Background: Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. Its root has been utilized as a traditional medicine but the aerial parts (flower, flower stalk, leaf) are not used. We aimed to determine the content of three compounds [aucubin, catalpol, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)] in the different organs of R. glutinosa cultivars (Dakang, Tokang, and Suwon 9) Methods and Results: The flower, flower stalk, leaf, and root of R. glutinosa were harvested at the end of August. The aucubin and catalpol contents were analyzed by LC/MS, whereas the GABA content was analyzed by GC/MS. The aucubin content was the highest in the leaf, while catalpol and GABA were the highest in the flower. The aucubin contents of leaf in Dakang, Tokang, and Suwon 9 were 1.43, 0.81, and 1.07㎎/g, respectively. The catalpol contents of flower in Dakang, Tokang, and Suwon 9 were 41.06, 28.78, and 37.48㎎/g, respectively, the GABA contents were 0.79, 0.76, and 0.65㎎/g, respectively. Conclusions: The aucubin, catalpol, and GABA contents were higher in the leaf and flower than that in the root. This study show that R. glutinosa leaf and flower can be used as a potential supplement.

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of germination temperature, storage container and storage temperature on Scrophularia buergeriana and Scrophularia takesimensis seeds.Methods and Results: Seed lengths of both species were 0.8 ㎜, while seed width differed, with S. buergeriana measuring 0.5 ㎜ and S. takesimensis measuring 0.4 ㎜. The seeds of S. buergeriana were packaged in paper containers under room temperature (15°C), cold temperature (4°C), and freeze temperature (−20°C). These seeds exhibited around 80% germination rate at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. The germiantion rate of S. takesimensis, on the other hand, differed significantly at different germination temperatures. Seeds of S. takesimensis which were packaged in vinyl and paper containers and stored under room and cold temperatures, exhibited around 80% germination rate at 15°C. However, the germination rate of freeze-stored seeds were decreased to lower than 20% at germination temperatures of 15°C, 25°C and 30°C germiantion conditions. The rate of germination showed a low positive to a significantly negativie correlation with the other factor that were determined to evaluate the germination performance.Conclusions: This study elucidates the most suitable germination and storage conditions to increase the germination rate for the two species of Scrophularia buergeriana and Scrophularia takesimensis needs to be stored in paper containers under cold temperature and requires a temperature of 20°C for germination. On the other hand, S. takesimensis in vinyl containers need to be stored at room temperature and those in paper containers at cold temperature, and a temperature of 15°C is required for germination.

Background : Ixeris genus has been used in traditional medicines as stomachics, sedatives, and diuretics. Ixeris dentata var albiflora is a kind of perennial herbaceous plant and one of the plants of the genus Ixeris (Asteraceae). It is well-known for edible wild vegetable in Korea, China, Japan, and Mongolia. Specially, Korean has its root and young leaf with appetizing vegetable due to bitter taste. Methods and Results : We isolated 8 genes that are involved in carotenoid biosynthesis using the Illumina/Solexa HiSeq2000 platform. In this study, a full-length cDNA clone encoding phytoene synthase (IdPSY), phytoene desaturase (IdPDS), ξ-carotene desaturase (IdZDS), lycopene β-cyclase (IdLCYB), and zeaxanthin epoxidase (IdZEP) and partial-length cDNA clones encoding lycopene ε-cyclase (IdLCYE), ε-ring carotene hydroxylase (IdCHXE), and β-ring carotene hydroxylase (IdCHXB2) were identified in I. dentata. The theoretical molecular weight (MW) and isoelectric point values of 8 genes were investigated. Sequence analyses revealed that these proteins shared high identity and conserved domains with their orthologous genes. IdPSY, IdPDS, IdZDS, IdLCYB, IdCHXB2, and IdZEP were constitutively expressed in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of I. dentata. Conclusion : Our study on the biosynthesis of carotenoids in I. dentata will provide basic data for elucidating the contribution of carotenoids to the considerable medicinal properties of I. dentata.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum has been used as food material and a traditional medicine in Korea. In order to develop an efficient in vitro micropropagation technique for a rare plant species and conservation for inbred line of plant breeding. Methods and Results : Plant regeneration via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis was investigated in Platycodon grandiflorum. Leaf, stem, root tissues of 7-day-old seedlings were cultured on 1/2MS medium containing various concentration (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 ㎎/L) of IBA, BA and NAA. The results showed that 1/2MS medium supplemented with BA+NAA 2.0 ㎎/L yielded the highest callus formation ratio of 73.5%. When various tissues (leaf, stem, root) were tested on 1/2MS medium containing BA 2.0 ㎎/L+ NAA 2.0 ㎎/L for somatic embryogenesis, the optimum tissue for embryogenic shoot induction was stem tissue. Callus were cultured on MS medium containing various concentration (0, 0.5 and 1 ㎎/L) of BA and NAA. The best rooting rate was achieved by three different medium (B5, 1/2MS and MS) and 1/2MS medium cultured the highest rooting ratio (82%). Conclusion : This study suggested that above micropropagation techniques can be used for rapid multiplication as well as in vitro or in vivo conservation of the Platycodon species.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a flowering perennial climber. The roots are used as medicinal materials or vegetables. C. lanceolata is distributed in India and East Asia such as China, Japan as well as Korea. Recently, demand for C. lanceolata is increasing as a healthy food. In South Korea, this plant is widely cultivated in Gangwon-do province. Although, C. lanceolata is one of the most important medicinal plants in Korea, an elite, inbred line or a variety has not been developed yet. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker is a powerful tool for analysis of genetic relationships. In addition, it is a useful tool for studying the non-reference plant genome, due to its even distribution throughout the genome, as well as its high polymorphism between individuals. Methods and Results : We constructed microsatellite-enrichment libraries using C. lanceolata genomic DNA, and obtained a total of 226 non-redundant contig sequences. Routine PCR was performed using gDNA as templates for the polymorphic markers screening. Finally, total 15 polymorphic SSR markers based on C. lanceolata genomic sequences were successfully developed. These markers were applied to 53 C. lanceolata collected from Korea. 103 alleles of the 15 SSR markers ranged from 3 to 19 alleles at each locus, with an average of 6.87. The average of observed heterozygosity and genetic diversity were 0.42 and 0.62, respectively. The average of polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.57. The genetic distance value ranged from 0.73 to 0.93, and there was no observed distinct group according to the collecting areas. Conclusion : We developed 15 novel SSR markers from C. lanceolata genomic sequences for further genetic studies. Also, we concluded that the lineage of C. lanceolata collected in Korea has not been established systematically.

