Ginseng Marc Research Articles

Production of combustible gas via incorporating CO2 to pyrolysis of medicinal herbal waste

With the recent increase in the utilization of medicinal herbs, the generation of medicinal herbal waste has increased. However, conventional protocols for solid waste management (landfill and incineration) present environmental threats considering the complex chemical composition of medicinal herbal waste. Thus, this study introduces a thermochemical approach for managing medicinal herbal waste, focusing on conversion of red ginseng marc (RGM) into energy resource. This study explores an innovative strategy to maximize the production of pyrogenic gases using CO2 form improved syngas generation. The experimental results revealed an enhancement in CO from the pyrolysis of RGM under the CO2 condition in reference with the N2 condition, which was ascribed to gas-phased homogeneous reaction of CO2 with volatile matters liberated from RGM. Moreover, gas-phase reactions have proven to be effective in decreasing the benzene analogs, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in pyrogenic liquids. To accelerate the gas-phase reaction rate, a nickel (Ni)-based catalyst was employed for the RGM pyrolysis. The introduction of Ni catalyst to the gas-phase reaction led to an CO enhancement (272 %) from the RGM pyrolysis in the presence of CO2. All experimental observations highlight the potential of incorporating CO2 in thermochemical conversion of RGM as an innovative way to enhance energy recovery.

Enhanced recovery of rare ginsenosides and bioactive compounds from red ginseng marc using CO2-Assisted subcritical water

Subcritical water extraction (SWE) is a high-efficiency and environmentally sustainable technique for extracting bioactive compounds from red ginseng marc (RGM). In this study, CO2 was introduced into the SWE system as a green catalyst to enhance the extraction efficiency of biologically active compounds from RGM. A wide range of parameters, such as temperature (140–180 °C), pressure (10–20 MPa), and time (10–60 min), were optimized using response surface methodology to maximize the recovery of highly valuable bioactive components, including rare ginsenosides (RGs), total phenolic contents (TPCs), and Maillard reaction products (MRPs), as well as the antioxidant activity of the RGM extract. The extract obtained using CO2-assisted SWE (CO2-SWE) under the optimal conditions (172 °C, 10 MPa, and 10 min) was enriched in RGs (1.02–2.16 times), TPCs (0.98–4.68 times), and MRPs (1.08–2.20 times) and exhibited enhanced antioxidant activities (1.07–3.50 times) compared with the extracts produced by conventional SWE (N2 environment) and Soxhlet extraction with H2O or 80 vol% ethanol. Thus, CO2-SWE is an environmentally friendly and nontoxic technique with considerable potential for use in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food sectors.

Preparation of Red Ginseng Marc-Derived Gintonin and Its Application as a Skin Nutrient.

Ginseng is one of the traditional herbal medicines for tonic. Gintonin is a new material derived from white/red ginseng and its lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) play as a ligand for G protein-coupled LPA receptors. Korean red ginseng marc (KRGM) is a by-product after the KRG processes. We developed a low-cost/high-efficiency method for KRGM gintonin production. We further studied the KRGM gintonin-mediated anti-skin aging effects under UVB exposure using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). KRGM gintonin yield is about 8%. KRGM gintonin contains a high amount of LPA C18:2, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is similar to white ginseng gintonin. KRGM gintonin induced [Ca2+]i transient via LPA1/3 receptors and increased cell viability/proliferation under UVB exposure. The underlying mechanisms of these results are associated with the antioxidant action of KRGM gintonin. KRGM gintonin attenuated UVB-induced cell senescence by inhibiting cellular β-galactosidase overexpression and facilitated wound healing. These results indicate that KRGM can be a novel bioresource of KRGM gintonin, which can be industrially utilized as new material for skin nutrition and/or skin healthcare.

Combinatorial effects of arginine and n-hexane extract from Korean red ginseng marc against Streptococcus mutans

Combinatorial effects of arginine and n-hexane extract from Korean red ginseng marc against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>

Growth promotion effect of red ginseng dietary fiber to probiotics and transcriptome analysis of Lactiplantibacillusplantarum

