A recent study reported that Pleurotus ostreatus has the potential to be used as a β-glucan-based cream for supportive complementary therapy of atopic dermatitis. KH054 is a new herbal prescription consisting of P. ostreatus and Panax ginseng. The effects of atopic dermatitis-induced materials on the expression of cytokine genes in human monocytes (THP-1, EoL- 1) have been examined. Some reports demonstrated that P. ginseng augments the activity of natural killer cells, which plays an important role in innate immunity against infection and tumor development. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 have important roles in mediating the infiltration of various cells into the skin of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The present study investigated whether KH054 on induced IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 secretion by house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronissinus) in THP-1 (human acute monocytic leukemia) and EoL-1(Human eosinophilic leukemia) cell. D. pteronissinus functions in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis and asthma. The inhibitory effect of KH054 on the induction of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 secretion by D. pteronissinus extract in THP-1 and EoL-1 cells was examined. KH054 potently suppressed the elevated production of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by D. pteronissinus treatment in THP-1 and EoL-1 cells. Based on the present results, KH054 may be useful for developing functional foods to treat atopic dermatitis.

It has been reported that collagen and elastin inhibit skin wrinkle formation. Skin elasticity is closely associated with the formation of wrinkles induced by UV exposure. In this study, we investigated the protective effects Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus) on UVB irradiation induced wrinkle in hairless mice. We evaluated for their free radical-scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the anti-elastase activities, and for their anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity in human skin fibroblast cells. In the wrinkle measurement and image analysis of skin replicas, the results showed that P. ostreatus significantly inhibited wrinkle formation caused by chronic UVB irradiation. These results suggest that P. ostreatus has anti-wrinkle activity.

Background : Phlomidis radix is known to be effective for pain relief and anti-inflammation. Phlomidis radix (Han-Sok-Dan) is likely to be confused because it is similar in name to Dipsaci Radix (Cheon-Sok-Dan), or is similar in morphology to other Phlomioides species. Therefore, we investigated the origins and morphological characteristics of the origin plant of Phlomidis radix in order to cultivate and consume the correct one. Methods and Results : We reviewed North and South Korean and Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the books on oriental herbal medicine and botanical illustrations. In South Korea, P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix, whereas in North Korea, P. maximowiczii was defined. In China, it was not used as an oriental medicine. In the past, P. umbrosa, which is native to the Korean peninsula, or P. maximowiczii, which is native to the northern part of the Korea was used instead of Dipsacus asperoides for Dipsaci Radix. However, after the publication of the Korean Pharmacopoeia, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix have been distinguished, and only P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix. Therefore, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix should be distinguished from each other, the origin plant of Phlomidis radix is considered to be P.umbrosa. Furthermore, we investigated the external morphological and growth characteristics of Phlomoides species in Korea. There are three species of Phlomoides in Korea, such as P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii, P. koraeinsis. P. umbrosa has no basal leaves but only stem leaves, while P. maximowiczii and P. koraeinsis have basal leaves. Also, P. maximowiczii is distinguishable from seeds with hairs while P. koraeinsis from hairless seeds. Conclusion : We considered P. umbrosa as the origins of Phlomidis radix. As a result of investigation of morphological and growth characteristics, P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii and P.koraeinsis could be distinguished by the presence or absence of basal leaves and the difference in whether the seeds have hair or not. These results could be used as a basis for standard varieties research and cultiviation of P. umbrosa.

Background : Pinellia ternata is imported more than 95%, tuber is used as herb medicine according to The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP). There is no cultivar of P. ternata in Korea, and it is cultivated using native species. This study was to select the strains according to the leaf type in order to develop the standard varieties of P. ternata and expand the import substitution effect and domestic production base. Methods and Results : This study was conducted by the Department of Korean Medicinal Resource Development, NIKOM. A total of 1,260 individuals of P. ternata were collected from Jeju Island, Jangheung County, and China, and classified into three lines according to the ratio of leaf length and width. The selected lines were sowed in the middle of April, 2018 and cultivated with a black polypropylene mesh with a direct sunlight radiation transmittance of 60% to reduce solar radiation. Investigation items were investigated by leaf type (lanceolate, long oval, elliptical shape), plant height, leaf length, leaf width and petiole length. Lanceolate (leaf length / leaf width ratio, over 6) were selected for 157 individuals, average leaf length / leaf width ratio, plant hight and petiole length were 7.9, 17.3 ㎝ and 7.1 ㎝, respectively. long oval (leaf length / leaf width ratio, 6.0 to 2.0) were selected 118 individuals, average leaf length / leaf width ratio, plant hight and petiole length were 3.4, 12.3 ㎝ and 5.5 ㎝, respectively. In addition, 91 individuals were selected for elliptical shape (leaf length / leaf width ratio, less than 2), average leaf length / leaf width ratio, plant hight and petiole length were 1.7, 10.6 ㎝ and 4.6 ㎝, respectively. According to leaf type analysis, the growth characteristics of lanceolate were the best and the growth characteristics of oval were the lowest. Conclusion : These results can be used as basic data for the breeding of standard varieties of P. ternata, and further studies such as analysis of gene relatedness and major component will be conducted in the future.

