• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.111-124
• /
• 2003

Processes that cause immobilization of contaminants in soil are of great environmental importance because they may lead to a considerable reduction in the bioavailability of contaminants and they may restrict their leaching into groundwater. Previous investigations demonstrated that pollutants can be bound to soil constituents by either chemical or physical interactions. From an environmental point of view, chemical interactions are preferred, because they frequently lead to the formation of strong covalent bonds that are difficult to disrupt by microbial activity or chemical treatments. Humic substances resulting from lignin decomposition appear to be the major binding ligands involved in the incorporation of contaminants into the soil matrix through stable chemical linkages. Chemical bonds may be formed through oxidative coupling reactions catalyzed either biologically by polyphenol oxidases and peroxidases, or abiotically by certain clays and metal oxides. These naturally occurring processes are believed to result in the detoxification of contaminants. While indigenous enzymes are usually not likely to provide satisfactory decontamination of polluted sites, amending soil with enzymes derived from specific microbial cultures or plant materials may enhance incorporation processes. The catalytic effect of enzymes was evaluated by determining the extent of contaminants binding to humic material, and - whenever possible - by structural analyses of the resulting complexes. Previous research on xenobiotic immobilization was mostly based on the application of $^{14}$ C-labeled contaminants and radiocounting. Several recent studies demonstrated, however, that the evaluation of binding can be better achieved by applying $^{13}$ C-, $^{15}$ N- or $^{19}$ F-labeled xenobiotics in combination with $^{13}$ C-, $^{15}$ N- or $^{19}$ F-NMR spectroscopy. The rationale behind the NMR approach was that any binding-related modification in the initial arrangement of the labeled atoms automatically induced changes in the position of the corresponding signals in the NMR spectra. The delocalization of the signals exhibited a high degree of specificity, indicating whether or not covalent binding had occurred and, if so, what type of covalent bond had been formed. The results obtained confirmed the view that binding of contaminants to soil organic matter has important environmental consequences. In particular, now it is more evident than ever that as a result of binding, (a) the amount of contaminants available to interact with the biota is reduced; (b) the complexed products are less toxic than their parent compounds; and (c) groundwater pollution is reduced because of restricted contaminant mobility.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.194-202
• /
• 1975

This study was conducted to study the properties of the water-soluble natural chelating agents from garbage compost and activated sewage sludge responsible for Fe chelation, which is closely associated with the effectiveness in correcting iron chlorosis in plant. The water-soluble fraction of these materials was fractionated by menas of Sephadex gel filtration and the fractions of Fe chehates were traced by radioactive $^{59}Fe$. The fractions were examined by ultraviolet and infrared. spectroscopy and stability constants for Fe. The water-soluble fraction from garbage compost was separated by Sephadex G-25 into approximately four fractions. Most of the added $^{59}Fe$ was associated with fraction I, which appeared at the void volume. Further fractionation by Sephadex G-50 indicated that the molecular weight of water-soluble chelating agents is in the approximate range of 5000 to 10,000. The water-soluble fraction from activated sewage sludge gave six fractions by Sephadex G-25. Most of the added $^{59}Fe$ was found in the fraction I,II, and III, The molecular weights of most chelating agents associated with $^{59}Fe$ appeared to be less than 5,000 and those of fraction I that appeared at the void volume was in the range of 5,000 to 1,000. Discrepancy between radio activity count and UV absorption indicated the heterogeneity of the fractions obtained by Sephadex gel filtration. Ultraviolet absorption spectra of all fractions separated by Sephadex G-25 and containing chelating agents showed no differences. Fraction IV and V of sewage extract showed absorption maxima and shifting similar to nucleic acid components suggesting the presence of decomposition products of nucleic acid. Similarity fraction VI contained phenolic type amino acid groups. Fraction I of compost extract contained most of the added $^{59}Fe$ and showed weak but extra definite absorption in the 1230, and $1270cm^{-1}$ region, suggesting that extra oxygen groups in polyphenolic structure were probably involved in Fe chelation. In sewage extract, fraction I,II, and III in which most of the $^{59}Fe$ was found, showed strong definite polypeptide absorption in the region of $1540cm^{-1}$ due to NH deformation and C-N stretching of amide groups in the peptidebond. These extra functional groups in fraction I, II, and III appeared to be associated with Fe chelation. The other fractions, not associated with $^{59}Fe$, still have carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, suggesting that these functional groups in these water extracts may not independently form the Fe chelates. Precipitation of ferric hydroxide precluded measuring the stability constants for Fe-chelates. However, the formation constants for Zn chelates as log K values for compost extract and sewage extract at pH 4.0 from which the strength of chelation with Fe could be presumed, were 8.23, and 9.75, respectively, indicating strong complexation with metals. The chelating capacity of compost extract containing 6.5 g organic matter per liter was 0.82 mM, and that of sewage extract containing 5.3 g per liter was 0. 64 mM.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.594-601
• /
• 2015

