Earticle

Pinitol and chiro-inositol exert insulin-like effect by mediating post-receptor signaling pathway. Total chiro-inositol concentrations, including pinitol, chiro-inositol, and their derivatives, were determined in 115 natural and food materials to identify economical sources for mass production of pinitol. Carob pod, Bougainvillea, soy whey, and soybean oligosaccharides were rich sources of chiro-inositol. Pinitol was isolated from soy whey and carob pod, considered as economically viable sources, by chromatographic separation using activated carbon. Soy and carob pinitols had same chemical structure as that of reference pinitol based on HPLC and NMR results. Oral administration of soy pinitol and carob pinitol (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased blood glucose at 2-6 hr in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These results suggest pinitol isolated from soy whey and carob pod could be beneficial in controlling blood glucose in animal model of diabetes mellitus.

Two single-magnetron heating systems (SM-HS), each with a helical glass heat exchanger and a cylindrical cavity, were combined to make a two-magnetron-in-series heating system (2MS-HS) in order to increase the heating capacity. A comparison using water showed that the heating performance of the 2MS-HS was increased by two-fold as compared to that of the SM-HS, resulting in energy saving of 7.0% in 2MS-HS. Pasteurization test of 2MS-HS conducted with model food (LB broth contaminated with Bacillus subtilis) showed two-fold higher treatment capacity compared to SM-HS. Relationships between outlet temperature of the processed food, flow rate, and residence time in the 2MS-HS were established for water. Optimum pasteurization capacity was 17 s,73℃ , at flow rate of 280 ml/min. The 2MS-HS could be applied to the small-scale pasteurization of liquid food

This study was conducted to determine firstly the composition of the essential oil from fresh changpo (Acorus calamus var. angustatus Bess) roots quantitatively and qualitatively by use of two internal standards, and secondly volatile compounds which are primarily responsible for the aroma of changpo roots. Simultaneous steam distillation and extraction method was used for essential oil extraction, and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and sniffing test by gas chromatography/olfactometry (GC/O) were used to detect the characteristic impact odorants. According to the instrumental analysis of changpo root essential oil, cis, trans-famesol (47.56 mg/kg of fresh wt), octanoic acid (23.73 mg/kg of fresh wt), trans-2-dodecenal (20.28 mg/kg of fresh wt) and trans, trans-farnesol (13.81 mg/kg of fresh wt) were the most abundant compounds. Geranyl acetate, trans-nerolidol and trans, trans-farnesyl acetate were evaluated as the characteristic impact odorants of changpo roots from results of AEDA and sniffing test. Especially, geranyl acetate was considered as the most similar odor component to changpo roots by organoleptic evaluation with GC/O.

To enforce the maximum residue limit for residual hexane (0.005 g/kg) in commercially available Korean vegetable oil, convenient and accurate quantification methods were investigated. Using dual surrogate standards, pentane and heptane were dissolved in ethanol, and then added to hexane-tree sunflower oil for setting up the calibration curve. Gas Chromatograph-Flame Ionization Detector with a porous layer open tubular column, indicated good chromatographic separation of hexane from other inhibiting matrix components. The lowest calibration level was 0.5 ug/g, not exceeding a relative standard deviation of 10% (RSD%), and 1.0 ug/g$ not exceeding a deviation of 22% RSD% using heptane as an internal standard for the Static headspace analysis by using a headspace auto-sampler and manual injection, respectively. The residual hexane was detected in nine of the samples among 87 vegetable oil samples purchased on the local market.

To determine the cause of wet noodle spoilage, microorganisms isolated from wet noodles were identified and characterized. In addition, the growth inhibitory effects of organic acid mixture (OA: lactic acid 27.8%, acetic acid 12.0%, succinic acid 1.0%) and sodium dehydroacetate (SD) on the isolated strain were estimated in nutrient broth medium. The isolated strain was Gram-positive, rod shaped, motile, and spore forming. Based on physiological characteristics and the API 50 CHB-kit test results for the assimilation of 49 carbohydrates, the isolated strain was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (92.6%), which is able to degrade starch. Decimal reduction times (D-values) at 100, 105, and 110℃ for spores of B. amyloliquefaciens were 8.5, 5.1, and 2.5 min, respectively, and the z-value was 12.8℃. We estimated that B. amylo-liquefaciens isolated from spoiled wet noodles was a thermophilic species having high heat-resistance. Viable cell numbers in wet noodles and broth medium inoculated with B. amyloliquefaciens were decreased by 2-4 log cycles by combined treatment with 0.03 or 0.05% OA and 0.3% SD. These results revealed that OA combined with SD could be used as a potential agent to inhibit B. amyloliquefaciens in wet noodles.

Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. Pekinensis) is Brassica vegetable that contains high amounts of glucosinolates. Glucosinolates and their breakdown products are thought to contribute to health promotion by preventing some cancers. Chinese cabbage is the most commonly consumed vegetable in Asian countries including Korea. In this study, qualitative and quantitative analyses of 3-butenyl glucosinolate (Gluconapin) from different cultivars and different parts of the cabbage were performed. Gluconapin of Chinese cabbage was extracted by hot ethanol (80℃), isolated by an anion exchange column and identified by GC/MS and LC/MS. The levels of glucosinolates in Chinese cabbage varied according to the different parts, cultivars, and blanching time. In general, the concentrations of 3-butenyl isothiocyanate (ITC) were higher in the leaf than in the midribs parts. The cultivar 'Bulam no. 3' had a much greater content of 3-butenyl ITC than the cultivar 'Garak no. 1,' and the levels of butenyl ITC were highest after two weeks of storage. Blanching treatment decreased the concentration of 3-butenyl ITC. The ITC concentration varied extensively among different crops of the same species, and according to the different parts on the cabbage, the storage duration and the boiling time.

Starch was isolated from turnip (Brassica rapa L.), and to elucidate the structure-function relationship its structural and physical properties were characterized. Morphological structure of the starch was analyzed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Most of the starch granules were spherical in shape with diameter ranging from 0.5-10mm. Apart from larger granules ($<10\;{\mu}m$) which dominated the population size of turnip starch, significant amount of small (0.5 - 2 ㎛) and mid-size granules (~ ㎛) were also detected. It was revealed that presumably, erosion damages occurred due to the attack of amylase-type enzymes on the surface of some granules. Branch chain-length distribution was analyzed by HPAEC (High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography). The chain-length distribution of turnip starch revealed a peak at DP12 with obvious shoulder at DP18-21. The weight-average chain length (CLavg) was 16.6, and a large proportion (11.8%) of very short chains (DP6-9) was also observed. The melting properties of starch were determined by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). The onset temperature (To) and the enthalpy change (△H) of starch gelatinization were 50.5℃ and 12.5 J/g, respectively. The △H of the retrograded turnip starch was 3.5 J/g, which indicates 28.2% of recrystallization. Larger proportion of short chains as well as smaller average chain-length can very well explain relatively lower degree of retrogradation in turnip starch.

Because it possesses anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and tissue regenerative properties, propolis has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine for multiple purposes. Although the antimicrobial activity of propolis has already been demonstrated, very few studies have been conducted on bacteria of clinical relevance in dentistry. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative activities of 0.1% and 1.0% propolis, both of water-extracted (proAQ) and ethanol-extracted (proAL) propolis, for industrial applications. In studies of antimicrobial activity, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 35556, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 12021, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Candida parapsilosis KCCM 35428, all general food or clinical pathogens, were tested. The culture medium used was trypticase soy broth including 0.6% yeast extract; after 6 hr of incubation, the turbidities were measured at 620 nm with a spectrophotometer. The results indicate that the antimicrobial effects of both 1.0% proAQ and 1.0% proAL were greater against the growth of S. aureus ATCC 35556 and C. parapsilosis KCCM 35428 rather than those of S. enteritidis ATCC 12021 and E. coli O157:H7. Additionally, it appears that the anti-inflammatory effects of proAL are greater than those of proAQ. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measurement of the inhibition of hyaluronidase activity in vitro. At a 1% concentration, the anti-inflammatory effects of proAL were greater than those of proAQ. Finally, the anti-oxidative effects of 1% and 10% solutions of each extract sample were measured according to the TBA method at 40℃ for 1, 2, 3, and 5 days and were compared with 1.0% BHT. The results indicate that the anti-oxidative effects at 0.1% for both proAQ and proAL were not significantly different than the anti-oxidative effects at 1.0% BHT (p<0.05). Thus, it appeared that the alcohol-extracted propolis had greater antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects than the water-extracted propolis. This is based on the presumption that major biofunctional components were fat-soluble, rather than water-soluble.

