The human ELAV(embryonic lethal abnormal vision)-like protein HuR stabilizes a certain group of cellular mRNAs that contain AU- ri ch elements in theil‘ 3’• untranslated region, Dysregulation of mRNA s tability may be relevant in tumor biology and may lead to abnormal expression of several proteins in malignant tumors, The aim of this study is to identify the differentially expressed proteins according to the functi onal activi ty of HuR Methods : We used stabl e expression of small interfering RNA(siRNA) of HuR gene to inhibit the expression of HuR in human ora l car cinoma cell lines‘ KB cell line and YD10B cell line‘ and compared the proteomic changes between s iRNA-treated and cont rol cell line using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis , Flow cytometry caliber scan(FACS) was employed to investigate the effects of HuR on cell apoptosis and proliferation , Results: Seventeen differentially expressed proteins between the two cell lines were identified by electrospray ioruzati on quadrupole time-of- fl ight mass spectrometry(ESI-Q-TOF MS) and database searching, Among them there are eleven proteins which are significant ly up- regulated in siRNA- treated cell line, which include heat shock protein 10(influencing nucl eocytoplas rnic transpo 다， cell dedifferentiation , and inhibition of apoptosis) , keratin 19(basal cell differ ent iat ion) ‘ and nucleoside diphosphate kinase B(G protein activator), etc Enolase 1 and Ml of pyruvate kinase a re the representatives of signifi cantly down-regulated proteins in siRNA-treated cell 11l1e Conclusion : Our data suggest that HuR participate in mRNAs stability of proteins that have the counter effects in the carcinogenesis of oral ca ncer , And the functiona l proteomics a re needed to elucidate the detailed interactions between HuR and t hese molec ules

Dendropanax morbifera Leveille (Araliaceae) is an endemic species growing in the south-western part of South Korea that has been used in folk medicine and health functional food. In this study, we investigated an extract of quercetin in Jeju D. morbifera by varying different parts (fruit, sprouts, leaves, sprigs, and branches), harvest times, and extraction solvents. In addition, we aimed to establish a simple and reliable HPLC/UV analytical method to determination of quercetin for the quality control and base line data of the Jeju D. morbifera extract as a health functional food ingredient. The analytical specificity was determined with retention time and photo diode array (PDA) spectrum by analyzing quercetin using HPLC and comparing the results to those of extracts. This analytical method for quercetin was validated for its limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision, and accuracy. A high linearity in the standard calibration curve was obtained, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9996. Also, the LOD and LOQ values were found to be 0.28 μg/mL and 0.85 μg/mL, respectively, and the recoveries of quantified compounds ranged from 97.91% to 104.10%. Furthermore, the relative standard deviation (RSD) values of data from the intra- and inter-day precision analyses were less than 1.36% and 3.65%, respectively. As a result, the highest quercetin content among the extracts of Jeju D. morbifera leaves was found to be 20.14 mg/g, which was extracted at harvest in May (cultivation period 10 years) with 60% EtOH. All in all, we believe that the results obtained would be helpful in the development of nutraceutics and natural medicines and for the quality control of D. morbifera.

This study aimed to analyze difference in clinical findings, including coronary artery complications, in patients with Kawasaki disease and respiratory symptoms with several respiratory infections. We studied 182 pediatric patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Examinations for respiratory viral polymerase chain reaction were conducted in the group of patients with respiratory symptoms. Echocardiography was perfomed by a pediatric cardiologist, and laboratory findings were evaluated. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings based on medical records were compared. There were no differences between patients with and without respiratory viral infections with respect to age, male-female ratio, coronary artery complications, Kawasaki disease-specific clinical manifestations, duration of fever, duration of hospitalization, or recurrence rate. There was a significant difference in C-reactive protein levels (55.6 vs. 73.9 mg/L) between the two groups, but the other laboratory findings. The rate of respiratory infections in pediatric patients with Kawasaki disease was similar to those reported in previous studies, and clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were not significantly different between the groups.

