Background : Recently, hair loss, which has been regarded as a mere means of middle-aged men due to stress and environmental pollution. The market for hair loss in Korea is about four trillion won and it is growing continuously. It is mainly made by mixing natural extracts such as medicinal plant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. whole plant and Calendula officinalis L. flower extracts on the growth of fibroblasts, dermal papilla cells and lipid precursors, I want to try to make a materialization. Methods and Results : The cytotoxicity of each sample extracts treated with 50%, 100%, and 500 μg to fibroblasts, cell-viability were 107.3%, 109.6%, and 128.2%, respectively. The cytotoxicity of each sample to the dermal papilla cells was not observed. And the lipid differentiation of the lipogenic precursor cells which regulates the hairegeneration by secretion of the platelet derived growth factor. The 70% ethanol extracts of H. cordata whole plant and C. officinalis flower were showed promotes the hair growth activity. The lipolysis rate was significantly increased with increasing treatment concentration Conclusion : As a result of this study, in-vitro hair growth activity of herbal medicines for hair treatment material development was not shown to be toxic to each cell. And 70% ethanol extract of H. cordata whole plant stimulated lipid precursor cells inducing differentiation. As a result, the 70% ethanol extracts of H. cordata whole plant and C. officinalis flower have potential to developing hair-related product.

Background : Pachyrhizus erosus (Leguminosae), locally called as “Yam bean” is a traditional medical plant that grows in the tropical and subtropical region. The root of P. erosus is used by the local people to treat insomania, treatment of osteoporosis and extracts of this plant have shown antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory activity, tyrosinase inhibitionby, antitumour properties and cardiovascular benefit. Methods and Results : Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as standard antioxidants. The radical scavenging activity was measured using the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl–2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS assay. Total phenolic content was determined by following Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method and Total flavonoids were determined using aluminium chloride calorimetric methods. Phenolic compound concentration and compositions were determined by HPLC-MS/MS system. Seedlings grown under the flourescent light (Fl) exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity when compared to the plants treated with light emitting diodes (LEDs) and light emitting plasma (LEP). LED-Blue showed the higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS concentration of PE compared to other LEDs. The accumulation of phenolic compounds increased under different white-LEDs conditions as compared to LEP and FL light conditions. Conclusion : In this study, antioxidant activity and phenolic compound composition of P. erosus was improved by the application of LED and LEP.

Background : This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activities and anticancer effect in 80% ethanol extract from foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) varieties. Methods and Results : These extracts were evaluated for contents of total polyphenol and antioxidant activities using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. In concentration of 1000 ㎍/㎖, total polyphenol contents of foxtail millet, proso millet and sorghum were 7.68 - 12.74 ㎍․GAE/㎖, 13.01 - 14.79 ㎍․GAE/㎖ and 48.24 - 62.33 ㎍․GAE/㎖, respectively. Sorghum extracts showed strong radical scavenging activity comparable to well-known antioxidant, trolox. Anticancer effect was evaluated for MTT assay using AGS human gastric cancer cells. All extracts decreased growth of AGS cancer cells. Foxtail millet extracts were decreased about 40% of cell viability in all concentrations. Sorghum extracts were decreased cell viability, concentration dependent manner. Especially, Donganme extract (one of the sorghum variety) was the highest anti cancer effect under AGS cancer cells. Conclusion : Based on these results, millet and sorghum has potential health promoting bioactive compounds as functional food.

