Background : Licorice has been used as a source of medicine and a food material in East-Asia. Recently, demand for licorice increased in market due to a growing interest in health. Thus we conducted breeding research to solve the problems associated with domestically cultivated licorice such as low productivity and low glycyrrhizin content. Methods and Results : We crossed European licorice (G. glabra L.; female parent) and Chinese licorice (G. uralensis Fisch; male parent) in the greenhouse in May 2007. In September 2007, crossed and germinated seeds were retrieved and sown in the greenhouse. In June 2008, stolons were separated from the F1 licorice seedlings and cultivated, resulting in 32 clonal lines of interspecific hybrids. Among them we selected good lines and then conducted the replicated yield trials (RYT) in 2012-2013 and local adaptability test (LAT) in 2014-2015. The results, GLYES9 showed that was elect of stem, oblong of leaf shape, red-brown of root color. Glycyrrhizin conten of GLYES9 (3.0%) was higher than G. uralensis (1.9%) at four regions from 2014 to 2015. GLYES9 was less than 10% in the desease of brown spot (G. uralensis was more than 30%). The root yield of GLYES9 was 4.31 ton per hectare, which was increased 193% compared with a check variety of G. uralensis. Therfore, we named GLYES9 as new cultivar ‘Dagam’. Conclusion : Depending on the above results, we have developed a new licorice cultivar ‘Dagam’ by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science, RDA, in 2015. It showed brown spot disease resistant, high-glycyrrhizn content and high-yielding than colleted Glycyrrhiza spp.

Background : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of split application and adapted fertilization application cultivation in stable medicinal herbs production of Angelica acutiloba K. And it accomplished one’s purpose to GAP guide manual established standard method of cultivation technology, contribute to the enlargement of farm’s income. Methods and Results : Method of fertilization application were conducted under four condition compose to standard application (N-P-K-Compost: fermented mixed oil cake fertilizer applied at 14-10-10-600 ㎏․10 a−1cultivation. Compost and fused phosphate applied at 100% of basal fertilizer in April 14. The split application level of standard application (N-K) applied at 100%, 50%, 40%, 30% of basal fertilizer in April 14, 50%, 40% and 30% of top dressing were two, three times application (N-K) in June 1, July 15, August 15, 25% and 20% respectively. Sowing dates with Jangsung varieties in April 28 of the year 2015. Planting density were spaced 30 ㎝ apart in rows 15 ㎝ apart with black color non-woven cloth covering open cultivation by level row 90 ㎝. Plot design randomized block 3 repetition. Conclusion : Growth characteristics by 50%, 70% and 60% of top dressing were two, three times application (N-K) in June 1, July 15, August 15 compared to standard application (N-K) applied at 100% basal fertilizer, aerial part as a result were so many such amount of growth as number of leaf per plant, etc., Length of leaf and main root of aboveground, subterranean part growth increment rising highest. Dried roots yields compared to standard fertilizer 100%application (217 kg․10 a−1) treatment. 50%, 70% and 60% of top dressing were two, three times application (N-K) increased by 6%, 14%, and 18%. respectively.

Background : The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods to high quality medicinal vegetables, thereby increasing farm income. This study investigated the effects of different green manures crop and application culture stable foliage production in Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg. Methods and Results : Method of application with green manure crop were conducted under four condition compose to control (non application), single cropping in barley, hairy vetch and mixed cropping in hairy vetch (60%) + barley (40%)culture. Sowing dates of green manure crop were October 14 in 2014. Transplanting with Jeonam Yeosu varieties in Junel 28 by growing pot seedling for 45 days in 2015. Method of application were standard application (N-P-K-Compost applied at 20-12-10-600 ㎏․10 a−1). Plants were spaced 10 ㎝ apart in rows 10 ㎝ apart with open cultivation. Conclusions : The utilization effect of nitrogen supplied by green manure crop was highest with the hairy vetch by 21.1% in single cropping and hairy vetch + barley by 29.8% in mixed cropping. Organic matter, available phosphate, K2O, CaO, and MgO of soil increased in plots with the mixed cropping hairy vetch + barley culture. Non application < barley < hairy vetch < hairy vetch + barley in mixed cropping, aerial part as a result were so many such amount of growth as number of leaf per plant, etc., green leaf yields is untreated control plot (1,876 kg․10 a−1) compared to 7% from using barley culture, hairy vetch culture 10% higher and hairy vetch + barley culture increased to 15% of the most.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, induces toxicity in cells and in experimental animals. Ginseng extracts were evaluated to determine whether they can inhibit BPA-induced toxicity. The antioxidant activity of fresh ginseng extract (WGE), dried white ginseng extract (DGE), and dried red ginseng extract (RGE) was measured using the DPPH assay. WGE and RGE increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Cell viability was measured in HepG2 cells following treatment with BPA and ginseng extracts using the MTT assay. DGE and RGE increased HepG2 cell viability following treatment with 200 μM BPA. RGE reduced levels of biochemical markers of liver damage, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) that increased in mice following treatment with BPA. In addition, the regeneration and proliferation of damaged liver cells were significantly increased in RGE-treated mice. Moreover, RGE inhibited hepatic fibrosis in the surrounding area and in the central vein of the liver microstructure. RGE also significantly inhibited BPA-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, RGE protected liver damage and regenerated liver tissues in BPA-treated animals. These results show that RGE may represent a potential candidate drug for the treatment and prevention of liver damage caused by environmental toxins.

