Endemic Species In Korea Research Articles

The complete chloroplast genome of Aconitum austrokoreense Koidz. (Ranunculaceae), an endangered endemic species in Korea

We determined the complete chloroplast genome sequences of Aconitum austrokoreense Koidz., an endangered endemic species in Korea. The chloroplast DNA is 155,682 bp in length and encodes 37 tRNAs, 8 rRNAs, and 86 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison of protein-coding genes with those in other Ranunculaceae chloroplast DNAs showed that the chloroplast genome of A. austrokoreense is closely related to that of A. chiisanense and large sequence variations identified in rps16, matK, and rpl20 are specific to these two species.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Korean torrent catfish Liobagrus andersoni (Siluriformes, amblycipitidae)

The Korean torrent catfish (Liobagrus andersoni), an endemic species in Korea, is a member of the family Amblycipitidae. Herein, we report the first sequencing and assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome of L. andersoni. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,514 bp long, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region. It has the typical vertebrate mitochondrial gene arrangement. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial genomes of 21 species showed that L. andersoni was clustered with L. marginatoides and L. nigricauda. This mitochondrial genome provides potentially important resources for addressing taxonomic issues and studying molecular evolution.

Complete mitogenome sequences of a Korean spine loach, Iksookimia koreensis (Kim, 1975)

Here, we present the complete mitogenome sequences from a Korean spine loach (Iksookimia koreensis Kim 1975), an endemic species of Korea. The total length of mitogenome was 16 563 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and one control region (D-loop). Except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, all of the other mitochondrial genes were encoded on the heavy strand. The control region harbored conserved sequence blocks (CSB-D, E, F, CSB-1, CBS-2 and CBS-3) and TA-nucleotide microsatellite repeats in its 3′ end. Our complete mitogenomes will be valuable resources for phylogeny, genetics and conservation of the genus Iksookimia.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from Cirsium setidens, a Korean Medicinal Plant

The objective of the present study was to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil from Cirsium setidens. C. setidens (koryoungungqwui in Korea) is a perennial plant belonging to the Compositae family, and it is an endemic species of Korea. The essential oil obtained by hydro distillation Clevenger method from the aerial part of C. setidens was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Ninety-two volatile flavor components, constituting 94.0 % of the total volatile composition of the essential oil, were identified in the essential oil of C. setidens. The oil was composed mainly of alcohols, ketones, esters, terpenes, carboxylic acid and hydrocarbons. Phytol (38.67 %) was the most abundant compound, followed by 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (16.74 %), hexadecanoic acid (8.37 %), 1,2,15,16-diepoxyhexadecane (2.30 %), and β-caryophyllene alcohol (2.28 %).

Determination of saikosaponins in threeBupleurumplants by HPLC analysis

In this study, saikosaponins were determined from roots of three Bupleurum plants collected in June 2009. Bupleuri Radix (Bupleurum spp. root) is one of the most important crude drugs in Korea, China and Japan. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the determination of saikosaponin ‘a’, ‘b’ and ‘c’ in three Bupleurum plants. The highest total saikosaponin content was found in the B. falcatum ‘Mishima’ (1281.94 mg%). Total saikosaponin contents of B. falcatum and B. latissimum were 669.67 and 489.95 mg%, respectively. B. falcatum ‘Mishima’ and B. falcatum contained more saikosaponin ‘a’ than other saikosaponins. The contents of saikosaponin ‘a’ of B. falcatum ‘Mishima’ and B. falcatum were 745.74 and 484.60 mg%, respectively. In contrast, B. latissimum, an endemic species of Korea had higher saikosaponin ‘c’ (351.90 mg%) content than the other two saikosaponins and the content was higher than B. falcatum (181.71 mg%). B. latissimum, a Korean endemic species, is a good source for extraction/production of saikosaponin ‘c’.