Background : The small-scale medicinal crops is rapidly decreasing, and there is a risk of collapse of the pharmaceutical production base due to the radical market opening such as the Korea - China FTA. Among them, the Artemisia gmelinii has been used in the oriental medicine, and it is effective in treating the fever, humidity, urination, and scabies. Although it is being grown in small areas such as Gyeongnam and Gangwon Province in Korea, standardization of raw material production is insufficient. Then we were carried out on seed characteristics and growth characteristics by harvest time of A. gmelinii. Methods and Results : We were collected 114 accession from 7 regions from 2017 to 2018. The collected resources were growing to the testing field of Department of Herbal Crop Research. An average length and width of seed in A. gmelinii were 1.05 ㎜, 0.57 ㎜ respectively. A thousand seed weight were 0.42 g. Seed germination rate was highest at 25℃ (76.4%). Plant height was similar, stem diameter was 9 – 15 ㎜ in early growth collected resources. AG1801 had many leaves (60 ea), AG1802 was blooming fast. Conclusion : The above results showed that AG1801, AG1802, and AG1803 were selected good resources. We will analyze a valid ingredient by harvest time.

Background : Licorice has been a medicinal crop which was mainly used as a traditional medicine and food, depends on most imports (99%) in Korea. We have been trying to produce licorice in Korea for a long time. However when it grow in Korea the main ingredients are below the standard value and occur of physiological disorder. Therefore, we evaluated the growth characteristics and major components of genetic resources to develop licorice varieties suitable for the domestic environment. Methods and Results : We collected 19 accession of licorice from 7 regions including China, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Russia from 2013 to 2014. After regenerating the resources of licorice in the field we identified and classified the species. Among them, 13 lines of 2 species (G. uralensis Fisch, G. glabra L.) were selected from 2015 to 2016. We evaluated the aerial parts, underground parts, yield and glycyrrhizin content of 13 line of licorice grown one year. Plant length and stem diameter of GLY2014 - 002 was high and thick on the aerial parts. GLY2013 - 005 had many pods. GLY2014-006 had many adventitious roots like taproot (3 ea/plant) and high of root weight (170 g/plant), GLY2013 - 005, GLY2014 - 006 had high glycyrrhizin content (2.1%) in the underground parts. Conclusion : As a result of growth characteristics and glycyrrhizin analysis, GLY2013 - 002, GLY2013 - 005, GLY2013 - 007, GLY2014 - 002, GLY2014 - 006, and GLY2014 - 007 were evaluated as good resources. Therefore of six lines will be used to test productivity and conduct regional testing for developing licorice variety.

Background: Atractylodes japonica Koidz. and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. belong to the family (Asteraceae). Their rhizomes, called white Atractylodes rhizomes, are used in traditional medicine. To address some issues with their cultivation, we recently developed eight hybrid cultivars by interspecific hybridization of A. japonica and A. macrocephala. This study was conducted to screen the hybrid cultivars that have high amounts of active ingredients and yield ability. Methods and Results: Experiments were conducted using the eight hybrid cultivars and A. macrocephala (control cultivar) in the experimental field of the department of Herbal Crop Research located in Eumseong, South Korea. We investigated the growth characteristics of the aerial and underground parts. Among the cultivars, ‘Sanwon’ had the highest rhizome dry weight (53.8 g/plant), followed by ‘Dachul’ (50.0 g/plant). In addition, the content of atractylenolide I, II, III and total active ingredients were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared with A. macrocephala, most of the inter-specific hybrid cultivars had a higher content of active ingredients and yield ability. Conclusions: Through study, we established the superior quality of Atractylodes inter-specific hybrid cultivars. In particularly, it was found that ‘Dachul’ may be grown as a superior cultivar, with high amount of active ingredients as well as yield ability.

