Background : Medicinal crop seeds have low homogeneity and quality of seeds and seedlings because they are self-seeded or produced in farmhouses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop systematic technology for establishment and distribution of seed production technology for stable production of domestic medicinal crops. Methods and Results : The test Agastache rugosa O. K. Kuntze. variety was Jeonnam local variety (Naju species) and was carried out in 2017. The research was divided into two types; seed yield test according to seeding time and seed yield test according to fertilization method. Sowing of the seed yield test according to the seeding time was sown on the seedling tray 4 times from 20 th March to 20 th May at intervals of 20 days, and after the nursery, they were transplanting. The fertilization gave the standard fertilization (N-P-K-compost applied at 12-16-10-600 ㎏/10a) amount before implantation. Sowing of the seed yield test according to fertilization method was sowing in the middle of April. The seedlings were grown for 60 days and then transplanted in the middle of June. Four different fertilization methods were applied and cultivated. Planting density of both tests were spaced 30 ㎝ apart in rows 20 ㎝ apart with non-woven fabric mulching cultivation. The plot design was a randomized block 3 repetitions. Seed yields at the seeding time were the highest at 67 ㎏/10a in sowing on March 20, and the yields decreased as the seeding time passed. Seed yield according to fertilization method was the highest at 75 ㎏/10a in 25% increase control and lowest at 46 ㎏/10a in 50% diminish control. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that the seedlings should be cultivated in the middle of March and cultivated by increasing the fertilization rate by 50%.

Background: Atractylodes japonica Koidz. and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. belong to the family (Asteraceae). Their rhizomes, called white Atractylodes rhizomes, are used in traditional medicine. To address some issues with their cultivation, we recently developed eight hybrid cultivars by interspecific hybridization of A. japonica and A. macrocephala. This study was conducted to screen the hybrid cultivars that have high amounts of active ingredients and yield ability. Methods and Results: Experiments were conducted using the eight hybrid cultivars and A. macrocephala (control cultivar) in the experimental field of the department of Herbal Crop Research located in Eumseong, South Korea. We investigated the growth characteristics of the aerial and underground parts. Among the cultivars, ‘Sanwon’ had the highest rhizome dry weight (53.8 g/plant), followed by ‘Dachul’ (50.0 g/plant). In addition, the content of atractylenolide I, II, III and total active ingredients were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared with A. macrocephala, most of the inter-specific hybrid cultivars had a higher content of active ingredients and yield ability. Conclusions: Through study, we established the superior quality of Atractylodes inter-specific hybrid cultivars. In particularly, it was found that ‘Dachul’ may be grown as a superior cultivar, with high amount of active ingredients as well as yield ability.

Background : Lythrum salicaria L. (LS), a herb that is found all around the world, has long been used as medicinal plant to treat inflammation, external wound bleeding, and diarrhea, while its sprouts (young leaves) can be utilized as a food material. The antioxidant and hepato-protective activities of LS have been reported in several articles. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and cell proliferation of LS leaves according to their growth period, and to obtain information on the optimal harvesting time of LS as a food resource. Methods and results : LS leaves were collected at ten-day intervals between April 27 and June 26, 2016 in Eumseong-gun, South Korea. The LS leaves were extracted with 50% ethanol at room temperature, and seven LS extracts (LSE) were obtained. A peroxynitrite (ONOO-) scavenging assay and a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay were performed to compare the antioxidant effects of LSE, while a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed on the BV-2 cell lines to determine cell viability. The total phenol contents of LSE were quantified by using the calibration curve of tannic acid. From these assays, LSE harvested on April 27 showed the lowest value, while LSE harvested on June 6 showed the highest DPPH scavenging activity at 10 ㎍/㎖. There was no difference among the extracts in terms of their peroxynitrite scavenging activity. The extract prepared on April 27 showed the highest value in terms of BV2 cell viability, while that obtained on June 6 showed the lowest value. The value in terms of the total phenol content of the LSE harvested on June 6 was the highest, whereas that of the LSE harvested on April 27 was the lowest. Conclusion : When comparing the activity of LSE according to its harvesting time, the extract dated June 6 showed the highest effect in terms of its antioxidant activity and its total phenol content, whereas the extract dated April 27 showed the highest cell viability. As such, this study suggests that LS leaves harvested in the early season could be utilized as a food material even though they display low efficacy.