고라니 분변량과 토지 유형의 차이가 식물 생장에 미치는 영향

동물로부터 발생하는 분변은 질소, 인산, 칼리 등의 영양분을 함유하고 있으며, 동물의 분변이 환경에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구는 매우 다양하다. 그러나 육상 생태계의 주요 구성원인 포유류를 대상으로 한 연구는 전무한 실정이다. 그러므로 전 세계적으로 한국과 중국의 토착종이고 우리나라 고유종이며 우리나라 전역에 서식하는 고라니의 분변을 이용하여 각각의 토지 유형별로 고라니의 분변량의 차이가 생육하는 식물의 생장에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구를 수행하였다. 고라니의 분변량과 토양의 차이에 따른 옥수수 개체의 생장량, 생물량, 탄질비를 분석한 결과 고라니의 분변량과 토양의 차이는 식물체의 생장량과 탄질비에 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났으며, 토양의 차이보다 분변량의 차이가 식물체의 생장에 더 큰 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 고라니의 분변은 다른 동물의 분변에 비하여 낮은 탄질비를 가지고 있어 퇴비화의 과정을 거친다면 작물 생육에 적합한 비료의 역할을 할 수 있음을 확인할 수 있었다. 본 연구는 동물의 분변이 육상생태계에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였으며, 동물 분변의 효율적인 자원화 방안을 마련하도록 기초자료를 제공을 함과 동시에 동물 생태계와 토양 그리고 식물체 간의 물질 순환을 정량화 하고 서로의 관계를 파악할 수 있다는 점에서 의의가 있는 연구이다. Feces contain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate, potassium and research of the impact on the environment from feces is very diverse. However, despite the importance of mammals to environment, studies of mammals into the terrestrial ecosystems are rare. Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis) is an endemic species of Korea and China, and we conducted on factor of plant growth in relation to feces of Korean water deer depending on land use patterns. The analysis of growth, biomass and C/N ratio of Zea mays, amount of feces and land use patterns are strongly affecting the C/N ratio and growth of the Zea mays. The quantity of the feces also influences the growth of plants instead of the land use patterns. Furthermore, the feces of Korean water deer have a lower C/N ratio than that of other animals' feces. Being the process of composting, it is able to serve a suitable fertilizer for a crop growth. In this study, we investigated the impact of feces into the environment in the terrestrial ecosystems and we were able to provide the basic data to the resources of an efficient scheme of animal feces. Further research is needed to quantify the materials amongst the plant, soil and animal, and to understand the relationship ecosystem.

Predicting potential impacts of climate change on freshwater fish in Korea

Climate change is expected to have profound effects on the distribution and phenology of species and the productivity of aquatic ecosystem. In this study, we projected the impacts of climate change on the distributions of 22 endemic fish species in Korea with climatic and geographical variables by using species distribution models (SDMs). Six different SDMs – linear discriminant analysis, generalized linear model, classification and regression trees, random forest, support vector machine, and multivariate adaptive regression splines – were implemented for the prediction, and compared for their prediction capacity. The results showed that the random forest displayed the highest predictive power for the prediction of current species distributions. Therefore, the random forest was used to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the distributions of 22 endemic fish species. The results revealed that five species (Acheilognathus yamatsutae, Sarcocheilichthys variegatus wakiyae, Squalidus japonicus coreanus, Microphysogobio longidorsalis, and Liobagrus andersoni) have a high probability of becoming extinct in their respective habitable sub-watersheds by the 2080s due to climate change. The sensitivity analysis of the model showed that geo-hydrological variables such as stream order and altitude and temperature-related variables such as mean temperature in January and difference between the minimum and maximum temperatures exhibited relatively higher importance in their contributions for the prediction of species occurrence than that other variables. The decline of endemic fish species richness, and their occurrence probability due to climate change, would lead to poleward and upward shifts, as well as extinctions of species. Finally, we believe that our projections are useful for understanding how climate change affects the distribution range of endemic species in Korea, while also providing the necessary information to develop preservation and conservation strategies for maintaining endemic fish.

