• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.103-112
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• 2023

This study selected 9 species of domestic native plants (Baechohyang, Red Pine, Turmeric, Ginger, San parsley seed, Bulsugam, Hwangchil, Tangja, Valerian) that have been proven effective for depression, and based on the analysis results of each fragrance component, 9 species were selected. Antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS), cytotoxicity (MTS), and anti-inflammatory (Nitric oxide) experiments were performed by combining essential oils. As a result of the analysis of fragrance components, DL-Limonene (38.44%), g-Terpinene (8.9%), Estragole (5.18%), and a-Pinene (1.73%), which were previously studied in combination oil, were identified. DPPH radical scavenging ability, which is an antioxidant activity, showed 75.4%, ABTS radical scavenging ability was 74.04%, and NO production inhibition was 33.14% at a concentration of 5uL/ml with no cytotoxicity confirmed. Through this, the effect of domestic blending essential oils on the improvement or prevention of depression is verified, and scientific efficacy and ingredient studies are conducted in a mutually cooperative manner to seek solutions to depression and provide basic data to confirm whether or not depressive symptoms are improved. want to do.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.797-805
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• 2023

Species belonging to the Vernonia (Asteraceae), the largest genus in the tribe Vernonieae (consisting of about 1,000 species), are widely used in food and medicine. These plants are rich sources of bioactive sesquiterpene lactones and steroid saponins, likely including many as yet undiscovered chemical components. A phytochemical investigation resulted in the separation of three new stigmastane-type steroidal saponins (1 - 3), designated as vernogratiosides A-C, from whole plants of V. gratiosa. Their structures were elucidated based on infrared spectroscopy (IR), one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and electronic circular dichroism analyses (ECD), as well as chemical reactivity. Molecular docking analysis of representative saponins with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was performed. Additionally, the intended substances were tested for their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase activity in a laboratory setting. The results suggested that stigmastane-type steroidal saponins from V. gratiosa are promising candidate antidiabetic agents.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.593-603
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• 2023

Background: Korean Red Ginseng is a major source of bioactive substances such as ginsenosides. Efficacy of red ginseng extract (RGE), which contains not only saponins but also various non-saponins, has long been studied. In the water-soluble component-rich fraction of RGE (WS), a byproduct generated in the process of extracting saponins from the RGE, we identified previously unidentified molecules and confirmed their efficacy. Methods: The RGE was prepared and used to produce WS, whose components were isolated sequentially according to their water affinity. The new compounds from WS were fractionized and structurally analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Physiological applicability was evaluated by verifying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies of these compounds in vitro. Results: High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that the obtained WS comprised 11 phenolic acid and flavonoid substances. Among four major compounds from fractions 1-4 (F1-4) of WS, two compounds from F3 and F4 were newly identified in red ginseng. The analysis results show that these compound molecules are member of the maltol-structure-based glucopyranose series, and F1 and F4 are particularly effective for decreasing oxidative stress levels and inhibiting nitric oxide secretion, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a few newly identified maltol derivatives, such as red ginseng-derived non-saponin in the WS, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making them viable candidates for application to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and functional food materials.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.113-125
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• 2023

In this study, we explored the synergistic effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soybean protein components after fermentation with lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi, and identified several peptides with desirable physiological functions, proteolysis, and immune effects. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, followed by cross-validation of the four antioxidant activities. These assays revealed that samples with a 8:2 and 9:1 whey to soy ratio possessed higher antioxidant activity than the control samples. Antibacterial potency testing revealed high antibacterial activity in the 9:1 and 8:2 samples. Cytotoxicity testing of samples using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide revealed that only the 10:0, 1:9, and 0:10 samples had <80% viable cells, indicating no significant cytotoxicity. Nitric oxide (NO) assays revealed that NO expression was reduced in 8:2, 5:5, and 0:10 protein ratio fermentations, indicating low inflammatory reaction stimulatory potential. Cytokine expression was confirmed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The 8:2 sample had the lowest inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) levels compared with the lipopolysaccharide-treated group. Amino acid profiling of the 8:2 sample identified 17 amino acids. These results suggest that inoculating and fermenting Lactobacillus plantarum DK203 and Lactobacillus paracasei DK209 with an 8:2 mixture of WPC and soybean protein releases bioactive peptides with excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them suitable for functional food development.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.75-75
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• 2020

