This review summarizes recent insights into the effects of foods and natural products on brain function, focusing on neuron-glia interactions and the Gut-Brain Axis. Bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and ginsenosides exert neuroprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation through activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and suppression of NF-?B-mediated inflammatory cascades. They also enhance synaptic plasticity via the CREB-BDNF pathway, improving learning and memory function. Fermented foods and microbiota-related metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), modulate the Gut-Brain Axis, leading to increased hippocampal BDNF expression and emotional stability. Traditional Korean fermented foods and marine-based dietary components further contribute to the regulation of neuron-glia networks, providing a scientific rationale for the neurofunctional benefits embedded in Korean dietary culture. This review highlights that food-derived bioactive components act not only as nutrients but also as neuromodulatory agents maintaining brain homeostasis. Future perspectives emphasize integrating molecular neuroscience with food culture research to advance the emerging field of food neuroscience and promote functional food innovation grounded in traditional dietary wisdom.

Edible mushrooms are recognized as a rich source of diverse metabolites, including polysaccharides, amino acid derivatives, terpenoids, polyphenols, sterols, and flavonoids. These compounds have been extensively reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and metabolic regulatory activities, thereby underscoring their scientific and industrial significance in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. However, conventional extraction methods, which are simple and cost-effective, have limitations in large-scale processes, including long processing times, excessive use of solvents, low yields, and degradation of heat-sensitive compounds, which limit scalability. Therefore, eco-friendly extraction methodologies have emerged as sustainable alternatives. Advanced extraction strategies using food-grade solvents, such as deep eutectic solvents, in conjunction with ultrasound or microwave assistance, enable selective recovery of metabolites under mild conditions, enhancing yield and minimizing the environmental impact. In this review recent progress in advanced extraction methodologies, with respect to efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability, are critically assessed. The industrial implications, including case studies of advanced extraction methodologies applied to secondary metabolites, and the potential of edible mushrooms as renewable bioresources or the development of nextgeneration functional foods and natural therapeutics, are also discussed.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat digestive disorders and stomach ulcers. In this study, the extraction characteristics of the major bioactive compounds of tarragon, estragole, eugenol, and herniarin, were determined using subcritical-water extraction (SWE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Their efficiencies, compared to conventional solvent extraction, were evaluated. For SWE, the highest yields were obtained for estragole (0.66±0.04 mg/g) at 200°C for 5 min, eugenol (0.11±0.00 mg/g) at 200°C for 15 min, and herniarin (3.35±0.09 mg/g) at 190°C for 5 min. For UAE, only herniarin (1.49±0.07 mg/g) was detected, with a maximum yield of <350 W for 10 min. For conventional solvent extraction, eugenol was not detected, for 100% methanol (45°C, 120 min), the highest yield for estragole was 0.37±0.05 mg/g, and for hot water extraction (90°C, 120 min), the yield for herniarin was 1.59±0.04 mg/g. Among the tested methods, SWE had the highest overall efficiency without the use of organic solvents, highlighting its potential as a rapid and eco-friendly technique for effective extraction of bioactive compounds from tarragon.

This study assessed how fruit size and cultivation region affect the distribution of carotenoids and flavonoids in sweet persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.). We quantified concentrations in the whole fruit, peel, and pulp, and compared them across different size grades and cultivation regions. The fruit size did not significantly influence the levels of carotenoids or flavonoids, suggesting a limited direct relationship with phytochemical accumulation. Notably, the peel consistently contained the highest concentrations of the compounds analyzed. Regional comparisons revealed significant variability. In the whole fruit, flavonoids—except for quercetin 3-O-galactoside (Q3Gal)—were most concentrated in Gwangyang. In the peel, Q3Gal, quercetin 3-O-glucoside (Q3Glu), and zeaxanthin were most abundant in Naju–Yeongam, while β-carotene peaked in Gimhae–Changwon. To identify environmental influences, we examined climatic variables and found that a larger diurnal temperature range during the dormancy stage of fruit development correlated positively with higher flavonoid levels. Overall, these findings indicate that the functional components of sweet persimmon are primarily influenced by the growing region—potentially due to local weather conditions—rather than by fruit size. Additionally, consuming persimmons with their peel may enhance the intake of beneficial plant-derived compounds.

