Fermented Red Ginseng Extract Research Articles

Transcriptome expression profile of compound-K-enriched red ginseng extract (DDK-401) in Korean volunteers and its apoptotic properties.

Ginseng and ginsenosides have been reported to have various pharmacological effects, but their efficacies depend on intestinal absorption. Compound K (CK) is gaining prominence for its biological and pharmaceutical properties. In this study, CK-enriched fermented red ginseng extract (DDK-401) was prepared by enzymatic reactions. To examine its pharmacokinetics, a randomized, single-dose, two-sequence, crossover study was performed with eleven healthy Korean male and female volunteers. The volunteers were assigned to take a single oral dose of one of two extracts, DDK-401 or common red ginseng extract (DDK-204), during the initial period. After a 7-day washout, they received the other extract. The pharmacokinetics of DDK-401 showed that its maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) occurred at 184.8 ± 39.64ng/mL, Tmax was at 2.4h, and AUC0-12h was 920.3 ± 194.70ng h/mL, which were all better than those of DDK-204. The maximum CK absorption in the female volunteers was higher than that in the male volunteers. The differentially expressed genes from the male and female groups were subjected to a KEGG pathway analysis, which showed results in the cell death pathway, such as apoptosis and necroptosis. In cytotoxicity tests, DDK-401 and DDK-204 were not particularly toxic to normal (HaCaT) cells, but at a concentration of 250μg/mL, DDK-401 had a much higher toxicity to human lung cancer (A549) cells than DDK-204. DDK-401 also showed a stronger antioxidant capacity than DDK-204 in both the DPPH and potassium ferricyanide reducing power assays. DDK-401 reduced the reactive oxygen species production in HaCaT cells with induced oxidative stress and led to apoptosis in the A549 cells. In the mRNA sequence analysis, a signaling pathway with selected marker genes was assessed by RT-PCR. In the HaCaT cells, DDK-401 and DDK-204 did not regulate FOXO3, TLR4, MMP-9, or p38 expression; however, in the A549 cells, DDK-401 downregulated the expressions of MMP9 and TLR4 as well as upregulated the expressions of the p38 and caspase-8 genes compared to DDK-204. These results suggest that DDK-401 could act as a molecular switch for these two cellular processes in response to cell damage signaling and that it could be a potential candidate for further evaluations in health promotion studies.

Dietary Fermented Red Ginseng Promotes Healthy Aging by Modulating Gut Microbiota Composition in Aged Mice

ObjectivesAging, a progressive decline of programmed cellular processes, is one of the common causes of dysbiosis leading to proinflammatory state in digestive tract. Fermented red ginseng (FRG) has immunomodulating effects which promote anti-aging, cancer prevention and metabolic disorders. However, whether FRG supplementation facilitates healthy gut microbiota composition by influencing the gut microbiome profile is not fully elucidated. Thus, the goal of this study is to determine the effects of FRG on the gut microbiome composition between FRG-treated and non-treated young and old mice.MethodsYoung (11-week-old) and old (20-month-old) male C57BL/6J mice were treated water or FRG extract dissolved in water via oral gavage injection for 31 days (n = 10 per each group). We collected fecal samples before (day 0) and after (day 31) FRG administration and analyzed the microbiome profiles by 16s rRNA sequencing. To examine gut microbial community composition of each sample, we obtained Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) by clustering with 97% identity on the Effective Tags of all samples.ResultsPrincipal component analysis (PCA) revealed that FRG administration changed the gut microbiota composition gradually in old groups. It is shown that FRG diet restored the gut microbiome in old mice similar to young mice especially enriched Alistipes in genus level. This genus of bacteria is well-known as a protective role against liver and cardiovascular fibrotic disorder diseases. Also, FRG supplementation significantly increased Akkermansia in genus level and Verrucomicrobia in phylum level in old mice. It suggested that FRG supplementation might improve intestinal barrier function and modulate immune response.ConclusionsCollectively, our results indicate that FRG supplementation has a potential to exert healthy aging by influencing the gut microbiome composition.Funding SourcesThis research is supported by start-up funding from the Vice President of Research's office at Oklahoma State University, and by the BTC Corporation.

