• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.255-263
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• 2011

Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) has been used in traditional medicines, as its roots contain several kinds of triterpenoid saponin with high medicinal values. In this work, we induced transgenic hairy roots of C. lanceolata and analyzed triterpenoid saponins from the hairy roots and hairy root-derived transgenic plants. Hairy roots were obtained from leaf explants by the transformation of Agrobacterium rhizogenes R1000. Transgenic hairy root lines were confirmed by the transcriptional activities of rolA, B, C, and D genes by RT-PCR. Transgenic root lines actively proliferated on hormone-free medium but not in nontransformed roots. Hairy roots contained richer triterpenoids (lancemaside A, foetidissimoside A, and aster saponin Hb) than nontransformed roots. Transgenic plants were regenerated from the hairy roots via somatic embryogenesis. They showed phenotypic alterations such as shortened shoots and an increased number of axillary buds and adventitious roots. The transgenic plants also contained higher triterpenoid levels than wild-type plants. These results suggest that hairy roots and transgenic plants of C. lanceolata could be used as medicinal materials for the production of triterpene saponins.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.126-129
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• 2014

Bioactivity-guided investigation on whole plant of Euphorbia supina, using LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells, led to the identificaiton of a tannin which was not reported from this plant along with four known constituents (quercetin, astragalin, juglanin and methyl gallate). The structure of the tannin was determined as corilagin by the interpretation of NMR (1D and 2D) and MS spectroscopic data. All the isolates were tested for the inhibitory activity against NO production in LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells. Among the tested isolates, corilagin was found to be the most active compound.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2001

We have reported that kalopanaxsaponin A (KPS-A) Isolated from Kalopanax pictus have anti-rheumatoidal activity in the rat treated with Freunds complete adjuvant (FCA) reagent. In addition, it has been also reported that KPS-A is a potent antioxidant in the rheumatoidal rat. This research was undertaken to examine whether the saponins of KPS-A and -1 could adjust the abnormal lipid metabolisms and hematological changes in immunological diseases. KPS-A significantly inhibited the increases in both triglycerides and total proteins in addition to the decrease in total cholesterol induced by FCA reagent treatment. KPS-A treatment decreased the number of leucocytes elevated by FCA reagent treatment. Excess dose of the methanol extract produced no severe toxicity on the body weight, wet organ weights and hepatic functions. Since $LD_50$ value of K. pictus methanol extract was shown to be 4,033 ${mg/kg}$, it could be estimated to be a safe agent for anti-rheumatoidal herbal medicines.

• Journal of Species Research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.413-426
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• 2020

The Euphorbiaceae family features some of the most economically important plants that are sources of foods, oils, waxes, and medicines. The accurate identification of Euphorbiaceae species is critical in sustainable utilization of plant resources. We examined 234 sequences of nrDNA ITS, cpDNA rbcL and matK loci from 20 species in Euphorbiaceae in Korea and three outgroup taxa to develop efficient DNA barcodes. The three barcode loci were successfully amplified and sequenced for all Euphorbiaceae species. nrDNA ITS locus showed the highest mean interspecific K2P distance (0.3034), followed by cpDNA matK (0.0830), and rbcL (0.0352) locus. The degree of species resolution for individual barcode loci ranged from 75% (rbcL and matK) to 80% (ITS). The degree of species resolution was not enhanced with the different combinations of three barcode loci. The combined data set of the three loci(ITS+rbcL+matK) provided 80% of species resolution. These results confirm that ITS locus, as a single barcode, is the best option for barcoding of the Euphorbiaceae in Korea.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.04a
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• pp.9-9
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• 2018

Arctii Fructus (AF), which contains arctigenin (ARC) as a major constituent, is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory medicine to treat inflammatory sore throat. Although several studies have proven its anti-inflammatory effects, there have been no reports on its use in inflammation related disorders such as obesity, cancer metastasis, and allergic responses. This study investigated the anti-obesity effect and anti-metastasis effect of AF and ARC. AF and ARC inhibited weight gain by reducing the mass of white adipose tissue in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Serum cholesterol levels were also improved by AF and ARC. In in vitro experiments, AF and ARC decreased differentiation of white adipocytes. Furthermore, AF induced differentiation of brown adipocytes, which are able to consume surplus energy through non-shivering thermogenesis. Also, AF and ARC inhibited colon cancer and lung metastasis of colon cancer. They suppressed not only colorectal cancer cell progression by inhibiting cell growth, but also prohibited lung metastasis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and the invasion. These effects were confirmed in an experimental metastasis mouse model. In addition, AF and ARC inhibited mast cell mediated allergic responses. Collectively, our study suggests that AF and ARC might show inhibitory effects on inflammation related diseases, including obesity, cancer, cancer metastasis, and allergic responses.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.586-596
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• 2020

