Background : Sorghum is a major cereal food crop used in many parts of the world. It has been grown on a subsistence level by farmers, under various conditions of environmental stresses in the semi-arid tropics of Africa and Asia. This crop has received significant attention because of its ability to lower cholesterol in the blood, and its anti-dementia, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is possible to develop a functional and commercially viable sorghum variety by using superior cultivars of sorghum. The objective of this study was to construct a database of superior sorghum accession. Methods and Results : We used 250 sorghum accessions collected from different geographical bioregion in Korea. We determined various growth characters including germination rate and ear length of these accessions. To determine the antioxidant capacity, we measured the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS scavenging activity, total phenolic contents, and total flavonoid contents. 189 accession showed higher germination (> 80%) than other accessions. Higher DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in 11-SB-078 (RC50: 1.89 ± 2.88 ㎍/ ㎖), and higher ABTS scavenging activity was recorded in 11-SB-116 (RC50: 35.48 ± 2.42 ㎍/㎖) than other accessions. The ear length ranged from 15 ㎝ to 48 ㎝, the total phenolic contents ranged from 3 ㎎·GAE/g to 77 ㎎·GAE/g, and total flavonoid contents ranged from 0.09 ㎎·QE/g to 1.07 ㎎·QE/g. Conclusion : Among 250 sorghum accessions, we selected 10 with both superior agronomic characters and higher functional food quality.

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: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of storage conditions on the growth of Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. rootstock.Methods and Results:Rootstocks of S. chinensis were stored in either soil or vermiculite that had been treated with a control treatment, diluted wood vinegar (50 or 100-fold), DF-100 (50-fold), or 1-naphthylacetamide and at 5°C or 15°C. After 8 weeks, the stored roots were planted in the field, and both plant height and leaf number were observed after transplantation. The greatest number of leaves (5.60 ± 0.80) was produced by roots that had been stored in soil treated with 100 fold dilution of wood vinegar and at 5°C. Meanwhile the maximum plant height (6.92 ± 0.78 ㎝) at 30 d after transplanting was observed for rootstocks that had been stored in soil treated with the 100 fold dilution of wood vinegar and at 15°C, whereas the maximum plant height at 60 d after transplanting (26.46 ± 0.71㎝) was observed for rootstocks that had been stored in soil treated with the 100-fold dilution of wood vinegar and at 5°C. Therefore, the storage of rootstocks in soil treated with the 100-fold dilution of wood vinegar and at temperatures at or below 5°C was most effective, and it can be used to prevent the decay of roots during the postharvest management of S. chinensis rootstocks.Conclusions:The results of the present study indicate that, among the parameters examined, the storage of roots in soil that had been treated with the 100-foil dilution of wood vinegar is the most effective method for improving the growth of S. chinensis.

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.

Background: Sorghum is a major cereal food crop used in many parts of the world. It has been grown on a subsistence level by farmers, under various conditions of environmental stresses in the semi-arid tropics of Africa and Asia. This plant has received significant attention because of its ability to reduce cholesterol in the blood, and its anti-dementia, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is possible to develop a functional and commercially viable sorghum variety by using superior cultivars of sorghum. The objective of this study was to build a database of superior sorghum accession.Methods and Results: We used 250 sorghum accessions collected from different geographical bioregions in Korea. We determined various agronomic characters including germination rate and ear length of these accessions. To determine the antioxidant capacity, we measured the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-diammonium salt radical scavenging activity, total phenolic contents, and total flavonoid contents. Accession 189 showed higher germination (> 80%) than the other accessions. Higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was observed in 11-SB-078 (RC50; 1.89 ± 2.88 μg/ml), and higher 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-diammonium salt radical scavenging activity was recorded in 11-SB-116 (RC50; 35.48 ± 2.42 μg/ml) than in the other accessions. The ear length ranged from 15 ㎝ to 48 ㎝, the total phenolic contents ranged from 3 ㎎• GAE/g to 77 ㎎• GAE/g, and total flavonoid contents ranged from 0.09 ㎎• QE/g to 1.07 ㎎• QE/g.Conclusions: Among 250 sorghum accessions, we selected 10 with both superior agronomic characters and highly functional food quality.

Background : The minor saponins produced by the hydrolysis of a major saponins sugar. The minor saponins has high absorption and efficacy compared to major saponin. The acid treatment, heat treatment and fermentation with minor saponin research has been actively conducted. This study was performed in order to investigate the bioconversion of ginsenoside Rg5 of fermented wild ginseng adventitious roots by using lactic acid bacteria. Methods and Results : 20g adventitious roots of ginseng was added to water (10-fold v/w). 10% (v/v) of lactic acid bacteria (Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG0702[KACC 81017BP]) were inoculated with wild ginseng adventitious roots. For the fermentation process the inoculated samples were transferred to culture room for 1, 3 and 5 days. The fermented samples were dried at room temperature and extracted with 70% ethanol. Extract was concentrated completely at 50 ℃ and Rg5 was analysed by using HPLC. Results showed no significant difference the dry weight of non-fermented and fermented wild ginseng adventitious roots. During the fermentation process, the pH changed from 5.7 to 4.2. HPLC analysis showed higher ginsenoside Rg5 (39.588 mg/g) at 3 days. Conclusion : The fermentation of ginseng root can increase the Rg5 contents and minor saponin composition. This process may be used to enhance the minor saponin thereby increasing in fermented property of wild ginseng adventitious roots.

