Source Of Functional Food Research Articles

Phenolic Constituents from Black Quinoa Alleviate Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells via Regulating IRS1/PI3K/Akt/GLUTs Signaling Pathways.

Quinoa is a nutrient-rich pseudocereal with a lower glycemic index and glycemic load. However, its therapeutic potency and underlying mechanism against insulin resistance (IR) have not been fully elucidated. In this work, network pharmacology was applied to screen IR targets and their related pathways. The efficacy and mechanism of black quinoa polyphenols (BQP) on IR improvement were evaluated and uncovered based on the IR model in vitro combined with molecular docking. Ten phenolic constituents of BQP were detected, and the network pharmacology results show that PI3K/Akt pathways are the main pathways in BQP against IR. The in vitro assay proved that BQP increases the glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis via upregulating insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/PI3K/Akt/glucose transporters (GLUTs) signaling pathways to alleviate IR. Rutin, resveratrol, and catechin show lower binding energy docking with IRS1, PI3K, Akt, and GLUT4 proteins, indicating better interactions. It might be an effective constituent against IR. Hence, BQP could become a potential functional food source for blood glucose management among insulin-resistant people.

A Review of Phytochemicals and Bioactive Properties in the Proteaceae Family: A Promising Source of Functional Food.

In recent decades, natural plant-based foods have been increasingly used to improve human health due to unhealthy modern dietary patterns, such as the consumption of foods high in sugar and fat. Many indigenous species have been used by Aboriginal peoples for their food and therapeutic properties. Thus, it is important to understand the health-enhancing bioactive profile of Australian indigenous species. The Proteaceae family, such as the genera of Protea, Macadamia, and Grevillea, have been commercially used in the horticulture and food industries. Researchers have reported some findings about Persoonia species, one of the genera in the Proteaceae family. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the family Proteaceae and the genus Persoonia, including distribution, traditional and commercial uses, phytochemicals, bioactive properties, potential opportunities, and challenges. In this review, bioactive compounds and their properties related to the health benefits of the Proteaceae family, particularly the Persoonia genus, were reviewed for potential applications in the food industry.

Antioxidant activity of palm kernel meal protein hydrolysate and characterization of its peptide profile

Palm kernel meal (PKM) is a major by-product of the palm oil industry, and its high protein content is a potential source of value-added functional food or feed. In this study, the total protein from PKM was isolated and hydrolyzed with alcalase enzyme (pH 7.5, 55oC) to obtain palm kernel protein hydrolysate. The results showed that PKM protein hydrolysate after 60 min of hydrolysis exhibited strong radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 5.73±0.23 and 7.84±0.90 μg/mL as determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), respectively. Furthermore, PKM protein hydrolysate was not toxic to mouse L929 fibroblast cells while protecting cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Analysis of its peptide profile by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed nine peptide sequences with hydrophobic and negatively-charged amino acids with molecular weights ranging from 1,085.13 to 1,292.32 Da. Taken together, alcalase hydrolysate of PKM was found to have potent antioxidant and cytoprotective properties justifying further study for potential development as a functional food/feed.

Effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaves on gut microbiota and intestinal function during in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation

In this study, the effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EUO) leaves, both young and mature, on intestinal health were evaluated using in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation model. During the digestion phase, we observed that digestive enzymes gradually released polyphenols from the EUO leaves. Notably, the digestion products of EUO young leaves (EUO-YL) had higher polyphenol content and antioxidant activity compared to those of EUO mature leaves (EUO-ML). In the fermentation stage, the digestion products of EUO leaves effectively modulated the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundances of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing bacteria, leading to higher SCFAs concentrations in the EUO leaf supplement groups. Additionally, the fermentation products of EUO leaves improved intestinal barrier function and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in Caco-2/THP1 co-cultures exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our research supports the potential of EUO leaves as a functional food source for the prevention or treatment of related diseases.