Potatoes were first introduced outside the Andes region four centuries ago, and have become an integral part of much of the world's food. Potatoes were first introduced into Europe in the 16th century and Korea in the early 19th century. Potatoes have a short growing season, high production per unit area, relatively strong environmental adaptability, and are cultivated in more than 130 countries around the world. It is the world's fourth-largest crop, following rice, wheat, bean and maize. In the nutritional aspects, potatoes contain abundant vitamins and minerals, as well as an assortment of phytochemicals such as carotenoids and natural phenols. Due to the high content of potato functional compounds, it has known that potatoes are effective in the prevention of various human diseases. In particular, the potato contains a large amount of polar compounds, including the saponin in the polar compounds, and the physiological activity of the saponins, such as immunity enhancement, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory is known. In this study, the antioxidative activity of polar compounds from five potatoes was examined by cell based anti-oxidation assay. The smallest amount of ROS(Reactive oxygen species) was generated when the compound was derived from 'Haryung' and 'hongyoung' and strong SOD(Superoxide dismutase) activity was observed in 'Sumi' and 'Jayoung'. The results of this study reveal the antioxidative effect of polar compounds extracted from various kind of potatoes, which will enable the acquisition of new bioactive candidates and the establishment of new profit generation models for farmers

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.955-964
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• 2023

Bee pollen is a valuable apitherapeutic product and has been known to have diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer activity. However, its effect on the immune system is not well studied and is rather controversial. This study intended to elucidate the biological activity of bee pollen on immunity. For this purpose, we used lyophilized bee pollen after wet grinding, which shows increased extraction of bioactive components and enhanced biological activity. First, lyophilized bee pollen after wet grinding significantly increased the proliferation of splenocytes isolated from normal mice. On the other hand, lyophilized bee pollen after wet grinding dose-dependently reversed splenocyte proliferation by concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide. To clarify the activity of bee pollen on immunity lyophilized bee pollen after wet grinding was administered daily to mice for five weeks and isolated splenocytes. In this study, there was no significant difference in the population of immune cells and the size of spleen between bee pollen- and sterile water-treated groups. However, proliferation of splenocyte isolated from bee pollen-administered animals was boosted by both concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide. Finally, kaempferol, a well-known flavonoid from bee pollen, dose-dependently increased splenocyte proliferation by both Con A and LPS. On the other hand, naringenin, another flavonoid in the bee pollen, dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of splenocytes by Con A and LPS. Together, these data indicate that bee pollen may be able to prime the immunity to boost immune reaction after inflammation.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.70-81
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• 2024

Objectives: Cognitive impairments, ranging from mild to severe, adversely affect daily functioning, quality of life, and work capacity. Despite significant efforts in the past decade, more than 200 promising drug candidates have failed in clinical trials. Herbal remedies are gaining interest as potential treatments for dementia due to their long history and safety, making them valuable for drug development. This review aimed to examine the mechanisms behind the effect of Polygonum multiflorum on cognitive function. Methods: This study focused primarily on the effects of Polygonum multiflorum and its chemical constituents on cognitive behavioral outcomes including the Morris water maze, the passive avoidance test, and the Y maze, as well as pathogenic targets of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD) like amyloid deposition, amyloid precursor protein, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive decline. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of the mechanisms behind Polygonum multiflorum's impact on cognitive function was conducted. We reviewed the most recent data from preclinical research done on experimental models, particularly looking at Polygonum multiflorum's effects on cognitive decline and AD. Results: According to recent research, Poligonum multiflorum and its bioactive components, stilbene, and emodin, influence cognitive behavioral results and regulate the pathological target of cognitive impairment and AD. Their mechanisms of action include reducing oxidative and mitochondrial damage, regulating neuroinflammation, halting apoptosis, and promoting increased neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Conclusion: This review serves as a comprehensive compilation of current experiments on AD and other cognitive impairment models related to the therapeutic effects of Polygonum multiflorum. We believe that these findings can serve as a basis for future clinical trials and have potential applications in the treatment of human neurological disorders.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.70-75
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• 2023