Background : Haskap berries commonly refer to fruits of Lonicera caerulea L., recognized by the Japanese aborigines as the “The elixir of life.”. Due to their recent arrival on the North American market, haskap berries have not yet been positioned among other berries and compared in terms of their phytochemical content. And haskap berries have higher ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content than other berries known for their health-promoting benefits, such as blueberries. However, no study has reported on the antioxidant and anti-cancer activity of Lonicera caerulea stem. The purpose of this study is to present the current research on the chemical content, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities of Lonicera caerulea stem. Methods and Results : The stem of Lonicera caerulea L. ware dried in the shade at room temperature and extracted with 100% methanol. The extract was suspended in deionized water and partitioned sequentially with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate and butanol (water saturated BuOH) fractions. Antioxidant activities were measured by determination of antioxidants, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Cell viability was determined by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. All cell lines were purchased from the Korean Cell Line Bank (Seoul, Korea). All results were performed with three replications were processed statistically. By DPPH assay, the Lonicera caerulea L. the highest activity was obtained from the ethyl-acetate fraction (IC50=15.46 ㎍/㎖). By MTT assay, the chloroform fraction showed a significant growth inhibiting effect on MCF-7 (Human breast cancer, IC50=225.91 ㎍/㎖), COLO 205 (Human colon cancer, IC50=179.55 ㎍/㎖), but on AGS (Human stomach cancer) and other fractions it did not show effect. Conclusion : We demonstrated that Lonicera caerulea L. stem extract and fractions has antioxidant and antiproliferation activity in vitro. Further studies should identify the active constituents in Lonicera caerulea L stem to evaluate the potential in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferation activities of the extract.

Background : The study about ginseng cultured roots have been reported mainly ginsenosides in saponins family. Other phytochemical such as non-saponins of fatty acid has been revealed its bioactive activity including anti-oxidation, whitening, anti-cancer. Supercritical extraction (SE) process mainly refer to the extraction with CO2, is usually from a solid matrix, is a sample preparation step for analytical purposes. SE produce no residual solvent and possess high stability of the extract component, which is advantageous for fatty acid analysis. Methods and Results : Fermented ginseng cultured roots used in the experiment were used for fermentation using Pediococcus pentosaceus. SE performed at different temperature, pressure and extraction time using non-fermented and fermented ginseng roots. Further we fractionated from fermented ginseng using Methanol, Hexane, Ethanol, Ethyl acetate and Butanol. We compared fatty acids contents ginseng extractions by GC analysis. Methyl linoleate contents was 44% of fatty acids supercritical extraction contained. The contents of Methyl linoleate was the most dominant component among 37 types of fatty acids by SE and other extractions solvent. Total fatty acids contents obtained by SE process from fermented ginseng (1325.61ppm) was twice than from non-fermented ginseng (618.47ppm). Conclusion : Fatty acids contents by SE was increased at high pressure. The best condition for fatty acids contents extraction was 60℃, 350bar and 3h.

Background : Perilla frutescens L. is valuable as a medicinal plant as well as a natural medicine and functional food. Limonene perilla collected from various places showed 60% limonene compounds. However biological activity of these accession has not been reported before. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the biological activity of limonene perilla. Methods and Results : Fractional solvent extracts were obtained by using organic solvents such as n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-BuOH, and aqueous solvent from different parts of limonene perilla extracted initially in 70% EtOH. We investigated the effects of limonene perilla on total phenol and flavonoid contents, FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), total saponin contents and tyrosinase inhibition activity. Leaves of limonene perilla produced the highest total phenolic contents (29.88 mg·CAE/g), flavonoid (8.39 mg·QE/g) and saponin contents (47.77 mg·GIE/g) than stems and roots of limonene perilla. FRAP of leaves was 823.00±3.58 μM·FeSO4·E/mg. Tyrosinase inhibition activity rate was 40.31% in 70% ethanol extracts from leaves of limonene perilla. Conclusion : This results suggest that leaf of limonene perilla fractions has significant antioxidant activity. Also, limonene perilla could be used as a functional biomaterial in developing cosmetics and functional foods.