A new Rehmannia glutinosa cultivar ‘Tokang’ was derived from ‘Jihwang 1’ seedlings by medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science, RDA in 2009. It has pink flower, dark brown seed coat, light yellow root cortex. The plant type was some rising from the ground. The content of catalpol and extract were higher than the ‘Jihwang 1’(check variety). The content of catalpol was 4.55% and the extract was 71.2%. It showed stronger resistance to root rot compare with the ‘Jihwang 1’. The regional yield trials were conducted at three different locations from 2007 to 2009. The average yield of ‘Tokang’ was 21.1ton/ha, which was 12% more than the ‘Jihwang 1’. This cultivar is adaptable to the whole of Korea except for mountain areas. (Registration No. 4725)

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

Background: The study was conducted to elucidate the extraction conditions under which white ginseng has cognition-improving efficacy.Methods and Results: Extracts from white ginseng under different solvent and temperature conditions were analyzed for ginsenoside content and inhibitory effect on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and acetylcholinesterase. The total ginsenoside contents and amounts of ginsenoside Rb1 plus ginsenoside Rg1 from the 1st extracts (prepared with EtOH/H2O as solvent) were higher than those from the 2nd extracts (extracted with H2O after the 1st EtOH/H2O extraction). The contents in the 1st and 2nd extracts produced at 80°C were also higher than those obtained at 50°C. Samples from the 1st extraction at 80°C indicated higher inhibitory activities on NMDA receptors-whose excessive activation is thought to mediate the calcium-dependent neurotoxicity associated with several neurodegenerative diseases-than those from the 2nd extraction. Among the samples prepared at varying temperatures, the extract prepared at 50°C showed the highest suppression activity on NMDA receptors. Note, however, that the extracts from the 2nd extraction at 50°C inhibited acetylcholinesterase-whose inhibition could be a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases with cognitive deficits and memory malfunction-more effectively than those from the 1st extraction.Conclusions: To enhance the cognition-improving activity of white ginseng extract, it is suggested that the extracts be utilized after being combined the 1st extracts (made with EtOH/H2O solvent) and the 2nd extracts (prepared with H2O) at low temperature.

Background: Prenatal exposure to infectious and/or inflammatory insults can increase the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorder such as bipolar disorder, autism, and schizophrenia later in life. We investigated whether Valeriana fauriei (VF) treatment alleviates prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits and social interaction impairment induced by maternal immune activation (MIA).Methods and Results: Pregnant mice were exposed to polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (5㎎/㎏, viral infection mimic) on gestational day 9. The adolescent offspring received daily oral treatment with VF (100㎎/㎏) and injections of clozapine (5㎎/㎏) for 30 days starting on the postnatal day 35. The effects of VF extract treatment on behavioral activity impairment and protein expression were investigated using the PPI analysis, forced swim test (FST), open field test (OFT), social interaction test (SIT), and immunohistochemistry. The MIA-induced offspring showed deficits in the PPI, FST, OFT, and SIT compared to their non MIAinduced counterparts. Treatment with the VF extract significantly recovered the sensorimotor gating deficits and partially recovered the aggressive behavior observed in the SIT. The VF extract also reversed the downregulation of protein expression induced by MIA in the medial prefrontal cortex.Conclusions: Our results provide initial evidence of the fact that the VF extract could reverse MIA-induced behavioral impairment and prevent neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia.

