The antioxidant activity, total phenol content, and inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase (XOase) for six different medicinal plant complexes such as Achyranthes japonica, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus, Carthamus tinctorius, Eucommia ulmides, Viscum album, and Caragana koreana were investigated in this study. The free radical scavenging activity values using DPPH(2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS[2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation] analyses were found to be 532.03±86.60 μg/mL and 1376.50±35.01 μg/mL, respectively, in 95% of ethanol extracts among six medicinal plant mixed compositions (6MPMC). The total phenolic content in 70% ethanol extract of 6MPMC was 125.19±1.34 mg GAE/g. The inhibitory activity against XOase was highest at 33.20±0.17% in the 70% ethanol extract of 6MPMC. In the antimicrobial activity test of 6MPMC, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value showed activities against V. litoralis and E. coli in 70% and 95% ethanol extracts, and these two microorganisms were created in clear zones by method of paper disc diffusion. These results suggest that the 6MPMC, composed of Achyranthes japonica, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus, Carthamus tinctorius, Eucommia ulmides, Viscum album, and Caragana koreana, have both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and, therefore, may serve as a functional health food product.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm liquid storage diluted with Brine Mineral Water (BMW) in miniature pig. Therefore we performed to find optimal concentration of BMW. The ejaculated semen from miniature pig was collected by gloved-hand method. The collected semen was diluted with dilution solution (Mulberry Ⅲ; modified-Modena B) which BMW was added. Concentration of BMW was 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% in dilution solution. The diluted semen was preserved at 17℃. Sperm ability was estimated by viability, capacitation acrosome reaction using chlortetracycline (CTC), hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), morphologic abnormality. The diluted semen was observed for 7 days. The viability was significantly measured higher at 2.5% concentration of BMW than other groups (p<0.05). The AR-pattern of CTC analysis was significantly measured lower at 12.5% concentration of BMW than other groups (p<0.05). However, abnormality was not significantly different among all the groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, viability of sperm was the highest at 2.5% concentration of BMW but BMW had a negative effect on HOST, capacitation and acrosome reaction in sperm of miniature pig.

Arthrobacter sp. L-3이 생성하는 glucose isomerase를 DEAE-cellulose column chromatography법으로 2단계 NaCl농도 구배로 용출함으로서 순수분리하였다. 이것이 SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis상에서 단일띠를 보임으로서 매우 잘 분리되었음을 알 수 있었다. Glucose isomerase의 K_m값과 V_max값이 각각 0.175M, 0.29(㎎/㎖/min)로 얻어졌다. 한편, SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis와 Sephadex-G100-50에 의한 gel filtration으로부터 분자량이 각각 42, 000과 180, 000으로 얻어져, 이 효소는 분자량이 42, 500인 4개의 subunit로 구성되었음을 알 수 있었다.

The morphological changes of fresh beef treated with ficin(0.1% : 2 hrs, 6 hrs)were examined with transmission electron microscope(TEM), the results obtained were as follows ; Connective tissue protein in fresh beef treated with ficin became gradually fragmentation and was occured stabilization with time. The length of sarcomere in myofibrillar protein was elongated, M-line became dim, and the I-band of Z-line was broken and became fragmentation with time.

Background : The major components in Astragalus membranaceus are isoflavonoids, triterpene and polysaccharides. Also, isoflavonoids was composed to aglycon and glucoside derivatives. In this study, we performed fermentation process (enzyme treatment) and steam processing (high temperature and pressure) to increase aglycon such as formononetin and calycosin. Methods and Results : The steam processing was performed at a lot of conditions, such as temperature (80, 100, 120℃) and time (30, 60 and 120 min). Fermentation processing carried out by A. membranaceus extract fermented with microorganisms which have high β -glucosidase activity (selection by esculin agar method) for detached glucose from isoflavonoids, converted to algycon. The isoflavonoids were analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in fermentation product of A. membranaceu extract by treated with steam processing at various conditions. As a result of β-glucosidase activity by pNP assay, we selected three strains, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Weissella cibaria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Isoflavone aglycon was the highest in fermentation product by S. cerevisiae for 3 days, but change of isoflavonoids was not observed in steam processing. The calycosin-glucoside and ononin were reduced in fermentation product of A. membranaceus extract, whereas calycosin and formononetin was increased. Conclusion : This results showed that isoflavone glycoside converted to isoflavone aglycon in A. membranaceus by fermentation process, it seems to be available for industrial use.

