Background: To enhance the taste and physiological characteristics of Lycii fructus (Gugija) extracts, we investigated the changes in the physiological characteristics of Gugija extracts caused by adding white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) Methods and Results: Gugija extracts, including 10G10, 10GW-G8 : 2, -G6 : 4, -G4 : 6, -G2 : 8, and -G0 (mixtures made by replacing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of Gugija with WG), as well as 10G10, 10GR-G8 : 2, -G6 : 4, -G4 : 6, -G2 : 8, and -G0 (mixture made by replacing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of Gugija with RG) were extracted with water at 10 times the respective mixture's volume. The antioxidant activities of Gugija extracts were investigated by assessing their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis(3ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity, nitrite scavenging activity, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. As the amount of WG added increased, the DPPH, and, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and FRAP activity of the Gugija extract decreased. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 10G10, 10GW-G6 : 4, 10GR-G6 : 4, and 10GR-G0 for DPPH radical scavenging activity were 25.50 ± 1.04, 52.06 ± 1.46, 16.87 ± 1.24, and 9.50 ± 0.16 ㎕/㎖, respectively. On the other hand, the physiological activity of Gugija extract increased with the addition of increasing amounts of RG. However, ACE inhibitory activity was the highest (50.25 ± 2.58%) in the Gugija 10-fold extract without any added RG. Conclusions: From the above results, we suggest that adding RG to Gugija extracts increase their antioxidant, FRAP, and nitrite scavenging activities.

Background : The human patch test is a method used to evaluate potential skin irritation after contact with a cosmetic materials. Pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extract (GS-E3D) is a newly developed ginsenoside Rd-enriched ginseng extract. This study was designed to investigate the skin safety of GS-E3D in human patch test. Methods and Results : Thirty two female volunteers were tested with GS-E3D. GS-E3D (20 ㎕) was applied to occlusive patch test devices and was then applied onto the back of subject with normal skin for 24 hours. Cutaneous irritation responses were evaluated and graded according to criterion of International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) at 30 min, 24 hours, and 48 hours after removing of GS-E3D patch. The average age of subjects was 47.3 ± 9.3 years. Skin reactivity calculated from irritation score in GS-E3D treated group was 0.51 and skin irritation score of no application group was 0, respectively. Skin irritancy was no response in both GS-E3D treated group and no application group. From above data, GS-E3D was identified as a non-irritant according to ICDRG guideline that skin irritation score of ‘0.00 - 0.75’ is a non-irritant. Conclusion : These results indicate that GS-E3D can be useful as a safe cometic ingredient.

Background : Pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extract (GS-E3D) is a newly developed ginsenoside Rd-enriched ginseng extract. This study was designed to investigate the acute oral and dermal toxicity of GS-E3D in rat. Methods and Results : The acute oral toxic effects of GS-E3D in female SD rats were examined at dosages of 300 ㎎/㎏ and 2,000 ㎎/㎏. In acute dermal toxicity study, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 ㎎/㎏ of GS-E3D were applied onto the shaved skin of male and female SD rats. The weights of rats were recorded at 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days and clinical observation were checked once a day for a period of 14 days. All rats were scarified on 14th day and complete gross examination was conducted to detect any gross change of organs after necropsy. GS-E3D did not produce orally or dermally treatment-related clinical signs of toxicity or mortality in all rats during the 14-day observation period. The oral and dermal LD50 values of GS-E3D were over 2,000 ㎎/㎏ in rat. The oral and dermal administration of GS-E3D revealed no significant change in body weight and gross pathology examination compared to control group. Conclusion : These results indicate that GS-E3D can be used as a food and cosmetic materials without critically adverse effect.

