The present study examined the effects of Korean white ginseng (WG, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) on the learning and memory function and the neural activity in rats with trimethyltin (TMT)-induced memory deficits. The rats were administered with saline or WG (WG 100 or 300 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 21 days. The cognitive improving efficacy of WG on the amnesic rats, which was induced by TMT, was investigated by assessing the Morris water maze test and by performing immunohistochemistries on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The rats treated with TMT injection (control group) showed impaired learning and memory of the tasks, but the rats treated with TMT injection and WG administration produced significant improvement of the escape latency to find the platform in the Morris water maze at the 2nd and 4th days compared to that of the control group. In the retention test, the WG 100 and WG 300 groups showed significantly increased crossing number around the platform compared to that of the control group (p < 0.001). Consistently with the behavioral data, result of immunohistochemistry analysis showed that WG 100 mg/kg significantly alleviated the loss of BDNF-ir neurons in the hippocampus compared to that of the control group (p < 0.01). Also, treatment with WG has a trend to be increased the cholinergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas as compared to that of the control group. These results suggest that WG may be useful for improving the cognitive function via regulation of neurotrophic activity.

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality variation of Lithospermum radix on the pigment contents and antioxidant activities according to different growth stages and areas of cultivation. Acetylshikonin contents showed the tendency to decrease gradually from the middle of July (0.28%) to the end of August (0.05%) and then the content was increased again to the end of October (0.25%). Shikonin content was detected as small amount of about 0.009% during the period. The weight of plants was increased from the end of September to the end of October and showed the highest value as 19.8 g on October 25. ROS scavenging activity was the highest in the early of October as IC50 value of 0.11 μg/mL. Lithospermum radix of September showed lower ROS scavenging activities than those of other growth stages as IC50 value of 1.02 and 0.49 μg/mL on September 9 and September 27, respectively. Among 17 areas cultivated Lithospermum radix, 10 areas (59%) showed 0.05-0.10% of acetylshikonin contents and 3 areas (18%) were measured to contain 0.16-0.26% of acetylshikonin.

The study was done to investigate the effects of the extracts from the different parts of Lythrum salicaria (LS) on liver protective activities in chronically alcohol-treated rats. SD male rats except normal animals were administrated with alcohol (30ml of 30%~40% ethanol/kg/day) and the extracts (300 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks. Chronic alcohol administration decreased body weight, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and the reduced form-glutathione (GSH), whereas increased the ethanol content, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)- cholesterol, triglyceride in blood/serum and the ratio of the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG) and total GSH (GSSG/total GSH) in liver tissue. Groups treated with the extracts of leaf, root and stem, showed decrease in GOT, total cholesterol and GSSG/total GSH and increase in hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), total GSH and serum albumin. Administration with the root extract of LS decreased blood ethanol content compared with the other part extracts. But, serum triglyceride values in rats treated with root and stem extract were higher than that of the negative control animals. Flower extract-fed group showed decrease in body weight and serum triglyceride, but increase in the ratio of GOT and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and GSSG/total GSH. From the results, we conclude that the extracts of root and leaf among the plant parts of LS might be useful for the amelioration of the chronic alcohol-induced liver demage of rat.

The study was conducted to investigate candidate materials as anti-inflammation agent from plant resources. Activities of 33 plant parts extracts with the final concentration of 5μg/ml were evaluated on the several inflammation-related markers such as the release of proinflammatoty cytokine [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) & interleukin-6 (IL-6)], nitric oxide (NO), the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B alpha (Ik-Bα) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. The extracts in the final concentration of 10 μg/ml were also screened on peroxynitrite (ONOO-) scavenging activity. Eleven extracts selected from the screening assay were verified on the inhibition activity on peroxynitrite and total reactive species oxygen (ROS) in the several concentrations. As results, Alpinia officinarum Hance (rhizome), Inula britannica var. chinensis Regel (flower), Ulmus arvifolia Jacq (trunk peel) and Aster scaber Thunb. (aerial part) showed comparatively potent anti-inflammatory activities in vitro cells or chemical level systems, and then these four plant parts should be studied on the antiinflammatory mechanism by further studies.

