug delivery etc in medical field. Therefore A. asphodeloides nanoparticles will be expected better efficacy for therapeutic properties in medical field. Methods and Results : The water extract of A. asphodeloides mediated the synthesis of Aa-AgNPs and Aa-AuNPs. Their characterized by several physicochemical techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FE-TEM, EDX spectroscopy, SAED pattern, DLS size analysis, XRD analysis, and FTIR analysis. Both Aa-Ag/AuNPs were evaluated for cytotoxicity towards 3T3-L1, A549, HT29 and MCF7. Aa-AgNPs and Aa-Au NPs were found to be spherical, face-centered cubic nanocrystals with hydrodynamic diameter of 190 and 258 ㎚. In vitro cytotoxic analysis revealed that up to 50 ㎍/㎖-1 concentration Aa-Au NPs did not exhibit any toxicity on 3T3-L1, HT29 and MCF7 cell lines, while being specifically cytotoxic to A549 cell line. On the contrary, Aa-Ag NPs displayed a significantly higher toxicity in all cell lines specially MCF7 cell line. ROS generation was not affected by Aa-Au NPs, but Aa-AgNPs has a higher potential to induce oxidative stress in A549 cells than HT29 and MCF7 cells. Aa-Au NPs have the potential for anticancer agent during lung cancer treatment. Aa-AgNPs is also exhibited to inhibit cell migration by induce oxidatie stress. Conclusion : The Aa-Au/AgNPs might have the anticancer potential and might be effective in the lung cancer therapy, however further evaluation is must needed.

Background : Nowadays obesity has increased dramatically in developed countries which lead various metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and the risk of stroke. Thus, looking forward a new chemical entity from natural sources which have a strong potential of anti-lipid regulation activity. Recently, protein based nanomedicine offers a new approach to treat a number of diseases including metabolic disorder such as obesity. In this study we evaluated the anti-lipid regulation effect of nano-carrier Bovine serum albumin and Mesoporous silica (MSNPs) conjugated ginsenoside F1 in 3T3-L1adipocytes and HepG2 hepatocytes. Methods and Results : BSA incorporated drugs has been shown to protect the drug degredation as well as improvement bioavalilability. To assess the anti- adipogenic effect of BSA-F1 and MSNPs-F1 cell viability was investigated in different time point of cell cycle growth and the intracellular lipid accumulation was evaluated in mature adipocytes and hepatocytes by Oil red staining assay. In addition, transcriptional gene regulation was quantified by the real time PCR for targeting adipogenic genes such as PPARγ, STAT3, CEBPα, ap2 and aP2 as well as hepatogenic genes such as ACC, AMPK, FAS and PPARα. Moreover, protein expression was evaluated by immunoblotting assay. Conclusion : Altogether, the above results were confirmed that BSA-F1 at dose 25 μM exhibited the anti-adipogenesis effect by downregulating the major transcriptional factors PPAR γ/STAT3 in signalling in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes and upregulated the fatty acid oxidative AMPK signaling in fatty acid induced HepG2 hepatocytes.

Background : Angelica gigas is a perennial herb belonging to the family Umbelliferae. Its roots have been utilized as a traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to increase the yield and two indicator components (decursin and decursinol angelate) of Angelica gigas. Methods and Results : The roots of A. gigas were harvested 4 times from early September to late October. Two elicitors (micro element, plant hormone) were treated 4 times at intervals of 2 weeks. The two indicator components were analyzed by HPLC. HM treatment group showed the greatest increase in underground part yield and root diameter. The content of two indicator components in underground part were highest in control (non-treatment) group, but the content of elicitor treatment groups were higher in the aerial part. In the ground part of indicator components content tended to decrease in the elicitor treatment groups, but that groups exceeded the total content of indicator components level of 6% set by the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Conclusion : The highest underground part yield was found in HM treatment group. The highest decursin and decursinol angelate were found in control group. This study provides the basic information for improvement to yield of A. gigas.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa belonging to the family of Scrophulariaceae have been utilized as a traditional medicine. This study was conducted to elucidate an effect of air curing for seed rhizome of R. glutinosa on storaging ability and yield. Methods and Results : The root of R. glutinosa cultivar (Dagang) was harvested in the end of November. Seed rhizomes were air curing for one to seven days then wrapped with newspaper and further stored in a plastic container box at 1℃. The weight loss and decay rates were significantly lower in seed air curing treatment than in untreated. Especially, the decay rate of control was approximately 50% at 120 days after storage. But, the decay rate of all air curing treatment groups was less than 1%. Also air curing led to an increase in germination rate of seeds and root yield compared with untreatment. Taken together, the best air curing treatment period was 3 days, under the that conditions, germination rate and yield were 88.7% and 2,185 ㎏/10 a, respectively. Conclusion : This study has successfully demonstrated that the air curing of rhizome as a seeds led to considerable increasement of both storaging ability and yield in R. glutinosa.

