• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.86-91
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• 2009

In our ongoing search for biological components from the Korea endemic plants, the MeOH extract of Ailanthus altissima leaves (Simaroubaceae) showed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) dual inhibitory activity by assessing their effects on the production of prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$) and leukotriene $C_4$ ($LTC_4$) in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). In further study, eight compounds, squalene (1), ${\beta}$-sitosterol (2), scopoletin (3), quercetin (4), luteolin (5), astragalin (6), scopolin (7), and daucosterol (8) were isolated, the chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical and spectroscopic data and by comparison with those of published literatures. Among the compounds, 2, 4, and 5 strongly inhibited both the COX-2-dependent PGD2 generation with $IC_{50}$ values of 2.6, 7.3 and 2.5 ${\mu}M$, respectively and the generation of $LTC_4$ in the 5-LOX dependent phase with $IC_{50}$ values of 2.0, 5.1 and 1.8 ${\mu}M$, respectively, which suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of A. altissima might occur in part via the inhibition of both $PGD_2$ and $LTC_4$ generation by 2, 4 and 5.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.220-256
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• 2022

The most important thing for conserving plant diversity in an area is to make an overall inventory of the plant species inhabiting the area. In particular, limestone areas are known for their high plant diversity and distribution of specific plants. Despite that, only a few have been designated as protected areas. This study investigated the vascular plants distributed in Goyangsan Mtn. and Munraesan Mtn., located in limestone areas of the central part of the Korean Peninsula. A field survey was conducted eight times from April to October 2021. As a result, we identified a total of 654 taxa comprising 113 families, 357 genera, 592 species, 15 subspecies, 44 varieties, and 3 formulas. They included four endangered wild plant species: Astilboides tabularis, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Cypripedium macranthos, and Epilobium hirsutum. Endemic plants in Korea were identified as 32 taxa. Floristic target plants were identified as 168 taxa, specifically 5 taxa of grade V, 41 taxa of grade IV, and 36 taxa of grade III. The red data plants included 2 taxa as "Endangered (EN)", 7 taxa as "Vulnerable (VU)", and 7 taxa as "Near threatened (NT)". A total of 41 taxa of naturalized plants were identified, and 4 of them were invasive alien plants. The surveyed vicinity of Goyangsan Mtn. and Munraesan Mtn. showed high plant diversity and contained core habitats for distribution of an endangered wild plant, Astilboides tabularis,in the limestone area. Moreover, both mountains contained a small population of Cotoneaster integerrimus. These findings confirm that the area has conservation values. Therefore, we propose to identify areas with high plant diversity and designate them as special protected areas.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.49-70
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• 2009

Floral study on the vegetation of 8 mountains including Taehwa-san, Mugab-san, Haehyeob-san, Guksa-bong, Gwanggyo-san, Samseong-san, Suri-san, and 200m peak neighboring to Mulwang lake was carried out from April to October, 2007. They belong to the middle part of Gyeonggi Province, and located between Lat. $37^{\circ}$13' 31.19" ${\sim}37^{\circ}$33' 3.48", Long. $26^{\circ}$43' 04.1" ${\sim}127^{\circ}$26' 28.38". Vascular plants collected in these areas were total 447 taxa composed of 386 species, 5 subspecies, 46 varieties and 10 forms of 262 genera under 92 families. The area from which the most plentiful plants were found was Mt. Gwanggyo-san. The areas with comparatively excellent vegetation are easy slopes nearby valleys in Mt. Gwanggyo-san, Mt. Suri-san and Mt. Haehyeob-san. Forests of the examined areas are generally mixed of Pinus densiflora and Quercus plants, but herbaceous plants covering soil are becoming nearly extinct by air and soil pollutions except some sites. Families with abundant species are Compositae, Rosaceae, Liliaceae and Graminae, etc. Endemic plants found in these areas are 8 taxa of Clematis brachyura, Euonymus trapococcus, Viola seoulensis, Ajuga spectabilis, Scutellaria insignis, Weigela subsessilis, Aster koraiensis, Aconitum chiisanense and rare and endangered plants are 7 taxa of Arisaema heterophyllum, Iris odaesanensis, Eranthis stellata., Aconitum chiisanense, Prunus yedoensis (cultivar), Viola albida, and Syringa wolfi. As to useful plants, 192 taxa for the edible, 132 taxa for the medicinal, 130 taxa for the ornamental and 11 taxa for the staining were classified respectively. Among 17 taxa of specially designated plants, 5th degree plants are 2 taxa of Iris odaesanensis and Prunus yedoensis (cultivar), 4th degree plants are 2 taxa of Symplocarpus renifolius and Syringa wolfi, 3rd degree plants are 13 taxa of Dryopteris gymnophylla, Juniperus chinensis, Betula chinensis, Betula davurica, Diarrhena fauriei, Aconitum longecassidatum, Eranthis stellata, Spiraea salicifolia, Acer palmatum, Vaccinium koreanum, Scutellaria insignis, Weigela florida and Adoxa moschatellina.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.138-152
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• 2020