BACKGROUND Ca2+ oscillations during fertilization induce eggs activation and embryonic development in mammalian eggs.. The type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) is in charge of Ca2+ oscillations for the release of stored Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. The capacity of this oscillation is obtained during egg maturation and corresponds with an increase in the sensitivity of the IP3R1 and their localization in cytoplasm. Cluster formation of IP3R1 in the egg cortex is important to initiation of Ca2+ oscillations during egg and sperm fusion. In this study, we investigated that cell cycle–coupled redistribution of IP3R1 and Ca2+- oscillatory activity in mouse zygotes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Metaphase II arrested eggs were collected from ICR female mouse after super ovulation induction. At 14 hr post hCG, MII eggs were collected, and artificially activated in Ca2+ free CZB medium with 10 mM SrCl2 for 2 hrs. Pronuclear zygotes (PN) were collected from Strontium activated eggs at 8 hr post activation, and the first mitotic eggs were collected at 16~17 hr post activation. To identify cell cycle coupled IP3R1 redistribution, MII eggs, zygotes, and first mitotic eggs were collected, and fixed for immunostaining with anti-IP3R1antibody (CT-1) and observed on CLSM. Ca2+-oscillatory activity was monitored with fluorescence microscope mounted SimplePCI program (Hamamatsu) after injection of cRNA of mouse phospholipase C zeta (mPLCZ). RESULT IP3R1 were shown clusters, 1~2 um in diameter, in cortex of ovulated MII eggs with high Ca2+ oscillatory activity by mPLCZ injection. These eggs represent more than 6 spikes per 60 min. However, IP3R1 clusters were disappeared in PN eggs and these eggs showed very low Ca2+- oscillatory activity by mPLCZ. In mitosis I stage eggs, clusters of IP3R1 were appeared and Ca2+-oscillatory activity was reactivated slightly (2 spikes per 60 min). CONCLUSIOINS This study introduced the redistribution of IP3R1 clusters were occurred in egg activation according to cell cycle dependent manner. Also, functional modification of IP3R1 including protein phosphorylation was associated with cortical clustering of IP3R1 in cell cycle coupled Ca2+ oscillatory activity.

Background : Heat stress induced from high temperature are known to crucially affecting on physiological properties and yield in Cnidium officinale. Methods and Results : The effect of foliar application of mixture including a urea, ascorbic acid and calcium chloride on high temperature injury of Cnidium officinale. Photosynthesis and leaf temperature in Cnidium officinale were investigated after cultivating for 24 hours at 35℃. Net photosyntheis rate, transpiration was measured at 1,000 μmol m-2 s-1 of photon flux density and leaf temperature was analyzed by thermal image. Net photosyntheis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in mixture traetment were 2 times of higher than in control. Water use efficience was not different significantly. Leaf temperature was lower in mixture treatment (25.3℃) than in control (29.0℃). Conclusion : This result show that foliar application of urea, ascorbic acid and calcium chloride was reducing a high temperature injury through a improving photosynthetical capacity and decreasing leaf temperature of Cnidium officinale.

Background : Management of air temperature are known to primarily affecting on physiological properties and yield in plant. Methods and Results : The effect of air temperature on characteristics of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in Cnidium officinal were investigated using growth chamber after cultivating for 24 hours under controlled condition. Net photosyntheis rate, transpiration was measured at 1,000 μmol m-2 s-1 of photon flux density and chlorophyll fluorescence was analyzed by OJIP method. Net photosyntheis rate was highest in treatment of 25℃. Although transpiration rate was lowest, water use efficience was also in treatment of 25℃. Stomatal conductance was mainly influenced from ambient climatric factors such as vapor pressure deficit. As results of chlorophyll fluorescence by OJIP analysis, maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of photosystem II (PSII), PIabs and the relative activities per reaction center such as ABS/RC, DIo/RC were not changed at air temperature. Therefore, elevated air temperatue during short term influence the dark reaction in photosystem through controlling a water use efficience and transpiration. Conclusion : This result show that 25℃ of air temperature may be a adequate temperature to improving the efficiency of photosynthesis in Cnidium officinale.