Background : The purpose to improved the quality of oriental medicinal herbs, contribute to the enlargement of farm’s income. The study is investigated the effect of high-quality stabilized production and reasonable drying methods, different storage conditions and package mediums for established GAP guide book in Angelica acutiloba Siebold & Zucc. Methods and Results : Loss rate of drying method checked into 2 treatment, natural drying (218 hr. by sunshine) and heating dryer for 24 - 53 hr with Angelica acutiloba root of two years. After cleaning, first drying days by temperature, After cutting, second drying days by temperature under 40℃, 50℃ and 60℃. Changes hunter color values and quality by different storage conditions 2 treatment were normal temperature by indoor 20℃ and low temperature under refrigerating, 4℃. Storage period for 60 days, 120 days and 180 days with package 3 mediums under PE (polyethylene package), PP (polypropylene gunny sack) and WP (woven net package). Conclusion : After first cleaning, reasonable hot air drying method in Angelica acutiloba root. Secondary drying oven after cutting, the temperature regulated in 40℃ and 50℃, the lowest loss rates. Packing material storage conditions are dry roots in the colorimetry that maintained at room temperature storage than PP packaging, cold storage for long-term stability to PE treatment.

Background : Seed germination for Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. is not good when grown in direct seeding. This experiment was conducted to identify seedling box suitable for seedling transplantation and cultivation to improve farm income and public health. Methods and Result : To investigate the effect on growth, sizes of seedling box used were as follows (width × length × height, in ㎝); 2.5 × 2.5 × 4 (custom), 4 × 4 × 4, 4.5 × 4.5 × 6, 5.0 × 5 × 9.6, 5 × 5 × 11.2, 5 × 5 × 17, and for sowing in narrow strips; 33.5 × 55 × 13, 33.5 × 49 × 23, 33.5 × 49 × 30. The weight of the ground part decreased as box height became lower, highest at 17 ㎝ tall (0.65 g) and lowest at 4 ㎝ (0.23 g). In terms of root length of the seedlings, the longest was 9.0 - 9.3 ㎝ at box height of 17 ㎝ and decreased as height decreased. Root weight increased as box height decreased, the highest at 4 ㎝. After the seedlings were planted, more than 90% survived in seedling box compared to the 50% rooting rate on sown in narrow strips where root net formation did not occur. During harvesting period, plant height was 15.8 - 17.5 ㎝ with a shoot diameter of 13.3 - 20.7 ㎜, leaf length of 5.6 - 7.9 ㎝ and leaf numbers 15.6 - 22.3. Moreover, leaf width was the widest at 8.6 ㎝ at 6 ㎝ box height while dry weight was the most at 6.7 g at 11.2 ㎝. Survival rate and growth characteristics of the ground part were lower in seedling box for sowing in narrow strips. For the underground characteristics, root number increased as box height decreased while dry weight increased as box height increased, with 1.7 - 3.5 and 6.2 - 6.8 less in seedling box for sowing in narrow strips, respectively. The yield in a 17 ㎝ high seedling box was 152 ㎏ per 10 a, 16% higher than conventional level, and decreased as box height decreased. Conclusion : These results suggest that the optimum seedling box height is 11.2 - 17 ㎝ to have lower root numbers and higher dry weight and yield.

Background : Replant failure of ginseng is caused by soil-born pathogens causing root rot such as Cylindrocarpon destructans and Fusarium solani. Dazomet are widely used as soil fumigant to solve soilborne problems, and the degradation intermediates are toxic to nematodes, fungi, bacteria, insects and weeds. Methods and Results : The effects of cultivation of green manure crop, maize before and after soil fumigation on the control of ginseng root rot disease were compared using soil of field where 6-years-old ginseng was harvested. Fumigant (dazomet) were used for soil fumigation in May and September, respectively. Maize was grown for soil management before and after soil fumigation. Maize cultivation after May fumigation was delayed the sowing day by 15 days, and the fresh and dry weight decreased significantly. Maize cultivation after May fumigation increased pH but decreased EC, NO3, P2O5, and K significantly. Maize cultivation after May fumigation decreased fungi population and ratio of fungi and bacteria. Growth of 2-years-old ginseng was improved and the incidence of ginseng root rot was significantly decreased by maize cultivation after May fumigation. After harvesting 2-years-old ginseng, the population of Cylindrocarpon destructans was not different among treatments, but Fusarium solani showed a significant increase in September fumigation after maize cultivation. Conclusion : Maize cultivation after soil fumigation was effective in inhibiting ginseng root rot by improvement of mineral composition and microorganism in soils.