In the present study, the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids, the antioxidant activities, and cytotoxic effects of the ethanol extracts from different parts of Taraxacum coreanum Nakai were investigated for their use as functional foods. The extract yields of the flower, leaf, and root were $32.15{\pm}3.21%$, $31.63{\pm}0.63%$, and $27.48{\pm}2.47%$, respectively. Total polyphenol and flavonoid content of the flower extract were $61.29{\pm}2.11mg/g$ and $46.11{\pm}1.88mg/g$, respectively, which were much higher than those of any other plant parts. The antioxidant activities of the flower, leaf, and root extracts were $89.99{\pm}2.83%$, $85.29{\pm}2.22%$, and $37.88{\pm}2.34%$, respectively, at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Cell cytotoxicity effects of AGS (human gastric carcinoma), HCT116 (human colon carcinoma), and A549 (human pulmonary carcinoma) cells were the highest in the flower extract, with values of $62.85{\pm}4.63%$, $69.89{\pm}3.44%$, and $85.72{\pm}4.17%$, respectively, at a concentration of 400 mg/kg. Both the antioxidant activities and cytotoxic effects of the ethanol extracts from all the parts of the T. coreanum Nakai increased dose-dependently. These results provide preliminary data for the development of T. coreanum Nakai as an edible functional food material.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.238-244
• /
• 2007

To identify the useful biological activities and the superiority in quality of Korean traditional liquors, we prepared the alcohol-free concentrates from different types of commercial traditional liquors, Takju ($T1{\sim}T3$), Yakju/Cheongju ($Y-1{\sim}Y-5$), Fruit wine (F-1) and Soju (S-1, S-2), respectively. We investigate their compositions as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-thrombosis activity. Among the 11 traditional liquors, Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1 showed higher total-polyphenol, total-flavonoids and reducing sugars than the others. The strong antibacterial and anti-thrombosis activities were identified in Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1, and a minor antioxidant activity was found in F-l. The antibacterial activity of the Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1 alcohol-free concentrates showed a broad-spectrum, and growth inhibition was found in gram-positive, gram-negative, and ampicillin-resistant bacteria. The sequential solvent fractionation of Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1, and following analysis showed that ethyl acetate fractions of Y-3, Y-4, Y-5 and F-1 possess strong antibacterial and anti-thrombosis activity. Especially, the ethyl acetate fractions of Y-3, Y-4 and F-1 showed superior anti-thrombosis activity compared than that of aspirin. Our results suggest that the useful substances are produced from substrates and edible plant added during the fermentation, and the Korean traditional liquors could be developed as strong antibacterial and anti-thrombosis agents.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.554-563
• /
• 2013

The changes in quality properties and nutritional components for two mugworts, namely, Artemisia capillaris Thumberg Artemisiae asiaticae Nakai fermented by Bacillus strains were characterized followed by rapid pattern analysis of volatile flavor compounds through the SAW-based electronic nose sensor in the GC system. After fermentation, the pH has remarkably decreased from 6.0~6.4 to 4.6~5.1 and there has been a slight change in the total soluble solids. The L (lightness) and b (yellowness) values in the Hunter's color system significantly decreased, whilst the a (redness) value increased via fermentation. The HPLC analysis demonstrated that the total amino acids increased in quantity and the essential amino acids were higher in the A. asiaticae Nakai than in the A. capillaris Thumberg, specially with high contents of glutamic and aspartic acid. After fermentation, the monounsaturated fatty acid increased in the A. asiaticae Nakai and the polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in the A. capillaris Thumberg. While the total polyphenol contents have not been affected by fermentation, the total sugar contents have dramatically decreased. Scopoletin, which is one of the most important index components in mugworts, was highly abundant in the A. capillaris Thumberg; however, it was not detected in the A. asiaticae Nakai. Small pieces of plant tissue in the surface microstructure were found in the fermented mugworts through the use of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Volatile flavor compounds via electronic nose showed that the intensity of several peaks has increased and additional seven flavor peaks have been produced after fermentation. The VaporPrintTM images demonstrated a notable difference in flavors between the A. asiaticae Nakai and A. capillaris Thumberg, and the fermentation enabled the mugworts to produce subtle differences in flavor.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.24 no.9
• /
• pp.935-945
• /
• 2014

Persimmon leaves were commonly consumed as beverages, but were also used as popular folk medicine in Asia. The purpose of this work was to assess the biological activities of Diospyros Lotus L. extracts (DLLE). Various solvent extracts, including n-Hexnae, $CHCl_3$, EtOAc, and n-BuOH fractions, were obtained from the methanol extract of Diospyros Lotus L. leaves. The increasing interest in the powerful biological activity of plant phenolics and flavonoids outlined the necessity for determining their content in medicinal herbs. In this study, the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) in the EA fraction were higher than those of other fractions. The biological activities of DLLE were tested using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assay, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as an anti-oxidant effect and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activity as an anti-diabetic effect. The EA fraction with high TPC and TFC values showed the highest anti-oxidant effect and high ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition. The EA fractions were further purified into eight fractions using open column chromatography. Higher anti-oxidant and anti-${\alpha}$-glucosidase activity were observed in polar fractions. The content of the flavonoids, including quercein-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, were analyzed in effective fractions using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results suggest that DLLE have anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic effects and thus, have the potential as anti-diabetic materials and as a source for natural health products.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.47-55
• /
• 2011