Scopolamine으로 유도된 인지장애 마우스의 기억력 개선 효과에 대한 인삼, 생지황, 발효홍삼 추출물의 비교 연구

In this study, we investigated the effects of Ginseng Radix (G), Rehmanniae Radix (R), and Fermented red-ginseng extracts (FRG) on cognitive function in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice. We measured the effects of G, R, and FRG on the improvement of memory and cognition via behavior analysis. In addition, we measured the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampus of each group of mice. The expression of β-amyloid, Tau, and BDNF in the brain tissues were observed through immunohistochemical staining. Ginseng Radix (G) and Fermented red-ginseng (FRG) have effectively improved cognitive function in the water maze test. Ginseng Radix (G), Rehmanniae Radix (R), and Fermented red-ginseng (FRG) have improved the willingness of mice to explore the new environment, as confirmed by Y maze test. In addition, immunohistochemical staining revealed that Ginseng Radix (G) decreased the expression of β-amyloid and Tau in the hippocampus. In addition, fermented red-ginseng (FRG) increased the expression of BDNF. Ginseng Radix (G), Rehmanniae Radix (R), and Fermented red-ginseng (FRG) have decreased the concentration of acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampus as compared with the control group of mice. In conclusion, Ginseng Radix (G), Rehmanniae Radix (R), and Fermented red-ginseng (FRG) are considered to have the potential for development as candidate drugs to control the progression of Alzheimer

Comparative antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of red ginseng and fermented red ginseng extracts

BackgroundFermentation may alter the bioavailability of certain compounds, which may affect their efficacy and pharmacological responses. This study investigated the antiplatelet effects of red ginseng extract (RGE) and fermented red ginseng extract (FRG). MethodsA rodent model was used to evaluate the antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of the extracts. Rats were orally fed with human equivalent doses of the extracts for 1 week and examined for various signaling pathways using standard in vivo and ex vivo techniques. Light transmission aggregometry was performed, and calcium mobilization, dense granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3-mediated signaling molecules, cyclic nucleotide signaling events, and various protein molecules were evaluated ex vivo in collagen-stimulated washed platelets. Furthermore, antithrombotic properties were evaluated using a standard acute pulmonary thromboembolism model, and the effects on hemostasis were investigated using rat and mice models. ResultsBoth RGE and FRG significantly inhibited platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, and dense granule secretion along with integrin-mediated fibrinogen binding and fibrinogen adhesion. cAMP levels were found to be elevated in RGE-treated rat platelets. Ginseng extracts did not exert any effect on prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. RGE-treated mice showed significantly better survival under thrombosis than FRG-treated mice, with no effects on hemostasis, whereas FRG-treated mice exhibited a slight increment in bleeding time. ConclusionBoth extracts, especially RGE, are remarkable supplements to maintain cardiovascular health and are potential candidates for the treatment and prevention of platelet-related cardiovascular disorders.

Mitigating effect of fermented Korean red ginseng extract with yeast and probiotics in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-induced skin allergic inflammation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) frequently affects both infants and adults, impacting on the quality of life of the individual and imposing a significant psychosocial burden. The efficacy against AD-like skin lesions of the fermented form of Korea red ginseng (FRG), that contains ginsenoside metabolites, has not been investigated. FRG was prepared after fermentation of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract in the presence of yeast and probiotics. The effects of FRG on skin allergic inflammation were then investigated by examining the frequency of scratching, and assessing the levels of representative allergic markers in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-challenged Balb/c mice. After two weeks of DNCB challenge, vehicle, dexamethasone (positive control), and FRG (10 and 50 μg/mL) were applied topically on skin lesions for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiment, scratching behavior, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) levels were measured. The status of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were determined by immunoblot analysis in DNCB-treated primary splenocytes. Topical administration of FRG significantly suppressed scratching behavior, serum IgE, and IL-4 levels (P<0.05, n=5/group). In addition, FRG treatment significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in DNCB-exposed splenocytes (P<0.05, n=6/group). Moreover, FRG suppressed DNCB-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and activation of NF-κB. FRG could ameliorate skin allergic inflammation via suppression of p38 MAPK and NF-κB. Therefore, FRG may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and/or treatment of atopic-like dermatitis.