Background : Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer belong to Panax species Araliaceae and a perennial plants. It grows in Far East Asia such as the Maritime province in Russia, the Manchuria reg ion of China, and the Korean peninsula. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is cultivated by seed sow ing or transplanting-culture, but seedling standing rate is as low as 50%. Therefore, it is impo rtant to increase seedling standing rate. This study was performed to research of plug-seedling cultivation techniques of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer for increase of seedling standing rate. Methods and Results : Testing material, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer seed, was sown on 5 kin ds of seedling trays (72, 105, 128, 162, 200 cells) in the middle of February 2016. It was gr own in the seedling green house in medicinal plant resources research department of Gyeongs angnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services. Four months after sowing, the seedli ng growth characteristics such as seedling standing rate and seedling withering rate were inves tigated. After transplanting in the mountain area of Hamyang-gun, growth characteristics of the root length, root weight, and other factors were investigated at the beginning of November. A s a result, seedling standing rates were 50.1% to 56.2% and seedling withering rates were 25. 2% to 35.9%. Among the five ports, the seedling standing rate of 105 cells and 72 cells was 56.2% and 55.7%, which were higher than others. In the case of 105 cells, however, seedling withering rate was 35.1% higher than that of 72 cells. Seedling leaf length and width were lo nger at 72, 105, 128 cells than at 162, 200 cells and seedling root length, root fresh weight and shoot fresh weight were the highest at 72 cells. Roughly, the more tray cells, the less se edling growth. After harvesting, among the five ports, root fresh weight and root dry weight per 1 hill of 128 cells were 0.36 g and 0.11 g, respectively, which were higher than those of other cells. Conclusion : The growth characteristics of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer considering the seedling standing rate and seedling withering rate, among the five ports, 72 cells was most suitable. A mong the five ports, considering root fresh weight and root dry weight after harvesting, 128 c ells was most suitable.

Background : Polygonatum is a perennial herbaceous crop that is further classified into P. falcatum A. Gray (wild vegetation of Jeju, Japan), P. sibiricum F. Delaroche (wild vegetation of Korea north, China, Russia, and Mongol), and P. stenophyllum MAx (wild vegetation of South of Danyang), with the herbal name of Rhizoma polygonati. Polygonatum is harvested after 5 - 6 years since planting, and the quality of the radicle is a major factor determining the quantity of harvest. This study presents the morphological characteristics to predict the later quantity of radicles when planting polygonatum, and develops the methods for the prediction. Methods and Results : This study investigated the ground-level growth and the quantity of radicles in underground in 5-years-old, 4-leaf, 5-leaf, and 6- or more leaved polygonatum planted in the Chungbuk Agricultural Research and Extension Services. According to the investigation on the ground-level growth by the number of leaves, the 5-leaved plant showed the best plant length and nodal leaf number; 171 ㎝ and 24/stock, respectively. On the other hand, the leaf number and leaf weight were as heavy as 85 leaves and 58.3 g/stock, respectively, in 6-leaved plants or plants with more leaves. The leaf area was as wide as 15.6 ㎠ with 5-leaved plant, and the chlorophyll was also high. The investigation on the underground growth showed the best results in 6-leaved plants or plants with more leaves: the root length was 23.8 ㎝, number of radicle node was 5.7, and root weight was 291 g. The quantity was highest at 2,148 ㎏/10 a with 6-leaved plants or plants with more leaves, and at the lowest at 907 ㎏/10 a in 4-leaved plants. The profit analysis showed a profit of 3,859,000 won/5 years in 6-leaved plants or plants with more leaves, which 86% higher than the 4-leaved plants. Conclusion : If plants with6-leaf or more leaves at the ground level are selected and used as radicles for new polygonatum packaging, the quantity of radicles has increased by 59% and the profit increased by 86%, compared to 4-leaved plants.