A versatile functional food source Lasia spinosa leaf extract modulates the mRNA expression of a set of antioxidant genes and recovers the paracetamol-induced hepatic injury by normalizing the biochemical and histological markers

A versatile functional food source Lasia spinosa leaf extract modulates the mRNA expression of a set of antioxidant genes and recovers the paracetamol-induced hepatic injury by normalizing the biochemical and histological markers

Quality evaluation of therapeutic noodle from water yam, millet and wheat composite flour and its effect on lipid profile and blood glucose concentration using albino rats

This study investigated the development and sensory qualities of therapeutic noodle from wheat, pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and water yam composite flour and the effect of feeding the product on lipid profile and blood glucose concentration using alloxan induced albino rats. The therapeutic noodle was produced using different ratios of flour blends of wheat, millet and water yam. Sensory analysis was carried out based on color, taste, aroma, slipperiness and overall acceptability on the basis of a 9-point hedonic scale. The therapeutic noodle samples competed well with the commercial noodle (control) sample as they were all rated above average (>5.0) with noodle sample (WMF5) having a very high score of 8.40 in the overall acceptability. Alloxan induced male albino rats were fed the formulated therapeutic noodle for 21 days and assessed for their resultant body weight, blood glucose concentration and lipid profiles. The total cholesterol levels of all diabetic albino rats fed the formulated therapeutic noodle were reduced to within the normal range of below 200mg/dl ideal for adults after the 21days. The therapeutic noodles also helped to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the high blood glucose concentration of the diabetic rats to below 200mg/dl while diabetic rats fed control diet (100:0) had the highest concentration of blood glucose (485mg/dl). Due to the high anti-diabetic properties of the therapeutic noodles, it can be recommended as a functional food source for the treatment of overweight, obesity, and diabetes.

Sea Conch Peptides Hydrolysate Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice through Immune Modulation and Gut Microbiota Restoration.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a persistent, lifelong inflammation of the digestive system. Dextran sulfate sodium is commonly used to induce colitis in experimental animal models, which causes epithelial damage, intestinal inflammation, mucin depletion, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Various prebiotics, polysaccharides, and polypeptides are used for IBD treatment. In this study, we used a murine model utilizing BALB/c mice, with 10 mice per group, to investigate the treatment effect of sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) on DSS-induced colitis mice. Colitis was induced through the administration of 2.5% DSS in drinking water over a seven-days period. Furthermore, on the eighth day of the experiment, sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) at low (100 mg/kg), medium (200 mg/kg), and high (400 mg/kg) doses, which were continued for 14 days, were assessed for medicinal purposes in DSS-induced colitis mice. Our results showed that CPH treatment significantly alleviated the severity and symptoms of colitis. The epithelial integrity and histological damage were improved. Intestinal inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration were improved. Furthermore, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was reduced, and intestinal barrier integrity was restored by elevating the tight junction proteins. Moreover, 16s RNA sequencing revealed dysbiosis of the gut microbiota was observed upon DSS treatment, which was reinstated after CPH treatment. An increased level of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus was observed in the treatment groups. Finally, our results suggest that CPH would be recommended as a functional food source and also have the potential to be used as a medicinal product for different gastrointestinal disorders.

Compositional characterization of starch, proteins and lipids of long bean, dwarf long bean, mung bean and French bean seed flours

