Viola Mandshurica Research Articles

Paenibacillus suaedae sp. nov. and Paenibacillus violae sp. nov., isolated from the roots of Suaeda japonica Makino and Viola mandshurica W. Becker with plant growth-promoting potential.

Two novel Gram-positive strains, chi10T and PFR10T, were isolated from the roots of Suaeda japonica Makino and Viola mandshurica W. Becker, respectively. The strains are facultatively aerobic, rod-shaped, motile via peritrichous flagella and endospore-forming. Strains chi10T and PFR10T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29T (99.0%) and Paenibacillus planticolens LMG 31457T (99.3%). Furthermore, the phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses demonstrated that strains chi10T and PFR10T were closely related to the genus Paenibacillus. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values for strains used in the phylogenetic analysis and strain chi10T ranged from 19.6 to 28.4%, while for strain PFR10T, the values ranged from 19.8 to 53.5%, according to the Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator 3.0, which were all less than 70%. Additionally, the dDDH value between strains chi10T and PFR10T was 22.0%, confirming that they are different species of the genus Paenibacillus. The average nucleotide identity between chi10T and PFR10T and other species of the genus Paenibacillus were 68.4-84.7% and 67.8-93.6%, respectively. In addition, the major polar lipids of chi10T and PFR10T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acid profile of strain chi10T was iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0, whereas the major fatty acid profile of strain PFR10T was iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The sole respiratory quinone in strains chi10T and PFR10T was menaquinone-7. Phylogenomic, phenotypic and genome analyses strongly indicated that chi10T and PFR10T could be two novel Paenibacillus species for which the names Paenibacillus suaedae sp. nov. (type strain chi10T = KACC 23258T = TBRC 17803T) and Paenibacillus violae sp. nov. (type strain PFR10T = KACC 23263T = TBRC 17804T) are proposed, respectively.

Roseateles subflavus sp. nov. and Roseateles aquae sp. nov., isolated from artificial pond water and Roseateles violae sp. nov., isolated from a Viola mandshurica root.

Two novel strains, designated APW6T and APW11T, were isolated from artificial pond water, and one novel strain, designated PFR6T, was isolated from a Viola mandshurica root. These strains were found to be Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile by means of flagella, and oxidase-positive. Growth conditions of the type strains were as follows: APW6T, 15-43 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 6.0-12.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), with no salinity; APW11T, 4-35 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH 6.0-11.0 (optimum, pH 9.0), with 0-1 % NaCl (w/v, optimum 0 %); PFR6T, 10-38 °C (optimum 28 °C), pH 6.0-12.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), with 0-2 % NaCl (w/v; optimum, 0 %). Strains APW6T, APW11T, and PFR6T belonged to the genus Roseateles, having the most 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Roseateles saccharophilus DSM 654T (98.1 %), Roseateles oligotrophus CHU3T (98.7 %), and Roseateles puraquae CCUG 52769T (98.1 %). The estimated genome sizes of APW6T, APW11T, and PFR6T were 50 50 473, 56 70 008, and 52 16 869 bp, respectively and the G+C contents were 69.5, 66, and 68.5 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average amino acid identity, and average nucleotide identity values among the novel strains and related taxa were all lower than 22.4, 74.7, and 78.9 %, respectively. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of all strains were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω6c and/or C16 : 1 ω7c) and C16 : 0. PFR6T also had summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) as a major fatty acid. The polar lipid profile of all strains contained phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphoaminoglycolipid, and phosphoglycolipid. The distinct phylogenetic, physiological, and chemotaxonomic features reported in this study indicate that strains APW6T, APW11T, and PFR6T represent novel species within the genus Roseateles, for which the names Roseateles subflavus sp. nov., with the type strain APW6T (=KACC 22877T=TBRC 16606T), Roseateles aquae sp. nov., with the type strain APW11T (=KACC 22878T=TBRC 16607T), and Roseateles violae sp. nov (=KACC 23257T=TBRC 17653T) are respectively proposed.

