This study was conducted to maximize the functionality of Deodeok (Codonopsis lanceolata) and improve the processing efficiency by introducing a fermentation process supplemented with oligosaccharides, a prebiotic. The quality characteristics, total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of fermented Deodeok (FD) and oligosaccharide-fermented Deodeok (OFD) were comparatively analyzed. Regarding the quality characteristics, OFD showed a significantly higher pH (5.90±0.00) than FD (5.78±0.00) (P<0.001), whereas lightness (L), redness (a), yellowness (b), and total color difference (ΔE) were all significantly lower in OFD than in FD (P<0.001), indicating enhanced non-enzymatic browning via the Maillard reaction. The stickiness was also significantly higher in OFD (418.33±5.48 g) than in FD (265.97±2.94 g) (P<0.001). The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents were significantly higher in OFD (1,408.7±9.4 mg GAE/100 g and 37.6±1.3 mg QE/100 g, respectively) than in FD (715.2±4.8 mg GAE/100 g and 0.36±1.26 mg QE/100 g, respectively) (P<0.05), attributed to the accelerated conversion of polyphenol glycosides to aglycones by microbial glycosidases during oligosaccharide-enhanced fermentation. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were significantly higher in OFD at all concentrations (P<0.05), correlating with the elevated polyphenol and flavonoid levels. Furthermore, OFD significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages compared to FD (P<0.01), suggesting enhanced anti-inflammatory activity occurs through the simultaneous down-regulation of iNOS and COX-2 pathways. These findings show that oligosaccharide supplementation during fermentation effectively enhances the functional properties of Deodeok, supporting its potential as a high-value functional food ingredient.

Purpose: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is rich in phytochemicals (e.g., tannin and beta-carotene.), vitamins (e.g., vitamins A and C), minerals (e.g., calcium and potassium), and dietary fiber. Persimmon exhibits efficacy against diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and heart disease. This study examined the antioxidant and immune-enhancing activities of Fuyu (a sweet persimmon) and Hachiya (an astringent persimmon) and evaluated their potential as functional food ingredients. Methods: The antioxidant and immune-enhancing activities of Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons were evaluated by extracting them with hot water and ethanol (100%). The antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (RSA), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Six-year domestic red ginseng was used as a reference for assessing the immune-enhancing activity. Nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, cytokine levels interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression were analyzed. Results: The hot water extracts of Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon exhibited significantly higher TPC, TFC, DPPH RSA, and ORAC levels than the ethanol extract. The Hachiya persimmon extract generally showed comparable or higher immune-enhancing activity than the Fuyu persimmon extract in NO production, cytokine activity, phagocytosis, and expression of iNOS and COX-2 genes. Conclusion Hachiya persimmon possesses superior antioxidant properties to Fuyu persimmon while exhibiting comparable immune-enhancing activity. These characteristics highlight its potential for beneficial applications. Nevertheless, further research is required to elucidate these effects and optimize their use in health-promoting interventions.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Carrots are a major source of beta-carotene, but comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. This study compared the rates of β-carotene absorption from fresh carrots versus fresh carrot juice. SUBJECTS/METHODS: For β-carotene absorption, a separate randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 healthy adults. The participants consumed 25 mg of β-carotene from raw carrots or fresh carrot juice. Blood samples were collected at the baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-consumption. RESULTS: The carrot juice group exhibited 2.33 times higher peak plasma concentrations 1.5 h post-consumption than those in the raw carrot group. The area under the curve for β-carotene absorption was 2.09 times greater in the carrot juice group than in the raw carrot group. The plasma α-carotene levels increased in both groups, but no significant differences were found. Similarly, no significant changes in the plasma levels of other fat-soluble vitamins were observed. In addition, no significant differences in antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Consuming fresh carrot juice, without added sugars, may enhance the bioavailability of β-carotene compared to raw produce.