Four underutilized legumes comprised of mung bean, long bean, dwarf long bean and French bean were investigated for their total starch, dietary fibre, amylose, amylopectin and resistant contents along with proteins and lipids profiles employing standard methods in order to explore appropriate end uses. Results showed significant variations (p<0.05) in the fat, protein, moisture, ash, total dietary fibre, carbohydrate, starch, amylose and amylopectin contents of all the four legume seeds Flours. Mung bean, long bean, dwarf long bean, and French bean showed carbohydrates contents of 55.24, 49.63, 48.12 and 45.56 g/100 g, respectively. Dwarf long bean, long bean and mung bean recorded total starch of 38.39, 49.78 and 57.68 g/100 g, respectively. Whereas French bean had the highest total dietary fibre of 16.91 g/100 g and dwarf long bean the highest amylopectin (86.67 g/100 g), both dwarf long bean and long bean recorded insoluble dietary fibre and soluble dietary fibre in the range of 7.25 to 14.58 g/100 g and 0.05 to 1.25 g/100 g, respectively, however, all the seed flours showed higher content of insoluble dietary fibre than soluble dietary fibre. Significant differences (p<0.05) observed in the total starch, resistant starch and non-resistant starch content of all the 4 samples. Non-resistant starch was the predominant constituents of the total of all the seed flours with mung bean showing the highest value (54.16 g/100 g) followed by long bean, dwarf long bean and French bean with 48.74, 37.73 and 16.88 g/100 g, respectively. Though the beans had low amylose contents, their amino acids score and patterns surpassed the FAO reference proteins and their saturated and unsaturated fatty acids ratio falls within FAO allowed limits. This study highlights the hidden potentials of these non-conventional legumes as sources of quality proteins, functional foods, healthy fats and dietary fibres.

In silico analysis of bioactive peptide of goat milk based on beta-casein protein

The composition, interactions, and properties of bioactive peptides found in the most abundant milk protein, CSN2, are the focus of goat milk peptidomics. The peptidome of goat milk is regarded as a valuable source of a large number of biologically active peptides as well as health-promoting activities. Through data mining for bioactive peptide selection associated with current bioactive peptide data algorithms resulting in bioactive peptide profiles and visualization of three-dimensional protein structure, in silico analysis on bioinformatic approaches has led to enhancements of global knowledge regarding the health benefits of dairy products. Biological potentials for cardiovascular and nervous diseases, as well as metabolic and immune treatments, are identified using these techniques, in order to increase the commercialization of goat milk bioactive peptides as a functional food and promising natural source treatments.

Anticancer Activity of Mineral-Supplemented Organically Cultivated Carrot on HT-29 Cells and Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect on Mice Splenocytes

Carrot (Daucus carota) is one of the world’s most significant root vegetables, with various bioactivities. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity and anti-inflammatory effects of natural dream cultivation carrot (NC). Natural dream cultivation is a cultivation method based on organic farming incorporating minerals. An MTT assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory rate of carrot samples on HT-29 human colon cancer cells, and qPCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of the cell cycle and apoptosis-related genes in the cancer cells. The nitrite oxide (NO) concentration was determined using the Griess method. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced mouse splenocytes were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the activity of NK cells was determined using LDH analysis. The results revealed that NC effectively inhibited cancer cell growth rate. Moreover, NC upregulated the mRNA expression of cell-cycle-arrest-related genes (p53 and p21) and apoptosis-related genes (Bim, Bad, Bax, Bak, caspase-9, and caspase-3) in cancer cells while downregulating the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. NC inhibited NO production and the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and IL-12) in LPS-induced mouse splenocytes. NC also demonstrated the ability to stimulate NK cell activation. This study explored the potential mechanisms underlying carrots’ anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties by investigating their inhibitory effects on cancer cells and regulating the inflammatory response. The innovative mineral-supplemented organic cultivation method, as explored in this study, opens new avenues for harnessing the potential of carrots as a functional food source with promising applications in cancer and inflammation management. This research not only provides insights into the bioactive potential of carrots but also contributes to the future development of novel dietary interventions and therapeutics.

