The present study was to survey the site environment, vegetation structure and soil characteristics in the wild habitats of Acer tegmentosum Maxim. and offers basic information for habitats conservation and restoration. Most of the wild habitats were located at altitudes between 605~1,413m with inclinations ranged as 8~30°. The bare rock rate were 8~50%. The vegetation structure by the PC-ORD based on the Two Way Cluster Analysis were divided into three groups CommunityⅠ(Acer tegmentosum – Quercus mongolica), CommunityⅡ(Acer tegmentosum - Carpinus cordata), CommunityⅢ(Quercus mongolica – Tilia amurensis). The species diversity(H') was highest in CommunityⅡ as 1.474, CommunityⅠwas 1.471, Community Ⅲ was 1.219. The soil textures were Clay loam, The average soil pH was 4.8, Soil organic matter was 15.15% and available phosphorus was 2.33ppm. Ordination analysis result by soil characteristics, community, characteristic species showed that the greatest effect factors were slope, altitude, tree and shrub’s cover rate, organic matter, total-nitrogen, calcium, magnesium. Correlation analysis between environment factor result showed that O.M. - (T.N., K+, Mg2+, CEC, EC), T.N. - (K+, Mg2+, CEC, EC) were positive correlations.

이 연구는 들메나무, 버드나무, 참조팝나무, 신나무, 다릅나무, 호랑버들 6종의 식물을 심적 산림 습지 내에서 생육하는 개체와 습지 밖의 산지사면에서 생육하는 개체의 광합성 특성과 엽록소 형광반응의 차이를 조사하여 습지환경이 이들 식물의 생육에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 참조팝나무와 들메나무의 경우 습지 내 생육하는 개체가 산지에서 생육하는 개체에 비하여 기공전도도의 저하로 인해 대기로부터 CO2와 수분의 교환이 원활하게 이루어지지 못하여, 증산량 감소, 기공제한 증가 및 엽육세포 내 CO2 농도 감소 등 광합성 활성에 관련하는 반응들이 상대적으로 저하되는 경향을 보였다. 특히, 참조팝나무는 습지에서 생육하는 개체가 산지에서 생육하는 경우보다 광계 Ⅱ의 광화학반응 과정에서 에너지 전달 효율이 감소되는 것으로 나타났으며, 광합성 기구의 활력에도 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 결과적으로 산지와 습지환경의 차이가 광합성 반응 및 엽록소 함량의 변화를 가져오며, 수종마다 다른 경향을 보여주고 있음을 알 수 있었다.

본 연구는 대덕산･금대봉 생태계보전지역 내 분포하는 관속 식물상을 파악하여 식물분포를 밝히고, 향후 대덕산-금대봉 생태계보전지역의 주요 식물에 대한 효율적인 관리와 보전을 위해 수행하였다. 2017년 4월부터 2019년 10월까지 총 14회에 걸쳐 현지조사를 실시하였다. 대덕산-금대봉 생태계보전지역에 자생하는 관속식물상은 83과 245속 372종 4아종 45변종 8품종으로 총 428분류군이 조사되었다(Appendix 1). 이 중 한국특산 식물은 키버들, 참개별꽃, 진범, 갈퀴현호색 등 19분류군이며, 환경부지정 희귀 및 멸종위기 식물은 개병풍, 가시오갈피, 대성 쓴풀, 복주머니란으로 총 4분류군이 조사되었고, 산림청 지정 희귀식물은 19과 34속 34종 2변종 총 36분류군이 나타났다. 침입외래식물은 토끼풀, 달맞이꽃, 지느러미엉겅퀴 등 4과 8속 8종 총 8분류군으로 조사되었으며. 도시화지수(UI)는 2.5%, 귀화율(NI)은 1.9%로 나타났다. 본 조사지역의 양치식물은 7과 9속 7종 2변종으로 총 9분류군이 나타났고, 양치식물계수는 0.52로 나타났다. 대한약전 기준 약용자원식물은 16과 24속 24 종 2변종 1품종 27분류군이 확인되었다. 민속식물은 772과 175 속 216종 28변종 3품종 4아종 251분류군이 확인되었으며, 대덕산‧금대봉에서 출현한 428분류군 중 58.6%가 민속식물로 나타났다. 민속식물을 분류 별로 보면 가장 많은 213분류군이 식용 식물로 분류되었다. 약용식물은 161분류군이었으며, 향신용식물은 11분류군으로 나타났다. 환경부에서 멸종위기 식물로 지정된 대성쓴풀과 복주머니란 등의 희귀식물은 시급히 보호 및 보전에 필요한 대책을 마련해야 할 것으로 판단되며, 나도범의 귀는 북방계식물로 남한 내 자생지가 검룡소 1곳이 보고되고 있어 자생지보호의 필요성이 있을 것으로 판단된다.