특산식물 말오줌나무와 노랑말오줌나무의 종자발아 및 분화묘 재배특성

본 연구는 국내 특산식물 말오줌나무와 노랑말오줌나무의 종자저장방법 및 전처리가 종자발아에 미치는 영향과 토양종류 및 차광이 분화묘 재배에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 수행되었다. 그 결과 말오줌나무의 종자 발아율은 60일간 노천매장 후 <TEX>$GA_3$</TEX> 100 ppm 24시간 침지처리구에서 가장 높은 발아율(48.6%)을 보였다. 노랑말오줌나무의 종자 발아율은 30일간 저온습윤처리 후 <TEX>$GA_3$</TEX> 100 ppm 24시간 침지처리구에서 가장 높은 발아율(51.4%)을 나타내었다. 발아된 말오줌나무 유묘(신초 2 cm, 뿌리 3 cm)를 원예용상토로 충진된 분화 용기에 이식하여 50% 차광처리 조건에서 75일간 재배하면 초장 41 cm, 엽수 8매, 엽폭 16 cm, 엽장 18 cm, 근장 22 cm, 생중량 상/하, 20/6.9 g, 건중량 상/하, 4.5/2.0 g 이상의 우수한 분화묘 생산이 가능하였다. 이와 비슷하게 발아된 노랑말오줌나무 유묘(신초 2 cm, 뿌리 3 cm)를 원예용상토로 충진된 분화 용기에 이식하여 무차광처리 조건(대조구)에서 75일간 생육시키면 초장 39 cm, 엽수 10매, 엽폭 12 cm, 엽장 15 cm, 근장 22 cm, 생중량 상/하, 21/13 g, 건중량 상/하, 4.2/2.2 g 이상의 우수한 분화묘 생산이 가능하였다. 따라서 말오줌나무와 노랑말오줌나무의 종자발아에는 노천매장이나 저온습윤처리 후 <TEX>$GA_3$</TEX> 용액 침지처리가 필요하고 분화묘 재배에는 원예용상토가 충진된 분화용기에 이식 후 무차광 혹은 50% 차광처리가 필요한 것으로 나타났다. This study was carried out to determine the effects of seed storage methods and pre-treatments on seed germination, soil types and shading conditions on potted seedlings growth of S. sieboldiana var. pendula and S. sieboldiana for. xanthocarpa, endemic species in Korea. The seed germination rate of S. sieboldiana var. pendula was the highest at 48.6% when seeds were treated with stratification for 60 days and then soaked in 100 ppm <TEX>$GA_3$</TEX>. And seed germination rate of S. sieboldiana for. xanthocarpa was the highest at 51.4% when seeds were pre-chilled for 30 days and then soaked in 100 ppm <TEX>$GA_3$</TEX>. And potted seedlings of S. sieboldiana var. pendula showed the best quality under 50% shading in bedsoil with the growth characteristics of plant height (41 cm), number of leaves(8), leaf width (16 cm), leaf length (18 cm), root length (22 cm), fresh weight(aerial part/root part; 20/6.9 g) and dry weight(aerial part/root part; 4.5/2.0 g). And potted seedlings of S. sieboldiana for. xanthocarpa showed the best quality under non-shading in bedsoil with the growth characteristics of plant height (39 cm), number of leaves(10), leaf width (12 cm), leaf length (15 cm), root length (22 cm), fresh weight (aerial part/root part; 21/13 g) and dry weight (aerial part/root part; 4.2/2.2 g). Therefore, seeds treated with stratification or prechilling and then soaked in <TEX>$GA_3$</TEX> were effective in germination of S. sieboldiana var. pendula and S. sieboldiana for. xanthocarpa, and potted seedlings should be cultivated in bedsoil under non or 50% shading condition.

Diurnal hawk moth pollination of Melampyrum koreanum (Orobanchaceae) and the origin of this endemic Korean species

Melampyrum koreanum (Orobanchaceae) was described recently as an endemic species in Korea. This study examined the distribution range, relationship with the host plant, flower developmental pattern, pollinator, pollination mechanism, and seed development of M. koreanum (Orobanchaceae) on the island of Somaemul-do, Korea. M. koreanum is hemiparasitic and a strong candidate for its host plant is Pinus thunbergii, with which it is distributed sympatrically. The flower of M. koreanum represents a typical hawk moth pollination syndrome. Macroglossum pyrrhostictum Butler (Sphingidae, Lepidoptera), a diurnal hawk moth, is the only efficient pollinator. The proboscis length of M. pyrrhostictum and the floral tube length of M. koreanum are well coordinated, and the positions of the anther and stigma of M. koreanum are mechanically conformed to hawk moth pollination. The results suggest that adaptation to the pollinator is the main factor that has affected the evolution of the longer floral tube of M. koreanum compare to other species. Pollinator conservation in the native range of M. koreanum is an important issue for the conservation of endemic plant species, and it is necessary to establish a conservation plan for the host plant, Pinus thunbergii, as well as M. koreanum.