We investigated the Riparian floras in Hwangjicheon stream from April 2017 to October 2019. 223 taxa (i.e. 203 species, 2 subspecies,18 varieties from 158 genera of 65 families) of the vasclur plants were found in Hwangjicheon stream. Among 223 taxa, we found 4 endemic species, and However, rare and endangered plants were not found in Hwangjicheon stream. The number of floristic regional indicator plants was 22 (i.e. 3 species of IV degree, 4 taxa of III degree, 7 taxa of II degree, and 8 taxa of I degree). In addition, 28 naturalized plants were identified, and the percentage of Naturalized Index (NI) and Urbanization Index (UI) were 12.5%, and 8.7%, respectively. Vascular plant usability and reclassification result is Edible 166 species (74.4%), Medicinal 187 species (83.8%), Flavor 9 species (4.0%), Industrial 99 species (44.3%), Ornamental 106 species (47.5%), Restoration 84 species (37.6%), Compost 112 species (50.2%), Unknown 5 species (2.2%). We hope that our results provide reference data to set up strategy of conservation of biodiversity in the Hwangjicheon stream and Taebaek-si areas.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.13-27
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• 2013

This study investigated flora and vascular plants area around Buyongdae where include optimum view point Okyeonjeongsa and Gyeomamjeongsa in Hahoe Village, Andong. Based on the findings, the aim of results was attempted to suggest the management plan of the vegetation area around Buyongdae which designated UNESCO World cultural heritage and folk village in Korea. The results of the study is as the following. All flora of this site, Buyongdae in Andong, were 301 taxa; 89 families, 217 genera, 251 species, 1 subspecies, 38 varieties and 11 forms. Vegetation of each of areas in site was classified Pinus densiflora as representative forest around Buyongdae, Quercus variabilis forest around Gyeomamjjeongsa and Koelreuteria paniculata forest in river cliff of Buyongdae. The 14 taxa(Polygala tenuifolia, Koelreuteria paniculata, and others) as the rare plants and the 7 taxa(Weigela subsessilis, and others) as endemic species were recorded in the surveyed site among the whole flora. The specific plants which is categorized to degree by the Ministry of Environment appeared as 32 taxa; degree IV was 4 species; Polygala tenuifolia, etc. and degree III was 10 species; Hypodematium glandulosopilosum, Pyrrosia petiolosa, etc. and degree I was 13 species; Hemiptelea davidii, Zizyphus jujuba var. jujuba, etc. Also, the 11 taxa were recorded in limestone area as the chamaephyte; Hypodematium glandulosopilosum, Celtis koraiensis, Siphonostegia chinensis, Artemisia gmelini, and others. The naturalized plants recorded as 25 taxa; Viola arvensis, Erechtites hieracifolia, etc. and invasion of Sicyos angulatus which is ecosystem disturbing plants. The naturalization rate(NR) was 8.3% and the urbanization index(UI) was 7.8% by field survey. For recovery of indigenous to traditional vegetation landscape in Buyongdae, Pinus rigida of upper-growth and Alnus sibirica of middle-growth need thinning. In addition, the site demands both sustainable management through long-term monitering and gradual elimination method for the naturalized plants including Sicyos angulatus where found in Kyumamjeongsa. Particularly, intentional planting for decoration and cultivation around Hwachunseowon, Helianthus tuberosus must be substitute with the native plants. Meanwhile, Polygala tenuifolia is potently demanded preventing habitate, confirming additional habitate, seed securing and preservation of gene resource internally or externally. Koelreuteria paniculata; denoting feature of river cliff, including Hypodematium glandulosopilosum, Siphonostegia chinensis, Zizyphus jujuba var. jujuba, Pyrrosia petiolosa, and Celtis koraiensis, also need an assertive preservation. Futhermore, Wisteria floribunda for. floribunda, located around Galmo rock to Chunggil course, remained by colonizing form, need preservation and observation for a while. Beside that, the information boards are required to educate visiting user about safe regulations on the narrow way in rock hill.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.365-375
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• 2017