Background : This study aimed to determine the use of proper organic fertilizer through side dressing application in the environmental cultivation of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. to improve farming income. Methods and Results : In the cultivation of eco-friendly and environmental medicinal plant like Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara., it is necessary to use organic instead of chemical fertilizer. Organic fertilizers such as HL, CK, OK were applied three (3) times during the last ten days of July, August, and September. There was no significant difference between CF and NT, in terms of the number of rooting per 1㎡ which was 12.1 -12.9. There were also no significant differences in plant length, leaf length, leaf width and dry weight. The root length was 19.9 ㎝, which was the longest in CK, and 16.8 ㎝, the shortest in ST, but described as no significant difference. The root width was 14.8 – 5.5 ㎜, and the number of rootlet was 5.7 - 7.1, but was considered not a significant difference. The dry weight was 16.6 g in HL, 16.3 g in CK and ST, and 15.6 g in OK, but still there were no significant differences observed. However, it was 14.6 g in NT, which was considered the lowest, thus there was a significant difference. The number of dry root per 10 a was 149 ㎏ which is considered the most in HL, 141 ㎏ in CK, 140 ㎏ in ST, and 138kg in OK yet there were no significant differences observed. While NT only had 123 ㎏ hence, there was a significant difference on the number of dry root per 10a as compared with the group applied with the three organic fertilizers. Conclusion : In conclusion, it is proper to use Organic Fertilizer HL and CK through side dressing application in growing Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara.

Background : This project was conducted to determine proper seed harvest time and seed storage methods of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. Methods and Results : When Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. transplanted this year, seeding can only be done the following year. Therefore, the seeds harvested in the interval of ten (10) days were investigated for seed harvest amount, germination rate, seed storage temperature and storing on container, between the period late August and mid-October. It is when the seed fructification started and ended. The seeds harvested from the first ten (10) days of October to mid October were 87.9% in whole seeds. The proper seed harvesting time was mid October which has a germination rate of 75% in whole seed harvest time. The lowest germination rate of 27.3% was at the germination temperature of 15℃. As the temperature rises, the germination rate increases. In 29℃, the germination rate was at 79% which is the highest; and from 30℃, the germination rate decreased to 71%. When the storage temperature was at 0℃ after storage of 5 months, the germination rate was at 83%. However, after storage of 12 months, it decreased by 7% that was 76%. When in 4℃, after storage of 5 months the germination rate was at 85%. However, after storage of 12 months it decreased by 8% which was 77%. In room temperature after storage of 5 months, germination rate was at 77%, but after storage of 12 months it decreased by 22% which was 55%. When seeds were stored in vinyl container, it was observed that the germination rate was at 86% after 5 months of storage, which was 9% higher than seed stored in paper which was 77%. After 12 months storage, seed in vinyl container had a germination rate of 71%, which was 3% higher than seed in paper at 68%. Conclusion : It is concluded that the proper time of seed gathering of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. is during the first ten (10) days of October to mid-October. When the long time storage is needed, below zero temperature with vinyl container is more appropriate.

Background : Undulatum Rhubarb, commonly produced in domestic, is rhizome of Rheum undulatum L. that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It also can be used as a substitute of R. palmatum L., R. tanguticum Maximowicz ex Balf., and R. officinale Baillon which completely depend on import system. However, there should be clear clarification among Undulatum Rhubarb and Rhubarb, because Undulatum Rhubarb contains rhaponticin as marker compound that is not indicated at Rhubarb. Some of the recently imported Undulatum Rhubarbs have been found to be Rhubarb. Also, it is known that only Undulatum Rhubarb is cultivated at domestic environment. But some plant origins of Rhubarb are grown in Korea, too. Further study are needed to clarify clear origin between Undulatum Rhubarb and Rhubarb. Thus, we collected some domestically cultivated samples and identified them. Methods and Reseults : Rheum undulatum L., Rhubarb, Rheum tanguticum Maximowicz ex Balf. which were cultivated in Gangwondo Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Cheorwon were collected and anayzed the DNA sequences. We also compared DNA sequences in Rhubarb collected from England and R. rhabarbarum L., R. undulatum L., and R. franzenbachii on NCBI. As a result, two kinds of rhubarb cultivated in the test plantation were identified as R. rhabarbarum and R. officinale. In addition, R. undulatum (plant origin of Undulatum Rhubarb) was identified as Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) in England with 99 - 100% identical in nuclear ITS gene region. Conclusion : R. undulatum, plant origin of Undulatum Rhubarb, is reported as synonym of R. rhabarbarum, R. franzenbachii. Rheum speices which are cultivated as tester in Gangwondo Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Cheorwon are estimated as R. undulatum and R. officinale. Therefore, not only Undulatum Rhubarb but Rhubarb could be grown in Korea.