As a result of analyzing bioactive compounds according to the maturity stage of strawberry fruits, there was no difference in callistephine content according to the extraction solvent and tended to increase as the maturity stage progressed. There was a difference in accumulation patterns between cultivars with different fruit colors, but the callistephin content of the red strawberry, Seolhyang, was high, while the pink strawberry, Manyeonsel, tended to be low. The extraction efficiency of cyanidine-3-glucoide was higher when water was used as the extraction solvent than ethanol, which was the highest in the green stages in both cultivars and tended to decrease as the maturity stage progressed. The (+)-catechin content according to the maturity stage showed the highest content in the green stages overall, and tended to decrease as the maturity stage progressed. The extraction efficiency of (+)-catechin was good in ethanol, and the (+)-catechin content according to the maturity stage was generally high in the green stages and tended to decrease as the maturity stage progressed. The catechin content in green stages of Manyeonsel was 205.3 mg per 100 g of dry weight, which was very high compared to 115.6 mg in the Seolhyang. The extraction efficiency of epi-catechin was better in water than in ethanol, and the content of epi-catechin tended to be higher in Seolhyang than in Manyeonsel. When extracted with water, the epi-catechin content of Seolhyang increased 16.0-fold from 15.7 mg per 100g dry weight in green stages to 250.3 mg in mature stages, and 3.1-fold from 50.1 mg to 154.2 mg in Manyeonsel. The content of quercetin-3-glucoside tended to be higher when ethanol was used as an extraction solvent than water, and it was 12.2 and 15.7 mg per 100 g of dry weight in Seolhyang and Manyeonsel, respectively, in the highest-content green stages. Quercetin had a higher extraction efficiency from ethanol than water, which tended to be slightly higher, at 2.5 mg in the mature stages of Seolhyang, while at 3.2 mg in Manyeonsel. The extraction efficiency of chlorogenic acid was higher in water than in ethanol, and the content was highest in the green stages and tended to decrease as maturation progressed. When extracted with water, the content in the green stages of Seolhyang and Manyeonsel decreased by 45.3 and 33.9%, from 14.8 and 18.9 mg, respectively, to 8.1 and 12.5 mg during the mature stages, respectively. The content of ellagic acid tended to be higher when water was used as an extraction solvent than ethanol, but there was no difference in content according to maturity stages in the two cultivars. The cinchonine was more efficient in extraction from water than ethanol and tended to increase as the maturation stage progressed in both varieties, the highest at 148.6 mg per 100 g of dry weight in the mature stages of the Manyeonsel.

We investigated the biochemical composition and functional properties of garlic sprouted via hydroponic cultivation. Sprout length and sprouted garlic weight increased 6.9-fold (97.94±22.47 mm) and 1.4-fold (9.11±1.32 g), respectively, by day 20. Proximate compositions, including protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates, were analyzed to determine nutrient changes. Notably, protein content increased from 17.73% to 20.21%. Minerals including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and iron varied significantly, supporting metabolic processes. Total free amino acids, particularly arginine and glutamine, increased from 5,301.21 mg% to 6,962.80 mg%, suggesting potential improvements in nutritional value and flavor. Protease activity reached its maximum at 21.26±2.47 mU/mL on day 20, promoting protein hydrolysis, and amylase activity steadily increased, reaching 299.82±0.85 mU/mL, providing energy through starch breakdown. Vitamin C content reached a maximum on day 8 (307.25 mg/kg, suggesting that vitamin C is produced during early sprouting. Phenolic compounds, which are critical for antioxidant activity, reached their highest concentration (42.15 mg/100 g) by day 12, correlating with increases in DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities. These findings indicate the potential of sprouted garlic as a functional ingredient. Future research should optimize hydroponic cultivation conditions to improve bioactive compound content and antioxidant properties, contributing to the development of high-value functional foods.