Background : This study was carried out to investigate the cytotoxicity in 9 extracts from 8 medicinal plants, such as leaf extract of Lonicera maackii (Llm), leaf extract of Platycarya strobilacea (Lps), flower extract of Fagopyrum dibortryis (Fdf), stem extract of Physostegia virginiana (Spv), root extract of Allium senescence (Ras), aerial part extract of Allium schoenoprasum (Aas), aerial part extract of Artemisia japonica var. manshurica (Aaj), stem extract of Caryopteris incana (Sci), and leaf extract of Caryopteris incana (Lci), on human cancer cell lines. Methods and Results : Dried plant extracts were granted from National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Sciences. The extracts of each plant were dissolved in DMSO and stored in deep freeze at –20℃. The cell viabilities were examined by MTT assay. On SK-OV-3 cell line, Lps, Aas, Sci ans Lci showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. On A549 cell line, almost samples show dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, but especially Aaj showed relatively high cytotoxic effect. In case of HCT-15 cell line, Llm and Aas showed relatively high cytotoxic effect. Conclusion : These results suggested that Lonicera maackii, Platycarya strobilacea, Fagopyrum dibortryis, Physostegia virginiana, Allium senescence, Allium schoenoprasum, Artemisia japonica var. manshurica, and Caryopteris incana can be utilized as potential sources of anticancer agent due to their cytotoxicity.

Background : Sorghum is a major cereal food crop used in many parts of the world. It has been grown on a subsistence level by farmers, under various conditions of environmental stresses in the semi-arid tropics of Africa and Asia. This crop has received significant attention because of its ability to lower cholesterol in the blood, and its anti-dementia, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is possible to develop a functional and commercially viable sorghum variety by using superior cultivars of sorghum. The objective of this study was to construct a database of superior sorghum accession. Methods and Results : We used 250 sorghum accessions collected from different geographical bioregion in Korea. We determined various growth characters including germination rate and ear length of these accessions. To determine the antioxidant capacity, we measured the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS scavenging activity, total phenolic contents, and total flavonoid contents. 189 accession showed higher germination (> 80%) than other accessions. Higher DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in 11-SB-078 (RC50: 1.89 ± 2.88 ㎍/ ㎖), and higher ABTS scavenging activity was recorded in 11-SB-116 (RC50: 35.48 ± 2.42 ㎍/㎖) than other accessions. The ear length ranged from 15 ㎝ to 48 ㎝, the total phenolic contents ranged from 3 ㎎·GAE/g to 77 ㎎·GAE/g, and total flavonoid contents ranged from 0.09 ㎎·QE/g to 1.07 ㎎·QE/g. Conclusion : Among 250 sorghum accessions, we selected 10 with both superior agronomic characters and higher functional food quality.

Background : The main ingredients of bed soil specialized for ginseng, which is often used in cultivation of young ginseng, are peat moss, vermiculite and cocopeat. These ingredients are imported from overseas countries because they are not produced in Korea, and thus play an important role in pricing of the bed soil. The bed soil products show satisfactory ability to retain moisture but, are known to require different containers and water management methods depending on the components of the soil and the crops to be cultivated. However, proper studies on cultivation of young ginseng in greenhouses are yet to be conducted, and research data on water management methods and irrigation amount for box culture of young ginseng are largely unavailable. Methods and Results : To establish the proper method of irrigation for cultivation of young ginseng, young ginseng were cultivated while providing water once a week through the method of drip irrigation and the method that combines drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation. To establish the proper amount of water required, each box is provided with 2 ℓ, 3 ℓ and 4 ℓ of water respectively and the growth and development of both above and below aerial parts were examined after 45 days. The growth and development of both above and below aerial parts of young ginseng did not show any statistically significant differences between the two irrigation methods but, the young ginseng provided with water through the method that combines drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation showed a relatively superior growth. Conclusion : Based on the above results, the proper method of irrigation for greenhouse cultivation of young ginseng is to combine the sprinkler irrigation - before budding - and the drip irrigation - after budding. The young ginseng showed the most satisfactory growth when provided with 4 ℓ water once a week, while those provided with less water – 2 ℓ - showed poor growth. For short-term cultivation of 45 days, the growth and development of young ginseng showed little difference regardless of the irrigation methods and the amount of water provided.

