Job's Tears Research Articles

Identification of starch granules using a two-step identification method

Starch analysis has proven to be a powerful method applicable to recover microbotanical remains of starchy foods in archaeological contexts, and morphometric analysis is the most commonly used methodological approach for identifying starch granules. However, it is sometimes not easy to achieve a high level of accuracy in identification, if several coexisting taxa in an assemblage exhibit similar starch morphology. The current study attempts to use both traditional morphometric observation and also a computer-based discriminant analysis to create a multivariate model, in order to separate Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) from foxtail millet (Setaria italica ssp. italica) and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) that show considerable overlapping in starch morphology and size. The two-step identification method generated in this study shows a greater power of discrimination for identifying these three taxa with high success rates. The model was then used for identification in ancient assemblages with satisfactory efficiency and accuracy. This method will be most useful for application to ancient starch assemblages recovered from sites where dry-land farming was a significant part of the subsistence strategy, such as in East Asian Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Collecting Crop Genetic Resources from Mon, A Remote District of Nagaland

An exploration for agri-horticultural crops from Mon district of Nagaland has resulted in the collection of 138 accessions representing rich variability in major field crops such as rice, maize and foxtail millet, besides first time collection of local germplasm of chenopod and prosomillet in this state. Drastic reduction in cultivation of Job's tears, a native crop of North-eastern Hill region, was observed. Diversity in exotic vegetables–Abelmoschus caillei, Capsicum chinense and C. frutescens, Solanum aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon along with important crops viz. okra, chilli and brinjal was also noted. Brief information on the salient collections, cultivation practices, local type preferences, folk use and conservation strategies are also highlighted.

Stability and Probiotic Properties of Lactobacillus plantarum Spray-Dried with Protein and Other Protectants

The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of spray-dried Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 2075 grown in Job's Tears extract, with the addition of maltodextrin and various protectants (protein, trehalose, fibersol, and acacia gum). Probiotic properties, including gastrointestinal tract tolerance and antimicrobial activity, were not affected by the spray-drying process. Storage temperature and relative humidity were found to influence the glass transition temperature and subsequently the viability of cells. Increasing the relative humidity and temperatures during storage resulted in higher loss of cell viability.

Bipolaris coicis causing adlay leaf blight in Iran

During the summer of 2012, some leaves of Coix lacryma-jobi (adlay or Job's tears) with leaf spot symptoms were collected from surrounding rice fields of Amol, north Iran. Four single spore isolates were obtained from diseased adlay leaves and the pathogenicity of each isolate to adlay plants was confirmed by inoculation tests based on Koch’s postulates. The pathogen was identified as Bipolaris coicis, based on both morphological characteristics and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA. This is the first report of Bipolaris coicis causing leaf blight on adlay in Iran.

Interactive effects of nitrogen form and pH on growth, morphology, N uptake and mineral contents of Coix lacryma-jobi L.

The effects of N-form and pH on growth, morphology, nitrogen uptake and nutrients allocation in Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) were determined. The plants were grown on a growth medium with either ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate (NO3−) at the same concentration (500μM) and at four levels of pH: 3.5, 5.0, 6.5 and 8.5 under greenhouse conditions for forty days. C. lacryma-jobi prefers NO3− nutrition, as plants supplied with NO3− had higher relative growth rates than plants supplied with NH4+, particularly at neutral and alkaline pH. At low pH (3.5, 5.0) both NH4+ and NO3− fed plants had brighter roots and more lateral roots than at higher pH. The NH4+ uptake rates were highest at pH 6.5 and 8.5 whereas the NO3− uptake rates were highest at pH 5.0. The uptake rates of both NH4+ and NO3− were very low at pH 3.5. The pH of the growth medium significantly affected plant mineral uptake. The calcium (Ca) concentrations in leaves were highest at pH 6.5 and 8.5. The tissue concentrations of potassium (K) were only affected for NO3−-fed plants where K concentrations were higher at pH 3.5 and 5.0 than at higher pH. It is concluded that C. lacryma-jobi has a preference for NO3− which makes it suitable for wastewater treatment in constructed wetland system where a substantial fraction of the N is on NO3− form such as in vertical flow constructed wetlands.