Seed Dormancy of <i>Viola mandshurica</i> and <i>V. albida</i> and Their Germination Characteristics by Seed Storage

The purpose of this study was to determine the seed dormancy types of Viola mandshurica and V. albida, and to investigate their germination characteristics during seed storage. V. mandshurica seeds were incubated at 25/15, 20/10, and 15/6°C with final germination rates of 86%, 66%, and 66%, respectively, indicating that these seeds have no physiological dormancy (PD). However, V. albida seeds were found to have PD, since germination hardly occurred during the 4-week experiment, and the final germination rate was 50% or less. When the seeds of V. albida were treated with GA3 1000 mg･L-1, the final germination rate was 100%. Moreover, the germination rate increased as the period of cold stratification for V. albida seeds increased. The germination characteristics of Viola seeds were also examined from seeds harvested in 2019. V. mandshurica seeds germinated at 25/15°C in one week, but the mean germination time decreased compared to seeds that were stored for 4 years. This shows that V. mandshurica has reduced seed viability during storage. V. albida seeds that were harvested in 2019 hardly germinated within the 4-week experiment, and the germination rate increased through cold stratification. Therefore, the seeds of V. mandshurica and V. albida do not change the seed dormancy type, but the seed viability might be affected by the type of long-term storage used.

Травяная растительность побережья Японского моря (Лазовский государственный природный заповедник им. Л. Г. Капланова. Приморский край)

Травяная растительность побережья Японского моря (Лазовский государственный природный заповедник им. Л. Г. Капланова. Приморский край)

Anti-obesity activity, acute toxicity, and chemical constituents of aqueous and ethanol Viola mandshurica extracts

BackgroundViola mandshurica has traditionally been used as an expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory drug. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that low doses of two different V. mandshurica extracts have anti-obesity effects.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of ethanol extract (VME) and aqueous extract (VMA) from V. mandshurica on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice as well as the acute oral toxicities and chemical compositions of both extracts.ResultsOral administration of VME or VMA (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) decreased body weight gain, liver and adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, and serum lipid levels. Both extracts increased adiponectin serum concentrations and mRNA expression in epididymal adipose tissue. VME and VMA also reversed the HFD-induced mRNA expression of lipogenic genes such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, C/EBPβ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and leptin in adipose tissue, whereas they increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). VME and VMA increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-coA carboxylase with a concomitant decrease in fat accumulation in the liver. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that both VME and VMA contained esculetin (0.566% for VME, 0.231% for VMA) and schaftoside (0.147% for VME, 0.126% for VMA). In a 2-week acute toxicity study, administration of a single oral dose of VME or VMA (5000 mg/kg) caused no signs of toxicity or mortality.ConclusionsThese results suggest that both VM extracts exert anti-obesity effects in HFD-induced obese mice by suppressing lipogenesis and activating AMPK in the liver and adipose tissue. Our findings suggest that VM extracts could be a safe and effective treatment for obesity.

Effects of Viola mandshurica on Atherosclerosis and Hepatic Steatosis in ApoE[Formula: see text] via the AMPK Pathway.

Atherosclerosis was previously thought to be a disease that primarily involves lipid accumulation in the arterial wall. In this report, we investigated the effect of Viola mandshurica W. Becker (V. mandshurica) water extract on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE[Formula: see text]) mice. The administration of V. mandshurica to high-fat diet-fed mice reduced body weight, liver weight, and serum levels of lipids (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides), glucose, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase. Histopathologic analyses of the aorta and liver revealed that V. mandshurica attenuated atherosclerotic lesions and reduced lipid accumulation, inflammatory responses and fatty acid synthesis. V. mandshurica also increased phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thereby reducing acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in liver tissue and inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). V. mandshurica reduced protein expression levels of adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin) as well as ACC, fatty acid synthase, and SREBP-1c. In addition, quantitative analysis of V. mandshurica by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of esculetin and scopoletin. Esculetin and scopoletin reduced adhesion molecules in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Our results indicate that the anti-atherosclerotic effects of V. mandshurica may be associated with activation of the AMPK pathway. Therefore, AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of SREBP-1c by V. mandshurica may be an effective therapeutic strategy for combatting atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis.

