• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.510-516
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• 2021

Whitening agents derived from natural sources which do not have side effects are sought after. Schizophragma hydrangeoides is an edible plant that grows wild on Jeju Island. We aimed to determine whether S. hydrangeoides extracts show anti-melanogenic activity. Here, we found that 70% ethanol extracts of S. hydrangeoides leaf suppressed α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. This activity of anti-melanogenesis in B16F10 cells were investigated by determining melanin content and tyrosinase activity, and by performing western blotting. The 70% ethanol extract downregulated tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1. In addition, the n-hexane fraction of S. hydrangeoides leaf (HFSH) exhibited significant anti-melanogenic activity among the various solvent fractions tested without reducing the viability of B16F10 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that extracts from S. hydrangeoides leaf can influence cellular processes via modulation of tyrosinase activity. Hence, S. hydrangeoides can be used as a whitening agent in the cosmetic industry and as a therapeutic agent for treating hyperpigmentation disorders in the clinic.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.121-128
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• 2022

L-asparaginase (ASNase) is a therapeutic enzyme used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Currently, the most widely used ASNases are originated from bacteria. However, owing to the adverse effects of bacterial ASNases, new resources for ASNase production should be explored. Fungal enzymes are considered efficient and compatible resources of natural products for diverse applications. In particular, fungal species belonging to the genus Trichoderma are well-known producers of several commercial enzymes including cellulase, chitinase, and xylanase. However, enzyme production by marine-derived Trichoderma spp. remains to be elucidated. While screening for extracellular ASNase-producing fungi from marine environments, we found four strains showing extracellular ASNase activity. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic analyses using sequences of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1α), the Trichoderma isolates were identified as T. afroharzianum, T. asperellem, T. citrinoviride, and Trichoderma sp. 1. All four strains showed different ASNase activities depending on the carbon sources. T. asperellem MABIK FU00000795 showed the highest ASNase value with lactose as a carbon source. Based on our findings, we propose that marine-derived Trichoderma spp. are potential candidates for novel ASNase production.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.173-183
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• 2022

Through the collection of herbarium specimens in Bhutan over the years, new plant species are discovered nearly annually. Thus, this paper reports two new genera and 19 new records of flowering plant species from Bhutan. The new genera include Eurycorymbus of the family Sapindaceae and Homalium of the family Salicaceae. The new records of plant species are Eranthemum erythrochilum (Acanthaceae), Hemidesmus indicus (Apocynaceae), Ilex umbellulata (Aquifoliaceae), Canarium strictum (Burseraceae), Ehretia acuminate (Boraginaceae), Vaccinium sikkimense (Ericaceae), Nothapodytes foetida (Icacinaceae), Machilus edulis (Lauraceae), Grewia asiatica (Malvaceae), Hibiscus fragrans (Malvaceae), Cipadessa baccifera (Meliaceae), Baccaurea javanica (Phyllanthaceae), Canthiumera glabra (Rubiaceae), Homalium napaulense (Salicaceae), Eurycorymbus cavaleriei (Sapindaceae), Acmella radicans (Asteraceae), Silene latifolia (Caryophyllaceae), Cleome rutidosperma (Cleomaceae), and Cuphea carthagenensis (Lythraceae). Morphological determinations of the genera and species were carried out at the National Herbarium (THIM) of the National Biodiversity Centre of Bhutan. Brief descriptions of the species, phenology, and photo plates are provided in this annotated checklist.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.277-286
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• 2022

Schizophragma hydrangeoides (S. hydrangeoides) is a vine endogenous to Jeju Island and Ulleungdo, where it grows attached to the foothills and rock surfaces. Previous research has mostly focused on the whitening effect of S. hydrangeoides leaf extract. In this study, we investigated S. hydrangeoides leaf extract further, and detected four phytochemicals in the extract: chlorogenic acid, quercetin-3-O-glucosyl-(1-2)-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-xylosyl-(1-2)-rhamnoside, and quercitrin. We pretreated human dermal fibroblast (HDFn) cells with previously established concentrations of the four compounds for 1 h before ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. Among the four compounds, quercetin-3-O-glucosyl-(1-2)-rhamnoside (Q-3-GR) best inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels. Thus, we investigated the protective effects of Q-3-GR on photoaging and its underlying mechanisms. Q-3-GR significantly reduced MMP-1 production and inhibited MMP-1 protein expression in UVA-irradiated HDFn cells. Furthermore, Q-3-GR increased procollagen type I production and protein expression. Q-3-GR exerted its anti-photoaging effects by downregulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ activator protein-1 signaling pathway, and upregulating the transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling pathway. Thus, S. hydrangeoides leaf-derived Q-3-GR is a potential potent cosmetic ingredient for UV-induced skin aging.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.393-405
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• 2023