BackgroundRed ginseng marc, the residue of red ginseng left after water extraction, is rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber derived from fruits or vegetables can promote the proliferation of probiotics, and it is a key technology in the food industry to increase the productivity of probiotics by adding growth-enhancing substances such as dietary fiber. In this study, the effect of red ginseng dietary fiber (RGDF) on the growth of probiotic bacterial strains was investigated at the phenotypic and genetic levels. MethodsWe performed transcriptome profiling of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IDCC3501 in two phases of culture (logarithmic (L)-phase and stationary (S)-phase) in two culture conditions (with or without RGDF) using RNA-seq. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and classified according to Gene Ontology terms. ResultsThe growth of L.plantarum IDCC3501 was enhanced in medium supplemented with RGDF up to 2%. As a result of DEG analysis, 29 genes were upregulated and 30 were downregulated in the RGDF-treated group in the L-phase. In the S-phase, 57 genes were upregulated and 126 were downregulated in the RGDF-treated group. Among the upregulated genes, 5 were upregulated only in the L-phase, 10 were upregulated only in the S-phase, and 3 were upregulated in both the L- and S-phases. ConclusionsTranscriptome analysis could be a valuable tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which RGDF promotes the proliferation of L.plantarum IDCC3501. This growth-promoting effect of RGDF is important, since RGDF could be used as a prebiotic source without additional chemical or enzymatic processing.

Anti-inflammatory effect of red ginseng marc, Artemisia scoparia, Paeonia japonica and Angelica gigas extract mixture in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

A normal inflammatory response is essential in protecting the body from foreign substances. However, excessive inflammation contributes to diseases such as oxidative stress, heart disease, and cancer. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of RAPA (red ginseng marc, Artemisia scoparia Waldst.et Kit, Paeonia japonica Miyabe & Takeda, and Angelica gigas Nakai extract mixture) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (macrophages). RAPA suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors such as iNOS and COX-2 and decreased the production of nitric oxide. In addition, RAPA decreased the expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, RAPA inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs such as JNK and ERK as well as IκB and NF-κB. In conclusion, RAPA inhibited production of inflammatory mediators via downregulation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The results of this study demonstrated that RAPA regulates excessive inflammatory responses at the cellular level. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate whether the same effect is observed in vivo through further research.

Physiochemical Properties of Chicken Breast Sausage with Red Ginseng Marc Powder.

This study explored the physiochemical and rheological properties of chicken breast sausages containing red ginseng marc (RGM) which contains useful components but is discarded. When compared to the control group, the use of RGM significantly increased the water holding capacity (WHC) as the particle size increased. As for the change in color value, addition of RGM resulted in an increase in a and b values; as the quantity was increased and particle size decreased, the a and b values increased significantly. The smaller the particle size of RGM, the greater was the radical scavenging activity. According to the results of the measurement of the viscoelasticity of chicken breast sausage containing RGM, the G’ and G’’ values increased with increasing amounts of RGM and particle size. Neither the addition of RGM nor its amount or particle size had any significant effect on gel formation temperature. The texture profile analysis (TPA) experiment examined the average TPA measurements of each sample under different measurement conditions, and no significant difference between the RGM and control groups were observed. In conclusion, when RGM is used in chicken breast sausages, the WHC, antioxidant capacity, and viscoelastic properties are affected. RGM can possibly be utilized in high value-added processed meat products if its quantity and particle size are altered based on product characteristics.

Anti-Allergic Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng Marc on 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-like Mice Model

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and allergic skin disease; however, there is no cure for the disease. Red ginseng is well known to have anti-AD potential, while red ginseng marc (RGM) remaining after ginseng extraction is regarded as useless and discarded. However, it has recently been reported that RGM, particularly fermented RGM (fRGM), still contains bioactive properties. Thus, the anti-allergic effects of fRGM were examined in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like mice model. The model was topically treated with distilled water (control), dexamethasone, or fRGM for six weeks. Treatments of fRGM alleviated skin lesions and reduced serum IgE levels, compared with the control. The fRGM also reduced skin levels of lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion; however, it increased glutathione contents, with downregulated gene expression for inflammatory mediators. Histopathological analyses demonstrated that fRGM suppressed epidermal thickening, collagen deposition, and inflammatory cell and mast cell infiltration, which involved anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Further, fRGM suppressed hypertrophic changes and inflammatory responses in the spleen and lymph nodes. The beneficial effects were observed in the dexamethasone and fRGM groups; however, the antioxidant effects were evident only in the fRGM treatments. These results provide useful information for developing fRGM as a therapeutic source for AD.