Background : Lythrum salicaria L. (LS), a herb that is found all around the world, has long been used as medicinal plant to treat inflammation, external wound bleeding, and diarrhea, while its sprouts (young leaves) can be utilized as a food material. The antioxidant and hepato-protective activities of LS have been reported in several articles. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and cell proliferation of LS leaves according to their growth period, and to obtain information on the optimal harvesting time of LS as a food resource. Methods and results : LS leaves were collected at ten-day intervals between April 27 and June 26, 2016 in Eumseong-gun, South Korea. The LS leaves were extracted with 50% ethanol at room temperature, and seven LS extracts (LSE) were obtained. A peroxynitrite (ONOO-) scavenging assay and a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay were performed to compare the antioxidant effects of LSE, while a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed on the BV-2 cell lines to determine cell viability. The total phenol contents of LSE were quantified by using the calibration curve of tannic acid. From these assays, LSE harvested on April 27 showed the lowest value, while LSE harvested on June 6 showed the highest DPPH scavenging activity at 10 ㎍/㎖. There was no difference among the extracts in terms of their peroxynitrite scavenging activity. The extract prepared on April 27 showed the highest value in terms of BV2 cell viability, while that obtained on June 6 showed the lowest value. The value in terms of the total phenol content of the LSE harvested on June 6 was the highest, whereas that of the LSE harvested on April 27 was the lowest. Conclusion : When comparing the activity of LSE according to its harvesting time, the extract dated June 6 showed the highest effect in terms of its antioxidant activity and its total phenol content, whereas the extract dated April 27 showed the highest cell viability. As such, this study suggests that LS leaves harvested in the early season could be utilized as a food material even though they display low efficacy.

Backgoound : Sprout vegetables are rich source of nutrients for human health. The safflower seeds contained various functional compounds and nutritions, and can be used as food material without restriction. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the antioxidant properties of sprouts from safflower seeds according to germination periods. Methods and Results : The safflower seeds were sterilized and steeped with distilled water, then incubated at 25℃ for 1 - 7 days. These sprouts and seeds were extracted with methanol, and used as samples for antioxidant properties (total phenolics, total flavonoids contents, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging activities). Total phenolics, total flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activities were higher in safflower seed than sprouts. Among sprouts with various germination periods, the sprouts incubated 4 - 7 days were higher in total phenolics, total flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activities than other sprouts. The levels of antioxidant activities were similar in sprouts incubated for 4 - 7 days. Conclusion : These results indicated that the antioxidant properties of sprouts differed according to germination periods, and the optimal germination period of safflower seed as sprout vegetables are 4 days.

Background : To evaluate the quality of Glycyrrhizae radix (licorice), a popular herbal medicine in Korea, it is necessary to investigate the component profiles of the Glycyrrhiza species distributed in Korean market. Specifically, to control the quality of Korean Glycyrrhizae radix preparations including raw materials, glycyrrhizin (> 2.5%) and liquiritigenin (> 0.7%) has been used as a standard marker compound in Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). To the best of our knowledge, there have been only a few studies regarding the fingerprinting techniques and metabolomics approach of the phytochemicals in Glycyrrhizae radix in Korean market. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a validated method for botanical raw material (BRM) standardization. Methods and Results : Twenty-one Glycyrrhizae radix (G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. glabra × G. uralensis) were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS and were estimated to statistical and multivariate analysis. Large scale multi-targeted metabolic profiling and fingerprinting techniques were utilized to access a broader insight into the chemical composition of Glycyrrhiza species. The UV/VIS spectra, and MS data (accurate mass and fragmentation pattern in negative mode) of the components in the BRM of G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. glabra × G. uralensis (incorporation and hybridization) were analyzed with multivariate analyses. Interestingly, UPLC-QTof-MS derived PCA analysis and fingerprinting techniques was found to be effective techniques in the classification of species based on genetic and/or geographical origins. In addition, the revealed metabolite markers could be utilized as a guidance for the BRM standardization as well as a database for quality control of commercial products containing Glycyrrhizae radix. Conclusion : From the above results, the revealed metabolite markers could be utilized as a guidance for the BRM standardization as well as a database for quality control of commercial products containing Glycyrrhizae radix.

Background : Atractylodes japonica koidz (AJ) is a perennial herb that belongs to Atractylodes genus. The dried rhizome of AJ is known as ‘Baek-chul’. The ‘Baek-chul’ is used as important traditional medicine in north-east Asia. It is considered to be effective for the treatment of stomach disorder, virus, diuresis, inflammation, arthritis. AJ is heavily depend on import from china and only few studies have been carried out. In this study, we develop SSR marker to build a foundation of breeding, to analyze genetic diversity and to construct core collection. Methods and Results : AJ resources was collected from each different place. To find simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker, we sequenced genomic DNA of AJ resources using Illumina HiSeq 2000 System. As a result of next generation sequencing (NGS), we obtained putative SSR loci. From these SSR primers, 553 SSR primer sets were designed successfully and confirmed polymorphism by in silico analysis. Nucleotide motifs ranged from tri- to penta-. Among these, 48 primer were tested in 4 individuals by capillary electrophoresis. Finally, selected 28 SSR marker were showed clear band and polymorphism by Electrophoresis. Conclusion : In this study, we developed 28 polymorphic SSR marker using NGS, and it could be used for analyzing genetic diversity of A. japonica. These marker would be useful for breeding of new cultivar in the future.

