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Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Panax ginseng extract (GS-KG9) in the treatment of hepatic dysfunction. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from December 2017 to January 2019. The trial included 60 subjects between the ages of 19 and 70 who had higher alanine transaminase (ALT) levels than the normal upper limit. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: GS-KG9 (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30). The former was administered three GS-KG9 capsules (3 g/day) and the latter three placebo capsules (3 g/day) twice each day orally after meals in the morning and evening for 12 weeks. The primary goal was to observe the changes in ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. The safety of the treatment was assessed and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Results. Out of 60 subjects, nine were excluded from the efficacy analysis because they met the exclusion criteria. Therefore, a total of 51 subjects were evaluated for the effectiveness of the treatment (26 in the GS-KG9 group and 25 in the placebo group). After 12 weeks of treatment, the ALT levels were significantly reduced in the GS-KG9 group compared to the placebo group (p=0.009). The GGT level of the GS-KG9 group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p=0.036). Mild AEs, such as diarrhea, occurred during the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion. The results of this trial suggest that GS-KG9 might be an effective and safe option for mild hepatic dysfunction. This trial is registered with KCT0004080.

Background/objectives This study was designed to investigate the improvement effect of white ginseng extract (GS-KG9) on D-galactosamine (Ga1N)-induced oxidative stress and liver injury. Subjects/methods Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups. Rats were orally administrated with GS-KG9 (300, 500, or 700 mg/kg) or silymarin (25 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. The rats of the GS-KG9- and silymarin-treated groups and a control group were then intraperitoneally injected Ga1N at a concentration of 650 mg/kg for 4 days. To investigate the protective effect of GS-KG9 against GalN-induced liver injury, blood liver function indicators, anti-oxidative stress indicators, and histopathological features were analyzed. Results Serum biochemical analysis indicated that GS-KG9 ameliorated the elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in GalN-treated rats. The hepatoprotective effects of GS-KG9 involved enhancing components of the hepatic antioxidant defense system, including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). In addition, GS-KG9 treatment inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by GalN treatment in hepatocytes and significantly increased the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins, which are antioxidant proteins. In particular, by histological analyses bases on hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, α-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-β1 staining, we determined that the administration of 500 mg/kg GS-KG9 inhibited hepatic inflammation and fibrosis due to the excessive accumulation of collagen. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that GS-KG9 improves GalN-induced liver inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis by attenuating oxidative stress. Therefore, GS-KG9 may be considered a useful candidate in the development of a natural preventive agent against liver injury.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Panax ginseng extract (GS-KG9) in the treatment of hepatic dysfunction. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from December 2017 to January 2019. The trial included 60 subjects between the ages of 19 and 70 who had higher alanine transaminase (ALT) levels than the normal upper limit. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: GS-KG9 (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30). The former was administered three GS-KG9 capsules (3 g/day) and the latter three placebo capsules (3 g/day) twice each day orally after meals in the morning and evening for 12 weeks. The primary goal was to observe the changes in ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. The safety of the treatment was assessed and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Results Out of 60 subjects, nine were excluded from the efficacy analysis because they met the exclusion criteria. Therefore, a total of 51 subjects were evaluated for the effectiveness of the treatment (26 in the GS-KG9 group and 25 in the placebo group). After 12 weeks of treatment, the ALT levels were significantly reduced in the GS-KG9 group compared to the placebo group (p=0.009). The GGT level of the GS-KG9 group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p=0.036). Mild AEs, such as diarrhea, occurred during the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion The results of this trial suggest that GS-KG9 might be an effective and safe option for mild hepatic dysfunction. This trial is registered with KCT0004080.

Many ginsenoside biosynthesis-related genes have been identified in Panax ginseng. However, there is no report of the analysis of changes in gene expression induced methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA) using DNA microarray analysis. To identify the genes related to ginsenoside biosynthesis, we harvested P. ginseng adventitious roots at 0, 24, 72 and 120 h after MeJA treatment. At 120 h after MeJA elicitation, the contents of all ginsenosides increased compared to the control. We analyzed gene expression patterns in ginseng adventitious roots treated with MeJA using DNA microarray analysis and selected candidate genes related to ginsenoside biosynthesis, including genes encoding squalene synthase (SQS), squalene epoxidase (SE), dammarenediol-II synthase (DS), cytochrome P450 oxidase (CYP) and glycosyltransferase (GT). The expression patterns of these genes in MeJA-treated ginseng adventitious roots obtained by quantitative RT-PCR were consistent with those obtained by microarray analysis. Therefore, DNA microarray analysis is an efficient tool for selecting candidate genes associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants.

Medicinal plants resources are becoming important assets since their usages have been expanded to the de- velopment of functional foods for human health, natural cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. However, names are different from each country and their phylogenetic origins are not clear. These lead consumers to be confused. In particular, when they are morphologically similar and distributed as dried roots, it is extremely difficult to differentiate their origins even by specialists. Recently, molecular markers have been extensively applied to identify the origin of many crops. In this review, we tried to overview the current research achievements for the development of suitable 'origin identification' regarding to the differentiation of Angelica species. Furthermore, more advanced techniques including amplification genome based marker analyses are also discussed for their practical applications in the au- thentication of particular medicinal plant in Angelica species.

Licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza spp.) is an important herb, but the major portion of the national demand is imported to Korea because the domestic production base is vulnerable. We performed basic molecular breeding research for domestic cultivation and production. All publicly available G. uralensis EST sequences, which totaled 56,089, were assembled into 4,821 unigenes and examined for microsatellites. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified and 16 G. uralensis and 6 G. glabra accessions, which were collected from different locations, were genotyped using the microsatellites. Genetic diversity within the accessions was estimated by construction of a dendrogram. The dendrogram was clustered into two groups. The results showed that there is a correlative genetic relationship between species. The microsatellite markers were found to be useful for diversity analysis as they are able to successfully distinguish the Glycyrrhiza accessions.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of harvest time on the growth, yield characteristics and loganin content in Dipsacus asperoides Wall. Methods and Results: Dipsacus asperoides seedlings were planted within a nursery environment in early May 2015 and harvested in early, middle and late October 2015, and early November 2015. Harvest time did not result significant differences in the plant height, stem diameter, branch length, leaf width and aboveground dry weight moreover, no significant differences were observed in root length, number of roots and root diameter. However, the diameter of lateral roots was greater in the harvests from the late October and period thereafter. The highest values of root dry weight and yield were recorded in early November. Specifically, the yield significantly increased from 205 kg/10 a (index: 100) in early October to 358 kg/10 a (index: 175) in early November, in terms of root part weight. Loganin contents of D. asperoides differed significantly among harvest times raging from 0.0766% in early October to 0.1704% in late November, thereby showing an increasing trend in later harvest times. Conclusions: These results suggest that the optimum harvest time for D. asperoides is early November, when the yield is the highest. Harvest time significantly affected loganin contents, which constantly increased from early October until early November.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods to reduce seeding expenses, thereby increasing farm income. This study investigated the effects of rain shelter controlled cultivation and adapted seeding times on the stable seed production of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Methods and Results: Seed germination was conducted under 10 condition compose to control, water washing, cold storage at for 15 days, seed sterilization with a benomyl pesticides, hormone treated seed by submerging in 100 ppm with the cold storage at and , darkness in a covered petridish and illuminated with a 1,500 Lux lamp. There were three cultivation type, open cultivation with non-woven fabric mulching, cultivation with a vinyl covering and rain sheltered in a plastic greenhouse. Sowing dates were April 27, May 18, June 7 and June 28, 2013. Plants were spaced 10 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Mixed oil cake fertilizer, (12-10-10) was applied at . Conclusions: Optimum germination occured in darkness at and cold storage after submerging in . The highest seed yields () occurred in the plastic greenhouse for the April 25 sowing. The highest root yield (17%) was found on April 1, under greenhouse conditions.

Panax ginseng has been one of the most important herbal medicines used in Eastern Asia. Recently, various molecular markers have been developed to authenticate Panax species, but these markers cannot differentiate the exact varieties or variants of Korean ginseng cultivars. In this study, six cultivars of Korean ginseng (Chunpoong, Yunpoong, Gopoong, Gumpoong, Jakyung, and Hwangsook), P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng were differentiated by simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker development. Specific primer sets were designed for the 54 candidate sequences containing SSRs that were predicted. Finally, eight polymorphic SSR loci were developed. DNA fragment analysis was performed using fluorescence-labelled primers for the amplicons. Reproducibility tests were carried out using multiple samples of Korean ginseng cultivars and Panax species. Eight primer sets (PgSSR07, PgSSR08, PgSSR09, PgSSR17, PgSSR37, PgSSR40, PgSSR51, and PgSSR53) showing polymorphism were used for phylogenetic relationship analysis. Consequently, six Korean ginseng cultivars (Chunpoong, Yunpoong, Gopoong, Gumpoong, Jakyung, and Hwangsook), P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng could be identified using the combination of SSR markers discovered.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of antibacterial activity of luteolin (LUT) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods The mechanism of anti-MRSA activity of LUT was analyzed by the viability assay in membrane permeabilizing agent, ATPase inhibitors, and peptidoglycan (PGN) derived from Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). Also, transmission electron microscopy was used to monitor survival characteristics and changes in S. aureus morphology. Results Compared to the LUT alone, the optical density of suspensions treated with the combination of 125 μg/mL Tris and 250 μg/mL N , N′ -dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were reduced to 60% and 46% of the control, respectively. PGN (15.6 μg/mL) gradually impeded the activity of LUT, and PGN (62.5 μg/mL) completely blocked the activity of LUT on S. aureus . Conclusions Increased susceptibility to LUT with the Tris-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide combinations is evident in all tested MRSA isolates. The results indicate LUT synergy in increasing cytoplasmic membrane permeability and inhibiting ATPase. S. aureus PGN directly blocks the antibacterial activity of LUT, suggesting the direct binding of LUT with PGN. These findings may be validated for the development of antibacterial agent for low MRSA resistance.

Management of soil water and fertilization is known to primarily affect physiological properties and yield in plant. The effect of soil water potential and nitrogen application on characteristics of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in Schisandra chinensis Baillon was investigated on a sandy loam soil. Net photosyntheis rate and transpiration rate increased as a photon flux density and was highest at –50kPa of soil water potential. Light compensation point (1.5 μmol m -1 s -1 ) and dark respiration (0.13 μmol CO₂ m -1 s -1 ) was lowest at -50 kPa but maximum photosynthesis rate (13.10μmol CO₂ m -1 s -1 ) and net apparent quantum yield(0.083 μmol CO₂ m -1 s -1 ) was highest at -50 kPa. As results of chlorophyll fluorescence by OJIP analysis, maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of photosystem II (PSII) and PI abs was higher in treatments of –50 kPa and -60 kPa respectively, which reflects the relative reduction state of PSII. But the relative activities per reaction center such as ABS/RC and DIo/RC were low with decreasing soil water potential. Net photosyntheis rate and transpiration rate were highest at treatment of soil testing 1.0 times (92 kg ha -1 ). Application of nitrogen resulted in high Fv/Fm, PI abs and low ABS/RC, DIo/RC. This result implies that -50 kPa of soil water potential and nitrogen fertilizer may improve the efficiency of photosynthesis through controlling a photosystem in Schisandra chinensis Baillon.