Evaluation of anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille

Dendropanax morbifera Léveille, an endemic species in Korea, is best known as a tree that produces a resinous sap. Although D. morbifera is used in folk medicine, its biological activities are poorly understood. In this study, the methanolic extracts of D. morbifera branches, debarked stems, bark, and two different stages of leaves were evaluated for anti-oxidant activity and anti-cancer potential. The debarked stem extract exhibited strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and reducing power compared with other samples. In addition, the cytotoxic activities of these extracts were investigated in human tumour cell lines. The results suggested that the extracts of debarked stems, green leaves, and yellow leaves were the potent source of anti-cancer compounds, particularly in Huh-7 cells. Furthermore, treatment with the extracts of debarked stems, green leaves, and yellow leaves caused an increase of apoptotic or senescent cells in Huh-7 cells. Twenty-four hour treatment with debarked stems extract resulted in the strong induction of p53 and p16, whereas both leaf extracts inhibited the activation of ERK. The debarked stems and green leaf extracts reduced Akt levels in Huh-7 cells, indicating that D. morbifera extracts caused the activation of p16 and p53 pathways. This, together with the inhibition of Akt or ERK signalling, resulted in suppression of Huh-7 cell proliferation. These results suggest that methanolic leaf and debarked stems extracts are a source of anti-oxidant and anti-cancer compounds, and could be developed as a botanical drug.

Comparative anatomy of the needles of Abies koreana and its related species

The morphological traits of the resin duct of the needle leaves of Abies koreana E.H.Wilson, an endemic species of Korea, and its related species were analysed. The quantitative traits of the resin ducts from 289 individuals were measured, and the observed resin duct types were compared with previous studies. As a result, each characteristic of the resin duct showed some clinal variations with latitude changes. The variations had extreme values in A. nephrolepis (Trautv.) Maxim. on Mt. Sikhote-Alin (Russia) and in A. koreana on Mt. Halla (Korea). In addition, it was difficult to suggest just one type of resin duct in some taxa. Thus, further studies on the type of resin duct will need to survey the entire distribution area of a taxon and analyse the quantitative traits to determine the range of morphological variation.

The Characteristic of Fish Fauna and Population of Zacco koreanus in the Bongseonsa Stream, Korea

The characteristic of fish fauna and population Zacco koreanus was investigation in the Bongseonsa Stream Gyeonggi-do, Korea from May to September 2011. The collected species during the survey period were 22 species belonging to 9 families. Among them, one species (Cottus koreanus) was classified as an endangered species in Korea. Ten species (45.5%) were endemic species of Korea. Dominant species was Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (St. 1), Zacco platypus (St. 2, 4, 5, 7), Z. koreanus (St. 3), and Squalidus gracilis majimae (St. 6). When our data were compared with the previous data (1932, 31 species) and this date (23 spcies), Anguilla japonica, Acheilognathus signifer, Hemibarbus labeo, Hemibarbus mylodon, Gnathopogon strigatus, Saurogobio dabryi, psariichthys uncirostris amurensis, Lefua costata, Pseudobagrus fulvidraco, Pseudobagrus koreanus, Oryzias sinensis, Trachidermus fasciatus, Coreoperca herzi, Siniperca scherzeri, Micropterus salmoides, Macropodus chinensis and Channa argus 17 species were not sampled, but Pseudorasbora parva, Microphysogobio yaluensis, Orthrias nudus, Silurus microdorsalis, Odontobutis platycephala, Odontobutis interrupta and Micropterus salmoides 7 species could new taxa fiend its existence at the Bongseonsa Stream. Length-weight relation in the population of Z. koreanus was BW=0.0000007TL3.03, and condition factor in the population was average 0.78. Frequency analysis of total length indicated that the group 40∼80 mm in total length is represented by one-year-old individuals, the group 90∼120 mm by two-year-old individuals, and the group over 130 mm by three-year-old individuals. This species was stabilized spawn in the Bongseonsa Stream since then introduction, 2007.

Development of eight microsatellite markers for Corydalis hirtipes (Fumariaceae), a narrow endemic species of Korea

Corydalis hirtipes is an endangered endemic species of Korea. The geographic distribution range of this species is very restricted, and currently only one locality with a low number of individuals is known. We isolated and characterized eight microsatellite loci in this species. The number of alleles ranged from 4 to 19, observed heterozygosity from 0.39 to 0.88, and expected heterozygosity from 0.43 to 0.88. The markers described here will be useful for investing the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow of C. hirtipes, and the genetic findings would contribute to the establishment of effective conservation measures for this species.