Growth characteristics, root yield and ginsenoside contents of 3-year-old ginseng in greenhouse shaded by 30˚ sloped-curtain made of aluminum were compared to traditional shade facility in order to develop cultural practice for organic ginseng. Light transmittance ratio in greenhouse with 30˚ sloped-curtain shade was distinctly lower than that of traditional shade from sunrise to 9 a.m., while its ratio in greenhouse was higher than traditional shade since 9 a.m. due to the reflection of light. Air temperature of greenhouse was 1.3℃ higher than that of traditional shade on the first ten days of August due to more reflected light. Root yield of greenhouse was 44% higher than that of traditional cultivation because of the inflow of reflected light and the decrease of disease of Alternaria and Anthracnose by blocking rainfall. Dry matter partitioning ratio of rhizome and lateral root were increased in ginseng cultivated at greenhouse due to longer survival time in leaf than traditional cultivation. Total ginsenoside contents cultivated at greenhouse was decreased in the part of taproot, while it was increased in the part of lateral and fine root compare to traditional cultivation. Individual ginsenoside contents between greenhouse and traditional cultivation showed significant difference more frequent in fine root than taproot and lateral root. Total ginsenoside contents including Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, and Rg2 in whole root of 3-year-old ginseng did not showed significant difference by greenhouse and traditional cultivation.

Root extract of Lythrum salicaria reported a hepato-protective effect on CCl4-induced liver toxicity of rat was prepared into fractions such as n-hexane up layer (HA), n-hexane down layer (HB), diethyl ether (E), ethylacetate (EA), n-butanol (B) and water (W). Fractions prepared were tested their activities in vitro and in vivo condition. All of the fractions showed effective antioxidant asctivities on DPPH radical and CuSO4-induced oxidation of human low density lipoprotein and E fraction showed the highest inhibitory effect (98.1% at 50 μg/ml) on linoleic acid autoxidation at 40℃, which was more effective than α-tocopherol (82.4%). Five fractions (H = HA plus HB, E, EA, B, and W, 150 mg/kg/day) were fed into Sprague Dawley, male rats for 4 days, which were intoxicated with intra-peritoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg in corn oil) at the 4th day and were sacrificed in 24 hrs. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine, elevated with CCl4-intoxication in negative control group (83 pg/ml) was significantly decreased in E fraction-supplemented group (18 pg/ml). Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in negative control group (0.12 U/mg protein) was decreased in E fraction (0.07 U/mg protein). From the results, it is suggested that ether fraction from root extract of L. salicaria would be a potent antioxidant candidate for ameliorating liver injury induced by chemical intoxicant.

For the investigation of possibility as a useful functional material, different parts of Lythrum salicaria L. harvested at four growth stages were studied in the aspect of bleeding characteristics, chemical composition and in vitro activity. Weights (g/plant) of L. salicaria plant parts were high in order to stem 〉 leaf 〉 flower 〉 root at the best growth time. Crude lipids (3.59~4.30%) and crude proteins (14.7~23.5%) of L. salicaria leaves were the highest among the other plant parts showed from 0.08~3.54%, and 4.0~21.9%, respectively. Free sugars (2.9~4.2%) and crude ash (11.9~14.8) of leaves also showed the highest value. Free radical scavenging activities of L. salicaria root on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl showed from 43.5 μg/ml to 47.6 μg/ml as IC50 which were followed by those of flower, leaf, and stem. Root of L. salicaria tested at 100 μg/ml also showed the most efficient inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Cell viability of the plant parts tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay was high in order to flower, leaf, root, and stem. Total phenol content measured as tannic acid equivalent showed the highest value in flower. In conclusion, among the plant parts, especially leaf of L. salicaria, was rich in the chemical components, and showed efficient antioxidant/inhibitory activity on free radical and NO production, and was expected to be a functional material candidate.