High-yield recovery of highly bioactive compounds from red ginseng marc using subcritical water extraction

Red ginseng marc (RGM), a byproduct obtained during manufacturing various ginseng products, which is typically discarded as waste, contains numerous residual bioactive compounds. However, the recovery of bioactive compounds, including transformed ginsenosides, from RGM using conventional extraction techniques is difficult. In this study, subcritical water was used for a quick and high-yield extraction of the bioactive compounds in RGM. Furthermore, the chemical species and antioxidant activities of the extracts were analyzed. Extraction was performed in the temperature range and duration of 140–200 °C and 15–90 min, respectively, to determine the optimal conditions for achieving the highest extraction yield and bioactivity. Under the optimized conditions (200 °C and 15 min), an extraction yield of 48 wt% was achieved, which was 1.8 and 4.1 times higher than those achieved via Soxhlet extraction with water and 80% ethanol, respectively (8 h). In addition, the antioxidant activity of the subcritical water extract was 2.7–78.7 times and 2.8–9.8 times higher than those of the extracts obtained using the Soxhlet method with water and 80% ethanol, respectively. The total ginsenoside content of the extract was 30 mg/g, and G-Rf, a transformed ginsenoside, was the primary component of the extract.

Renewable Biofuel Production Using Red Ginseng Marc in Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is one of the clean and sustainable energy technologies, often referred to as renewable energy, and directly chemical energy contained in organic matter into electrical energy by using the catalytic activity of microorganisms. Cellulosic biomass is a particularly attractive renewable resource for its abundant supply at low cost and its neutral carbon balance. However, methanogenesis had been negatively linked to anaerobic cellulosic power generation in MFCs. Ginseng root is a saponin-rich plant material and red ginseng marc (RGM) has not been reused as a high-value resource for industry although its residue contained both electron donors and saponin, the potential power generation enhancers for MFC. In this study, RGM was supplemented into MFC to evaluate its effects on methanogenesis and power generation. Two-chamber H-type MFCs were established using rumen fluid as anolyte to ferment cellulose at 2% (w/v). RGM, the residue from the steam and press process for red ginseng beverage preparation, was freeze-dried and ground to pass 0.5 mm sieve and added to the anode of MFC at 1% (w/v; Exp. 1) or 0.1% (Exp. 2) dose for treatment. Open circuit voltage, voltage and current across an external resistor were measured daily for 10d. On d10 of operation, collected biogases were measured for total gas production and analyzed for its components. In Exp. 1, power density was between 44.0 and 97.2 with an average of 83.8 mW/m2 in 1% RGM MFCs and was between 45.2 and 76.3 with an average of 61.5 mW/m2 in control. In Exp. 2, power density was between 44.8 and 75.6 with an average of 60.9 mW/m2 in 0.1% RGM MFCs and was between 45.1 and 54.1 with an average of 49.7 mW/m2 in control. Total gas production for 10d was 563 and 523 mL for RGM and control, respectively, in Exp 1, and was 546 and 477 mL for RGM and control, respectively, in Exp 2. Methane took up 58.6 and 67.9% of total gas for RGM and control, respectively, in Exp 1, and 59.1 and 67.3% of total gas for RGM and control, respectively, in Exp 2. Both greater (P

Inhibitory effect of n-hexane extract from Korean red ginseng marc against Streptococcus mutans causing dental caries

Inhibitory effect of <i>n</i>-hexane extract from Korean red ginseng marc against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> causing dental caries

Physicochemical characteristics and sensory acceptability of crackers containing red ginseng marc.

Red ginseng marc (RGM), a by-product from ginseng industry, still contains bioactive compounds such as ginsenosides and dietary fibers. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of baking conditions and formulations on physicochemical and sensory characteristics of crackers in which RGM was incorporated. The sum of ginsenoside Rb1, Rg1 and Rg3 (58.69 ± 2.93mg/100g, dry basis) and dietary fibers (7.52 ± 1.22g/100g) were the highest in the crackers baked at 120°C for 60min. The crackers with 5% replacement of wheat flour with RGM scored the highest in taste and overall acceptability. The baked crackers still contained relatively high amounts of ginsenoside Rb1 (7.62 ± 0.34mg/100g), Rg3(R) (7.51 ± 0.99mg/100g) and Rg3(S) (8.65 ± 0.77mg/100g) and dietary fiber (2.59 ± 0.17g/100g). The results suggest that low temperature-long time may be a suitable baking condition to retain bioactive ginsenosides in RGM and using proper amount of RGM in bakery products may improve not only nutritional quality but also sensory properties.

Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng Marc and Traditional Polyherb Formula in C57BL/6 Mice

An abnormal hair-growth cycle induces hair loss, which affects psychological distress and impairs life quality. Red ginseng marc (RGM) is usually discarded as a byproduct after extracting red ginseng, but several studies have shown that the RGM still has bioactive components including ginsenosides. Therefore, the hair-growth effects of fermented RGM (fRGM) and traditional polyherb formula (PH) were examined in C57BL/6 mice. The dorsal hairs of mice were depilated, and they were topically treated with fRGM or PH at 400, 200 and 100 mg/kg or the combination of both middle doses (combi) once a day for two weeks. The hair-covering regions were significantly increased with higher doses of fRGM and PH and in combi groups, compared with the control treated with distilled water. Hair length, thickness and weight also increased in the treatment groups. In particular, the fRGM and PH increased the anagen-phased hair follicles, the follicular diameters and the dermal thickness. Immunostains for Ki-67 showed the anagen-phased cell division in the treatment groups. The beneficial effects were greater in the high doses of fRGM and PH and the combi groups. These suggest hair-growth-promoting effects of fRGM, PH and the combination by enhancing the hair-growth cycle.

Structural analysis and biological activity of cell wall polysaccharides extracted from Panax ginseng marc

Ginseng marc is a major by-product of the ginseng industry currently used as animal feed or fertilizer. This fibrous, insoluble waste stream is rich in cell wall polysaccharides and therefore a potential source of ingredients for functional food with health-promoting properties. However, the extraction of these polysaccharides has proved problematic and their exact composition remains unknown. Here we have analysed the composition, structure and biological activity of polysaccharides from ginseng root, stem and leaf marc fractionated using a chelator and alkali solutions. The pectic fraction has been extracted from root marc in high abundance and can activate the production of interleukine-1α and the hematopoietic growth factor by RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, which are important immune regulators of T-cells during inflammatory responses and infection processes. Our study reveals the potential to increase the value of ginseng marc by generating carbohydrate-based products with a higher value than animal feed.

Egg production in laying hens receiving different forms of red ginseng and fermented red koji blend

The aim of this study was to evaluate egg production in 40-week-old Hyline brown laying hens fed different forms of red ginseng marc (RGM) and fermented red koji (FRK) blend for 8 weeks. Two hundred and forty laying hens were distributed into four treatments (control, 1% RGM powder mixed with FRK, pelleted 1% RGM with FRK, and coated pellets of 1% RGM with FRK) with six replicates of ten birds each in a completely randomized design. Improvement in egg production was done by measuring hen-day egg production (HDP), egg weight (EW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg mass (EM) and Haugh unit (HU). There were significant differences (P 0.05) among all treatments for HDP and FCR after 8 weeks, for EW and EM after 6 and 8 weeks, and for FI and HU from 4 weeks onward until 8 weeks of the experimental period. It was concluded that feeding coated pellet diet of 1% RGM with FRK to laying hens of 40 weeks of age improves their egg production (HDP, FCR, EM and HU) at the end of the laying period.

Effects of Different Types of Red Ginseng Marc and Fermented Red Koji Blend as Feed Additives on Blood Parameters and Egg Yolk Fatty Acid Profiles of Laying Hens

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different forms (powder, pellet, and coated pellet) of red ginseng marc (RGM) and fermented red koji (FRK) feed additive on the blood parameters and fatty acid (FA) profiles of laying hens, after two months of dietary supplementation. A number of 240 40-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly designated to four dietary treatments, each with six replicates of 10 hens each, in a completely randomized design. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the other three treatments groups were fed 1% RGM powder mixed with FRK, pellets of 1% RGM with FRK, and coated pellets of 1% RGM with FRK. The powder and coated pellet diets contained the lowest total cholesterol and glucose levels, respectively, whereas the coated pellet diet contained the highest HDL cholesterol level, compared to the basal diet of the control group. For FA profiles, significant differences (p<0.05) were observed among the groups with regard to the percentages of myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, margaroleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, a-linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Moreover, addition of different forms of the RGM and FRK blend to the hen’s diets showed an increase (p<0.05) in the relative percentages of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and the UFA: SFA ratio and a decrease (p<0.05) in the relative percentages of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the egg yolk, compared to the control group. In conclusion, dietary coated pellets of RGM and FRK as a feed additive blend had a beneficial effect on serum cholesterol and FA profiles in laying hens.