This study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and in vitro greenhouse gas mitigation activities of fermented Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract. Seven starter cultures were used, comprising four of lactic acid bacteria and three of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ten grams of S. baicalensis Georgi powder was diluted in 90 mL autoclaved MRS broth. Each seed culture was inoculated with 3-10% (v/v) S. baicalensis Georgi MRS broth and incubated at 30℃ for 48 h. Among the starter cultures used, only Lactobacillus plantarum EJ43 could withstand the fermentation conditions. This fermentation broth was dried and extracted with ethanol to assess its antibacterial, antioxidant, and in vitro methane mitigation activities. The extract of S. baicalensis Georgi fermented by L. plantarum EJ43 (SBLp) showed higher antibacterial activity (bigger clear zone) compared to the unfermented S. baicalensis Georgi extract (SB0). SBLp also presented 1.2 folds higher antioxidant activity than SB0. During in vitro rumen fermentation, SBLp showed reduction in methane production compared to SB0 or the control. In conclusion, fermentation by L. plantarum EJ43 may enhance antibacterial and antioxidant activities of S. baicalensis Georgi and decrease enteric methane production.

This study aimed to design for curriculum and criteria for education model of the horticulture rehabilitation assistant for disability university students. In this study, a DACUM (Development A curriculum) method job analysis such as task range, eligibility, core competency, index of capacity, etc. was done by an job analysis committee composed of 12 specialists in the industry and academia. The first step, this report presents task analysis models by procedures for disability university student. The second step is preparation for task analysis by data research, interviews and selection of experts. The third step is the establishment of core competency by the expert council and site study. The fourth step is the drawn-out of index of capacity by the expert council and site study. The fourth step is the selection of curriculum and non curriculum subject, The last step is the establishment of guidelines for horticulture rehabilitation assistant.

Background : Haskap berries commonly refer to fruits of Lonicera caerulea L., recognized by the Japanese aborigines as the “The elixir of life.”. Due to their recent arrival on the North American market, haskap berries have not yet been positioned among other berries and compared in terms of their phytochemical content. And haskap berries have higher ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content than other berries known for their health-promoting benefits, such as blueberries. However, no study has reported on the antioxidant and anti-cancer activity of Lonicera caerulea stem. The purpose of this study is to present the current research on the chemical content, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities of Lonicera caerulea stem. Methods and Results : The stem of Lonicera caerulea L. ware dried in the shade at room temperature and extracted with 100% methanol. The extract was suspended in deionized water and partitioned sequentially with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate and butanol (water saturated BuOH) fractions. Antioxidant activities were measured by determination of antioxidants, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Cell viability was determined by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. All cell lines were purchased from the Korean Cell Line Bank (Seoul, Korea). All results were performed with three replications were processed statistically. By DPPH assay, the Lonicera caerulea L. the highest activity was obtained from the ethyl-acetate fraction (IC50=15.46 ㎍/㎖). By MTT assay, the chloroform fraction showed a significant growth inhibiting effect on MCF-7 (Human breast cancer, IC50=225.91 ㎍/㎖), COLO 205 (Human colon cancer, IC50=179.55 ㎍/㎖), but on AGS (Human stomach cancer) and other fractions it did not show effect. Conclusion : We demonstrated that Lonicera caerulea L. stem extract and fractions has antioxidant and antiproliferation activity in vitro. Further studies should identify the active constituents in Lonicera caerulea L stem to evaluate the potential in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferation activities of the extract.

