Herbs In Korea Research Articles

Development of molecular markers, based on chloroplast and ribosomal DNA regions, to discriminate three popular medicinal plant species, Cynanchum wilfordii, Cynanchum auriculatum, and Polygonum multiflorum.

Identification of plant species is important for standardizing herbal medicine. Cynanchum wilfordii (Baekshuoh in Korean) and Polygonum multiflorum (Hashuoh in Korean) are important oriental medicinal herbs in Korea, Japan, and China. Cynanchum auriculatum is a faster growing and more productive plant than C. wilfordii; and, it is not recognized as a medicinal plant in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. C. wilfordii, P. multiflorum, and C. auriculatum are often misidentified in the Korean herbal medicine marketplace due to their morphological similarities and similar names. In this study, we investigated molecular authentication of these three medicinal plants using DNA sequences in the TrnL-F chloroplast intergenic region. Specific species identification was achieved by detecting allelic variations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and high resolution melting curve analysis. Our results demonstrate that the intraspecific genetic distance between C. wilfordii and C. auriculatum is relatively low. We also developed a quantitative PCR assay using species-specific TrnL-F primers, which allowed us to estimate the ratio of C. wilfordii and C. auriculatum using varying ratios of mixed genomic DNA template from the two species. Additionally, to identify species in hybrid plants produced by cross-fertilization, we analyzed nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer regions in C. wilfordii and C. auriculatum by ARMS-PCR. Our results indicate that SNP-based molecular markers, usable to barcode tools could provide efficient and rapid authentication of these closely related medicinal plant species, and will be useful for preventing the distribution of products contaminated with adulterants.

Comparative analysis of web search trends between experts and public for medicinal herbs in Korea

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe information and knowledge about ethno-medicinal herbs are getting stronger interest in Global and Korea after the agreement of the Nagoya Protocol. However, it is known that there is a serious asymmetry of ethno-medicinal information between experts and public, thus this study aimed to analyze the similarities and differences in interest between experts and public for medicinal herbs in Korea through big data analysis. Materials and methodsThe medicinal herbs selected in this study were the top 10 herbs in terms of the amounts purchased by TKM centers. And two representative web search engines were selected to collect the web search logs, i.e. big data, of experts and public for medicinal herbs in Korea. Comparative analysis was accomplished through descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and time-series graph analysis. ResultsThe web search traffic logs were collected for the past three years (2012–2014) from OASIS and NAVER, which are the representative web search engines of experts and public respectively in Korea. First, regarding OASIS, the most searched medicinal herb was Angelicae Gigantis Radix while the least searched was Alismatis Rhizoma; for NAVER, the most searched medicinal herb was Paeoniae Radix, unlike OASIS, and the least searched was Alismatis Rhizoma, as with OASIS. The coefficient between rank of herbs and OASIS was –0.401, and that between rank of herbs and NAVER was –0.387, and the correlational coefficient for web search trends of OASIS and NAVER during the past three years was 0.438. Also the correlation of interest between experts and public for each herb on monthly web trends basis was similar with regard to Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Angelicae Gigantis Radix, but different with regard to the other 8 medicinal herbs. Finally, significant outcomes or suggestions were figured out through time-series graph analysis. ConclusionThis study presents meaningful results concerning the similarities and differences in interest between experts and public for popular medicinal herbs in Korea. Contrary to the common assumption that there exists big different interest between experts and public, this study revealed that there is apparent similar interest between experts and public on popular medicinal herbs in Korea.

Abstract 2826: Equimolar vs. pharmacokinetics-guided dosing in anti-cancer efficacy assessment of precursor-product pairs: Example with pyranocoumarins from Korean Angelica

