Comparative study on anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of hydroponic ginseng and soil-cultured ginseng

Stem-and-leaf of new hydroponically-cultured ginseng cultivar K-1: A sustainable and innovative resource of ginsenosides for anti-inflammatory agents

Background

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer), a traditional medicine plant cultivated in eastern Asia, has recently captured attention for its potential advancements in hydroponic cultivation, offering a sustainable and innovative resource. Additionally, in the typical processing of ginseng, stem-and-leaf are commonly discarded, leading to resource wastage and overlooking their economically valuable potential as an alternative to the conventionally prioritized roots.

Methods

Initially, we investigated the phenotype of five Korean hydroponically cultivated ginseng cultivars, namely Kumpoong (KP), Chunpoong (CP), Honkaejong (HKJ), Yunpoong (YP), and K-1. Subsequently, we focused on evaluating aerial extracts to identify the most suitable cultivar for reliable resources. This involved phytochemical compositions and anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and LPS-induced mice, employing quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA, and western blotting.

Results

The K-1 cultivar exhibited superior phenotypic traits and pathogen resistance. HPLC results revealed that aerial extracts contained four times higher ginsenoside content and exhibited a considerable abundance of ginsenoside Rd compared to root extracts. K-1 aerial extract exhibited the highest phytochemical content. The aerial extract of CP and K-1 exhibited greater efficacy in attenuating ROS production, mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS) through the NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways, which were corroborated in vivo at a 50 mg/kg dose.

Conclusions

Our findings propose the stem-and-leaf of hydroponically cultivated ginseng cultivar K-1 presents an economical alternative to the traditionally valued ginseng root, given its superior stem-and-leaf phenotype and phytochemical content in the aerial extract coupled with promising potential for anti-inflammatory agents in dietary interventions.

Streptomyces beigongshangae sp. nov., isolated from baijiu fermented grains, could transform ginsenosides of Panax notoginseng

A Gram-stain-positive actinomycete, designated REN17T, was isolated from fermented grains of Baijiu collected from Sichuan, PR China. It exhibited branched substrate mycelia and a sparse aerial mycelium. The optimal growth conditions for REN17T were determined to be 28 °C and pH 7, with a NaCl concentration of 0 % (w/v). ll-Diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic amino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan and the polar lipids were composed of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified lipids and four unidentified glycolipids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9 (H2), MK-9 (H4), MK-9 (H6) and MK-9 (H8). The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0. The 16S rRNA sequence of REN17T was most closely related to those of Streptomyces apricus SUN 51T (99.8 %), Streptomyces liliiviolaceus BH-SS-21T (99.6 %) and Streptomyces umbirnus JCM 4521T (98.9 %). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identify values between REN17T and its closest replated strain, of S. apricus SUN 51T, were 35.9, 88.9 and 87.3 %, respectively. Therefore, REN17T represents a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces beigongshangae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is REN17T (=GDMCC 4.193T=JCM 34712T). While exploring the function of the strain, REN17T was found to possess the ability to transform major ginsenosides of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) into minor ginsenoside through HPLC separation, which was due to the presence of β-glucosidase. The recombinant β-glucosidase was constructed and purified, which could produce minor ginsenosides of Rg3 and C-K. Finally, the enzymatic properties were characterized.

Effects of enzymatic hydrolysis technology on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of American ginseng beverages

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) contains various biological macromolecules, such as polysaccharides, saponins, and proteins, which have various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects. Consequently, the utilization of novel processing technologies developed an American ginseng beverage to meet people's health needs and the preferences of young people. This study was the first to use American ginseng as a primary raw material, utilizing a three-step enzymatic hydrolysis approach with cellulase, pectinase, amylase, maltase, and flavor protease enzymes to prepare an American ginseng beverage. The basic nutritional and active ingredient contents of the product were determined. The antioxidant activity of enzymatic beverages was evaluated by calculating the free radical clearance rates of DPPH and ABTS, and the effect of enzymatic beverages on α-glucosidase activity was also tested. The anti-inflammatory activity of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS was evaluated by measuring the production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 during the enzymatic hydrolysis process. The results indicated that the nutritional components of American ginseng beverage products met the beverage industry standards. Moreover, the application of enzymatic hydrolysis technology had improved the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of American ginseng beverages. In addition, the enzymatic beverage of American ginseng exhibited certain hypoglycemic activity. Consequently, the established enzymatic hydrolysis technology provided a reference for the production of other beverage products.