다알리아(Dahlia pinnata Cav.)는 멕시코 아즈텍인들이 식용으로 재배하여 꽃잎은 샐러드로, 뿌 리는 식용이나 약재로 사용하였다. 그러나 현재는 대부분 화훼용으로 사용되고 있으며, 식용이나 약재로서 의 연구는 부족한 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 다알리아 꽃을 차로 제조하여 다양한 침출 조건과 제다법을 사 용하여 항산화 활성 및 생리활성 성분 함량을 평가하였다. 항산화 활성은 DPPH radial 소거 활성으로 평 가하였으며, 생리활성 성분은 총 폴리페놀 함량(TPC)과 총 플라보노이드 함량(TFC)을 분석하였다. 건조된 다알리아 꽃차는 90℃에서 침출하였을 때 가장 높은 생리활성물질을 추출할 수 있었으며, 적절한 침출 시 간은 8분, 침출 횟수는 3회가 적합하였다. 다양한 제다 방법 중에서 증제법이 가장 높은 항산화 활성을 보 였으며, 그 다음으로 생화, 건조, 덖기 순으로 나타났다. 증제된 다알리아 꽃차의 총 폴리페놀 함량과 플라 보노이드 함량은 각각 50.9 mg/g과 80.6 mg/g으로 건조된 녹차와 비교했을 때 폴리페놀 함량은 낮지만 플라보노이드 함량은 약 3배 높게 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 다알리아 꽃이 우수한 생리활성물질을 함유하 고 있으며, 항산화제로서 식품 및 의약품, 화장품 등에서 높은 활용 가능성을 가지고 있음을 시사한다.

본 연구는 8종의 생약 복합추출물인 Derma Genie™-DLP121의 피부 건강 개선 효능을 확인하 고자 하였다. 이를 위해, in vitro model에서 Derma Genie™의 생리 활성 정도를 평가했으며, 4종의 피부 세포 내 항산화, 항염, 보습 증진, 주름 개선 및 미백 효능을 분석하였다. 실험 결과, Derma Genie™에는 22.577 mg GAE/g의 폴리페놀이 함유되었고, DPPH assay에서는 최대 74.947%의 radical 소거능을 보였 다. Lipopolysaccharide를 처리하여 과염증 반응을 유도한 RAW 264.7 세포에서는 Derma Genie™가 산 화 질소(NO) 뿐만 아니라, 3종의 염증성 사이토카인(Il-6, Il-1β, Tnf-α)의 농도 의존적인 감소 효과를 매개하여 상당한 항염 효능이 있음을 입증하였다. 또한 Derma Genie™는 히알루론산을 생성하는 효소인 HAS1 및 HAS2의 유전자 발현은 증가시키고, 히알루론산 분해 효소 HYAL1의 발현은 저해시켜 세포 내 보습 증진 효능을 나타내었다. 뿐만 아니라, ultraviolet B (UVB)에 의한 세포 생존율 감소 및 주름 연관 유전자(COL1A1, COL3A1)의 발현 감소가 Derma Genie™ 처리 시 개선됨을 확인하였다. 특히 최대 농도 의 Derma Genie™ (1 mg/mL)와 UVB를 병용 처리한 군에서 주름 연관 인자인 COL1A1 및 COL3A1의 발현량이 각각 55.080 및 57.103% 개선됨을 보였다. 마지막으로, α-MSH로 멜라닌 합성을 유도시킨 B16F10에서 Derma Genie™의 병용 처리는 세포 내 멜라닌 함량을 최대 95.159% 감소시켰다. 이는 Derma Genie™가 세포 내 tyrosinase 활성을 억제함으로써 미백 효능을 가지는 것으로 판단되었다. 따라 서 이러한 결과는 Derma Genie™가 피부세포 내 항산화, 항염, 보습 증진, 주름 개선 및 미백 효능이 존재 함을 보여주며, 피부건강 증진을 위한 신규 기능성 화장품 원료로의 활용 가능성을 제고하였다.