이상의 연구 결과로 미루어 볼 때, 댕댕이나무 잎과 가지 추추출물은 대장암 세포주 HCT116과 SW480세포의 생육을 억제 하였으나 열매추출물은 억제활성이 나타나지 않았다. 잎과 가지 추출물은 cell migration과 wound healing assay를 통해 비정상적인 세포증식 억제를 확인하였으며, β-catenin과 TCF4 의 단백질 수준을 감소시켜 비정상적인 Wnt 신호전달을 억제를 통해 대장암세포의 생육을 억제하는 것으로 판단된다. 따라서 댕댕이나무 잎과 가지는 항암을 위한 대체보완소재 및 천연 항암제 개발을 위한 소재로 활용이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

이상의 연구 결과로 미루어 볼 때, 도깨비부채 잎(RPL)은 β -catenin의 분해 유도를 통해 대장암, 유방암, 폐암, 전립선암 및 췌장암 세포의 생육을 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 본 결과는 도깨비부채 잎의 항암을 위한 대체보완소재 및 천연 항암제 개발을 위한 소재로 활용이 가능할 것으로 판단된다. 그러나 추가적 연구를 통해 도깨비 부채 잎의 항암 활성물질의 분석연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

Background : Although the inhibitory effect of mistletoe on cancer cell growth has been reported, the underlying mechanisms to explain its anti-proliferative activity are not fully studied. Thus, we elucidated the potential molecular mechanism of the branch from taxillus yadoriki (TY) parasitic to Neolitsea sericea (NS) (TY-NS-B) for the anti-proliferative effect. Methods and Results : In comparison of anti-proliferative effect of TY from the host trees such as Cryptomeria japonica (CJ), Neolitsea sericea (NS), Prunus serrulata (PS), Cinnamomum camphora (CC) and Quercus acutissima (QA), TY-NS showed higher anti-cell proliferative effect than TY-CJ, TY-PS, TY-CC or TY-QA. In addition, the anti-proliferative effect of branch from TY from all host trees was better than leaves. Thus, we selected the branch from Taxillus yadoriki parasitic to Neolitsea sericea (TY-NS-B) for the further study. TY-NS-B inhibited the cell proliferation in the various cancer cells and downregulated cyclin D1 protein level. MG132 treatment attenuated cyclin D1 downregulation of cyclin D1 protein level by TY-NS-B. In addition, TY-NS-B increased threonine-286 (T286) phosphorylation of cyclin D1, and the mutation of T286 to alanine (T286A) blocked cyclin D1 proteasomal degradation by TY-NS-B. But the upstream factors related to cyclin D1 degradation such as ERK1/2, p38, JNK, GSK3β, PI3K, IκK or ROS did not affect cyclin D1 degradation by TY-NS-B. However, LMB treatment was observed to inhibit cyclin D1 degradation by TY-NS-B, and T286A blocked cyclin D1 degradation through suppressing cyclin D1 redistribution from nucleus to cytoplasm by TY-NS-B. In addition, TY-NS-B activated CRM1 expression. Conclusion : Our results suggest that TY-NS-B may suppress cell proliferation by downregulating cyclin D1 protein level through proteasomal degradation via T286 phosphorylation-dependent cyclin D1 nuclear export. These findings will provide the evidence that TY-NS-B has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for human cancer.