Angelica gigas Nakai is one of the most widely used herbal medicines and is known to have many pharmaceutical effects including an anti-oxidant, anti-cancer etc. This study was carried out to investigate an effect of fertilization on leaf yield, production of dry-matter and accumulation of pyranocurmarine compounds such as decursin (DE) and decursinol angelate (DA) in Angelica gigas Nakai. Effect of fertilization was determined from response surface regression equation composing of 2 by 3 factorial arrangement of urea, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium chloride. Yield of leaf in Angelica gigas Nakai significantly increased until 100 days after transplanting. Production of leaf also tended to increase with increasing nitrogen fertilization. Model of regression equation showed that leaf production depended upon nitrogen (Pr>|t| : 0.087, 0.256 and 0.079). Also, statistical results between nitrogen application level and production of dry-matter showed significant relationship (p

Background : This study examined the effect of harvesting time on the growth, yield characteristics, and major beneficial components in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Methods and Results : Although plant height, stem diameter and branch length were not affected by harvesting time, the number of stems was highest when harvested in mid October. There were no differences in root length and thickness, however, the rhizome was thicker when it was harvested at the end of October or early November than when it was harvested in early and mid October. The dried root weight also showed a similar pattern. However, there was a statistically significant increase to 408 kg (16%) in the rhizome weight when in late October and a rise to 455 kg (29%) when harvested in early November. Harvest time had little effect on the content of the major component of S. miltiorrhiza. For example, salvianolic acid content rose from 9.42 to 9.64% with later harvest times, and tanshinone content was tended to be slightly more increased in mid October which S. miltiorrhiza has 0.22% tanshinon than in early October. Conclusions : According to these results, the optimum harvest time for S. miltiorrhiza is early November when plant or major component yields are hightest. There were no significant harvest time effects on the major beneficial components.

Background : A series of studies were conducted to optimize adventitious root induction in vitro from explants of Astragalus membranaceus using various nutrient media supplemented with plant hormones. Methods and Results : Levels of active components were analyzed from adventitious roots induced under different media conditions. Among the different media conditions, Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid resulted in the greatest adventitious root induction rate. The amount of the major active component of the adventitious roots of Ama1, calycosin-7-O--D-glucopyranoside was higher than that of other adventitious root samples. Conclusions : These results suggest that the adventitious roots of A. membranaceus could be used for the commercial production of medicines.

One objective of this study was to compare the antioxidant activity from various organs of Artemisia species and identify new organs of Artemisia species with antioxidant activity. The various organs of the Artemisia species were analyzed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, which are widely used for evaluating antioxidant activity. A. annua, A. montana, A. stolonifera and A. gmelinii found to have strong antioxidant activity. These findings reinforce the potential of plants as valuable antioxidant sources. A second objective of this study was to compare the artemisinin content from various organs of Artemisia species and identify that a new organ of Artemisia species with high artemisinin content. Artemisinin is one of the most important phytochemicals found in the Artemisia species, and has been used for the treatment of malaria all over the world. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we analyzed the artemisinin content from various organs of the Artemisia species. The roots of A. absinthium and A. rubripes howed high contents of artemisinin. This, roots of A. absinthium and A. rubripes are suggested as alternatives to A. annua as medicinal sources of artemisinin.

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 () from the cutting slips stored in vinyl and vermiculite treatment. Root length was long () in parafilm storage using soil. Maximum plant height was with gauze storage using vermiculite. The number of leaves was maximum () at 90 days from the cutting slips of gauze storage using vermiculite. Highest number of fruit was harvested () 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.

*Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Korea.**College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.ABSTRACT : In this study, the clinical safety and toxicology of oral ingestion of supplement capsules containing ginsengradix was investigated in healthy young volunteers. This study was a pilot randomized, double blinded, placebo controlledtrial. The healthy volunteers were divided into 6 groups of 20 each (10 males and 10 females). They took the ginseng powderfor 35 days (3g/day) for safety evaluation. There were measured general healthy levels such as hematological, biochemical andelectrocardiographic parameters. After the first week, besides Korean white ginseng the other treatments led to an significantincrease of white blood cells. Korean red ginseng increased UREA (blood urea nitrogen) in healthy volunteers, but it didn’texceed the range of normal values, and in the subsequent process of treatment there is no effect of elevating UREA. After thethree weeks, Korean white ginseng showed relatively low the content of blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.After the five weeks, compared with the other treatments, Korean red ginseng increased white blood cells, platelet distributionwidth and average volume of platelet. Korean white ginseng decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. American ginsengdecreased blood creatinine in healthy volunteers. In conclusion, through test the blood routine, urine routine, liver function,renal function, blood glucose, blood lipid and electrocardiogram, the healthy volunteers continuous taking ginsengfor 35 days (3 g/day) is safe and reliable, and have no obvious adverse reactions and side effects.Key Words : Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, Food Safety

