Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is one of the most important bacteria in the formation of dental plaque and dental caries. S. mutans adheres to an acquired pellicle formed on the tooth surface, and aggregates with many oral bacteria. It initiates plaque formation by synthesizing glucan from sucrose, which is catalyzed by glucosyltransferases. Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by honeybees, by mixing saliva and beeswax with secretions gathered from wood sap and flower pollen. Bees prevent pathogenic invasions by coating the propolis to the outer and inner surface of the honeycomb. Propolis has traditionally been used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, asthma and dermatitis. We investigated the inhibitory effects of propolis ethanol extract on biofilm formation and gene expression of S. mutans. The biofilm formation of S. mutans was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and safranin staining. We observed that the extract of propolis had an inhibitory effect on the formation of S. mutans biofilms at concentrations higher than 0.2 mg/ml. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the gene expression of biofilm formation, such as gbpB, spaP, brpA, relA and vicR of S. mutans, was significantly decreased in a dose dependent manner. The ethanol extract of propolis showed concentration dependent growth inhibition of S. mutans, and significant inhibition of acid production at concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml, compared to the control group. These results suggest that the ethanol extract of propolis inhibits gene expression related to biofilm formation in S. mutans.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics of Gastrodia elata Blume fermented by lactic acid bacteria after saccharifying by 3 methods including enzyme, malt, and rice-nuruk. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Pediococcus inopinatus BK-3, isolated from kimchi could reduce the unpleasant taste and odor of Gastrodia elata Blume. The total acidity value of Gastrodia elata fermented by LAB on the malt and rice-nuruk extract solution for 3 days was 2.23% and 2.33%, respectively. After saccharification by malt and rice-nuruk extract solution for 3 days, the viable cell number of fermented Gastrodia elata was 9.14 log cfu/mL and 9.27 log cfu/mL, respectively. The total acidity values were increased above 3.35% by malt and rice-nuruk extract solution for 8 days. Thus, the viable cell number was the highest by malt and rice-nuruk extract solution fermentation for 3 days. The amino acid content of Gastrodia elata fermented by LAB after saccharification by malt extract solution was higher than that of other saccharifying methods. The free sugar content and p-hydroxybenzyl derivatives induced by the enzyme method were higher than those of other saccharifying methods. The overall acceptability was the highest at 4.2 point in Gastrodia elata fermented by malt extract solution.

To compare the composition of volatile flavor components of three different cultivars of rice, Hyangnambyeo (aromatic cultivar), Heugjinjubyeo (pigmented cultivar) and Dongjinbyeo (normal cultivar), the volatile flavor components of brown rice were isolated by Likens-Nickerson simultaneous steam distillation and extraction apparatus. The flavor concentrates obtained were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 65 components, including 14 aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, 7 aliphatic alcohols, 8 aromatic alcohols, 13 hydrocarbons, 9 esters, 7 aliphatic acids, and 7 miscellaneous components were identified. The aliphatic aldehydes, which are known as contributors to the overall flavor of cooked rice, were present in larger amounts in Hyangnambyeo than in Heugjinjubyeo and Dongjinbyeo, while the difference in quantity of these components between Heugjinjubyeo and Dongjinbyeo was not remarkable. Hyangnambyeo and Heugjinjubeyo contained 562 ng and 259 ng of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline per gram of brown rice based on dry weight, respectively, which is a key compound contributing to the popcorn-like aroma in aromatic rice. Dongjinbeyo contained about 6 ng.