Abstract Prostate cancer is a malignant disease quite unique to men and has the second highest mortality rate next to lung cancer in the United States, with an estimated 233,000 new cases to be diagnosed in 2014. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is a traditional medicinal herb in Korea and China. Ethanol extract of dried AGN root has been shown by us and others to exert anti-cancer activity in several allograft and xenograft models. In recently completed studies in primary carcinogenesis model (TRAMP mice), our group has demonstrated that AGN ethanol extract can significantly suppress the growth of neuroendocrine (NE)-lineage cancers and inhibit prostate epithelial lineage lesions. These studies also found that major pyranocoumarin isomer compounds decursin (D) and decursinol angelate (DA) from AGN when provided at equimolar intake to that provided by AGN accounted for the epithelial lineage suppression efficacy, but was less active than AGN extract against NE-Ca growth. Because rodent models and humans convert D/DA rapidly and extensively (>95%) into decusinol (DOH), we hypothesize that DOH (and/or its metabolites) may be the true “active” chemical for suppressing the epithelial cancer. To test this, we compared oral gavage of DOH at equimolar dose as D/DA in SCID mice carrying human LNCaP/AR-Luc cells inoculated subcutaneously. Whereas DOH treated mice showed greater suppression of tumor growth than D/DA, measurement of plasma DOH levels showed 1.7 fold higher in the former at 3 h post-dose. Our earlier work has shown in a rat model that gavage of DOH led to 2.4 fold area under curve (AUC) over that achieved by equimolar dosing of D/DA, suggesting differences for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of DOH vs. D/DA in other species as well. We are currently conducting PK studies of DOH and D/DA in mice to establish their PK parameters in order to achieve bio-equivalent dosing to critically test DOH efficacy and our hypothesis. In summary, PK-evaluation of precursor-product pairs might be important to determine bio-equivalent dosing before costly anti-cancer efficacy tests are conducted to ensure valid efficacy comparison. Citation Format: Wei Wu, Manohar Puppala, Suni Tang, Jinhui Zhang, Chengguo Xing, Cheng Jiang, Junxuan Lu. Equimolar vs. pharmacokinetics-guided dosing in anti-cancer efficacy assessment of precursor-product pairs: Example with pyranocoumarins from Korean Angelica. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2826. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2826

Immunostimulating activity of maysin isolated from corn silk in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages

Corn silk (CS) has long been consumed as a traditional herb in Korea. Maysin is a major flavonoid of CS. The effects of maysin on macrophage activation were evaluated, using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Maysin was isolated from CS by methanol extraction, and preparative C18 reverse phase column chromatography. Maysin was nontoxic up to 100 μg/ml, and dose-dependently increased TNF-α secretion and iNOS production by 11.2- and 4.2-fold, respectively, compared to untreated control. The activation and subsequent nuclear translocation of NF-κB was substantially enhanced upon treatment with maysin (1-100 μg/ml). Maysin also stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt and MAPKs (ERK, JNK). These results indicated that maysin activates macrophages to secrete TNF-α and induce iNOS expression, via the activation of the Akt, NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways. These results suggest for the first time that maysin can be a new immunomodulator, enhancing the early innate immunity. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(7): 382-387]

원산지별 국내 유통 한약재의 이산화황 잔류실태 조사

국내에 유통되고 있는 국산과 수입산 한약재 11종 116건을 대상으로 잔류이산화황에 대한 모니터링을 수행한 결과 108건(93.1%)은 불검출이었고 6건(5.2%)는 이산화황 허용기준치 30 mg/kg을 초과하였고 2건은 30 mg/kg 미만으로 검출되었다. 116건의 이산화황 평균함량은 <TEX>$17.6{\pm}144.2mg/kg$</TEX>이고 최대 검출량은 구기자(1,546.3 mg/kg)이었고 중국산 현호색(66.6%)의 이산화황 검출 빈도가 가장 높게 나타났다. 국내산 한약재는 71건 중 1건(1.4%), 수입산 한약재는 45건 중 7건(15.6%)에서 이산화황이 검출되었고 국내산 1건(36.7 mg/kg)과 수입산 5건(118.1 mg/kg)이 허용기준치를 초과하여 국내산보다 수입산 한약재에 이산화황 잔류량이 많았다. 본 연구를 통해 이산화황 허용기준을 초과하는 부적합율은 다소 낮아지고 있지만 이산화황 허용기준을 초과하는 한약재들 중 일부 한약재에서는 잔류이산화황 함량이 높게 나타났고, 특히 국내산 약재에 비해 수입산 약재는 부적합율이 높게 나왔다. 한약재는 일반적으로 수세 및 가열과정을 거치므로 실제 섭취하는 형태의 탕액에서는 원재료보다 이산화황의 잔류량이 크게 감소하지만 완전히 제거되지는 않으므로 유통되는 한약재의 안전성 확립이 절실히 요구되어진다. 강화된 기준이 정착하여 안전한 한약재가 유통될 수 있도록 수입통관시 특별관리가 요구되며, 보다 적극적인 검사 요주의 품목에 대한 지속적인 잔류이산화황 모니터링이 필요할 것으로 사료된다. This study was carried out to investigate the residual sulfur dioxide residues (<TEX>$SO_2$</TEX>) in commercial medicinal herbs in Korea in 2013. Among a total of 116 samples of 11 different kinds of herbs, 71 samples (11 Kinds) were domestic, and 45 samples (10 Kinds) were imported. The residual contents of <TEX>$SO_2$</TEX> in the samples were determinated by a modified Monier-Williams method. Of the 116 samples, 6 samples (5.2%, 4 Kinds) failed to meet the regulations for sulfur dioxide residues of KFDA in medicinal herbs. Among 6 unsuitable samples, 1 samples (1.4%) were domestic, and 5 samples (11.1%, 3 Kinds) were imported. The highest amount of sulfur dioxide residues was 1546.3 mg/kg (Lycii Fructus) in the domestic samples. Regardless of region, <TEX>$SO_2$</TEX> contents were not found at Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Citri Unshius Pericarpium, Eucommiae Cortex, Forsythiae Fructus, Gardeniae Fructus, Leonuri Herba and Lonicerae Folium et caulis. These data will be used as a basic data for the future legislation on the regulation and control of sulfur dioxide of herbal medicines.

