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Here, we identified sequence variations of CYP72A69 and UGT73F4 genes from the Sojeongja and Haepum cultivars, and revealed that accumulation patterns of soyasaponin Aa and Ab were different in the Sojeongja and Haepum cultivars. Several genes related in soyasaponin biosynthetic pathway showed significant changes in their expression patterns in two soybean cultivars and soyasaponin contents were also altered under several abiotic stress conditions, albeit no significant correlations between soyasaponin contents and biosynthetic gene expression were observed. We also demonstrated that UGT73F4 gene could be responsible for biosynthesis of soyasaponin Aa in the Socheongja by investigating gene expression and soyasaponin accumulations. Our results provide a molecular basis to improve the commercial properties of soyasaponin in Korean domestic soybean cultivars.

The purpose of this study was to improve the processability of rice powder using fluidised-bed granulation technology. Bukkyungmi-rice granules were prepared by fluidised-bed granulation for 1 and 2 h using water, 5% lactose (w/v) and 5% dextrin (w/v) solutions as dispersants. The particle size of Bukkyungmi-rice granules increased from 574.83 to 728.07 μm. Granules were produced due to pore formation, and the produced particles could be dispersed easily without any entanglement. The water solubility of the produced rice granules is 1.91–6.74%, which reflects the improvement in their quality with increased treatment time. In particular, Bukkyungmi-rice granules processed in 5% dextrin showed excellent settleability. The enthalpy (ΔH) was found to be the highest for Bukkyungmi-rice granules processed in 5% dextrin for 2 h by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated that rice granules obtained by fluidised-bed granulation could be used in various types of rice-based foods.

The spectral quality and intensity of light, photoperiodism, and other environmental factors have profound impacts on the metabolic composition of light-dependent higher plants. Hence, we investigate the effects of fluorescent light (96 &mu, mol m&minus, 2s&minus, 1) and white (100 &mu, 1), blue (100 &mu, 1), and red (93 &mu, 1) light-emitting diode (LED) light irradiation on the C-glycosylflavone and policosanol contents in young seedlings of wheat and barley. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analyses of C-glycosylflavone contents in barley reveal that the saponarin content is significantly enhanced under blue LED light irradiation. Under similar conditions, isoorientin and isoschaftoside contents are improved in wheat seedlings. The contents of these C-glycosylflavones differed along with the light quality and growth period. The highest accumulation was observed in sprouts after three days under blue LED light irradiation. GC/MS analyses of policosanol contents showed that 1-hexacosanol (C26:o&ndash, OH) in barley and 1-octacosanol (C28:o&ndash, OH) in wheat seedlings were reduced under LED light irradiation, compared to seedlings under fluorescent light conditions. Nonetheless, the policosanol contents gradually improved with the extension of growth times and treatments, irrespective of the light quality. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the expression pattern of biosynthesis-related genes and the respective metabolite content in barley. This study demonstrates that blue LED light irradiation is useful in maximizing the C-glycosylflavone content in barley and wheat sprouts.

Perilla and sesame are traditional sources of edible oils in Asian and African countries. In addition, perilla and sesame seeds are rich sources of health-promoting compounds, such as fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols and policosanols. Thus, developing a method to determine the geographic origin of these seeds is important for ensuring authenticity, safety and traceability and to prevent cheating. We aimed to develop a discriminatory predictive model for determining the geographic origin of perilla and sesame seeds using comprehensive metabolite profiling coupled with chemometrics. The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis models were well established with good validation values (Q2 = 0.761 to 0.799). Perilla and sesame seed samples used in this study showed a clear separation between Korea and China as geographic origins in our predictive models. We found that glycolic acid could be a potential biomarker for perilla seeds and proline and glycine for sesame seeds. Our findings provide a comprehensive quality assessment of perilla and sesame seeds. We believe that our models can be used for regional authentication of perilla and sesame seeds cultivated in diverse geographic regions.