Background : In the herbal medicine market, Angelica gigas, Angelica sinensis, and Angelica acutiloba are all called "Danggui" and used confusingly. We aimed to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among 14 Angelica species collected from different global seed companies. Toward this aim we developed DNA markers to differentiate the Angelica species. Methods and Results : A total of 14 Angelica species, A. gigas, A. acutiloba, A. sinensis, A. pachycarpa, A. hendersonii, A. arguta, A. keiskei, A. atropurpurea, A. dahurica, A. genuflexa, A. tenuissima, A. archangelica, A. taiwaniana, and A. hispanica were collected. The genetic diversity of all 14 species was analyzed by using five chloroplast DNA-based simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and employing the DNA fragment analysis method. Each primer amplified 3 - 12 bands, with an average of 6.6 bands. Based on the genetic diversity analysis, these species were classified into specific species groups. The cluster dendrogram showed that the similarity coefficients ranged from 0.77 to 1.00. Conclusions : These findings could be used for further research on cultivar development by using molecular breeding techniques and for conservation of the genetic diversity of Angelica species. The analysis of polymorphic SSRs could provide an important experimental tool for examining a range of issues in plant genetics.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum is a perennial plant and a member of Campanulaceae family. Since ancient times, they have been using P. grandiflorum as an important medicinal plant in Korea. Platycodin D is the most abundant saponin derived from P. grandiflorum and pharmacologically active component. Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are important enzymes in the saponin biosynthesis. CYP is, in general, the terminal oxidase enzymes and essential roles in saponin biosynthesis pathway by hydroxylation or oxidaition of triterpene skeletons. Methods and Results : We tried to identify CYP genes related to saponin biosynthesis of P. grandiflorum through RNA-seq analysis. The sequencing was performed using Illumina Hi-Seq platform after cDNA library preparation. The produced reads were assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench software (CLC Bio, Inc.). We obtained 122,663 contigs and found 191 putative CYP genes. Familes of CYP716, CYP708, CYP93 and CYP51 were selected as putative saponin biosynthesis related gene families using phylogenetic relationship analysis. Conclusion : The results in this study could help to find the CYPs related to saponin biosynthesis pathway of P. grandiflorum.