Arabinoxylan, a complex polysaccharide in cereal cell walls, has recently received research attention as a biological response modifier. The immunomodulating effect of arabinoxylans from rice bran (AXrb) was studied using a combined process of extrusion and commercial hemicellulase treatment in order to elucidate the augmentation mechanism of cell-mediated immunity in vitro. The cytotoxicity of mouse spleen lymphocytes against YAC-1 tumor cells was significantly enhanced by treatment with AXrb at . In an attempt to investigate the mechanism by which AXrb enhance NK cytotoxicity, we examined the effect of AXrb on cytokine production by spleen lymphocytes. Culture supernatants of the cells incubated with AXrb were collected and analyzed for IL-2 and IFN- synthesis by ELISA. IL-2 and IFN-ㄹ production were increased significantly. These results suggest that AXrb may induce Th1 immune responses. Macrophages play an important role in host defenses against tumors by killing them and producing secretory products, which protect against bacterial, viral infection and malignant cell growth. AXrb were examined for their ability to induce secretory and cellular responses in murine peritoneal macrophages. When macrophages were treated with various concentrations (10-100 ug/mL) of AXrb, AXrb induced tumoricidal activity, as well as increasing phagocytosis and the production of NO, H2O2, TNF-a, IL-1B, and IL-6. These results indicate that reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and inflammatory cytokines are likely to be the major mediators of tumoricidal activity in AXrb-treated macrophages. Therefore, AXrb may be useful in cancer immunotherapy and it is anticipated that AXrb obtained using extrusion and subsequent enzyme treatment can be used as an ingredient in nutraceuticals and cereal-based functional food.

Simple competition plate bioassays of Pichia anomala SKM-T and Galactomyces geotrichum SJM-59 were conducted to evaluate their potential as biological control agents that inhibit growth of Botrytis cinerea during post-harvest storage of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa Duche, Red-Pearl). Occurrence rates of fungi on the surface of yeast-treated strawberries were evaluated during storage at 4℃. P. anomala SKM-T and G. geotrichum SJM-59 showed antifungal activities on agar plate, and P. anomala SKM-T maintained its desirable antifungal activity on surface of strawberries and its physicochemical properties during storage. Sensory evaluation was based on kinesthetics and consumer acceptability. Due to its potential antifungal activity, P. anomala SKM-T could function as biological control agent against spoilage fungi during post-harvest storage of strawberries.

Probiotics are generally excreted within a few days if their ingestion in feces at the same rate as or even more quickly than a transit marker (meaning not clear). Ability of probiotics to adhere to intestine prolongs their persistence in gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to exert healthful effects longer. Hydrophobicities, zeta potentials, Alcian blue-binding capacities, and sedimentation profiles of Pichia farinosa SKM-1, P. anomala SKM-T, and Galactomyces geotrichum SJM-59 were determined to evaluate characteristic properties of cell surfaces responsible for adhesion. Results of intestinal Caco-2 cell line in vitro and murine intestine in vivo studies revealed these strains exhibit adhesive properties regardless of their cell surface hydrophobicity.

Three Korean soybean varieties - Shinpaldal-2, Seomoktae and Seoritae - were investigated for changes in their physical properties and the amount of functional components (i.e. isoflavones and oligosaccharides), during germination. Soybeans were germinated at 20℃ for 96 hr in complete darkness. The dry weights of cotyledone, hypocotyl, seed coat, and hilum of Seoritae were heavier than those of other varieties. The dry weights of the three bean varieties decreased steadily in spite of root growth. The largest amount of isoflavone content was observed from Shinpaldal-2 (1.824 mg/g), followed by Seoritae (1.216 mg/g) and Seomoktae (1.125 mg/g). Total isoflavone content increased by 13% during initial germination, and then decreased thereafter. Aglycone types such as daidzein and genistein dominated the increase in isoflavone contents. The increase in genistein content of Shinpaldal-2 was 17.5 fold compared with ungerminated soybean, while the amount of daidzein was 6.7 times as much as ungerminated Shinpaldal-2 over an 18-hr germination period. Oligosaccharide contents such as raffinose (Raf) and stachyose (Sta) rapidly decreased during germination, while the sucrose (Sue) content remained constant until 36-48 hr of germination. From these results, it was clearly shown that the germination process significantly changed the contents of functional nutrients in soybeans. Therefore, the optimization of germination process should be considered to improve the biological functionality of soybeans in food processing.

Screening for antilisterial activity was performed in about three thousand isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Chinese cabbage kimchi, and finally based on the relatively stronger antilisterial activities eight bacterial strains were selected. The bacteria were further characterized in terms of their tolerance to artificial gastric juice, pH 2.5, bile salts (0.3% oxgall), and to the different NaCl concentrations. Of the isolates, YK005 was especially investigated for its physiological characteristics due to its inhibitory activity against gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes as well as gram-negative Escherichia coli O157:H7, as they have been constantly reported to be resistant against bacteriocins produced by a number of LAB strains. YK005 was found to be rod-shaped, 3.8㎛ x 0.5㎛ long wide, non-sporeforming, non-motile, catalase-negative, and produced gas from glucose (heterolactic). Based on the biochemical data obtained by API 50 CHL medium, the isolate was tentatively identified as Lactobacillus brevis. To validate the result obtained by the biochemical identification, rRNA-based PCR experiments using a pair of species-specific primers for L. brevis were conducted and a single band of 1400 bp was observed, which strongly indicated that YK005 belongs to L. brevis. The LAB isolates are potentially exploited as human probiotic organisms and are employed to control some food-borne pathogens like L. monocytogenes.

