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Production of Minor Ginsenosides by Combining Stereum hirsutum and Cellulase

Summary

This research demonstrates a new way to produce more bioavailable forms of ginsenosides (the active compounds in ginseng) using fungal fermentation. The process transforms regular ginseng compounds into more easily absorbed versions that may have enhanced health benefits. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more effective ginseng supplements and products • Provides a sustainable way to produce valuable medicinal compounds • Demonstrates potential for using agricultural waste products in valuable ways • May reduce the cost of producing health-promoting ginseng compounds • Could enable development of new functional foods with enhanced bioactivity

Background

Ginseng contains bioactive compounds including ginsenosides, which are considered the main components underlying its pharmacological effects. Minor ginsenosides (MGs) are more pharmacologically active due to their lower molecular weight and higher cell membrane permeability compared to major ginsenosides. However, MGs mostly do not exist naturally in ginseng plants and must be obtained through deglycosylation of major ginsenosides.

Objective

To screen for microorganisms capable of biotransforming ginseng extracts into minor ginsenosides, particularly Compound K (CK), and optimize the solid-state fermentation process parameters for enhanced production of minor ginsenosides.

Results

Stereum hirsutum strain JE0512 was identified as the most effective at producing Compound K. The optimal fermentation conditions were: 20g corn bran substrate, 4g ginseng extract, and 20% inoculation volume fermented for 10 days. When combined with cellulase from Aspergillus niger, the minor ginsenoside content increased dramatically from 1.66 mg/g to 130.79 mg/g in the final products. Compound K content specifically increased from 8.34 mg/g to 54.48 mg/g.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that Stereum hirsutum can effectively transform ginseng extracts into minor ginsenosides. The combination of S. hirsutum JE0512 with cellulase from A. niger in solid-state fermentation using agro-industrial waste as substrate significantly enhanced the production of minor ginsenosides. This approach provides a reference for circular bioeconomical production of bioactive products containing various minor ginsenosides.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255899
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