Background : The fruit of Lycii fructus (Gugija) has beeen used as a tonic medicine and a long-term healthy food without side effect in Asia. An increase in the demand for natural healthy food, Gugija has been thought as a source of healthy foods, and then the extracts of dried Gugija have been frequently used as food ingredients. But, its extracts with Gugija alone has a slightly bad taste. Physiological characteristics of Gugija extracts were investigated by adding white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) to enhance taste. Methods and Results : Gugija extract were prepared by adding 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of ginseng (WG and RG) to the weight of Gugija, respectively. Antioxidant activities of Gugija extracts were investigated DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, SOD-like activity, FRAP, activity. As the amount of WG added increased, DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and FRAP activity of Gugija extract decreased. On the other hand, the physiological activity of Gugija extract increased with increasing amount of RG. The SOD-like activity of Gugija extract added up to 60% of WG and to 40% of RG was continuously lowered, in the addition amount thereafter, the activity increased as the addition amount increased. In components, As the amount of WG and RG added increased, the ginsenosides content of Gugija extract increased, the content of ginsenosides was higher in extract added RG than WG, but betaine and total flavonoid content decreased. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that Gugija extracts by adding RG increased the antioxidant activities, SOD-like activity, and the preference degree.

해마다 쏟아져 나오는 신제품들을 홍보하기 위한 광고 마케팅 전쟁이 갈수록 치열해지고 있다. 특히 시장을 먼저 선도한 업체와 뒤쫓아 가는 업체들의 경쟁 또한 더욱 가열되고 있다. 대기업을 기반으로 한 회사들은 상대적으로 모기업의 브랜드 파워를 바탕으로 광고 마케팅을 해 시장진입이 그나마 쉬운 반면에 별다른 브랜드 기반 없이 시장에 진입해야 하는 지자체 농수산 브랜드들의 진입장벽은 더욱 어렵다고 볼 수 있다. 특히 제품의 신뢰와 브랜드 인지도를 높이는데 소비자와 가장 접점에 있는 패키지 디자인의 수준 격차는 선도업체와 더욱 벌어지고 있는 실정이다. 본 연구는 국내 홍삼 농가들의 해외 수출을 위한 국가경쟁력과 국내 판로 개척을 위해 현재 국내에서 가장 높은 인지도를 보이는 상위 업체 4개 브랜드 28개 제품의 패키지 디자인을 구성요소별로 조사 분석하였다. 이 자료를 바탕으로 디자인전공 2~30대 대학생 및 대학원생 98명을 상대로 한승문(2009)의 패키지 디자인 평가척도 개발에 관한 연구에서 도출한 6가지 평가기준을 대입하여 4개의 우수 패키지디자인 제품을 선별하였다. 선별한 우수 패키지 디자인을 참조하여 새로운 지자체 홍삼 브랜드 패키지 디자인을 개발하였다. 추후 제품경쟁력이 있음에도 우수한 패키지 디자인에 대한 조사 분석 없이 무분별하게 이루어지는 지자체 농수산 브랜드 업체들의 패키지 디자인 개발에 보다 효과적이고 실질적인 자료로 쓰이기를 기대한다.

Background: In Korea, 6-year-old ginseng root is economically more important than 4 or 5-year-old roots. In general, the root age is determined by counting the number of stem vestiges. However, this method does not accurately estimate ginseng root age. Methods and Results: In this study, the stem vestige counting method was used to survey a total of 18,395 fresh ginsengs cultured in 2014, and 2015, to determine the accuracy of this method. The proportion of 6-year-old roots, with more than four stem vestiges, was 46.1% in 2014. For the cultivar Chunpoong cultivated in Eumseong and Goesan countries in 2015, the proportion of more than four stem vestiges was 55.9%, and 43.5%, respectively. The proportion of more than four stem vestiges for the Gumpoong cultivated in Eumseong and Yangpyeong countries was 67.0%, and 35.1%, respectively, whereas that for the cultivar Yunpoong was 36.0% and 61.0%, respectively. Moreover, it was confirmed that differences in the levels of Rg1 will enable root age determination. Conclusions: Root age determination by the stem vestige test was found to differ depending on the environmental and cultivation conditions. To determine the age of ginseng roots, a comprehensive method, such as counting stem vestiges and evaluating differences in ginsenoside levels, should be applied.