Antioxidant Effect of Viola mandshurica W. Becker on the High Fat Diet-I nduced Renal Oxidative Stress

The prevalence of renal disease is increased with the overweight and obesity. High fat diet-associated oxidative stress increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induces apoptosis. There are two types of antioxidant defense mechanisms for oxidative stress. One is the enzyme defense mechanism by antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). The other is non-enzyme defense mechanism by signaling molecules such as nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf-2), HO-1. In this study, we induced obesity in mice with high fat diet for six weeks and thereafter administered orally Viola mandshurica for 4 weeks. V. mandshurica is known to clear heat, detoxify and cool blood, and subside a swelling effect. In the V. mandshurica administered group, the immunoreactive signal of the Tunel staining was weaker than that of obesity group. Proapoptotic Bax, caspase 3 immunoreactives of the V. mandshurica administered group was lower than those of obesity group, whereas anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 immunoreactity was higher in the V. mandshurica administered group. Antioxidant enzyme mechanism such as superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), catalase (CAT) immunoreactives of the V. mandshurica administered group and Antioxidant non-enzyme mechanism such as Nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2), Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) immunoreactives of the V. mandshurica administered group was higher than those of obesity group. These results demonstrate that V. mandshurica had the antioxidant and anti-apoptosis effects on obese mice.

The nutritional composition and anti-obesity effects of an herbal mixed extract containing Allium fistulosum and Viola mandshurica in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice

Obesity is a serious public health issue and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes [1]. This study investigated the nutritional composition and anti-obesity effects of an herbal extract containing Allium fistulosum and Viola mandshurica (AFE+VME) in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. In traditional oriental medicine, A. fistulosum and V. mandshurica are considered to be effective in promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis [2]. The nutritional analysis revealed that this mixed extract is high in carbohydrate (72.2 g/100 g) and protein (11.5 g/100 g); low in fat (1.7 g/100 g); rich in vitamins E (4.8 mg/100 g), B1 (14.8 mg/100 g), B2 (1.0 mg/100 g), niacin (7.9 mg/100 g), and folic acid (1.57 mg/100 g); and rich in minerals such as calcium (600 mg/100 g), iron (106.1 mg/100 g), and zinc (5.8 mg/100 g). The oral administration of AFE+VME in mice reduced body weight, tissue weight, adipocyte size, and lipid accumulation in the liver compared with HFD control mice. AFE+VME also decreased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and leptin concentrations. Furthermore, AFE+VME markedly increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2), and adiponectin and decreased leptin expression in the epididymal adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the extract containing A. fistulosum and V. mandshurica improved lipid metabolism via the up-regulation of PPAR-γ, UCP-2, and adiponectin expression and the down-regulation of leptin in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, the extract containing A. fistulosum and V. mandshurica may be a potentially effective therapy for obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

The nutritional composition and anti-obesity effects of an herbal mixed extract containing Allium fistulosum and Viola mandshurica in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

BackgroundIn traditional oriental medicine, A. fistulosum and V. mandshurica are considered to be effective in promoting blood circulation. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether a solution containing both A. fistulosum and V. mandshurica (AFE + VME) extracts has synergistic effects on the treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity.MethodsAnti-obesity effects of an herbal extract containing Allium fistulosum and Viola mandshurica (AFE + VME) were investigated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. AFE + VME was orally administrated to mice with the HFD at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. We observed the effects of mixed extract on body weight, fat mass, serum lipid levels, and mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes in the adipose tissue of mice.ResultsThe nutritional analysis revealed that this mixed extract is high in carbohydrate (72.2 g/100 g) and protein (11.5 g/100 g); low in fat (1.7 g/100 g); rich in vitamins E (4.8 mg/100 g), B1 (14.8 mg/100 g), B2 (1.0 mg/100 g), niacin (7.9 mg/100 g), and folic acid (1.57 mg/100 g); and rich in minerals such as calcium (600 mg/100 g), iron (106.1 mg/100 g), and zinc (5.8 mg/100 g). The oral administration of AFE + VME in obese mice reduced body weight, tissue weight, adipocyte size, and lipid accumulation in the liver compared with HFD control mice. AFE + VME also decreased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and leptin concentrations. Furthermore, AFE + VME markedly increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2), and adiponectin and decreased leptin expression in the epididymal white adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the extract containing A. fistulosum and V. mandshurica improved lipid metabolism via the up-regulation of PPAR-γ, UCP-2, and adiponectin expression and the down-regulation of leptin in HFD-induced obese mice.ConclusionsTherefore, the extract containing Allium fistulosum and Viola mandshurica may be a potentially effective therapy for obesity and its related metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance.

