The residual sulfur dioxide in the five herbal medicines dried with burning bituminous coal for 9 hours showed from 339 (Glycyrrhizae Radix) to 1,138 mg/kg (Zingiberis Rhizoma) measured right after drying. The residual sulfur dioxide, from 70.1 to 95.5%, was remained in the above five matrices even after 30 days passed. The marker components concentration in above five herbal medicines like glycyrrhizic acid, betaine et al., were almost same after drying in oven and with burning bituminous coal.

Chinese crude drug 'Kang Whal' has been used mainly as a headache in common cold, rheumatic arthralgia and aching of the back and shoulder. To clarify the botanical origin of Kang Whal from Korea, the anatomical characteristics of Ostericum koreanum Maxim. and Notopterygium incisium Ting ex H.T.Chang were studied. As a result, it was clarified that Kang Whal from Korea was the underground part of Ostericum koreanum.

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and amyloid beta(1-42) peptide is good drug targets for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. Among the twenty enthusiasm reducing herbals, the 70% methanol extracts (1 mg/ml) of Moutan Radicis Cortex and Forsythiae Fructus showed 91.5% and 85.3% about acethylcholinesterase inhibition, respectively. The extracts (1 mg/ml) of Coptidis Rhizoma and Paeoniae Radix Rubra showed more than 85% inhibition rate against amyloid beta (1-42) peptide aggregation. The neuroprotective effect of the extracts (1 mg/ml) of Moutan Radicis Cortex, Forsythiae Fructus and Paeoniae Radix Rubra showed 90.0%, 87.4% and 85.1% to compare with amyloid beta (1-42) peptide treated cells (IMR-32), respectively. Three herbs, Moutan Radicis Cortex, Forsythiae Fructus and Paeoniae Radix Rubra are promising candidates from natural products for development of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.

The screening of anti-cancer activity for the MeOH extracts of 163 natural sources, which were registered as edible plants by Korea Food & Drug Administration, exhibited 9 extracts to have significant inhibitory effects on farnesyl-protein transferase (FPTase) and phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3). In order to confirm the inhibitory activity of these active extracts, the activity assay was repeated for some fractions obtained from the active extracts using Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography (MPLC). Some fractions of Carya illinoensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Panicum miliaceum, Perilla frutescens, Rosmarinus officinalis showed over 50% inhibitory activity on FPTase as well as those of Capsella bursa-pastoris, C. illinoensis, C. vulgaris, Coix lacrymajobi, Myristica fragrans, P. miliaceum, R. officinalis did over 50% inhibitory activity on PRL-3.

For the propose of the quality control of Torilis Fructus, one major compound was isolated by several column chromatograpies and identified by its spectral data as torilin (8,11-dihydroxy-8-angeloyl-11-acetyl-4-guaien-3-one). A quantitative analysis of torilin using HPLC method showed that the average contents at 230 and 254 nm were $7.167{\pm}0.168mg/g\;and\;7.052{\pm}0.160mg/g$, respectively, in 18 samples collected throughout the regions of Korea and China. This method provided a tool for standardization of the commercial Torilis Fructus.

The chemical composition of the volatile constituents from the leaves, stems, and roots of Acanthopanax senticosus growing wild in Mt. Deok-Yu was determined by GC and GC/MS spectrometric analysis with the aid of NBS, Wiley Library and RI indice searches. The major constituents identified were ${\delta}-elemene\;(23.14%),\;{\beta}-elemene\;(5.59%),\;{\gamma}-cadinene\;(5.43%),\;and\;{\alpha}-bergamotene\;(28.54%)$ in the leaves, ${\alpha}-pinene\;(11.50%),\;{\delta}-elemene\;(17.62%),\;{\alpha}-bergamotene\;(27.21%)$, and bicycloheptane derivative (6.38%) in the stems, and ${\alpha}-pinene\;(21.90%)$, and (+)-aromadendrene (3.77%) in the roots.

Roots of Rumex crispus (Rc) (Polygonaceae) has been used as therapeutic agents of acute and chronic cutaneous diseases, cathartics, fever and jaundice in folk medicines. Recently, Seeds of Rc has known as a digestive, an anticancer agent and a remedy of acute hepatitis, among many traditional folk medicines. So far it isn't reported about pharmacological effects of Rumecis Semen. The present study describes the preliminary evaluations of biological activities, anti-inflammatory activity (AA, Carrageenan) analgesic activity (writhing test), and hepatoprotective activities ($CCl_4$), of its methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and butanol fraction. Among them butanol fraction showed the highest activity in analgesic acivity.

