Background : The major components in Astragalus membranaceus are isoflavonoids, triterpene and polysaccharides. Also, isoflavonoids was composed to aglycon and glucoside derivatives. In this study, we performed fermentation process (enzyme treatment) and steam processing (high temperature and pressure) to increase aglycon such as formononetin and calycosin. Methods and Results : The steam processing was performed at a lot of conditions, such as temperature (80, 100, 120℃) and time (30, 60 and 120 min). Fermentation processing carried out by A. membranaceus extract fermented with microorganisms which have high β -glucosidase activity (selection by esculin agar method) for detached glucose from isoflavonoids, converted to algycon. The isoflavonoids were analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in fermentation product of A. membranaceu extract by treated with steam processing at various conditions. As a result of β-glucosidase activity by pNP assay, we selected three strains, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Weissella cibaria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Isoflavone aglycon was the highest in fermentation product by S. cerevisiae for 3 days, but change of isoflavonoids was not observed in steam processing. The calycosin-glucoside and ononin were reduced in fermentation product of A. membranaceus extract, whereas calycosin and formononetin was increased. Conclusion : This results showed that isoflavone glycoside converted to isoflavone aglycon in A. membranaceus by fermentation process, it seems to be available for industrial use.

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: To obtain useful cosmetic resources, this study aimed to determine the non-saponin fatty acid and inhibitory activities of collagenase and elastase by treatment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in supercritical fluid extracted oil of the adventitious root culture of wild mountain ginseng. Methods and Results: We performed supercritical fluid extraction at various conditions such as pressure, temperature, time, and use of co-solvents, unlike the n-hexane extraction for the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng. The non-saponin-fatty acid obtained from the oil of the adventitious roots culture was incresed by treatment with S. cerevisiae. The supercritical fluid extraction was conducted using gas chromatography. Non-saponin-fatty acid content, in the oil of adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng treated with S. cerevisiae for 2 days were three times higher than that in the control. In addition, the oil of the adventitious roots culture treated with S. cerevisiae was investigated for the anti-wrinkle effect by using collagenase and elastase. The oil of adventitious roots culture treated with S. cerevisiae exhibited higher collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities than those in the control. Conclusions: Supercritical fluid extracted oil of the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng treated with S. cerevisiae was found to have decreased ratio of saturated fatty acids and incresed ratio and content of unsaturated fatty acids increased. Furthermore, it showed anti-wrinkle effects in vitro.

Background: Hot steaming is known to be effective in improving the biological activities of plant extracts by breaking down useful compounds to low molecular weight ones. Methods and Results: This study aimed to develop an optimal extraction and steam processing method for enhancing the low molecular ginsenoside contents of the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng. The total ginsenoside was optimally extracted when 70% EtOH was used at 50℃, whereas low molecule ginsenoside such as Rg2, Rh1, Rh4 and Rk1 could be extracted using 70% EtOH at 70℃. The adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng is known to contain four major ginsenosides, i.e., Rb2, Rb1, Rg1 and Rd, however new ginsenosides Rg6, Rh4, Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 were new abundantly obtaind after steam processing method was applied. The contents of total ginsenosides were the highest when thermal steam processing was conducted at 120℃ for 120 min. Unlike ginsenosides such as Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rh1, which decreased after steam processing, Rg3, Rk1, and Rg5 increased after thermal processing. Steam processing significanltly reduced the content of Rb1, increased that of Rg6 by about ten times than that in the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng. Conclusions: Our study showed that the optimal extraction and steam processing method increased the content of total ginsenosides and allowed the extraction of minor ginsenosides from major ones.

Glucosinolates (GSLs), beneficial secondary metabolites for human health are abundantly present in radish vegetable. Radish is a member of Brassicaceae family and its seed, leaf and root contain very important GSLs. The objective of this study was to determine the variation of individual and total GSL contents in leaves and roots of 44 radish (Raphanus spp.) germplasm (26 R. sativus L., 3 R. raphanistrum, and 15 R. sativus L. var. raphanistroides Makino), and compare the GSL contents between leaves and roots among three Raphanus species. Thirteen GSLs were identified, being the glucoraphasatin (GRS) and glucobrassicin (GBS) the most abundant aliphatic and indolyl GSLs in both the leaves and roots. Variation in individual and total GSL contents was found among the germplasm of three Raphanus species. The GRS content was higher in roots than that of leaves in all three Raphanus species but the GBS content was higher in leaves than roots. GRS was represented 87.0%, 92.7% and 94.7% of the total GSL in roots of R. sativus L., R. raphanistrum and R. sativus L. var. raphanistroides (Makino) germplasm, respectively. Germplasm of R. raphanistrum exhibited the highest (average, 79.5 μmol/g dw) total GSL with a ranged from 62.7 to 92.9 μmol/g dw. The germplasm IT119288, Joseonmu and IT119262 from R. sativus L., RA 504 and K046542 from R. raphanistrum, and Gyeongju-2003-32 (G2003-32) and IT302373 from R. sativus L. var. raphanistroides (Makino) had high total GSL contents and these could be good candidates for developing the functional compounds-rich varieties in radish breeding program.