The purpose of this study was to develop a new preparation process of ginseng extract using high concentrations of ginsenoside Rg3, a special component in red ginseng. From when the ginseng saponin glycosides transformed into the prosapogenins chemically, they were analyzed using the HPLC method. The ginseng and ginseng extract were processed with several treatment conditions of an edible brewing vinegar. The results indicated that ginsenoside Rg3 quantities increased over 4% at the pH 2-4 level of vinegar treatment. This occurred at temperatures above R90℃, but not occurred at other pH and temperature condition. In addition, the ginseng and ginseng extract were processed with the twice-brewed vinegar (about 14% acidity). This produced about 1.5 times more ginsenoside than those processed with regular amounts of brewing vinegar (about 7% acidity) and persimmon vinegar (about 3% acidity). Though the white ginseng extract was processed with the brewing vinegar over four hr, there was no change for ginsenoside Rg3. However, the VG8-7 was the highest amount of ginsenoside Rg3 (4.71%) in the white ginseng extract, which was processed with the twice-brewed vinegar for nine hr. These results indicate that ginseng treated with vinegar had 10 times the quantity of ginsenoside Rg3, compared to the amount of ginsenoside Rg3 in the generally commercial red ginseng, while ginsenoside Rg3 was not found in raw and white ginseng.

Abilities of Korean black raspberry (KBR) wine to induce differentiation of 3T3 L1 adipocytes and express HepG2 cardiovascular disease-related genes were determined and compared with those of red wine. Red wine attenuated the differentiation of adipocytes faster than KBR wine and control. KBR wine decreased cholesterol concentration in HepG2 cells at a similar level to that of red wine, resulting in similar degrees of suppression in apolipoprotein B100, and enhancement in LDL receptor and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase mRNA levels.

Yogurt containing high -aminobutyric acid (GABA) was developed using lactic acid bacteria and germinated brown rice. Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, and L. brevis OPY-1 strains were inoculated into Lactobacillus MRS broth for use as yogurt starter. After treatment with 5% monosodium glutamate in MRS broth, L. brevis OPY-1 strain isolated from Kimchi produced GABA concentration of 8,003.28 nmol/mL. Starter was inoculated into fermentation substrate mixture containing germinated brown rice extract and blend of powdered whole milk and skim milk. Samples were incubated, and viable cell colonies were counted. Highest number of lactic acid bacteria was reached between 16 and 20 hr. Concentrated rice milk fermented with high GABA-producing strain contained GABA concentrations of 137.17 ug/g D.W., whereas concentrated fermented milk prepared by conventional method contained GABA of 1.29 ug/g D.W. Sensory evaluation panelists gave favorable ratings to fermented rice milk containing high GABA concentration.

The commercial interests in functional foods containing probiotics are gaining significance in view of increasing studies on their role in digestive tract. Probiotic dairy foods containing health-promoting bacteria are important segment of functional food market. Various health benefits have been attributed to specific strains of lactic acid bacteria or food containing these probiotic cultures. Probiotic-containing foods are considered to improve general gut health and natural defenses of body, and lower blood cholesterol level. Specific probiotic microbes can alleviate or prevent diverse intestinal diarrhea-inducing disorders, cause prophylaxis of intestinal and urogenital infections, inhibit mutagenicity of intestinal contents, and reduce incidence of intestinal tumors. Recent increasing evidences on health effects of probiotics have triggered consumer interest in this category of functional foods. Rational approach needs to be applied in selection of strains for probiotic preparation to achieve required functionality. Present article focuses on some prominent probiotic candidates and criteria for their inclusion in functional food sector. Various health claims of probiotics on gastrointestinal disorders, anticarcinogenic effects, and anti-cholestrimic effects, and possible mechanistic explanations for their functionality are highlighted.

Volatile compounds, isolated from Chopi (Zanthoxylum piperitum A.P. DC.) using steam distillation, were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O). Forty-six volatile compounds, consisting of 12 hydrocarbons, 8 aldehydes, 5 esters, 12 alcohols, 4 ketones, 4 oxides and 1 acid, were tentatively identified from the essential oil of Chopi. Unidentified compounds constituted 7.2% of the total peak area. Limonene was the most abundant compound, followed by geranyl acetate, citronellal, cryptone and B-myrcene. In addition, aroma-active compounds, in particular citronellal and limonene, which are related to the citrus and Chopi flavors of Chopi essential oil, were detected. The aroma of Chopi essential oil had a score of 4.8 on the preference test (neither like nor dislike) and a score of 5.97 on the intensity test (slightly strong) using the 9-point hedonic scale.