Background : As a part of ongoing research to elucidate and characterize anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, six kinds of plant extracts (aerial part of Nepeta cataria, leaves of Lonicera maackii, leaves of Platycarya strobilacea, flower of Fagopyrum dibotrys, flowers and fruits of Solanum nigrum, stem of Physostegia virginiana) were tested for their ability to suppress inflammation. The anti-inflammatory has been studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells which cells synthesized nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In this study, NO synthesis inhibitory activity of six kinds of plant extracts on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated. Methods and Results : Six kinds of plant extracts were parceled out from RDA (Rural Development Administration). RAW 264.7 cells (1.5×105 cells/well) were seeded onto 96-well plates with DMEM media containing 10% FBS and 1% antibiotics. The cells were pretreated with the extracts and LPS-stimulated cells for 24 h. Cellular NO production was stimulated by adding 1 μg/mL of LPS. After incubation, Griess reagent was used to determine NO production. Absorbance was measured at 520 nm by microplate reader. NO synthesis inhibitory activity potential of these extracts was evaluated by assessing NO production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in the presence. As a result, inhibition rate of NO production was about 40% of L. maackii, 33% of F. dibotrys, 23% of P. strobilacea and 17% of P. virginiana. Meanwhile, there was no significant results in aerial part of N. cataria and flowers and fruits of S. nigrum. Conclusion : From the above results, we be able to confirm that leaves of L. maackii and flower of F. dibotrys appeared dose-dependent NO synthesis inhibitory activity and leaves of P. strobilacea appeared NO synthesis inhibitory activity in low-concentration. As screening NO synthesis inhibition of six extracts, they may be a good candidate for delaying the progression of human inflammatory diseases and warrants further studies.

Background : Astilboides tabularis (Hemsl.) Engl. is a perennial herbaceous plant, distributed in the northern high mountains of the Korean peninsula and China. It is an excellent ornamental plant currently at risk of overharvesting and therefore, is designated as an endangered wild plant Class II by the Ministry of Environment. Physiological research on A. tabularis has not be reported. Therefore, in this study, using A. tabulari extracts, antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects were determined. Methods and Results : The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of A. tabularis extracts were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of A. tabularis possesses potent DPPH radical scavenging activity (2.90±0.08㎍/㎖), similar to the scavenging activity of ascorbic acid (2.19±0.06㎍/㎖), and better than the powerful antioxidant α-tocopherol (10.60±0.40㎍/㎖) as well as BHA (butylatedhydroxy anisole)(6.12±0.27㎍/㎖). The ethyl acetate fraction possessed a significantly higher concentration of total phenolic (549.70±2.72㎎GAE/g) and flavonolic content (154.58±1.04㎎QE/g). It was also found that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited high reducing power and inhibition of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) formation. Different fractions of A. tabularis were tested for anti-inflammatory activity using LPS stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. The n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a high inhibitory effect on NO (Nitrite oxide) production (22.43±1.06%, 19.30±0.45%, respectively) at 200㎍/㎖ concentration. The mRNA of IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2 gene expression was decreased by treatment with the ethyl acetate fraction. These results showed that A. tabularis extracts can be used as natural substances to control inflammation. Conclusion : These result showed that A. tabularis extracts can be used in a variety of antioxidant and other functional product research and development processes as valuable natural materials.

Background : Ginseng berry(GB) is useful not only just in growing source but also in functional food source. The ingredients of crops varies with the maturity. So, GB ingredients need to be analyse for optimal harvesting stage of GB against appropriate use. Methods and Results : This study was carried out to determine optimal harvesting stage of GB. GB was harvested 5 day periods from July 12, started harvesting when pollination was 50 days old, until August 1. GB was analysed color, ginsenosides and fatty acids using colorimeter, LC and GC, respectively. As the majority of GB increase, color of freeeze drying GB powder were changed that lightness and yellowness was increased, redness was decreased. Ginsenoside Re, Rb1 and Rb2, major ginsenoside in GB, were increased and Ginsenoside F1, Rk1 and Rg5, minor ginsenoside, were increased for a time and then decreased. Oleic acid, the main fatty acid in GB, was decreased, and linoleic acid and total fatty acid content was increased to July 27 and then decreased. Conclusion : Total ginsenosides content was the highest on August 1 and total fatty acid content was the highest July 27. As the majority of GB increase, ratio of oleic acid on total fatty acid was decreased and linoleic acid was increased. Thus, GB is that the longer a harvest period and the more useful for food source.

