Background: In Korea, 6-year-old ginseng root is economically more important than 4 or 5-year-old roots. In general, the root age is determined by counting the number of stem vestiges. However, this method does not accurately estimate ginseng root age. Methods and Results: In this study, the stem vestige counting method was used to survey a total of 18,395 fresh ginsengs cultured in 2014, and 2015, to determine the accuracy of this method. The proportion of 6-year-old roots, with more than four stem vestiges, was 46.1% in 2014. For the cultivar Chunpoong cultivated in Eumseong and Goesan countries in 2015, the proportion of more than four stem vestiges was 55.9%, and 43.5%, respectively. The proportion of more than four stem vestiges for the Gumpoong cultivated in Eumseong and Yangpyeong countries was 67.0%, and 35.1%, respectively, whereas that for the cultivar Yunpoong was 36.0% and 61.0%, respectively. Moreover, it was confirmed that differences in the levels of Rg1 will enable root age determination. Conclusions: Root age determination by the stem vestige test was found to differ depending on the environmental and cultivation conditions. To determine the age of ginseng roots, a comprehensive method, such as counting stem vestiges and evaluating differences in ginsenoside levels, should be applied.

Background : While the anti-inflammatory effects of 20 (S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have been studied, it remains unclear how Rg3 regulates lipid metabolism in inflammatory macrophages. Thus, in this study, we characterized some eicosanoids related to the anti-inflammatory effects of 20 (S)-ginsenoside Rg3 in murine macrophages. Methods and Results : UPLC-MS/MS was used to profile various eicosanoids from RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Rg3. The profiling data were statistically analyzed by principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis and analysis of variance. The anti-inflammatory effect of Rg3 was validated by assessing the levels of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in the activated macrophages treated with Rg3. A total of 69 eicosanoids were analyzed in RAW264.7 cells. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses differentiated control cells from cells treated with LPS, Rg3, or LPS + Rg3 for 12 or 24 h. Furthermore, some differentially regulated compounds were found between macrophages treated with LPS for 24 h and those treated with LPS + Rg3 for 24 h. Conclusion : Rg3 alters eicosanoid metabolism in activated macrophages treated with LPS. Furthermore, we identified several eicosanoids correlated with the anti-inflammatory activity of Rg3.

Background : This study aimed to investigate the effect of elevated temperature by climate change on growth and ginsenoside contents of Korean ginseng, which requires low temperature during growth period. Methods and Results : Yunpoong was transplanted in temperature gradient chamber (TGC) for high temperature treatment and then growth characteristics and ginsenoside contents were investigated by growth period. Stem length, petiole length, leaf length and leaf width were increased as the temperature was higher than Ambient Temperature (Amb), but stalk diameter was decreased and small petiole length, number of petiole and leaf were no significant difference. Root growth, whereas, including length diameter and weight were decreased as the temperature was higher than Amb. Compared with Amb, root length, diameter and weight were decreased by 19.6%, 22.4% and 41.5% at Amb+6, respectively. The higher the temperatures are associated with the more ginsenoside contents. Compared to Amb, total ginsenoside contents were increased by 68% and 78% at Amb+4℃ and Amb+6℃, respectively. Almost all contents of individual ginsenoside, with the exception of Rg1, made a significant difference. Conclusion : When temperatures rises during growth period, the growth of ginseng was decreased but, ginsenoside contents were increased.

Background : This study was conducted to determine the optimal ginseng greenhouse shading material for minimizing heat injury and maximizing the yield of ginseng plants in an effort to develop a stable ginseng cultivation technology and contribute to popularizing ginseng greenhouse farming. Methods and Results : Three different types of greenhouse shading material were used: polyethylene (PE) film + black screen (95%), light scattering film + black screen (75%), and blue-white vinyl. Important experimental details were implemented in accordance with the Analysis Standard of Agricultural Test and Research set out by the Rural Development Administration. The average greenhouse temperature for the period of May through October was 20.0℃ under the PE film + black screen, 20.2℃under the light scattering film + black screen, and 19.7℃ under the blue/white vinyl. High average photosynthesis rates of ginseng plants were demonstrated by light scattering film+black screen (2.35 μmole CO2/㎡/s) and blue-white vinyl (2.38 μmole CO2/㎡/s), with the PE film + black screen showing a considerably lower photosynthesis rate (1.55 μmole CO2/㎡/s). Heat injury occurred in 0.3%, 10%, and 0.1% of the plants grown under the PE film + black screen, light scattering film + black screen, and blue-white vinyl, respectively. As for the roots, the blue-white vinyl outperformed the other shading materials in root length (25.7 ㎝), taproot length (5.9 ㎝), and the number of fine roots (23.2). The blue-hite vinyl also yielded the greatest root fresh weight (30.2 g), followed by the light scattering film + black screen (29.1 g), with the PE + black screen yielding by far inferior average weight (22.0 g). The highest crude saponin content was yielded by the light scattering film+black screen (16.61 ㎎/g), followed by blue-white vinyl (11.36 ㎎/g) and PE + black screen (11.0 ㎎/g). Conclusion : Comparing the effects of three different shading materials on greenhouse-cultivated 3-year-old ginseng plants, the blue/white vinyl outperformed two other shading materials in most of the growth characteristics, whereas the and the light scattering film + black screen yielded the highest ginsenoside content.