It's crucial to control Alternaria blight and Anthracnose emerging mostly on ginseng leaves during the rainy season to increase the organic ginseng products. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficay of lime-brodeaux spray on the ginseng leaves and evaluate the growth and yield of the ginseng, and the contents of ginsenoside and 70% ethanol extracts from 3-year-old ginseng variety, Cheonpoong. Lime-bordeaux sprayings were conducted in the ratio of 6-6 in June, 8-8 from July to September every 15 days. After June 10, the spraying have no effects on the growth leaf and stem, and there was no significant increase in chlorophyll contents. The ratio of intact leaf and root were distinctly increased because Alternaria blight and Anthracnose were decreased by spraying lime-bordeaux mixture. Root weight per plant and root yield were increased by 15%, and 62% in 3-year old ginseng, respectively, because the ratio of intact leaf and root were higher by using lime-bordeaux mixture. Furthermore, spraying of lime-bordeaux mixture is prone to increase the ratio of rusty root in ginseng. Spraying of lime-bordeaux mixture decreased both of the contents of ginsenoside and 70% ethanol extract by 13.7%, and 15.2% in 3-year-old ginseng, respectively.

인삼 논재배 안전생산기술을 개발하기 위해 배수불량지와 배수약간불량지 논토양에서 청3+흑1중직 차광망, 청색차광지 및 은박차광판 해가림을 처리하여 3년생 천풍의 생육특성 및 진세노사이드 함량을 조사한 결과는 다음과 같다. 해가림 유형별 투광량과 기온은 차광지 > 은박차광판 > 차광망 순이었다. 배수불량지의 토양수분장력은 평균 64mbar (절대토양수분함량 25%)로 과습한 조건이었으며, 배수약간불량지에서는 평균 123 mbar (절대수분함량 17%)이었다. 배수불량지의 토양수분장력은 계절과 해가림 유형별 뚜렷한 차이를 보이지 않았지만 배수약간불량지에서는 60~200 mbar의 범위에서 계절적 변화를 보였으며, 해가림유형에 따라 약간의 차이를 보였다. 배수불량지의 수량성은 황증과 적변 발생율의 증가로 배수약간불량지보다 현저히 감소되었다. 해가림 유형별 수량성은 배수불량지에서 차광지가, 배수약간불량지에서 차광망이 가장 높았다. 적변 발생율은 배수등급과 해가림 유형에 따라 일정한 경향이 없었다. 배수불량지는 Panaxatriol 계열 (Rg1, Re 및 Rf)의 진세노사이드 함량이 감소되고 Panaxadiol 계열 (Rb1, Rc 및 Rd)의 함량이 증가되었다. 총 진세노사이드 함량은 배수불량지보다 배수약간불량지에서 높았으며, 해가림 유형별 총 진세노사이드 함량은 배수등급에 관계없이 차광지에서 가장 높았다.

To study the optimal cultivation for paddy soil, growth characteristics and ginsenoside content was investigated by both of poor drainage class (PDC) and imperfect drainage class (IDC) in three-year-old ginseng of varieties, Cheonpoong (CP), Yeonpoong (YP), Hwangsookjong (HS), and Jakyeongjong (JK). Root yield of IDC was higher than that of PDC by 3.6 times because stem length, leaf area, and chlorophyll contents were increased, while discolored leaf ratio was decreased. Root yield of HS in PDC was highest among four varieties because chlorophyll contents, leaf area, and survived plant ratio were relatively high. Root yield of CP in IDC was highest among four varieties because of high leaf area and survived plant ratio, and low discolored leaf ratio. Ratio of rusty-colored root showed significant difference by varieties, which was the highest in HS and the lowest in CP among four varieties irrespective of drainage classes. Total ginsenoside contents showed significant difference by drainage classes, which were high in IDC of good growth and low in PDC of poor growth. Total ginsenoside contents were high in JK and CP, while low in HS and YP both of drainage classes.

