Background : The licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is one of the Mongolian traditional useful medicinal plants. The roots and rhizomes are rich in triterpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides. It is have been employed clinically for their antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antimicrobial and anxiolytic activities. In this study, we was undertaken to explore the phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content of G.uralensis. Methods and Results : In vitro culture related greenhouse, field growing G. uralensis and the wild type roots were dried in shade and grind in mechanical grinder. 1 g of powdered roots were extracted in 25 ㎖ of methanol with concentration of 40 ㎎/㎖. The antioxidant activity and total flavonoid contents were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and aluminium trichloride method, respectively. The production of glycyrrhizic acid determined by thin layer chromatography. In the phytochemical screening showed presence of secondary metabolites flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids and tannin. The extract possessed potent antioxidant activity having IC50 value 2,000 ㎍/㎖ (59.97 ± 2.55) in wild type and 1,000 ㎍/㎖ (68.73 ± 3.99) in greenhouse samples. Field grown G.uralensis roots extract gave highest total flavonoid content with 30.21% compared with wild type and greenhouse grown samples (16.71% and 10.71%). Conclusion : Based on the results of investigations, G. uralensis is a potent source of novel bioactive compounds. Further investigations regarding more biological activities by high sensitive techniques such as HPLC and GC-MS need to be conducted.

Background : For the green approach of nanoparticles synthesizing, plant based technology has been considered as cost-effective and eco-friendly mass production. The oriental medicinal crop, Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz. (Korean name: 음나무), the deciduous tree and a family of Araliaceae. Endemic tree of Asian countries, K. septemlobus being used for the treatment of various diseases. Phytochemicals of K. septemlobus such as polyphenols has highly probability of reducing agent for biosynthesizing nanoparticles. Methods and Results : In this study, we applied K. septemlobus ZnO nanoparticles (Ks-ZnO NPs) with procedures including green approach one-pot synthesis. For the characterization of nanoparticles, UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM were used. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles, the aurface plasmon resonance were observed at 372 ㎚ in UV-Vis spectroscopy. The presence of functional groups which as a capping agent and formation of ZnO nanoparticles were confirmed in FTIR result. The crystallization and morphology showed by XRD, TEM and SEM respectively. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles, was determined using Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under UV irradiation (365 ㎚) which resulted rate constant is (−k) 0.1215 with 97.5% of degradation in 30 min. Conclusion : The result shows that phytochemicals in K. septemlobus extract have a potential as a reducing agent to form ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO NPs are capable to degrade MB with in brief time.

Background : Arctium lappa L., Compositae plant, has been consumed as a vegetable and beverage in China, Taiwan, and Japan for a long time. Several studies have reported for the burdock to include antioxidant activity, hepato-protective efficacy, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects, anti-microbial and antiviral activity. Thus, A. lappa is considered a promising plant for the treatment of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and AIDS and due to the increasing evidence of functional compounds contributions over a variety of health beneficial properties the A. lappa has received increasing scientific interest. The primary aim of the present study was determined antioxidant activities and analysis of standard compound in A. lappa. Methods and Results : There were five different solvent conditions (100% water, 30% EtOH, 50% EtOH, 70% EtOH, 100% EtOH), extract in the room temperature. Comparatively, 70% EtOH extract showed higher values of DPPH radical scavenging activity than others. As the increasing of EtOH percentage contents, we confirmed increase total phenol and flavonoid contents. The 2,4-di-tert- butylphenol as standard compound was detected by HPLC analysis based on the calibration curve: equation : Y = 8.17e + 003X – 1.43e + 005, R2 = 0.996227. The amount of standard compounds were similar in all each different solvent conditions, but not detected in water extract. Conclusion : These results showed that A. lappa could be used as potential materials of antioxidant, and should be need more study.