Physicochemical properties and microbiological safety of steam-blanched frozen kuini (Mangifera odorata) pulp

Kuini is an underutilize fruit and rich in nutrients. However, its short shelf life at ambient temperature limits the availability and applications of this fruit. The purpose of this study was to explore the physicochemical and safety of kuini (Mangifera odorata) pulp. Steam blanching (SB) treatments were given to the kuini pulp for 5 mins (S5), 10 mins (S10) and 15 mins (S15). Kuini with no treatment is considered as Control (S0). The pH and total soluble solid of steam-blanched kuini showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05). However, viscosity rapidly decreased from 8.28±0.42 millipascal/second to 6.71±0.26 millipascal/second. S15 recorded the highest moisture content as compared to the other treatments. S10 showed the highest total dietary fibre and vitamin A, while S5 recorded the highest in total sugar (19.86±0.16) and total soluble solids (18.06±0.6). Total soluble solids and total sugar were related to each other in all the treatments. No pathogens were detected showing that adequate steam blanching and freezing temperature were given to all samples. Physicochemical, minerals, vitamins and microbiological analysis of kuini pulp may indicate that the pre-treatment studied with proper storage conditions is sufficient and may impart health benefits when consumed or processed and therefore can be suggested as a good raw material source of functional food

Transcriptomic analysis of Andrias davidianus meat and experimental validation for exploring its bioactive components as functional foods

Andrias davidianus (Chinese giant salamander, CGS) is the largest and oldest extant amphibian species in the world and is a source of prospective functional food in China. However, the progress of functional peptides mining was slow due to lack of reference genome and protein sequence data. In this study, we illustrated full-length transcriptome sequencing to interpret the proteome of CGS meat and obtain 10703 coding DNA sequences. By functional annotation and amino acid composition analysis, we have discovered various genes related to signal transduction, and 16 genes related to longevity. We have also found vast variety of functional peptides through protein coding sequence (CDS) analysis by comparing the data obtained with the functional peptide database. Val-Pro-Ile predicted by the CDS analysis was released from the CGS meat through enzymatic hydrolysis, suggesting that our approach is reliable. This study suggested that transcriptomic analysis can be used as a reference to guide polypeptide mining in CGS meat, thereby providing a powerful mining strategy for the bioresources with unknown genomic and proteomic sequences.

Evaluation of Biological Activity and Pharmacological Attributes of Pariploca aphylla: Potential Source of Functional Food and Nutraceuticals

Functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining popularity as they are being developed and commercialized with the aim of reducing the risk of various diseases and their treatment. In this study, antiradical activity guided fractionation of Pariploca aphylla (P. aphylla) crude extract was conducted. A crude methanolic extract of P. aphylla was prepared and then fractionated using different solvents, including hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. This approach allowed for the isolation and characterization of different fractions of P. aphylla with potential antioxidant activity. These fractions were tested for the determination of total phenolic content, antiradical (DPPH• and ABTS•+) potential and HPLC quantification of phenolic acids. Among all the tested fractions, butanol fraction exhibited highest phenolic content and significant antiradical potential. Butanol faction was further sub-fractionated using a silica gel-loaded column and 18 sub-fractions were obtained. Antiradical potential of all 18 sub-fractions was determined and sub-fraction 12 was found having highest radical scavenging potential. Structures of compounds in sub-fraction 12 were identified and quantified using GC-MS. Among all the identified compounds, 7-Trimethylsilyloxytridecane (C16H36OSi) and 1,2-bis(trimethylsiloxy)ethane (C8H22O2Si2) were found in highest ratio. All of the compounds can be declared having high anti-radical potential that can be extracted or synthesized for possible exploitation as functional food or nutraceuticals.

Polyphenolics of purple devil fruits potentiate anti-inflammatory action by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic signaling molecules evident in extensive and combined experimental models

This research investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Purple Devil fruit’s chloroform extract (SAF-CFE) using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells and in-vivo histamine- and carrageenan-induced paw edema models as well as membrane stabilization model. Writhing and licking tests for nociception and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTHR) for immunomodulation were accomplished. SwissADME, ProTox-II, and PASS tests assessed a ligand-receptor binding affinity, and network-pharmacological tests explored the modulatory linked-genes. The MCF-7 cells were strongly inhibited by SAF-CFE, which reduced LPS-induced PGE2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression. The upregulation of proapoptotic (p53 and Bax) and downregulation of antiapoptotic (Bcl-2) genes were observed by SAF-CFE. It significantly reduced inflammatory indexes in anti-inflammatory models. Tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, a natural biometabolite from SAF-CFE, had the highest target receptor-binding and drug-likeness; while NOS2, PTGER1, TRPV1, HMGCR, and TBXAS1 hub genes were highly modulated by the SAF-CFE. The results demonstrate that SAF-CFE could be a functional food source for anti-inflammatory action.