Background : Chrysanthemum indicum L. is used in medicine, for bee, ornamental as multivoltinism plant resources. The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods of rooting promotion to make high quality medicinal plants, thereby increasing farm income. This study investigated the effects of different cuttage period, extraction site, shading degree, nursery tray for promoting cutting slips rooting in Chrysanthemum indicum L. Methods and Results : It is used New variety "Gamkuk 1" that were forstered in Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services. Method of application with cuttage period were conducted under five condition; Around the middle of April, Toward the end of April, Early in May, Around the middle of May, Toward the end of May. Early in May plant length was longer than other cuttage period as 41.2%, 83.7% and are significant at significance level 0.05. Method of application with extraction site were conducted under three condition; 1 - 3 node, 4 - 6 node, 7 - 9 node. Leaf number in 1 - 3 node was more than other extration site as 19.4%, 33.6%. Also root length in 1 - 3 was more than other extration site as 10.5%, 23.2%. Method of application with shading degree were conducted under three condition; 50%, 70%, 90%. Plant length in 50 - 70% was longer than 90% shading degree as 23.8%, 24.2%. Also shading degree 50 - 70% had many root length and root number. Method of application with nursery tray were conducted under five condition; 72, 105, 128, 162, 200 tray. Plant length in 105, 128 tray was longer as 8.5 - 35.3% than other nursery tray and are significant at significance level 0.05. Conclusion : According to the results, Early in May, extraction site 1 - 3 node, shading degree 50 - 70%, nusery tray 105, 128 showed the highest growth on cutting slips root promotion in Chrysanthemum indicum L.

Background : Medicinal crop has been used in the traditional Asian medicinal methods. From ancient times, various kinds of medicinal crop are being cultivated in East Aisa including Korea, China and Japan. In Korea, they used a variety of medicinal plants in folk medicine and oriental medicine since ancient times. Molecular markers can be widely used in a variety of settings such as effective-loci estimation, genetic-diversity characterization, allelic-effect studies, gene-flow studies, quantitative-trait locus (QTL) mapping, and evolutionary studies. The genetic analyses of crops require large numbers of useful molecular markers for genetic or QTL identification, comparative mapping and breeding. Studying the genetic diversity and genetic relationship of crops can assist breeders. Crop genetics within a breeding program enable the economic and effective cultivar development. We tried to develop a variety of molecular markers from Angelica gigas genomic sequences for genetic studies and breeding. Methods and Results : A. gigas resources cultivated in Republic of Korea were collected. Fresh leaves were ground with liquid nitrogen and gDNA was extracted using a DNeasy Plant Mini kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA, USA). We sequenced the whole genomes of five A. gigas accessions using Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform and identified genomic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and InDel markers. DNA amplification was conducted using the PCR system (Bio-Rad T-100 Thermal Cycler). PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis on the ABI 3730 DNA analyzer (Applied Biosystems) and Fragment analyzer automated CE system (Advanced Analytical Technologies, Ankeny, IA, USA). Conclusion : We developed novel SSR and InDel markers from A. gigas genomic sequences for further genetic studies and breeding.

Background: In the herbal medicine market, Angelica gigas, Angelica sinensis, and Angelica acutiloba are all called "Danggui" and used confusingly. We aimed to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among 14 Angelica species collected from different global seed companies. Toward this aim we developed DNA markers to differentiate the Angelica species. Methods and Results: A total of 14 Angelica species, A. gigas, A. acutiloba, A. sinensis, A. pachycarpa, A. hendersonii, A. arguta, A. keiskei, A. atropurpurea, A. dahurica, A. genuflexa, A. tenuissima, A. archangelica, A. taiwaniana, and A. hispanica were collected. The genetic diversity of all 14 species was analyzed by using five chloroplast DNA-based simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and employing the DNA fragment analysis method. Each primer amplified 3 - 12 bands, with an average of 6.6 bands. Based on the genetic diversity analysis, these species were classified into specific species groups. The cluster dendrogram showed that the similarity coefficients ranged from 0.77 to 1.00. Conclusions: These findings could be used for further research on cultivar development by using molecular breeding techniques and for conservation of the genetic diversity of Angelica species. The analysis of polymorphic SSRs could provide an important experimental tool for examining a range of issues in plant genetics.