Background : In ancient, roots of Rumex crispus, called wooi-daehwang, were used for various symptoms and diseases like cough, phlegm, bronchitis and hepatitis, caused inflammatory. As a part of ongoing research to elucidate and characterize anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, solvent-partitioned fractions from R. crispus root were tested for their ability to suppress inflammation. In this study, NO synthesis inhibitory activity of solvent-partitioned fractions from R. crispus root on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated. Methods and Results : The EtOH extracts were suspended in water. The aqueous layer was further partitioned in diethylether, ethylacetate and n-butanol, sequentially. RAW264.7 cells were seeded onto 96-well plates, and cells were allowed to adhere for 6 h and then were pretreated with the R. crispus root extracts for 24 h. Cellular nitric oxide (NO) production was stimulated by adding lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Absorbance was measured at 520 ㎚ by microplate reader. NO synthesis inhibitory activity potential of these fractions was evaluated by assessing NO production by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in the presence and absence of the solvent-partitioned R. crispus root fractions. NO synthesis inhibitory activity of diethylether fraction diluted in 50 ㎍/㎖, 25 ㎍/㎖, 12.5 ㎍/㎖, 6.25 ㎍/㎖, 3.125 ㎍/㎖ was 79.2%, 70.9%, 59.5%, 16.1%, and 11.8%, respectively. And NO synthesis inhibitory activity range of another fractions, EtOAc, n-BuOH and aqueous layer, were 0 - 30.2%, 0 - 20.1% and 3.8 - 22.4%, respectively. Conclusion : From the above results, it showed that diethylether fraction have strong NO synthesis inhibitory activity, it was suggested that R. crispus root have NO synthesis inhibitory effects. R. crispus root possesses anthraquinones, such as chrysophanol, parietin, and anthrones etc. According to previous studies, R. crispus semen extract has analgesic and hepatoprotective effect as anti-inflammatory, and extract of R. napalensis has cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, COX-1 inhibitory and free radical scavenging effect. Our present study has shown that R. crispus root extracts anti-inflammatory effects probably by suppressing iNOS expressions, and resulting in the inhibition of NO synthesis.

Background : When the Platycodon grandiflorum is applied before the rainy season, the increase of the incidence of the Platycodon grandiflorum root rot disease increases greatly. This experiment was carried out to reduce the incidence of rot root rot disease through the lodging protecting method. Methods and Results : Three-years-old Platycodon grandiflorum was subjected to four treatments with no treatment, net installation, cutting stem, and removing bud. No treatment was used as a control, and as a further control, netting was used in the Platycodon grandiflorum to set up a treatment with almost no lodging. In the case of cutting stem, the stem was cut off in the middle of June, leaving more than 60 ㎝ before flowering. In the case of removing bud, blooming just before, the bud was removed. As a result, the coverage rate was the highest at 36.9% in the non - treatment area in the middle of July after the rainy season and 0.4% in the net installation. Compared with the case of cutting a lot of stems, 12.7% of the stem was covered with stones, whereas the stalk was 31.8%, which was close to the untreated stomach. As a result of the change of morbidity rate per treatment, it showed a morbidity rate of 49.7% in case of net installation, compared with 60% or more morbidity rate in case of untreated. Conclusion : As a result, an anti-lodging technic has helped prevent the onset of root rot disease. Further research on how to prevent the lodging of Platycodon grandiflorum using cutting stem will be needed.

Background : Ginseng is an important agriculture plant in Korea. However, plant yield is reduced by pathogens. Cylindrocarpon destructans and Fusarium solani are responsible for root-rot and replant failure of ginseng in Korea. Because of root rot pathogen, the productivity decreased and repeated cultivation is difficult. Methods and Results : The number of Cylindrocarpon destructans and Fusarium solani in soils can be measured by real-time PCR. This methode makes it possible to select of land for caltivation of ginseng. The specific primers of C. destructans and F. solani were synthesized from β-tubulin region. The equation of the standard curve between the colony forming unit(cfu) and the Ct value in the C. destructans was y (Ct value) = -1.608X (cfu) + 39.325. The equation of the standard curve between the colony forming unit (cfu) and the Ct value in the Fusarium solani was y (Ct value) = -1.608X (cfu) + 39.077. This method makes possible to rapidly exactly measure the number of pathogens in soil. C. destructans, a ginseng root rot fungus, was detected in soil samples of 32 (16%) in soil samples. 35.5% of paddy field, 34.3% of paddy field, 64.1% of field, and 65.6% of paddy field were found in perennial plant. Conclusion : As a result, the major causative agent of ginseng root rot was Cylindrocarpon and the onset density was 102 cfu/g in soil. There was no significant difference in density between fusarium and disease.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of packaging material on the growth of rootstock of Liriope platyphylla. Methods and Results: This study examined the effects of two types of packaging material, LDPE (low density polyethylene) and functional film on the growth of the tubers of L. platyphylla, at 5℃. During the 16-weeks of storage period, the ratio of loss and decay of the tubers was examined at intervals of 4, 8, and 16 weeks to detect the quality of the plant. After 16 weeks of storage, the treated tubers were own. Subsequently, plant height and the number of leaves were recorded. The results revealed that functional film at 5℃ was the ideal material for the storage of L. platyphylla tubers. The rate of loss was the highest (57.42%) with a onion net and the lowest (22.12%) with a functional film. Similarly, the rate of tuber decay was highest (8.20%) using onion net and the least (4.60%) when the functional film was used. Conclusions: Thus, the use of the functional film proved to be the most effective in the storage of L. platyphylla tubers when compared with the LDPE.