A comprehensive analytical framework integrating liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics with chemometrics for metabolite profiling of lettuce varieties and discovery of antibacterial agents

This study comprehensively characterized the metabolite profiles of six lettuce varieties and established the correlation between the elucidated profiles and their antivirulence effects. A total of 195 metabolites were annotated using LC-QTOF-MS/MS metabolomics assisted by molecular networking and integrated with chemometrics. Red varieties (red longifolia and lolla rosa) demonstrated higher chlorogenic and chicoric acids suggesting their antioxidant properties. In parallel, amino acids and disaccharides were enriched in romaine longifolia rationalizing its palatable taste and nutritional potential, while crispa, capitata, and lolla bionda presented a high β-carboline alkaloid content. The antibacterial and antihemolytic potential of all varieties against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was assessed and validated by prominent downregulation of α-hemolysin transcriptional levels in both strains. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed sesquiterpenes, β-carboline alkaloids, amino acids, and oxy-fatty acids as the main bioactives. Results emphasize lettuce significance as a functional food and nutraceutical source, and highlight varieties naturally rich in antibacterial agents to adapt breeding programs.

Effect Of Fenugreek And Curry Leaves Powder On Dyslipidemia- A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background: Dyslipidemias, a disorder of lipid metabolism, is widely established as an independent major and modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The conditions are common worldwide and a leading cause of death in India, and has even riven the age bar swaying in young people too. The significant effect of an increase in dyslipidemias depends on diabetes and hypertension. Nutraceuticals, derived from food sources serve as an alternative therapy for the management of dyslipidemia. India is home to multitudinous medicinal plants, of which many remain underutilized. Murraya Koenigii (curry leaf) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek leaves) are well-proven as good sources of nutraceutical and functional foods. Objectives: To study the effect of fenugreek and curry leaves powder on dyslipidemia and also the dietary habits of dyslipidemic subjects. Materials and Methods: 31 subjects aged between 40-70 years were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and grouped into group 1(hypertensive with dyslipidemia), group 2 (diabetic with dyslipidemia), and group 3 (only dyslipidemia) supplemented with the mixture of fenugreek and curry leaf powder for 3 months. Results: Reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed in group 2 (DM+DLP) and group 1 (HTN+DLP) i.e 221.2±29 and 193±72.4 respectively. The HDL levels increased in all three groups. Reduced VLDL and FBS levels were observed in all three groups. Conclusion: Our findings showed that fenugreek and curry leaf powder supplementation, as a phenolic-rich herb can be effective in the reduction of some lipid profiles in dyslipidemic patients suggesting their potential neutraceutical role in treating CVD.

Antioxidant activities of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) protein hydrolysates and their potential for nutraceutical and functional foods

Bioactive peptides are the compounds used as medicines, nutraceuticals and food preservatives. In this study, lupin protein hydrolysates were produced by enzymatic hydrolysis using pepsin, pancreatin and flavourzyme and antioxidative activities of the hydrolysates were measured. Protein was isoelectrically isolated from the lupin seed flour and enzymatically hydrolysed. The hydrolysates were ultrafiltered using molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) membranes. Fractions with masses of <2 kDa, 2–3 kDa, 3–5 kDa and 5–10 kDa were separated from the hydrolysates obtained at different hydrolysis times and then subjected to further fractionation by Size Exclusion Chromatography. Radical scavenging activities against DPPH·, ABTS·+, OH· and Fe2+ chelating abilities of these peptide fractions were measured. The best iron chelating, OH•, DPPH• and ABTS•+scavenging activities (IC50) were 30 ± 5.3, 40 ± 3.9, 60 ± 3.9 and 90 ± 8.2 µg/mL respectively. Pancreatin and Flavourzyme have produced more fractions with best scavenging activities after 3–4 h of hydrolysis (IC50 values in the range of 40–110 µg/mL). Generally Size Exclusion purified fractions displayed superior activities than the parent fractions. Several lupin peptide fractions showed comparable antioxidant capacities to those derived from soybean protein and displayed superior activities when compared with chickpea derived peptide fractions. Therefore, lupin protein hydrolysates are a potential source for nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Optimum sensory formulation of bilimbi jam (Averrhoa bilimbi L.)