Background : Temperature is major factor for growth plant. Recently, because of global warming, abnormal temperature included drought, deluge, sudden temperature change and heavy snow damaged crops in the world. In Korea, crops have been sensitive to low temperature on early growth stage, e.g. fruit tree and ginseng, were damaged owing to sudden heavy snow and cold on Spring. Therefore, recently interest in cold resistance crops were increased in demand rapidly. This study was performed to establish transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana by transforming cold resistant gene related to cold tolerance S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) isolated from Miscanthus sinensis. Methods and Results : Total RNA was extracted from leaves of M. sinensis using Trizol assay and isolated MsSAMS. Isolated MsSAMS was insert into SacⅠ- XbaⅠ sites of pMBP1 vector. The vector was transformed to Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 by DH5α. A. tumefaciens with binary plasmid were selected at YEP medium supplemented with kanamycin. Cut leaves of tobacco were co-cultured with selected A. tumefaciens. Co-cultured leaves was grown on regeneration medium for a month at dark condition, and transferred to at light condition. Regeneration shoot from callus were excised and transferred to root-induction medium. Approximately, 58% of leaves explant produced callus. Nearly, 30% of callus had shoot and approximately, 94% of shoots were rooted in root-induction medium. Conclusion : We established an efficient transformation system of N. benthamiana transformed by using MsSAMS gene related to cold tolerance isolated from M. sinensis. We may use the produced transgenic plants to prevent damages carried by cold.

Background : Perilla frutescens L. is a bisexual, annual plant belonging to the Labiatae. Dormancy period of Perilla seed usually ranged from 85-200 days. The germination enhancing effects in a reduced seed vigor during the GA3 treatment has been reported. Objectives of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GA3 on germination rate and the expression of germination-related genes expression by using perilla seeds. Methods and Results : Three different cultivars (Saeyeopsil, Okdong) and accession (line 141) of perilla were used in the experiment and treated with GA3 at different concentration (50, 100, 300, 500 μM) for one day at dark condition. Germination test for perilla seed was carried out by using 100 perilla seeds treated with GA3 at 25℃. Rate of germination were evaluated after 10 days and the experiments were repeated three times in similar condition. Samples were collected from each cultivar and accessions for RNA extraction. After cDNA synthesis quantification, templates were subjected to RT-PCR using actin primers. EST blast performed for sequencing the RT-PCR products. Conclusion : Result showed that 100μM GA3 treated seeds of three perilla cultivars and accessions showed the highest germination rate. However, concentration of GA3 over 100 μM and lower than 100 μM resulted into reduced germination rate. Furthermore, expression of germination-related genes from 100 μM treated GA3 was higher compared to untreated sample by using 100 μM GA3 treated sample by using pC12, pJ14 primers.

Background : Ginseng is a cold-adopting plant that likes cold climate. As the temperature of korea is increasing to the extent that makes it unsuitable for growing ginseng, there is a need arising for developing ginseng breed that can adapt to higher temperature. Out of 76 genetic lines of 4 years old ginseng owned by our research lab, 5 lines with good and high ginsenoside contents were selected. The test was performed to compare their ginsenoside contents and growth characteristics to the existing ones. Methods and Results : A study was done on the growth of 5 lines of ground part with high ginsenoside contents such as GS97-24-2. The results show that the growth of leaf length and width was best for GS98-4-5 and Geumsun. The root weight of the underground part was good, with the growth of 27.8g per ginseng. The root length did not vary across lines. Geumsun and GS97-24-2 showed the same total length. The growth of rootlet was best for GS98-4-5 lines, showing 5.4 rootlets. The total ginsenoside contents of the underground part was highest for American ginseng with 54.31mg/g, followed by GS98-4-5, GS97-24-2, and Geumsun. American ginseng was high in ginsenoside Re and Rb1 in contents compared to Korean ginseng. Although total ginsenoside contents were high, Rg2 and Rf were not detected in American ginseng while Korean ginseng contained good amount of Rg2 and Rf. Conclusion : Base on the results above, the best ground part among the high ginsenoside lines was GS98-4-5. For underground part, the growth of Americal ginseng and Gopoong were the best. American ginseng, which has good underground part growth even in hot season, contained high ginsenoside contents too. On the other hand, Korean ginseng had more variety of ginsenoside compared to American ginseng.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway is a key signal transduction pathway involved in cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. In dairy cows, IGF family proteins and binding receptors, including their intracellular binding partners, regulate mammary gland development. IGFs and IGF receptor interactions in mammary glands influence the early stages of mammogenesis, i.e., mammary ductal genesis until puberty. The IGF pathway includes three major components, IGFs (such as IGF-I, IGF-II, and insulin), their specific receptors, and their high-affinity binding partners (IGF binding proteins [IGFBPs]; i.e., IGFBP1–6), including specific proteases for each IGFBP. Additionally, IGFs and IGFBP interactions are critical for the bioactivities of various intracellular mechanisms, including cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Notably, the interactions between IGFs and IGFBPs in the IGF pathway have been difficult to characterize during specific stages of bovine mammary gland development. In this review, we aim to describe the role of the interaction between IGFs and IGFBPs in overall mammary gland development in dairy cows.

