Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine more than 2000 year ago. In this study, the new Cordyceps militaris was founded and isolated from O-dae mountain in Korea, and was identified its genetic characteristics. The newly isolation strain HB8 was most closet to Cordyceps militaris W141449 (99.82%), Cordyceps militaris JLCY-LI819 (99.82%) and Cordyceps militaris 4642 (99.81%), respectively. the genotypic result was show that train HB8 was belonging to the Cordyceps militaris genus, therefore, Cordycep militaris HB8 proposed with accession number MT835161. This study we find the optimal condition for production of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris HB8 was 8 ㎎ /g (200 g of pupa, 1 g of KH2PO4, 0.5 g of K2HPO4, 20 g of glucose, 1 g of MgSO4, 0.05 g of vitamin B1, and 1 ㎎ of NAA per liter; light condition 300-700 Lux and day/night was 14 h/10 h) and the optimum condition for the production of adenosine was 2.6 ㎎/g (15 g of skim milk powder, 1 g of KH2PO4, 0.5 g of K2HPO4, 20 g of glucose, 1 g of MgSO4, 0.05 g of vitamin B1, and 1 ㎎ of NAA per liter; light condition 300-700 Lux and day/night was 14 h/10 h).

Background : Plants cultivation is hindered by root rot, a major disease caused by the soil-born fungi. The ginseng-cultivated soil is one of the nutritious habitats for soil-borne microorganisms. Bacteria from ginseng-cultivated soil can increase plant growth by supplying nutrients and hormones as well as protecting against pathogenic fungal infections and induced systematic resistance. Methods and Results : The novel species DCY115T was isolated from ginseng-cultivated soil in Gochang province, Republic of Korea. The isolate was assigned to the genus Paraburkholderia due to its 16S rRNA gene sequence closely proximity to P. xenovorans LB400T (98.8%). Strain DCY115T is gram-negative, facultative aerobic, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, oxidase and catalase positive. The predominant isoprenoid quinone is ubiquinone Q-8. The genomic DNA G + C content is 61.3 mol%. Phenotypic tests and chemotaxonomic analysis place strain DCY115T in the genus Paraburkholderia. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain DCY115T and closely related reference strains were lower than 51%. The DNA relatedness data in combination with phylogenetic and biochemical tests showed that strain DCY115T could not be assigned to any recognized species. Finally, strain DCY115T showed the plant growth promoting activities of siderophores production, phosphate solubilization, and antagonistic activity against root rot fungal pathogen Fusarium solani (KACC 44891T) and Cylindrocarpon destructans (KACC 44660T). Conclusion : The results support the novel strain DCY115T as a potential biocontrol agent against root rot fungal pathogen within the genus Paraburkholderia for which the name Paraburkholderia panacihumi is proposed. The type strain is DCY115T (= KCTC52952T = JCM32099T).

Background : For the green approach of nanoparticles synthesizing, plant based technology has been considered as cost-effective and eco-friendly mass production. The oriental medicinal crop, Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz. (Korean name: 음나무), the deciduous tree and a family of Araliaceae. Endemic tree of Asian countries, K. septemlobus being used for the treatment of various diseases. Phytochemicals of K. septemlobus such as polyphenols has highly probability of reducing agent for biosynthesizing nanoparticles. Methods and Results : In this study, we applied K. septemlobus ZnO nanoparticles (Ks-ZnO NPs) with procedures including green approach one-pot synthesis. For the characterization of nanoparticles, UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM were used. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles, the aurface plasmon resonance were observed at 372 ㎚ in UV-Vis spectroscopy. The presence of functional groups which as a capping agent and formation of ZnO nanoparticles were confirmed in FTIR result. The crystallization and morphology showed by XRD, TEM and SEM respectively. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles, was determined using Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under UV irradiation (365 ㎚) which resulted rate constant is (−k) 0.1215 with 97.5% of degradation in 30 min. Conclusion : The result shows that phytochemicals in K. septemlobus extract have a potential as a reducing agent to form ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO NPs are capable to degrade MB with in brief time.