한우의 자궁 내 분리 세균에 대한 천연물질 항균효과

(Received: July 11, 2014; Revised: September 1, 2014; Accepted: September 11, 2014)Abstract : Bacterial infection of the uterus in Hanwoo can kill embryos. Therefore, many antibiotics have been usedto treat this infection in the uterus of repeat breeders. Incorrect use of antibiotics has led to resistance in bacteria.Natural compounds have used as substitutes for antibiotics because they are safe and have very mild side effects.This study was conducted to examine the antimicrobial effects of five extracts from medicinal plants including Humulusjaponicas (Hj), Phelledendron amurense (Pa), Viola mandshurica (Vm), Carthamus tinctorius (Ct), and Chelidoni herba(Ch) on bacteria isolated from the uterus of Hanwoo using the paper disc diffusion method. Hj and Pa extracts hadpotent antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus lentus, Streptococcus infantarius subsp. coli, and Bacillus pumilus.Pa had the greatest antimicrobial effect among the five medicinal plants and was effective against 19 types of bacteriafrom bovine uterus. Compared to Pa, Hj showed weaker antimicrobial effects on all the bacteria tested exceptPseudomonas aeruginosa. Vm, Ct, and Ch also showed weak antimicrobial effects on the tested bacteria. The resultsobtained suggest that Hj and Pa are natural compounds suitable for treating bacterial infection in repeat breeders andimproving conception rates of Hanwoo.Keywords : antibacterial effects, bacterial flora, Hanwoo, natural product, uterus

Viola mandshurica ethanolic extract prevents high-fat-diet-induced obesity in mice by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

Viola mandshurica W. Becker has been used as an expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory agent. We evaluated the effects of V. mandshurica ethanol extract (VME) on high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. HPLC analysis showed that the VME contained 11.95±0.37mg/g esculetin and 0.13±0.01mg/g scopoletin. Orally administered VME decreased the body weight, adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, and triglyceride and leptin serum concentrations. In contrast, VME increased serum adiponectin concentrations and adiponectin expression levels in epididymal adipose tissues. VME also significantly reversed the HFD-induced elevation of the mRNA and protein levels of lipogenic genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, fatty-acid synthase, and adipocyte protein 2. Moreover, VME reversed the HFD-induced inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-coA carboxylase phosphorylation in epididymal adipose tissues. Furthermore, treatment of VME and esculetin in 3T3-L1 cells inhibited adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation. These results suggest that VME exerts anti-obesity effects in HFD-induced obese mice by activating AMPK and suppressing PPARγ expression in adipose tissues.

Health and Functional Characteristics of Indigenous Food in the Korean Longevity Belt

This study was performed to discover the factors of indigenous food for health and longevity in the Korean longevity belt. The research method was based on the examination of individual cases through in‐depth interviews with 96 subjects, aged 65–102 years old. In Korea, the Kugoksundam longevity belt, their main dietary styles were similar to Korean villages consisting of rice, soup, kimchi and side dishes. However, they consumed a great variety of wild herbs and ripened wild seeds through cultivating and gathering wild types of edibles. The cold side dishes (Namools) include plenty of seasonal wild plants and herbs, and the portion of dried or preserved wild herbs outnumbered any other kinds of food stuff. There were more than 60 kinds including acorns, pine, Zanthoxylum piperitum, bamboo seeds, arrowroot starch, mugwort, sedum, shepherd's purse, sowthistle, aster scaber, Hemerocallis fulva, Ligularia stenocophala, Viola mandshurica, chard, mallow, dandlion, mulberry leaves, japanese ginger, aster romena, royal fern, Scilla scilloides, etc. In the longevity belt these plants were consumed appropriately to exert their tonic properties. These wild herbs appeared to provide a variety of functionality such as anti‐oxidative, anti‐aging, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer effects through a variety of phytochemicals and fibers contained in these wild plants.