A comparative study on immune-stimulatory and antioxidant activities of various types of ginseng extracts in murine and rodent models

BackgroundGinseng (Panax ginseng) is a widely used traditional herbal supplement that possesses various health-enhancing efficacies. Various ginseng products are available in market, especially in the Korean peninsula, in the form of drinks, tablets, and capsules. The different ginseng types include the traditional red ginseng extract (RGE), white ginseng, and black red ginseng extract (BRGE). Their fermented and enzyme-treated products are also available. Different treatment regimens alter the bioavailability of certain compounds present in the respective ginseng extracts. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the antioxidant and immune-stimulating activities of RGE, BRGE, and fermented red ginseng extract (FRGE). MethodsWe used an acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress model for investigating the reduction of oxidative stress by RGE, BRGE, and FRGE in Sprague Dawley rats. A cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model was used to evaluate the immune-stimulating activities of these ginseng extracts in BALB/c mice. ResultsOur results showed that most prominently, RGE (in almost all experiments) exhibited excellent antioxidant effects via increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the liver and decreasing serum 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels compared with the groups treated with FRGE and BRGE. Moreover, RGE significantly increased the number of white blood cells, especially T and B lymphocytes, and antibody-forming cells in the spleen and thymus, and it also activated a number of immune cell subtypes. ConclusionTaken together, these results indicate that RGE is the best supplement for consumption in everyday life for overall health-enhancing properties.

Effects of dietary fermented red ginseng marc and red ginseng extract on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal microbial, and noxious gas emission in weanling pigs

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary fermented red ginseng marc (FRGM) and red ginseng extract (RGE) on performance in weanling pigs. Dietary treatments included: (1) T1, control diet; (2) T2, control diet + 4 g/kg FRGM; (3) T3, control diet + 4 g/kg RGE; (4) T4, control diet + 4 g/kg FRGM + 4 g/kg RGE. On day 21, pigs fed T2 diet had higher apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and lower NH3 emission than pigs fed T1 diet (P < 0.05) had. Meanwhile, pigs fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had higher ATTD of Nitrogen (N) than pigs fed T1 diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, on day 35, pigs fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had higher ATTD of DM and lower H2S emission than pigs fed T1 diet (P < 0.05). In addition, pigs fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had lower fecal E. coli counts than pigs fed T1 diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of FRGM and RGE improved nutrient digestibility, decreased fecal E. coli counts and fecal noxious gas emission of weanling pigs. However, no statistically significant differences were observed on growth performance and blood profile.Abbreviations: FRGM, fermented red ginseng marc; RGE, red ginseng extract; ADFI, average daily feed intake; ADG, average daily gain; G/F, gain to feed ratio; ATTD, apparent total tract digestibility; BUN, blood urea nitrogen; BW, body weight; DM, dry matter; N, nitrogen; GE, gross energy.

Fermentation of red ginseng extract by the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P: ginsenoside conversion and antioxidant effects

BackgroundGinsenosides, which are bioactive components in ginseng, can be converted to smaller compounds for improvement of their pharmacological activities. The conversion methods include heating; acid, alkali, and enzymatic treatment; and microbial conversion. The aim of this study was to determine the bioconversion of ginsenosides in fermented red ginseng extract (FRGE). MethodsRed ginseng extract (RGE) was fermented using Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P. This study investigated the ginsenosides and their antioxidant capacity in FRGE using diverse methods. ResultsProperties of RGE were changed upon fermentation. Fermentation reduced the pH value, but increased the titratable acidity and viable cell counts of lactic acid bacteria. L. plantarum KCCM 11613P converted ginsenosides Rb2 and Rb3 to ginsenoside Rd in RGE. Fermentation also enhanced the antioxidant effects of RGE. FRGE reduced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power; however, it improved the inhibition of β-carotene and linoleic acid oxidation and the lipid peroxidation. This suggested that the fermentation of RGE is effective for producing ginsenoside Rd as precursor of ginsenoside compound K and inhibition of lipid oxidation. ConclusionThis study showed that RGE fermented by L. plantarum KCCM 11613P may contribute to the development of functional food materials.