In legumes, soyasaponins, one of triterpenoid saponins, are major components of secondary metabolites with a more diverse array of bioactive chemicals. Although the biosynthetic pathway of soyasaponins has been largely studied in soybean, the study on the soyasaponin contents and biosynthesis-related gene expression in pea (Pisum sativum L.) is poorly understood. Here, we found the accumulation of only soyasaponin Bb component in the sprouts of two Korean domestic pea cultivars (Dachung and Sachul). This pattern was consistent with our observation that increased expression of PsUGT73P2 and PsUGT91H4 genes, but not PsCYP72A69, could be responsible for biosynthesis of only soyasaponin Bb in pea by examining their gene expression. However, gradual accumulation of soyasaponin Bb at developmental stages was not consistent with the expression of PsUGT73P2 and PsUGT91H4, suggesting that the changes of their protein activities may affect the accumulation patterns of soyasaponin Bb. We also revealed that the increased expression levels of PsUGT73P2 and PsUGT91H4 during light to dark transition led to increase of soyasaponin Bb contents. Collectively, our results provided a molecular basis of metabolic engineering for enhancing useful soyasaponin Bb metabolites in Korean domestic pea cultivars.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.353-373
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• 2023

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made with salted fermented vegetables and contains various nutrients and functional substances with potential health benefits. The fermentation process used to make kimchi creates chemical changes in the food, developing nutrients and functional substances that are more easily absorbed and enhanced by the body. Recent studies have shown that several lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from kimchi exhibit probiotic properties and have several health benefiting properties such as such as anticancer, anti-obesity, and anti-constipation; they also promote colon health and cholesterol reduction in in vitro and in vivo experiments, as well as in epidemiological cohort studies. Kimchi contains prebiotics, non-digestible fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria; therefore, its intake effectively provides both probiotics and prebiotics for improved gut health and a fortified gut-derived immune system. Furthermore, fermentation of kimchi produces a variety of metabolites that enhance its functionality. These metabolites include organic acids, enzymes, vitamins, bioactive compounds, bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides, and γ-aminobutyric acid. These diverse health-promoting metabolites are not readily obtainable from single food sources, positioning kimchi as a valuable dietary option for acquiring these essential components. In this review, the health functionalities of kimchi ingredients, lactic acid bacteria strains, and health-promoting metabolites from kimchi are discussed for their properties and roles in kimchi fermentation. In conclusion, consuming kimchi can be beneficial for health. We highlight the benefits of kimchi consumption and establish a rationale for including kimchi in a balanced, healthy diet.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

Fresh ginseng is prone to spoilage due to its high moisture content. For long-term storage, most fresh ginsengs are dried to white ginseng (WG) or steamed for hours at high temperature/pressure and dried to form Korean Red ginseng (KRG). They are further processed for ginseng products when subjected to hot water extraction/concentration under pressure. These WG or KRG preparation processes affect ginsenoside compositions and also other ginseng components, probably during treatments like steaming and drying, to form diverse bioactive phospholipids. It is known that ginseng contains high amounts of gintonin lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs). LPAs are simple lipid-derived growth factors in animals and humans and act as exogenous ligands of six GTP-binding-protein coupled LPA receptor subtypes. LPAs play diverse roles ranging from brain development to hair growth in animals and humans. LPA-mediated signaling pathways involve various GTP-binding proteins to regulate downstream pathways like [Ca²⁺]_i transient induction. Recent studies have shown that gintonin exhibits anti-Alzheimer's disease and antiarthritis effects in vitro and in vivo mediated by gintonin LPAs, the active ingredients of gintonin, a ginseng-derived neurotrophin. However, little is known about how gintonin LPAs are formed in high amounts in ginseng compared to other herbs. This review introduces atypical or non-enzymatic pathways under the conversion of ginseng phospholipids into gintonin LPAs during steaming and extraction/concentration processes, which exert beneficial effects against degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and arthritis in animals and humans via LPA receptors.