• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.11-18
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• 2018

Objectives : Saururus chinensis and Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae) are perennial herbs using for medicinal purposes in Korea. The objectives of this study are to compare anatomical key characters between two medicinal plants and to provide fundamental information for the identification of two herbal medicines by using anatomical features. Methods : Cross-sections of root, rhizome, stem, petiole, and leaf for each species were observed in this study. Materials were analyzed through dehydration, paraffin embedding and micro-sectioning, and double staining with Safranin O and Fast-Green FCF. Observations of permanent preparation were conducted using light microscope. Results : S. chinensis and H. cordata were distinguished with anatomical differentiations; Idioblasts with essential oil were scattered in the parenchyma cell of cortex, pith, and phloem of S. chinensis, on the other hand, in H. cordata, idioblasts were distributed ring-shaped in the cortex of the root. S. chinensis had two cycles of vascular bundles in the stem while H. cordata had one cycle. Hypodermis layer was conspicuous in a stem of H. cordata, crystals were observed the only parenchyma in a stem of S. chinensis, and epidermal oil cells were developed in the epidermis of H. cordata. S. chinensis had air cavity at the cortex and pith of the stem. The shape of cross-section was polygonal in the stem of S. chinensis and was circular in the stem of H. cordata. Conclusions : We investigated anatomical study of Korean S. chinensis and H. cordata. To identify two herbal medicines, we considered main anatomical features and provided identification key here.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.449-455
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to evaluate antimicrobial effects of organic acid and some natural occurring antimicrobials against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various origins (vegetables, peanut, pea leaf, kim-bab, person, perilla leaf, and animal) and to calculate their MIC and MBC values. Five organic acids (acetic, lactic, citric, malic, and propionic acid), three essential oils (carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol), and two other natural antimicrobials (nisin and cinnamic acid) were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects against 113 strains of S. aureus using combination treatments. Propionic acid (7%), nisin (1%), thymol (1%), carvacrol (1%) showed antimicrobial activities against S. aureus strains in agar disc diffusion test. And, carvacrol, thymol, and nisin were found to be the most effective with the lowest MIC values of 0.0313%, 0.0625%, and 0.0625% against S.aureus, respectively. Propionic acid (0.2313%) and citric acid (0.6000%) were the most effective among organic acids tested. Therefore, these five antimicrobials were selected for next combination treatments. Combination of propionic acid and citric acid were showed the strongest inhibitory effectiveness against S. aureus among combination treatments. These results suggest that organic acid such as propionic and citric acid, and natural occurring antimicrobial such as nisin, carvacrol, and thymol might be possibly used as preservatives for inhibiting S. aureus in foods.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2010

Vitex negundo is an aromatic plant which releases a unique scent due to the presence of essential oil stored presumably within glandular trichomes. The focus of this research was to study developmental patterns of glandular trichomes in Vitex negundo leaves using electron microscopy. There are two types of glandular trichomes which develop on the leaf epidermis of Vitex negundo, peltate glandular type (PT) and capitate glandular type (CT). Structural features differ significantly depending on size and density, formation of secretory cavity, plastid, etc during developmental stages. In young leaves, undifferentiated PTs are densely distributed in the upper epidermis, but are not externally exposed in the lower epidermis because they are covered by non-glandular simple trichomes. Upon leaf development, PTs and CTs show clear structural differentiation in the upper and lower epidermis. PTs are composed of up to eight head cells (ca. 35~40 ${\mu}m$) and one stalk cell (ca. 5 ${\mu}m$), while CTs are composed of four head cells (ca. 10~15 ${\mu}m$) and 1~2 stalk cells (ca. 10 ${\mu}m$). Although secretory cavities develop on the secretory head cells, their size, structure, and formation proceed very differently depending on trichome type. In early development of PT, a large cavity with numerous secretory vesicles form rapidly from the head cells. In CT, however, only a small secretory cavity is formed, slowly relative to PT, without secretory vesicles. The PTs are considered to play an important role in releasing the aromatic components of Vitex negundo.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.193-200
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• 2000