Background : The soil-borne ascomycete fungus Ilyonectria rdicicola species complex is commonly associated with root rot disease symptoms in ginsneg. Its virulence has been attributed, among other factors, to the activity of hydrolytic cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDE). Methods and Results : To establish a rapid and accurate detection of Ilyonectria rdicicola, a species-specific primer was developed based on the putative genes of cell wall–degrading enzyme (pectinase, polygalactose, xylanase, xylosidase). Species-specific primer based on the DNA sequences of gene amplified about 200 - 300 bp polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product for Ilyonectria mors-panacis. Conclusion : The primer pair yielded the predicted PCR product size exactly in testing with target pathogen DNAs, but not from the other species of Ilyonectria and species of other phytopathogenic fungi. The primer pair also showed only the species-specific amplification curve on realtime PCR on target pathogen DNA. The detection sensitivity of real time PCR using species-specific primer pair was 10 to 100 times higher than conventional PCR, with 1 to 10 pg/㎕. The approach outlined here could be further utilized as a rapid and reliable tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of the root rot of ginseng.

Background : Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is a perennial plant found in East Asian countries and an crucial medicinal herb especially in Korea. It contains several chemicals like pyranocoumarins, which are major active components including decursin (D) and decursinol angelate (DA), essential oils and polyacetylenes. This study was carried out to determine the change in active components depending on the root diameter of AGN. Methods and Results : Several processing steps are involved to use AGN roots as medicine. The dried AGN roots are divided into body (B), thick root (TkR), medium root (MR) and thin root (TnR) according to their diameter before cutting into medicine. Among them, B and TkR are mainly used as medicine. The mean diameter of dried each root part (B, TkR, MR, TnR) were measured as 51.95, 7.05, 2.88, and 1.57 ㎜, respectively. The water content of each root part was slightly reduced depending on the size of the diameter (higher in B). In addition, the two active components, D and DA, were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The change of both D and DA content showed a similar tendency. Both D and DA content were increased as the root diameter decreased (higher in TnR). Conclusion : This study showed that the thinner the root diameter, the higher the D and DA content in AGN roots, suggesting that the thinner root parts of AGN could be used as potential materials.

Background : Hibiscus syriacus is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub, found throughout eastern and southern Asia. The root of H. syriacus has been used in Asian folk medicine as a fungicide, antipyretic, and anthelmintic in the treatment of dysentery, eczema, tinea, and scabies. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of 70% ethanol extracts of root from Hibiscus syriacus (RHS-E70) and elucidated the potential mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Methods and Results : RHS-E70 dose-dependently suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, RHS-E70 attenuated LPS-mediated overexpression of iNOS and IL-1β. In elucidation of the potential mechanisms for anti-inflammatory effect, RHS-E70 inhibited the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IκB-α, which results in the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. In addition, RHS-E70 suppressed the activation of ERK1/2 and p38, which results in the inhibition of ATF2 phosphorylation and subsequent ATF2 nuclear accumulation. Conclusion : These results indicate that RHS-E70 may exert anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling. From these findings, RHS-E70 has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

Background : Ginseng root rot is a devastating disease caused by the fungus, Ilyonectria mors-panacis that generally attacks younger roots (-2 years), leading to defects in root quality, ginsenoside accumulation and also life cycle of the plant. Hence, there is an indispensable need to develop strategies resulting in tolerance against ginseng root rot. The protective role of silicon during pathogen infestation is well documented in other plant systems and a previous study demonstrated that silica nanoparticles are absorbed and accumulated more than the bulk silica in maize. However, the role of silica in ginseng-root rot pathosystem is unknown. Methods and Results : In the present study, we evaluated the effect of silica nanoparticles (N-SiO2) in Panax ginseng during I. mors-panacis infection. Long term analysis (30 dpi) revealed a striking 50% reduction in disease severity index upon 1 mM and 2 mM treatment of N-SiO2. However, N-SiO2 did not have any direct antifungal activity against I. mors-panacis. Candidate genes and metabolites based approach revealed jasmonic acid (JA) mediated sterol accumulation and incresed ginsenside biosyntesis as the key transcriptional reprogramming events orchestrated by N-SiO2 during the fungal infection. Conclusion : In a nut shell, N-SiO2 administration induces transcriptional reprogramming in ginseng roots, leading to increased phytosterol and ginsenosides synthesis resulting in enhanced tolerance against I. mors-panacis.

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 : 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.

The roots of Rosa multiflora Thunberg have been used in traditional oriental medicine as remedies for rheumatic arthralgia and scabies. In this study, the anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of a supercritical extract of Rosa multiflora root were investigated in vitro. To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the supercritical extract, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and the inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were examined, respectively. In addition, the anti-fungal activities of the extract were assessed. The results showed a concentration-dependent, increase in ABTS radical scavenging activity. The supercritical fluid extracts of Rosa multiflora root exhibited low toxicity to RAW 264.7 cells at 100 μg/mL the highest concentration tested. Cells stimulated with LPS produced more nitric oxide than normal control cells; however, cells treated with the supercritical fluid extract decreased this production in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, the supercritical fluid extracts showed significant anti-fungal activity. These results suggest that extracts of the roots of Rosa multiflora might be used to develop potent anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents, and may be useful as ingredients for related new functional cosmetic materials.

