• Smart Media Journal
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.102-109
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the growth parameters and antioxidant activity of Cnidium officinale under controlled temperature and carbon dioxide levels during the cultivation period. The plants were cultivated for four months, each group being set at the average temperature of the cultivation area +1.8℃/445ppm(SSP1), +3.6℃/872ppm(SSP3), and +4.4℃/1,142ppm(SSP5), respectively. During the cultivation period, the growth, Top/Root ratio, and leaf weight ratio(LWR) of C. officinale slightly decreased in SSP3 and SSP5 compared to SSP1, while the root weight ratio(RWR) increased. The antioxidant activity and related phenolic compound content in the aerial parts of C. officinale increased proportionally with temperature and CO₂ concentration. However, an adverse effect was observed in the high-concentration SSP5 group. Conversely, in the roots, the SSP5 group exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. This study suggests that it can be utilized as fundamental data necessary for understanding the correlation between environmental conditions and the growth as well as physiological activities of medicinal plants.

• Smart Media Journal
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.93-101
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• 2023

Climate change has emerged as a global problem, with frequent temperature increases, droughts, and floods, and it is predicted that it will have a great impact on the characteristics and productivity of crops. Cnidium officinale is used not only as traditionally used herbal medicines, but also as various industrial raw materials such as health functional foods, natural medicines, and living materials, but productivity is decreasing due to threats such as continuous crop damage and climate change. Therefore, this paper proposes a model that can predict the physiologically active ingredient index according to the climate change scenario of Cnidium officinale, a representative medicinal crop vulnerable to climate change. In this paper, data was first augmented using the CTGAN algorithm to solve the problem of data imbalance in the collection of environment information, physiological reactions, and physiological active ingredient information. Column Shape and Column Pair Trends were used to measure augmented data quality, and overall quality of 88% was achieved on average. In addition, five models RF, SVR, XGBoost, AdaBoost, and LightBGM were used to predict phenol and flavonoid content by dividing them into ground and underground using augmented data. As a result of model evaluation, the XGBoost model showed the best performance in predicting the physiological active ingredients of the sacrum, and it was confirmed to be about twice as accurate as the SVR model.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2023.04a
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• pp.51-51
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• 2023

The world-wide rate of obesity is increasing continuously, representing a serious medical threat since it is associated with a variety of diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and numerous cancers. Sophora japonicais used as a traditional herb for medicinal purposes in eastern Asia. However, the anti-obesity effects of S. japonicafruit have not been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis by an ethanol extract of S. japonicafruit (EESF) in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Our results demonstrate that EESF suppressed the terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by a decrease in lipid droplet number and lipid content through Oil Red O staining. EESF significantly reduced the accumulation of cellular triglyceride, which was associated with a significant inhibition of the levels of pro-adipogenic transcription factors, including PPARγ, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ. In addition, EESF potentially down regulated the expression levels of adipocyte-specific proteins, including aP2 and leptin. In particular, EESF treatment effectively enhanced the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway; however, the co-treatment with compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, significantly restored the EESF-induced inhibition of pro-adipogenic transcription factors and adipocyte-specific genes. These results indicate that EESF may exert an anti-obesity effect by controlling the AMPK signaling pathway, suggesting that the fruit extract of S. japonica may be a potential anti-obesity agent.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.876-886
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• 2023

In some cases of head and neck cancers (HNC), surgical interventions may result in the loss of organs and/or changes to their functions, thereby significantly affecting the patient's quality of life. As a result, the surgical treatment of HNC patients is often limited to specific cases, and alternative treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, are considered. However, serious adverse effects caused by chemotherapy, such as severe nausea and vomiting, necessitate the need for the development of adjunctive methods to minimize patient suffering. Chuanxiong, Ligusticum chuanxiong (L. chuanxiong), is a natural herb used in Eastern medicine to treat cerebrovascular disorders and headaches. This study aimed to predict the effect and potential of L. chuanxiong as an auxiliary anticancer drug through network-based pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. The study results showed that 40 out of 41 genes of L. chuanxiong shared common targets of HNC and their proteins could be used to target HNC cells to prevent cancer progression. The results of the functional enrichment analysis confirmed that L. chuanxiong is associated with the neuroactive-ligand metabolism and neurotransmitter pathways, indicating its potential medicinal value as an adjuvant in HNC treatment. Lastly, our findings demonstrated that the active ingredient of L. chuanxiong, (Z)-Ligustilide, has the ATP binding site of heat shock protein 90, a protein known to promote the activation of cancer cells. These results suggest that L. chuanxiong is a promising candidate for developing auxiliary anticancer drugs, and further research could potentially lead to the discovery of newer and safer anti-cancer agents.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2022.09a
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• pp.43-43
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• 2022