Background : Corrosion is one of the most devastating problems faced by most industries. Mild steel has played a vital role in various fields due to the excellent mechanical properties of mild steel such as low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, good environmental stability, high thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Methods and Results : The total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the methanolic extract of C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua leaf have been examined, and its corrosion inhibition performance was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization measurements. The surface morphology of mild steel was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The percentage composition of polyphenolic compounds was found to be higher in C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua plant extracts, and it was proved to be a superior, eco-friendly, and anti-corrosive inhibitor for mild steel in 1M of H2SO4. The Tafel polarization studies indicate that the plant extract is a mixed-type inhibitor. Scanning electron microscopy/energy -dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies confirmed the formation of a protective film on the metal surface. The corrosion inhibition of the C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua plant extracts was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible spectra, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies; these show the strong interaction between the metal surface and the inhibitor. Conclusion : The methanolic extract was prepared the two different plants like C. grandiflora, and R. verniciflua was studied the corrosion inhibition on the mild steel specimen in acidic medium through various methods involving weight loss measurements, EIS, and potentiodynamic polarization. The results shows that the C. grandiflora, and R. verniciflua plant extracts illustrate an effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel with good anticorrosion properties in acidic environmen

As a result of inquiring into the analysis consequent on a symptom by research subject, it was found that there were 1 paper (1.5%) which did research for the purpose of rehabilitation of the general public, 26 papers (38.8%) targeting diagnosis-related groups (DRG), and 40 papers (59.7%) targeting social consideration subject. Also, as a result of the inquiry about the frequency & number of times of horticultural therapy program implementation, it was found that 49 papers (73.1%) implemented one time a week, and 45 papers (67.2%) were surveyed as the highest by conducting a total of 11~20 sessions of horticultural therapy programs, In the analysis of horticultural therapy activities by type, plant cultivation activity was found to be the most 506 times, accounting for 41.5%, followed by 297 time crafts activity (24.4%), 213 time floral decoration activity (17.5%), and 203time others activities (16.7%). In cultivation activity, soil-using cultivation activity (25.1%) was found to be lower than the proportion (74.9%) of soiless cultivation (16.4%), crafts activity (24.4%), floral decoration activity (17.5%) and other activities (16.7%). The most used plants in a restricted place like a hospital were found to be in the order of Hedera helix, Chamaedorea elegans, Succulent plant, Syngonium podophyllum, Neofinetia falcata HU, Hoya carnosa (L.f.) R.Br.), Rosmarinus officinalis, and Spathiphyllum spp.

The study was conducted to understand the relationship among university students’ interest in horticulture, psychological well-being and social development and the influence of measured variables. In order to collect data, the surveys were executed by convenience sampling on university students attending four-year universities in Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions of South Korea during the period from July 3 to July 17, 2016. A total of 307 survey results which measured the university students’ interest in horticulture, psychological well-being and social development were analyzed. The results showed that there are differences in the interest in horticulture, psychological well-being, and social development depending on the students’ general characteristics. According to the results analyzed by t-test and one-way ANOVA, the interest in horticulture depending on gender, religion, academic marks, family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction had significant differences showing high interest for the students with religion, good academic marks, high family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction as well as female students. Psychological well-being showed significant differences in academic marks, family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction, while social development displayed significant differences in gender, grade, academic marks, family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction. According to the results analyzed by correlation analysis, there was a significant correlation among university students’ interest in horticulture, psychological well-being and sociality development. Furthermore, regression analysis verified that university students’ interest in horticulture has a positive influence on psychological well-being and social development. The results of this study implies that university students with a higher interest in horticulture have higher levels of psychological well-being and social development.