Impact of Sodium Silicate Supplemented, IR-Treated Panax Ginseng on Extraction Optimization for Enhanced Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Activity: A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Approach

Ginseng has long been widely used for its therapeutic potential. In our current study, we investigated the impact of abiotic stress induced by infrared (IR) radiations and sodium silicate on the upregulation of antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase levels, as well as the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) variety Yeonpoong. The RSM-based design was used to optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction time (1-3 h) and temperature (40-60 °C) for better anti-tyrosinase activity and improved antioxidant potential. The optimal extraction results were obtained with a one-hour extraction time, at a temperature of 40 °C, and with a 1.0 mM sodium silicate treatment. We recorded maximum anti-tyrosinase (53.69%) and antioxidant (40.39%) activities when RSM conditions were kept at 875.2 mg GAE/100 g TPC, and 3219.58 mg catechin/100 g. When 1.0 mM sodium silicate was added to the media and extracted at 40 °C for 1 h, the highest total ginsenoside content (368.09 mg/g) was recorded, with variations in individual ginsenosides. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, and F2 were significantly affected by extraction temperature, while Rb2 and Rc were influenced by the sodium silicate concentration. Moreover, ginsenoside F2 increased with the sodium silicate treatment, while the Rg3-S content decreased. Interestingly, higher temperatures favored greater ginsenoside diversity while sodium silicate impacted PPD-type ginsenosides. It was observed that the actual experimental values closely matched the predicted values, and this agreement was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. Our findings suggest that the application of IR irradiation in hydroponic systems can help to improve the quality of ginseng sprouts when supplemented with sodium silicate in hydroponic media. Optimized extraction conditions using ultrasonication can be helpful in improving antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity.

Neuroprotective effects of hydroponic ginseng fermented by Lactococcus lactis KC24 in oxidatively stressed SH-SY5Y cells

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng Meyer, a traditional herb in Asia, contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and ginsenosides. Furthermore, fermentation with probiotics can promote the biofunctional activities of ginseng. This study's object was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hydroponic ginseng against hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ )-induced cytotoxicity and its effect on the fermentation time.

RESULTS

Nonfermented hydroponic ginseng (HNF) was fermented with Lactococcus lactis KC24 at 37 °C for 12 h (H12F) or 24 h (H24F). As fermentation progressed, the content of ginsenosides Rd and F2 increased slightly. The viability of cells pretreated with H₂ O₂ -exposed nonfermented soil-cultivated ginseng (SNF), HNF, H12F, and H24F gradually improved. In addition, a similar cytotoxicity trend was observed for the level of lactate dehydrogenase released. Fermentation with L. lactis KC24 also enhanced the protective effect of HNF in all assays related to the neuroprotective pathway. In other words, superoxide dismutase and catalase messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were upregulated in H24F-treated cells. Similarly, H24F also upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the highest observed concentration. Moreover, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was the lowest after H24F pretreatment in H₂ O₂ -induced SH-SY5Y cells. Attenuating the cytotoxicity in H₂ O₂ -induced SH-SY5Y cells, H24F markedly reduced caspase-3 and -9 mRNA expression and caspase-3 activity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HNF exhibited higher neuroprotection than SNF, which was enhanced after fermentation. This study demonstrates that H12F and H24F can be potential ingredients for developing healthy functional foods and pharmaceutical materials. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inhibitory effect of ginsenglactone A from Panax ginseng on the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and migration of human ovarian cancer cells

Background

Here, we aimed to assess the inhibitory effect of a new compound from Panax ginseng on the migration of human ovarian cancer cells and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Methods

A new compound, ginsenglactone A (1), was isolated from ginseng roots, together with seven known compounds (2-8). Spectroscopic data were used to elucidate the chemical structure of 1. The tubular structure formation in HUVECs was assessed by Mayer's hematoxylin staining. The migration of A2780 cells was evaluated using the scratch wound healing assay.

Results

HUVECs treated with 1 had the statistically significant decrease in tubular structure formation compared to the HUVECs treated with compounds 2-8. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with inhibitors for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) (LY294002) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (U0126). Treatment with 1 decreased the expression of phosphorylation of ERK, PI3K, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 (VEGFR2), Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In addition, the ability of A2780 cells to cover the scratched area were also decreased. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with U0126. Lastly, treatment with 1 decreased the phosphorylation of ERK, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-2.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ginsenglactone A is a potential inhibitor of HUVEC tubular structure formation and A2780 cellular migration, which may be helpful for understanding its anticancer mechanism.