Background : This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidative activity and active ingredients of Glehenia littoralis through purification process. Methods and Results : Above-ground and below-ground parts of Glehenia littoralis, dried in Gangneung, were purchased, crushed, sonicated for 2 hours in 100% ethanol, filtered and concentrated. Above-ground part of G.littoralis which is more effective higher antioxidant effect than below-ground part in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Was used to extract the above-ground part of the solvent fraction according to polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, water) and HP20 column separation (0, 30, 60, 100% EtOH). Using the fraction was the DPPH assay with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Comparing the antioxidant efficacy with that of fraction isolated from Glehenia littoralis extract. Hexane, water layer and 100% EtOH fraction showed lower efficacy than Glehenia littoralis extract. 60% EtOH fraction showed more than 8 times higher efficacy. In order to compare the components according to their efficacy, HPLC analysis was carried out. The fraction (hexane, water layer, 100% EtOH fraction) which showed low antioxidative activity confirmed imperatoin and nonpolar compound, the fraction (ethyl acetate, 60% EtOH fraction) showed a higher antioxidant activity was confirmed 2 flavonoid and scopoletin. Conclusion : Glehenia littoralis extract showed low antioxidant activity of 893 ㎍/㎖ with IC50 of DPPH assay. However, it showed an increase of antioxidant activity by IC50 of 115㎍ /㎖ of DPPH assay of 60% EtOH fraction by fractionation and separation. Through HPLC analysis, the active ingredient, scopoletin and two flavonoids were identified.

Background : Miscanthus sinensis 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 carried out to investigate the expression of MsCOMT gene and the variation of lignocellulosic component and phenolic compounds contents in transgenic plants. Methods and Results : Multiple bands were detected from the homologous region of the COMT gene in PCR analysis. In order to obtain more detailed results, putative transgenic lines were estimated by RT-PCR analysis to confirm the expression of mRNA. Also, analysis of the lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and phenolic compound contents of transgenic Miscanthus plants were performed. Total lignin content of transgenic plants was lower than that of the control plant due to reduced caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene expression related to lignin production. Cellulose and hemicellulose contents in transgenic plants were not increased. Variation in cellulose and hemicellulose contents had no correlation with variation in lignin content of transgenic plants. Conclusion : In conclusion, transgenic M. sinensis was obtained with down-regulated COMT gene. Lignin synthesis was decreased what offers possibility of crop modification for facilitated biofuel production.

Background: This study were to investigate the effect of Pediococcus pentosaceus fermented Radix astragali (AMRP) and non-fermented products (AMRNP) on collagen synthesis in the cultures of human dermal fibroblasts, and their inhibitory effects on the matrix-degrading enzymes (collagenase, elastase, and gelatinase). Methods and Results: Both AMRP and AMRNP significantly improved cell growth and proliferation of HDF cells. However, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis demonstrated that AMRP, but not AMRNP, significantly and dose-dependently stimulated the biosynthesis of type I procollagen in both aged (74 y) and young (21 y) HDF cells. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that expression of type I, type III procollagen and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA was significantly stronger in AMRP-treated HDF cells than that of AMRNP-treated and un-treated HDF cells. The AMRP revealed an increase in astragaloside Ⅳ only depending on increase in fermentation period, because other astragalside converted to astragaloside Ⅳ, which it detached acyl group by fermentation processing of Pediococcus pentosaceus. Conclusion: The results also suggested that AMRP could stimulate the collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts, which is, associated with the regulation of procollagen biosynthesis resulting from AMRP-induced TGF-β1 expression and the mitogenic activity in HDF cells, and therefore, is expected to reduce the age-dependent loss of extracellular matrix proteins.