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

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

Background : Miscanthus is a diploid hybrid and a temperate, perennial, cross-pollinating grass used as bioenergy plant, biomass production and high quality cellulose and ethanol production. This study was to determine an efficient transformation system for Miscanthus sinensis, and to optimize factors and conditions required for expression of MsCOMT–AS gene. Methods and Results : An efficient transformation of callus from M. sinensis was established using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring a binary vector pMBP1. In order to establish stable transformation system, we obtained high transformation rate from callus by various transformation factor explant type, strain, co-culture periods, acetosyringone concentration, and selective marker. Finally, in this study, seven putative transgenic plants were obtained. Through various tests including PCR analysis and southern blot were to detect antisense of COMT digested Xba I and Sac I restriction enzymes. The biomass of the control plant was superior than transgenic plants. Conclusion : This study was to develop transgenic Miscanthus sinensis by Agrobacterium tumerfeciens mediated transformation to produce high bioethanols and to reduce the lignin content of transgenic plants. Detailed characterization of the transgenic plants revealed interesting finding about COMT gene expression in the segregates

Background : The authors of this study analyzed the effect of the green manures cultivated in the soil of the preparation field in order to select the green manures suitable for ginseng cultivation and the effect of the green manures on the variation of ginseng growth development, the content of crude saponin and yield ability with the aim to use the results as the primary data for improving the quality of ginseng. Methods and Results: To analyze the effect of the application of green manures on the growth of ginseng, the authors cultivated 4 varieties of green manures and installed blue polyethylene sheet and one-layered black polyethylene net+three-layered blue polyethylene net(OBPNTB) and sun-shading material on the managed soil by re-applying green manures and then cultivated ginseng. The results suggested that the growth of ginseng was excellent in the barley+hairy, barely and rye cultivation plot in the plot treated with OBPNTB rather than the cultivation plot teated with Blue polyethylene sheet(BPS) and two-layered blue & two-layered black polyethylene net(TBTBPN), and the growth of leaf length and stalk diameter was excellent in barely + hairy vetch material. For the underground root weight, the growth was the most excellent(30.19g) in the barley+ hairy vetch cultivation plot treated with OBPNTB. For the underground red discoloration and root rot, the incidence rate was the lowest in the plot treated with BPS in which the water leak in a levee was small than in the test plot treated with sun-shading net. For the ginsenoside content in the cultivation plot treated with TBTBPN, the ginsenoid content was the highest in the rey cultivation plot, and it was the highest in the cultivation plot treated with OBPNTB. Conclusion : The results of study suggested rye among green manures is the most suitable for the growth of ginseng; underground growth was the most prominent in the plot treated with sun-shading net material (black 1 + blue 3) and the underground ginsenoside content was the most prominent in the rye cultivation plot and the plot treated with the sun-shading sheet.