Background : With the recent increase in the area of ginseng cultivation in greenhouses, demand for studies of proper cropping patterns in direct seedling of ginseng and varieties of cultivation are increasing, and the needs for clean production of quality ginseng in greenhouses are emerging in connection with the consumer demand for pesticide-free ginseng and the supply and demand of ginseng seedling for cultivation of young ginseng. Therefore, this study is to provide baseline data in improving of quality of ginseng cultivated in greenhouses by examining the contents of ginsenoside in ginseng cultivated in different cropping patterns and different varieties. Methods and Results : As a result of examining the contents of ginsenoside in 3-year old, direct seedling ginseng cultivated in greenhouses in different depths – 10 ㎝, 20 ㎝ and 30 ㎝ - and width – 90 ㎝, 100 ㎝, 110 ㎝ and 120 ㎝ - of furrows, the contents of ginsenoside showed little differences by the depths of furrow in the furrow width of 90 ㎝ but, the highest content of ginsenoside Rb1 was observed in the furrow width of 120 ㎝ and depth of 20 ㎝, while the ginsenoside contents were high in the furrow depth of 20 ㎝ and width of 100 ㎝ and 120 ㎝. The contents of ginsenoside in different varieties of direct seedling cultivation in greenhouses were greater in the following order: Geumgin > Geumsun > Chunpoong, while the contents of ginsenoside Rb1 were observed to be superior in Sunhyang, Gopoong and Geumseon and the contents of ginsenoside Rb2 were greater in the order of Geumgin > Guemsun >　Cheonpoong. Conclusion : Based on the results, the contents of ginsenoside in different cropping patterns of direct seedling cultivation in greenhouses were higher in lower depths of furrow - 10 ㎝ and 20 ㎝ - at furrow widths wider than 100 ㎝. The contents of ginsenoside in different varieties of direct seedling cultivation in greenhouses were higher in varieties of Geumjin, Geumsun and Chunpoong.

Background : Malonyl ginsenoside content of the Panax ginseng is known to account for 35% to 60% of total ginsenosides content. However, its distribution by ginseng part has not been studied. In this study, four kinds of malonyl ginsenosides were compared in Korean white ginseng part using the purified malonyl ginsenoside standards in our laboratory. Methods and Results : White ginseng was prepared by the air drying (50℃, 48h) or freeze drying (-70℃, 48h) methods form 4-year-old ginseng. Malonyl ginsenoside content in total ginsenosides were similar in air dried and freeze dried white ginseng, 58% and 62%, respectively. Therefore, malonyl ginsenoside contents in main, lateral, and fine root, and in the main root without skin and skin of main root prepared by freeze dried method were compared. Malonyl ginsenosides (m-Rb1, m-Rb2, m-Rc and m-Rd) and total ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rd, m-Rb1, m-Rb2, m-Rc and m-Rd) were 6.75 and 14.15 mg/g in main root, 14.15 and 26.35 mg/g in lateral root, 46.95 and 84.15 mg/g in fine root. Malonyl ginsenoside contents in skin of main root was 20.08 mg/g, while its contents of the main root without skin was 2.58 mg/g. Conclusion : As a result, the parts each air drying the sample was confirmed that the ratio of the distribution of malonyl ginsenoside (main root : lateral : fine root = 18.7 : 11.1 : 16.2), and distribution ratio of main root, skin of main root, lateral, skin of lateral was found to be (12.2: 14.6 14.3: 3.7). Malonyl ginsenoside content was the highest in fine root, compared to the main or lateral root. Malonyl ginsenoside contents in skin of root was higher than those of the main root without skin. These results is expected to help establish an efficient extraction and standardization. Malonyl ginsenoside analysis of White ginseng using HPLC expects that the standardization process can be established.