The object of this study is to investigate the quality change of sweet basil grown with selenium(Se) in hydroponic culture. Sweet basil was cultured with 1 fold herb nutrient solution as suggested by European vegetable R & D Center in Belgium. Before three weeks harvest, sodium selenate(N $a_2$Se $O_4$) was supplied to 2 and 4 mg. $L^{-1}$ in the nutrient solution. Sweet basil was stored at 1$0^{\circ}C$ using 40um ceramic film and PET (polyethylene terephalate) for 15 days in modified atmosphere(MA) storage condition. The weight loss of sweet basil was higher in non-treatment compared to Se treatments in both of two films but it was decreased over 5% in PET treatment. Se concentrations in leaf tissues increased in the response to the treated levels of N $a_2$Se $O_4$concentrations, and this tendency was appeared similar results after storage. There was no significant effect of packing materials on volatilization of Se in sweet basil. The total chlorophyll and essential oil content was increased with increasing N $a_2$Se $O_4$concentration in nutrient solution. The amount of volatilization flavor was not higher at N $a_2$Se $O_4$4mg. $L^{-1}$ treatment compare to others during storage. Se content was 112.73 ug. $g^{-1}$ dry mass at 2 mg. $L^{-1}$ treatment before storage and the decrease of Se content was observed by 50% at 15 days after storage. The condition, which N $a_2$Se $O_4$2mg. $L^{-1}$$^{plement}$ in nutrient solution during growth stage and stored with 40um ceramic film on 1$0^{\circ}C$are acceptable for maintaining of sweet basil quality. Moreover it can be a proper Se concentration for human health. Overall, Se treatment in nutrient solution has effect on promoting and maintaining quality of herb during storage life. Also, there was not significant change of essential oil compounds by volatilization of Se.mpounds by volatilization of Se.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2017

Background and purpose: This study was carried out to learn more about the potential prophylactic or antibacterial activity of the plant Acalypha indica against selective pathogenic bacteria. Experimental: The test organisms were Sarcina lutea IFO 3232, Bacillus subtilis IFO 3026, Pseudomonas denitrificans, Escherichia coli IFO 3007, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATTC 10031, Xanthomonas campestris IAM 1671, and Proteus vulgaris. Leaf, stem, and bud powder of Acalypha indica were dissolved in various solvents, and the extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity through the disc diffusion method. GC-MS profiling was performed to characterize active chemical compounds in the essential oil of Acalypha indica. Results: The ethanol extract showed the highest activity against all bacteria, while the petroleum ether extract yielded the highest zone of inhibition against Proteus vulgaris ($11.83{\pm}1.75mm$). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethyl acetate extract against Bacillus subtilis was 16 µg/mL. Phytochemical screening by GC-MS revealed a total of 12 bioactive compounds. Conclusion: Extracts of Acalypha indica may be useful in formulating and synthesizing new antibacterial drugs.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.496-504
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• 1996

The study was conducted to obtain the basic information on increasing aromatic degrees by shading and organic matter application on Condonopsis lanceolata. The result were as followings : Fresh root wt. in shading 55 % treatment was increased about twices, whereas fresh root weight in non-shading was decreased. But growth of ground parts such as vine length, leaf width, and leaf number was promoted under non-shading treatment. Macroelements such as K, Ca, and Mg, were increased in non-shading and higher organic matter application. The components such as crude protein, fiber, and ash were increased in the shading 55% treatment compared with non-shading. In the sixteen amino acids, arginine contents were the highest in non-shading and organic matter 30M/T. Recovery yield of essential oil was 0.005% in non-shading. The highest was organic matter 30M/T in the non-shading as 0.007%. Major aromatic constituents were 11 kinds of aliphatic alcohols such as I-hexanol, cis-3-hexenol, and trans-2-hexanal. As a result, major aromatic degree was higher in shading 55%, also increased in the much organic matter application. It was considered to be applied dense shading 55% and much organic matters to produce Condonopsis lanceolata plants which have high aroma and good quality.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2017

This study investigated the effects of NaCl and jasmonic acid (JA) on the growth and physiological responses of spearmint (Mentha spicata L.). Spearmint was hydroponically grown for 3 weeks in modified Hoagland solution containing 0 (untreated control), JA ($20{\mu}M$ JA pretreatment), NaCl (50 mM NaCl treatment) and JA + NaCl ($20{\mu}M$ JA pretreatment + 50 mM NaCl treatment). Growth characteristics, chlorophyll, vitamin C, proline contents, DPPH scavenging activity and inorganic ion contents were evaluated. As a results, there were significant decreases in the plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and fresh weight of plants, treated with NaCl compared with control. On the other hand, the dry matters of shoot and root treated with JA + NaCl combination were better than control or NaCl treatment. Chlorophyll a and b contents in JA treatment was the highest. Vitamin C, antioxidant activity, and proline content in shoot were increased in NaCl treatment which showed low level of growth rate. The K/Na ratio, which is known to indirectly reflect the balance of ion uptake, was higher in a single treatment of JA than the control group, while lower in salt treatment (NaCl and JA + NaCl) because of high $Na^+$ absorption. In conclusion, these results showed that moderate stress treatment such as low level salt treatment and plant growth regulator jasmonic acid (JA) application would be potential strategies to improve the quality of spearmint by inducing the accumulation of secondary metabolites containing high antioxidant activity and essential oil.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.163-174
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• 2000