Sago-type palms were an important plant food prior to rice in southern subtropical China.

Poor preservation of plant macroremains in the acid soils of southern subtropical China has hampered understanding of prehistoric diets in the region and of the spread of domesticated rice southwards from the Yangtze River region. According to records in ancient books and archaeological discoveries from historical sites, it is presumed that roots and tubers were the staple plant foods in this region before rice agriculture was widely practiced. But no direct evidences provided to test the hypothesis. Here we present evidence from starch and phytolith analyses of samples obtained during systematic excavations at the site of Xincun on the southern coast of China, demonstrating that during 3,350–2,470 aBC humans exploited sago palms, bananas, freshwater roots and tubers, fern roots, acorns, Job's-tears as well as wild rice. A dominance of starches and phytoliths from palms suggest that the sago-type palms were an important plant food prior to the rice in south subtropical China. We also believe that because of their reliance on a wide range of starch-rich plant foods, the transition towards labour intensive rice agriculture was a slow process.

Inhibitory effects of adlay bran (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) on chemical mediator release and cytokine production in rat basophilic leukemia cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAdlay (Job's tears, Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) has long been used in China to treat rheumatism. Aim of the studyWe investigated the anti-allergic effects of adlay bran on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. Materials and methodsTo evaluate the anti-allergic effects of adlay bran, the release of histamines and cytokines were measured using ELISA. To explore the mechanism of these effects, the protein expression levels were determined using western blotting. ResultsA 40.8μg/mL concentration of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanolic extracts of adlay bran (ABE-EtOAc) effectively inhibited mast cell degranulation. The 40–100% EtOAc/Hex subfractions of ABE-EtOAc inhibited histamine release with an IC50 of 71–87μg/mL. Moreover, the ABE-EtOAc subfractions suppressed the secretion of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the RBL-2H3 cells, indicating that adlay bran can inhibit cytokine secretion in the late phase of the allergic reaction. In addition, adlay bran reduced the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and decreased the expression of protein kinase C. Furthermore, six phenolic acids and one flavone were isolated. Of these compounds, luteolin showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50=1.5μg/mL). ConclusionAdlay bran extract reduced the release of histamines and cytokines and suppressed the production of Akt. These combined effects influenced the signal transduction in RBL-2H3 cells, thereby revealing the mechanisms of the anti-allergic effects of adlay.

율무 이삭마름 증상에서 분리한 Fusarium속 균의 다양성 및 병원성

율무(Coix lacryma-jobi)는 동아시아에 자생하는 작물로, 종실은 주로 건강식품이나 의약용으로 사용되고 있다. 2006년부터 2008년까지 국내 율무 재배 지역에서 이삭마름 증상이 관찰되었다. 병징은 겉껍질이 변색되고, 내부의 속씨는 마르고 쭉정이가 되는 것이다. 159개의 Fusarium균을 분리하였고, 분리 빈도별로 F. graminearum(34%), F. proliferatum(14.5%), F. verticillioides(10.1%), F. equiseti(6.9%), F. fujikuroi(6.3%) 순으로 분리되었고, 그 밖에 F. subglutinans, F. semitectum, F. poae, F. sporodochioides가 분리되었다. 분리균주의 elongation factor 1 alpha 유전자의 염기서열 분석을 통한 계통분석을 수행한 결과, NCBI GenBank에 등록된 균주와 동일한 것을 확인하였다. 분리균주의 병원성 검정을 수행한 결과, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides가 병원성이 강하였다. 이 연구는 Fusarium균에 의해 발생한 율무 이삭마름 증상에 대한 첫 번째 보고이다. Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) is native to East Asia, and grains of the plant are used as health food and medicinal material. Head blight symptoms of the plant were frequently observed during disease surveys in Korea from 2006 to 2008. The symptoms were characterized as discoloration of husks, and subsequently inside of mature grains were shriveled or emptied. One hundred fifty nine isolates of Fusarium species were obtained from the disease symptoms of the plant collected from several locations in the country. Out of the isolates, the most frequently isolated Fusarium species were F. graminearum (34%), F. proliferatum (14.5%), F. verticillioides (10.1%), F. equiseti (6.9%), and F. fujikuroi (6.3%). Other Fusarium species isolated were F. subglutinans, F. semitectum, F. poae, and F. sporodochioides. Elongation factor 1 alpha gene sequences of the isolates were used for phylogenetic analysis. Analyses of the sequences revealed that the isolates were confirmed to be identical with each reference species of NCBI GenBank. Pathogenicity tests showed that F. graminearum, F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides were strongly virulent to grains of Job's tears. The present study is the first report of head blight of Job's tears caused by Fusarium species in Korea.

