Wild ginseng has better pharmacological effects than cultivated ginseng. However, its industrialization is limited by the inability to grow wild ginseng on a large scale. Herein, we demonstrate how to optimize ginseng production through cultivation, and how to enhance the concentrations of specific ginsenosides through fermentation. In the study, we also evaluated the ability of fermented cultured wild ginseng root extract (HLJG0701-β) to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as its neuroprotective effects and antioxidant activity. In invitro tests, HLJG0701-β inhibited AChE activity and exerted neuroprotective and antioxidant effects (showing increased catalyst activity but decreased reactive oxygen species concentration). In invivo tests, after HLJG0701-β was orally administered at doses of 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg in an animal model of memory impairment, behavioral evaluation (Morris water maze test and Y-maze task test) was performed. The levels of AChE, acetylcholine (ACh), blood catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissues were measured. The results showed that HLJG0701-β produced the best results at a dose of 250 mg/kg or more. The neuroprotective mechanism of HLJG0701-β was determined to involve the inhibition of AChE activity and a decrease in oxidative stress. In summary, both invitro and invivo tests confirmed that HJG0701-β administration can lead to memory improvement.

Wild ginseng is known to contain additional physiologically and pharmacologically active substances than common ginseng. The utilization of this herb can be maximized by altering its composition via tissue culture generating adventitious roots. We enriched the content of specific ginsenosides and investigated their role in ameliorating memory impairment. Cultured wild ginseng root was subjected to extraction, steaming, and fermentation using Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG0702 to enhance the levels of ginsenosides Rg5 /Rk1. The analysis of product, HLJG0701, confirmed target ginsenosides. We analyzed the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg5/Rk1, HLJG0701 and the raw material on acetylcholinesterase. Further, we performed Morris water maze, Y-maze, and passive avoidance tasks with mice exhibiting memory deficit induced by scopolamine, and we analyzed the concentrations of acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine in their brains. Studies showed that the levels of ginsenosides Rg5 /Rk1, not found in the raw material, were enhanced in HLJG0701. Ginsenosides and HLJG0701 significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase unlike the raw material. In all behavioral tasks, HLJG0701 showed memory improvement. It reduced acetylcholinesterase, whereas, it preserved acetylcholine in brain. In conclusion, cultured wild ginseng root extract fermented by P. pentosaceus HLJG0702 contains the distinctive ginsenosides Rg5/Rk1, which may ameliorate memory impairment via inhibition of acetylcholinesterase resulting in increased acetylcholine levels in the brain.

Different bone-related diseases are mostly caused by the disruption of bone formation and bone resorption, including osteoporosis. Traditional medicinal literature has reported the possible anti-osteoporotic properties of Glehnia littoralis. However, the chemical compounds in extracts that are responsible for bone metabolism are poorly understood. The present study aimed to explore and compare the coumarin-based compounds present in G. littoralis extracts, the antioxidant activities, and the anti-osteoporotic properties of different extracts of G. littoralis (leaf and stem, fruit, whole plant, and root extracts) on bone metabolism. This study analyzed G. littoralis extract effects on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Among the different tested samples, stem extracts had the highest scopoletin (53.0 mg/g), and umbelliferone (1.60 mg/g). The significantly (p < 0.05) highest amounts of imperatorin (31.9 mg/g) and phellopterin (2.3 mg/g), were observed in fruit and whole plant extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the results confirmed alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, mineralization, osteocalcin content, and osterix and RUNX2 expression. G. littoralis extracts at concentrations greater than 20 µg/mL had particularly adverse effects on MC3T3-E1 cell viability and proliferation. Notably, cell proliferation was significantly elevated at lower G. littoralis concentrations. Comparatively, 0.5 µg/mL stem had a higher osteocalcin content. Of the four extract types, stem showed a higher collagen synthesis effect at concentrations of 0.5–5 µg/mL. Except for fruit extracts, G. littoralis extract treatment significantly elevated osterix gene expression. All G. littoralis extracts increased RUNX2 gene expression. The results described here indicate that G. littoralis ethanolic extracts can effectively prevent osteoporosis.

Background: Culturing wild ginseng adventitious root using plant factory technology provides genetic safety and high productivity. This production technology is drawing attention in the fields of functional raw materials and product development. The cultivation method using elicitors is key technology for controlling biomass and increasing secondary metabolites. Methods and Results: Elicitor treatments using methyl jasmonate, pyruvic acid, squalene, β-sistosterol were performed to amplify total ginsenosides (Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, and Rd) of cultured wild ginseng adventitious root. Thereafter, fermentation and steaming processes were performed to convert total ginsenosides into minor molecular ginsenosides (Rg3, Rk1, and Rg5). The result indicated that methyl jasmonate minimizes the reduction in fresh weight of cultured wild ginseng adventitious root and maximizes total ginsenosides (sum of Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, and Rd). Ginsenoside conversion results showed a maximum degree of conversion of 131 ㎎/g. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that the optimal elicitor treatment method increased the content of total ginsenosides, while the steaming and fermentation processing method increased the content of minor ginsenosides.

Background: This study assessed the role of Pinus koraiensis (P. koraiensis) Siebold et Zucc. leaves as an ingredient for cosmetics. The biological activities and wrinkle improvement effect of P. koraiensis leaves were investigated. Methods and Results: Leaf samples were mixed with 80% ethanol (EtOH), and the ingredients were separated into fractions using different solvents in order of n-Hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol and water. The antioxidant activity based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), scavenging of 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and total phenol and flavonoid content of 80% EtOH extracts and fractions was tested. Among the tested extracts and fractions, the EtOAc fraction displayed the greatest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity and total phenol and flavonoid content. Wrinkle improvement was evaluated by performing collagenase and elastase assays. In addition, matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP-1) inhibition and procollagen synthesis were measured. The 80% EtOH extract displayed the greatest anti-wrinkle effects. Conclusions: The 80% EtOH extract and each fraction of P. koraiensis leaves displayed differing antioxidant and anti-wrinkle activities. This basic data will inform the utilization these P. koraiensis as an ingredient suitable for skin health and beauty.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the total phenol and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of steam-treated leaves and rhizomes of Polygonatum sibiricum Redoute. In addition, we aimed to confirm their potential use as cosmetic materials by investigating their anti-aging and skin-whitening activity. Methods and Results: The leaves and rhizomes of P. sibiricum were treated with steam at different temperatures for different durations, and the antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity) and total phenol and total flavonoid contents of each sample were tested. The steam temperature and treatment duration siginificantly affected the antioxidant activity and, total phenol and total flavonoid content of the leaves and rhizome of P. sibiricum. Treating the P. sibiricum samples with steam at 120℃ for 12 h, yielded higher total phenol and total flavonoid contents. Comparatively, the samples treated with steam at 120℃ for 12 to 24 h showed significantly higher antioxidant activity. Further, the steamed samples of P. sibiricum demonstrated collagenase and tyrosinase inhibition activity, which indicated their anti-aging and skin-whitening properties. The samples steamed at 120℃ for 12 h, exhibited higher collagenase and tyrosinase inhibition activity. Conclusions: Leaves and rhizomes of P. sibiricum steamed at 120℃ for 12 h, showed highest antioxidant activity and, total phenol and total flavonoid contents than all other samples. Our results indicate the potential of using P. sibiricum as a cosmetic material by confirming its excellent antiaging and whitening activity.