Fifty percent ethanol extract of Lythrum salicaria Linne root (LSR) was tested in vitro on antioxidant activity, and furthermore was investigated on antioxidative and fibrosis protecting activities in CCL4-induced liver fibrosis rat model. Ratio of hepatic GSH/GSSG (reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione) as bio-parameter of antioxidant level in CCL4 plus LSR-treated rats for 6 weeks significantly increased from 2.8- to 5.7-fold than that of CCL4-treated rats at p 〈 0.05. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) contents in CCL4 plus LSR-treated rats ranged from 1.57- to 2.19-fold of normal rats and were lower than those in CCL4 plus silymarin-treated rats (1.78~2.46-fold of normal rats) (p 〈 0.05). Amounts of hydroxyproline of liver tissue showing the content of total collagen, a parameter of fibrosis, in CCL4 plus LSR-administrated rat livers were 4.9~8.8μg/mg (-47~-71%, compared with that in CCL4-treated rat livers (16.6μg/mg tissue), which were significantly lower than those in CCL4 plus silymarin-administrated rats being 8.4~11.7μg/mg (-30~-50%). This collagen reducing effect of liver tissue in CCL4 plus LSR-treated rats was supported by histological observation using microscopy assay. From the results, we conclude that the root of L. salicaria have efficient antioxidant potential and effective antifibrotic activities.

인삼 4년생을 대상으로 해가림 색상을 달리하여 재배 시험한 결과, 대조구인 4중직 PE 차광망(청색 3 + 흑색 1중직)이나 청색 4중직 차광망에서 재배된 인삼의 뿌리 근중은 적색 4중직 차광망보다 높게 나타났으며, 대조구보다 청색과 적색에서 동체의 비율이 낮고 지근의 비율이 높아 투광량이 많아지면 동체의 생장이 감소하고 지근의 생장은 증가하였다. 뿌리에 함유된 진세노사이드 함량은 적색 해가림재배에서 가장 높게 나타나 투광량이 증가할수록 진세노사이드 함량이 증가되었으며, 특히 진세노사이드 Rg1의 함량이 유의적으로 더 높았다. 색상에 따른 진세노사이드 함량차이는 해가림 색상 차이에 의해 생합성 과정이 영향을 받은 것이 아닌 생육량의 차이에 따른 결과로 판단되었다.

An advanced extraction method by ultrasonic extraction with applied solid phase extraction (SPE) has been developed for the determination of simultaneous eight major ginsenosides, namely ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rg2, Rc, Rb2, and Rd in the root of Panax ginseng. Four extraction methods including n-BuOH reflux extraction (Method A), 70% EtOH reflux extraction (Method B), 50% MeOH reflux extraction with SPE (Method C), and 50% MeOH ultrasonication with SPE clean-up process (Method D) were investigated for the determination of eight major ginsenosides. Total contents of ginsenosides were highest by extraction of Method C as 2.408±0.011%. However, Method D was evaluated as relatively simpler and more efficient method due to short extraction time, small solvent consumption and less expensive, compared to conservative reflux method. Ginsenosides were also satisfactorily separated with good resolution and the accuracy range was between 1.05 and 4.06% as relative standard deviation (RSD) by Method D. SPE condition and HPLC condition were further optimized for determination of eight major ginsenosides by the ultrasonic extraction method. Conclusively, ultrasonic extraction of 2 g sample of ginseng using ultrasonic bath and 1 loading for SPE was evaluated as proper condition for extraction of ginseng.

