Aims In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of kimchi (Korean traditional fermented vegetable) fermented either without starter culture or with a specific starter culture, Weissella koreensis OK1-6. Methods and Results C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups (n = 7); normal diet, HF (high-fat diet), HF-KC (high-fat diet containing 3% kimchi manufactured without starter) and HF-KCO (high-fat diet containing 3% kimchi manufactured with the starter culture W. koreensis OK1-6). After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, the mice were killed, and serum and tissue samples were examined. Serum and hepatic lipid profile, insulin, leptin concentration and expression level of lipid anabolic genes like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, liver X receptor α and SREBP2 were significantly decreased (<0·05) along with body and epididymal fat pad weight in the HF-KCO group compared with the HF-KC and HF group. Conclusions These results suggested that kimchi fermented with the starter W. koreensis OK1-6 has anti-obesity effects in HF-induced obese mice. Significance and Impact of the Study These results may contribute to nutraceutical and food industries in developing functional food and probiotics based therapies for the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Jung Eun Park, P.B. Tirupathi Pichiah, Youn-Soo Cha. JOMES 2018;27:223-32. https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes.2018.27.4.223

Red ginseng is prepared by steaming raw ginseng, a process believed to increase the pharmacological efficacy. Further bioconversion of red ginseng through fermentation is known to increase its intestinal absorption and bioactivity, and bioconversion diminishes the toxicity of red ginseng’s metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of daily supplementation with fermented red ginseng (FRG) on glycemic status in subjects with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes.

Health benefits of Kochujang (KCJ) and its bioactive compounds have been reported in several in vitro and animal studies.