We conducted two experiments to evaluate effects of feeding various types of red ginseng marc and Houttuynia cordata (H.cordata) on blood profiles of poultry in a completely randomized design. In experiment 1 (28 d), a total of 240 broilers (Arbor acres) were used. Four dietary treatments (15 broilers per pen with four replicate pens per treatment) were included: (1) control, (2) 2% red ginseng marc, (3) 1% fermented red ginseng marc with red koji, and (4) 2% liquid red ginseng. There were no significant differences in HDL and LDL-cholestrol among treatments (P > 0.05), but total cholesterol and triglyceride decreased in diets supplemented with red ginseng marc and 1% fermented red ginseng marc with red koji compared to that in the control treatment (P < 0.05). In experiment 2 (38 d), a total of 240 Pekin ducks were randomly divided into 4 groups by dietary treatments (control, 1% fermented H. cordata powder with red koji, 1% fermented H. cordata pelleted with red koji, and 1% fermented H. cordata coated with red koji) with 4 replicates of 15 ducks in each group. Total cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were not affected by diet with various types of H. cordata. However, increase in HDL-cholesterol and decrease in LDL and VLDL-cholesterol were greater in treatments with different types of H. cordata than in the control treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, using various types of red ginseng marc and H. cordata in poultry diets was effective for increasing HDL-cholesterol and decreasing total, LDL, and VLDL-cholestrol or triglyceride.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of various types of fermented red ginseng marc with red koji to laying hens on eggshell and egg yolk quality characteristics. A total of 240 Hy-line Brown laying hens (40 wk of age) were randomly allotted to 24 pens (6 replicates per treatment and 10 laying hens per replicate). Experimental diets consisted of 4 treatments containing basal diet (control), 1% fermented red ginseng marc powder with red koji, 1% fermented red ginseng marc pelleted with red koji and 1% fermented red ginseng marc coated with red koji. During the 8-wk feeding trial, there were no significant differences in eggshell strength, eggshell thickness and eggshell color among the treatments, except for eggshell strength at 4 and 8 wk and eggshell thickness at 0 wk. In addition, no differences in egg yolk color and egg yolk index were found for all treatments throughout the 8-wk feeding period, except for egg yolk color at 0 wk. Thus, using various types of fermented red ginseng marc with red koji to laying hens did not improve eggshell and egg yolk quality characteristics.

This study investigated quality change of ginseng depending on far-infrared (FIR) drying methods. The ginseng was cut into 2 mm slices and measured moisture content (MC), color, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (DPPH). The color values (L, a, and b) were decreased after far-infrared (FIR) drying. As increase in drying time, color was changed. Considering quality parameters including MC, TPC, TFC, and DPPH, the optimum condition for drying was set at 65℃ for 60 min. Furthermore, we compared color and functional compounds depending on drying process including FIR, freeze-, vacuum, and hot-air drying. The color values of ginseng were decreased when dried using vacuum and hot-air. While the color values of ginseng were increased after freeze drying. Comparison with another drying method, FIR drying presented the highest color difference. FIR and vacuum-dried ginseng indicate higher contents of TPC and TFC than freeze- and hot air-dried ginseng. And hot-air-dried ginseng present the highest DPPH when compared to another drying methods. On the other hand, freeze dried ginseng show the lowest TPC, TFC, and DPPH.