This study aimed to analyze crude protein, amino acid and bioactive changes in Phellinus linteus HN00K9 cultured oat. The crude protein content of P. linteus cultured oat (PCO) was 12.9%, which was higher than that of uncultured oats (UCO) as control at 11.26%. The total free amino acid contents of PCO and UCO were 11,4 mg/100 g and 9,686.205 mg/100 g, respectively. Glutamic acid accounted for 21% of the total amino acids of PCO, and the histidine content was increased by more than 51% in PCO compared to UCO. The total polyphenol content of PCO was 275 mg GAE/g, which was more than twice that of UCO (135 mg). The DPPH radical scavenging activity was 15.5% in PCO, which was more than five times that of UCO (3.5%). The β-glucan content of PCO was 12.5 g/100 g, which was more than five times that of UCO (3.2 g/100 g). Therefore, it is believed that PCO can be utilized as a material for various functional foods.

본 연구는 과피색에 따른 토마토 과실의 숙성 단계에 따른 기능성 물질 및 항산화 활성의 차이를 알아보기 위해 실시하 였다. 토마토 샘플은 성숙한 단계에서 과피색이 황색, 흑색, 적 색으로 구별되는 세 가지 토마토 품종을 이용하였다. 토마토 샘플을 녹색기, 변색기, 최색기, 완숙기의 4가지 숙성 단계에 서 수확한 후 당, 라이코펜, 아스코르브산, 폴리페놀 및 항산화 활성을 포함한 다양한 생리 활성 화합물을 분석하였다. 토마 토 과실의 주요 당분은 과당과 포도당이다. 황색 토마토의 과 당과 포도당 함량은 숙성 단계에 따라 점차 증가하였다. 그러 나 흑색 토마토와 적색 토마토는 변색기 단계에서 증가한 후 상대적으로 일정하게 유지되었다. 과피색에 관계없이 모든 토마토 과실에 함유된 라이코펜 함량은 숙성 단계에 따라 크 게 증가했습니다. 라이코펜 함량은 적색 토마토 과실의 성숙 단계에서 가장 높게 관찰되었다. 황색 토마토 과실의 아스코 르브산 함량은 낮았으며 숙성 단계 동안 상대적으로 일정하게 유지되었다. 흑색 토마토 과실의 아스코르브산 함량은 성숙 단계에서 2,249mg·kg-1으로 크게 증가한 반면, 적색 토마토 과실에서는 성숙 단계에서 3,529mg·kg-1으로 점차 증가했습 니다. 페놀성 화합물인 퀘르시트린은 토마토 과실에서 발견 되었지만, 성숙 단계에서 토마토 과실의 퀘르시트린 함량은 점차적으로 감소되었다. ABTS 라디칼 소거 활성은 최색기의 황색 토마토 과실에서 급격히 증가한 반면, 흑색 토마토와 적 색 토마토에서는 숙성 단계에 따라 점진적으로 증가하였다. 모든 토마토 과실의 DPPH 라디칼 소거 활성은 최색기에서 크 게 증가했다.

본 연구에서는 단기간의 UV-A 조사가 시금치(Spinacia oleracea L.)의 생장과 생리활성물질에 미치는 영향을 평가 하였다. 시금치 묘는 200μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD, white LED, 광 주기 12시간, 온도 20°C, 상대습도 70%, 이산화탄소 농도 500μmol·mol-1의 수직농장 모듈에서 재배되었다. 파종 후 5 주된 묘는 7일 동안 20W·m-2와 40W·m-2의 두 가지 에너지 수 준에서 연속적으로 UV-A(피크파장: 385nm) 조사한 후 생육 특성, 광합성 파라미터, 이미지 형광, 총 페놀 함량, 항산화도, 그리고 총 플라보노이드 함량을 분석하였다. 결과적으로, UV-A20W 처리는 시금치의 생체중과 건물중을 증가시켰다. 하지만, UV-A 처리구와 대조구 사이의 광합성 파라미터에는 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 광계Ⅱ의 최대양자수율 (Fv/Fm)은 모든 UV-A 처리에서 7일동안 지속적으로 감소했 다. 또한, UV-A20W 처리에서 식물체당 총 페놀 함량과 항산화 도는 처리 7일째 증대되었으며, 총 플라보노이드 함량은 처리 5일째부터 유의적으로 증가하였다. 이러한 결과는 UV-A LED 보광이 수직농장과 같은 폐쇄형 식물 생산 시스템에서 재배되는 시금치의 생장과 품질을 향상시킬 수 있음을 시사 한다.