우리나라의 많은 자생식물은 약용 및 관상용으로 이용되어 안정적인 공급을 위해서는 적절한 재배 조건에 대한 정보가 필요하다. 본 연구에 사용된 비수리[Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.Cours.) G.Don]와 제비쑥(Artemisia japonica Thunb.)은 각 야관문과 모호라는 이름으로 불리며 약용자원으로서 가치가 높은 식물이나 적정 재배조건에 대한 정보가 부족하다. 따라서 효율적인 재배 조건을 제시하기위해 재배 시 토양, 차광, 추비가 식물의 생육에 미치는 영향을 비교하였다. 실험에 사용된 식물의 종자는 2022년 국립생물자원관에서 분양 받았다. 두 종의 종자를 페트리디시에 파종한 후 15, 20, 25, 30℃(명 또는 암조건)과 25/15℃(16/8h, 명/암) 조건에 파종하여 발아 및 휴면 여부를 확인하였다. 재배 실험은 유리온실에서 원예용상토에 파종한 다음 비수리는 4주, 제비쑥은 6주 동안 생육시킨 균일한 묘를 각 지름 7, 9cm 포트에 이식하여 실험에 사용하였다. 토양실험은 원예상토와 마사토의 비율을 각 1:1, 2:1 및 3:1로 혼합하여 사용하였으며, 차광조건은 무차광, 55, 75%로 설정하였다. 추비 조건은 500 및 1,000ppm 하이포넥스 용액을 재배 6주 후 2주 간격으로 총 3회 엽면시비 하였으며, 원예상토 단용을 모든 실험의 대조구로 사용하였다. 발아실험결과, 비수리는 광조건의 모든 온도에서 발아하였으며, 암조건에서도 유사한 결과를 보였다. 반면 제비쑥은 20℃ 이하의 광조건에서 발아율이 유의적으로 감소하는 경향이었으며, 암조건에서는 모든 온도에서 발아율이 저조하였다. 재배조건 실험 결과, 두 식물 모두 원예상토와 마사토를 3:1로 혼합한 토양이 가장 생육에 적합하였으며, 1,000ppm의 하이포넥스로 추비 처리시 생육이 촉진되었다. 반면 모든 차광조건에서는 식물의 생육이 부진한 모습을 보여, 생육에 부정적인 영향을 주었다.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.967-977
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• 2023

Rubus crataegifolius (RC) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. The fruits of RC are known to prevent adult diseases through antioxidants. In this study, the effects of RC extract (RCex) on obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated in animal models. Twenty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were induced to become obese for 8 weeks and then the extract was orally administered for 8 weeks. RCex reduced body weight, adipose tissue, liver weight. RCex improved biochemical biomarkers including lipid metabolism (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol). The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduced the expression of adipogenesis genes (liver × receptor (LXR), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthesis (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and the effect of enhancing carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity by RCex was verified. RCex also influence on plasma production of hormones (adiponectin & leptin) related on energy expenditure and metabolism. In addition, we confirmed that RCex improved glucose intolerance in HFD-induced obese rats. RCex was first demonstrated to have anti-obesity as well as anti-NAFLD effects by regulating fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid synthesis by phosphorylation of AMPK. This suggests that RCex could be a good supplement for the prevention of obesity and related NAFLD.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.355-363
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• 2023

In addition to causing direct feeding damage to a variety of greenhouse crops, Frankliniella occidentalis also inflicts indirect harm by facilitating the transmission of the tomato spotted wilt virus. Historically, the prevention of F. occidentalis infestations has relied heavily on pesticide use. However, this approach has led to significant side effects in agricultural ecosystems, including the development of pest resistance and challenges in effective prevention. In response to these issues, research has been directed towards identifying alternative substances that circumvent the tolerance developed against chemical pesticides. Extracts from sixty-seven medicinal plants were prepared by soaking them in water for 24 hours at room temperature. These extracts were then applied to adult F. occidentalis, with particular attention to moutan extract treatment. This treatment demonstrated a 100% insecticidal effect on the first day. The moutan extract, specifically, was prepared using 50% ethanol, after which the ethanol and water were removed via a rotary evaporator. The resultant product was then lyophilized into a powder and used after being diluted with water. In indoor experiments, a 40% diluted solution was sprayed onto F. occidentalis, exhibiting a 100% insecticidal effect 24 hours post-treatment. Furthermore, a pot test indicated a 78% insecticidal effect on the first day of application. Ongoing research includes the analysis of active substances that demonstrate exceptional insecticidal properties and the conduct of on-site validation tests. The application of the aforementioned extract is anticipated to be effective in the prevention of F. occidentalis infestations.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.338-347
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• 2023