녹차(Camellia sinensis L.)는 약용으로도 널리 사용되어 왔다. 하지만, 대부분의 연구는 녹차 잎을 연구의 대상으로 이루어졌으며, 지금까지도 잎 외의 다른 부분은 연구가 많이 이루어지지 않았다. 본 연구에서는 외부환경의 미세먼지(particulate matter 2.5; PM2.5)에 의한 normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs)의 손상을 뿌리 추출물이 효과적으로 보호할 수 있는 효과를 확인하였다. 30년 된 녹차뿌리 표본은 아모레퍼시픽의 Dolsongi tea field에서 채취되었으며 70%의 에탄올로 추출한 녹차 뿌리 추출물은 총 순수 사포닌 함량이 54%로, 인삼 추출물보다 더 많은 사포닌을 함유한 것을 확인하였다. 그리고 PM2.5에 의한 손상으로부터의 보호 효과를 평가하기 위해 건선환자의 특이적 바이오 마커인 IL-36G를 관찰한 결과 IL-36G mRNA 발현량은 PM2.5 처리시 녹차 뿌리 추출물 처리를 통해 IL-36G 식의 유의적인 감소를 확인할 수 있었 다. 결론적으로, 30년 된 녹차뿌리 추출물은 사포닌 함량이 높은 자연 계면 활성제로 사용될 수 있으며, 또한 피부질환마커인 IL-36G 발현의 억제를 통해 PM2.5에 의해 유발되는 손상에 대한 보호 효과가 있음을 알 수 있었다.

Background: The objective of this study were to determine the antibacterial activity and antibiotic activity-enhancing effect of 70% ethanol extract of the root of Rumex japonicus Houtt. and its fractions when used in combination with gentamicin against aerobic skin flora. Methods and Results: The antibacterial activity and antibiotic (gentamicin) activity enhancing effect against aerobic skin flora were determined using the disc diffusion assay. Chloroform fraction (CF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EF) showed higher activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis than those shown by other fractions. Regarding the antibiotic (gentamicin) activity-enhancing effect against aerobic skin flora, the n-hexane fraction (HF) and CF showed strong activity. The combination of HF and CF with gentamicin was evaluated using the broth dilution assay to determine the inhibitory effect on the growth of aerobic skin flora. The combination of CF with gentamicin exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on the growth of S. aureus and S. epdermidis. MTT assay performed to determine the viability of L929 cells revealed that EF treatment resulted in viability of 33.96 - 116.76% at the tested concentration. The combination of 70% ethanol extract and its other fractions with gentamicin showed low cell toxicity. Conclusions: Appropriate use of antimicrobial agents is important prior to the development of new antibiotics. The 70% ethanol extract of the root of R. japonicus Houtt. and its fractions showed significant synergism with gentamicin when used in combination against S. aureus and S. epdermidis. Thus, R. japonicus Houtt. could be used as a functional materials in antimicrobial-related fields.

Triterpenoid, saponin, 전분 등이 함유되어 있는 것으로 알려진 Adenophorae radix (A. radix)의 뿌 리 추출물을 이용하여 각질형성세포의 분화와 피부장벽기능에 대한 연구를 수행하였다. A. radix의 뿌리 추출물 은 CV-1 세포를 이용하여 PPARα 발현을 살펴본 결과, Wy-14,643 0.5-1.0 μ M 수준의 발현양을 나타내었 다. 인체 각질형성 세포주(HaCaT)와 각질형성세포(nomal human keratinocyte)에 대한 각질형성능(cornified envelop formation, CE)은 대조군에 비해 통계적으로 유의한 증가를 보였다. HaCaT 세포에 A. radix의 뿌리 추출물 처리하였을 때, transglutaminase (TGase-1)의 유의적 증가를 보였다. A. radix의 뿌리 추출물 을 함유한 간단한 화장품 제형을 약 2주간에 걸쳐 임상시험을 실시한 결과, TEWL의 유의적 감소와 수분량의 증가를 살펴볼 수 있었으며, 하박 내측에서 지질을 추출하여 세라마이드를 분석한 결과 통계적으로 유의한 증가 를 관찰할 수 있었다. 이를 통하여 A. radix의 뿌리 추출물을 건조피부나 아토피 등의 피부질환과 관련된 질환의 예방 및 치료제로 사용될 수 있을 것이다.