• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.238-244
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• 2007

To identify the useful biological activities and the superiority in quality of Korean traditional liquors, we prepared the alcohol-free concentrates from different types of commercial traditional liquors, Takju ($T1{\sim}T3$), Yakju/Cheongju ($Y-1{\sim}Y-5$), Fruit wine (F-1) and Soju (S-1, S-2), respectively. We investigate their compositions as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-thrombosis activity. Among the 11 traditional liquors, Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1 showed higher total-polyphenol, total-flavonoids and reducing sugars than the others. The strong antibacterial and anti-thrombosis activities were identified in Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1, and a minor antioxidant activity was found in F-l. The antibacterial activity of the Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1 alcohol-free concentrates showed a broad-spectrum, and growth inhibition was found in gram-positive, gram-negative, and ampicillin-resistant bacteria. The sequential solvent fractionation of Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1, and following analysis showed that ethyl acetate fractions of Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1 possess strong antibacterial and anti-thrombosis activity. Especially, the ethyl acetate fractions of Y-3, Y-4 and F-1 showed superior anti-thrombosis activity compared than that of aspirin. Our results suggest that the useful substances are produced from substrates and edible plant added during the fermentation, and the Korean traditional liquors could be developed as strong antibacterial and anti-thrombosis agents.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2008

This study was performed to investigate the immature development period, fecundity, emergence rate and sex ratio of Sclerodermus harmandi against different host insects, Monochamus alternatus, M. saltuarius and Psacothea hilaris. Full grown larvae and pupae of host insects were provided with foods. The mean larval period of S. harmandi female was $29.2{\pm}0.93\;and\;25.1{\pm}0.47$ days in larvae and pupae of M. alternatus, $27.1{\pm}0.41\;and\;26.0{\pm}0.69$ days in M. saltuarius, and $26.3{\pm}0.38\;and\;31.2{\pm}0.24$ days in P. hilaris, respectively. S. hilaris adults were emerged at $12.9{\pm}0.2$ days in female and $11.9{\pm}0.2$ days in male after pupation when hosted M. alternatus pupa. Development period in male showed shorter one day than in female. Success rate of oviposition against different hosts was higher as 98.6 and 97.5% on full grown larva and pupa of M saltuarius. Emergence rate was higher as 90.1 and 87.3% on M. saltuarius larvae and pupae. Sex ratio of emerged S. harmandi adults was approximately 10:1 (Female : Male), females showed higher emergence rate than males. The period until first oviposition after emergence in S. harmandi female was the shortest in $4.6{\pm}0.1$ days on M. saltuarius pupa. When three females of S. harmandi were inoculated on M. saltuarius larva, the number of laid eggs was the highest $62.7{\pm}2.5$ per female.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1978.09a
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• pp.149-157
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• 1978