The production of bilimbi jam is an effort to diversify food and use local ingredients as a source of functional food. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal formula for bilimbi jam based on consumer assessments through sensory testing for bilimbi jam. The treatment factors studied were variations in the amount of bilimbi fruit (X1) and sugar (X2). The treatment response observed was sensory analysis including colour, aroma, taste, and texture. The results of the RSM analysis show that the amount of bilimbi fruit and sugar has a significant effect on colour, and has no significant effect on the aroma, taste, and texture of bilimbi jam. The optimal formula was obtained at the amount of bilimbi fruit (X1) of 412 grams and sugar (X2) of 271 grams, with a target taste of 6 (like) and a colour target of 5 (somewhat like) and obtained a colour score (Y1) of 6 (like), aroma score (Y2) of 4.7 ≈ 5 (slightly like), taste score (Y3) of 5.6 ≈ 6 (like), and texture score (Y4) of 4.7 ≈ 5 (somewhat like). Bilimbi fruit can be used to make fruit jam with good sensory acceptability, so that it can be developed into a promising local food.

Image mapping of biological changes and structure-function relationship during rice grain development via Synchrotron FTIR spectroscopy

The spatial distribution of compositional elements in milky, dough, and mature rice, together with the structure-function relationship was studied using synchrotron-FTIR. The dough stage aleurone and endosperm had high lipid, protein (amide I and II), and hemicellulose. The amylopectin chain length distribution of starch exhibited small differences among developmental stages. Dough starch featured a greater portion of A and B1 chains, implying a more crystalline and high in resistant starch. The protein in milky-to-dough stage aleurone and endosperm had higher contents of α-helixes than β-sheets, resulting in higher protein digestibility and availability. There were high intensities of the glycosidic peaks of hemicellulose and cellulose, pectin, carbohydrates, and β 1–6 glucans in milky-to-dough stages. They corresponded to higher total, insoluble, and soluble dietary fiber contents in milky-to-dough stage than in mature stage. Young-stage rice was found to be more nutritious and could thus be a functional food source.

The Impact of Light Wavelength and Darkness on Metabolite Profiling of Korean Ginseng: Evaluating Its Anti-Cancer Potential against MCF-7 and BV-2 Cell Lines.

Korean ginseng is a source of functional foods and medicines; however, its productivity is hindered by abiotic stress factors, such as light. This study investigated the impacts of darkness and different light wavelengths on the metabolomics and anti-cancer activity of ginseng extracts. Hydroponically-grown Korean ginseng was shifted to a light-emitting diodes (LEDs) chamber for blue-LED and darkness treatments, while white fluorescent (FL) light treatment was the control. MCF-7 breast cancer and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglial cells were used to determine chemo-preventive and neuroprotective potential. Overall, 53 significant primary metabolites were detected in the treated samples. The levels of ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, and Re, as well as organic and amino acids, were significantly higher in the dark treatment, followed by blue-LED treatment and the FL control. The dark-treated ginseng extract significantly induced apoptotic signaling in MCF-7 cells and dose-dependently inhibited the NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. Short-term dark treatment increased the content of Rd, Rc, Rb1, Rb2, and Re ginsenosides in ginseng extracts, which promoted apoptosis of MCF-7 cells and inhibition of the MAP kinase pathway in BV-2 microglial cells. These results indicate that the dark treatment might be effective in improving the pharmacological potential of ginseng.