Background : Obvious applications of aloe (Aloe vera) and their rapid intake make it crucial to evaluate their biological impacts to aquatic organisms. Methods and Results : In this study, we investigated the possible effects of aloe extract on zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) by assessing teratogenic properties including survival rate, hatching success, heart rate and morphological changes for 96hpf (hours post fertilization). We noticed that exposure to aloe extracts (0.1, 10, 50, 100 and 150 μl/ml in embryo medium) to zebrafish embryos showed no alterations in survival and morphological changes when compared to control embryos. In contrast, embryos exposed to 150 μl/ml of aloe extract shows delayed hatching rate at 72hpf when compared to lower concentrations. Similarly, aloe extract at 150 μl/ml exposed embryos elicited significantly reduced heart rate (132 ± 1 beats/min) at 48hpf when compare to control embryos. Conclusion : Based on the above findings, we speculate the teratogenic effect of aloe extract on zebrafish embryos.

Background : The minor saponins produced by the hydrolysis of a major saponins sugar. The minor saponins has high absorption and efficacy compared to major saponin. The acid treatment, heat treatment and fermentation with minor saponin research has been actively conducted. This study was performed in order to investigate the bioconversion of ginsenoside Rg5 of fermented wild ginseng adventitious roots by using lactic acid bacteria. Methods and Results : 20g adventitious roots of ginseng was added to water (10-fold v/w). 10% (v/v) of lactic acid bacteria (Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG0702[KACC 81017BP]) were inoculated with wild ginseng adventitious roots. For the fermentation process the inoculated samples were transferred to culture room for 1, 3 and 5 days. The fermented samples were dried at room temperature and extracted with 70% ethanol. Extract was concentrated completely at 50 ℃ and Rg5 was analysed by using HPLC. Results showed no significant difference the dry weight of non-fermented and fermented wild ginseng adventitious roots. During the fermentation process, the pH changed from 5.7 to 4.2. HPLC analysis showed higher ginsenoside Rg5 (39.588 mg/g) at 3 days. Conclusion : The fermentation of ginseng root can increase the Rg5 contents and minor saponin composition. This process may be used to enhance the minor saponin thereby increasing in fermented property of wild ginseng adventitious roots.

Background : The study about ginseng cultured roots have been reported mainly ginsenosides in saponins family. Other phytochemical such as non-saponins of fatty acid has been revealed its bioactive activity including anti-oxidation, whitening, anti-cancer. Supercritical extraction (SE) process mainly refer to the extraction with CO2, is usually from a solid matrix, is a sample preparation step for analytical purposes. SE produce no residual solvent and possess high stability of the extract component, which is advantageous for fatty acid analysis. Methods and Results : Fermented ginseng cultured roots used in the experiment were used for fermentation using Pediococcus pentosaceus. SE performed at different temperature, pressure and extraction time using non-fermented and fermented ginseng roots. Further we fractionated from fermented ginseng using Methanol, Hexane, Ethanol, Ethyl acetate and Butanol. We compared fatty acids contents ginseng extractions by GC analysis. Methyl linoleate contents was 44% of fatty acids supercritical extraction contained. The contents of Methyl linoleate was the most dominant component among 37 types of fatty acids by SE and other extractions solvent. Total fatty acids contents obtained by SE process from fermented ginseng (1325.61ppm) was twice than from non-fermented ginseng (618.47ppm). Conclusion : Fatty acids contents by SE was increased at high pressure. The best condition for fatty acids contents extraction was 60℃, 350bar and 3h.

