• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.304-308
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• 2021

Iris koreana (Iridaceae) is an endangered plant native to Korea. In order to develop an in vitro propagation method, we investigated the effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on callus induction in different I. koreana tissues. In addition, we also investigated the effect of 2,4-D and Benzyl aminopurine (BA) treatments on adventitious shoot induction in viable calli and the effect of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on root formation in viable shoots. We found that callus production was highest with 1.0 mg/L NAA (94.4% cultured rhizome explants), and adding low concentrations of 2,4-D to BA containing media significantly increased the frequency of shoot primordial formation. The best rooting results were obtained with 1.0 mg/L IBA, on which 98% of regenerated shoots developed roots and produced an average of 7.4 roots within 45 days. This in vitro propagation protocol will be useful for conservation, as well as for mass propagation.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.217-227
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• 2021

This study is a record of ethnomedicinal knowledge in Begumganj province focussed on medicinal plants and their local uses for primary health care. The aim was to document and preserve the ethnomedicinal knowledge used by traditional healers of Begumganj upazila, Bangladesh, to treat human diseases and evaluate the relative efficacy of the medicinal plants. The uses of medicinal plants were documented as an ethnomedicinal data sheet using direct observation, field interview, plant interview and group interview techniques from December 2012 to January 2014 in the study area. Data were collected from 98 traditional healers through a questionnaire survey and analyzed through informant consensus factor and fidelity level. This study revealed comprehensive relationship among various diseases and families, forms and parts of plants and modes of preparation. Overall, 75 plant species under 71 genera of 47 families were documented, which are used to treat 41 diseases. Data analysis revealed that 41.33%, 14.67%, 36% and 8% of the medicinal plant species were herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers, respectively. Leaves were the most used parts, followed by stem, root, fruit, bark, latex and rhizome. The most frequently treated diseases were dysentery, rheumatism and skin diseases. This is the first ethnobotanical survey, which recorded the importance of medicinal plants in Begumganj upazila, Bangladesh. This study can contribute to preserving the indigenous knowledge on the traditional use of medicinal plants in this region and new drug development with attracting future generations towards traditional healing practice.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.9-16
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• 2022

Objectives : In the Korean Pharmacopoeia 12th edition (KP 12) and the Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP), two authentic herbal medicines are described, namely Bang-gi (Cheong-pung-deung) and Mok-bang-gi, respectively. In China, Bun-bang-gi is also used as herbal medicine. This study was conducted to develop a molecular authentication tool for distinguishing the three herbal medicine used as Bang-gi, which are Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma (Rhizome of Sinomenium acutum), Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (Root of Stephania terandra), and Cocculi Radix (Root of Cocculus trilobus). Methods : Twelve samples of three species (four samples of S. acutum, five samples of S. tetrandra, and three samples of C. trilobus) were collected from different habitats. The sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were obtained and comparatively analyzed to design the species-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers. The specificity of each pair of SCAR primers that amplified species-specific amplicon was evaluated for establishing the singleplex and multiplex PCR assay tools. Results : The singleplex SCAR markers show discriminability in C. acutum, S. tetrandra, and C. trilobus. These SCAR markers were also efficiently authenticated three species in the multiplex SCAR amplification using single PCR reaction. Furthermore, these PCR assay methods were applicable to authenticate dried herbal medicines distributed in the markets. Conclusions : The SCAR markers and PCR assay tools help discriminate the three herbal medicines used as Bang-gi at the species levels and provide a reliable genetic method to prevent the inauthentic distribution of these herbal medicines.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.1205-1214
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• 2022

Objective: Spent ginger is a byproduct of juice extraction from the rhizome of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Despite its nutritional value, it is difficult to preserve or further process and thus is often wasted. This study uses spent ginger as a substrate for fermentation and cultivates spent ginger yeast cultures (SGYCs) that are then added to the feed of laying hens. The effects of SGYCs on production performance, egg quality, serum composition, and intestinal microbiota of laying hens were investigated. Methods: Eighty 60-week-old Hy-Line Brown hens were separated into 5 experimental groups with 4 replicates per group (4 hens per cage, 4 cages per replicate). The control group was fed a basal diet while experimental groups were also given SGYCs at the levels of 5, 10, 20, and 40 g/kg for 6 weeks. Results: The addition of SGYCs significantly increased the laying rate and nutrient digestibility, decreased feed conversion ratio, and enhanced the color of egg yolks (p<0.05). No changes were observed in activity levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the serum (p>0.05), but the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxidase all significantly increased, and contents of malondialdehyde were significantly reduced (p<0.05). In addition, changes in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes might be the main factor contributing to the significant increase in the apparent digestibility of crude protein and crude fat in laying hens (p<0.05). Conclusion: The current evidence shows that dietary supplementation of SGYCs to the feed of laying hens can improve laying rates, enhance antioxidative defenses, and influence dominant intestinal bacteria.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.1269-1284
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• 2021