Background : Vaccinium oldhamii is a Korean native tree, which is deciduous and shrub tree with broad leaf. It was used primarily for edible or medicinal purposes for bladder infection in Korea and China. In addition, it has been reported to be used for treating inflammation, gonorrhea, vomiting, diarrhea and eruption. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of the branch of Vaccinium oldhamii and elucidated the potential mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Methods and Results : In the comparative experiment for the inhibitory effect of the plant parts from Vaccinium oldhamii such as fruits, leaves and branches on NO production, we observed that the branch extracts showed the highest inhibitory effect. Thus, the further study was performed using the branch of Vaccinium oldhamii (VOB). VOB did not affect iNOS expression but significantly IL-1β expression, which indicates that VOB may block NO production through the inhibition of IL-1β expression. In elucidation of the potential mechanisms for anti-inflammatory effect, VOB inhibited the degradation of IκB-α which results in the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. In addition, VOB suppressed the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. Conclusion : These results indicate that VOB may exert anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling. From these findings, VOB has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

Background : Mistletoe has been used as the herbal medicine to treat hypertension, diabetes mellitus, inflammation, arthritis and viral infection. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of extracts of branch from Taxillus yadoriki being parasitic in Neolitsea sericea (TY-NS-B) using in vitro model. Methods and Results : TY-NS-B significantly inhibited LPS-induced secretion of NO and PGE2 in RAW264.7 cells. TY-NS-B was also observed to inhibit LPS-mediated iNOS COX-2 expression. In addition, TY-NS-B attenuated production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β induced by LPS. TY-NS-B blocked LPS-mediated inhibitor of IκB-α, and inhibited p65 translocation to the nucleus and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, TY-NS-B reduced the phosphorylation of MAPKs such as p38 and JNK, but not ERK1/2. In addition, TY-NS-B increased ATF3 expression and ATF3 knockdown by ATF3 siRNA attenuated TY-NS-B-mediated inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediator expression. Conclusion : Collectively, our results suggest that TY-NS-B exerts potential anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling activation, and increasing ATF3 expression. These findings indicate that TY-NS-B could be further developed as an anti-inflammatory drug.

In this study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory effect of biji in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Biji inhibited the generation of NO and PGE2 through the suppression of iNOS and COX-2 expression. In addition, biji attenuated the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β induced by LPS. Biji blocked LPS-mediated IκB-α degradation and subsequently inhibited p65 nucleus accumulation in RAW264.7 cells, which indicates that biji inhibits NF-κB signaling. In addition, biji suppressed p38 phosphorylation induced by LPS. Our results suggests that biji may exert anti-inflammatory activity through blocking the generation of the inflammatory mediators such as NO, PGE2, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β via the inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and p38. From these findings, biji has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.

Background: In this study, we evaluated the anti-cancer activity and potential molecular mechanism of 70% ethanol extracts of the root of Aralia cordata var. continentalis (Kitagawa) Y. C. Chu (RAc-E70) against human colorectal cancer cells. Methods and Results: RAc-E70 suppressed the proliferation of the human colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480. Although RAc-E70 reduction cyclin D1 expression at the protein and mRNA levels, RAc-E70-induced reduction in cyclin D1 protein level occurred more dramatically than that of cyclin D1 mRNA. The RAc-E70-induced downregulation of cyclin D1 expression was attenuated in the presence of MG132. Additionally, RAc-E70 reduced HA-cyclin D1 levels in HCT116 cells transfected with HA-tagged wild type-cyclin D1 expression vector. RAc-E70-mediated cyclin D1 degradation was blocked in the presence of LiCl, a GSK3β inhibitorbut, but not PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor and SB203580, a p38 inhibitor. Furthermore, RAc-E70 phosphorylated cyclin D1 at threonine-286 (T286), and LiCl-induced GSK3β inhibition reduced the RAc-E70-mediated phosphorylation of cyclin D1 at T286. Conclusions: Our results suggested that RAc-E70 may downregulate cyclin D1 expression as a potential anti-cancer target through GSK3β-dependent cyclin D1 degradation. Based on these findings, RAc-E70 maybe a potential candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for human colorectal cancer.