Background : Cellular damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) generations has been implicated in several human diseases. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro ROS and ONOO- scavenging activities of Cirsium japonicum parts. Methods and Results : The dried Cirsium japonicum parts (whole plant, leaf, seed coat) were extracted by EtOH, at room temperature. In order to determine antioxidant activity of Cirsium japonicum parts, we were carried out ROS and ONOO- scavenging analyses. As a result , the IC50 in ROS scavenge were showed 203.99 ± 22.04 μg/ml, 174.44 ± 7.78 μg/ml, 86.77 ± 7.02 μg/ml. The IC50 in ONOO- scavenge were showed 15.68 ± 0.57 μg/ml, 12.99 ± 0.15 μ g/ml, 10.33 ± 0.19 μg/ml, respectively. Active compound content in C. japonicum was determined using a HPLC/UV, reverse-phase column with gradient elution program (water in 0.5% formic acid : acetonitrile = 100:0 to 0:100 for 45 min, 0.8 ml/min). UV detection was conducted at 340 nm. The content of apigenin was measured in whole plant (1.04±0.06 mg/g), leaf (0.91±0.02 mg/g), seed coat (33.33±0.93 mg/g). Conclusion : Each part of Cirsium japonicum was analyzed antioxidant activity and the content of apigenin with EtOH extract. In result antioxidant activity, seed coat > leaf > whole plant. Seed coat were showed a very strong antioxidant activity. The comparative patterns between the antioxidant capacity and HPLC analysis results for the apigenin contained in Cirsium japonicum may also prove to be significant.

Background : Ginseng, an important traditional medicinal plant still used in rats with bone fractures or dislocation to promote connective tissue repair and to reduce inflammantion. We investigated the effect of ginseng on the proliferation rate of rat bone. Methods and Results : We investigated the effect of ginseng extracts on blood biochemical parameters, bone density and bone inorganic components etc. and data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. In the results of our study, the level of albumin and HDL, Ca, P, Mg, and estradiol in blood, and the content of Ca, P, ash in femur were significantly increased in ginseng treated group than in OVX group, and the level of ALP, AST, ALT, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, creatinine, osteocalcin, and N-terminal telopeptide were significantly decreased in red ginseng treated group than in OVX group (p < 0.01). Conclusion : From these results, we knew that within the normal level, ginseng extracts improved liver and kidney function, component of glucose and lipid in blood, bone densith, bone ash and inorganic components in femur, and index related with bone metabolism.

Background : Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) appears to enhance the differentiation of osteoblasts and to activate the mineralization of bone. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ginseng complex on the remodeling of rats tibia. Methods and Results : Ginseng complex significantly increased serum IGF-1 by 58% and 34.5% than the control, respectively. Treatment with α-amylase when manufacturing these extracts remarkably increased the concentration of IGF-1 by 63% and 36% above the control, respectively. This ways that this ginseng complex, especially α-amylase treated extracts, contained a higher level of IGF-1 secretion in the ginseng complex groups. In addition, increases of 8% in femuf length were found after 12 weeks of oral administration with ginseng complex (300mg/kg). Conclusion : These results mean that ginseng complex have beneficial effects on bone effects on bone growth via IGF-1.

Background : Our animal model of stress contained two components: (1) acute trauma, immobilization of rats in close proximity to a cat twice in 10 days, and (2) chronic social instability, 31 days of randomized housing of cage cohorts. Here we tested the hypothesis that daily social stimulation would block the development of the stress. Methods and Results : Beginning 24 h after the first cat exposure, adult male rats were given our established stress model, alone or in conjunction with daily social stimulation, in which all rats within a group interacted in a large apparatus for 2 h each day for the final 30 days. All behavioral, for example, anxiety, memory, startle testing, and physiological assessments, for example, body growth, organ weights, and corticosterone levels, took place following completion of the psychosocial stress period. Conclusion : From the above study, V. fauriei possess significant anti-stress properties and can be used for the treatment of stress-induced disorders.