Chionanthus retusus has been used for landscaping and gardening trees, foods and medicines. This study was carried out to analyze the effect of fertilization on the growth performance of container seedlings (1-year-old) in C. retusus. We used multifeed 19 (MF) as a fertilizer, and measured the height, root collar diameter (RCD), biomass, seedling quality index (SQI) chlorophyll contents and chlorophyll fluorescence of the seedlings. The findings of this paper showed that the height, RCD, H/D ratio, T/R ratio and the fresh and dry weight of seedlings increased after fertilization. The moisture content of the stem and root did not show any significant difference among fertilizations, except in the case of the leaf. Production distribution such as the dry weight ratio of leaves and the stem dry weight ratio of fertilized seedlings had a higher value than that of non-treatment. SQI was the highest in MF 1,000 mg/L and 2,000 mg/L treatment. Chlorophyll contents (SPAD value) also increased with the increase in fertilization concentrations. Chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m) showed the highest value of 0.8 in MF 2,000 mg/L treatment.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.226-233
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• 2007

To develop a clinically available saponin- or sapogenin complex from Oriental medicines, the EtOH extract (KPRG-A) was obtained by extracting from the four crude drugs, Kalopanacis Cortex, Platycodi Radix, Rubi Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radis. The BuOH fraction (KPRG-B), a crude saponin complex, was prepared by fractionating KPRG-A, which were further completely hydrolyzed to afford the sapogenin complex (KPRG-D). In an attempt to find the antinoicpetive effects of the saponin complex and sapogenin complex, KPRG-C, and -D, were assayed by writhing-, hot plate-, and tail-flick tests using mice or rats. The three samples were also subjected to antiiflammatory tests using serotonin-induced and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mice and rats, respectively. The three samples significantly reduced inflammations and pains of the experimental animal. The potency were found in the order of KPRG-D> KPRG-C> KPRG-B. The most active sample, KPRG-D, caused no death, no body increase or no anatomical pathlogic change even at 2,000 mg/kg dose. These results suggest that a sapogenin complex, KPRG-D, which was found to contain mainly hederagenin, platycodigenin, polygalacic acid, 23-hydroxytormentic acid, glycyrrhetic acid together with minor triterpene acids, could be a potential candidate for antiinflammatory therapeutics.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.117-122
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• 2005

Moisture and quantum were measured to investigated out the growth characteristics of Adenocaulon himalaicum which is one of the important plants at the forest plants. The herbal medicines of Adenocaulon himalaicum known as one of the main mountain edible herbs have great value of resources according to the report that dopamine causing schizophrenia is greatly reduced with it. The moisture is a primary factor for the growth of Adenocaulon himalaicum. In this study we showed that the site with little change of temperature and under $200\;{\mu}mol\;s^{-1}m^{-2}$ quantum is suitable. Also, the maintenance of relative humidity over $50\%$ is a very important factor in the proliferation of shady spot plants.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2010.09c
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• pp.81-85
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• 2010

The medicinal plant, Kanzo (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), mainly grows on arid lands. The root of Kanzo has been compounded about 70% of herbal medicines in Japan because it has an important medicinal element. In addition, in recent years, the expansion of desertification becomes a serious problem. The cause is chiefly man activity such as over gathering plants1). The aim of this study is to prevent desertification by cultivating Kanzo with high quality. The first step is to grow Kanzo for greening. The second step is to stably produce the root with high medicinal quality. This paper presents growth properties of cultivating Kanzo by bottom watering method, which is under constant groundwater level. The main results of this paper are as follows: (1) The lower water content of cultivating soil is, the longer the root length is, (2) Growth of Kanzo is influenced by soil types, (3) Thick primary roots grow directly and vertically in low water content. On the other hand, thin secondary roots grow curvedly and horizontally in high water content and (4) Measuring evapo-transpiration velocity is the effective method to evaluate roots' growth tendency in the field.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.38-55
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• 2024

Cancer is a global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, conventional cancer treatment methods often have severe side effects and limited success rates. In the last decade, extensive research has been conducted to develop safe, and efficient alternative treatments that do not have the limitations of existing anticancer medicines. Plant-derived compounds have shown promise in cancer treatment for their anti-carcinogenic and anti-proliferative properties. Rosmarinic acid (RA) and carnosic acid (CA) are potent polyphenolic compounds found in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract. They have been extensively studied for their biological properties, which include anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In addition, RA and CA have demonstrated effective anti-proliferative properties against various cancers, making them promising targets for extensive research to develop candidate or leading compounds for cancer treatment. This review discusses and summarizes the anti-tumor effect of RA and CA against various cancers and highlights the involved biochemical and mechanistic pathways.