Background : Perilla frutescens L. is valuable as a medicinal plant as well as a natural medicine and functional food. Limonene perilla collected from various places showed 60% limonene compounds. However biological activity of these accession has not been reported before. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the biological activity of limonene perilla. Methods and Results : Fractional solvent extracts were obtained by using organic solvents such as n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-BuOH, and aqueous solvent from different parts of limonene perilla extracted initially in 70% EtOH. We investigated the effects of limonene perilla on total phenol and flavonoid contents, FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), total saponin contents and tyrosinase inhibition activity. Leaves of limonene perilla produced the highest total phenolic contents (29.88 mg·CAE/g), flavonoid (8.39 mg·QE/g) and saponin contents (47.77 mg·GIE/g) than stems and roots of limonene perilla. FRAP of leaves was 823.00±3.58 μM·FeSO4·E/mg. Tyrosinase inhibition activity rate was 40.31% in 70% ethanol extracts from leaves of limonene perilla. Conclusion : This results suggest that leaf of limonene perilla fractions has significant antioxidant activity. Also, limonene perilla could be used as a functional biomaterial in developing cosmetics and functional foods.

Background : This study, the fraction for testing the efficacy of the Astragalus extract was concentrated active ingredient. The concentrated fraction was applied to a cosmetic material that Astragalus testing results confirmed that the improved efficacy. Methods and Results : The fractions were performed using an n-butanol solvent for increasing the efficacy of the Astragalus extract, by using the material fractions collected to compare and ultimately an increase in whitening and wrinkle efficacy. The solvent to be used in the fractions was used for the n-butanol good dissolution to the effective substance(Astragaloside, Isoflavonoid). It increased approximately 6.5 times the sample extract and the n-butanol fraction of the Astragalus as a result Astragaloside 15 ppm, 97 ppm respectively analyzed by HPLC equipment, isoflavonoid content was confirmed by an increase in the content of the fractions increased 4.5 times to 280 ppm, 1,260 ppm. Tyrosinase inhibitory effect, respectively IC50 5.70 mg/mL, IC50 1.02 mg/mL to, Collagenase producing ability is IC50 4.88 mg/mL, IC50 0.93 mg/mL with n-butanol fraction was good whitening, anti-wrinkle efficacy than the extract. Sensory evaluation was conducted in the same amount of sample, using a purified Astragalus cosmetics received high marks. Stability evaluation(MTT assay) was checked for more than 100% cell viability at the concentration 2,000 ppm. Conclusion : n-butanol fraction of Astragalus was subjected to a component analysis and In vitro test, it was confirmed an increase active ingredient content. The results of sensory evaluation and stability evaluation, it was confirmed been made to improve qualities as a cosmetic materials.

Background : Plants are the rich source of antioxidants, which plays a very important role in maintaining human health. Their antioxidant property protects cells of different organs of human beings against free radicals and free radical mediated diseases. Even though, there is lack of knowledge on the antioxidant effect of lutein present in plants. In the present study, lutein was isolated from the GreenTea leaves (Camellia sinensis) which is used as a dietary source. Methods and Results : The procedure adopted for the isolation and purification of lutein using acetone extraction and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is simple and less time consuming. Free radicals scavenging activity of isolated lutein from acetone extract of GreenTea was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay and reducing power. The isolated lutein scavenged 79% of DPPH radicals at 20 ㎍/㎖ and two fold lower concentration compared to the standard antioxidants (α-tocopherol). No significant differences were found between the reducing power of the lutein and BHT when their concentrations were high. However, significant differences were observed at relatively low concentrations, the reducing power of lutein was isolated from the GreenTea leaves was stronger than those of their acetone extract and standard antioxidants (BHA). Both electron spin resonance (ESR) and in vitro assay confirmed that lutein was isolated from the GreenTea leaves, exhibited a greater capacity for scavenging superoxide (O2 •－) and hydroxyl (OH •) radicals than standard antioxidants β-carotene and α-tocopherol respectively. Conclusion : The results proven that lutein isolated from GreenTea leaves has an efficient antioxidant ability, it could serve as an antioxidant to scavenge reactive oxygen species.