홍삼의 지용성 성분을 이용한 발효홍삼 농축액 알갱이의 흡습방지 효과

홍삼의 지용성 성분을 이용한 발효홍삼 농축액 알갱이의 흡습방지 효과

Changes in the Ginsenoside Content During Fermentation Using an Appliance for the Preparation of Red Ginseng.

The total amount of ginsenoside in fermented red ginseng (FRG) is increased by microbial fermentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fermentation time and temperature affect the ginsenoside content during fermentation using an appliance for the preparation of red ginseng. The FRG and fermented red ginseng extracts (FRG-e) were prepared using an appliance for the preparation of red ginseng. The temperature was recorded and time points for sampling were scheduled at pre-fermentation (0[Formula: see text]h) and 18, 36, 48, 60 and 72[Formula: see text]h after the addition of the microbial strains. Samples of FRG and FRG-e were collected to identify changes in the ginsenoside contents at each time point during the fermentation process. The ginsenoside content was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The levels of ginsenoside Rh1, Rg3, and compound Y, which are known to have effective pharmacological properties, increased more than three-fold in the final products of FRG relative to samples prior to fermentation. Although the ginsenoside constituents of FRG-e decreased or increased and then decreased during fermentation, the total amount of ginsenoside in FRG-e was even higher than those in FRG; the total amounts of ginsenoside in FRG-e and FRG were 8282.8 and 738.0[Formula: see text]mg, respectively. This study examined the changes in composition of ginsenosides and suggests a method to manufacture high-content total ginsenosides according to the fermentation temperature and process time. Reducing the extraction time is expected to improve the decrease of ginsenosides in FRG-e as a function of the fermentation time.

발효홍삼농축액 구형과립 제조 기술 개발

Viscous fermented red ginseng extracts were dried and coated using a fluidized bed coater to increase convenience and consumer acceptance. The methods for making spherical granules of fermented red ginseng extracts with increasing convenience were established by using indigestible dextrin. Spherical granules of fermented red ginseng extracts with increasing convenience were made by mixing indigestible dextrin at 40% (40% IDD), 50% (50% IDD), and 60% (60% IDD) versus the soluble solid content of fermented red ginseng extracts. Spherical granules of fermented red ginseng extracts showed less angle of repose than powder of fermented red ginseng extracts. This means that spherical granules of fermented red ginseng extracts had good fluency with increased convenience. The more indigestible dextrin showed higher yields. Although 50% IDD showed less yield than 60% IDD, 50% IDD was the best mixing ratio for making spherical granules of fermented red ginseng extracts, as fermented red ginseng extracts is known as a healthy food. The optimized operation conditions of the fluidized bed coater for making 50% IDD were feeding rate 0.54 mL/min, atomization air pressure 2.15 bar, and product temperature 83.03°C.

Adjuvant effects of fermented red ginseng extract on advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

To investigate the adjuvant therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) extract on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemotherapy. A total of 60 patients with advanced NSCLC were divided into two groups using a random number table, i.e., the gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy alone group (26 patients) and the FRG + GP chemotherapy group (34 patients), for 60-day treatment. Patients were then assessed according to the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Chinese medicine symptoms score, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung. In addition, chemotherapy toxicity and tumor biomarkers were measured. For NSCLC patients after chemotherapy, FRG extract significantly improved the FSI score, CM symptoms score, psychological status, physical conditions, and quality of life and reduced chemotherapy toxicity, but the expression levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin-19 fragments, and neuron-specific enolase were not significantly different between the chemotherapy alone and the FRG + chemotherapy groups or between pre- and post-treatments. This study demonstrated that FRG extract had an adjuvant effect on advanced NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy. Further studies with a larger sample size will verify the current findings.