Purpose: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is rich in phytochemicals (e.g., tannin and beta-carotene.), vitamins (e.g., vitamins A and C), minerals (e.g., calcium and potassium), and dietary fiber. Persimmon exhibits efficacy against diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and heart disease. This study examined the antioxidant and immune-enhancing activities of Fuyu (a sweet persimmon) and Hachiya (an astringent persimmon) and evaluated their potential as functional food ingredients. Methods: The antioxidant and immune-enhancing activities of Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons were evaluated by extracting them with hot water and ethanol (100%). The antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (RSA), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Six-year domestic red ginseng was used as a reference for assessing the immune-enhancing activity. Nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, cytokine levels interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression were analyzed. Results: The hot water extracts of Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon exhibited significantly higher TPC, TFC, DPPH RSA, and ORAC levels than the ethanol extract. The Hachiya persimmon extract generally showed comparable or higher immune-enhancing activity than the Fuyu persimmon extract in NO production, cytokine activity, phagocytosis, and expression of iNOS and COX-2 genes. Conclusion Hachiya persimmon possesses superior antioxidant properties to Fuyu persimmon while exhibiting comparable immune-enhancing activity. These characteristics highlight its potential for beneficial applications. Nevertheless, further research is required to elucidate these effects and optimize their use in health-promoting interventions.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Carrots are a major source of beta-carotene, but comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. This study compared the rates of β-carotene absorption from fresh carrots versus fresh carrot juice. SUBJECTS/METHODS: For β-carotene absorption, a separate randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 healthy adults. The participants consumed 25 mg of β-carotene from raw carrots or fresh carrot juice. Blood samples were collected at the baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-consumption. RESULTS: The carrot juice group exhibited 2.33 times higher peak plasma concentrations 1.5 h post-consumption than those in the raw carrot group. The area under the curve for β-carotene absorption was 2.09 times greater in the carrot juice group than in the raw carrot group. The plasma α-carotene levels increased in both groups, but no significant differences were found. Similarly, no significant changes in the plasma levels of other fat-soluble vitamins were observed. In addition, no significant differences in antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Consuming fresh carrot juice, without added sugars, may enhance the bioavailability of β-carotene compared to raw produce.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Carrots are a major source of beta-carotene, but comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. This study compared the rates of β-carotene absorption from fresh carrots versus fresh carrot juice. SUBJECTS/METHODS: For β-carotene absorption, a separate randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 healthy adults. The participants consumed 25 mg of β-carotene from raw carrots or fresh carrot juice. Blood samples were collected at the baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-consumption. RESULTS: The carrot juice group exhibited 2.33 times higher peak plasma concentrations 1.5 h post-consumption than those in the raw carrot group. The area under the curve for β-carotene absorption was 2.09 times greater in the carrot juice group than in the raw carrot group. The plasma α-carotene levels increased in both groups, but no significant differences were found. Similarly, no significant changes in the plasma levels of other fat-soluble vitamins were observed. In addition, no significant differences in antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Consuming fresh carrot juice, without added sugars, may enhance the bioavailability of β-carotene compared to raw produce.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Carrots are a major source of beta-carotene, but comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. This study compared the rates of β-carotene absorption from fresh carrots versus fresh carrot juice. SUBJECTS/METHODS: For β-carotene absorption, a separate randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 healthy adults. The participants consumed 25 mg of β-carotene from raw carrots or fresh carrot juice. Blood samples were collected at the baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-consumption. RESULTS: The carrot juice group exhibited 2.33 times higher peak plasma concentrations 1.5 h post-consumption than those in the raw carrot group. The area under the curve for β-carotene absorption was 2.09 times greater in the carrot juice group than in the raw carrot group. The plasma α-carotene levels increased in both groups, but no significant differences were found. Similarly, no significant changes in the plasma levels of other fat-soluble vitamins were observed. In addition, no significant differences in antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Consuming fresh carrot juice, without added sugars, may enhance the bioavailability of β-carotene compared to raw produce.

Purpose: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is rich in phytochemicals (e.g., tannin and beta-carotene.), vitamins (e.g., vitamins A and C), minerals (e.g., calcium and potassium), and dietary fiber. Persimmon exhibits efficacy against diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and heart disease. This study examined the antioxidant and immune-enhancing activities of Fuyu (a sweet persimmon) and Hachiya (an astringent persimmon) and evaluated their potential as functional food ingredients. Methods: The antioxidant and immune-enhancing activities of Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons were evaluated by extracting them with hot water and ethanol (100%). The antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (RSA), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Six-year domestic red ginseng was used as a reference for assessing the immune-enhancing activity. Nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, cytokine levels interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression were analyzed. Results: The hot water extracts of Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon exhibited significantly higher TPC, TFC, DPPH RSA, and ORAC levels than the ethanol extract. The Hachiya persimmon extract generally showed comparable or higher immune-enhancing activity than the Fuyu persimmon extract in NO production, cytokine activity, phagocytosis, and expression of iNOS and COX-2 genes. Conclusion Hachiya persimmon possesses superior antioxidant properties to Fuyu persimmon while exhibiting comparable immune-enhancing activity. These characteristics highlight its potential for beneficial applications. Nevertheless, further research is required to elucidate these effects and optimize their use in health-promoting interventions.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Carrots are a major source of beta-carotene, but comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. This study compared the rates of β-carotene absorption from fresh carrots versus fresh carrot juice. SUBJECTS/METHODS: For β-carotene absorption, a separate randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 healthy adults. The participants consumed 25 mg of β-carotene from raw carrots or fresh carrot juice. Blood samples were collected at the baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-consumption. RESULTS: The carrot juice group exhibited 2.33 times higher peak plasma concentrations 1.5 h post-consumption than those in the raw carrot group. The area under the curve for β-carotene absorption was 2.09 times greater in the carrot juice group than in the raw carrot group. The plasma α-carotene levels increased in both groups, but no significant differences were found. Similarly, no significant changes in the plasma levels of other fat-soluble vitamins were observed. In addition, no significant differences in antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Consuming fresh carrot juice, without added sugars, may enhance the bioavailability of β-carotene compared to raw produce.

Purpose: Ovalbumin, a major protein derived from egg white, has significant functional properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, ovalbumin has potential use in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of ovalbumin water extract (OAW) and ethanol extract (OAE) on splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages in Balb/c mice, focusing on their potential to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance and enhance immune functions. Methods: The effects of OAW and OAE on T and B-cell proliferation, cytokines, immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production were examined using mitogen (ConA or LPS)-treated mouse splenocytes and macrophages from Balb/c mice.OAW and OAE were applied at concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 μg/mL. T and B-cell proliferation, cytokine production, including Th1 (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) profiles, and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) production were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.NO production and phagocytic activity were evaluated using a Griess assay and substratebased assays, respectively. Results: OAW and OAE modulated T and B-cell proliferation and inhibited the production of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) cytokines, restoring the Th1/ Th2 balance. Moreover, at 500 μg/mL, the OAW extracts exhibited comparable effects to the zymosan-stimulated controls. The production of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) and NO levels were reduced, while the macrophage phagocytic activity was enhanced in a dosedependent manner. Conclusion Ovalbumin extracts can modulate the systemic immune system by influencing immunoglobulin production and regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.