Total extract of Korean red ginseng facilitates human bone marrow hematopoietic colony formation in vitro.

BackgroundThe number of CD34+ cells in a peripheral blood stem cell collection is the key factor in predicting successful treatment of hematologic malignancies. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is the most popular medicinal herb in Korea. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of KRG on hematopoietic colony formation.MethodsBone marrow (BM) samples were obtained from 8 human donors after acquiring informed consent. BM mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated, and CD34+ cells were sorted using magnetic beads. The sorted CD34+ cells were incubated with or without total extract of KRG (50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL) or Ginsenoside Rg1 (100 µg/mL), and the hematopoietic colony assay was performed using methylcellulose semisolid medium. The CD34+ cell counts were measured by a single platform assay using flow cytometry.ResultsThe numbers of human BM-MNCs and CD34+ cells obtained after purification were variable among donors (5.6×107 and 1.3-48×107 and 8.9×104 and 1.8-80×104, respectively). The cells expanded 1,944 times after incubation for 12 d. Total extract of KRG added to the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-specific medium increased CD34+ cell counts 3.6 times compared to 2.6 times when using HSC medium alone. Total numbers of hematopoietic colonies in KRG medium were more than those observed in conventional medium, especially that of erythroid colonies such as burst forming unit-erythroid.ConclusionTotal extract of KRG facilitated CD34+ cell expansion and hematopoietic colony formation, especially of the erythroid lineage.

각시족도리풀(Asarum misandrum)의 유전적 다양성 및 집단 구조

ABSTRACT: Genetic variation in Asaum misandrum, a woodland herb in Korea, was investigated based on alloz-yme analysis with starch gel electrophoresis. All of previously reported populations in Korea were sampled andseven loci from six enzymes were analyzed. Overall genetic variation of A. misandrum population showed con-siderably high levels of genetic variation within the species (A = 2.05, P = 71.4, H E = 0.294). A positive F IS value of A. misandrum indicated overall deficiency of heterozygotes, and a low F ST value (0.112) meant very lit-tle differentiation among populations. Factors contributing to the high levels of genetic diversity found withinpopulations of A. misandrum include population maintenance via wide distribution range from Korea to Japanand primarily outcrossing breeding system. Although it showed moderate genetic diversity level, most habitatsof the species were scattered and discontinuous. Besides, low numbers of individuals were found in the mosthabitats and individuals are collected frequently from the wild due to the unique shape of the flowers as well asthe rarity of the species. Thus, there is a need to set up a reasonable conservation strategies including the main-tenance mechanism of genetic diversity of A. misandrum.

Molecular authentication by multiplex-PCR of three similar medicinal plant species: Cynanchum wilfordii, Cynanchum auriculatum and Polygonum multiflorum (Fallopia multiflorum).