Immunostimulating Effects of Enzyme Hydrolysate of Ginseng Marc Polysaccharides in Immune-suppressed Mice

Ginseng contains various health-beneficial bioactive compounds, such as ginsenosides and polysaccharides. Despite ginseng marc is produced after the extraction process and usually discarded as wastes, it still contains considerable amounts of potential bioactive compounds, including saponins and polysaccharides. Previously, we reported that glucan type ginseng oligosaccharides obtained by enzyme hydrolysis of ginseng marc-derived polysaccharides exhibit immunostimulatory activities in macrophages and, activated macrophages are in turn capable of inhibiting the growth of skin melanoma cells via induction of apoptosis. In the present study, an enzymatic hydrolysate (GEH) containing these ginseng oligosaccharides was prepared and immune-enhancing activities of GEH were evaluated in vivo using cyclophosphamide-treated immune-suppressed mice. Immunosuppression was induced by 3 day-intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide in mice. When comparedh normal control group, the GEH administered orally for 29 days facilitated the recovery of weight gain, indices of spleen and thymus, and enhanced T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine productions of IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 in culture supernatants of Con A-treated splenic T lymphocytes, and increased the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 as well as NK cell activity. These results demonstrated that administration of GEH stimulates and enhances immune function in immune-suppressed mice. The results of this study suggest that GEH of ginseng marc can be developed as a health-beneficial food material with immunostimulatory activity.

Enzyme Hydrolysates of Ginseng Marc Polysaccharides Promote the Phagocytic Activity of Macrophages Via Activation of TLR2 and Mer Tyrosine Kinase.

Although ginseng marc is a by-product obtained during manufacturing of various commercial ginseng products and has been routinely discarded as a waste, it still contains considerable amounts of potential bioactive compounds, including saponins and polysaccharides. Previously, we reported that ginseng oligosaccharides derived from ginseng marc polysaccharides by enzymatic hydrolysis exert immunostimulatory activities in macrophages and these activated macrophages are in turn able to inhibit the growth of skin melanoma cells by inducing apoptosis. In the present study, a more detailed investigation of the immunostimulatory activity and underlying action mechanisms of an enzymatic hydrolysate (GEH) containing these oligosaccharides derived from ginseng marc polysaccharides was performed. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured in GEH-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages using RT-PCR analysis and ELISA. The expression levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, Dectin-1, and MerTK were measured by RT-PCR analysis or western blot analysis, and the phagocytic activities of GEH-challenged bone marrow-derived macrophages toward apoptotic Jurkat cells were assayed using fluorescence microscopy. GEH induced the production of both proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in RAW 264.7 cells. The expression of the TLR2 and MerTK mRNAs was increased upon GEH treatment. Phagocytosis of apoptotic Jurkat cells was enhanced in GEH-treated macrophages. Based on the results, this enzymatic hydrolysate (GEH) containing oligosaccharides exerts immunostimulatory effects by maintaining the balance between M1 and M2 cytokines, facilitating macrophage activation and contributing to the efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Therefore, the GEH could be developed as value-added, health-beneficial food materials with immunostimulatory effects.

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.

A Study on Growth Performance of Ducks Fed Diets with Different Types of Sipjeondaebo-Tang Byproduct Meal and Red Ginseng Marc with Fermented Red Koji and Ammonia Fluxes in Duck Litter using Alum or Aluminum Chloride.

The aims of the present study were to investigate the growth performance of ducks fed diets with different types of Sipjeondaebo-tang (ST) byproduct meal and red ginseng marc with fermented red koji (RGMK), and to investigate ammonia (NH3) fluxes from duck litter treated with alum or aluminum chloride (AlCl3). A total of 270 1-d-old ducks (180 males and 90 females) were allotted in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 3 replicates of 15 birds per pen. The six diet treatments were: basal diet, pelleted 1% ST byproduct powder, pelleted 1% RGMK, 1% blends (a mixture of ST byproduct and RGMK) powder, 1% pelleted blends, and coated pellets of 1% blends. The six litter treatments with 6 diet treatments were: no treatment, 50, 100, or 200 g alum/kg duck litter, and 100 g or 200 g AlCl3/kg duck litter (treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively). During days 10 to 40, ducks fed the 5 experimental diets had significantly different (p<0.05) weight gains and feed conversion ratios compared with those fed the control diet, but initial body weight, final body weight, feed intake, and mortality were not affected. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in NH3 fluxes among treatments over the 6 weeks of the study, except for week 0. The relative NH3 losses at week 6 were lower by 25.6, 45.3, 45.6, 46.7, and 48.6% than those in the controls in T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. In conclusion, feeding pellets or coated pellets of ST and RGMK and using alum or AlCl3 in the litter at the same time improves weight gain and feed conversion ratio performance and reduces mortality and NH3 losses in ducks.