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.

Background: This study examined the use of new bio-materials with enhanced value and functionality, which were derived from fermented wild ginseng cultures. Methods and Results: To examine the antioxidant activity associated with biological functions, radical scavenging analyses (2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, ABTS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity analyses were conducted. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of wild ginseng fermented with microorganisms (Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis subsp. inaquosorum) were evaluated to determine the antioxidant activity increment. 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 content 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. Conclusions: Of the four types of lactic acid bacteria examined, the use of B. licheniformis to ferment ginseng resulted in greatest increase in antioxidant activity. Therefore, ginseng fermented by microorganisms might be used to produce functional bio-materials.

Background : We studied the anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects of Rhododendron lapponicum (L.) Wahlenb. var. parvifolium (Adams) Herder extract (RLE). Methods and Results : The RLE was prepared using methanol. The antioxidant effects of RLE was evaluated for its DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging activity, reducing power. Subsequently, using the RAW 264.7 cells, the cell viability of RLE was evaluated with or without LPS (lipopolysaccharide), and the anti-inflammatory effects of RLE was also estimated by nitric oxide (NO) and using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The extract showed antioxidant activity (DPPH free-radical scavenging activity) with RC50 value of 57.67 ㎍/㎖. The reducing power of the extract was Abs 0.77 at 250 ㎍/ ㎖. The result indicated that RLE would have significantly high anti-oxidative effects. Cell viability was determined using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity, we examined the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. The NO inhibition rate was 85.44% at 200 ㎍/㎖ RLE. At the same concentration, the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 also decreased. In RLE 50 ㎍/㎖ concentration showed the highest decrease. Conclusion : This result suggest that RLE is a novel resource for the development of foods and drugs that possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Also, RLE can be developed as an inflammatory agents for cosmetic bases in the future.

Background : This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of water chestnut (Trapa japonica Flerow) extract. Methods and Results : The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of 100% methanol extract of water chestnut were investigated. The methanol extract was evaluated for its total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH•(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging activity,reducing power, andeffect on nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viability using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The total phenolic content was 438.31 ㎍ allic acid equivalent (GAE)/㎎ extract and the total flavonoid content was 61.40 ㎍ quercetin equivalent (QE)/㎎ extract. In addition, results revealed the extract possessed antioxidant activity (DPPH• free-radical scavenging activity) with IC50 value of 5.28 ㎍㎖ The reducing power of the extract was assayed spectro photometrically and showed Abs of 0.71 at 100 ㎍㎖ Furthermore, extracts of water chestnut exhibited no cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the NO assay revealed that LPS-induced NO production was significantly inhibited following treatment with water chestnut extracts. The expression of pro-inflammatory proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The water chestnut extract also decreased tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) release. Conclusion : Therefore, the present findings provide scientific evidence for the nutritional potential, chemical composition, and biological activities of Trapa japonica Flerow anddemonstrate its potential use as a functional food forapplication in the pharmaceutical industry

Background : Miscanthus 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 determine an efficient transformation system for Miscanthus sinensis, and to optimize factors and conditions required for expression of MsCOMT–AS gene. Methods and Results : An efficient transformation of callus from M. sinensis was established using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring a binary vector pMBP1. In order to establish stable transformation system, we obtained high transformation rate from callus by various transformation factor explant type, strain, co-culture periods, acetosyringone concentration, and selective marker. Finally, in this study, seven putative transgenic plants were obtained. Through various tests including PCR analysis and southern blot were to detect antisense of COMT digested Xba I and Sac I restriction enzymes. The biomass of the control plant was superior than transgenic plants. Conclusion : This study was to develop transgenic Miscanthus sinensis by Agrobacterium tumerfeciens mediated transformation to produce high bioethanols and to reduce the lignin content of transgenic plants. Detailed characterization of the transgenic plants revealed interesting finding about COMT gene expression in the segregates

Background : Ginsenosides, the main ingredient of ginseng roots can be confirmed various physiological activity such as anticancer, antioxidant, a natural ginsenosides is there a structure to be absorbed into the body does not work well absorbed through this process biologically active thus a high conversion ginsenosides. β-glucosidase enzyme is observed in several of the microorganism with an enzyme that serves to convert a ginsenoside prosper that is absorbed into the body. Methods and Results : To view a primary β-glucosidase activity, the bacteria were innoculated in esculin agar medium and the color change of the media were measured by the time and degree of changing color. In the other method, 5 mM of p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) containing 25 mM phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) was added to 50 ul enzyme solution. Then the solution was added to 50 ul reaction for 5 min at 30°C. The amount of p-nitrophenol liberated measured at 405 nm absorbance. The experimental results showed higher β-glucosidase activity in Pediococcus pentosaceus, Leuconostoc mesenteroide, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris, and Paenibacillus polymyxa by using esculin agar medium method. Similarly in second method, β-glucosidase activity was higher in P. pentosaceus 402.32±11.43 unit/l, L. mesenteroide 353.73±14.64 unit/l, Lactobacillus sakei 198.4±15.47 unit/l Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum 164.1±8.12 unit/l. Conclusion : The result that the β-glucosidase activity was higher in P. pentosaceus, L. mesenteroide, and L. plantarum subsp. plantarum as compared to tested microbes. Therefore selected bacteria can be used in the industry of functioned foods and beverage to improve human healths.