복분자와 홍삼 발효 추출물의 복합투여가 고지방 고콜레스테롤 식이를 섭취한 흰쥐의 지질대사 및 비만에 미치는 영향

This study investigated the effects of fermented black raspberry (BR) and red ginseng (RG) extract co-treatment on lipid metabolism and obesity in rats fed with a high fat/high cholesterol diet (HFHCD) for 12 weeks. Compared to the corresponding values in rats fed with a HFHCD, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels increased in rats treated with fermented BR and RG extracts. These extracts significantly increased the expression of HMG-CoA reductase, LDL receptor, and sterol regulatory-element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) mRNA, but decreased the mRNA expression of SREBP-1. Additionally the serum levels of leptin and fatty acid synthase were decreased. Moreover, supplementation with fermented BR and RG effectively increased fecal cholesterol excretion. These results suggest that fermented BR and RG extracts might be effective at preventing hypercholesterolemia and obesity.

Effect of Fermented Red Ginseng Extract Enriched in Ginsenoside Rg3 on the Differentiation and Mineralization of Preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells.

In this study, red ginseng extract (RGE) was converted into high-content minor ginsenosides by fermenting with Bgp1 enzymes at 37°C for 5 days. Compared to the RGE, the minor ginsenoside contents were increased in fermented red ginseng extract (FRGE). Moreover, the amount of minor ginsenosides such as Rh1 (11%) and Rg2 (16%) was slightly augmented, while the level of Rg3 (33%) was significantly increased after bioconversion. Furthermore, we also examined and compared the effect of RGE and FRGE on the differentiation and mineralization of preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Similarly, the level of mRNA expression of intracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, type-1 collagen (Col-I) was also increased. Based on the comparison, it is clear that the FRGE has improved effects on bone formation and differentiation of preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Protective Effect of Fermented Red Ginseng Extracts on Photoaging Skin of Induced by UVB in Hairless Mice

Protective Effect of Fermented Red Ginseng Extracts on Photoaging Skin of Induced by UVB in Hairless Mice

Fermented red ginseng extract inhibits cancer cell proliferation and viability.

Red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is the most widely recognized medicinal herb due to its remedial effects in various disorders, such as cancers, diabetes, and heart problems. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effect of fermented red ginseng extract (f-RGE; provided by Jeonju Biomaterials Institute, Jeonju, South Korea) in a parallel comparison with the effect of nonfermented red ginseng extract (nf-RGE; control) on several cancer cell lines--MCF-7 breast cancer cells, HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and reprogrammed MCF-7 cells (mimicking cancer stem cells). Cells were cultured at various concentrations of RGE (from 0.5 up to 5 mg/mL) and their viabilities and proliferative properties were examined. Our data demonstrate the following: (1) nf-RGE inhibited cell viability at ≥1 mg/mL for MCF-7 cells and ≥2 mg/mL for HepG2 cells, (2) in the presence of a carcinogenic agent, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), nf-RGE treatment in combination with paclitaxel synergistically decreased MCF-7 as well as HepG2 cell viability, (3) f-RGE (which contained a greater level of Rg3 content) more effectively decreased the viability of MCF-7 and HepG2 cells compared to nf-RGE, and (4) f-RGE appeared more potent for inhibiting cancerous differentiation of reprogrammed MCF-7 cells in a synergistic fashion with paclitaxel, especially in the presence of TPA, compared to nf-RGE. These findings suggest that f-RGE treatment may be more effective for decreasing cancer cell survival by inducing apoptotic cell death and also presumably for preventing cancer stem cell differentiation compared to nf-RGE.

Morphological Studies on the Inhibitory Effects of Photoaging Skin of Fermented Red Ginseng in Hairless Mice