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 : Despite the presence of various bioactive compounds in ginseng, there is lack of study about the phenolic metabolites in ginseng especially depending on the cultivation soil and the fertilizer types. Therefore, this study aims to develop an (-)ESI-LC-MS/MS analytical method for the measurement of selected phenolic compounds in the ginseng root. Methods and Results : Total phenol content in ginseng root was measured with the Folin-Ciocalteau method using UV/Vis spectrophotometer. Then, the 56 selected phenolic metabolites in ginseng root were measured with the (-)ESI-LC-MS/MS. The brief LC-MS/MS analytical conditions were as follows; Thermo Scientific Syncronis C18 HPLC Column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used. Optimized instrument settings were as follows: Curtain gas 20 psi, collision gas 2 psi, ion spray voltage –4500 V, nebulizer gas 40 psi, heating gas 70 psi, and its temperature 350℃. Total phenol content was higher in the ginseng cultivated in the paddy-converted field than that in upland. In particular, the total phenol content was about 6% decreased in the ginseng root cultivated with the food waste fertilizer compared to the control (p < 0.05). Six phenolic constituents including caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gentisic, and salicylic acids were found in the ginseng root by using the LC-MS/MS in MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) Mode. These six phenolic compounds occupied approximately 20% of the total phenol content measured in the corresponding ginseng root. The chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic metabolite found in the ginseng root, accounting for ≥ 95% of the sum of six phenolic compounds, in this study. Conclusion : This preliminary study can be useful for the study on content and composition of phenolic metabolites in ginseng root with the aspect of metabolomics. We plan to further optimize the LC-MS/MS analytical method and then provide the extended understanding on the phenolic metabolism in the ginseng root with respect to the ginseng cultivation conditions.

Background : Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. is one of the important oriental medicinal herbs being used to cure lung/respiratory diseases. It belongs to the five Sam (ginseng) including Panax ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Sophora flavescens, and Scrophularia buergeriana. In 2015, Korea produced 72 tons of medicinal herbs in a 14-hectare area and imported 24 tons valued at US$95,000. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of several biopesticides to control leaf spot of A. triphylla var. japonica Hara. Methods and Results : One year plants at the Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA were used. The treatments used biopesticides such as plant extracts (BP), microbial agent (DM), microbial agent (PJ), sulfur powder (HS), and controlled chemicals (ST), while non treatment (NT) was used as control. After the early part of disease outbreak, the plants were treated four times with 7 days interval. The incidence of leaf spot, efficacy, phytotoxicity and control value were investigated. Based on the efficacy test, incidence of leaf spot is lowest at 15.6% in plant extracts (BP). Other biopesticides showed higher incidence - 16.7% for microbial agent (DM), 17.8% for microbial agent (PJ), 18.9% for sulfur powder (HS) and 71.1% for non treatment (NT), compared with 11.1% in controlled chemicals (ST). The microbial agent (PJ), sulfur powder (HS), plant extracts (BP) and microbial agent (DM) were not damaged in the phytotoxicity test. In the test of application dose, time and methods, the control value was highest in plant extracts (BP) at 78.1%, followed by microbial agent (DM) at 76.6%, microbial agent (PJ) at 75.0%, and sulfur powder (HS) at 73.4% , compared with controlled chemicals (ST) at 84.4%. Conclusion : It is possible to use biopesticides at the proper time to prevent leaf spot in Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara.

Background : Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. is used to cure respiratory/ lung diseases, which makes it an important oriental medicinal herb. It is one of the five Sam (ginseng), which includes Panax ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Sophora flavescens, and Scrophularia buergeriana. In 2015, Korea imported 24 tons of medicinal herbs worth US$95,000. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of several mulching materials on the growth and root yield of A. triphylla var. japonica using organic fertilizer. Methods and Result : Seeds of A. triphylla var. japonica were collected at the nursery of the Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA in 2015. Mulching materials used are black plastic, black woven fabric, and biodegradable plastic. Hand weeding was done to serve as control. The soil was fertilized two months before planting. Seeds of A. triphylla var. japonica were sowed in tray in early March and were allowed to grow for two months. It was planted in early May with planting density of 30 ㎝ x 15 ㎝ and was covered with various mulching materials. Parameters investigated are survival rate, aerial part and root growth characteristics, and yield at harvest time. Results showed that biodegradable plastic is most favorable for plant growth with height of 17.2cm, leaf length of 13.4cm and leaf width of 5.6 ㎝. Dry plant weight was heaviest in biodegradable plastic treatment at 2.8 g, and lightest at 2.5 g when planted without mulch. Biodegradable plastic has the highest dry root weight of 19.3 g, followed by black vinyl (18.4 g), woven fabric (18.3 g) and without mulch (17.9 g). The yield obtained per 10 a was highest in biodegradable plastic treatment at 174 ㎏, while black vinyl and woven fabric treatments produced 169 ㎏ and 160 ㎏, respectively. Plants without mulch had the lowest yield of 157 ㎏. Conclusion : In the above results, biodegradable plastic and woven fabric are considered suitable mulching materials for the cultivation of A. triphylla var. japonica.