[ B-Cryptoxanthin ] contents were determined from Citrus unshiu Markovich fruits grown in a greenhouse and open field of Jeju Island, off the southern coast of Korea. In a greenhouse and open field, the B-cryptoxanthin content in the peel was greatly increased by harvesting citrus fruits in the late season from August through November. However, B-cryptoxanthin content in the flesh was gradually increased and was superior to that of the citrus fruits grown in a greenhouse. B-Cryptoxanthin was efficiently purified from the flesh of citrus fruits harvested in the late harvesting season in November. The B-cryptoxanthin contents in the peel and flesh of citrus fruits harvested from a greenhouse in November were 0.89 mg% and 0.35 mg%, respectively, and in that obtained from an open field were 1.12 mg% and 0.35 mg%, respectively.

Potential of mass spectrometer-based electronic nose to discriminate habitat of Angelicae gigantis radix was evaluated using 24 and 86 Korean and non-Korean samples, respectively. Loading plot(s) of principal component analysis of data measured through this system revealed difference between Korean samples (probability; 100%) and non-Korean ones (probability; 95.3%), suggesting this technique could be used as efficient method to differentiate habitat of A. gigantis radix.

Juice Valley and Gogu Valley were administered to twelve healthy young volunteers for 4 weeks to study their clinical effects on human intestinal microflora. Changes in fecal microflora, fecal moisture, and fecal pH were observed for Juice Valley intake. Administration of Juice Valley significantly increased numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus from 8.69 and 7.02 to 10.89 and 9.02 (Log CFU/g wet feces), respectively, whereas those of Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli decreased. Moisture content of feces increased, and fecal pH decreased after 4 weeks of Juice Valley intake, intake of Gogu Valley slightly increased growth responses of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and decreased growth responses of C. perfringens and E. coli. Su-mi potato, as a reference, had no effect on Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus numbers. This study confirmed Juice Valley has better effects than Gogu Valley and Su-mi, and has important role on growth promotion and inhibition of human intestinal bacteria.

Optimized conditions for protoplast preparation and regeneration from young hyphae of Monascus ruber were established. Heat shock treatment of spores gave rapid and synchronized germination. Spores collected from cultures grown for 7-8 days at 30℃ were germinated until over 70% germ tubes reached to 3-5 spore length. Enzymatic digestion of young hyphae was optimal with 50 mg/mL Glucanex in 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer containing 0.8 M mannitol as an osmotic stabilizer. Regeneration rate was around 10% when 0.8 M sorbitol was used as an osmotic stabilizer in regeneration medium. These conditions will be applied in genetic study of M. ruber that produces citrinin at high level and thus is good model strain for molecular genetic dissection of citrinin biosynthesis.

Fourteen out of 87 strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated tram Kimchi were found to be resistant against the action of artificial gastric and bile juices. In particular, lactobacilli KM 3, 7, 28, and 37 showed strong resistance and their viable cell counts at the initial stage remained the same even after 3 hours of cultivation in an artificial gastric juice. However, the survival rates of KM 14, 28, and 64 were found to be significantly enhanced in artificial bile juice. Based on the paper disc method, it was evident that isolated lactic acid bacteria showed antibacterial effect against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Salmonella typhimurium. The isolated lactic acid bacteria were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

Carbonic anhydrase III was found in liver of flounder, Limanda yokohamae. Protein was isolated from cytosolic extracts and identified using SDS-PAGE and isolectric focusing. Specific protein bands with molecular weight of 30 kDa and pIs of 7.0 and 6.5 were detected by Western blotting. This is the first report of identification of carbonic anhydrase III from L. yokohamae.

Hepatoprotective effects of white ginseng extract (WGE), and IH-901 (20-O-B-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol) derived from intestinal metabolite of ginsenoside Rb1 were studied using two experimental animal models with chemical-induced hepatic damage. Administration of WGE (200 and 500 mg/kg) and IH-901 (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mM/kg) significantly decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in acute hepatitic mice induced by CCI4. Administration of WGE (l00 mg/kg) and IH-901 (0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 mM/kg) significantly decreased AST and ALT levels in acute hepatitic rats induced by D-galactosamine. AST and ALT levels of IH-901 groups decreased. These results suggested WGE and IH-901 may have protective effects against chemical-induced hepatic damage.