This study was conducted to improve the postharvest storage techniques of managing and storing seeds, to test qualities and viabilities of the seeds and to examine the germination rate and the protein expression of Achyranthes japonica Nakai. The seeds collected from different areas of Je-Cheon and Gwang-Ju were stored with different temperatures and durations. Two plant growth regulators and two seed priming were treated to investigate their effect on the germination rates and the days required for germination. The weight of one hundred seed collected in Gwang-Ju was heavier than those in Je-Cheon. Seed length collected in Gwang-Ju was also longer about 5.12 ㎜ than those in Je-Cheon about 4.90 ㎜ and seed width was longer in Gwang-Ju than those in Je-Cheon. The rates of seed germination in two different collection areas were higher about 2.9 to 13.0% in Gwang-Ju compared to those in Je-Cheon. Comparing its rates with the storing tempera- tures and durations, they were not clearly different in between 4℃ and 25℃ and they also were gradually decreased with getting longer storing durations. The germination rates treated by plant growth regulators were higher with GA3 than those with Kinetin. The highest seed germination rate was appeared at 50 ppm of GA3. Comparing its rates with different seed priming, they were relatively higher with KNO3 than those with PEG6000. In protein expression patterns between before the germinating and after the germinating of seeds, more and clear bands were appeared in the seed after the germination com- pared to those before the germination of seeds, especially 10 ~ 20 kDa. These results showing more and clear bands were more clearly appeared in Gwang-Ju compared to Je-Cheon. Comparing the protein expression with plant growth regulators and seed primings, GA3 was better expression than those with Kinetin and KNO3 was better than those with PEG6000. More and clear bands were closely related to the germination rates of seeds and more detailed studies would be required.

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of fertilization on characteristics of growth and accumulation of anthocyanin in fruit of Omija (Schisandra chinensis Baillon). Nitrogen supply mainly affected growth of fruit and the anthocyanin content in Omija respective of vegetative growth steps. The anthocyanin content in fruit was significantly low in high N supply and non-fertilization. The conjunctive supply of nitrogen and compost tea resulted in a higher anthocyanin content of fruit, total nitrogen content of leaf, and nitrate in soil. This result implies that nitrogen supply to Omija plant, affects the accumulation patterns of anthocyanin in different ways, e.g. it delays the quantitative biosynthesis at low nitrogen supply during fruit maturation or enhances anthocyanin degradation during the final maturation steps.

This study was conducted to investigate the quality of seeds, the germination rates and the days required for germination, to examine the patterns of protein expressions during the germination and to improve the techniques of man- aging and storing seeds and viability of the seeds of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. After collecting and harvest- ing seeds, they were classified to white and brown colors of seed coat through testing their seed size, weight, and quality. The germination rates, the days required for germination, and the protein expressions were examined with different colors of seed coats, storing temperatures and durations by treating the different plant growth regulators and primings. One hundred seed weight of white color was heavier about 1.17 g than those of brown one about 0.81 g. The germination rates in white color of seed coat was higher, 3.05 ~ 5.75%, than those in brown one. Its rates were decreased with getting longer in storage durations. There was no big differences on germination rates between storage temperatures. The plant growth regulator of GA3 and Kinetin was affected to improve the seed germination. GA3 increased the seed germination clearly at 25 ppm level, while kinetin increased it gradually from 25 to 100 ppm levels. In germination by seed primings, PEG6000 made higher ger- mination rate with increasing their levels, whereas KNO3 increased the germination until 100 mM level and then decreased it with 200 mM unlike PEG6000. The protein expressed during the seed germination were appeared more and clearer bands in the seed after germination, especially 20 ~ 30 kDa, compared to those in the seed before germination. These results show- ing more and clearer bands were positively related to the germination rates which were different by seed colors, storage tem- peratures and durations, and plant growth regulators and primings.

*Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Korea.**Department of Oriental Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Wonkwang-Oriental Medicines Research Institute,Institute of Biotechnology, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Korea.***BK21 Plus Team, Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Korea.ABSTRACT : Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a substantial contributor to morbidity and mortality.In search of a natural products capable of inhibiting this multidrug resistant bacteria, we have investigated the antimicro-bial activity of brazilein (BRZ) isolated from Caesalpinia sappan L. (Leguminosae) against 8 different strains of Staphylococ-cus aureus (S. aureus). New antimicrobial activity was found using the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), brothdilution as well as checkerboard method. Against the 8 strains, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of BRZ were in therange of 62.5-500㎍/mL. From those results we performed the checkerboard test to determine the synergism of BRZ incombination with Hygromycin-b (HgB) against 4 strains. The combined activity of BRZ and HgB against 4 strains resultedin a fractional inhibitory concentrations index (FICI) ranging from 0.18-0.5. The effect of BRZ with HgB was found to besynergistic. We found that BRZ reduced the MICs of HgB. BRZ and HgB could lead to the development of new combinationantibiotics against MRSA infection. Key Words : Antibacterial Effect, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Brazilein, Hygromycin-b

In general, Reucedani Radix (Peucedanum japonicum Thunbergis: PJ) is the Korean traditional herbal medicine used to remove dampness, to relieve pain, and spasm. So, PJ folium is believed to have the same effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the alleviation of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis in mice by PJ folium. 25 mice were divided into 5 groups: normal, DSS, DSS + 100 ㎎/㎏ PJ folium (PJ100), DSS + 500 ㎎/㎏ PJ folium (PJ500), and DSS + 150 ㎎/㎏ 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) groups. Body weights, colon lengths, histological changes in colon tissue, and spleen weights were observed. Inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α level in plasma were measured by ELISA. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-a mRNA expression in colon tissue were detected by RT-PCR. In the results, body weight lose was inhibited in PJ100, PJ500, and 5-ASA groups, but it was not different compared with DSS group, significantly. PJ500 group showed the preventive effects of colon length shorten and histological changes in colon tissues as good as 5-ASA group. The weight of spleen was increased in DSS group but it reduced in PJ100, PJ500, and 5-ASA groups. Moreover, IL-1β and TNF-α cytokine levels in plasma were reduced in PJ500 and 5-ASA groups. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-a mRNA expression in colon tissue were inhibited in PJ100, PJ500, and 5-ASA groups and it was significantly different compared with DSS group. In conclusion, PJ folium showed the alleviative effect on DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