Background : Reactive oxygen species (ROS), whether produced endogenously as a consequence of normal cell functions or derived from external sources, pose a constant threat to cells living in an aerobic environment as they can result in severe damage to DNA, protein, and lipids. The effects of Valeriana fauriei extract and fractions on hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal cell damage are studied. Methods and Results : Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases. Valeriana fauriei extract (VFE) and EA fractions (VFEA) was investigated total phenolic contents using method. VFE of total phenolic contents had 2.54 ± 0.01 mg/g, also, VFEA had a 18.78 ± 0.03 mg/g. High phenolic content of the VFEA is expected to better the inhibition of oxidative stress. VFE and VFEA were experimented to inhibit ROS induced 200 μM 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1). VFE of inhibit SIN-1 induced-ROS dose dependently and signficantly. In addition, VFEA inhibition was also dose dependant and significant. Moreover, Treatment of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH cells with VFEA significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced generation of intercellular ROS. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that VFEA might have useful as a material for functional food and pharmaceutics for the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases.

Background : Five medicinal herbs have been selected from the preliminary screening for in vitro anti-allergy activity (in RBL-2H3 cells). The present study is conducted to investigate the inhibitory effects of the medicinal herbs on allergic inflammation in other kind of cells. Methods and Results : Cells treated with five extracts prepared from Betula costata Trautv. (aerial part), Camellia sinensis L. (aerial part), Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. (root), Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai (leaf), and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. (root) were measured for mRNA levels of TNF-α on HaCaT keratinocytes stimulated by TNF-α /INF-γ and for mRNA levels of IL-2 in Jurkat T cells mediated by PMA/A23187. Pre-treatment with the five extracts reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α in HaCaT cells and mRNA levels of IL-2 in Jurkat T cells. In particular, the leaf extract of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai significantly and dose-dependently decreased the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-2. To determine the toxicity of the extracts from the selected medicinal herbs to HaCaT cells and Jurkat T cells, the viabilities of the cells treated with several concentrations of the five extracts were measured by MTT assay. Extracts of Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. (root), Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai (leaf), and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. (root) (up to 250 ㎍/㎖) did not show cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells and Jurkat T cells. On the other hand, 250 ㎍/㎖ of extracts of Betula costata Trautv. (aerial part) and Camellia sinensis L. (aerial part) reduced cell viability in both cells. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that the leaf extract of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Therefore, the leaf of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai can be a useful resource for the development of anti-allergy/anti-inflammatory materials.

Background : Ginseng has been commonly used as a traditional oriental medicine for its wide spectrum of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic, adaptogenic and anti-aging properties. 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a intestinal metabolite of ginsenosides, is one of the active ingredients in ginseng. In this study, we have found inflammation-related genes regulated by 20(S)-PPD in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) to elucidate the role of 20(S)-PPD in inflammatory signaling pathways. Methods and Results : We examined cell viability of BMDM cells after treatment of 20(S)-PPD and found that 20(S)-PPD has no cytotoxicity up to 10 uM. BMDM cells treated with none or 10uM 20(S)-PPD were used for RNA extraction and microarray analysis. It was found that 2 inflammation-related genes are upregulated and 4 genes are downregulated by 20(S)-PPD. Conclusion : These results can give clues to elucidate the role of 20(S)-PPD in inflammatory signaling pathways.

Background : Ginseng, one of most famous traditional oriental medicines, has been known for a number of pharmacological properties including anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, anti-stress, anti-oxidative, and anti-aging effects. 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a intestinal metabolite of ginsenosides, is one of the active ingredients in ginseng. In this study, we investigated the synergistic anticancer effect of 20(S)-PPD and temozolomide (TMZ) and the mechanism of 20(S)-PPD on glioblastoma cells. Methods and Results : We examined cell viability and the morphological changes of C6 cells after treatment of 20(S)-PPD and TMZ. 20(S)-PPD showed a potent antiproliferative activity against C6 cells by triggering apoptosis. 20(S)-PPD-induced apoptosis was characterized by a dose-dependent mitochondrial damage. 20(S)-PPD and TMZ had a synergistic effect in increasing mitochondrial damage via caspase 3 activation. Conclusion : These results revealed an unexpected mechanism of 20(S)-PPD and TMZ, triggering a mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in C6 cells. Our findings encourage further studies of 20(S)-PPD as a promising chemopreventive agent against glioblastoma.