Background: To obtain useful cosmetic resources, this study aimed to determine the non-saponin fatty acid and inhibitory activities of collagenase and elastase by treatment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in supercritical fluid extracted oil of the adventitious root culture of wild mountain ginseng. Methods and Results: We performed supercritical fluid extraction at various conditions such as pressure, temperature, time, and use of co-solvents, unlike the n-hexane extraction for the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng. The non-saponin-fatty acid obtained from the oil of the adventitious roots culture was incresed by treatment with S. cerevisiae. The supercritical fluid extraction was conducted using gas chromatography. Non-saponin-fatty acid content, in the oil of adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng treated with S. cerevisiae for 2 days were three times higher than that in the control. In addition, the oil of the adventitious roots culture treated with S. cerevisiae was investigated for the anti-wrinkle effect by using collagenase and elastase. The oil of adventitious roots culture treated with S. cerevisiae exhibited higher collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities than those in the control. Conclusions: Supercritical fluid extracted oil of the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng treated with S. cerevisiae was found to have decreased ratio of saturated fatty acids and incresed ratio and content of unsaturated fatty acids increased. Furthermore, it showed anti-wrinkle effects in vitro.

Background: Hot steaming is known to be effective in improving the biological activities of plant extracts by breaking down useful compounds to low molecular weight ones. Methods and Results: This study aimed to develop an optimal extraction and steam processing method for enhancing the low molecular ginsenoside contents of the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng. The total ginsenoside was optimally extracted when 70% EtOH was used at 50℃, whereas low molecule ginsenoside such as Rg2, Rh1, Rh4 and Rk1 could be extracted using 70% EtOH at 70℃. The adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng is known to contain four major ginsenosides, i.e., Rb2, Rb1, Rg1 and Rd, however new ginsenosides Rg6, Rh4, Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 were new abundantly obtaind after steam processing method was applied. The contents of total ginsenosides were the highest when thermal steam processing was conducted at 120℃ for 120 min. Unlike ginsenosides such as Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rh1, which decreased after steam processing, Rg3, Rk1, and Rg5 increased after thermal processing. Steam processing significanltly reduced the content of Rb1, increased that of Rg6 by about ten times than that in the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng. Conclusions: Our study showed that the optimal extraction and steam processing method increased the content of total ginsenosides and allowed the extraction of minor ginsenosides from major ones.

Background: Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituent in Astragalus membranaceus. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of polysaccharides isolated from the aboveground parts of A. membranaceus (AMA) and polysaccharides isolated from the roots of A. membranaceus (AMR) immune function by modulated cytotoxic T cell and Th1- and Th2- related cytokines kinetics. Methods and Results: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into exhaustive exercise case groups and non-exercise case, AMA and AMR samples were administered orally for 30 days (500 ㎎/㎏/day and 10 ㎎/㎏/day, respectively) and were compared to those rats in the groups fed commercial sports drink (SPD) and vehicle. Both exhaustive exercise groups and non-exercise groups had a lower ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the spleens of the rat fed AMA and AMR compared to those in the rats fed SPD and vehicle group. These results suggested that AMA and AMR promote an increase in the proportion of cytotoxic T cells. The IL-4- producing T lymphocytes decreased significantly in the AMR (10 ㎎/㎏/day) group compared to SPD and vehicle, whereas the AMA group increased the IL-4 concentration more than the SPD and vehicle in exhaustive exercise group. However, the populations of IFN-γ-producing T lymphocytes of AMR and AMA increased. AMA decreased the concentration of IFN-γ to inhibit the Th1 response and thereby increased the concentration of IL-4 to induce a Th2 response that was related to humoral immunity in the non-exercise group. Conclusions: These results showed that, in addition to Th1/Th2 regulation, AMR and AMA played an important immuno-modulatory role after exhaustive exercise-induced Th1/Th2 lymphocyte imbalance, which might be correlated with cytokine producing immunoregulatory cells.

Background : Korean mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) are difficult to industrially apply because of its scarcity and high cost. Advances in plant biotechnology have made it possible to produce mountain ginseng on a large scale using adventitious root cultures in bio-reactors. This study was conducted to develop a cosmetic emulsion using ginsenoside and physiological activity - enhanced raw materials by fermentation process. Methods and Results : Wild ginseng adventitious roots were fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG 0702 (KACC 81017BP). ginsenoside contents was analysed by using HPLC. Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity and whitening effect was measured by tyrosinase inhibitory activity. After microfluidizer processing was performed to prepare emulsions with homogenized particles, particle size and distribution were measured through a transmission electron microscop e(TEM). Particle stability compares pH, viscosity, light and zeta potential. When fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG 0702, the highest change rates of Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 were shown and the antioxidant activity was increased. The whitening effect was 73.2 ± 0.9% when treated at 100 ㎍/㎖, 1.5 times higher than the control. The optimum particle size and distribution were shown to be 418.0 ± 14.9 ㎚ for 6 times treatment with 0 - 10 times microfluidizer treatment. Stability was about 3% in pH, viscosity and light test. the zeta potential was found to be homogeneous at –33.33 mV. Conclusion : Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG 0702 Fermented Wild ginseng adventitious roots were found to have effective ingredients and improved physiological activity. We have also developed emulsions that exhibit optimal particle size and distribution