Genetic Distinctiveness of the Korean Red-Backed Vole (Myodes regulus) from Korea, Revealed by Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene Sequences

To examine the taxonomic status of the Korean red-backed vole (Myodes regulus), the full cytochrome b sequences of 21 red-backed voles from Korea and northeast China were compared with the corresponding haplotypes from 12 species of Myodes and Eothenomys from GenBank. We identified five red-backed voles from Mount Changbai and Harbin as Myodes rufocanus and three from Harbin as M. rutilus, and we confirmed that the red-backed voles from Korea are M. regulus and not Eothenomys regulus. We found that M. regulus from Korea differed from the other five species of Myodes and that the interspecific distances between M. regulus and each of the two species from northeast China were 4.55% (M. rufocanus) and 11.1% (M. rutilus). We concluded that M. regulus is also genetically distinct and is an endemic species of Korea.

Comparative seed morphology of Korean Eranthis (Ranunculaceae)

This study was carried out to find specific characters of the seed morphology and anatomy of Korean Eranthis in Ranunculaceae. As a result, E. byunsanensis differs with E. stellata on the basis of presence of unicellular hairs on the seed surface. E. stellata has no unicellular hairs on its seed surface. On the other hand, E. byunsanensis bears such unicellular hairs derived from epidermal cells of the seed surface. Besides other morphological characters used when it was published as a new species, the presence of unicellular hairs on the seed surface strongly supports it as an endemic species of Korea. In addition, to compare the seed morphology of E. pinnatifida and E. pungdoensis, for which mature seeds were not available at this time, an additional study should be conducted in near future.

황칠나무(Dendropanax morbifera)의 부정근 유도 및 기내증식조건

Dendropanax morbifera (Araliaceae) is an endemic species in Korea and distributed in the southern part of Korea. The roots and stems of this plant have been used for folk medicine for the treatment of migraine headache, dysmenorrheal, and remove wind dampness and for Vanishes production. Production of adventitious roots in D. morbifera by in vitro cultures could be used as alternatives materials. Leaf, stem, and root segments from D. morbifera seedling were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/L IBA and 30 g/L sucrose. After 4 weeks of culture, the highest induction of adventitious roots was obtained from the leaf segment. Frequency of adventitious root formation on medium with various kinds of auxins (IAA, NAA, 2,4-D, and IBA) and various concentrations of IBA (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/L) was tested. The maximum induction of adventitious root was obtained on medium with 1.0 mg/L IBA. In liquid culture, growth of root was best 1/2MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA and 30 g/L sucrose. Adventitious roots were cultured in 5 L bioreactor containing 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA and 30 g/L sucrose and mass-production of adventitious roots was successfully achieved. This study demonstrated for the first time to produce adventitious roots in D. morbifera.

Freshwater Fish of Mt. Chilgap Provincial Park

From April to October, 2007, in 9 points of Ji stream and Inghwadal stream originated from Mt. Chilgap of the Mt. Chilgap Provincial Park area in Cheongyang-gun, habitat conditions, ichthyofauna, and dominant and rare species were investigated. 1. It was found that the ichthyofauna includes total 7 families and 27 species. Among them, the endemic species in Korea were 11 species such as Rhodeus uyekii, Microphysogobio yaluensis, Iksookimia koreensis, Pseudobagrus koreanus, Liobagrus mediadiposalis and others. it was about 40.7% of total fish, so showed relatively high peculiarity. 2. By sites, 17 species in the Station 4, 16 species in the Station 6, and 12 species in the Station 7 were observed, and the Stations 1 and 5 belonging to entering zone, were simple. 3. In the Station 8, the entrance of Cheonjang reservoir, Abbottina springeri was observed in isolated state, and in downstream region of Inghwadal stream, a foreign spcies, Lepomis macrochirus was observed. 4. Comparing ichthyofauna between Ji stream and Inhwadal stream water body, it was found that 23 species in the Ji stream water body and 13 species in the Inghwadal stream water body were observed, so it was identified that larger number of species inhabited in the Ji stream water body. 5. The dominant species were observed in order of Zacco platypus, Rhynchocypris oxycephalus, Acheilognathus koreensis, and Acheilognathus lanceolatus. 6. In case of the Chilgap reservoir and Cheonjang reservoir, there is a worry about illegal introduction of foreign species, so it is necessary to control its population stabilization by developing measures through continuous actual state survey in order to keep clear and stable ecological conditions.