Background : The Food industry is trying to replace many synthetic with surfactants with natural alternatives, mainly inspired by consumer’s demand. Saponins are water-soluble small amphiphilie molecules that can be isolated from various natural sources. Especially, concentrated red ginseng extract (CRGE) contains saponins (called as ginsenoside) and they have been shown medical activities to help alleviate pathological symptoms, promote health and prevent potential diseases. In this study, we confirmed the effectiveness of this natural emulsifier for forming and properties of emulsions containing those. Methods and Results : CRGE was supplied D company, located in Geumsan. We examined the interfacial tension, emulsifying activity, fat globule size, dispersion stability, zeta-potential, microscopic observation. The interfacial tension decreased gradually with increasing CRGE concentration. In emulsion systems, as the concentration increases, fat globules sizes also becomes smaller as well as result of dispersion stability evaluated by separation analyzer (i.e., LUMiFuge) showed that it was more stable in emulsions with increasing CRGE concentration. CRGE-coated droplets were stable to droplet coalescence over a range of pH value (2 - 9), salt concentrations (0 - 500 mM NaCl). However, some flocculation was observed under highly acidic (pH 3) and high ionic strength (≧ 400 mM NaCl) conditions, which might be attributed to screening of electrostatic repulsion. Especially, CRGE-coated droplets had high negative charged at basic pH that decreased in magnitude with falling pH. Conclusion : Thus, CRGE have some emulsifying properties as well as medical activities. The results means that emulsions formed with CRGE may be able to replace synthetic surfactants in food industry.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, induces toxicity in cells and in experimental animals. Ginseng extracts were evaluated to determine whether they can inhibit BPA-induced toxicity. The antioxidant activity of fresh ginseng extract (WGE), dried white ginseng extract (DGE), and dried red ginseng extract (RGE) was measured using the DPPH assay. WGE and RGE increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Cell viability was measured in HepG2 cells following treatment with BPA and ginseng extracts using the MTT assay. DGE and RGE increased HepG2 cell viability following treatment with 200 μM BPA. RGE reduced levels of biochemical markers of liver damage, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) that increased in mice following treatment with BPA. In addition, the regeneration and proliferation of damaged liver cells were significantly increased in RGE-treated mice. Moreover, RGE inhibited hepatic fibrosis in the surrounding area and in the central vein of the liver microstructure. RGE also significantly inhibited BPA-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, RGE protected liver damage and regenerated liver tissues in BPA-treated animals. These results show that RGE may represent a potential candidate drug for the treatment and prevention of liver damage caused by environmental toxins.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of red ginseng drinks as school meal drinks for 456 middle and high school students in Cheongdo-gun, North Gyeongsang Province. In preliminary studies, we focused on saponin with an efficacy of Rg 1 and Rg 2 in prepared red ginseng drinks. The health benefits and sensory characteristics were also investigated. For the frequency analysis, the satisfaction of the drinks as beverages serving as a school meal was relatively low, and the demand for fruit drinks was high. The result of sensory evaluations indicated a positive response of > 50.0% for the container packaging and design, daily intake, and tastes. Regarding the correlation analysis on red ginseng drinks, there were significant differences (p < 0.01) in the response to packaging (a daily intake) and design. In addition, health and learning benefits showed a very high correlation at the p < 0.01 significance level.

Background : Korean Red Ginseng has been reported to have various anti-virus, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation and immune-regulating activity. However, Korean Red Ginseng Crude Saponin (KRGCS) effect on Pulmonary inflammation has been insufficient research. We have investigated the effect of KRGCS on pulmonary inflammation in mouse model. Methods and Results : Pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke condensates (CSC) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BALB/c mice. 100uL (ratio 1:1) of CSC (4mg/mL) and LPS (100ug/mL) solution instilled with intratracheal injection once per a week for 3 weeks in mice. KRGCS was also administered orally a dose of 10mg/kg and 25mg/kg for 3 weeks. KRGCS treatment groups decreased the number of inflammatory total cells in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the number of neutrophils in BALF dropped more than negative control groups. Additionally, KRGCS reduced the absolute number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in BALF, and the number of CD11b+ Gr-1+cells in the lung and BALF. Furthermore, we found that KRGCS declined significantly the level of the cytokine chemokine (C-X-C motif)-1 (CXCL-1), Macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in BALF. Conclusion : These results that KRGCS has an inhibitory effects on pulmonary inflammation such as COPD, may be a candidate of effective herbal pharmaceuticals for the cure of lung diseases.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of soil microbial agent with red ginseng marc on growth of watermelon during 5 months. The three treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design with four replicates per plot. After 1 week in planting dates, the growth of watermelon (full length, stem thichness, leaf length and lead width) showed no significant difference in all treatments. During elongation stage (20 days), soil microbial agent with red ginseng marc was increased by 5% in leaf thickness (May 23) and 7~14% in leaf length (May 16 and 23) when compared to other treatments. For changes in fruit bearing thickness, there were no differences among treatments. Characteristics of watermelon in harvest season have an effect on harvest and length, stalk length, naval length, weight, sugar content and yield, except for harvest and width. In particular, yields increased with treatments with two soil microbial agent (7~12%), indicating that soil microbial agent with red ginseng marc showed higher yield than the other treatments. In conclusion, red ginseng marc-treated soil microbial agents have a positive effect on the harvest season of watermelon and can provide useful information for the selection of the functional microbial properties and the registration of microbial fertilizer.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of red ginseng marc powder on egg freshness in laying hens during 4 weeks. A total of 60 Hy-line Brown laying hens, 50 week of age, were randomly assigned to 2 groups with diets containing 0% and 2% red ginseng marc powder. There were 3 replications per group with 10 laying hens per pen. Throughout the period of the trial, there were no effects of red ginseng marc powder on egg weight (but not 4 weeks). Haugh Unit (HU) values were observed by showing significant differences between red ginseng marc powder and controls at 0 and 4 weeks, except for HU at 1 through 3 weeks. For egg yolk color, red ginseng marc powder has no difference in comparison with controls at 0, 3 and 4 weeks (but not 1 and 2 weeks). In conclusion, the dietary supplementation with 2% red ginseng marc powder improved HU values throughout the experiment.