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 : Ginseng is a cold-adopting plant that likes cold climate. As the temperature of korea is increasing to the extent that makes it unsuitable for growing ginseng, there is a need arising for developing ginseng breed that can adapt to higher temperature. Out of 76 genetic lines of 4 years old ginseng owned by our research lab, 5 lines with good and high ginsenoside contents were selected. The test was performed to compare their ginsenoside contents and growth characteristics to the existing ones. Methods and Results : A study was done on the growth of 5 lines of ground part with high ginsenoside contents such as GS97-24-2. The results show that the growth of leaf length and width was best for GS98-4-5 and Geumsun. The root weight of the underground part was good, with the growth of 27.8g per ginseng. The root length did not vary across lines. Geumsun and GS97-24-2 showed the same total length. The growth of rootlet was best for GS98-4-5 lines, showing 5.4 rootlets. The total ginsenoside contents of the underground part was highest for American ginseng with 54.31mg/g, followed by GS98-4-5, GS97-24-2, and Geumsun. American ginseng was high in ginsenoside Re and Rb1 in contents compared to Korean ginseng. Although total ginsenoside contents were high, Rg2 and Rf were not detected in American ginseng while Korean ginseng contained good amount of Rg2 and Rf. Conclusion : Base on the results above, the best ground part among the high ginsenoside lines was GS98-4-5. For underground part, the growth of Americal ginseng and Gopoong were the best. American ginseng, which has good underground part growth even in hot season, contained high ginsenoside contents too. On the other hand, Korean ginseng had more variety of ginsenoside compared to American ginseng.

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: The photosynthetic efficiency cool-season, semi-shade ginseng is normal at low morning temperatures, but drops at high afternoon temperatures. Therefore, optimal plant performance would be ensured if it were possible to control daily light transmission rates (LTR). Methods and Results: Plants were grown in a controlled light environment that replicated 11 AM conditions and comparatively analyzed against plant grown under normal conditions. Growth in the controlled light environment resulted in a 2.81 fold increase in photosynthetic efficiency with no change in chlorophyll content, although LTR were high due to low morning temperatures. Increased aerial plant growth was observed in the ginseng plants adapted to the controlled light environment, which in turn influenced root weight. An 81% increase in fresh root weight (33.3 g per plant on average) was observed in 4-year-old ginseng plants grown in controlled light environment compared to the plants grown following conventional practices (18.4 g per plant on average). With regard to the inorganic composition of leaves of 4-year-old ginseng plants grown in controlled light environment, an increased in Fe content was observed, while Mn and Zn content decreased, and total ginsenoside content of roots increased 2.37 fold. Conclusions: Growth of ginseng under a favorable light environment, such as the condition which exist naturally at 11 AM and are suitable for the plant's photosynthetic activity creates the possibility of large scale production, excellent-quality ginseng.

Background: Electrical conductivity (EC) and pH are important features of nutrient solution, affecting both growth and quality of crops by altering nutrient uptake. Methods and Results: The pH values of nutrient solutions were controlled at 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 and EC values were controlled at 0.68, 0.84, 1.23, 1.41 dS/m. Gingesng root weights were higher during the initial growth period when the plants were treated with low pH and low EC nutrient solutions. However, the higher pH and EC levels, the greater the increase in the rate of root weight between the initial and middle growth periods. The highest ginsenoside amount changed during growth period. The total ginsenoside amount was highest in the root, and the lowest in leaves at 45 and 90 days after treatment, respectively, with solution at a pH of 6.0. After 135 days of treatment, the highest total ginsenoside amount was detected in root treated with soluton with EC values of 1.23 dS/m. Conclusions: For the cultivation of ginseng using a nutriculture system, the pH and EC values of nutrient solutions should to be controlled based on the stage of growth and targeted plant organ (root or leaves).

Background : An important feature of the nutrient solution is that they affect not only the growth but also quality of crops by changing nutrient uptake, especially due to changes of EC in nutrient solution. This study was carried out to investigate effect of EC in nutrient solution on growth and ginsenoside of ginseng. Methods and Results : EC in nutrient solution was controlled with 0.68, 0.84, 1.23, 1.41 dS/m. The root weight of ginseng treated by low EC levels in nutrient solution was higher during the initial of growth. However, the higher EC levels, the more increased the change rate of root weight from the initial to the middle of growth. The highest amount of ginsenoside was changed by growth period. Although the total amount of ginsenoside in root is highest treated by EC 0.68 dS/m at 45 days after treatment. the total amount of ginsenoside in root is highest treated by EC 1.23 dS/m at 135 days after treatment. Conclusions : EC in nutrient solution should to be controlled depending on the stage of growth and the part of use, i.e. root and leaves, when ginseng is cultivated through nutri-culture.