Polygoni Multiflori radix (Hashuoh in Korean and Heshouwu in Chinese) and Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (Baekshuoh in Korean and Beishouwu in Chinese) are important oriental medicinal herbs in Korea, Japan, and China. The trnL (tRNA-Leu) intron region was targeted for molecular analysis with universal primers to discriminate the morphologically similar to Polygoni multiflori Radix and Cynanchi wilfordii radix from their adulterant, Cyanchum auriculatum. Analysis of sequencing data revealed DNA polymorphisms in the three species, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) sites, insertions, and deletions. Based on these DNA polymorphisms, specific primers were designed for each of the three species. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers was conducted for molecular authentication of Polygonum multiflorum, Cyanchum wilfordii and C. auriculatum. The established multiplex-PCR system effectively identified Polygoni multiflori Radix and Cynanchi Wilfordii radix. The results indicate that the trnL(tRNA-Leu) intron region can be used for inter-specific polymorphic study, and the methods presented in this study can be applied to molecular identification of other medicinal materials. Key words: Polygoni Multiflori radix, Cynanchi Wilfordii radix, Polygonum multiflorum,Cyanchum wilfordii, Cyanchum auriculatum, trnL(tRNA-Leu) intron, polymorphism, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

국내 유통 한약재의 잔류이산화황 함량 모니터링

This study was conducted to investigate the residual contents of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in commercial medicinal herbs in Korea in 2012. Among a total of 136 samples of 16 different kinds of herbs, 86 samples (15 Kinds) were domestic, and 50 samples (14 Kinds) were imported. Sulfur dioxide in the samples was measured by a modified Monier-Williams method. Of the 136 samples, 17 samples (12.5%, 6 Kinds) failed to meet the regulations for sulfur dioxide residues of KFDA in medicinal herbs. Among 17 unsuitable samples (8.1%, 3 Kinds) were domestic, and 10 samples (20.0%, 6 Kinds) were imported. The highest amount of sulfur dioxide was 3,167.94mg/kg (Lycii Fructus) in the domestic samples. The detection frequency of sulfur dioxide by medicinal herb parts used, Rhizoma 25.7%, Flos 20.0%, Cortex 12.5%, Radix 15.3%, Fructus 7.6%, p-value 0.011. This results will be used as a basic data for the future legislation on the quality estimation and safety of medicinal herbs.

The Fruits of Cudrania tricuspidata Suppress Development of Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice

The fruits of Cudrania tricuspidata are a medicinal herb in Korea, known for its antiatherosclerotic and antiinflammatory effects. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the influx of lymphocytes into the dermis. Using an animal model of AD, we assessed whether C. tricuspidata suppresses the development of AD-like skin lesions. Cudrania tricuspidata was administered orally to NC/Nga mice with Dermatophagoides-farinae-induced AD-like lesions for 49 days. The effects of C. tricuspidata were assessed by measuring clinical symptoms, swelling of the skin on the back and ears, and plasma concentrations of mTARC (mouse thymus and activation regulated chemokine), histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE). We found that C. tricuspidata (60 mg/kg/day) inhibited the development of AD-like skin lesions, reduced skin dermatitis scores and inhibited the histological changes induced by repeated application of D. farinae. In addition, C. tricuspidata inhibited the increases in plasma concentrations of mTARC, histamine and IgE induced by D. farinae. These findings indicate that C. tricuspidata inhibits the development of AD-like skin lesions induced by repeated applications of D. farinae in sensitized NC/Nga by suppressing plasma concentrations of mTARC, histamine and IgE.

Isolation and Identification of Antioxidant Compounds from Ligularia fischeri

The plant Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai, a well-known edible medicinal herb in Korea, has been used to treat maladies such as jaundice, scarlet fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatic function failure. In this research, 4 major antioxidant compounds were detected from this plant's leaves using an on-line high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ABTS screening system, which can determine the antioxidant activity based on a decrease in absorbance at 734 nm after postcolumn reaction of HPLC-separated antioxidants with the 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals (ABTS(*)). In order to isolate these active compounds, a preparative HPLC was applied and their chemical structures were identified as 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,4-DCQA), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA), and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4,5-DCQA) by ESI/MS(n) and (1)H NMR. These 4 isomers comprised over 10% of the dried leaves, with 3,5-DCQA being the most abundant compound. The radical scavenging activity of each isomer was also evaluated simultaneously through the on-line HPLC-ABTS method, which showed 94% antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract derived from caffeoylquinic acids. Among these isomers, 3,4-DCQA contained the most strong antioxidant activity while 3,5-DCQA accounted for the highest radical scavenging capacity due to having the highest content.

