국내에서 양식되고 있는 김의 대표적인 품종으로는 참김(P. tenera), 방사무늬김(P. yezoensis), 모무늬돌김(P. seriata) 및 잇바디돌김(P. dentata) 등이 있는데, 이들 중 참김과 방사무 늬김이 예로부터 양식되어져 온 주요 품종으로 엽체가 얇고 부 드러운 것이 특징이며 국내 생산량의 약 70%를 차지하고 있다 (Hwang et al., 2005). 시중에 유통되는 마른 김은 100% 돌김 이나 일반적으로 방사무늬김과 돌김이 혼합되어 있는 형태로 양식지역마다 현지 사정에 따라 몇 품종들을 섞어서 마른 김으 Article history;To investigate heavy metals (Hg, Pb and Cd) and their potential health risks in commercial dried laver (Porphyra sp.), we collected 45 samples from the major production areas on the western and southern coasts of Korea (Hwaseong, Seocheon, Gunsan, Muan, Shinan, Jindo, Haenam, Wando, Jangheung, Goheung and Busan). The Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS) or a mercury analyzer. The average Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations in the dried laver were 0.006±0.0017, 0.196±0.0614 and 0.894±0.4882 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the 2007 Korean Public Nutrition Report, these levels are 0.02, 0.11 and 2.47% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for Hg, Pb and Cd, respectively, established by the FAO/WHO. The hazard quotient (HQ) determined from the ratio of exposure and safe levels were less than 1.0. Therefore, the levels of overall exposure to Hg, Pb and Cd for dried laver were below the recommended JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) levels, which indicate safe levels for public health.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of pine (Pinus densiflora) needle extracts on hepatic antioxidative system in rats fed high-cholesterol diet. Eight-week old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups; normal diet group (CON), 0.5% cholesterol diet group (0.5% CHOL), 0.5% cholesterol diet and pine needle extracts prepared by using hot water group (HOT water), and 0.5% cholesterol diet and pine needle extracts prepared by using sub-supercritical CO2 group (Sub-supercritical). The serum ALP, AST, and ALT activities were increased by 0.5% cholesterol diet supplementation, but treatment with pine needle extracts showed decrease compared with 0.5% CHOL group. The SOD activity in liver at 0.5% cholesterol diet group was more decreased than control group while Sub-supercritical group had significantly higher SOD activity than 0.5% CHOL group. Moreover, groups with pine needle extracts supplementation had higher level of GPx in liver than 0.5% cholesterol diet group. These results suggest that pine needle extracts increased antioxidative activities.

To investigate the effects of pine (pinus densiflora) needle extracts on blood flow and serum lipid improvement were assessed in vivo. 8 week-old Sprague Dawley strain rats were divided into four groups of seven rats each; CON, 0.5% CHOL, HOT water and Sub-supercritical group. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride contents were lower in the CON group than the 0.5% CHOL group. Three weeks of feeding hot water and sub-supercritical extract resulted in a decrease in serum triglyceride and total cholesterol level. The level of HDL-cholesterol in the 0.5% CHOL group was significantly (p<0.05) reduced compared to the CON group, but it had a tendency to increase with pine needle extract supplementation. Blood passage time of the pine needle extracts supplemented group was higher than the 0.5% CHOL group. Microscopic observation showed that whole blood passed smoothly through the micro channels in pine needle extracts supplemented groups. The platelet aggregation ability of the groups treated with pine needle extracts was less than that of the 0.5% CHOL group. All these results suggest that pine needle extracts might improve blood homeostasis mediated via antiplatelet activities.

Menopause increases the onset of hypertension and heart disease. Whereas it increases the blood LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and total-cholesterol levels, the HDL-cholesterol concentration is reduced. Accordingly, we examined the effect of internal organs of Todarodes pacificus (IOT) on improvement in blood flow ability and changes in serum lipid content by using ovariectomized rats. For this study, the following four groups of 9-week-old Sprague-Dawley strain female rats were evaluated over 6 weeks: normal rats (SHAM), ovariectomized rats (CON) and ovariectomized rats that were treated with IOT extracts. Ovary removal promoted platelet aggregability. However, IOT administration in the CON group after ovary excision resulted in a hinderance of coherence. The blood vessel passing time of ovariectomized rats was slower than the SHAM group. But the blood flow ability, which was slowed down for ovary removal, was improved by IOT administration. Serum triglyceride levels were significantly reduced by IOT administration. Moreover, blood HDL-cholesterol levels were reduced by ovary removal. However, IOT administration after ovary excision significantly increase HDL-cholesterol levels. The biological activity of IOT could be confirmed from these results. Moreover, IOT can be used in the development of functional foods which are meant to improve blood circulation and anti-platelet aggregation function. According to these results, we could know that IOT improved blood flow and anti-platelet aggregation. Therefore, it is expected that IOT can be used for the development of functional foods.