Enzymatic transformation of ginsenosides in Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) extract prepared by Spezyme and Optidex.
BACKGROUND
In this study, we examined the effects of various enzymes on chemical conversions of ginsenosides in ginseng extract prepared by amylases.


METHODS
Rapidase, Econase CE, Viscozyme, Ultraflo L, and Cytolase PCL5 were used for secondary enzymatic hydrolysis after amylase treatment of ginseng extract, and ginsenoside contents, skin permeability, and chemical compositions including total sugar, acidic polysaccharide, and polyphenols were determined on the hydrolyzed ginseng extract.


RESULTS
Rapidase treatment significantly elevated total ginsenoside contents compared with the control (p < 0.05). In particular, deglycosylated ginsenosides including Rg3, which are known as bioactive compounds, were significantly increased after Rapidase treatment (p < 0.05). The Rapidase-treated group also increased the skin permeability of polyphenols compared with the control, showing the highest level of total sugar content among the enzyme treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This result showed that Rapidase induced the conversion of ginsenoside glycosides to aglycones. Meanwhile, Cytolase PCL5 and Econase treatments led to a significant increase of uronic acid (acidic polysaccharide) level. Taken together, our data showed that the treatments of enzymes including Rapidase are useful for the conversion and increase of ginsenosides in ginseng extracts or products.
Department of Food and Nutrition, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Hyeon-Son
HS
Choi
Department of Efficacy Screening, Hongcheon Institute of Medicinal Herb, Hongcheon, Korea.
Sun Young
SY
Kim
Department of Food and Nutrition, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Yooheon
Y
Park
Department of Home Economic Education, Jeonju University, Jeonju, Korea.
Eun Young
EY
Jung
Department of Food and Nutrition, Korea University, Seoul, Korea ; Department of Public Health Science, School of Graduate, Seoul, Korea.
Hyung Joo
HJ
Suh
Korean Red Ginseng extracts; Panax ginseng Meyer; enzymatic transformation; ginsenosides