Backgoound : Sprout vegetables are rich source of nutrients for human health. The safflower seeds contained various functional compounds and nutritions, and can be used as food material without restriction. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the antioxidant properties of sprouts from safflower seeds according to germination periods. Methods and Results : The safflower seeds were sterilized and steeped with distilled water, then incubated at 25℃ for 1 - 7 days. These sprouts and seeds were extracted with methanol, and used as samples for antioxidant properties (total phenolics, total flavonoids contents, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging activities). Total phenolics, total flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activities were higher in safflower seed than sprouts. Among sprouts with various germination periods, the sprouts incubated 4 - 7 days were higher in total phenolics, total flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activities than other sprouts. The levels of antioxidant activities were similar in sprouts incubated for 4 - 7 days. Conclusion : These results indicated that the antioxidant properties of sprouts differed according to germination periods, and the optimal germination period of safflower seed as sprout vegetables are 4 days.

Background : To evaluate the quality of Glycyrrhizae radix (licorice), a popular herbal medicine in Korea, it is necessary to investigate the component profiles of the Glycyrrhiza species distributed in Korean market. Specifically, to control the quality of Korean Glycyrrhizae radix preparations including raw materials, glycyrrhizin (> 2.5%) and liquiritigenin (> 0.7%) has been used as a standard marker compound in Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). To the best of our knowledge, there have been only a few studies regarding the fingerprinting techniques and metabolomics approach of the phytochemicals in Glycyrrhizae radix in Korean market. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a validated method for botanical raw material (BRM) standardization. Methods and Results : Twenty-one Glycyrrhizae radix (G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. glabra × G. uralensis) were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS and were estimated to statistical and multivariate analysis. Large scale multi-targeted metabolic profiling and fingerprinting techniques were utilized to access a broader insight into the chemical composition of Glycyrrhiza species. The UV/VIS spectra, and MS data (accurate mass and fragmentation pattern in negative mode) of the components in the BRM of G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. glabra × G. uralensis (incorporation and hybridization) were analyzed with multivariate analyses. Interestingly, UPLC-QTof-MS derived PCA analysis and fingerprinting techniques was found to be effective techniques in the classification of species based on genetic and/or geographical origins. In addition, the revealed metabolite markers could be utilized as a guidance for the BRM standardization as well as a database for quality control of commercial products containing Glycyrrhizae radix. Conclusion : From the above results, the revealed metabolite markers could be utilized as a guidance for the BRM standardization as well as a database for quality control of commercial products containing Glycyrrhizae radix.

Background : Atractylodes japonica koidz (AJ) is a perennial herb that belongs to Atractylodes genus. The dried rhizome of AJ is known as ‘Baek-chul’. The ‘Baek-chul’ is used as important traditional medicine in north-east Asia. It is considered to be effective for the treatment of stomach disorder, virus, diuresis, inflammation, arthritis. AJ is heavily depend on import from china and only few studies have been carried out. In this study, we develop SSR marker to build a foundation of breeding, to analyze genetic diversity and to construct core collection. Methods and Results : AJ resources was collected from each different place. To find simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker, we sequenced genomic DNA of AJ resources using Illumina HiSeq 2000 System. As a result of next generation sequencing (NGS), we obtained putative SSR loci. From these SSR primers, 553 SSR primer sets were designed successfully and confirmed polymorphism by in silico analysis. Nucleotide motifs ranged from tri- to penta-. Among these, 48 primer were tested in 4 individuals by capillary electrophoresis. Finally, selected 28 SSR marker were showed clear band and polymorphism by Electrophoresis. Conclusion : In this study, we developed 28 polymorphic SSR marker using NGS, and it could be used for analyzing genetic diversity of A. japonica. These marker would be useful for breeding of new cultivar in the future.