Anti-inflammatory effect and contents from the aerial part and root of the various Taraxacum spp. distributed in Korea

Objectives : Taraxaci Herba et Radix (THR) is widely used as a food and medicinal herb in Korea. It has been used for treatment of virus inflammatory disease, liver diseases and gastritis. So far, anti-inflammatory effects and constituents of various species in THR has not been studied for comparison. The aim of this study is to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of the aerial part and root from various THR. Also, we have compared the contents of its known constituents with each. Methods : In this study, we estimated anti-inflammatory effect and compared their constituent by HPLC. For the determination of anti-inflammatory effects, we investigated NO and production by ELISA. The expressions of iNOS was determined by western blotting in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. And, standard compounds which are methyl gallate, gallic acid, syringic acid and esculetin of THR were analyzed by HPLC using a column. Results : Methanol extracts of THR decreased NO and production. The expressions of iNOS protein were also decreased in methanol extracts of THR. As a result, HPLC analysis showed that they showed similar patterns. Methyl gallate and esculetin showed the highest content. Methyl gallate was included over 10% content in each aerial part and root of THR. Conclusions : These results indicate that most of THR distributed in Korea might represent therapeutic agent for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Licochalcone A: A lipase inhibitor from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Abstract In order to develop a functional food and anti-obesity drug through the inhibition of absorption of dietary lipids, we investigated the inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase of extracts from more than 800 species of herbs in Korea. In this study, licochalcone A was isolated from the ethyl acetate/ n -hexane fraction of ethyl acetate extract of the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis . Its structure was elucidated by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and HR-EI mass spectroscopy. Licochalcone A substantially inhibited activity with IC 50 value of 35 μg/mL (103.4 μM). In an investigation of reversibility, licochalcone A was shown to be reversible to pancreatic lipase. The inhibition mode of licochalcone A was a non-competitive inhibitor, determined by Lineweaver–Burk plot analysis, and K i value was 11.2 μg/mL (32.8 μM). Furthermore, licochalcone A significantly reduced the production of oleic acid with not only artificial substrate DNPB but natural substrate triolein by pancreatic lipase.

Bacillus spp. as Biocontrol Agents of Root Rot and Phytophthora Blight on Ginseng

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of the most widely cultivated medicinal herbs in Korea. However, yield losses reached up to 30-60％ due to various diseases during 3 or 5 years of ginseng cultivation in the country. Therefore, successful production of ginseng roots depends primarily on the control of diseases. The objective of this study was to select potential biocontrol agents from rhizobacteria isolated from various plant internal root tissues for the control of multiple ginseng diseases as an alternative to fungicides. Among 106 Bacillus strains, two promising biocontrol agents, Bacillus pumilus strain B1141 and Paenibacillus lentimobus strain B1146, were selected by screening against root rot of ginseng caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans in a greenhouse. Pre-inoculation of selected isolates to seed or l-year-old root of ginseng resulted in stimulation of shoot and/or root growth of seedlings, and successfully controlled root rot caused by C. destructans (P<0.05). Furthermore, drenching of cell suspension of the selected isolates on seedling-growing pots reduced the incidence of Phytophthora blight after the seedlings were challenged with zoospores of Phytophthora cactorum (P<0.05). P. lentimorbus strain B1146 showed antifungal activity against various soil-borne pathogens in vitro, while B. pumilus strain B1141 did not show any. Results of this study suggest that some rhizobacteria can induce resistance against various plant diseases on ginseng.

Bionomics, Damage Assesment and Management of Tetranychid Mites on Perennial Herbs

This study searched for biological and agricultural bases necessary in formulating suppressive measures of herbaceous mites occurring on perennial herbs in Korea. Of those tetranychids, the tea red spider mite (TRSM), Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida, mainly attacked the perennials and was believed to be of economic importance. Its annual abundances on 3 different herbs are presented and for Codonopsis lanceolata various injury levels in leaf are related to loss of chlorophyll and root yield. And of 4 species of predaceous phytoseiids identified from the field, Amblyseius makuwa and Amblyseius obtuserellus were quite common and regarded as possible density control agents for tetranychid mites. Together with a review on pest control measures conventionally practiced by the local farmers, several cultural and biological tactics are discussed to help formulate a safe and sound integrated management program against TRSM on perennial herbs.

Persistent chemicals in birds and herbs in Korea.

Persistent chemicals in birds and herbs in Korea.