Morphological and Anatomical Variations in Rheophytic Ecotype of Violet, Viola mandshurica var. <i>ikedaeana</i> (Violaceae)

We compared the leaf morphology and anatomy of the putative rheophytic ecotype of Viola mandshurica W. Becker var. ikedaeana (W. Becker ex Taken.) F. Maek. and its closely related variety, V. mandshurica var. mandshurica. We showed that the leaf of the rheophytic ecotype of V. mandshurica var. ikedaeana was narrower than that of V. mandshurica var. mandshurica. Moreover, the leaf thickness and guard cell size of the rheophytic ecotype of V. mandshurica var. ikedaeana were significantly larger than those of V. mandshurica var. mandshurica. We further showed that leaves of the rheophytic ecotype of V. mandshurica var. ikedaeana contained fewer cells than did those of V. mandshurica var. mandshurica. Our results suggest that the narrower leaves of V. mandshurica var. ikedaeana are caused by a decrease in the number of cells. A narrower leaf may enable the rheophytic ecotype of V. mandshurica var. ikedaeana to resist the strong flow of water that occurs after heavy rainfall, while a thicker leaf may enhance tolerance to desiccation and high- intensity light.

FermentedViola mandshuricaInhibits Melanogenesis in B16 Melanoma Cells

We assessed the effects of chloroform extract of fermented Viola mandshurica (CEFV) on melanogenesis B16 melanoma cells. CEFV treatment significantly decreased melanin content and tyrosinase activity in dose-dependent manners. To elucidate the mechanism of the inhibitory effects of CEFV on melanogenesis, we performed RT-PCR and Western blotting for melanogenesis-related genes such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), TRP-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). CEFV strongly inhibited mRNA as well as the protein expression of tyrosinase and MITF, but had no significant effect on TRP-1 or TRP-2 expressions. It markedly decreased the phosphorylation of cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), and induced the duration of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, leading to reduction of MITF expression and subsequently that of tyrosinase. Therefore, we suggest that CEFV induces downregulation of melanogenesis through decreased CREB phosphorylation and ERK activation.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM) ethanolic (EtOH) extract on airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma

Aim of the study We investigated the efficacy of Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM) ethanolic (EtOH) extract in the treatment of bronchial asthma in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic BALB/c mouse model. Materials and methods Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal (i.p.) ovalbumin (OVA) on days 0 and 14, and were next given intranasal OVA on days 28–30. Randomized treatment groups of sensitized mice received VM EtOH extract, dexamethasone, or placebo, orally, from days 28 to 30. Results VM EtOH extract significantly inhibited increases in total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and also effectively suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophilia, and mucus hypersecretion, in mice with OVA-induced asthma. Conclusions The results suggest that VM EtOH extract and allied extracts could be useful herbal medicines for asthma treatment, and that VM may also be a valuable lead material for anti-asthma drug development.

Neuroprotective Activity of Viola mandshurica Extracts on Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced DNA Damage and Cell Death in PC12 Cells

This study was conducted to examine the neuroprotective effects of acetone extracts from Viola mandshurica (VME). The effect of VME on hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced DNA damage in PC12 cells was evaluated by the comet assay where VME (100 and 250 microg/mL) was a dose-dependent inhibitor of DNA damage induced by 500 micromol/L of H(2)O(2). The protective effect of VME against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage on PC12 cells was investigated by an MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] reduction assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. After 3 h of cell exposure to 500 micromol/L of H(2)O(2), a marked reduction in cell survival was observed. However, the reduction was significantly prevented by 100 and 250 microg/mL of VME. H(2)O(2) also induced severe apoptosis of the PC12 cells, which was indicated by Hoechst 33342 staining. Interestingly, the H(2)O(2)-stressed PC12 cells that were incubated with 100 and 250 microg/mL of VME had greatly suppressed apoptosis. The results suggest that VME could be a new antioxidant candidate against neuronal diseases.

국내산과 중국산 자화지정(Viola mandshurica) 추출물의 생리활성

This study was carried out to compare the physiological activities of the extracts from Korean and Chinese Viola mandshurica W. Baker. The water extract from leaves of Chinese V. mandshurica exhibited the highest extraction yields of 30.45 g/100 g and the highest content of total flavonoids as 102.30 mg/g. Also, its ethanol extract showed the best content of polyphenol compounds as 136.16 mg/g. The leaf extract of Korean V. mandshurica produced higher electron donating abilities (EDA) of 92.69% (KLW) and 93.61% (KLE) than the other fractions. The strongest SOD-like activity was shown in the ethanol extract from Korean leaves of 17.28% at the concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. The nitrite scavenging abilities (NSA) of the leaf extracts of V. mandshurica from China were intense over 50% at pH 1.2 and 3.0. In the results of inhibitory rates of xanthine oxidase (XO), both ethanol extracts from Korean and Chinese leaves were higher than the other fractions as 98.67% and 93.80% respectively. Effect of tyrosinase inhibition was the highest in the water extract (45.04%) of Chinese leaves, followed by its ethanol extract (31.36%). The results of EDA, SOD-like activity and XO inhibition of the leaf extracts from Korean V. mandshurica were higher than those of Chinese, on the other hand, determinations on total polyphenol contents, NSA and tyrosinase inhibition were higher in those of Chinese.

