Growth Characteristics and Biological Activities in Astragalus Membranaceus Seedlings of Exposed to Different Types of Artificial Light

Background: Astragalus membranaceus Bunge is a plant belonging to the Leguminosae family that is used in oriental medicine as a diuretic or a tonic and has blood pressure-lowering properties. Several other propertieds, including reduction of blood sugar, antitumor, and antiviral properties, have also been reported.Methods and Results: A. membranaceus treated exposed to blue light showed the maximum value for plant height, root length, and leaf number. Antioxidant activity was also observed under white light. The maximum values of total phenol and total flavonoid content were observed under white light and blue light, respectively. To assess the whitening and anti-wrinkle activities, the tyrosinase inhibiting activity was determined, which showed the highest value at the maximum concentration of 5,000 ㎍/㎖ in blue light-treated A. membranaceus.Conclusions: The use of LED light will benefit the commercial production of A. membranaceus for cosmetic and food purposes.