The SS (Bacillus subtilis 10%), WS (Microbial extract 70%), and DS (Sulfur 78%) agents were selected by mycelial growth inhibitory effect test against kiwifruit soft rot pathogen (B. dothidea) with 11 kinds of environment-friendly agricultural materials on PDA medium for 10 days. They showed at 94.2%, 65.2%, 58.9%, respectively. The control value of WS and SS agents were better than DS in storage experiment. It was effective SS and WS single application, DS-WS and WS-SS alternate application in the field trial.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum is a perennial plant and a member of Camanulaceae family. Since ancient times, they have been using P. grandiflorum as an important medicinal plant in Korea. Platycodin D is the most abundant saponin derived from P. grandiflorum and pharmacologically active component. UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are important enzymes in the saponin biosynthesis. UGT is a glycosyltransferase and act on the final step of the secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Methods and Results : We tried to identify UGT genes related to saponin biosynthesis of P. grandiflorum through RNA-seq analysis. The sequencing was performed using Illumina Hi-Seq platform after cDNA library preparation. The produced reads were assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench software (CLC Bio, Inc.). We obtained 122,663 contigs and found 137 putative UGT genes. Familes of UGT71, UGT73, and UGT74 were selected as putative saponin biosynthesis related gene families using phylogenetic relationship analysis. qPCR condition about UGT73 is preheating 94℃ 180 sec, denaturation 94℃ 60 sec, annealing 53℃ 60 sec, extension 72℃ 90 sec, final extension 72℃ 600 sec, 45 cycles repeated. Conclusion : The results in this study could help to find the UGTs related to saponin biosynthesis pathway of P. grandiflorum.

Background : ‘baek-chul’(White atractylodes rhizome) widely used in traditional herbal remedies in Asia. A. Japonica and A. Macrocephala are used as ‘baek-chul’ in Japanese Pharmacopoeia but only A. Macrocephala is used as ‘baek-chul’ in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Based on morphologic observation A. japonica has small infloresence diameter, white flowers and gynodioecism, whereas A. macrocephala has large inflorescence diameter, red flowers ,monoecism and developed rhizomes. but The distinction of these isn't easy. SSRs are very useful molecular markers for species identification. In this study, genetic diversity and identification between A. Japonica and A. Macrocephala were confirmed by SSR marker. Methods and Results : DNAs were extracted from leaf tissue of A. Japonica, A. Macrocephala and A. Japonica × A. Macrocephala (Breeding varieties, ‘Dachul’) using DNeasy plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilen, Germany). these plants cultivated from RDA(Eumseong) and used for PCR amplification. The relative concentration of the extracted DNA was estimated Nano Drop ND-1000 (NanoDrop Technologies, Wilmington, De, USA) And final DNA concentration was adjusted to 5.5ng/μL. In this study 8 primer pairs were tested on 4 A. Japonica, 4 A. Macrocephala, 2 ‘Dachul’. These primers showed high polymorphism among and within four populations of A. macrocephala.(Zheng et al.). We detected interspecific and intraspecific SSR polymorphism by 3 primer pairs. Conclusion : The results showed that these markers were found to be useful for diversity analysis as they distinguished among Atractylodes spp. and also A.Macrocephala. This work is intended to serve as the basis for the breeding of new varieties in white atractylodes rhizome.

Background : Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most widely used traditional medicinal herbs in Korea. Studies on the genomic of A. membranaceus resources have not been carried out so far. The present study was carried out to discriminate A. membranaceus based on genetic diversity using genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Methods and Results : We collected 5 A. membranaceus lines: Asung, Poongsung, Am-Jecheon, Am-Sancheong, and Am-China. One hundred mg of fresh leaves were used for genomic DNA extraction using the DNeasy plant DNA isolation kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany). 450,449 contigs were searched for 147,766 SSR candidate loci in this study using the MicroSAtellite identification tool (MISA). We selected 949 A. membranaceus genomic SSR markers that were showed variation for the five collections in silico screening with CLC genomics workbench program. The genetic diversity of all A. membranaceus resources was analyzed using 17 SSR markers employing the DNA fragment analysis method. Based on the genetic diversity analysis, these lines were classified into four distinct groups. Conclusion : These findings could be used for further research on cultivar development using molecular breeding techniques and for conservation of the genetic diversity of A. membranaceus. Furthermore, the markers could be used for marker-assisted selection for crop breeding.

Background: Chrysanthemum indicum L. is used in medicine, for bee, ornamental as multivoltinism plant resources. Since ancient times, Chrysanthemum indicum L. had been widely used as drug and tea. From 2000, breeding began and the three varieties "Manhyang", "Geumhyang", Gamro" were developed so far. As demand has increased, growth traits of "Wonhyang" has been tested and fostered to report growth characteristics of "Wonhyang". Methods and Results: It is used New variety "Wonhyang" that were forstered in Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services. After going through selection, proliferation and characteristics of CI0901, production performance test carried out in 2012~2013. As a result, it had named as "Gamkuk 4" in high quality, quantity and of strong in the disease. Local adaptability trial test carried out in 2014~2015. Conclusion: "Wonhyang" was a good growth in plant height, lengths of branches. Leaf color is light green, flower color is light yellow. Disease and pest resistance of "Wonhyang" is relatively better than "Manhyang". Since plant height is small and plant width is big, "Wonhyang" is available for medicine, food and landscaping. As a result of local adaptability trial test, Yield(131.1㎏/10a) of three region Hamyang,Hapcheon,Changnyeongis 10% higher than "Manhyang". Based on the results of this study, "Wonhyang" was to be registered for a new breed through the breed fostering council.