Background : Lutein, a xanthophyll, consists of chains with 8 conjugated double bounds containing closed rings on each end of the chain. This carotenoid is found in fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables such as green tea. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of purified lutein from green tea on human cancer cell lines containing prostate carcinoma cancer cells (LNCaP). Methods and Results : Prostate carcinoma cancer cells (LNCaP) were cultured and evaluated the inhibitory effect of lutein isolated from green tea compared other carotenoids (β-carotene and lycopene) on cell proliferation. Cyclin D1 and PCNA were evaluated as cell differentiation. In results, PCNA/cyclin regulates the initiation of cell proliferation by mediating DNA polymerase. Under cultural conditions, lycopene remarkably suppressed the PCNA expression prostate cancer cell line LNCaP in higher doses (20 μM - 100 μM) statistically. However, β-carotene and lutein presented the less inhibitory effects on PCNA expression. Determination of PCNA expression in control and treated cells demonstrates that lycopene did affect proliferation in LNCaP cancer cells in dose-dependent manner. However, β-carotene and lutein suppressed the cyclin D1 expression in dose-dependent manner but no in lycopene group. These results indicate that differ carotenoids presented the various suppressive ability of PCNA and cyclin D1 expression in cell proliferation. Conclusion : In conclusion, lutein suppressed the carcinogenesis of induced prostate cancer cell line by acting as a suppressor for inhibiting the expression of cyclin D.

Background : This study was performed to investigate by antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and effective component of Astragalus membranaceus treated with different artificial light Sources (fluorescent lamp, red, blue, green, white, LEP). Methods and Results : We investigated the effects of various artificial light sources on the DPPH radical activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents, tyrosinase activity and main flavonoid compounds contents (formononetin and calycosin) and other biological activities in A. membranaceus. Antioxidant activities were 53.6% as the highest level of activity under LEP light. Growth under LEP light also produced the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 36.05 and 5.94 mg/ml, respectively. Extracts from plants grown under LEP light caused the highest inhibition of tyrosinase activity with inhibition of 35.37, 61.87, and 65.49%, respectively, for extract concentrations of 100 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml, and 1000 μg/ml compared with other artificial light treatments. Conclusion : Little information is available on the influence of LED and LEP light sources on antioxidant production or other biological activities in A. membranaceus. Our goal in this study was to determine the effects of LED and LEP artificial light sources on the production of new functional compounds in A. membranaceus.

A double-cropping system with soybean (Glycine max) following the cultivation of potato, garlic, and onion is widely adopted in the southern region of Korea. For this system, marginal dates for planting must be determined for profitable soybean yields, because the decision to plant soybean as a second crop is occasionally delayed by harvest of the first crop and weather conditions. In order to investigate the effect of planting date on soybean yield, three cultivars (early and late maturity) were planted on seven different dates from May 1 to July 30 in both paddy and upland fields across 2012 and 2013. Soybean yields were significantly different among the planting dates and the cultivars; however, the interaction between cultivar and planting date was not significant. Based on linear regression, the maximum yield of soybean was reached with a June 10 planting date, with a sharp decline in yield for crops planted after this date. The results of this study were consistent with those of a previous one that recommends early and mid-June as the optimum planting period. Regardless of soybean ecotype, a reduction in yield of greater than 20% occurred when soybean was planted after mid-July. Frost during soybean growth can reduce yields, and the late maturity cultivars planted on July 30 were damaged by frost before completing maturation and harvest; however, early maturity cultivars were safely harvested. For sufficient time to develop and reach profitable yields, the planting of soybean before mid-July is recommended.

The effect of sudden changes of water temperature (WT) on the survival rate and physiological responses of the red spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) were examined by manipulating WT control system for 9 days. Experimental condition was divided in two different regimes at low (from 10°C to 4°C, decreased 1℃/d) and high (from 28°C to 34°C, increased 1°C/d) WT. Survival rate of experimental fishes were observed, and determined the changes of hematological characteristics by analyzing plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, total protein, and electrolytes (Na+, Cl–, K+). No mortality was observed until low WT 6°C (144 h) and high WT 32°C (96 h), and 100% mortality was observed at low WT 4°C (216 h) and high WT 35°C (171 h). Plasma levels of cortisol and glucose increased rapidly as decreasing WT, and the loss of swimming ability and respiration response was observed at low WT 7°C and high WT 34°C conditions.