The Ichthyofauna in the Namdaecheon (Stream), Imjingang (River) System, Korea

Here are the results of study on the fish fauna accomplished in the middle stream of Imjingang (River), Namdaecheon (Stream) in Cheolwon-gun from June, 2004, and June, 2005 as shown below. The fish species were totally 9 families and 32 species. Among there, the species belonging to the endemic species of Korea were 13 species. and The species belonging to the wild animals and plants facing extinction crisis were recorded as 3 species. In addition, it was identified at first in this study that Rhynchocypris kumgangensis lived also in the Imjingang (River) water system.

First Report of Pine Wilt Disease on Pinus koraiensis in Korea.

Pine wilt disease is one of the most important forest tree diseases, especially in the East Asian countries of Japan, China, and Korea. The causal agent, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (3), is transmitted by the insect vectors, pine sawyer beetles (Monochamus spp.). The vectors mainly attack coniferous trees and the infected trees die within several weeks. In Korea, pine wilt disease was first reported in Busan City in 1988, and now, the damaged area covers 7,820 ha and more than 60 cities in Korea. The main host trees are Pinus densiflora and P. thunbergii, which are the most common pines distributed in Korea. In 2006, however, we found pine wilt disease in a forest of P. koraiensis located in Gwangju City in Gyeonggi Province. Symptoms were systemic and leaves turned brown or yellowish. Wood samples were collected from the affected trees, and nematodes were extracted by a modified Baermann's funnel method. After 24 h, nematodes were collected from wood chips, and morphology was observed with an inverted light microscope (Leica DE/DMI 3000B, Wetzlar, Germany). Morphology was characterized by a typical Aphelenchoid-type esophagus, head constriction, female vulva flap, female tail, and a male spicule shape similar to B. xylophilus. For more accurate identification, DNA was extracted from individual nematodes with a DNeasy Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 and 2 and 5.8S regions were amplified by PCR (1). Sequenced nucleotide information was compared with the sequences of B. xylophilus already reported in GenBank (Accession Nos. AB294736, AB277208, AM 157747, AY 347913, and BXU92464). ITS DNA sequences of the nematode from Korean pine was >99% identical to B. xylophilus in GenBank. The B. xylophilus from Korean pine tree was also successfully cultured in Botrytis cinerea medium and pathogenicity was tested from June to October 2007. More than 95% mortality was observed with the inoculation of 20 replicate 15-year-old trees of P. koraiensis and P. densiflora with 15,000 nematodes per tree. Therefore, we confirmed that pine wilt disease occurred in P. koraiensis in Korea. P. koraiensis is an endemic species in Korea and distribution is limited to the northern Korean Peninsula and some locations in Russia. It has been shown that P. koraiensis is susceptible to the pine wood nematode by an inoculation test in Japan (2); however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of pine wilt disease on P. koraiensis under field conditions in Korea.

Chemical constituents of the root ofDystaenia takeshimana and their anti-inflammatory activity

In our ongoing search for bioactive compounds originating from the endemic species in Korea, we found that the hexane and EtOAc fractions of the MeOH extract from the root of Dystaenia takeshimana (Nakai) Kitagawa (Umbelliferae) showed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) dual inhibitory activity by assessing their effects on the production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells. By activity-guided fractionation, five coumarins, viz. psoralen (2), xanthotoxin (3), scopoletin (4), umbelliferone (5), and (+)-marmesin (6), together with beta-sitosterol (1), were isolated from the hexane fraction, and two phenethyl alcohol derivatives, viz. 2-methoxy-2-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol (7) and 2-hydroxy-2-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol (8), three flavonoids, viz. apigenin (9), luteolin (10), and cynaroside (11), as well as daucosterol (12) were isolated from the EtOAc fraction using silica gel column chromatography. In addition, D-mannitol (13) was isolated from the BuOH fraction by recrystallization. Two of the coumarins, scopoletin (4) and (+)-marmesin (6), the two phenethyl alcohol derivatives (7, 8) and the three flavonoids (9-11) were isolated for the first time from this plant. Among the compounds isolated from this plant, the five coumarins as well as the three flavonoids showed COX-2/5-LOX dual inhibitory activity. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of D. takeshimana might in part occur via the inhibition of the generation of eicosanoids.