Background : This study, the fraction for testing the efficacy of the Astragalus extract was concentrated active ingredient. The concentrated fraction was applied to a cosmetic material that Astragalus testing results confirmed that the improved efficacy. Methods and Results : The fractions were performed using an n-butanol solvent for increasing the efficacy of the Astragalus extract, by using the material fractions collected to compare and ultimately an increase in whitening and wrinkle efficacy. The solvent to be used in the fractions was used for the n-butanol good dissolution to the effective substance(Astragaloside, Isoflavonoid). It increased approximately 6.5 times the sample extract and the n-butanol fraction of the Astragalus as a result Astragaloside 15 ppm, 97 ppm respectively analyzed by HPLC equipment, isoflavonoid content was confirmed by an increase in the content of the fractions increased 4.5 times to 280 ppm, 1,260 ppm. Tyrosinase inhibitory effect, respectively IC50 5.70 mg/mL, IC50 1.02 mg/mL to, Collagenase producing ability is IC50 4.88 mg/mL, IC50 0.93 mg/mL with n-butanol fraction was good whitening, anti-wrinkle efficacy than the extract. Sensory evaluation was conducted in the same amount of sample, using a purified Astragalus cosmetics received high marks. Stability evaluation(MTT assay) was checked for more than 100% cell viability at the concentration 2,000 ppm. Conclusion : n-butanol fraction of Astragalus was subjected to a component analysis and In vitro test, it was confirmed an increase active ingredient content. The results of sensory evaluation and stability evaluation, it was confirmed been made to improve qualities as a cosmetic materials.

Background : Astilboides tabularis (Hemsl.) Engl. is a perennial herbaceous plant, distributed in the northern high mountains of the Korean peninsula and China. It is an excellent ornamental plant currently at risk of overharvesting and therefore, is designated as an endangered wild plant Class II by the Ministry of Environment. Physiological research on A. tabularis has not be reported. Therefore, in this study, using A. tabulari extracts, antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects were determined. Methods and Results : The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of A. tabularis extracts were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of A. tabularis possesses potent DPPH radical scavenging activity (2.90±0.08㎍/㎖), similar to the scavenging activity of ascorbic acid (2.19±0.06㎍/㎖), and better than the powerful antioxidant α-tocopherol (10.60±0.40㎍/㎖) as well as BHA (butylatedhydroxy anisole)(6.12±0.27㎍/㎖). The ethyl acetate fraction possessed a significantly higher concentration of total phenolic (549.70±2.72㎎GAE/g) and flavonolic content (154.58±1.04㎎QE/g). It was also found that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited high reducing power and inhibition of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) formation. Different fractions of A. tabularis were tested for anti-inflammatory activity using LPS stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. The n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a high inhibitory effect on NO (Nitrite oxide) production (22.43±1.06%, 19.30±0.45%, respectively) at 200㎍/㎖ concentration. The mRNA of IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2 gene expression was decreased by treatment with the ethyl acetate fraction. These results showed that A. tabularis extracts can be used as natural substances to control inflammation. Conclusion : These result showed that A. tabularis extracts can be used in a variety of antioxidant and other functional product research and development processes as valuable natural materials.

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 : Temperature is major factor for growth plant. Recently, because of global warming, abnormal temperature included drought, deluge, sudden temperature change and heavy snow damaged crops in the world. In Korea, crops have been sensitive to low temperature on early growth stage, e.g. fruit tree and ginseng, were damaged owing to sudden heavy snow and cold on Spring. Therefore, recently interest in cold resistance crops were increased in demand rapidly. This study was performed to establish transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana by transforming cold resistant gene related to cold tolerance S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) isolated from Miscanthus sinensis. Methods and Results : Total RNA was extracted from leaves of M. sinensis using Trizol assay and isolated MsSAMS. Isolated MsSAMS was insert into SacⅠ- XbaⅠ sites of pMBP1 vector. The vector was transformed to Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 by DH5α. A. tumefaciens with binary plasmid were selected at YEP medium supplemented with kanamycin. Cut leaves of tobacco were co-cultured with selected A. tumefaciens. Co-cultured leaves was grown on regeneration medium for a month at dark condition, and transferred to at light condition. Regeneration shoot from callus were excised and transferred to root-induction medium. Approximately, 58% of leaves explant produced callus. Nearly, 30% of callus had shoot and approximately, 94% of shoots were rooted in root-induction medium. Conclusion : We established an efficient transformation system of N. benthamiana transformed by using MsSAMS gene related to cold tolerance isolated from M. sinensis. We may use the produced transgenic plants to prevent damages carried by cold.