Background : The research is designed to investigate the optimal cultivation technology and the growth of above-ground and below-ground sections as well as the photosynthetic characteristics for new ginseng variety “K-1” by differentiating the planting density under the conditions of transplanting and direct seedling. Methods and Results : The K-1 variety and hybrid variety (Jakyungjong) were selected for the research and the ginseng varieties were transplanted and directly sown in Yeoncheon area in 2013. The transplanting was made in the form of 5 lines × 9 rows (45 plants), 6 lines x 9 rows (54 plants), 7 lines × 9 rows (63 plants) and 8 lines × 9 rows (72 plants) in each lot (1.65㎡) while the direct seedling for testing was conducted three times in randomly blocked design in the form of 11 lines × 14 rows (154 plants), 12 lines × 14 rows (168 plants), 13 lines × 14 rows (182 plants). Various measures were collected from the 4-year transplanted ginseng and 3-year direct seedling ginseng in 2015 to find out the growth features and photosynthesis of above-ground section (rate of germination, leaf length, leaf width, stem length and leaf area index (LAI)) and the below-ground section (length, diameter, weight and class of roots). Conclusion : After the planting of the ginseng, the germination rate of K-1 for the transplanting was 85.1 ~ 92.0% across different plantation densities while that for the direct seedling was 67.7% ~ 77.9% across plantation densities, thus showing no significant difference between the two planting methods. LAI was higher for the higher planation density for both transplanting and direct seedling. As for the photosynthesis speed, the form of 6 lines × 9 rows showed the higher speed in transplanting while the form of 12 lines x 14 rows showed the higher speed in direct seedling. The photosynthesis of K-1 was higher than that of Jakyungjong. In the 4-year ginseng cultivated under the transplanting, diameter of roots, number of branch roots and weight of raw ginseng were the highest in the plantation density of 5 lines × 9 rows. The distribution of root weight was high with 23.3% and 20.0% for the 51~70g group and the 71g or above group, respectively, for the 4 year transplanted plants in the form of 5 lines × 9 rows. The growth for above-ground and below-ground sections for K-1 was better than that for Jakyungjong. As a result, it was found that the proper plantation density for the 4-year root in the transplanted K-1 was 5 lines × 9 rows considering the growth of the above-ground section, quantity and distribution of root weight.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds have long been clinically used in Korea to promote bone formation and prevent osteoporosis. In addition, the safflower buds (SB) were found to have more useful functional ingredients than safflower seed. Thus, we investigated the preventive effects of SB diet in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The rats were divided into five groups; sham operated group, OVX alone group, OVX plus 17β-estradiol (E2 10 ㎍/㎏, i.p.) and OVX plus SB diet feeding group (0.3% or 1%). Feeding of SB diet (0.3% or 3%) to OVX rats markedly increased trabecular formation in femur compared to OVX rats. Feeding of SB diet (0.3% or 3%) to OVX rats also decreased TRAP activity compared to OVX rats. These results suggest that SB diets have bone sparing effects by the decrease of osteoclast activity. We also observed that OVX rats fed with SB diet (0.3% or 3%) exhibited the decrease of calcium and phosphorus in serum compared to OVX-induced rats. Therefore, SB may be beneficial for the patients of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

The microbial composition in Nuruk, a Korean cereal fermentation starter, is a critical factor for the quality and organoleptic properties of traditional alcoholic beverages. This study was aimed at monitoring the compositional change and enzyme activity of culturable lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in two types of Nuruk fermented at different temperatures. All culturable LAB were isolated at various time points (0, 3, 6, 10, 20, and 30 days) and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. In traditional Nuruk type A (TN-A), which was fermented at 36℃, the population of total culturable LAB during the fermentation period was between 104 and 105 log CFU/mL. On the other hand, the LAB population in traditional Nuruk type B (TN-B) fermented at 45℃ (primary fermentation for 10 days) and 35℃ (secondary fermentation for 20 days) was 102 log CFU/mL; however, these bacteria could not be detected after 6 days. Major LAB strains were identified in both Nuruk types: (1) from the MRS-culture of TN-A, Pediococcus pentosaceus at 3-30 days; (2) from MRS-culture of TN-B, P. pentosaceus at 3 days and Enterococcus hirae at 6 days. The protease activities of the dominant LAB isolated from the TN-A and TN-B cultures were within the ranges of 0.64~1.03 mg/mL and 0.74~0.81 mg/mL (tyrosine content), respectively, whereas the α-amylase activities were 0.75~0.98 mg/mL and 0.78~0.79 mg/mL (amylose content), respectively.