This study were designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of $genistein-4'-O-{\alpha}-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$ (GRG) isolated from Sophora japonica (Leguminosae) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin ($PGE_2$) production by RAW 264.7 cell line. GRG significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production. Consistent with these observations, GRG reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the protein and mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the release and the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$ and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also reduced by GRG. Moreover, GRG attenuated the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), a transcription factor necessary for pro-inflammatory mediators, iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 expression. These results suggest that the down regulation of iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-6 expression by GRG are achieved by the downregulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity, and that is also responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Skin wrinkle formations are associated with collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase-I(MMP-1) activity. This study was carried out to find out skin wrinkle reducing components in Torilis Fructus. Torilis Fructus were extracted with 70% ethanol and the ethanol extracts were systematically fractionated with n-hexane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and distilled water. Among them, antiwrinkle component from n-hexane fraction was purified by several column chromatographies and HPLC, which identified as torilin by $^1H-NMR,\;^{13}C-NMR$ and ESI-MS. To determine cell viability, collagen biosynthesis and MMP-1 activity, human dermal fibroblast was treated with 1-5 ppm concentrations of Torilis Fructus extract fraction and torilin. Cell viability was showed 84-102% at all group treated with 1-5 ppm. Collagen synthesis was increased in all group, especially torilin-treated group was highest amount. Active forms of MMP-1 were decreased in all group. From these results, we consider that Torilis Fructus have several antiwrinkle components and torilin may be one of the effective components.

Three compounds (1-3) were isolated from the roots of Potentilla discolor (Rosaceae). The structure of compounds 1-3 were elucidated as stigmast-5-en-3-ol $({\beta}-sitosterol,\;1),\;2,19{\alpha}-dihydroxy$-2-oxo-urs-1,12-dien-28-oic acid (fupenjic acid, 2), 3-O-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranosylstigmast-5-en-3-ol (${\beta}-sitosterol\;{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside, 3) based on physical and spectroscopic data. $^{13}C-NMR$ assignments were completed by 2D-NMR technique. The three compounds were firstly isolated from Potentilla discolor.

From the EtOAc fraction of the MeOH extract of Ulmus davidiana, (-)-catechin (1), (-)-catechin-7-O-${\beta}$-D-apiofuranoside (2), and (-)-catechin-7-O-${\beta}$-D-xylopyranoside (3) were isolated and characterized on the basis of $^1H-and\;^{13}C-NMR$, and FABMS spectral data. Compounds 1-3 showed more strong reducing power activities than ${\alpha}-tocopherol$, a positive control.

Schizandrae Fruits has been used as a traditional Oriental medicine for treatment of many stress-induced diseases. In the present study, we investigated inhibitory activity of enzymatic hydrolysate of Schizandrae fructus (SC-EX) in growth of tested intestinal microorganism and activity of bowel inflammation related enzyme. SC-EX was added to the proteose peptone-yeast extract-fildes (PYF) media to investigation the effect on the growth of type culture of intestinal microorganism. The growth of lactic acid bacteria such as Bifidobacterium species and Lactobacillus species was accelerated by more than 3% concentration of SC-EX. But, growth of harmfulness bacteria such as E.coli, Clostridium sp. Staphylococcus sp. Streptococcus sp. was inhibited by more than 3% concentration of SC-EX. Also, SC-EX was exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory activity of the bowel inflammation related enzymes. The SC-EX was showed 76% and 92% inhibitory activity of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooygenase at 5% additional concentration respectively. Our results indicated that SC-EX may possess improvement effect on the intestinal flora and Anti-inflammatory effect on the bowel.

Reactive oxygen species(ROS) or free radicals are produced in the pathogenesis of human diseases including atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, and aging. Antioxidants are associated with the prevention of ROS-induced tissue and cellular damage in the various diseases. This study investigated the antioxidative activities of the methanol extract of Alisma plantagoaquatica var. orientale and its main component under conditions of radical generation using allophycocyanin and ferric-thiocyanate assay. Alisol B 23-acetate as a main component was isolated from the methanol extract of Alisma plantago-aquatica var. orientale. In results, the extract of Alisma plantago-aquatica var. orientale showed inhibitory activity on AAPH [2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride]-induced protein oxidation. Also, the extract of Alisma plantago-aquatica var. orientale and alisol B 23-acetate inhibited lipid peroxidation. These results indicate that Alisma plantago-aquatica var. orientale and alisol B 23-acetate show promise as therapeutic agents for various damages involving free radical reactions.

Seven compounds were isolated from the MeOH extract of the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. and their structures were identified as ${\beta}-sitosterol$ (1), (24R)-6${\beta}$-hydroxy-24-ethyl-cholest-4-en-3-one (2), acteoside (3), geniposidic acid (4), 1-octen-3-ol 3-O-${\beta}$-D-xylopyranosyl$(1{\rightarrow}6)-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$ (5), plantainoside D (6) and plantamajoside (7) on the spectroscopic analysis. Among them, $(24R)-6{\beta}$-hydroxy-24-ethyl-cholest-4-en-3-one (2) and 1-octen-3-ol 3-O-${\beta}$-D-xylopyranosyl ($1{\rightarrow}6)-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$ (5) were first isolated from this plant. Among them, geniposidic acid (4) showed the most potent inhibitory effect on melanogenesis, with inhibition rate of 41%.