Background: In the herbal medicinal industry, Angelica gigas Nakai, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. and Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitag. are often confused, because the roots of the three species can not be distinguished by their appearance. This confusion can cause serious side effects. In this study, we determined the origins of Angelica roots distributed in the Korean market using the simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed based on the A. gigas chloroplast DNA sequence. Methods and Results: We collected twenty seven A. gigas and three A. acutiloba samples from the Seoul, Daegu, and Cheongju herbal medicinal markets. Fifty sections of one collection were mixed and ground to make a powder, which was used for DNA extraction using the cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method. Chloroplast based SSR markers were applied to the DNA for the determination of the species. In addition, polymorphism was found in eight samples. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the A. gigas roots collected from herbal medicinal markets were clearly discriminated from A. sinensis and A. acutiloba even though they were grouped into four clusters. Conclusions: This study showed that chloroplast based SSR markers would help the discrimination of Angelica roots in the Korean herbal medicinal industry and the markers are useful to prevent confusion between Angelica roots.

Background: Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. Its roots have been utilized as a traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to elucidate the basic information of the roots of the R. glutinosa cultivars and their utilization. Methods and Results: The roots of R. glutinosa cultivars were harvested in the end of March. The two iridoid glycosides, aucubin and catalpol, were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), whereas γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The aucubin content was the highest in the Dakang cultivar, whereas no aucubin was detected in the five cultivars. All cultivars had more than 12 ㎎/g catalpol content, and the maximum catalpol content was found in Jihwang 1. The GABA content was the highest in Suwon 1, and it was 40 times more than that in the Yeongang cultivar. Conclusions: The highest aucubin, catapol and GABA contents were detected in the Dakang, Jihwang 1, and Suwon 1, cultivars respectively. This study provides the crucial information regarding the versatile utilization and pedigree selection of R. glutinosa cultivars.

Background : Cirsium plants have been used for perennial edible plants and grow wild in the mountainous regions of Korea, including Cirsium setidens and C. pendulum. In particular, C. setidens is commonly called 'gondre', and it has been used medicinally for diseases such as hematuria, hepatitis and hypertension. Hairy roots cultivation can be used as a method for increasing production through mass culture of medicinal plants, and elicitors such as methyl jasmonate (MeJa) can be treated to increase the content of certain useful ingredients. In this study, the hairy root was derived from the leaf tissues of C. setidens and C. pendulum, and the HPLC pattern was compared by MeJa treatment. Methods and Results : Agrobacterium rhizogenes R1000 was used to induce hairy roots in 1/2× MS medium. In addition, the hairy roots was treated with MeJa for different time (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 24, 48, 72 h) and with various concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, 300 μM). The HPLC pattern changes were analyzed by on-line HPLC-ABTS. Four new peaks were observed in both Cirsium setidens and C. pendulum hairy roots, all of which showed antioxidant activity. In the case of C. pendulum, chlorogenic acid content was about 4 times higher than that of leaves. These peaks, including chlorogenic acid, were all affected by MeJa treatment. Conclusion : Four peaks were detected in the hairy roots of C. setidens and C. pendulum not in the leaves, and they were confirmed to be affected by the treatment of MeJa. It is necessary to clarify the structure through the subsequent compound separation.

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 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 : 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 : According to medicinal plant standard culture, flower organ should be removed but there is no detail information on flower organ removal in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi. This study was carried out to examine effect of flower organ removal on the increase of roots yield in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi. Methods and Results : ○ Experiment variety : Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi. ○ Treatment : ① Flower organ non-cutting ② Flower organ cutting ○ Planting date : April, 2015/ April 25, 2016 ○ Planting distance : 30×20cm/ 30×15cm ○ Experiment place : Ginseng & Medicinal Plant Research Institute(Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) Conclusion : The fresh rhizome yield of F. O. C. at a bud treatments were increased 21.0% ∼50.0% compare to F. O. N. C. treatments. The fresh rhizome yield of F. O. C. at a flower treatments were increased 17.4%∼34.6% compare to F. O. N. C. treatments. The fresh weight of above-ground parts of F. O. C. treatments were decreased 77.2%∼65.7% compare to F. O. N. C. treatments. F. O. C.(=Flower organ cutting) / F. O. N. C.(=Flower organ non-cutting).

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.

The growth characteristics of Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ seedlings roots in response to trichokonins-spray treatment were investigated in this study. One-year-old seedlings of P. ostii ‘Fengdan’ were potted in plastic cups containing garden mold and grown under field conditions. The results showed that application of trichokonins significantly promoted root growth in P. ostii ‘Fengdan’ seedlings. The total root projection area, total root surface area, total root volume, total root length, root number and root diameter of seedlings treated with 0.25 mg/L trichokonins were higher by 141.70, 116.59, 119.44, 55.97, 348.88 and 127.78%, respectively, than that of the control. Thus, the results supported the hypothesis that good growth condition for roots could directly improve their nutrient absorption and utilization efficiency, promoting plant growth and development.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of dietary cultured wild ginseng root (CWGR) supplementation on goat milk composition and ginsenoside profiles. Sixteen Saanen dairy goats were allocated to two balanced groups based on lactation period, body weight (38.6 ± 3.2 kg), and dairy milk yield (2.85 ± 1.2 kg), and were kept in separate pens. Goats were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) feed (2.3 kg/d, dry matter basis) and 1.5 g of CWGR powder was supplemented in the experimental diet. The total feeding period was 3 weeks, and milk and blood samples were collected on the last three days of the experimental period. There was no effect of CWGR on daily milk yield and milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, and solid-not-fat). However, the CWGR-treatment group had significantly higher plasma IgG and protein contents than the control group (P < 0.05). Significant amounts of ginsenosides were observed in the milk of the CWGR-treatment group, whereas ginsenosides were not detected in the milk of the control group. In conclusion, dietary CWGR was a useful regimen to produce functional goat milk enriched in ginsenosides.

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.