In this study, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of water, methanol, and ethanol extracts obtained from Allium hookeri root were evaluated. The ethanol extract of A. hookeri was found to possess the strongest reducing power and also exhibited dominant effects on scavenging of nitrites, DPPH radicals, and superoxide radicals. The water extract showed more efficient DPPH and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities than those of the methanol extract. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages was evaluated to elucidate the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts. Results indicated that all the extracts of A. hookeri exerted inhibitory activities against NO production, especially the ethanol extract (IC5029.13μg/mL). Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were found to be abundant in the ethanol extract, with values of 24.96 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 4.27 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, respectively. Total thiosulfinate content was determined for the first time and a high amount was present in the ethanol extract (14.2 μM/g extract). These results suggest that A. hookeri root has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and could be used as a natural source for the development of pharmaceutical agents or functional foods.

Environment-friendly growth enhancers for rice are being promoted to reverse the negative impact of intensive chemical-based and conventional rice farming on yield sustainability and environmental problems. Several rhizosphere microorganisms and pyroligneous acids (PA) had demonstrated beneficial influence on growth, yield and grain quality of rice. Since most of the previous study had evaluated the effect of PGPR and PA on paddy rice singly, the effect of combined application of these on the growth and yield of paddy rice and on some soil chemical properties were determined. A four factorial pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of PGPR, PA in combination with fertilizers and on different soil types. There were 54 treatment combinations including the control with three replications under complete randomized design. Plant growth parameters were evaluated using standard procedures during tillering and heading stages. Rice yield and some soil chemical properties were determined at harvest. Results showed that inoculation of Bacillus licheniformis and Fusarium fujikuroi enhanced plant growth by increasing the plant height which could be ascribe to its ability to promote IAA and GA production in plants. Inoculation of Rhizobium phaseoli enhanced chlorophyll content indicative to its ability to improve the N nutrition. However, these plant growth benefits during the vegetative stage were override by the fertilizer application effect especially during the maturity stage and grain yield. High fertilization rates on coarse-textured soil without nutrient loss resulted to high available nutrients and consequently high yield. Wood vinegar application however improved nutrient availability in soil which could be beneficial for improving soil quality. Further evaluation is necessary to fully assess the potential benefits that could be derived from inoculation of these organisms and wood vinegar application in different soil environment especially under different field conditions.