Cinnamomi Cortex (Lauraceae), the dried bark of Cinnamomum cassia BLUME, has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for its stomachic, astringent, carminative, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal properties. Four compounds were isolated from the MeOH extract of Cinnamomi Cortex, and their structures were identified as trans-cinnamic acid (1), ${\beta}-sitosterol$ (2), bis(2-methylheptyl)phthalate (3), coumarin (4) by comparison of their physical and spectral data with those reported in the literature. These compounds were tested melanogenesis inhibitory effect on B-16 mouse melanoma cell lines. Among them, trans-cinnamic acid (1) showed the most potent inhibitory effect on melanogenesis with $IC_{50}$ value of $13{\mu}g/ml$. Arbutin, positive control, exhibited an $IC_{50}$ value of $29{\mu}g/ml$.

By screening inhibitory activities on the melanin polymer biosynthesis in B-16 mouse melanoma cell lines, MeOH extract of Phellodendri Cortex was found to have inhibitory effect on melanin polymer biosynthesis. Twelve compounds were isolated from the MeOH extract of P. Cortex. They were identified as obacunone (1), limonin (2), ${\beta}-sitosterol$ (3), bis(2-methylheptyl) phthalate (4), cycloeucalenol (5), berberine (6), palmatine (7), jatrorrhizine (8), syringin (9), umbelliferone (10), rutaecarpine (11) and scopoletin (12) by comparison of their physical and spectral data with those of authentic samples. Among the isolated compounds, berberine (6) and palmatine (7) showed potent inhibitory effect on the melanin polymer biosynthesis in cultured B-16 mouse melanoma cell lines, with Inhibition rate of 96% and 90%, respectively. As a positive control, arbutin exhibited an inhibition rate of 56%.

Eight compounds were isolated from the roots of Asarum sieboldii and their structures were identified as $({\pm})$-car-3-ene-2,5-dione (1), (-)-asarinin (2), (-)-sesamin (3), eucarvone (4), methyleugenol (5), ${\gamma}-asarone$ (6), pellitorine (7) and asarinol A (8) by analysis of spectral data. Among them, (-)-asarinin (2) showed the most potent inhibitory effect on melanogenesis, with inhibition rate of 66%.

Tacrine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that is approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. However, tacrine treatment for Alzheimer's disease results in reversible hepatotoxicity in 30-50% of patients, which seriously limits its clinical use. Accordingly, the identification of constituents in natural products that have protective effects on tacrine-induced hepatotoxicity would be valuable. In the present study, an immortalized human hepatoma cell line, HepG2 was employed to screen for agents that protect against tacrine-induced hepatotoxicity. The bioassay-guided fractionation of water extract of Cassiae Semen furnished two anthraquinones, aurantio-obtusin (1) and obtusifolin (2). Compounds 1 and 2 showed hepatoprotective effects with the protection ratio values of 55.3 +/- 0.5% and 41.2 +/- 0.8% at $160{\mu}M$, respectively.

xBrassicoraphanus is an intergenic breed crossed between Brassica campetris L. ssp. pekinensis and Raphanus sativus L. that have been daily consumed. xBrassicoraphanus was known to have good tastes and biological activities. Nevertheless, its constituetnts were not elucidated yet. Thus, in the present study, to indirectly evaluate the biological activity of xBrassicoraphanus, 12 compounds were isolated from leaves and roots of xBrassicoraphanus. On the basis of spectroscopic evidences, the structures of these compounds isolated from leaves of xBrassicoraphanus. were identified as ${\beta}-sitosterol$, indole-3-acetonitrile, ferulic acid, methyl ferulate, linolenic acid methyl ester, linolenic acid and coniferyl alcohol, while the chemical structures of compounds isolated from the roots of were xBrassicoraphanus were characterized as ${\beta}-sitosterol$, indole-3-acetonitrile, ferulic acid, methyl ferulate, linolenic acid methyl ester, 1-methoxyindole-3-acetonitrile, goitrin, 4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, palmitic acid and daucosterol. These can be classified as three steroids, two indole cyanides, two cinnamic acid derivatives, one cinnamyl alcohol derivative, three fatty acid derivatives one isothiocyanate. These results suggest that the compounds isolated from xBrassicoraphanus were almost identical with known components of Brassica campetris L. ssp pekinensis or Raphanus sativus L. However, it is necessary to investigate more about the difference of amounts of constituents according to harvest time and variant species amounts.