This study was conducted to obtain the basic data for using the Artemisia anuua as a new economic crop, thus Artemisia anuua was investigated their cultivation characteristics, yield, and variation of artemisinin contents by planting density and harvesting times. Seed characteristics of A. anuua have observed micro-size, and their germination optimum temperature was at 15 to 20 celsius degree. Planting density on the yield of A. anuua was increased high density better than low density. The highest yield was planted in the space of cm. Moreover, optimum harvesting time of A. anuua was investigated in early september and a periods of most highly detected artemisinin was time of before and after blooming of A. anuua.

This study was carried out to have the basic and applied information to develop the cultivation methods and models and to increase the productivity of high-quality ginseng. Plant height was dramatically increased from one year old to four years old, and then it was grown up very slowly. Stem length was shown similar tendency as the plant height did. Its range were from 9.4 ㎝ in one year old to about 42.4 ㎝ in four year-old ginseng. The leaf area was clearly increased until four years old, 10.1 ㎝ 2 in one year old to 204.9 ㎝ 2 in four years old, while it was slightly increased after four years old. Root length was continuously increased from one year old until four years old, and then it was grown up very slowly. Tap root length which was measured was appeared about 8 ㎝ from three years old to six years old, showing not much different among the year-olds. The root diameter was continuously increased from one year old to six year-old ginseng, about 2.9 ㎜ and about 19 ㎜, respectively. The moisture content was higher on the shoot than that on the root. It was slightly decreased as they were getting old. In shoot part, the rate of leaves and stems based on dry weight was about 1 : 1. In the root, the dry weight of tap root was heavier than that of lateral root. The dry weight of shoot was decreased after four years old, while it of the root was continuously increased until six years old, resulting the production of ginseng root. Based on the results of this study, growth characteristics of shoot and root of ginseng were dramatically increased from one year old to four years old and then their growths were appeared different between shoot and root, showing not much growing in shoot and keep growing in root.

This study was carried out to select optimal shade materials among four-layered polyethylene (PE) net (FLPN), aluminium-coated PE sheet (APSS), and blue PE sheet (BPSS) in condition of paddy field cultivated 6-year-old gin- seng. The order of light-penetrated ratio and air temperature by shade materials was BPSS > APSS > FLPN. Light-pene- trated ratio of BPSS before two fold shade was more 3 times and 2 times than that of FLPN and APSS, respectively. Air temperature of BPSS was also higher 1.6 o C and 1.4 o C than that of FLPN and APSS, respectively. BPSS showed good cul- tural environment because all of light-penetrated ratio and air temperature were become higher in spring and fall season but lower in summer season by additional shade with two-layered PE net. Survived-leaf ratio was highest in BPSS and low- est in FLPN causing a little water leak on a rainy day. Rusty-root ratio was also highest in FLPN because soil moisture con- tent was increased by water leak. The order of root yield was BPSS > APSS > FLPN, and the cause of highest yield in BPSS was higher light-penetrated ratio during spring and fall season, higher survived-leaf ratio, and lower rusty-root ratio than that of APSS and FLPN. BPSS showed highest total ginsenoside content because of high light-penetrated ratio, blue light effect, and the difference in dry matter partitioning ratio such as low taproot ratio, and high lateral root ratio.

This study describes the identification of Panax species using mitochondrial consensus primers. Initially, a total of thirty primers were tested in ten Korean ginseng cultivars and two foreign Panax species, P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng. In the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification results, three primers (cox1, nad1/2-3 and nad2/1-2) generated co-dominant polymorphic banding patterns discriminating Korean ginseng cultivars from P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng. However, these primers could not generated polymorphisms among the Korean ginseng cultivars, and simply represented species-specific polymorphisms for P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng. Primers PQ91 and PN418 were designed from the consensus sequence of nad1/2-3 region. Two banding patterns (A or B) were detected in PQ91. Korean ginseng cultivars and P. notoginseng shared the same banding pattern (A type) and P. quinquefolius was identified another banding pattern (B type). In the case of PN418, two banding patterns (A or B) were detected in the Korean ginseng cultivars and two foreign Panax species. Korean ginseng cultivars and P. quinquefolius shared the same banding pattern (A type) and P. notoginseng was identified another banding pattern (B type). The combination banding patterns of three Panax species, Korean ginseng cultivars (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.), P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng, was identified as `AA`, `BA` and `AB`, respectively. Consequently, PQ91 and PN418 primer sets can be used to distinguish among Panax species.