Background: The production method of ginseng seedlings for ginseng cultivation is very important to ensure healthy rooting system as well as high quality, and yield of the resultant plants. This study was carried out to compare the growth characteristics of 2- year-old ginseng plants that were produced from seedlings grown in self soil nursery (SSN), nursery soil (NS) or hydroponic culture (HC). Methods and Results: The shading prop used was composed of four-layered 4 polyethylene (blue 3 + black 1) shade screen. The management of main field was done by inserting oil cake (1,200 ㎏/10 a) and then allowing Sudan grass to grow for a year. Seedling transplantation was carried out on April 6. Root growth was measured on October 25. Root weight was observed to be excellent at 6.0 g, following SSN transplantation. Root length was 21.2 ㎝ for HC seedlings, but these plants had a physiological disorder (i.e., rusty root), in 83.5% plants of this treatment. The ratio of PD/PT (protopanaxadiol saponins / protopanaxatriol saponins) was higher in NS seedlings. Plant analysis revealed that Fe content was lower in HC seedlings with high rustiness. The growth of 2-years-old ginseng was different following these varying seedling cultivation methods, but seedlings from NS were not different from those grown in SSN. Conclusions: For the propagation of 2-year-old ginseng plants, NS seedlings may be a good substitute for SSN seedlings.

Background : The cultivation of wild greens in a forest farming system is an attractive alternative to wild harvesting, due to its much lower production cost compared with conventional cultivation, and its provision of a second income to the landowner. Yet little is known about the conditions that would maximize the growth and antioxidant activities of wild greens in a forest farming system. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the optimal conditions that would maximize antioxidant activities of Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.) Turcz., being cultivated in three different cultivation systems in Korea. Methods and Results : After the fibrous roots of L. fischeri were planted in three different cultivation systems, this study was conducted to assess the effect on health-related properties such as total phenolic contents, flavonoids, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrasyl) free radical scavenging activities and reducing power. From these harvests in different sites, extracts were prepared using methanol. Total phenolic content in forest farming system (1.061 ㎎·GAE/㎖) was higher than that in other products harvested in conventional and greenhouse system (0.666㎎·GAE/㎖). Also, flavonoid content was higher in forest farming system (0.124 ㎎·QE/ ㎖), compared to conventional and greenhouse system (0.084 ㎎·QE/㎖). Conclusions : Antioxidant activity and cultivation system seem to correlate with total polyphenol and flavonoid contents.

This study was carried out to survey the vascular plants on Mt. Seokbyeongsan (1,055 m) and provide a basis for the conservation and management of plant resources. The vascular plants were surveyed from March to October 2015. The flora on Mt. Seokbyeongsan was classified as follows: 102 families, 295 genera, 454 species, 4 subspecies, 51 varieties, 7 forms, and a total of 516 taxa. Endemic plants included 17 families, 24 genera, 25 species, 1 variety, and a total of 26 taxa. The Korea Forest Service assignment of rare plants, including 21 families, 33 genera, 33 species, 3 varieties, and a total of 36 taxa, was investigated. Moreover, the Ministry of Environment assignment of rare plants, including 13 families, 17 genera, 17 species, 1 variety, and a total of 18 taxa, was investigated. Floristic special plants in the surveyed area were divided into five classes (Classes Ⅰ–Ⅴ): 42 taxa of Class Ⅰ, 26 taxa of Class Ⅱ, 35 taxa of Class Ⅲ, 20 taxa of Class Ⅳ, and 9 taxa of Class Ⅴ for a total of 132 taxa. Naturalized plants were 18 taxa, and plants threatened by climate change were 48 taxa.

This study was carried out to investigate the flora of indigenous habitat of Simjeok forest wetland, Mt. Jeombomg forest wetland, Mt. Sohwangbyung forest wetland, Jilmoi-neup, and Mt. Myeon forest wetland in Gangwon Province. The vascular plants were summarized as 547 taxa; 92 families, 296 genera, 468 species, 4 subspecies, 67 varieties, 8 forms. The plants that are specially noteworthy are 17 taxa of Korean endemic plants, 3 taxa of Critical Endangered Species (CR), 4 taxa of Endangered Species (EN), 8 taxa of Vulnerable Species (VU) and 17 taxa of Least Concemed Species (LC) in rare plants as categorized by the Korean Forest Service. Furthermore, V, IV, III degrees of floristic regional indicator plants as categorized by the Korean Ministry of Environment included 9 taxa, 14 taxa and 34 taxa, respectively. In addition, 25 taxa of naturalized plants were observed. In this study, we identified a variety of plants observed in the wetlands of Gangwon Province. We believe that this study will provide useful data for future research on the conservation and management of wetlands.