Background : Perilla frutescens L. is a bisexual, annual plant belonging to the Labiatae. Dormancy period of Perilla seed usually ranged from 85-200 days. The germination enhancing effects in a reduced seed vigor during the GA3 treatment has been reported. Objectives of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GA3 on germination rate and the expression of germination-related genes expression by using perilla seeds. Methods and Results : Three different cultivars (Saeyeopsil, Okdong) and accession (line 141) of perilla were used in the experiment and treated with GA3 at different concentration (50, 100, 300, 500 μM) for one day at dark condition. Germination test for perilla seed was carried out by using 100 perilla seeds treated with GA3 at 25℃. Rate of germination were evaluated after 10 days and the experiments were repeated three times in similar condition. Samples were collected from each cultivar and accessions for RNA extraction. After cDNA synthesis quantification, templates were subjected to RT-PCR using actin primers. EST blast performed for sequencing the RT-PCR products. Conclusion : Result showed that 100μM GA3 treated seeds of three perilla cultivars and accessions showed the highest germination rate. However, concentration of GA3 over 100 μM and lower than 100 μM resulted into reduced germination rate. Furthermore, expression of germination-related genes from 100 μM treated GA3 was higher compared to untreated sample by using 100 μM GA3 treated sample by using pC12, pJ14 primers.

Background : Korean mountain ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) are difficult to clinically apply because of its scarcity and high cost. Advances in plant biotechnology have made it possible to produce mountain ginseng extracts on a large scale using adventitious root cultures in bio-reactors. This study investigated the variations of ginsenoside compounds composition and biological activities of wild ginseng adventitious roots by fermentation process. Methods and Results : Wild ginseng adventitious roots with five days fermentation using four strain of bacteria(Leuconostoc mesenteroides(KACC 15744), Bacillus circulans(KACC 15822), Bacillus licheniformis(KACC 15823), Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquosorum(KACC 17047)). Ginsenoside contents was analysed by using HPLC. To examine the antioxidant activity associated with biological functions, radical scavenging analyses DPPH, ABTS and SOD-like activity analyses were conducted. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated to determine the antioxidant activity increment. The result showed increased total ginsenoside contents by fermentation process. In particular, B. licheniformis showed the highest ginsenoside contents. Regarding ginseng fermented with B. licheniformis, values of 70.6 ± 1.4%, 44.3 ± 1.7%, and 88.4 ± 1.3% were measured using DPPH, ABTS, and SOD-like antioxdiant activity analyses, respectively. The total phenolic contents in ginseng fermented with B. licheniformis was 184.5 ± 0.9 ㎍·GAE/㎖, and the total flavonoid contents was 108.5 ± 1.8 ㎍·QE/㎖ in ginseng fermented with L. mesenteroides. Conclusion : The high activity of β-glucosidase was selected bacteria. The four types of lactic acid bacteria examined, the use of B. licheniformis to ferment ginseng resulted in greatest increase in biological activities and ginsenoside contents.

Background : This study was performed to investigate by antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and effective component of Astragalus membranaceus treated with different artificial light Sources (fluorescent lamp, red, blue, green, white, LEP). Methods and Results : We investigated the effects of various artificial light sources on the DPPH radical activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents, tyrosinase activity and main flavonoid compounds contents (formononetin and calycosin) and other biological activities in A. membranaceus. Antioxidant activities were 53.6% as the highest level of activity under LEP light. Growth under LEP light also produced the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 36.05 and 5.94 mg/ml, respectively. Extracts from plants grown under LEP light caused the highest inhibition of tyrosinase activity with inhibition of 35.37, 61.87, and 65.49%, respectively, for extract concentrations of 100 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml, and 1000 μg/ml compared with other artificial light treatments. Conclusion : Little information is available on the influence of LED and LEP light sources on antioxidant production or other biological activities in A. membranaceus. Our goal in this study was to determine the effects of LED and LEP artificial light sources on the production of new functional compounds in A. membranaceus.

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of germanium treatment on the growth and organic germanium production in the roots of Oplopanax elatus plantlets. Methods and Results: O. elatus plantlets were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different concentrations of germanium dioxide (GeO2) to analyze optimum growth conditions. Exogenous treatment of 10 ㎎/ℓ GeO2 promoted growth and an increase in the contents of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid in O. elatus. The germanium accumulation and production in roots of O. elatus plantlets treated with organic germanium reached the highest levels. The growth of the aerial and underground portion of O. elatus with organic germanium was greater than that of the control. The accumulation and production of organic germanium reached the highest level (40.89 ㎍/plantlet) with the treatment of 50 ㎎/ℓ GeO2. Antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and ABTS assays also increased with the germanium treatment and improved the DPPH and ABTS radical activity by 200% compared with that in the control. In addition, the total phenol and flavonoid contents of the plantlets with a treatment of 50 ㎎/ℓ GeO2 were higher than in the control. Conclusions: Taken together, the growth of O. elatus was increased with the treatment of 50 ㎎/ℓ GeO2 germanium and the biological references improved, with increased antioxidant activity and organic germanium production.