본 연구는 rutin 및 rutin 대사체인 DHPAA, HPAA, DHT, HVA가 버섯 유래 tyrosinase 활성과 마우스 피부표피 세포주인 JB6 P+ 세포의 증식에 미치는 영향에 대해 살펴보았다. HVA가 버섯유래 티로시나제 저해활성이 가장 우수한 것으로 관찰되었으며, DHPAA, HPAA, rutin, DHT 순서로 저해효능을 나타내었다. DHT를 제외한 rutin 및 rutin 대사체들 모두 100 μM 까지 세포 독성이 관찰되지 않은 것으로 관찰되었으며, DHT는 50 또는 100 μM에서 세포증식을 저해하였으나 그 이하의 농도에서는 세포독성을 유도하지 않았다. 따라서 본 연구결과, rutin 대사체 모두 세포 독성이 없는 수준에서 버섯 유래 티로시나제 활성을 효과적으로 억제하였으므로, 앞으로 미백제제로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) have been used for targeted mutagenesis in eukaryotic cells. Custom-designed ZFNs can induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) at a specific locus. Our custom ZFN dimer was designed 3-finger of left and 4-finger of right with 2 kb size using 2A. A Ti-plasmid vector, pTA7002 containing the target site of SSS4A gene for a ZFN pair, that was shown to be active in yeast, was integrated in the rice genome. This promising technique for genome engineering was induced into 4 exon region of SSS4A gene in rice genome using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The SSS4A full-length cDNA was 5,070 bp consisting of a 318 bp 5′-untranslated region (UTR), a complete ORF of 2,928 bp encoding a polypeptide of 975 amino acids and a 3′-UTR of 1,824 bp. The vector is based on glucocorticoid receptor inducible gene expression system. Thus, SSS4A::ZFN expression was tightly controlled and the phenotype in low concentrations 10uM of the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone (DEX). In plant cells, transient ZFN expression is achieved by direct gene transfer into the target cells. For an alternative, ZFN delivery and production of mutant plants using a tobacco transient expression system for indirect transient delivery of ZFNs into a variety of tissues and cells of plants. ZFN activity was determined by PCR and sequence analysis of the target site. ZFN induced plants were obtained in up to 2% of the PCR products, consisting of deletions ranging between 1and 100 bp and insertions ranging between 1 and 10 bp. Our results describe an alternative to direct gene transfer for ZFN delivery and for the production of mutated rice.

Plant breeding requires genetic diversity of useful traits for crop improvement. EMS-induced mutation is practiced to generate mutations at loci regulating economically important traits and/or to knock out the genes to elucidate their functions. The present study was aimed to induce mutations in a Korean local land race Capsicum annuum ‘Yuwol-cho’. This accession is pungent and also has advantage to mature early. A total of about 1,500 M2 families were screened and three non-pungent mutants were identified and crossed with wild type ‘Yuwol-cho’. After phenotyping of F2 population for pungency, MutMap approach will be used to identify the genes controlling the pungency in mutants. In addition to this, another C. annuum accession “Micro-Pep” was used to develop a mutant population. Micro-Pep is a small, pungent pepper generally used as ornamental purpose. Having compact growth habit, and small size, it has advantage to handle and utilize easily in mutation study and molecular research. On the basis of preliminary experiment 1.3% of mutagen was used for treatment of pepper seeds and 30% less germination percentage was observed in EMS treated seeds in comparison to control seeds. A total of 4,674 M1 plants are grown under greenhouse condition and M2 population will be studied for characterization of phenotypic variation including fruit color and pungency. Newly constructed mutant populations will be valuable assets for identification of functional genes and molecular breeding of pepper.

Superjami is a new rice breed resulted from crossing ‘C3GHi (has high amount of Cyanidin 3-glucoside, and was developed from a cross between ‘Heugjinjubyeo’ and ‘Suweon 425’) and ‘Daeribbyeo 1’. Superjami has 10.9 times higher C3G content compared with ‘Heugjinjubyeo’. It also contains the highest essential amino acids of all kinds (except tryptophan content). This study was done to investigate the effects of extracts from superjami bran on the in-vitro antioxidant metabolism, in-vivo antioxidant metabolism and bone metabolism on menopause- induced condition in experimental rats. Overall, extract from superjami bran was confirmed of improving antioxidant and bone metabolism which can be considered as a good dietary supplement.

GWAS (Genome-wide association study) provides a useful to associate phenotypic variation to genetic variation. It has emerged as a powerful approach for identifying genes underlying complex diseases or morphological traits at an unprecedented rate. Despite benefits, there are only a few examples applied in crop plants due to lack of effective genotyping techniques and well prepared resources for developing high density haplotype maps. In this study, 350 core accessions selected from almost 5,000 Capsicum accessions were used for GWAS. We are planning to construct a high-density haplotype map using GBS platform and perform GWAS for various agronomic traits including fruit traits and metabolites related to pungency to identify genes controlling the traits. These results will not only provide a list of candidate loci but also a powerful tools for finding genetic variants that can be directly used for crop improvement and deciphering the genetic architecture of complex traits.