Objectives: Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoleaceae) is cultivated to produce "yerba mate". Due to its nutritional, energizing, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects, it is used in the elaboration of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The oxidative stress related to protein glycation and production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to the development of several diseases. The objective of this work was to compare the antioxidant and anti-AGEs activity of a decoction of fruits (F) and leaves (L). Methods: The antioxidant activity was assayed by the DPPH assay and the inhibition of egg yolk lipid peroxidation (ILP), and anti-AGEs activity, through the inhibition of the formation of fructosamine (IF), β-amyloid (Iβ), protein carbonylation (IC) and AGEs (IA). Polyphenols were quantified by HPLC. Results: Maximum response ± SEM: For F 0.01 ㎍/mL: IF = 42 ± 4%, IC = 17 ± 2% and for 10 ㎍/mL: IA = 38 ± 4%, Iβ = 67 ± 7%. For L 0.1 ㎍/mL: IF = 35 ± 2%, IC = 19 ± 2% and for 100 ㎍/mL: IA = 26 ± 3%, Iβ = 63.04 ± 2%. The DPPH IC₅₀ = 134.8 ± 14 ㎍/mL for F and 34.67 ± 3 ㎍/mL for L. The ILP IC₅₀ = 512.86 ± 50 ㎍/mL for F and 154.8 ± 15 ㎍/mL for L. By HPLC L presented the highest amounts of flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. F and L showed strong anti-AGEs activity, affecting the early stages of glycation at low concentrations and the late stages of glycation at high concentrations. The highest activity for both F and L was seen in the IF and Iβ. F presented the highest anti-AGEs potency. L presented the highest antioxidant potency, which was related to the highest content of polyphenols. Conclusion: The fruits of I. paraguariensis could be a source of antioxidant and anti-AGEs compounds to be used with medicinal purposes or as functional food.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.385-392
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• 2024

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a valuable plant that is widely used worldwide for food and medicinal purposes. This study compared ethanol extracts of five native Korean varieties (Yuwol-cho, Subi-cho, Sumihyang, Gounbit, and Chilseong-cho) and five improved varieties (Dabok, Cheongyang, Chungseong, Olbokhap, and Shin-honggildong) of peppers cultured in Korea. The extracts were analyzed for color difference, polyphenol content, and their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombotic activities. The extracts of the improved varieties exhibited higher levels of redness and lower levels of yellowness compared to the native varieties. Polyphenol and flavonoid content analysis revealed significantly higher levels in the Yuwol-cho and Sumihyang varieties, which also exhibited scavenging activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl anion-, 2,2-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cation-radical scavenging, and reducing power assay. The Chilseong-cho, Yuwol-cho, and Dabok varieties showed significantly higher nitrite scavenging activity. Antidiabetic activity based on α-glucosidase inhibition was observed in the Subi-cho, Sumihyang, and Gounbit extracts. Evaluation of antithrombotic activity showed that the Yuwol-cho extract prolonged thrombin time by 1.61 times compared to the solvent control at a concentration of 5 mg/ml, while the Dabok extract prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time by 1.33 times and 2.21 times, respectively. All pepper extracts showed no erythrocyte hemolysis activity up to a concentration of 5 mg/ml. Our results suggest that native Korean peppers have the potential to serve as valuable sources of antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombotic agents. This research also indicates the possibility of replacing improved pepper varieties, which incur significant seed usage fees, with native Korean pepper varieties.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.149-162
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• 2024

Ginseng, the roots of Panax species, is an important medicinal herb used as a tonic. As ginsenosides are key bioactive components of ginseng, holistic chemical profiling of them has provided many insights into understanding ginseng. Mass spectrometry has been a major methodology for profiling, which has been applied to realize numerous goals in ginseng research, such as the discrimination of different species, geographical origins, and ages, and the monitoring of processing and biotransformation. This review summarizes the various applications of ginsenoside profiling in ginseng research over the last three decades that have contributed to expanding our understanding of ginseng. However, we also note that most of the studies overlooked a crucial factor that influences the levels of ginsenosides: genetic variation. To highlight the effects of genetic variation on the chemical contents, we present our results of untargeted and targeted ginsenoside profiling of different genotypes cultivated under identical conditions, in addition to data regarding genome-level genetic diversity. Additionally, we analyze the other limitations of previous studies, such as imperfect variable control, deficient metadata, and lack of additional effort to validate causation. We conclude that the values of ginsenoside profiling studies can be enhanced by overcoming such limitations, as well as by integrating with other -omics techniques.