Background : Panos extract is a mixture of four Panax plant extracts namely Dendropanax morbifera, Panax ginseng, Acanthopanax senticosus and Kalopanax septemlobus. We intended to use Panos extract for ZnO nanoparticles(NPs) synthesis and application for waste water treatment. Methods and Results : In the present study, we have synthesized Panos ZnO nanoparticles via co precipitation method. Characterization of the NPs has been done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectroscopy. An average of 75% efficacy in degrading the methylene blue dye has been observed. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Conclusion : The results shows that Panos ZnO NPs can be a potential eco-friendly and economical tool for waste water management in the current scenario where there an intense urge to remediate the polluted environment through novel approaches such as Nanobiotechnology.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a perennial herb called as ‘Deodeok’ (더덕) in Korea. The roots of C. lanceolate has been reported to have some antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The chemically reactive saponins of C. lanceolata might be used as a capping agent for the surface of ZnO nanoparticle, ultimately making it a highly efficient photocatalyst. Methods and Results : In this paper, we report the one-pot green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via precipitation method using root extract of C. lanceolata. The structure of green synthesized Cl-ZnO NPs was characterized using XRD, EDX, DLS and morphology using TEM. The FT-IR exhibited the information about the functional groups that capped the metal nanoparticle and the formation of metal NPs was confirmed by UV–vis spectra at 356nm. The Cl-ZnO NPs were evaluated for their catalytic activity by measuring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution under UV light (365 ㎚). The result showed efficient degradation of MB, which was degraded 70% within 30 min by Cl-ZnO NPs. Conclusion : This study proves that the green route synthesized ZnO NPs from the root extract of C. lanceolata are low cost, time efficient, bio-degradable and non- toxic. The UVvis spectra confirmed the synthesis of ZnO NPs from C. lanceolata root extract. The Cl- ZnO NPs mediated catalysis exhibited high photocatalysis rate in short time. Ultimately, the green rapid synthesized Cl-ZnO NPs from root extract can be used as an efficient

Background : Panax ginseng the king of Oriental medicines, has enormous potential against many of the disease symptoms and ailments. Panax quinquefolius is an another important member of Panax family which has similar benefits and medicinal properties. Both the species contains ginsenosides a pharmacologically active component abundant in their roots. In an effort to establish the new ginseng cultivars with improved agronomical characters such as root shape, stress tolerant and higher ginsenoside contents, the reciprocal interspecific hybrids were generated Methods and Results : Four elite cultivars and two new lines of ginseng were chosen to produce interspecies reciprocal hybrids with P. quinquefolius, by pollen dusting on the emasculated flowers. Among the F1 populations, the reciprocal hybrids generated by using new line 0837 both as maternal and paternal parent showed better properties and hybrid vigor. They showed strong root phenotypes with many lateral and fine roots thus having 10% to 20% higher ginsenoside contents compared to the parental populations. Among the major ginsenosides, the pharmacologically active ginsenosides such as Re, Rb1, Rb2 and F1 were enriched and accounted for the 70% of the PPD ginsenosides in 0837/Pq and Pq/0837 crosses, displaying strong dominance. Conclusion : Thus, based on our result we could conclude that P. ginseng line 0837 is the superior variety compared to the already existing lines for performing the interspecific hybrids with promising outcome in their root quality and ginsenoside content.

Background : Panax ginseng is an important crop based on its pharmaceutical efficacy in the Asian countries, it cultivated in Korea is usually harvested after 4 to 6 years of cultivation, whereas various abiotic stresses lead to a reduction of its quality. One of them is the Aluminum (Al) accumulation. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can play a role in plant health and growth and has been considered as a new trend for supporting the growth of many crops in heavy metal occupied areas. Accordingly, this study aimed to utilize PGPR to enhance the resistance of the ginseng plant against Al stress. Methods and Results : The screening of several PGPR isolated from ginseng cultivate soil had been carried out by in vitro and in planta studies to confirm the plant growth promoting traits. Amongst, the strain Rhizobium panacihumi DCY116T was registered as one novel bacteria species and found to have IAA, siderophores production and phosphate solubilization traits, heavy metal resistance activity, and antifungal activity by in vitro test. Furthermore, in the perennial plant ginseng, fifteen minutes dipping of 108 CFU/㎖ DCY116T was enough to prime 1.5-years-old ginseng seedlings against given Al stress. Ginseng seedlings treated with DCY116T showed higher biomass, active compounds (like ginsenoside, proline, total phenolic, sugars) than non-bacterized Al-stressed seedlings. DCY116T treatment induced Al stress related genes, ROS scavenging genes, ABA biosynthesis genes and root hair formation genes which prevent the Al stress. Conclusion : R. panacihumi DCY116T can be used to prime ginseng seedlings and induced its Al resistance. Also, it can promote the root hair formation. Based on these results, strain DCY116T can be as a potential plant growth promoting bacterium used in the future for the cultivation of ginseng or other kind of crop/ plant growth under Al stress.