본 연구는 429점의 식물자원의 항산화활성을 검색하고 새로운 잠재적인 항산화후보물질을 발굴하기 위해 수행하였다. 본 연구에서는 DPPH 라디칼에 대한 소거능과 리놀렌산 산화에 대한 저해활성에 대한 실험이 이루어졌다. 실험결과 Sanguisorba officinalis (flower), Sedum kamtschaticum (flower, root) 그리고 Rumex obtusifolius (flower)가 특히 우수한 활성을 나타내었는데, 이들 식물은 각각 8.12, 9.4, 9.9, 11μg/ml의 DPPH 라디칼에 대한 소거활성 (SC50)과 80.4, 80.1, 84.5, 88.0%의 리놀렌산 산화에 대한 저해활성을 나타내었다. 또한, 1차 선발된 식물 10점에 대한 추가 실험에서, Sedum middendorffianum (root)이 superoxide 라디칼에 대한 소거능 (SC50, 39.4μg/ml)과 CuSO4로 유도된 저밀도지단백질(LDL)의 산화에 대해 우수한 활성 (53.8%)을 나타내었으며, Gleditsia japonica (thorn)는 LDL 산화에 대한 저해활성이 우수 (71.4%)하고 총페놀 함량 (958.5%)이 높은 것으로 확인되었다.

“고강”은 고품질･내병･다수성 지황 개발을 목표로 지황1호 실생 집단에서 우량 개체를 선발, 증식을 거친 후 2001～’02년 생산력 검정시험을 실시하였다. 그 결과 고품질이면서 병해에 강하고수량성이높아수원7호로계통명을부여한후, 2003～’05년까지 3년간 지역적응시험을 실시한 결과 우수성이 인정되어 2005년 12월 직무육성 품종 심의회를 거쳐 “고강”으로 명명하였는바 그 주요특성을 요약하면 다음과 같다. 1. 고강의 초형은 지면에서 약간 솟아오르는 형태를 나타내며, 생육중기 완전 전개된 잎중 가장 어린잎들의 색깔은 안토시아닌 색소를 거의 띠지 않아 대비품종과 구별된다. 2. 고강은 지황1호에 비하여 잎이 크고 많으며, 뿌리가 굵고 길다. 3. 고강은 병에 대한 저항성도 비교적 강하여 생산의 안정성이 높은 품종이다. 4. 고강은 2003～’05년까지 3년간 실시한 지역적응시험결과 수원 등 3지역에서 모두 증수되는 것으로 나타났고, 3지역의 10a당 평균 수량은 1,186kg로 지황1호 대비 13% 증수하였다. 5. 고강은 지황의 주요성분인 catalpol과 엑스함량이 지황1호에 비하여 많은 고품질 품종이다.

청색과 황색의 4중직 폴리에틸렌 차광망을 해가림 피복물로 사용하여 해가림 색상이 4년생 인삼의 생육 및 진세노사이드 함량에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 시험한 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 청색 차광망의 spectral irradiance는 498nm에서, 황색차광망은 606nm에서 최고를 보여 색상에 따라 광질은 뚜렷한 차이를 보였다. 2. 청색 차광망은 황색 차광망보다 투광량이 23% 더 많았으며,기온도 0.3 ˚C 더 높았고 여름철 투광량 증가로 인한 기온 상승으로 황색 차광망보다 지상부 생육이 억제되고 고온장해 발생이 심하였다. 3. 황색 차광망은 청색 차광망보다 엽록소 함량이 더 많고 경장 및 엽면적이 더 컸으며, 고온장해 발생율이 낮아 인삼수량은 48% 증가되었다. 4.동체부위의 총 진세노사이드 함량은 색상 간에 유의적인차이가 없었으나 지근 및 세근부위의 총 진세노사이드 함량은 청색 차광망이 황색 차광망보다 유의적인 증가를 보였다. 5. PD/PT비율은 지근부위에서만 청색 차광망이 황색 차광망보다 유의적으로 높았으며, Rb1/Rg1의 비율은 모든 부위에서 청색 차광망이 황색 차광망보다 높았으나 지근부위에서는 유의성이 없었다.