We determined physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activities of cookies prepared by replacing wheat flour with 0, 3, 6, and 9% freeze-dried burdock powder instead of wheat flour. The leavening and loss rates of the cookies decreased in proportion to the amount of burdock powder added to the dough. The moisture content of the cookies increased in proportion to the amount of burdock powder added and the crude protein and hardness were higher in the burdock-added group compared to the control. The lightness and yellowness of the cookies decreased, and the redness increased in proportion to the amount of burdock powder added. The total flavonoid and polyphenol compounds in the cookies increased in proportion to the amounts of burdock powder added. The antioxidant activities also tended to increase in proportion to the amount of burdock powder added. Based on the above results, adding burdock powder to cookies can increase antioxidant activity by increasing the content of antioxidant components, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, it is believed that adding burdock powder at levels of 3 to 9% of the weight of flour would result in cookies with spreadability, swelling power, and hardness similar to those of regular cookies.

This study aimed to investigate the changes in bioactive compounds across the ripening stages of three pepper cultivars, each characterized by unique skin colors. The samples used in this study consisted of three pepper cultivars distinguished by their skin colors as green, purple, and yellow green at breaker ripening stage. Samples were harvested at each of the four ripening stages, including premature, breaker, turning, and mature, and subjected to analysis for various bioactive compounds, including capsaicin, ascorbic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and sugars. In all cultivars with varying skin colors, the capsaicin content within green pepper fruits consistently increased as the ripening stages advanced. Ascorbic acid was most abundant during the premature stage of development in purple and green cultivars, subsequently declining as maturation progressed. In the case of the purple cultivar, kaempferol content decreased by approximately 30% at the mature stage, while the green cultivar exhibited a gradual increase in kaempferol content with maturation. Conversely, the kaempferol content of the yellow green cultivar rapidly declined as maturation progressed. Regarding quercetin content, the purple and green cultivars tended to decrease with maturity, while the yellow green cultivar displayed an increasing trend. Furthermore, the accumulation patterns of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, the predominant free sugars in green pepper fruit, demonstrated an inclination to increase as the maturation stage advanced in both purple and green cultivars. In contrast, the yellow green cultivar initially showed an elevation in free sugar content during the immature stage, followed by a minor reduction during maturation and a subsequent rise during the mature stage. Each pepper cultivar, distinguished by its unique skin color, exhibits varying levels of bioactive substances at different ripening stages. Therefore, optimal harvesting and utilization should align with periods when the desired substance content is at its peak.

본 연구는 새만금 간척지와 주산지인 무안에서 재배하였을 때 양파의 생육과 퀘르세틴 등 기능성 성분을 분석하였다. 양파는 중생종 품종인 ‘맵시황’, 중만생 품종인 ‘선파워’, ‘헬시큐’를 사용하였다. 전남 무안에 9월 상순 파종 후 육묘하여 간척지와 무안에 각각 11월 상순에 정식하고 이듬해 6월 초순에 수확하였다. 중만생종 품종인 ‘선파워’와 ‘헬시큐’가 간척지에서 구중 336.5g, 248.3g으로 생육이 우수하였다. 피루브산은 ‘헬시큐’, ‘맵시황’, ‘선파워’ 순으로 높았고 지역 별로는 ‘헬시큐’, ‘맵시황’ 품종이 간척지 재배 시 각각 48.3μmol·g-1, 41.1μmol·g-1으로 무안에서 재배하였을 때보다 높았다. 총 퀘르세틴은 품종 별로 비교하였을 때 ‘헬시큐’가 219.1μg·g-1으로 가장 높았고 ‘선파워’, ‘맵시황’의 순이었으며 재배지역에 따른 차이는 확인되지 않았다. 또한 총 페놀은 총 퀘르세틴 함량과 유사한 경향을 보였으며, ‘헬시큐’의 함량이 853.7μg·mL-1으로 가장 높았고, ‘선파워’는 무안에서 재배할 경우 페놀 함량이 높은 것으로 나타났다. 결과적으로, 피루브산, 총 퀘르세틴, 총 페놀의 함량은 재배지역 보다는 품종에 따른 영향이 큰 것으로 판단되었다.