Ginseng is the English common name for the species in the genus Panax. This article gives a broad botanical review including the morphological characteristics, ecological amplitude, and the ethnobotanical aspect of the genus Panax. The species of Panax are adapted for life in rich loose soil of partially shaded forest floor with the deciduous trees such as linden, oak, maple, ash, alder, birch, beech, hickory, etc. forming the canopy. Like their associated trees, all ginsengs are deciduous. They require annual climatic changes, plenty of water in summer, and a period of dormancy in winter. The plant body of ginseng consists of an underground rhizome and an aerial shoot. The rhizome has a terminal bud, prominent leafscars and a fleshy root in some species. It is perennial. The aerial shoot is herbaceous and annual. It consists of a single slender stem with a whorl of digitately compound leaves and a terminal umbel bearing fleshy red fruits after flowering. The yearly cycle of death and renascence of the aerial shoot is a natural phenomenon in ginseng. The species of Panax occur in eastern North America and eastern Asia, including the eastern portion of the Himalayan region. Such a bicentric generic distributional pattern indicates a close floristic relationship of the eastern sides of two great continental masses in the northern hemisphere. It is well documented that genera with this type of disjunct distribution are of great antiquity. Many of them have fossil remains in Tertiary deposits. In this respect, the species of Panax may be regarded as living fossils. The distribution of the species, and the center of morphological diversification are explained with maps and other illustrations. Chemical constituents confirm the conclusion derived from morphological characters that eastern Asia is the center of species concentration of Panax. In eastern North America two species occur between longitude $70^{\circ}-97^{\circ}$ Wand latitude $34^{\circ}-47^{\circ}$ N. In eastern Asia the range of the genus extends from longitude $85^{\circ}$ E in Nepal to $140^{\circ}$ E in Japan, and from latitude $22^{\circ}$ N in the hills of Tonkin of North Vietnam to $48^{\circ}$ N in eastern Siberia. The species in eastern North America all have fleshy roots, and many of the species in eastern Asia have creeping stolons with enlarged nodes or stout horizontal rhizomes as storage organs in place of fleshy roots. People living in close harmony with nature in the homeland of various species of Panax have used the stout rhizomes or the fleshy roots of different wild forms of ginseng for medicine since time immemorial. Those who live in the center morphological diversity are specific both in the application of names for the identification of species in their communication and in the use of different roots as remedies to relieve pain, to cure diseases, or to correct physiological disorders. Now, natural resources of wild plants with medicinal virtue are extremely limited. In order to meet the market demand, three species have been intensively cultivated in limited areas. These species are American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) in northeastern United States, ginseng (P. ginseng) in northeastern Asia, particularly in Korea, and Sanchi (P. wangianus) in southwestern China, especially in Yunnan. At present hybridization and selection for better quality, higher yield, and more effective chemical contents have not received due attention in ginseng culture. Proper steps in this direction should be taken immediately, so that our generation may create a richer legacy to hand down to the future. Meanwhile, all wild plants of all species in all lands should be declared as endangered taxa, and they should be protected from further uprooting so that a. fuller gene pool may be conserved for the. genus Panax.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2007.12a
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• pp.57-58
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• 2007

Purpose: Ginseng is a well-known medical plant used in traditional Oriental medicine. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been known to have potent biological activities such as radical scavenging, vasodilating, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic activities. However, the mechanism of the beneficial effects of KRG on diabetes is yet to be elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of KRG extract in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. Methods: The db/db mice were randomly divided into six groups: diabetic control group (DC), red ginseng extract low dose group (RGL, 100 mg/kg), red ginseng extract high dose group (RGH, 200 mg/kg), metformin group (MET, 300 mg/kg), glipizide group (GPZ, 15 mg/kg) and pioglitazone group (PIO, 30 mg/kg), and treated with drugs once per day for 10 weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured once every week. At the end of treatment, we measured Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), adiponectin, leptin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). Morphological analyses of liver, pancreas and white adipose tissue were done by histological observation through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Pancreatic islet insulin and glucagon levels were detected by double-immunofluorescence staining. To elucidate an action of mechanism of KRG, DNA microarray analyses were performed, and western blot and RT-PCR were conducted for validation. Results: Compared to the DC group mice, body weight gain of PIO treated group mice showed 15.2% increase, but the other group mice did not showed significant differences. Compared to the DC group, fasting blood glucose levels were decreased by 19.8% in RGL, 18.3% in RGH, 67.7% in MET, 52.3% in GPZ, 56.9% in PIO-treated group. With decreased plasma glucose levels, the insulin resistance index of the RGL-treated group was reduced by 27.7% compared to the DC group. Insulin resistance values for positive drugs were all markedly decreased by 80.8%, 41.1% and 68.9%, compared to that of DC group. HbA1c levels in RGL, RGH, MET, GPZ and PIO-treated groups were also decreased by 11.0%, 6.4%, 18.9%, 16.1% and 27.9% compared to that of DC group, and these figure revealed a similar trend shown in plasma glucose levels. Plasma TG and NEFA levels were decreased by 18.8% and 16.8%, respectively, and plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were increased by 20.6% and 12.1%, respectively, in the RGL-treated group compared to those in DC group. Histological analysis of the liver of mice treated with KRG revealed a significantly decreased number of lipid droplets compared to the DC group. The control mice exhibited definitive loss and degeneration of islet, whereas mice treated with KRG preserved islet architecture. Compared to the DC group mice, KRG resulted in significant reduction of adipocytes. From the pancreatic islet double-immunofluorescence staining, we observed KRG has increased insulin production, but decreased glucagon production. KRG treatment resulted in stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the db/db mice liver. To elucidate mechanism of action of KRG extract, microarray analysis was conducted in the liver tissue of mice treated with KRG extract, and results suggest that red ginseng affects on hepatic expression of genes responsible for glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In summary, multiple administration of KRG showed the hypoglycemic activity and improved glucose tolerance. In addition, KRG increased glucose utilization and improved insulin sensitivity through inhibition of lipogenesis and activation of fatty acid $\beta$-oxidation in the liver tissue. In view of our present data, we may suggest that KRG could provide a solid basis for the development of new anti-diabetic drug.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.211-219
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• 2004