Background : Panax ginseng Meyer, the king of Oriental medicine is a geophytic perennial shrub. P. ginseng possess long juvenile period which spans for at least 3-years before it could attain reproductive competence. To explore the significance of flowering time genes we isolated, characterized the Flowering Locus T (FT) gene and named as PgFT1 and PgFT2 to understand their role in ginseng floral transition. Methods and Results : By using extensive cloning and bioinformatics analysis we identified two FT homologs from ginseng a. The deduced PgFT sequences has a considerable homology to established FT homologs with the essential amino acids of a florigen function conserved. The tissue specific expression profiling by Real-time qPCR from the juvenile (2-years-old) and adult (4-year-old) ginseng plants have shown a spatial and temporal expression pattern, furthermore PgFT transcripts exhibited photoperiod dependent oscillation as well. Besides, PgFT1 and PgFT2 have shown an age specific expression pattern, in particular the transcripts were concentrated to the roots of P. ginseng. The ectopic expression of PgFT homologs in Arabidopsis thaliana induce precocious flowering by altering several floral pathway integrators, in addition PgFT1 transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings had an increased root length while, the influence of PgFT2 in transgenic seedlings apart from flowering is as yet to be revealed. Conclusion : Based on our results, we alleged the spatial and temporal expression of PgFT homologs could be significant in the flowering time transition of ginseng and their age specific expression pattern suggests the roots of ginseng are influential in determining the reproductive competency. On top of it, results from transgenic studies in Arabidopsis claimed that PgFT1 might involve in the underground organ development. Albeit, their molecular regulation, developmental role and the manipulation of PgFTs in ginseng flowering warranties further investigation.

Background : Among medicinal plant sources, Abeliophyllum distichum is widely used in traditional Korean medicine. we report on the synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide particles by both chemical and biological method. Highly stable and spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles are produced by using zinc nitrate and Abeliophyllum distichum leaf extract. Methods and Results : Zinc oxide (Ad-ZnONPs) nanoparticles synthesized from Abeliophyllum distichum at room temperature by aqueous extract of dried leaf and stem. The plant endemic in Korea alone and it is a monotypic flowering plant genus of olive family, Oleaceae. Catalytic and toxicity effect against human keratinocyte and adenocarcninomic human alveoloar. Ultra violet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, elemental mapping, X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were engaged to illustrate the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The Zn-AdNPs has the ability in catalytic action and the cytotoxicity agent against different cell lines as investigated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay Conclusion : The present studies reveals that facile approaching the biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by using the A. distichum leaf and stem extract, which is revealed that recyclable method. The method is well suited for the green synthesis and dual function molecule as reducing agent and stabilizing agent for synthesis of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles also showing promising biological activities.

Background : Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a multipurpose small tree with unique berries of high nutritional and pharmaceutical values has wide spread distribution from Eurasia to South east Asia. In recent times the medicinal benefits of vitamin tree are inclining, hence, efforts were taken to propagate them in vitro to exploit their medicinal property. Methods and Results : The tissue culture potential of them was investigated for the ability to induce shoot organogenesis in leaf explant, and induction of direct somatic embryogenesis from leaf tissue. Moreover, we also determined the effective induction medium for callus and somatic embryo production from H. rhamnoides. To induce the callus form leaf tissue, several phytohormone combinations such as α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzyladenine (BA), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyladenine (BA), and Kinetin (K) were tried with the Murashige and Skoog (MS) as well as woody plant medium (WPM). In MS basal medium, the combination of 2,4-D and K showed the best callus induction rate of 71%, whereas in WPM basal medium the combination of NAA and BA showed the best callus induction rate of 91%. The adventitious root induction form callus was also attempted by using MS and B5 medium with the phytohormone combinations of IBA 1 – 5 g/ℓ. In MS medium, root was induced only at 4 g/ℓ of IBA and 64%, 51% and 55% root induction results were obtained at 3 g/ℓ, 4 g/ℓ and 5 g/ℓ in B5 basal medium, respectively. The somatic embryos were induced only in half strength MS with the triple phytohormone ratio of 2:1:2 of NAA, BA, and K. Conclusion : The in vitro propagation of sea buckthorn was successfully employed by generating callus, adventitious roots as well as the induction of somatic embryos form the leaf tissues derived callus. Our results provided a valuable addition to the utilization of H. rhamnoides thus enabling their propagation.