This research carried out to figure out the effect of the green manure crop cultivated at a preparation field and the shading net on the growth, development, and quality of ginseng. Followings are results obtained from the research. Leaf width of ginseng under the shading net of a two-layered blue and two-layered black polythylene net (TBTBPN) was good at rye and hairy vetch cultured group. Leaf length of ginseng under the shading net of a threelayered blue and one-layered black polyethylene net (TBOBPN) was good at barley and hairy vetch cultured group. Meanwhile, leaf width was good at hairy vetch cultured group. Leaf length of ginseng under a blue polyethylene sheet (BPS) was good at a barley and barley + hairy vetch cultured group, but stem length was shorter compare to other shading net cultivations. Root weight of ginseng was good under the shading net of a two-layered blue and two-layered black polyethylene net (TBTBPN) at a rye and hairy vetch cultured group, and was good under the shading net of a three-layered blue and onelayered black polyethylene net (TBOBPN) at a barley + hairy vetch cultured group, but there was no significant difference under blackout screen according to manure crop varieties. Ratio of rusty root was 10.2% at the barley cultured group under the shading net of a two-layered blue and two-layered black polyethylene net (TBTBPN), and was 23.1% at hairy vetch cultured group under shading net of a three-layered blue and one-layered black polyethylene net (TBOBPN). Ratio of rusty root was the lowest at a rye cultured group regardless the shading nets. Content of the ginsenoside was the highest at the rye cultured group under the shading net of two-layered blue and two-layered black polyethylene net (TBTBPN), was the highest at the barley cultured group under the shading net of a three-layered blue and one-layered black polyethylene net (TBOBPN), and was the highest at the rye cultured group under the blackout screen.

진세노사이드(인삼 사포닌)는 인삼의 대표적 약리성분 중의 하나로 생물학적 활성을 가진 배당체 화합물 이다. 이들 사포닌은 가수분해 되어 저분자화 되었을 때, 항주름 및 항산화, 항암 등에 높은 약리효능효과를 나타 낸다. 본 연구에서는 인삼 esculin 배지를 활용하여 β-glucosidase 활성을 가진 균주를 분리하였고 인삼 사포 닌 전환을 미생물을 이용하여 수행하였다. 본 균주들을 16S rRNA sequencing을 통하여 동정하여 본 결과 Stenotrophomonas rhizopilae strain GFC09로 확인되였다. 균주의 최적 활성 조건을 결정하기 위해 조효소 1 mM와 인삼사포닌 Rb1과 함께 배양한 후 생물학적 전환을 TLC, HPLC를 사용하여 확인하였다. 조효소에 의 한 인삼 사포닌 Rb1의 전환 경로는 다음과 같다. LB: RbNeobio R&D center, Gyeonggi-do 16954, Korea →Rd→FNeobio R&D center, Gyeonggi-do 16954, Korea→compound K, TSB: Rb1→Rd→ F2. 가수 분해된 생성된 물질은 NMR로 구조 동정하였다. 전환 산물의 효능 분석결과, 콜라겐 생성을 농도 의존적으로 증가시키는 것이 관찰되었다. 이에 본 연구에서는 ginsenoside F2와 compound K 함유 인삼 전환 산물의 주름 개선 소재로서 활용가능성을 확인하였다.

Organic ginseng farming has rapidly increased in response to consumer demand for a safe product which improves health. Differences in soil nutrient concentration and ginsenoside content between organic and conventional ginseng farming have, however, not yet been properly studied. Therefore the aim of the present study was to compare soil nutrient concentration and ginsenoside content between these two farming systems. NO3-N, P2O5, and K were significantly different between organic and conventional ginseng farming. The total content of ginsenoside and individual ginsenoside components were higher in organically grown ginseng than in ginseng from conventional farming, although there is no significant difference. Particularly, protopanaxadiol saponins were higher than protopanaxatriol saponins in ginseng from organic farming compared to ginseng produced by conventional farming. NO3-N content in soils showed a negative correlation with the content of ginseno-sides Rb2 and Rd. In addition, P2O5 showed a negative correlation with ginseno-sides Rb1, Rc, and PD/PT ratio. Organic matter showed a positive crrelation with ginsenosides Re. To increase the ginsenoside content of ginseng, we recommend increasing organic matter and decreasing NO3-N and P2O5 contents in the soil.