제비꽃 추출물의 항산화 활성 및 α-Amylase와 α-Glucosidase에 대한 저해 활성

민간요법에서 화농성 피부질환이나 염증성 질환에 대해 효과가 있다고 알려진 제비꽃(Viola mandshurica)의 항산화 활성과 항당뇨 활성을 조사하였다. 제비꽃 10 g에 200 mL의 네 가지 용매(메탄올, 에탄올, 아세톤, 물)를 각각 가하여 추출한 다음, 농축하여 각각의 용매별 추출물을 얻었다. 이 용매별 추출물의 총 페놀 함량은 메탄올 추출물이 34.49 ㎎/g 갈산 당량으로 가장 높았고, DPPH 라디칼과 ABTS 라디칼 소거능은 아세톤 추출물이 1,000 ㎍/mL 농도에서 각각 21.13%와 43.53%로 가장 높은 값을 보였다. 환원력의 경우에는 물 추출물이 1,000 ㎍/mL 농도에서 0.454의 값으로 가장 높은 활성을 보였다. 항당뇨 활성은 α-amylase와 α-glucosidase에 대한 저해 활성으로 측정하였는데 아세톤 추출물이 가장 활성이 높았으며 1,000 ㎍/mL 농도에서 모든 효소 활성들을 저해하였다. 이상의 결과로부터 제비꽃 추출물은 항산화능과, 당뇨 관련 효소에 대한 저해능이 있음을 확인할 수 있었다.

Effects of Myeorrhizal and Endophytic Fungi on Plant Community: a Microcosm Study

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar endophytic fungi and arbuscular myeorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant community structure in experimental microcosms containing an assemblage of five species of plants (Oenothera odorata, Plantago asiatica, Trifolium repens, Isodon japónicas and Aster yomena). Leaves of Sasa borealis, Potentilla fragarioides, and Viola mandshurica were collected in Chungbuk, Korea. Endophytic fungi were isolated from the surface sterilized leaves and identified to species level using molecular and morphological techniques. Four isolates of the endophytic fungi were inoculated to the leaves of host plants in the microcosms. Also, three species of AMF spores were extracted from pure cultures and the mixture of the three species inoculated to the roots of the plants. After four months of growth in a green house, effects of both symbiotic fungi on plant species diversity, community composition and productivity were examined. The plant species diversity showed significant differences with inoculation of the symbiotic fungi. Results indicate that AMF significantly affect plant productivity and plant community structure.

Species structure of artificial grasslands with Zoysia japonica STEUD in Pyongyang, North Korea

AbstractIn Far East (mainly in Japan), considerable attention has been devoted to weeds of many types of seminatural and artificial vegetation. It allows us to compare the weed flora of artifical grasslands (seeded and planted) dominated by Zoysia japonica in Pyongyang (the capital of North Korea) with other similar communities.Some of the dominant or common species of the artificial monocoenoses with Z. japonica (Tables 1a, 1b, 2; Fig. 4) may be considered dangerous for field crops and seeded meadows. There are, especially, Kummerowia striata and Viola mandshurica. Of the rare species there are Oxalis corniculata, Equisetum arvense and Setaria viridis.Many weed species of the studied artificial grasslands also occur in intensive pastures with Zoysia japonica in Japan (Table 3). This similarity of both vegetation types is ascribed to a similar way of disturbance of vegetation and soil surface (grazing and trampling by livestock on the one hand and cutting and weeding on the other) and by the occurrence of the same dominant.Artificial grasslands in Pyongyang were classified as Zoysia japonica community. Four groups of phytosociological relevés were distinguished by using the ordination technique DCA and its comparison with BRAUN‐BLANQUET (Tables 1a, 1b, 2; Fig. 3).