Background : The major compounds of Angelica species are decursin, decursinol angelate, nodakenin, umbelliferone and β-sitosterol, which act anti-inflammatories, reduce pains, protect the liver and enhance the immune system. This study investigated the chemical compositions, minerals, metals, sugars and overall amino acid composition in Angelica gigas Nakai. Methods and Results : Powder of Angelica roots smaller than 30 mesh were used. Physico chemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates (62.0%), crude proteins (13.9%), moisture (11.4%), crude fats (7.3%) and ash (5.4%). Results showed that potassium was present in the highest amount (1,859 ppm), followed by magnesium (214.5 ppm), calcium (147.3 ppm) and sodium (6.0 ppm). Free sugar profiles showed the presence of sucrose (29.3 g/100 g). The total amino acids concentrations was 9,752 ㎎/ 100 g, the most common and dominant amino acids were arginine (2,181 ㎎/100 g), glutamic acid (1,212 ㎎/100 g) and aspartic acid (834 ㎎/100 g). The total free amino acids contents was 1,476 ㎎/100 g, in which the most common amino acid were arginine (932 ㎎/100 g), glutamic acid (127 ㎎/100 g), and γ-aminobutyric acid (80.4 ㎎/100 g). The fatty acid composition of A. gigas showed a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (443.9 ㎎/100 g) and palmitic acid (181.3 ㎎/100 g) according to gas chromatography. Conclusions : These results showed that Angelica roots can be used in various fields of foods and medicines, and in the preparation of cosmetics.

Background : As the characterization of medicinal plants is an important aspect of traditional Asian herbal medicine, this study examines the morphological and anatomical characteristics in four fructus form medicinally important plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. Methods and Results : Fruit morphology of four genera was examined using microtome sections and light microscopy. The Anethi Fructus, Anethum graveolens (Siraja) has unique wing-like and membranous lateral ribs that are, approximately 500 ㎛ wide. The Coriandri Fructus, Coriandrum sativum (Hoyuja) does not have oil ducts at the dorsal region of the mericarp and differs in the development of the dorsal ribs. The ribs appear upon drying and therefore, consist of primary and secondary ribs. The Foeniculi Fructus, Foeniculum vulgare (Hoehyang) characteristically develops three dominant dorsal ribs and has a strong aromatic fragrance. Finally, the Cnidii Fructus, Torilis japonica (Sasangja) has many oil ducts at the dorsal and carpophores regions and develops many hooked trichomes one the fructus surface. Conclusions : We conclude from this study that each plant has several prominent and distinguishing morphological and anatomical characteristics. Therefore, fruit morphology is very useful for identifying these medicinal plants. In addition, the correct use and herbal name need to be standardized for plants used traditionally in Asian medicine within Korea, China, and Japan.

Lepisorus thunbergianus (Kaulf.) Ching has been used in folk medicine in Korea. In this study, a L. thunbergianus methanol extract and its fractions were investigated for their antioxidant properties. The results showed that the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions of L. thunbergianus possess potent DPPH radical scavenging activities. Both fractions also possessed reducing power and inhibited reactive oxygen species formation. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of the L. thunbergianus n-hexane fraction (HF) was investigated. The results suggested that the HF remarkably suppressed proliferation of human breast, liver and colon cancer cells. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that L. thunbergianus extract induces apoptosis in SW620 cells, suggesting that L. thunbergianus may have potential as a therapeutic agent for colon cancer.

The objective of this study was to establish the optical storage condition in cutting slips of Lycium chinense Mill. We investigated the different influential growth factor of this plant including two soil types (soil and vermiculite) and storage methods (gauze, parafilm, vinyl, and paper). Our result revealed that the formation of axillary bud was highest (4.8 ± 0.75 ea) from the cutting slips stored in vinyl and vermiculite treatment. Root length was long (2.8 ± 0.13 ea) in parafilm storage using soil. Maximum plant height was 135.33 ± 12.81㎝ with gauze storage using vermiculite. The number of leaves was maximum (130 ± 2.5 ea) at 90 days from the cutting slips of gauze storage using vermiculite. Highest number of fruit was harvested (149 ± 16.05 ea) from the cutting slips stored in parafilm and grown in vermiculite. It can be concluded that the storage treatment and soil type influence the affecting to general growth of Lycium chinense Mill.