The Jeonnam Agricultural Technology Institute (Director Kim Haeng-ran) has launched a full-scale research initiative on the development of functional materials and cosmetics using the leaves and stems of sweet potatoes, a representative specialty of Jeonnam. Jeonnam, centered around Haenam, Muan, and Yeongam, boasts the largest sweet potato production area in the nation. However, the leaves and stems (above-ground parts) of sweet potatoes, excluding the edible parts, are mostly discarded, resulting in a large amount of by-products annually. To address this, the Jeonnam Agricultural Technology Institute is conducting research to analyze the useful components of sweet potato leaves and stems and develop them into functional materials. The research focuses on chlorogenic acid, which is effective in anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and improving skin function.