Background : Angelica gigas is a monocarpic biennial or short lived perennial plant. A. gigas, also called Dang Gui or Korean Angelica, is a major medicinal herb used in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and China. In Korea, we are using the roots of A. gigas, but, they are using Angelica sinensis in China and Angelica acutiloba in Japan to obtain many active constituents. The biggest problem in the using of A. gigas would be the confusion with A. acutiloba or A. sinensis. These three plants can't be distinguished by appearance. And the constituent ratios of the three plants are different. This confusion can cause an accident or the pharmaceutical effects do not meet the expectations. In this study, we developed chloroplast SSR markers that can distinguish A. gigas, A. acutiloba and A. sinensis. Methods and Results : We collected A. gigas, A. acutiloba and A. sinensis. and extrated DNA using CTAB method. The DNA was diluted to 10 ng/㎕ and kept -20℃. We designed the primer sets using CLC Main Workbench based on chloroplast DNA SSR region of A. gigas. PCR were performed on the three angelica plant samples (in 5 repeat). Conclusion : We made five primer sets from five SSR regions of A. gigas cpDNA. All of the primer sets amplified the amplicon effectively. Two of the 5 primer sets had polymorphism. We can distinguish A. gigas, A. acutiloba, and A. sinensis using the 2 primer sets

Background : Irregular meals and insufficient exercise are major modern lifestyle-related risk factors for constipation. This study aimed to examine the effects of the aqueous extract of Dendrobium speciosum var. (DM) on the improvement of intestinal function and prevention of constipation in rats. Methods and Results : Constipation in rat was induced by loperamide (4 ㎎/㎏) injection for 5 days and rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: normal control rats (NOR), constipated rats (LOP induced) and constipated rats supplemented with dulcolax-S (POS), DMSG, 100 ㎎/㎏ (DMSG-100), 300 ㎎/㎏ (DMSG-300) and 500 ㎎/㎏ (DMSG-500). The DMSG groups showed increments in the frequency and amount of stools compared to the LOP group. Loperamide treatment markedly reduced the water content of feces, whereas DMSG administration significantly increased fecal water contents. Moreover, DMSG improved intestinal transit speed in constipated-rats. Alcian blue staining revealed increased mucus production by crypt cells and mucus contents in feces and the mucosal surface. Conclusions : In summary, DM extraction significantly improves intestinal function in rats, which indicates the effectiveness of this extract in the prevention and treatment of constipation.

Dendrobium loddigesii (DL) is a valuable and versatile herbal medicine with the anecdotal claims of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the whitening effects of DL under various conditions with B16F10 melanoma cells. The DL extract inhibited melanin contents and tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner, compared with untreated group. Treatment of the DL extract effectively suppressed the α-MSH-stimulated melanin formation, tyrosinase activity and dendrite outgrowth. Moreover, the α-MSH-induced mRNA expressions of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2), microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and protein expression of tyrosinase were significantly attenuated by DL treatment. These results indicate that DL may be a great cosmeceutical ingredient for its whitening effects.

We have analyzed the external morphology and the environment of the foraging site of Vespertilio sinensis. The external morphology was analyzed by twelve parameters and the environment characteristics of the foraging site was analyzed using GIS 10.1 program. The wing membrane was inserted into the ankle of the hind foot and the wing ratio was 1.42, the middle type between broad-short wing type and long-narrow wing type. The fur color was blackish brown but the guard hair color was whitish. The shape of the ear was a rounded triangle and tragus was a fan shape. This study showed that V. sinensis preferred the deciduous forest of the upper forest zone, where human interference was less. We believed that abundance of insects, depending on water system, was closely related to the use of the foraging site. This result showed that the environment characteristics was very similar to the nature preservation zone including Baekyang valley and Keumsun valley in Naejangsan National Park.

Between May and September 2014, a total of 226 serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) were captured and subsequently released at a site 50 km distant from the site of capture, in order to determine the homing ability of the bats and changes in the homing rate according to the season. The bats were captured from a nursery colony at a bridge in An-dong (Gyeongbuk, Korea), and then released at a similar site in Yeong-Ju (Gyeongbuk, Korea). We found that 115 of the 226 bats released (51%) returned to the capture site. However, there was a difference in the homing ability of the serotine bats depending on the season and reproductive status. We found that the homing rate was the highest in June during late pregnancy and the lowest in August after the lactation period.