율무 청국장 분말과 밀겨 분말을 혼용한 파운드 케익의 항산화 활성과 품질 특성

A study was undertaken to examine the effect of the addition of job's tears(Coixlachryma-jobi L.) chungkukjang(soybean- fermented food) and wheat bran powder on quality attributes of pound cakes. Job's tears chungkukjang and wheat bran powder was added to the batter at a ratio of 10, 12.5 and 15% respectively. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH free radical scavening activity, the total phenolic compounds content and flavonoid content in job's tears chungkukjang & wheat bran powder and pounds cakes. Antioxidative activity was highly correlated with the total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of job's tears chungkukjang and wheat bran pound cakes respectively(r=0.9671, r=0.8335). The quality characteristics of job's tears chungkukjang powder and wheat bran powder pound cakes were estimated in terms of the specific load volume, hardness, hunter value of crumb and crust and sensory quality of cakes. The specific volume were increased significantly with increasing substitution level of job's tears chungkukjang and wheat bran powder(p<0.01). The lightness were significantly decreased with increases in job's tears chungkukjang and wheat bran powder of pound cake crust and crumb(p<0.01, p<0.01). The hardness, chewiness and gumminess were tended to reduce, while cohesiveness with increase in both of powder. The consumer acceptability score for 10~15% job's tears chungkukjang and wheat bran powder pound cakes ranked significantly(p<0.01) higher than those of the other groups in taste, flavor and overall preference. This results showed that job's tears chungkukjang and wheat bran powder are a good ingredient to increase consumer acceptability and the healthy.

Biological activities of fructooligosaccharide (FOS)-containing Coix lachryma-jobi Linn. extract

Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), a prebiotic was extracted from the grain of Coix lachryma-jobi Linn. (Job's tears) by hot water extraction at 60°C for 1h. The resulting dried powder extract was assayed for FOS content of 1-kestose (GF2), nystose (GF3) and 1-β-D-fructofuranosylnystose (GF4) using HPLC equipped with RI detector. Total FOS content of the extract was 24.98 ± 7.48% (g/100g crude extract). The biological activity including antioxidant and cytotoxicity of the FOS-containing extract was determined. The antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging of FOS-containing extract was comparable to vitamin C (0.97 fold of vitamin C) with a slight lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. The extract exhibited no cytotoxic effect on normal human skin fibroblast. These results have confirmed not only the source of FOS from Job's tears extract but also its potential application as antioxidant in food or cosmetic products.

율무청국장이 고지방식이를 급여한 흰쥐의 체중변화 및 지질대사에 미치는 영향

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Cheonggukjang added with Job's tears (CAJT) on antiobesity and lipid profiles on diet-induced obese rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed high-fat diet only (A, control), and high-fat diet with Cheonggukjang powder 10% (B), CAJT powder 10% (C), Cheonggukjang powder 20% (D), CAJT powder 20% (E) for 5 weeks. Body weight gains were similar in the experimental groups, but FER was significantly lower in the group E than group A (p＜0.05), and adipose tissue weights in groups with Cheonggukjang and CAJT powder were similar to those in the group A. The lengths of small intestine were significantly longer in the groups B, C, D, and E than the group A (p＜0.05). Hepatic concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were similar to each other. Fecal weights were not significantly different among the groups. Fecal TC concentrations were similar in the experimental groups, but fecal TG concentrations were greatly increased in the groups B, D, and E (p＜0.05). The serum TC, HDL-C and LDL-C levels varied slightly among the groups, but serum TG levels were decreased in the group D and E than in the group A (p＜0.05). The AI and CRF were marginally decreased in the groups B, D, and E than in the group A (p＜0.05). However, blood glucose levels were not significantly different among the groups. From the findings, it had shown that Job's tears Cheonggukjang could improve lipid profiles.