We established that regenerated plants of Panax ginseng were directly transplanted into the soil without the acclimatization process. When regenerated plants were treated at the concentration of 0.4 mg l -1 for 9 hr before transplantation into the soil, our results showed that the survival rate of them was the highest. The optimal size of the root was above 4 cm in length and 0.4 g by weight before transplantation into the soil. The highest survival rate increased to 59.6%. After 4 years of cultivation in the fields, our results sh owed that there were no significant morphological differences between regenerated plants and wild-type ginseng. Also, we obtained healthy seeds from regenerated plants. This study provides the basis for a relatively rapid multiplication of selected genotypes and will allow a much more rapid evaluation of the germplasm of the unexplored and unstudied Korean ginseng. Key words - Acclimatization, Gibberellic acid, Ginseng, Tissue culture * 교신저자(E-mail): choije@cnu.ac.kr

This study was carried out to know the substitute effect of Yacto (leaf mold compost) on popped rice hulls compost (PRHC) in Yang-jik nursery bed of Panax ginseng. PRHC was mixed with Yacto as 50:50 ratio, and 1 ~ 2% of the mixed oil cake, rice bran and urea were also added to promote decaying the mixed compost. The mixed compost made by PRHC and Yacto was showed that positive effect on the growth of ginseng seedling when it was mixed with 1% of oil cake and rice bran, and 2% of mixed oil cake. But addition to the 2% of urea in the mixture of PRHC and Yacto was not positive effect on the growth of ginseng seedling. Root yield of the mixed compost was similar to that of conventional compost by made 100% of Yacto. Therefore, the mixed compost can substitute for Yacto when PRHC and Yacto were mixed by 50:50 ratio and added 1% of oil cake and rice bran.

Powdery mildew symptoms were observed on the upper surface of leaves of Cynanchum auriculatum in Eumseong, Korea in October 2015. Microscopic observations and molecular characteristics determined this fungus as Podosphaera sp., which is reported for the first time on Cynanchum auriculatum.

Adlay seed samples were collected from 3 adlay growing regions (Yeoncheon, Jeonnam and Eumseong regions) in Korea during 2012. Among all the samples collected, 400 seeds were tested for fungal occurrence by standard blotter and test tube agar methods and different taxonomic groups of fungal genera were detected. The most predominant fungal genera encountered were Fusarium, Phoma, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Cochliobolus and Leptosphaerulina. The occurrence of Fusarium species were 45.6% and based on the combined sequences of two protein coding genes, EF-1a, Beta-tubulin and phylogenetic analysis, 10 species were characterized as F. incarnatum (11.67%), F. kyushense (10.33%), F. fujikuroi (8.67%), F. concentricum (6.00%), F. asiaticum (5.67%), F. graminearum (1.67%), F. miscanthi (0.67%), F. polyphialidiom (0.33%), F. armeniacum (0.33%) and F. thapsinum (0.33%). The ability of these isolates to produce mycotoxins fumonisin (FUM) and zeralenone (ZEN) were tested by ELISA quantitative analysis method. The result revealed that fumonisin (FUM) was produced only by F. fujikuroi and zeralenone (ZEN) by F. asiaticum & F. graminearum. Mycotoxigenic species were then examined for their morphological characteristics to confirm their identity. Morphological observations of the species correlated well with their molecular identification and confirmed as F. asiaticum, F. fujikuroi and F. graminearum.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, has become one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease over the last decade in developed countries. NAFLD includes a spectrum of pathological hepatic changes, such as steatosis, steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is polyphenolic compounds with a diarylheptanoid skeleton, curcumin close analogues, which is derived from the Curcumae Longae Rhizoma. While the rich bioavailability research of curcumin, BDMC is the poor studies. We investigated whether BDMC has the hepatoprotective effect and combinatory preventive effect with silymarin on methionine choline deficient (MCD)-diet-induced NAFLD in C57BL/6J mice. C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups of normal (normal diet without any treatment), MCD diet (MCD diet only), MCD + silymarin (SIL) 100 mg/kg group, MCD + BDMC 100 mg/kg group, MCD + SIL 50 mg/kg + BDMC 50 mg/kg group. Body weight, liver weight, liver function tests, histological changes were assessed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were conducted after 4 weeks. Mice lost body weight on the MCD-diet, but BDMC did not lose less than the MCD-diet group. Liver weights decreased from BDMC, but they increased significantly in the MCD-diet groups. All liver function test values decreased from the MCD-diet, whereas those from the BDMC increased significantly. The MCD- diet induced severe hepatic fatty accumulation, but the fatty change was reduced in the BDMC. The BDMC showed an inhibitory effect on liver lipogenesis by reducing associated gene expression caused by the MCD-diet. In all experiments, the combinations of BDMC with SIL had a synergistic effect against MCD-diet models. In conclusion, our findings indicate that BDMC has a potential suppressive effect on NAFLD. Therefore, our data suggest that BDMC may act as a novel and potent therapeutic agent against NAFLD.

Adlay seed samples were collected from 3 adlay growing regions (Yeoncheon, Jeonnam and Eumseong regions) in Korea during 2012. Among all the samples collected, 400 seeds were tested for fungal occurrence by standard blotter and test tube agar methods and different taxonomic groups of fungal genera were detected. The most predominant fungal genera encountered were Fusarium, Phoma, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Cochliobolus and Leptosphaerulina. The occurrence of Fusarium species were 45.6% and based on the combined sequences of two protein coding genes, EF-1a, Beta-tubulin and phylogenetic analysis, 10 species were characterized as F. incarnatum (11.67%), F. kyushense (10.33%), F. fujikuroi (8.67%), F. concentricum (6.00%), F. asiaticum (5.67%), F. graminearum (1.67%), F. miscanthi (0.67%), F. polyphialidiom (0.33%), F. armeniacum (0.33%) and F. thapsinum (0.33%). The ability of these isolates to produce mycotoxins fumonisin (FUM) and zeralenone (ZEN) were tested by ELISA quantitative analysis method. The result revealed that fumonisin (FUM) was produced only by F. fujikuroi and zeralenone (ZEN) by F. asiaticum & F. graminearum. Mycotoxigenic species were then examined for their morphological characteristics to confirm their identity. Morphological observations of the species correlated well with their molecular identification and confirmed as F. asiaticum, F. fujikuroi and F. graminearum.