Background : The study about cultured wild ginseng root (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) have been reported mainly ginsenosides in saponins family. However metabolites of fermented wild ginseng roots by microorganisms was not reported yet. Methods and Results : Cultured wild ginseng roots were used for fermentation of ginseng roots using Pediococcus pentosaceus and other bacterial strains. We analyzed different types of ginsenoside contents, metabolite and enzyme contents, and gene expression by using microorganisms. Results showed considerable differences in ginseonoside contents specially Rk1 and Rg5. The highest enzyme activity level was by Glutathione reductase (GR) and Glutathione S transferase (GST) in fermented ginseng roots than control (non-fermented), whereas Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Peroxidase (POD) contents were reduced. Score plots and loading plots of principal components 1 of the PCA result obtained from the data on 43 metabolites in fermented wild ginseng root of five conditions. The concentration of metabolite such as β-alanin and 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is used to improve memory were increased in fermented ginseng roots than control. We found functional gene in wild ginseng root related with metabolic process. The APX gene expression gradually increased in fermented ginseng root with respect to fermentation times. Conclusion : In this study, accumulation of functional metabolite in cultured ginseng r

Background: The light emitting plasma (LEP) has recently attracted attention as a novel artificial light source for plant growth and functional component enhancement. We investigated the effects of LEP on whitening and antioxidant activities of the plant parts of perilla. Methods and Results: Previously germianted seeds of perilla were cultivated under different light conditions (fluoresce lamp, LED red, blue, white, green, and LEP) in a culture room for 2 months. Parts of perilla were harvested and extracted in 70% EtOH. The extracts were used to detect total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), reducing power and tyrosinase inhibition activity as indicators of biological activity. Biological activity was highest in seedlings grown under LEP. The total phenolic content was highest in the stems and the total flavonoid content was highest in the roots of perilla exposed to LEP. The DPPH and ABTS radical activity in all the parts of perilla exposed to LEP were higher by approximately three-fold compared to that in the control (fluoresce lamp). The reducing power values of perilla significantly increased after treatment with LEP. In addition, all the extract of perilla plants exposed to LEP promoted the tyrosinase inhibitory activity. These results suggest that LEP can be an important artificial light source for enhancement of biological activity. Conclusions: LEP could promote whitening and antioxidant activity of perilla.

Background: In recent years, adjuvants have received increasing attention owing to the development of purified subunit and synthetic vaccines which are poor immunogens and require additional adjuvants to evoke an immune response. Therefore, immunologic adjuvants have been developed and tested. Plant polysaccharides have been recognized as effective biological response modifiers with low toxicity.Methods and Results: In this study, the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge containing immunomodulating arabino-3,6-galactan was evaluated for its hemolytic activity and adjuvant potential in the specific cellular and humoral immune responses to ovalbumin. The polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge was co-immunized with the purified Vi capsular polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi vaccine in mice. The polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge did not induce any hemolytic activity or side effects at doses up to 500㎍/㎖. The concanavalin A-, lipopolysaccharide-, and ovalbumin-induced splenocyte proliferation and serum ovalbumin-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody titers in immunized mice were significantly enhanced by AMA. Pharmacological data revealed that the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge increased antigen-specific antibody levels in immunized mice. The polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge-adjuvanted purified Vi capsular polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi vaccine improved the proliferation of splenocytes and macrophages as well as stimulated cytokine production.Conclusions: These results suggest that the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge-adjuvanted vaccines enhanced humoral and cellular immunity and that the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge is a safe and efficacious adjuvant candidate suitable for use in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.