The solvent extracts of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara, which were extracted by using several solvents with different polarities, were performed to investigate the antioxidant activities, whitening effect and antimicrobial activity. The content of total polyphenol of fractions from Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara extract showed the highest value ($335.88{\pm}2.26$ mg/g GAE) on ethyl acetate fraction. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were 0.06 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL as $IC_{50}$ values on DPPH radical scavenging, and $99.16{\pm}0.09%$ and $89.29{\pm}0.64%$ on ABTS radical scavenging activity, respectively. Also, reducing power and FRAP value were significantly higher on ethyl acetate fraction. The SOD like activity showed $80.76{\pm}0.61%$ on ethyl acetate and $72.34{\pm}0.79%$ on n-butanol. Tyrosinase inhibition activities (at 5 mg/mL) were $59.08{\pm}0.98%$ on ethyl acetate fraction. The chloroform fraction showed the strongest antimicrobial activities against B. cereus (14 mm), B. subtilis (12.5 mm), S. aureus (10.8 mm), E. coli (20.7 mm) at 0.1 mg/disc and the inhibition zone diameter of ethyl acetate fraction was 17.2 mm against E. coli at 0.5 mg/disc. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of chloroform fraction against B. cereus and E. coli were 50 and $25{\mu}g$/mL, respectively. From these results, it is suggested that ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara could be used as functional material for food additive ingredient and chloroform fraction could be suitable for the development of a food preservative.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.462-468
• /
• 2010

Top parts of $Dendranthema$ $zawaskii$ var. $yezoense$ (DZY) and $Cosmos$ $bipinnatus$ (CB) are believed to contain substances with antioxidant effects and activity. Present experiments were undertaken to investigate an adequate and efficient extraction method which ensures the highest yield of antioxidant components. Extraction yield was 1.11-1.92 times higher by ultrasonic method than other methods in both species. By 45 minute ultrasonic extraction, total polyphenol contents reached the highest level, $80.70mg{\cdot}g^{-1}$ tannic acid equiv./DW in $Cosmos$ $bipinnatus$ and total flavonoid contents $50.41mg{\cdot}g^{-1}$ naringin equiv./DW in DZY. DPPH radical scavenging activity was almost the same among extraction methods or slightly higher in reflux extraction. The highest DPPH radical scavenging was observed by reflux extract in CB ($RC_{50}=0.135mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$). ABTS radical scavenging activity was the highest by 15 minute ultrasonic wave in DZY and CB, $RC_{50}=0.159mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$ and $RC_{50}=0.139mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$, respectively. High ferrous ion chelating effects were obtained by 30-minute ultrasonic wave in DZY ($RC_{50}=0.803mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$). Extracts of top parts of DZY obtained by reflux method showed the highest inhibition effect against peroxidation of linoleic acid, and extract of CB obtained by ultrasonic for 45 minutes showed the highest inhibition effect. In conclusion, optimum extraction method should be adjusted according to plant species and antioxidant substances.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.679-683
• /
• 2010

'Yeonjami' is a new sweetpotato variety developed for table use by Bioenergy Crop Research Center, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA in 2008. This variety was selected from the cross between 'Ayamurasakki' and 'Poly Cross' in 2000, and seedling and line selections were practiced from 2001 to 2003. Preliminary and advanced yield trials were carried out from 2004 to 2005. The regional yield trials were conducted at six locations from 2006 to 2008. 'Yeonjami' has cordate leaf, green vine and petiole, long elliptic storage root, purple skin and light purple flesh color of storage root. The average yield of storage root was 25.9 ton/ha in the regional yield trials, which was 15% higher than that of 'Sinjami' variety. Number of storage roots over 50 gram per plant was 2.9, and the average weight of one storage root was 153 gram. This variety was partly-resistant to Fusarium wilt and nematode. In addition, steamed 'Yeonjami' has higher polyphenol contents as 139.6 mg/100 g and higher biological activities as, which may improve the bioactivity in human.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.354-361
• /
• 2019

The red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetables in traditional Korean food, containing vitamins A, C, and E, polyphenol, and flavonoids. In addition, red peppers have high anti-oxidant ability and are known to be effective in preventing obesity, diabetes, hypertension, digestive disorders, stress, and aging. In this study, we investigated the effects against obesity and diabetes of both fermented and non-fermented red pepper. C57BL/6N mice with induced obesity from an eight-week 45% high fat diet (HFD) were then fed either an HFD or diets containing 2.5% non-fermented red pepper marc (NRM), 1.25% fermented red pepper marc (FRM), or 2.5% FRM for a further eight weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed seven weeks after dietary intake, and body weight, liver, epididymal fat weight, serum insulin level, and HOMA-IR were measured and a lipid content test performed at eight weeks. The results show that the 2.5% FRM diet reduced body and tissue weight, lipid content, serum insulin levels, and HOMA-IR compared to the 2.5% NRM and HFD diets. These results suggest that fermented red pepper is effective against obesity and diabetes. We will use this information as the basic data for the development of health food materials using red pepper.