This study was carried out to research microorganisms having the antifungal activity against ginseng Alternaria blight pathogen Alternaria panax and ginseng anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Eleven Bacillus strains. were isolated from Korean traditional soybean paste and Kimchi. Among the 11 isolates, DJ5, KC1, KC2 and KC4 showing antagonistic activity on the mycelial growth of A. panax and C. gloeosporioides in pairing culture were finally selected as the antagonistic microorganisms. Based on 16s rRNA sequence and phylogenetic tree analysis, they were identified as Bacillus spp.. The selected microorganisms were investigated antagonistic activity by measured leaf-segment colonization in pot test. When Bacillus sp. were injected after A. panax treatment, KC1, KC2 and KC4 showed similar effect to chemical pesticides treated control. To measure preventive effect of Bacillus sp, antagonistic microorganisms were injected and C. gloeosporioides was treated in pot. When measuring the effectiveness for the prevention of Anthracnose, All Bacillus spp. showed approximately 83~90 % degree of superior preventive effect. In general, The four Bacillus spp. isolated from Korean traditional fermented foods showed therapeutic effect of Alternaria blight and preventive effect of Anthracnose.

This study was carried out to identify Korean ginseng cultivars using peptide nucleic acid (PNA) microarray. Sixty-seven probes were designed based on nucleotide variation to distinguish Korean ginseng cultivars of Panax ginseng. Among those PNA probes, three (PGB74, PGB110 and PGB130) have been developed to distinguish five Korean ginseng cultivars. Five Korean ginseng cultivars were denoted as barcode numbers depending on their fluorescent signal patterns of each cultivar using three probe sets in the PNA microarray. Five Korean ginseng cultivars, Chunpoong, Yunpoong, Gopo- ong, Gumpoong and Sunpoong, were simply denoted as '111', '222', '211', '221' and '122', respectively. This is the first report of PNA microarray which provided an objective and reliable method for the authentication of Korean ginseng culti- vars. Also, the PNA microarray will be useful for management system and pure guarantee in ginseng seed.

The age of the ginseng plant has been considered as an important criterion to determine the quality of this species. For age differentiation and structure interpretation of age-dependent key constituents of Panax ginseng, hairy root (fine root) extracts aged from four to six years were analyzed using a nontargeted approach with ultraperformance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOFMS). Various classification methods were used to determine an optimal method to best describe ginseng age by selecting influential metabolites of different ages. Through the metabolite selection process, several age-dependent key constituents having the potential to be biomarkers were determined, and their structures were identified according to tandem mass spectrometry and accurate mass spectrometry by comparing them with an in-house ginsenoside library and with literature data. This proposed method applied to the hairy roots of P. ginseng showed an improved efficiency of age differentiation when compared to previous results on the main roots and increases the possibility of the identification of key metabolites that can be used as biomarker candidates for quality assurance in ginseng.

These studies were conducted to provide basic information on Korean ginseng cultivars and breeding lines (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) and to identify the variations that can be utilized in ginseng breeding programs. The agronomic characteristics was used to clarify the genetic relationships among Korean ginseng cultivars and breeding lines and to classify them into distinct genetic groups. Angle of petiole and number of fibrous root showed a wide variation from and 0~5, respectively. The average plant length was 54.2cm with a range of 37.9~64.8cm and the average stem diameter was 5.6mm with a range of 4.0~7.5mm. The average stem length was 31.9cm with a range of 21.8~37.9cm and the average root weight was 38.1 g with a range of 23.0~52.0 g. The 24 Korean ginseng cultivars and breeding lines were classified into 4 groups based on agronomic characteristics using the complete linkage cluster analysis. The I, II, III and IV groups included the 60.8%, 7.4%, 13.1% and 8.7% of the cultivars and breeding lines, respectively. The breeding lines in group I could be characterized as the group with the highest growth characters and yield components, such as plant length, stem diameter and root weight. The root weight, the yield component, had highly significant positive correlations with stem diameter, plant length and stem length.

The management and control of mineral nutrients is one of most important techniques to increase the productivity and the quality of Korean ginseng. The mineral nutrients are measured with different plant tissues and different growth stages of 2-year-old ginseng grown under hydroponic culture with two different temperatures. The content of N, P, Ca, and Mg were higher at low temperature in both leaves and roots than those at high temperature. However, the content of K was high in leaves at low temperature compared to that of high temperature, while it was not significantly different in roots. The uptake amounts of N and K was higher throughout the experimental period at low temperature in both leaves and roots than those at high temperature. However, the uptake amount of P was not clearly different between two different temperatures and among six different growth stages. The uptake amount of N, P, K was generally decreased in leaves from June to August, while it was increased in roots. The relationship between dry weight and mineral nutrients in leaves was appeared positive with N, K, Ca, and Mg, but negative P. In roots, N, K, Ca, and Mg were negative, showing that was positive with only P. Comparing the correlation coefficients among mineral nutrients in leaves, N and K were significantly positive correlation each other. P was significantly positive correlation with Na and Zn. In case of roots, N was highly significant positive correlation with K, Mg, and Mn, but P was negatively correlated with Ca, Cu, Na, Fe, and Zn.