This study investigated in the vascular plants of special protection zones (the native land of Iris koreana in Gaeamsa Temple and Soeppulbawi Rock) of Byeonsanbando National Park and identified the whole flora. The numbers of vascular plants were summarized as 255 taxa including 71 families, 166 genera, 222 species, 2 subspecies, 27 varieties and 4 forms. Woody plants were identified as 114 taxa (44.7%) and herbaceous plants as 141 taxa (55.3%). A total of 178 taxa were identified in the area of Gaeamsa Temple, and 184 taxa were found in the Soeppulbawi Rock. As a legal protected species, the endangered wild plant II grade Iris koreana designated by the Ministry of Environment was confirmed. A total of 6 taxa of rare plants were identified, each of which was divided into 1 taxa of critically endangered (CR; Iris koreana), 1 taxa of vulnerable (VU; Ilex cornuta), and 4 taxa of least concern (LC; Asarum maculatum, Viola albida, Chionanthus retusa and Tricyrtis macropoda). The Korean endemic plants were 11 taxa (Populus tomentiglandulosa, Lonicera subsessilis, Carex okamotoi, etc.). In the specific plants by floristic region were 38 taxa, a degree I were 23 taxa (Euscaphis japonica, Hedera rhombea, Lophatherum gracile, etc.), 7 taxa of a degree II (Viola violacea, Ainsliaea apiculata, Cephalanthera falcata, etc.), 6 taxa of a degree III (Ilex cornuta, Callicarpa mollis, Mitchella undulata, etc.), 1 taxa of a degree IV (Carex remotiuscula), 1 taxa of a degree V (Iris koreana). The Iris koreana special protection area that is more natural and healthier than any other areas in Byeonsanbando National Park. Therefore, it should be possible to continue its role as a special protection area through regular monitoring in the future.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.85-116
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• 2005

Gyeryongsan(845m) is located at $36^{\circ}\;18'\;02'\;-36^{\circ}\;23'\;38'$ in latitude, at $127^{\circ}\;11'\;60'-127^{\circ}\;17'\;86'$ in longitude and on Nonsan City and Gongju City in Chungnam Province. Gyeryongsan shows the typical vegetation patterns including the middle area of temperate region represented by the secondary forests of Quercus mongotica and Q. serrata. And we tried to discuss on the distribution and availability of vascular plants including economical plants. The results of plant collection and their investigation from April in 1998 to October in 2002 are as follows : The vascular plants consist of total 684 taxa; 3 hybrids, 12 forms, 84 varieties, 1 subspecies, 584 species, 357 genera, 100 families, 34 orders, 4 classes, 3 subphyla. In this area useful resources plants were 277 taxa$(40.5\%)$ forage source, 261 taxa$(38.2\%)$ edible source, 204 taxa$(29.8\%)$ medicinal source, 80 taxa$(11.7\%)$ ornamental source, 20 taxa$(2.9\%)$ timber source, 3 taxa$(0.4\%)$ industrial raw material source respectively. Also, the Korean endemic plants are 29 taxa($4.2\%$ among total 684 taxa); 5 varieties, 24 species, 27 genera, 20 families. And rare and endangered plants are 2 taxa; Paeonia obovate, Gastrodia elata. Also, the naturalized plants are 31 taxa($4.5\%$ among total 684 taxa and $13.7\%$ among the total naturalized plants in Korea).