Yew (Taxus cuspidata Sieb.) chose that grow as medicine, food, decorative plant in Korea's Kyong-Gi province surroundings. Extracts of yew extracted leaf of 250g and stems of 300g with 1,3-butylene glycol (l,3-BG), propylene glycol (PG) and water. As results, external appearance of leaf extract of yew was slightly brown clear extract. The pH was 5.3${\pm}$0.5, and specific gravity was 1.012${\pm}$0.05, and refractive index was l.375${\pm}$0.05. Also, appearance of stem's extract was slightly brown clear extract, and the pH was 5.4${\pm}$0.5, and specific gravity was 1.016${\pm}$0.05, and refractive index was 1.358${\pm}$0.05. Oil of yew separated from seeds, and extracted polysaccharide high purity from fruits. As a result, specific gravity of oil was 0.987, and obtained 40.0% of yield. Total polyphenols amount of yew extract is detected 0.563% in leaves, 0.325% in stems, whereas total tannins amount contained 0.054% and 0.037% each in leaves and stems. As effect in cosmetics, the anti-oxidative effect by DPPH method is 75.0% in leaves, and stems was 64.0%. Collagen synthesis rate was shown high activity by 54.16% in stem's extract, 33.18% in leaves' extract. Also, PPE-inhibitory activities were 13.7% and 23.5% each in leaves and stems. Anti-inflammatory effect of yew seed oil displayed superior effect of 41% than control. Polysaccharide's molecular weight that is gotten from fruits was 5${\times}$10$^4$-3${\times}$10$\^$5/ dalton, and got 20.0${\pm}$5% of yield.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.431-438
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• 2012

The developmental time of the nymphs of Myzus persicae was studied in the laboratory (six constant temperatures from 15 to $30^{\circ}C$ with 50~60% RH, and a photoperiod of 14L:10D) and in a green-pepper plastic house. Mortality of M. persicae in laboratory was high in the first(6.7~13.3%) and second instar nymphs(6.7%) at low temperatures and high in the third (17.8%) and fourth instar nymphs(17.8%) at high temperatures. Mortality was 66.7% at $33^{\circ}C$ in laboratory and $26.7^{\circ}C$ in plastic house. The total developmental time was the longest at $14.6^{\circ}C$ (14.4 days) and shortest at $26.7^{\circ}C$ (6.0 days) in plastic house. The lower threshold temperature of the total nymphal stage was $3.0^{\circ}C$ in laboratory. The thermal constant required for nymphal stage was 111.1DD. The relationship between developmental rate and temperature was fitted nonlinear model by Logan-6 which has the lowest value on Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The distribution of completion of each developmental stage was well described by the 3-parameter Weibull function ($r^2=0.95{\sim}0.97$). This model accurately described the predicted and observed occurrences. Thus the model is considered to be good for use in predicting the optimal spray time for Myzus persicae.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.421-429
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• 2012