율무 청국장 분말과 밀겨 분말을 활용한 아메리칸 쿠키의 항산화 활성과 품질 특성

Job's tears(Coix lachryma-jobi L.) chungkukjang powder and wheat bran powder were added to American cookies for practical use as healthy compounds. We examined the antioxidant activity and quality characteristics of cookies prepared with different amounts(as ratios of 10%, 20%, 25% to the flour quantity) of Job's tears chungkukjang & wheat bran powder. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH free radical scavenging activity, the total phenolic compounds content and flavonoid content in Job's tears chungkukjang & wheat bran powder and cookies. The quality characteristics of Job's tears chungkukjang & wheat bran powder American cookie were estimated in terms of bulk density, pH of the dough, spread ratio, color, texture profile analysis, proximate composition, and sensory evaluations. While the spread ratio and the total polyphenol contents, flavonoid contents and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of cookies significantly increased, pH, hardness and L value of the cookies decreased with increasing Job's tears chungkukjang & wheat bran powder(p<0.01). The consumer acceptability score for the 10~20% Job's tears chungkukjang & wheat bran powder American cookie ranked significantly(p<0.05) higher than those of the other groups in texture andoverall preference. This suggests that Job's tears chungkukjang and wheat bran powder are good ingredient candidates for increasing consumer acceptability and functionality of cookies.

냄새저감형 율무청국장 제조에 관한 연구

This study was performed to develop an odor-reduced Korean traditional Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean paste) by adding Job's tears to Cheonggukjang made with soybean (control) only. The study included the determinationof best addition percentage of Job's tears versus soybean, sensory evaluation, and aroma patterns and its components as well as proximate composition analyses of Cheonggukjang. Job's tears Cheonggukjang (CAJT) was prepared by inoculating Bacillus subtilis and fermented at 40℃ for 48 hours. Ratios of soybean : Job's tears for Job's tears Cheonggukjang were 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, respectively. In comparison of proximal composition, Job's tears Cheonggukjang was high in moisture and carbohydrates, but low in calorie, fat, protein, ash and amino nitrogen. The pH of CAJT was lower than those of control and conventional Cheonggukjang (CC) sold in the market, and the acidity was the lowest in CC. The color of Job's tears Cheonggukjang appeared the whiter and more yellowish, but less reddish in proportion to contents of Job's tears. The contents of viscous substances were higher in CAJT compared with those of control and CC. The contents of glutamic acid, the major components of viscous substances were lower in CAJT than in control and CC, and the contents of fructosehigher in CAJT. The scores of sensory evaluation were the highest in Job's tears Cheonggukjang mixed with soybean : Job's tears＝4:1. The aroma pattern of CC analyzed was conspicuously dissimilar to the control and CAJT and also discriminated by electronic nose examination. The pyrazines, volatile compounds peculiar to Cheonggukjang, were found to be lower in CAJT by SPME-GC/MS assay. Additionally, the acetic acid, butanoic acid, and naphthalene causing off-flavor were identified in CC, but not in Job's tears Cheonggukjang. The strength of odor through sensory evaluation was by far the lowest in CAJT among the groups. From the findings, it had shown that Job's tears Cheonggukjang would be produced successfully when the ratio of 4:1 (soybean : Job's tears) is employed. Also, it was proved that appropriate ratio of Job's tears addition makes Cheonggukjang odor-reduced and well accepted by people.