Objectives: Phragmitis Rhizoma is the fresh or dried rhizome of Phragmites communis Trin., which has been prescribed in traditional Korean medicine to relieve fever and vomiting and to nourish the body fluids. Recently, the protective effect of Phragmitis Rhizoma extract or its components on myelotoxicity and inflammatory responses have been reported, but no study has yet been conducted on oxidative stress. Methods: The present study investigated whether an ethanol extract of Phragmitis Rhizoma (PR) could protect against cellular damage induced by oxidative stress in Chang liver cells. Results: Pretreatment with PR significantly suppressed the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced reduction of Chang cell viability and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby deferring apoptosis. PR also markedly inhibited H₂O₂-induced comet tail formation and phospho-γH2AX expression, suggesting that PR protected against oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage. PR also effectively prevented the inhibition of ATP synthesis in H₂O₂-treated Chang cells by inhibiting the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating that PR maintains energy metabolism through preservation of mitochondrial function while eliminating ROS generated by H₂O₂. Immunoblotting results indicated that PR attenuated the H₂O₂-induced downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax expression. Conclusions: PR protects against oxidative injury in Chang liver cells by regulating energy homeostasis via ROS generation blockade, which is at least partly mediated through inactivation of the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.39-43
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this sutdy was finding out the origin and daily dose of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases. Methods : In order to estimate the origin and daily dose of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus, I researched the Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, Synopsis of Prescription of the Golden Chamber, Classified Emergency Materia Medica, Compendium of Materia Medica, and Huangdi's Internal Classic. Results : According to some important herbal textbooks, Allii Fistulosi Bulbus had no seed, was reproduced by rhizome, and its leaves were soft. Chongbaek in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases did not include word 'raw'. The unit of the dose of it was the number of article. So Allii Fistulosi Bulbus in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases was not Daepa but Jokpa, and was dried, and was round shaped bulb bigger than bean. The daily dose was 4, 9, 14 articles in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases and Synopsis of Prescription of the Golden Chamber. These were estimated equal to 1, 2, 3 Ryang. 1 Ryang equals to 6.5 g in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, so the daily dose of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus was estimated 6.5 g, 13.0 g, and 19.5 g. I weighed the middle-sized Allii Fistulosi Bulbuses, the result was remarkably consistent with the estimated numerical value. Conclusions : In Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, Allii Fistulosi Bulbus was dried bulb of Jokpa of Allium fistulosum Linn$\acute{e}$ and the daily dose was 4 or 9 articles, respectively equaled to 1 Ryang, 2 Ryang and 6.5 g, 13 g.

• 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.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.83-90
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• 2014

Objectives : This research has been done to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Coptidis Rhizoma extracts. Method : Coptidis Rhizoma was extracted by $100^{\circ}C$ water. The extract (CC : Extract of Coptis chinensis rhizome) was used to examine its effects on the cell viability of mouse macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line. Also the production of nitric oxide (NO), the c-jun N-terminalkinase (JNK) activation and the production of cytokines such as (IL)-5 were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. After the CC and LPS were applied to Raw 264.7 cells which were cultured for 24 hours, the MTT assay was performed. Result : The CC extracts didn't affect the viability of macrophage cells. However, the extracts inhibited the NO production and the JNK activation significantly in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells treated with 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$ concentrations. The CC extract, also, impeded the production of inflammation-related factors and cytokines such as KC, VEGF, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12p40 in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells at the concentration higher than $25{\mu}g/mL$. The production of basic-FGF concentration of 50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$, the production of IP-10 at $100{\mu}g/mL$, and the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ at $25{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Conclusion : The CC prepared using $100^{\circ}C$ water showed the significant anti-inflammatory effect such as the inhibition not only on the production of NO, KC, VEGF, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12p40 in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells at or higher than the concentration of $25{\mu}g/mL$, but also on the JNK activation at 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.161-171
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• 2022

Background: Epilobium hirsutum L. is designated as an endangered plant in South Korea located in Asia, due to the destruction of its habitats through the development of wetlands. Therefore, in this study, in order to find a light condition suitable for the growth and ecophysiological responses of Epilobium hirsutum L., those of this plant under treatment with various light qualities in a smart farm were measured. Results: In order to examine the changes in the physiological and growth responses of Epilobium hirsutum L. according to the light qualities, the treatment with light qualities of the smart farm was carried out using the red light: blue light irradiation time ratios of 1:1, 1:1/2, and 1:1/5 and a red light: blue light: white light irradiation time ratio of 1:1:1. As a result, the ecophysiological responses (difference between leaf temperature and atmospheric temperature, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO₂ partial pressure, photosynthetic quantum efficiency) to light qualities appeared differently according to the treatments with light qualities. The increase in the blue light ratio increased the difference between the leaf temperature and the atmospheric temperature and the photosynthetic quantum efficiency and decreased the transpiration rate and the intercellular CO₂ partial pressure. On the other hand, the white light treatment increased the transpiration rate and intercellular CO₂ partial pressure and decreased the temperature difference between the leaf temperature and the ambient temperature and photosynthetic quantum efficiency. Conclusions: The light condition suitable for the propagation by the stolons, which are the propagules of Epilobium hirsutum L., in the smart farm, is red, blue and white mixed light with high net photosynthetic rates and low difference between leaf temperature and atmospheric temperature.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.190-201
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• 2022

This review aimed to analyze Korean medicine treatment (KMT) methods used for Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in studies from January 1, 2010, to December 21, 2021. Five online databases (KISS, SCIENCEON, DBpia, RISS, KMbase) were searched for GBS-related studies. A total of 14 case reports were selected. Various treatment methods for GBS such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping have been reported, and some included Western medication. Herbal medicine and acupuncture were the most frequently used treatment methods. The most common prescription for GBS was Shipjeondaebotang Gami, the most common herb used was Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizome, and the most common acupoints were ST36, LI11, TE5, and LI4. In moxibustion treatment for GBS, CV4 was commonly used, and in cupping treatment the low back and back-shu points and were mostly used. Further studies on Korean medicine treatment of GBS are necessary for standardization of treatment.