Ginseng Research Division, Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Korea.ABSTRACT : An important factor in the production of organic ginseng is the control of Alternaria blight and anthracnose,which mostly affect the leaves in the summer. We compared the effects of a lime-bordeaux mixture (LBM) and agriculturalchemicals on the growth characteristics and ginsenoside content in 4-year-old ginseng plants when they were sprayed at 15-day intervals from mid-June to the end of September. The increases in leaf length, and survive-leaf ratio in plants sprayedwith LBM were greater than the increases of the control plants, but less than those of agricultural chemicals treatment. Theroot weight per plant in the plants sprayed with LBM increased more distinctly than that in the control plants, while it wassignificantly lower than that in plants sprayed with agricultural chemicals. The root yield in plants sprayed with LBMincreased by 21% compared to the root yield in the control plants, but decreased by 7% compared to that in plants sprayedwith agricultural chemicals because of the decreases in leaf area and survive-leaf ratio. Spraying of LBM had a significanteffect on the ginsenoside contents. The total ginsenoside content was highest in the control plants and lowest in the plantssprayed with agricultural chemicals and total ginsenoside contents was great relative to survive-leaf ratio and root weight.Key Words : Panax ginseng, Lime-Bordeaux, Growth Characteristics, Root Yield, Ginsenoside Contents

In order to develop a novel system for the discrimination of five ginseng cultivars (Panax ginseng Meyer), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays with real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted. Nucleotide substitution in gDNA library clones of P. ginseng cv. Yunpoong was targeted for the SNP genotyping assay. From these SNP sites, a set of modified SNP specific fluorescence probes (PGP74, PGP110, and PGP130) and novel primer sets have been developed to distinguish among five ginseng cultivars. The combination of the SNP type of the five cultivars, Chungpoong, Yunpoong, Gopoong, Kumpoong, and Sunpoong, was identified as 'ATA', 'GCC', 'GTA', 'GCA', and 'ACC', respectively. This study represents the first report of the identification of ginseng cultivars by fluorescence probes. An SNP genotyping assay using fluorescence probes could prove useful for the identification of ginseng cultivars and ginseng seed management systems and guarantee the purity of ginseng seed.

The aim of this work was to investigate the immunomodulatory activities of Rubus coreanus Miquel extract-loaded gelatin nanoparticles. The mean size of the produced nanoparticles was 143 ± 18 nm with a bandwidth of 76 nm in the size distribution and a maximum size of ~200 nm, which allows effective nanoparticle uptake by cells. Confocal imaging confirmed this, since the nanoparticles were internalized within 30 min and heterogeneously distributed throughout the cell. Zeta-potential measurements showed that from pH = 5 onwards, the nanoparticles were highly negatively charged, which prevents agglomeration to clusters by electrostatic repulsion. This was confirmed by TEM imaging, which showed a well dispersed colloidal solution. The encapsulation efficiency was nearly 60%, which is higher than for other components encapsulated in gelatin nanoparticles. Measurements of immune modulation in immune cells showed a significant effect by the crude extract, which was only topped by the nanoparticles containing the extract. Proliferation of B-, T- and NK cells was notably enhanced by Rubus coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles and in general ~2–3 times higher than control and on average ~2 times higher than ferulic acid. R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles induced cytokine secretion (IL-6 and TNF-α) from B- and T-cells on average at a ~2–3 times higher rate compared with the extract and ferulic acid. In vivo immunomodulatory activity in mice fed with R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles at 1 mL/g body weight showed a ~5 times higher antibody production compared to control, a ~1.3 times higher production compared to the extract only, and a ~1.6 times higher production compared to ferulic acid. Overall, our results suggest that gelatin nanoparticles represent an excellent transport vehicle for Rubus coreanus extract and extracts from other plants generally used in traditional Asian medicine. Such nanoparticles ensure a high local concentration that results in enhancement of immune cell activities, including proliferation, cytokine secretion, and antibody production.

In this study, simple sequence repeat (SSR) analyses were utilized for evaluation of genetic diversity and dis- crimination of 17 accessions. Five cultivars, which were developed from Korea, and 12 foreign accessions, which were col- lected from China, Japan, Russia and USA, were evaluated by nine markers out of 22 SSR markers. A total of 39 alleles were detected, ranging from 2 to 8, with an average of 4.3 alleles per locus. The expected heterozygosity and PIC values were 0.627 and 0.553, with a range from 0.21 (GB-PG-078) to 0.76 (GB-PG-142) and from 0.19 (GB-PG-078) to 0.70 (GB-PG- 142), respectively. Four makers out of nine SSR markers, GB-PG-026, GB-PG-043, GB-PG-142 and GB-PG-177, were selected as key factors for discrimination of Korean ginseng cultivars and foreign accessions. All of Korean ginseng cultivars and foreign accessions were individually by the combination of four SSR markers. Consequently, the SSR markers devel- oped in this study may prove useful for the evaluation of genetic diversity and discrimination of Korean ginseng cultivars and foreign accessions.

An ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Tof MS)-based metabolomic technique was applied for metabolite profiling of 60 Panax ginseng samples aged from 1 to 6 years. Multivariate statistical methods such as principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were used to compare the derived patterns among the samples. The data set was subsequently applied to various metabolite selection methods for sophisticated classification with the optimal number of metabolites. The results showed variations in accuracy among the classification methods for the samples of different ages, especially for those aged 4, 5, and 6 years. This proposed analytical method coupled with multivariate analysis is fast, accurate, and reliable for discriminating the cultivation ages of P. ginseng samples and is a potential tool to standardize quality control in the P. ginseng industry.