Background : Atractylodes japonica koidz. (AJ) and Atractylodes macrocephala koidz. (AM) belong to Atractylodes genus (Asteraceae) and their rhizomes are used as traditional medicine ‘Baek-chul’. The ‘Baek-chul’ is considered to be effective for the treatment of stomach disorder, virus, diuresis, inflammation, arthritis and Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide II and Atractylenolide III are the major active ingredients of these. Previously, we developed 8 hybrid cultivars with disease resistance, high yielding ability and high active ingredients by interspecific hybridization between AJ and AM. In this study, growth characteristics of 8 hybrid cultivars were investigated in RDA experimental field. Methods and Results : Growth characteristics of 8 hybrid cultivars were investigated in RDA experimental field. Among these cultivars, ‘Sanwon’ had the highest fresh weight of rhizome (149.5 g/plant), followed by ‘Dachul’ (145.8 g/plant). Most of hybrid cultivars showed higher fresh weight than and AM (108.7 g/plant). In addition, active ingredients (Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide Ⅱ and Atractylenolide Ⅲ) were investigated using HPLC. As a result, The sum of active ingredients were the highest in ‘Dachul’ (0.40 ㎎/g) that was 2 times higher than AM (0.22 ㎎/g). Conclusion : In this study, hybrid cultivars showed higher agronomic performance than AM. Particularly, ‘Dachul’ could be the superior cultivar with high atractylenolides as well as high yield ability.

Backgoound : This study was conducted to evaluate the quality variation of Ixeris dentata on the antioxidant contents and antioxidant activities according to the different producing area. Methods and Results : The samples were extracted with 70 % EtOH and then analyzed for total flavonoid contents, polypenol contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Luteinol 7-O-β-D-glucoside, an index component of the Ixeris dentata, was analyzed by HPLC. The leafs of Ixeris dentata in Jinan had the highest concentration of polyphenols (23.91 ㎎/g), followed by Jinbu (22.63 ㎎/g) and Eumseong (21.36 ㎎/g). Flavonoid content was highest in Jinan (15.27 ㎎/g), but there was no significant difference between Jinbu (14.05 ㎎/g) and Eumseong (13.99 ㎎/g). The contents of luteinol 7-O-β-D-glucoside were confirmed in Jinan (0.68%), Jinbu (0.49%) and Eumseong (0.36%), respectively. Conclusion : The comparison of antioxidant contents and antioxidant activities of Ixeris dentata according to the different producing area, Jinan was had the highest concentration, followed by Jinbu and Eumseong. Our results showed that the content of luteoline-7-D-glucoside varied among the different producing area.

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

Background : Licorice has been used as a source of medicine and a food material in East-Asia. Recently, demand for licorice increased in market due to a growing interest in health. Thus we conducted breeding research to solve the problems associated with domestically cultivated licorice such as low productivity and low glycyrrhizin content. Methods and Results : We crossed European licorice (G. glabra L.; female parent) and Chinese licorice (G. uralensis Fisch; male parent) in the greenhouse in May 2007. In September 2007, crossed and germinated seeds were retrieved and sown in the greenhouse. In June 2008, stolons were separated from the F1 licorice seedlings and cultivated, resulting in 32 clonal lines of interspecific hybrids. Among them we selected good lines and then conducted the replicated yield trials (RYT) in 2012-2013 and local adaptability test (LAT) in 2014-2015. The results, GLYES9 showed that was elect of stem, oblong of leaf shape, red-brown of root color. Glycyrrhizin conten of GLYES9 (3.0%) was higher than G. uralensis (1.9%) at four regions from 2014 to 2015. GLYES9 was less than 10% in the desease of brown spot (G. uralensis was more than 30%). The root yield of GLYES9 was 4.31 ton per hectare, which was increased 193% compared with a check variety of G. uralensis. Therfore, we named GLYES9 as new cultivar ‘Dagam’. Conclusion : Depending on the above results, we have developed a new licorice cultivar ‘Dagam’ by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science, RDA, in 2015. It showed brown spot disease resistant, high-glycyrrhizn content and high-yielding than colleted Glycyrrhiza spp.