Fermentative effects by probiotic Lactobacillus brevis B7 on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of hydroponic ginseng

Soil-cultivation presents environmental limitations and requires considerable labor, space, and water supply. Alternatively, hydroponically-cultured ginseng (HG) was improved its productivity, availability, and functionality. Improvement of bio-functionality by probiotic fermentation also has been studied. Therefore, in this study, HG was fermented using probiotics to enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Soil-cultivated ginseng (SG), 1 and 2-year HG (HG1, HG2) were extracted using 70% ethanol and fermented by Lactobacillus brevis B7. After fermentation, the phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant and NO scavenging activities were increased, and HG showed higher bioactivities than SG. Particularly, fermented HG2 showed the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and significantly decreased the level of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, fermented HG2 also effectively inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggested that fermented HG significantly enhanced functionality compared to SG and non-fermented HG. This suggests that fermented HG is a potentially useful ingredient for developing health-functional foods or pharmaceutical materials.

Improved Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimelanogenic Effects of Fermented Hydroponic Ginseng with Bacillus Strains

Compared with traditionally cultured ginseng, hydroponic ginseng (HG) contains more remarkable bioactive compounds, which are known to exert diverse functional effects. This study aimed to enhance the multifunctional effects, including the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic effects, exhibited by fermented HG with Bacillus strains, such as Bacillus subtilis KU43, Bacillus subtilis KU201, Bacillus polyfermenticus SCD, and Bacillus polyfermenticus KU3, at 37 °C for 48 h. After fermentation by B. subtilis KU201, the antioxidant activity, determined using ABTS and FRAP assays, increased from 25.30% to 51.34% and from 132.10% to 236.27%, respectively, accompanied by the enhancement of the phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The inflammation induced in RAW 264.7 cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was ameliorated with fermented HG, which regulated the nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6). The treatment with fermented HG inhibited the melanin accumulation in B16F10 cells induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) by controlling the concentrations of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. These results indicate that the HG exhibited stronger antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic effects after fermentation. Consequently, HG fermented by Bacillus strains can potentially be used as an ingredient in cosmetological and pharmaceutical applications.

Comprehensive Comparison of Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Panax ginseng Sprouts by Different Cultivation Systems in a Plant Factory

In this study, the primary (such as amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals) and secondary (including ginsenosides, phenolic acids, and flavonols) metabolites and antioxidant effects of Panax ginseng sprouts (PGSs) by different cultivation systems, such as soil–substrate cultivation (SSC) and deep-water cultivation (DWC), in a plant factory has been observed. There was no significant difference in the total fatty acid (FA) contents. Particularly, the major FAs of PGSs were palmitic acid (207.4 mg/100 g) of saturated FAs and linoleic acid (397.6 mg/100 g) and α-linolenic acid (222.6 mg/100 g) of unsaturated FAs in the SSC system. The values of total amino acids were all higher in SSC than in DWC. In the case of ginsenosides, the total protopanaxtriol product was 30.88 mg/g in SSC, while the total protopanaxdiol product was 34.83 mg/g in DWC. In particular, the values of total phenolic acids and total flavonols were 133.36 and 388.19 ug/g, respectively, and SSC had a higher content than DWC. In conclusion, the SSC system was shown to be higher in nutritional constituents and antioxidant activities in soil cultivation, suggesting that PGS with SSC has a positive effect on the quality of PGS in a plant factory.

Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds in Food: Critical Review of Issues and Prospects

This review paper gives an insight into the effective delivery mechanisms for health-promoting substances and highlights the challenges of using antioxidants and bioactives in foods. The selection criteria for choosing bioactives and their extraction in bioavailable form with their adequate incorporation techniques and delivery mechanisms are covered. Moreover, an overview of existing methods for determination of bioactivity is given. The importance of scientifically evaluating the effects of foods or food components on consumer health before making claims about the healthiness is aligned. Finally, a scientific perspective on how to respond to the booming demand for health-promoting products is given, and we acknowledge that despite the work done, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome.