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.35-61
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• 2024

Floristic study can help to understand the current status of species diversity, evaluate and predict distribution changes of plants based on the specimens, and record the climate environment and biodiversity of the Korean Peninsula. Boraebong is an area that has plant resources of conservation value, but there is concern about artificial interference through trail and forest road. Therefore, this study aims to report the vascular plants of Boraebong based on voucher specimens and photos and to use them as baseline data to conserve biodiversity of Boraebong. Also, it will be useful to prevent additional influx of invasive species through comparison with previous studies. The investigation was carried out 11 times from April to September in 2022 and confirmed a total of 455 taxa including 87 families, 269 genera, 401 species, 13 subspecies, 35 varieties, 6 forms. In addition, we confirmed the 4 taxa of red list plants (EN 2 taxa, NT 2 taxa), 18 taxa of Korean endemic plants, and 102 taxa of floristic target species (V degree 1 taxon, IV degree 16 taxa, III degree 31 taxa, II degree 31 taxa, I degree 23 taxa). Furthermore, alien plants 17 taxa, invasive species 2 taxa, useful plants 439 taxa were confirmed in Boraebong. As the results of comparison with previous studies, 98 total taxa including 38 families, 76 genera, 86 species, 1 subspecies, 8 varieties, 3 forms were newly identified in this study.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.106 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2017

The best source of information on the conservation status of species at a global scale is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Until now, 236 vascular plants from Korean peninsula have been evaluated using the IUCN red list categories and criteria. It indicated that five taxa were considered as critically endangered, 20 as endangered and nine as vulnerable species as a threatened status. On the other hand, the rest (189 taxa) were assessed as a least concern, which did not qualify for threatened species categories. Korea Ministry of Environment published a revised version of 57 species list by re-classifying endangered species with idiosyncratic qualitative criteria for two levels (I and II) followed by status reviews in 2011. However, two thirds species proposed by Ministry of Environment do not qualify as threatened. The major difficulties found in applying IUCN Red List criteria at the global scale was a lack of knowledge on the status of species at broader geographic scales and the perceived difficulty the causes. The lack of consistency between two lists constrains the prioritization of species-based conservation work at the national level. Due to a lack of centralized monitoring data for most species, this status is largely qualitatively and so it carries a high level of uncertainty. This is reflected in the high number of species with an unknown population trend. The current list of endangered species of flora and fauna by the Ministry of Environment should be recognized as the national list (local and population extinction), which is different from the IUCN Red list due to the different geographical contexts. Also, it is necessary to improve the quality of evaluation and conservation management system rather than presenting massive number of endangered species list.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.11-38
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• 2012

Located in the middle part of the Korean peninsula, Pyeong-chang and Yeong-wol (Gangwon-do) areas are limestone regions that are important biogeographically showing the peculiar flora. In order to manage efficiently endangered and rare plant species, we have investigated flora of these above regions from March to October, 2010. The result of the investigation showed a total of vascular plants of 1,145 taxa; 134 families, 503 genera, and 1,010 species, 11 subspecies, 110 varieties, 10 forms and four hybrids. Among taxa investigated, endangered species designated by the law called 'Protection Law for Endangered wild fauna and flora' were seven taxa, and 50 taxa were considered to be endemic to Korea. Based on the floristic degrees categorized by the specific distribution of plant species, 24 taxa revealed the floristic degree (FD) V, 30 for FD IV, and 60 for FD III, 45 for FD II and 79 taxa for FD I. The 82 taxa were identified to be naturalized. Of those species investigated in this survey, 53 taxa were identified as specific ones biogeographically as compared to flora of other terrestrial regions; 35 of calcicolous plants, 15 with distribution in the northern part of the Korean peninsula, three with coastal habitats.