율무 청국장 아몬드 쿠키의 항산화 활성과 품질 특성

Job's tears (Coixlachryma-jobi L.) and Chungkukjang (soybean-fermented food) were abundant source of phenolic compounds. In this study, almond cookies were prepared with different concentration(5%, 10%, 15%), of Job's tears Chungkukjang powder. The total phenolic contents were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, total flavonoids contents were measured, and antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH assay. Antioxidative activity was highly correlated with the total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of Job's tears Chungkukjang almond cookies (r=0.867, r=0.647). In addition, the quality characteristics of the Job's tears Chungkukjang almond cookies were estimated based on the bulk density and pH of the dough, spread factor, color, texture profile analysis, proximate composition, and sensory evaluations. The spread factor, hardness, a value and b value, total polyphenolic contents, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of cookies significantly increased with increasing content of Job's tears Chungkukjang powder (p<0.01), whereas the L values of the cookies decreased with the increasing Job's tears Chungkukjang powder content (p<0.05). The acceptability scores for the 5-15% Job's tears Chungkukjang almond cookie groups were ranked higher than those of the other groups in appearance, texture, and overall preference. The results of this study were shown that Job's tears Chungkukjang powder was a good ingredient for increasing the consumer acceptability and the functionality of cookies.

A Survey of Commercial Job's Tears for Fungal Contamination

A Survey of Commercial Job's Tears for Fungal Contamination

Karyotype and 18S rDNA loci of edible Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi subsp. ma-yuen) from Southeast and East Asia

Karyotype and 18S rDNA loci of edible Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi subsp. ma-yuen) from Southeast and East Asia

Optimum System of the Mechanization for Job's tears Production in Drained Paddy Field

Optimum System of the Mechanization for Job's tears Production in Drained Paddy Field

Assessment of genetic diversity and relationships among Coix lacryma-jobi accessions using microsatellite markers

The present study describes the assessment of genetic diversity and relationships among 79 Job's tears (Coix lacrymajobi L.) accessions collected from China and Korea using 17 microsatellite markers. A total of 57 alleles were detected with an average of 3.4 alleles per locus. A high frequency of rare alleles (36.3 %) was observed within the collection. Values for observed (HO), expected heterozygosity (HE) and Shannon's information index (I) within the analysis ranged from 0.00 (GBssrJT183) to 0.81 (GBssrJT130), from 0.01 (GBssrJT170) to 0.65 (GBssrJT130) and from 0.034 (GBssrJt170) to 1.13 (GBssrJT130), respectively. The locus GBJT130 was the most informative marker with the highest values for observed and effective alleles as well as for HO, HE and I. Based on the UPGMA algorithm, the majority of the Chinese accessions grouped in one cluster, whereas all the Korean accessions grouped together in a separate cluster, indicating that Chinese accessions are genetically quite distinct from Korean accessions. No relation between genetic relatedness among Job's tears accessions and their place of collection was observed. Chinese accessions exhibited greater within population polymorphism (P = 95 %, HE = 0.30, I = 0.52) than the accessions from Korea (P = 68 %, HE = 0.13, I =0.24), indicating their potentiality as a reservoir of novel alleles for crop improvement. However, in general the low diversity within each population indicates a narrow genetic base within our collection.

Effects of Particle Size and Gelatinization of Job's Tears Powder on the Instant Properties

The effects of particle sizes (small, medium and large sizes) and gelatinization treatment on the changes of the instant properties of Job’s tears powder were investigated. The degree of gelatinization on the different particle size samples of Job’s tears powder was the highest in the small particle size, and it also showed an increasing trend regardless of pregelatinizing whether it is or not as the particle size decreased from large particle size to small particle size. The water solubility index of the pregelatinized samples was high compared to that of ungelatinized samples regardless of particle size and temperatures. The water absorption and swelling power increased as particle size and temperature were increased. The dispersibility and sinkability of ungelatinized sample was increased as particle size and temperature were increased and it also showed lower value regardless of particle size and temperature. However, the dispersibility and sinkability of pregelatinized samples were shown to have the opposite result, such that the smallest particle size of pregelatinized sample had the lowest sinkability (11.3%). The turbidity of the pregelatinized small particle size was the highest by a factor of 1.08.

Comparative Effect of Separated Parts of Job's Tears on the Prevention of Hyperlipemia

Comparative Effect of Separated Parts of Job's Tears on the Prevention of Hyperlipemia