The developmental time period of Aphis gossypii was studied in laboratory (six constant temperatures from 15 to $30^{\circ}C$ with 50~60% RH, and a photoperiod of 14L:10D) and in a cucumber plastic house. The mortality of A. gossypii in the laboratory was high in the 2nd (20.0%) and 3rd stage(13.3%) at low temperature but high in the 3rd (26.7%) and 4th stage (33.3%) at high temperatures. Mortality in the plastic house was high in the 1st and 2nd stage but there was no mortality in the 4th stage at low temperature. The total developmental period was longest at $15^{\circ}C$ (12.2 days) in the laboratory and shortest at $28.5^{\circ}C$ (4.09 days) in the plastic house. The lower threshold temperature at the total nymphal stage was $6.8^{\circ}C$ in laboratory. The thermal constant required to reach the total nymphal stage was 111.1DD. The relationship between the developmental rate and temperature fit the nonlinear model of Logan-6 which has the lowest value for the Akaike information criterion(AIC) and Bayesian information criterion(BIC). The distribution of completion of each development stage was well described by the 3-parameter Weibull function ($r^2=0.89{\sim}0.96$). This model accurately described the predicted and observed outcomes. Thus it is considered that the model can be used for predicting the optimal spray time for Aphis gossypii.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1234-1243
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• 2011

Liriope platyphylla has been used in oriental medicine as an effective medical plant to improve symptoms of cough, sputum production, neurodegenerative disorders, obesity and diabetes for long time. In order to investigate the effects of novel extracts on nerve growth factors (NGF)-stimulated neuritic outgrowth, the alteration of NGF expression and NGF receptor signaling pathway were detected in neuroblastoma cells and C57BL/6 mice. Of a total of 13 novel extracts, 4 extracts (LP-E, LP-M, LP-M50, LP2E17PJ) showed high viability on MTT assay. Also, all of these extracts induced NGF secretion and NGF mRNA expression in neuroblastoma cells. However, the NGF-induced neuritic outgrowth from PC12 cells was only stimulated by LP-E, LP-M and LP-M50. Furthermore, we selected LP-M as a best candidate, based on method and amounts of extraction, in order to verify its effect in mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated with 50 mg/kg of LP-M for 2 weeks and the effects on NGF regulation were analyzed with various methods. The expression of NGF mRNA was significantly increased in LP-M treated mice compared to vehicle treated mice. Also, the signaling pathway of p75NTR was inhibited in the cortex by LP-M treatment, with no change in the hippocampus of brain. However, the signaling pathway of TrkA was dramatically activated in only hippocampus via LP-M treatment. Therefore, these results suggest that the novel four extracts of L. platyphylla may contribute to the regulation of NGF expression and secretion in neuronal cells. LP-M was especially considered to be an excellent candidate for a neurodegenerative disease-therapeutic drug.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.935-945
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• 2014

Persimmon leaves were commonly consumed as beverages, but were also used as popular folk medicine in Asia. The purpose of this work was to assess the biological activities of Diospyros Lotus L. extracts (DLLE). Various solvent extracts, including n-Hexnae, $CHCl_3$, EtOAc, and n-BuOH fractions, were obtained from the methanol extract of Diospyros Lotus L. leaves. The increasing interest in the powerful biological activity of plant phenolics and flavonoids outlined the necessity for determining their content in medicinal herbs. In this study, the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) in the EA fraction were higher than those of other fractions. The biological activities of DLLE were tested using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assay, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as an anti-oxidant effect and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activity as an anti-diabetic effect. The EA fraction with high TPC and TFC values showed the highest anti-oxidant effect and high ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition. The EA fractions were further purified into eight fractions using open column chromatography. Higher anti-oxidant and anti-${\alpha}$-glucosidase activity were observed in polar fractions. The content of the flavonoids, including quercein-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, were analyzed in effective fractions using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results suggest that DLLE have anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic effects and thus, have the potential as anti-diabetic materials and as a source for natural health products.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.177-183
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• 2004

Green tea, a leaf of the plant Camellia sinensis, is one of the most consumed traditional oriental beverages. Green tea has been considered a medicine and a healthful beverage since ancient times, but recently it has received a great deal of attention because of its antioxidants like polyphenols. Moreover, green tea contains amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, chlorophyll, volatile compounds, minerals, and phytochemical components that are essential or helpful to human health. Depending on the manufacturing process, green teas are classified into several types. Among these, powdered green tea can be effective in the absorption of ingredients compare with other types of green tea since we take the beverage with powder itself. In this paper, the contents of general ingredients (moisture, proteins, fat, carbohydrates, and ash), minerals (Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, K, and P), hunter color values, and alcohol insoluble substance were determined in total of six powdered green teas commercialized in Korea and Japan.