본 연구에서 사용한 홍삼 전분은 홍삼 농축액 제조 공정에서 발생하는 부산물중 하나로 현재까지는 특별한 활용도가 없었다. 하지만 홍삼 농축액 제조 과정에서 발생되는 홍삼 유래의 물질로 홍삼의 유효 성분인 진세노사이드 및 각종 유리당, 탄수화물 등이 풍부한 안전한 소재로서의 가능성을 알아보고자 하였다. 홍삼전분을 이용한 새로운 홍삼막걸리의 차별화를 위하여 제품의 진세노사이드 함량, 유기산, 유리당, 효모수 등을 분석하였다. 효모 생균수의 변화 조사결과 4℃에서 저장하였을 때는 저장 20일까지 효모 균수에 큰 변화가 없었지만 25℃ 저장에서는 저장 20일에 초기 효모균수의 약 75%가 감소되었다. 유기산분석 결과 막걸리에서는 lactic acid가 4.16 mg/mL의 농도로 가장 많았으며, 그 다음으로는 citric acid 0.88 mg/mL, malic acid 0.39 mg/mL의 순서로 많았다. 저장 초기에는 malic acid의 함량이 4℃ 및 25℃에서 0.39 mg/mL 와 0.58 mg/mL 이었으나 저장일이 20일 경과하였을 때에는 0.46 mg/mL 그리고 0.17 mg/mL으로 측정되었고 대부분의 유기산은 저장기간에 관계없이 변화가 크게 나타나지 않았으나 butyric acid는 증가를 보였다. 20일 경에 lactic acid와 isobutyric acid는 감소하였으며 다른 종류의 유기산은 증가를 보였다. 유리당 분석결과 glucose가 4.4 mg/mL, sucrose 2.8 mg/mL 그리고 mannose 1.4 mg/mL 으로 막걸리의 주 구성당으로 분석되었으며 저장기간이 지속되면서 sucrose, glucose, mannose의 함량은 감소를 보여 알콜 발효의 주요 기질로 사용되었음을 보여주었다. 저장 4~8일 이후부터는 당이 급격히 감소하였으며 8일 이후부터는 큰 차이를 보이지 않았다. 이것은 저장 중 당분이 알콜과 탄산가스로 분해되었기 때문에 함량이 감소한 보여진다. 4℃에서 저장시, 일반적인 유통기간보다(10일) 긴 20일 동안 유리당의 변화를 보였으며 유리당은 12일 경에 sucrose, glucose와 mannose의 양은 1/2으로 감소하였다. 총산 및 pH 분석결과 각 저장온도에서 저장기간에 따른 pH의 변화는, 4℃에서 저장한 경우, 저장 4일경 pH 4.3에서 8일경 pH 3.8로 떨어지면서 저장기간 동안 서서히 감소되었다. 25℃에서 저장한 경우, pH 4.6~3.2 수준으로 4℃ 저장 온도보다 25℃ 온도에서 pH가 낮게 관찰 되었고 진세노사이드 분석결과 함량은 2.47 mg/g으로 측정되었다.