Background : Ganoderma lucidum is a non-toxic, medicinal mushroom, which is known to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activities. However, the effects and mechanism of action of Ganoderma lucidum on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and its-related cytokine expression are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum on NO production and NO-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in LPS/IFN-γ-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. Methods and Results : The results showed that Ganoderma lucidum inhibited inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression of RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations probably through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. After pre-treatment of cells with non-toxic doses of Ganoderma lucidum; NO production was significantly decreased. Moreover, Ganoderma lucidum treatment suppressed LPS/IFN-γ -stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, including interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : Taken together, these results indicate that the anti-inflammatory activation of Ganoderma lucidum in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages might be due to abrogation of NO-dependent cytokine release by impairment of iNOS expression via ROS generation.

Background : The purpose of this study was to big strong and root in the disease, many high quality seed of Achyranthes japonica N. selection by fostering, expanding the spread on a farm and raw materials medicines of sources deployment for process is to contribute to increasing farm income. Methods and Results : Collected variety into the mass selection breeding method by head-to-row cultivation, native variety of Hwasoon and Jangheung Jeonnam, was conducted in 2007. Three individual selection in 2010 as it produces the 27 and five individual in 2008 and 2009. From 2010 to 2011, pure line isolation as it cultivated and one foundation group. Promising in 2012, select one system. Replicated yield trial for two years beginning in 2013 a result of the stem length, multiple No. of branches and providing high -quality “No. 1, Jeollanam-do” majority by assigning system name. Naju-si, Yeongam-gun, local excellence by implementing a local adaptability test recognized in two years. To breed a new variety named as a dwelling “ Woogang” of Achyranthes japonica N. the review by fostering december 2015 to be registered. Conclusions : Leaf type is the broad lancet, flowering time is new variety two days than Jangheung native variety delayed. New variety of stem length and main root length are check variety (89㎝, 13.5㎝) of 9㎝ and 2㎝ tall respectively. Seed yields has native variety as much as 35 % compared to the many into 43.5 kg/10a. The ecdysteroids contents of roots was 1.2 times higher compared to check variety (668.1ppm). The dried root yields of the new variety are 285kg/10a a many native variety than 20%.

Background : In this study, we investigated the renoprotective effects of serotonin and its derivatives, on the renal function and expression of inflammation and apoptosis in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mice. Methods and Results : Serotonin and its derivatives were orally administered at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight for 5 days before the intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin 20 mg/kg body weight, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle-treated nephrotoxicity control and normal groups. In the serum and kidney, renal function parameters, reactive oxygen species and expression of protein related to pro-oxidant, antioxidant, inflammation and apoptosis were examined. As a result, serotonin and its derivatives administrations to nephrotoxicity mice lowered serum BUN and creatinine concentrations. These results were derived, at least in part, from attenuation the expression of antioxidant enzymes-related proteins, SOD and GPx. In the cisplatin-induced renal condition, augmented p-p38, p-ERK and p-JNK (mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway) were reduced with a increase in antioxidant enzymes on serotonin and its derivatives treatment. Moreover, in the serotonin and its derivatives-treated groups, NF- κB-induced inflammatory factors and apoptotic protein expressions were regulated in the kidney. Conclusion : The present study indicates that serotonin and its derivatives exerts a renoprotective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through the recovery of kidney function deterioration and attenuation of renal inflammation and apoptosis by regulating oxidative stress condition.

Background : This study was development of moisture tolerance and high-yielding Rehmannia glutinosa cultivar. Methods and Results : Segang is developed by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science(NIHHS), Rural Development Administration(RDA), during the period from 2005 to 2015. The reproduction of Rehmannia glutinosa has been accomplished mainly by vegetative propagation with its seedlings have many variants. The cultivar was selected from seedling of Jihwang 1(check variety). The plant type of Segang is some rising from ground. Regional yield trials conducted at three site from 2014 to 2015. The root yield of Segang was 21.1ton per hectare, which was increased 12% compared with Jihwang 1. Also, Segang has higher catalpol content and dried root ratio compared with Jihwang 1. Conclusion : Segang is a moisture tolerance and high-yielding Rehmannia glutinosa cultivar.