This study was conducted to select indicators for assessing national biodiversity. For this purpose, 140 biodiversity-related indicators were identified as a result of inventorying biodiversity-related indicators used in Korea and abroad, and when these indicators were applied to the pressure, status, and response indicator system, it was found that status indicators accounted for the largest number of indicators, with 29 pressure, 59 status, and 44 response. We also categorized the status indicators into genes, species, habitat, function, and quality, and found that species and habitat indicators accounted for the majority. Pressure indicators were categorized into direct exploitation, pollution, alien species, climate change, and habitat change. As a result, it was found that direct exploitation and pollution accounted for most of the pressure indicators. In addition, this study used internationally used indicator selection criteria to establish criteria for selecting domestic biodiversity assessment indicators. Using this list of indicators and indicator selection criteria, we evaluated the prioritization of domestically applicable biodiversity indicators through relevant expert consultations. 1) Vegetation class, 2) Land cover indicators, and 3) Change of protected area ranked highly. In fact, these indicators have been used in many studies due to the availability of assessable data. However, most of the highly scored indicators are based on ecosystem area, and further consideration of ecosystem functions and components(species) is needed.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extracts from Lathyrus japonicus at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ㎍/mL were investigated in LPS-stimulated, RAW264.7 cells. Antioxidant properties were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. In addition, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe by flow cytometry. To examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts of L. japonicus, their effects on the levels of nitric oxide (NO); production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); and the activities of enzymes such as inducible NOS (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were assessed. The IC₅₀ values of the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays were 476.09 ± 1.50 and 34.91 ± 0.37 ㎍/mL, respectively. In addition, L. japonicus extracts not only inhibited ROS production, but also the production of NO, IL-1β, and IL-10, and the activity of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, the ethanolic extracts of L. japonicus could be used as a functional food additive and an anti-inflammatory agent owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.21-32
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• 2023

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a pivotal role in predicting the potential environmental impacts of proposed developments and planning appropriate mitigation measures to minimize effects on species. However, as concerns over biodiversity loss rise, there's ongoing debate about the efficacy of these mitigation plans. In this study, we utilized data from EIAs and post-environmental impact surveys to understand the trends in biodiversity during construction and operation phases. By examining 30 urban development projects, we categorized species richness indices of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles into pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction operational stages. The biodiversity trends were analyzed based on the rate of change in these indices. The results revealed three distinct biodiversity change patterns: (A) An initial increase in biodiversity indices post-development, followed by a gradual decline over time; (B) a sustained increase in biodiversity as a result of mitigation measures; and (C) a continuous decline in biodiversity post-development. Furthermore, all species exhibited a higher rate of biodiversity decline during the construction phase compared to the operational phase, with mammals showing the most significant rate of change. Notably, the biodiversity change rate during operation was generally lower than during construction. In particular, mammals seemed to be most influenced by mitigation measures, displaying the smallest rate of change. This study provides empirical evidence on the efficacy of mitigation measures and deliberates on ways to enhance their effectiveness in minimizing the adverse impacts of urban development on biodiversity. These findings can serve as foundational data for addressing terrestrial biodiversity reduction.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2022

Two new records of Scleroderma species from South Korea are described here. Comprehensive taxonomic studies of Scleroderma specimens were conducted at the Korea National Arboretum. Based on morphological and molecular data (fungal barcode sequences), two new records (S. laeve and S. nastii) were confirmed. Herein, morphological descriptions, including Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of basidiospore ornamentation, and a taxonomic key of Korean Scleroderma species are provided.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.629-637
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• 2022

It is at risk of depletion of biodiversity due to indiscriminate overfishing of ecosystems and destruction of habitats. Intensive fertilizers or development of related facilities to increase agricultural production in poor indigenous areas devastate the soil. Preservation of biodiversity is now emerging as an important issue of global human coexistence. After the Post-2020 GBF Declaration, all governance in agricultural development in indigenous agricultural areas should be supported and promoted as biodiversity conservation measures. A compromise plan to reduce ecosystem development and biodiversity loss can help establish public governance policies. In this paper, a viability kernel used for viable control feedback analysis is introduced to solve conflicting economic and ecological problems in ecosystem conservation, and a mathematical model on biodiversity conservation by the viability kernel is examined. Because all species in the ecosystem are interdependent, if the balance is broken, biodiversity is depleted, which is irreversible and eventually leads to extinction. For sustainable use and harmony of biological resources, a lot of policy consideration is required, such as creative governance that can efficiently protect all species. Subsidies or tax incentives have a direct impact on biodiversity conservation. The recovery of species in a state of decreasing biodiversity can be said to be of great economic value. Biodiversity will allow indigenous producers to be proud of their unique traditional knowledge and have a positive impact on local tourism, thereby enhancing regional identity and greatly contributing to the survival and prosperity of mankind.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.83-94
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• 2018

This study presents an integrated evaluation method to assess the level of achievement of quantitative expansion goals and qualitative improvement goals based on the Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 for quantitatively expanding and qualitatively improving national protected areas. The quantitative evaluation indicators for national protected areas are the percentage of terrestrial and inland water areas protected and the percentage of marine and coastal areas protected. The quantitative evaluation indicators for national protected areas are selected as 6 indicators: 1) ecologically important areas, 2) ecological representativeness, 3) management effectiveness, 4) connectivity, 5) social equity and 6) integration. Ecologically important areas are an indicator which evaluates how many areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services are included in national protected areas. Ecological representativeness is to assess how well national protected areas represent the ecosystem. Management effectiveness is an indicator which evaluates how effectively national protected areas are conserved and managed, and connectivity is an indicator to assess how well national protected areas are connected. Social equity is evaluating how equitably national protected areas are managed and the integration is assessing how much national protected areas are integrated into the wilder landscape and seascape. This study is significant in that it provides a perspective of qualitative improvement as well as quantitative expansion of national protected areas for biodiversity conservation through accurately understanding Aichi Biodiversity Target 11.