To investigate the anti-photoaging effect of fermented Red Ginseng(RG) in SKH-1 mice. We examined the effects of extracts of non-fermented RG(NRG group), fermented RG(FRG group) and fortified fermented RG(FFRG group) on skin wrinkles formation, histological changes related to the number of epidermal cell layers, epidermal thickness, neutrophil infiltration into dermis, degradation of collagen fibers, and the number of mast cells, and immunohistochemical changes related to cytokines and enzymes in photoaging skin caused by UVB irradiation of SKH-1 mice. The oral administration(300 ㎎/㎏ B.W./day) and topical application(100 ㎕/mouse/day) of extracts of NRG, FRG and FFRG inhibited increases in epidermal thickness and wrinkle formation compared to control group in dorsal skin induced by UVB irradiation. We observed more increased stainability of acid fuschin and aniline blue in dermis of FFRG group than those of other groups. Furthermore, NRG, FRG and FFRG prevented the disruption of collagen fibers within papillary layer of dermis, and decreased number of mast cells in the dorsal skins induced by UVB irradiation. We observed fine wrinkle formation in FFRG group. Treatment with NRG, FRG and FFRG decreased immunohistochemical density of myeloperoxidase related to inflammation in the photoaging skin. We observed more decreased immunohistochemical density of myeloperoxidase in FFRG group than those of other groups. Immunohistochemical density of PCNA and Ki-67 in FFRG group was more decreased than those of other groups. Our study suggests that fermented red ginseng extracts participates in inhibitory effects in the morphological processes related to photoaging skin on UVB irradiated SKH-1 mice.

Antiulcerogenic and Anticancer Activities of Korean Red Ginseng Extracts Bio-transformed by Paecilomyces tenuipes

In the present study, red ginseng extracts were fermented by Paecilomyces tenuipes and the protopanaxdiol-type ginsenosides in the extracts were bio-transformed to F2, Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, Rh2, and CK determined by a high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis. It indicates that P. tenuipes is a microorganism to biotransform protopanaxdiol-type ginsenosides to their less glucosidic metabolites. Other biotransformed metabolites during fermentation were also analyzed using a GC-MS and identified as 2-methyl-benzaldehyde, 4-vinyl-2-methylphenol, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. Antiulcerogenic activity of the fermented red ginseng extract (FRGE) on gastric mucosal damage induced by 0.15 M HCl in ethanol in rats was evaluated. FRGE was shown to have a potent protective effect on gastritis with 60.5% of inhibition rate at the dose of 40 mg/kg when compared to 54.5% of the inhibition rate at the same dose for stillen, the currently used medicine for treating gastritis. Linoleic acid showed a strong inhibition on gastritis with 79.3% of inhibition rate at the dose of 40.0 mg/kg. FRGE exhibited a distinct anticancer activity including growth inhibition of the two human colon cancer cells HT29 and HCT116. HT29 cells were less susceptible to FRGE in comparison with HCT116 cells. Taken together, fungal fermentation of the red ginseng extract induced hydrolysis of some ginsenosides and FRGE exhibited potent antiulcerogenic and anticancer activities. These results refer to use FRGE as a new source for treating human diseases.

Immunostimulatory effect of fermented red ginseng in the mouse model.

In this study, Woongjin fermented red ginseng extract (WFRG) was evaluated for its potential ability to act as an adjuvant for the immune response of mice. For the in vitro study, macrophages were treated with serial concentrations (1 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL) of WFRG. For in vivo studies, mice were administered different concentrations (10 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day, and 200 mg/kg/day) of WFRG orally for 21 days. In vitro, the production of nitric oxide and TNF-α by RAW 264.7 cells increased in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, WFRG enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes induced by two mitogens (i.e., concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) and increased LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6, but not IL-1β. In conclusion, WFRG has the potential to modulate immune function and should be further investigated as an immunostimulatory agent.

발효홍삼 농축액을 이용한 노인용 기능성 간식(양갱)의 항산화성 및 품질특성

Abstract In this study red ginseng was extracted with ethanol and then fermented by yeasts including Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum. Fermented red ginseng extracts(FRGE) were found to be more effective antioxidants in vitro with regards to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging activity than red ginseng extracts(RGE). In FRGE, the contents of ginsenosides Rb 1 , -Rb 2 and -Rc were much lower than in RGE, however, the contents of ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg 3 , 20(R)-Rg 3 and compound K were higher than RGE. FRGE was added to Yanggaeng(0, 5, 10, 15, 20%), and physicochemical and sensory evaluations of the Yanggaeng were conducted. The L and b values of Yanggaeng with added FRGE were decreased by increasing the ratio of FRGE, while the a value was increased. Sensory evaluations for, taste, color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of Yanggaeng with addition of FRGE (10%) were applicable for improving the Yanggaeng product. Key words: red ginseng, fermented red ginseng, Yanggaeng, sensory evaluation