Antioxidant Activity and Inhibitory Effect on Nitric Oxide Production of Hydroponic Ginseng Fermented with Lactococcus lactis KC24

Panax ginseng Meyer is used as a medicinal plant. The aim of this study was to ferment hydroponic ginseng with Lactococcus lactis KC24 and confirm its antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production. Flavonoid and phenol contents in fermented ginseng extracts were measured. Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, FRAP and β-carotene assays. Additionally, inhibitory effects on NO production and toxicity of the fermented extract were determined using RAW 264.7 cells. Phenol and flavonoid contents increased as the fermentation time increased, and the contents were higher in hydroponic ginseng than in soil-cultivated ginseng. The DPPH assay revealed that the antioxidant activity of the 24 h fermented extract significantly increased from 32.57% to 41% (p < 0.05). The increase in antioxidant activity may be affected by an increase in phenol and flavonoid contents. At 1 mg/mL solid content, the 24 h fermented hydroponic ginseng extract inhibited NO production from 9.87 ± 0.06 μM to 1.62 ± 0.26 μM. In conclusion, the increase in antioxidant activity affects the inhibition of NO production, suggesting that fermented hydroponic ginseng may be used in the industries of functional food and pharmaceutical industry as a functional material with anti-inflammatory effects.

Antioxidant Effect and Sensory Evaluation of Yogurt Supplemented with Hydroponic Ginseng Root Extract

Hydroponic ginseng (HG) is cultivated using only nutrients and water under constant environmental conditions and is more beneficial than soil-cultured ginseng (SG). This study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of HG-supplemented yogurt to develop high-value yogurt. HG (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) was added to yogurt formulations and fermented with a 0.1% starter. Antioxidant activities were determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, reducing power, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Semi-trained panelists performed a quantitative descriptive analysis for sensory evaluation. The number of starter cells increased more rapidly in ginseng extract-fortified yogurt than in the control group, shortening fermentation time. Regarding antioxidant assays, all HG extract-fortified yogurts showed higher antioxidant activity than the control group. In particular, the HG (0.5%) group showed better results than the SG group in the DPPH and reducing power assays, although the difference was not significant. The sensory scores of color, flavor, texture, taste, and overall acceptance of 0.5% HG-supplemented yogurt did not differ significantly from those of non-supplemented yogurt (control). This suggests that HG can be used in high-value dairy products as a supplement with bioactive properties for health in the food industry.

Anticancer and immunomodulatory activity of egg proteins and peptides: a review

Eggs are widely recognized as a highly nutritious food source that offer specific health benefits for humans. Eggs contain all of the proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and growth factors necessary for embryonic development. In particular, egg white and yolk proteins are considered functional food substances because they possess biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, metal-chelating, antihypertensive, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities. Peptides produced via processes such as enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation by microorganisms, and some chemical and physical treatments of egg proteins have been shown to enhance the functional properties and solubility of these peptides. Peptide activity is strongly related to amino acid sequence, composition, and length. At present, cancer remains among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and therefore research aimed at developing new treatments for cancer immunotherapy is of great interest. The present review focuses primarily on the anticancer and immunomodulatory activities of egg proteins and their peptides and provides some insight into their underlying mechanisms of action. A number of egg proteins and peptides have been reported to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, protect against DNA damage, decrease the invasion ability of cancer cells, and exhibit cytotoxic and antimutagenic activity in various cancer cell lines. Furthermore, egg proteins and peptides can stimulate or suppress pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as affect the production of inflammatory mediators in a variety of cell lines. In addition, the composition of eggs and the processes of egg proteins and peptides production will be discussed.

Improved Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Anti-adipogenic Properties of Hydroponic Ginseng Fermented by Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM 12010P

Hydroponic ginseng (HPG) has been known to have various bio-functionalities, including an antioxidant effect. Recently, fermentation by lactic acid bacteria has been studied to enhance bio-functional activities in plants by biologically converting their chemical compounds. HPG roots and shoots were fermented with Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM 12010P isolated from kimchi. The total phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adipogenic effects of these fermented samples were evaluated in comparison with non-fermented samples (control). During 24 h fermentation of HPG roots and shoots, the viable number of cells increased to 7.50 Log colony forming unit (CFU)/mL. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the fermented HPG roots increased by 107.19% and 645.59%, respectively, compared to non-fermented HPG roots. The antioxidant activity of fermented HPG, as assessed by 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), β-carotene-linoleic, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, was also significantly enhanced. In an anti-inflammatory effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the nitric oxide content and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased when treated with fermented samples. Simultaneously, lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte was reduced when treated with fermented HPG. Fermentation by L. mesenteroides showed improved antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic HPG effects. These results show that fermented HPG has potential for applications in the functional food industry.

Cinnamon subcritical water extract attenuates intestinal inflammation and enhances intestinal tight junction in a Caco-2 and RAW264.7 co-culture model

Cinnamon is known to have several physiological effects; the effects of Cinnamomum japonicum Sieb. on anti-inflammation and tight junctions were investigated using the cellular intestinal inflammation model.