Background : Ginseng root rot is a devastating disease caused by the fungus, Ilyonectria mors-panacis that generally attacks younger roots (-2 years), leading to defects in root quality, ginsenoside accumulation and also life cycle of the plant. Hence, there is an indispensable need to develop strategies resulting in tolerance against ginseng root rot. The protective role of silicon during pathogen infestation is well documented in other plant systems and a previous study demonstrated that silica nanoparticles are absorbed and accumulated more than the bulk silica in maize. However, the role of silica in ginseng-root rot pathosystem is unknown. Methods and Results : In the present study, we evaluated the effect of silica nanoparticles (N-SiO2) in Panax ginseng during I. mors-panacis infection. Long term analysis (30 dpi) revealed a striking 50% reduction in disease severity index upon 1 mM and 2 mM treatment of N-SiO2. However, N-SiO2 did not have any direct antifungal activity against I. mors-panacis. Candidate genes and metabolites based approach revealed jasmonic acid (JA) mediated sterol accumulation and incresed ginsenside biosyntesis as the key transcriptional reprogramming events orchestrated by N-SiO2 during the fungal infection. Conclusion : In a nut shell, N-SiO2 administration induces transcriptional reprogramming in ginseng roots, leading to increased phytosterol and ginsenosides synthesis resulting in enhanced tolerance against I. mors-panacis.

Background : Anemarrhena asphodeloides has efficacy such as anti-fungal, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, Anti-UV etc. Metal nanoparticles are used for photo imaging, cancer resection and drug delivery etc in medical field. Therefore A. asphodeloides nanoparticles will be expected better efficacy for therapeutic properties in medical field. Methods and Results : The water extract of A. asphodeloides mediated the synthesis of Aa-AgNPs and Aa-AuNPs. Their characterized by several physicochemical techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FE-TEM, EDX spectroscopy, SAED pattern, DLS size analysis, XRD analysis, and FTIR analysis. Both Aa-Ag/AuNPs were evaluated for cytotoxicity towards 3T3-L1, A549, HT29 and MCF7. Aa-AgNPs and Aa-Au NPs were found to be spherical, face-centered cubic nanocrystals with hydrodynamic diameter of 190 and 258 ㎚. In vitro cytotoxic analysis revealed that up to 50 ㎍/㎖-1 concentration Aa-Au NPs did not exhibit any toxicity on 3T3-L1, HT29 and MCF7 cell lines, while being specifically cytotoxic to A549 cell line. On the contrary, Aa-Ag NPs displayed a significantly higher toxicity in all cell lines specially MCF7 cell line. ROS generation was not affected by Aa-Au NPs, but Aa-AgNPs has a higher potential to induce oxidative stress in A549 cells than HT29 and MCF7 cells. Aa-Au NPs have the potential for anticancer agent during lung cancer treatment. Aa-AgNPs is also exhibited to inhibit cell migration by induce oxidatie stress. Conclusion : The Aa-Au/AgNPs might have the anticancer potential and might be effective in the lung cancer therapy, however further evaluation is must needed.

Background : Korean ginseng is an important cash crop in Asian countries. However, plant yield is reduced by pathogens. Among the Ilyonectria radicicola-species complex, I. mors-panacis is responsible for root-rot and replant failure of ginseng in Asia. It is essential to find a way to reveal the existence of the pathogen before starting cultivation. Therefore, qRT-PCR method is developed to detect and quantify the pathogen in ginseng soils. Methods and Results : In this study, species specific Histone H3 primer set is developed for the quantification of I. mors-panacis. The primer set was applied on DNA of other microbes to evaluate its sensitivity and selectivity on I. mors-panacis DNA. Sterilized soil samples artificially infected by the pathogen in different concentrations were used to evaluate the ability of the primer set to detect the pathogen population in the soil DNA. Finally, the pathogen was quantified in many natural soil samples. The designed primer set was found to be sensitive and selective to I. mors-panacis DNA. In artificially infected sterilized soil samples, the estimated template using qRT-PCR was positively correlated with the pathogen concentration in soil samples (R2=0.94), disease severity index (R2=0.99), and colony forming unit (R2=0.87). In the natural soils, the pathogen was recorded in the most of fields produce bad yields with the range of 5.82 ± 2.35 to 892.34 ± 103.70 pg/g of soil. Conclusion : According to the presented results, the proposed primer set is applicable for estimating soils quality before ginseng cultivation. This will help in the disease management and crop protection in the future.