This research was designed to develop a computer program and evaluate the nutritional balances especially the balance of fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidant vitamins for convenience foods. The Korean convenience food, Kimbab purchased from markets was evaluated by using the self-developed computer program. Contents of calories, protein and calcium were lower$(1/3^{\circ}{\neq}1/2)$ than the recommended levels of Korean adult woman, and the carbohydrate/ protein/ fat(CPF) energy ratio was 70: 13: 17. The mean P/ M/ S ratio was 2.2/ 1.4/ 1 and that of ${\omega}6/\;{\omega}3$ fatty acids was 17.9/ 1, which was higher than the desirable ratio of $4{\sim}8/\;1$. Average essential amino acid balance of market-Kimbab samples was within the desirable range even though the absolute amount of protein was lower than the recommended level. Contents of antioxidant vitamins (A, C &E) were lower than recommended levels. Two kinds of nutritionally adjusted Kimbab menu were established by self-developed computer program. Some of major changes was adding food ingredients such as tuna fish and perilla leaf cooked with sesame oil and soybean oil to increase ${\omega}3$ series fatty acids. Some fruits and milk were also added to the menu. The adjusted CPF ratios was 63: 15: 22 and the new values for P/ M/ S and ${\omega}6/\;{\omega}3$ fatty acids ratios were 1.0/ 1.2/ 1/0 and 6.1/ 1 respectively. In sensory evaluation of two kinds of adjusted Kimbab, the taste and overall estimation scores were higher than unadjusted Kimbab. The computer program developed in this study might be used as a tool for the evaluation of nutritional balance of other convenience foods and menu planning.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.366-372
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• 1991

The volatile components, normal hydrocarbons, organic acids, and nonvolatile fatty acids in the various parts of Luffa cylindrica(L.) Roemer(sponge-gourd) were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. More than 150 volatile components were separated and thirty seven components were identified and quantified. The contents of essential oil were 0.05%, 0.05%, and 0.08% on a dried weight base in leaves, stem, and seeds respectively. Fruit juice and sap contained 0.06% and 0.03% oil on the fresh weight base. Twenty six components of normal hydrocarbons in leaves, stem, seed, and unripe fruit were separated, identified, and quantified. The total concentrations of the hydrocarbons were $75.5\;{\mu}g/g$ in leaf, $52.0\;{\mu}g/g$ in stem, $46.6\;{\mu}g/g$ in fruit juice, and $32.8\;{\mu}g/g$ in seed fractions. The major hydrocarbons in leaves, stem, and fruit juice were $nC_{25}$, $nC_{27}$, $nC_{29}$, and $nC_{31}$, $nC_{16}$, $nC_{17}$, $nC_{18}$, and $nC_{19}$ were abundant in seeds mainly. The concentration of malonic acid among the five organic acids was highest in leaves, stem, and flowers. Unripe fruit contained 24.5 mg/g of the five organic acids and malic and citric acids were higher. The concentrations of palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were higher concentration in the various parts of sponge-gourd and palmitic acid was distributed in the most parts. The concentrations of organic and fatty acids in the sap were negligible.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.1162-1162
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• 2001

Whereas NIR spectroscopy has been applied in agriculture for more than 20 years, few studies refer to those plant substances occurring only in smaller amounts. Nevertheless there is a growing interest today to support efficiently activities in the production of high-quality medicinal and spice plants by this fast and non-invasive method. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to develop new NIR methods for the reliable prediction of secondary metabolites found as valuable substances in various plant species. First, sophisticated NIR methods were established to perform fast quality analyses of intact fennel, caraway and dill fruits deriving from single-plants [1]. Later on, a characterization of several leaf drugs and the corresponding fresh material has been successfully performed. In this context robust calibrations have been developed for dried peppermint, rosemary and sage leaves for the determination of their individual essential oil content and composition [2]. A specially adopted NIR method has been developed also for the analysis of carnosic acid in the leaves of numerous rosemary and sage gene bank accessions. Carnosic acid is an antioxidative substance for which several health promoting properties including cancer preservation are assumed. Also some other calibrations have been developed for non-volatile substances such as aspalathin (in unfermented rooibos leaves), catechins (in green tea) and echinacoside (in different Echinacea species) [3]. Some NIR analyses have also been successfully performed on fresh material, too. In spite of the fact that these measurements showed less accuracy in comparison to dried samples, the calibration equations are precise enough to register the individual plant ontogenesis and genetic background. Based on the information received, the farmers and breeders are able to determine the right harvest time (when the valuable components have reached their optimum profile) and to select high-quality genotypes during breeding experiments, respectively. First promising attempts have also been made to introduce mobile diode array spectrometers to collect the spectral data directly on the field or in the individual natural habitats. Since the development of reliable NIRS methods in this special field of application is very time-consuming and needs continuous maintenance of the calibration equations over a longer period, it is convenient to supply the corresponding calibration data to interested user via NIRS network. The present status of all activities, preformed in this context during the last three years, will be presented in detail.