Background : Atractylodes japonica koidz. (AJ) and Atractylodes macrocephala koidz. (AM) belong to Atractylodes genus (Asteraceae) and their rhizomes are used as traditional medicine ‘Baek-chul’. The ‘Baek-chul’ is considered to be effective for the treatment of stomach disorder, virus, diuresis, inflammation, arthritis and Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide II and Atractylenolide III are the major active ingredients of these. Previously, we developed 8 hybrid cultivars with disease resistance, high yielding ability and high active ingredients by interspecific hybridization between AJ and AM. In this study, growth characteristics of 8 hybrid cultivars were investigated in RDA experimental field. Methods and Results : Growth characteristics of 8 hybrid cultivars were investigated in RDA experimental field. Among these cultivars, ‘Sanwon’ had the highest fresh weight of rhizome (149.5 g/plant), followed by ‘Dachul’ (145.8 g/plant). Most of hybrid cultivars showed higher fresh weight than and AM (108.7 g/plant). In addition, active ingredients (Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide Ⅱ and Atractylenolide Ⅲ) were investigated using HPLC. As a result, The sum of active ingredients were the highest in ‘Dachul’ (0.40 ㎎/g) that was 2 times higher than AM (0.22 ㎎/g). Conclusion : In this study, hybrid cultivars showed higher agronomic performance than AM. Particularly, ‘Dachul’ could be the superior cultivar with high atractylenolides as well as high yield ability.

Background : The roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf are used as medicines such as expectorants, and they are edible. Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf currently has a very small cultivation area, and there are no breeding cultivars, most of the native species are cultivated in the farm house. Therefore, it is important that identification of collecting species characteristic in order to breeding strategy. In this study, morphological features of the leaves and stems of the collecting species in the area were observed. Methods and Results : The morphological characteristics of mansam collected from three areas including Cheolwon (41 accession), Jeongseon (19 accession), and Pyeongchang (15 accession) were investigated at the flowering stage on leaf and stem. As a result of investigation of leaf characteristics, The leaf shape was the most frequent with 78.9% in the kidney type, 8.5% in the cardiac type, 7.0% in the wide-elliptical type, and 2.8% in the egg and egg-oval type. The leaf length was the most frequent with 67.1% in case of short, 28.6% in case of middle, and 4.3% in case of long. The leaf width was 67.1% in case of middle, 30.0% in case of broad, and 2.9% in case of narrow. Leaf hair was 47.1% in case of plenty, 27.1% in case of middle, and 25.7% in case of small number. The degree of greenness of the leaves was 60.0% in case of middle, 31.4% in case of darkness, and 8.6% in case of lightness. The degree of pigmentation of anthocyanin in petiole was 41.4% in case of lightness, 31.4% in case of darkness, and 27.1% in case of middle. As a result of investigating the characteristics of stem, The presence and absence of hair on the stem was 95.7% in case of little, 2.9% in the middle, and 1.4% in case of plenty. The degree of staining of anthocyanin in the stem was 42.9% in case of middle, 30.0% in case of darkness, and 27.1% in case of lightness. Conclusion : We intend to use this data as a basic data for cultivating varieties by supplementing investigation of traits such as expansion of collection area and investigation object and flower shape in the future.

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 : 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: Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. Its roots have been utilized as a traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to elucidate the basic information of the roots of the R. glutinosa cultivars and their utilization. Methods and Results: The roots of R. glutinosa cultivars were harvested in the end of March. The two iridoid glycosides, aucubin and catalpol, were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), whereas γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The aucubin content was the highest in the Dakang cultivar, whereas no aucubin was detected in the five cultivars. All cultivars had more than 12 ㎎/g catalpol content, and the maximum catalpol content was found in Jihwang 1. The GABA content was the highest in Suwon 1, and it was 40 times more than that in the Yeongang cultivar. Conclusions: The highest aucubin, catapol and GABA contents were detected in the Dakang, Jihwang 1, and Suwon 1, cultivars respectively. This study provides the crucial information regarding the versatile utilization and pedigree selection of R. glutinosa cultivars.

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 : 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.