Perilla and sesame are traditional sources of edible oils in Asian and African countries. In addition, perilla and sesame seeds are rich sources of health-promoting compounds, such as fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols and policosanols. Thus, developing a method to determine the geographic origin of these seeds is important for ensuring authenticity, safety and traceability and to prevent cheating. We aimed to develop a discriminatory predictive model for determining the geographic origin of perilla and sesame seeds using comprehensive metabolite profiling coupled with chemometrics. The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis models were well established with good validation values (Q2 = 0.761 to 0.799). Perilla and sesame seed samples used in this study showed a clear separation between Korea and China as geographic origins in our predictive models. We found that glycolic acid could be a potential biomarker for perilla seeds and proline and glycine for sesame seeds. Our findings provide a comprehensive quality assessment of perilla and sesame seeds. We believe that our models can be used for regional authentication of perilla and sesame seeds cultivated in diverse geographic regions.

Soybeans are used worldwide as food and as a healthy ingredient. Specifically, soy germ (SG) has received considerable attention owing to its abundant nutritional and biological components. This study aimed to elucidate the contents of isoflavone and soyasaponin of SG in 24 Korean soybean cultivars and the osteogenic activity of individual compounds. The isoflavone content in the SG ranged from 1110.9 to 3131.1 mg/100 g, and the soyasaponin content in SG ranged from 1173.5 to 3582.3 mg/100 g. The isoflavone and soyasaponin content depended on soybean cultivars. All isoflavone and soyasaponin compounds enhanced bone morphogenetic protein-2-mediated osteoblast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, especially soyasaponin Ab. In conclusion, our results suggest that Seonpung cultivar with high soyasaponin Ab is beneficial for developing functional materials.

As international food trade increases, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in food safety and authenticity, which are linked to geographical origin. Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) are cultivated worldwide, but there are no tools for accurately discriminating their geographical origin. Thus, our study aims to develop a method for discriminating the geographical origin of adzuki beans through targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling with gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analysis. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis showed clear discrimination between adzuki beans cultivated in Korea and China. Non-targeted metabolite profiling showed better separation than targeted profiling. Furthermore, citric acid and malic acid were the most notable metabolites for discriminating adzuki beans cultivated in Korea and China. The geographical discrimination method combining non-targeted metabolite profiling and pareto-scaling showed excellent predictability (Q2 = 0.812). Therefore, it is a suitable prediction tool for the discrimination of geographical origin and is expected to be applicable to the geographical authentication of adzuki beans.

Seedlings of natural crops are valuable sources of pharmacologically active phytochemicals. In this study, we aimed to identify new active secondary metabolites in Avena sativa L. (oat) seedlings. Two new compounds, avenafuranol (1) and diosgenoside (2), along with eight known compounds (3–10) were isolated from the A. sativa L. seedlings. Their chemical structures were elucidated via 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution ESIMS, IR spectroscopy, optical rotation analysis, and comparisons with the reported literature. The effect of each isolated compound on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity for osteoblast differentiation induced by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was investigated using the C2C12 immortal mouse myoblast cell line. Compounds 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9 induced dose-dependent increases in ALP expression relative to ALP expression in cells treated with only BMP-2, and no cytotoxicity was observed. These results suggest that A. sativa L. seedlings are a natural source of compounds that may be useful for preventing bone disorders.

As international food trade increases, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in food safety and authenticity, which are linked to geographical origin. Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) are cultivated worldwide, but there are no tools for accurately discriminating their geographical origin. Thus, our study aims to develop a method for discriminating the geographical origin of adzuki beans through targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling with gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analysis. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis showed clear discrimination between adzuki beans cultivated in Korea and China. Non-targeted metabolite profiling showed better separation than targeted profiling. Furthermore, citric acid and malic acid were the most notable metabolites for discriminating adzuki beans cultivated in Korea and China. The geographical discrimination method combining non-targeted metabolite profiling and pareto-scaling showed excellent predictability (Q2 = 0.812). Therefore, it is a suitable prediction tool for the discrimination of geographical origin and is expected to be applicable to the geographical authentication of adzuki beans.

Oats and their seeds, stems, and leaves are approved for use as safe food ingredients. Oat seedlings are environmentally friendly and are becoming increasingly popular as they provide several health benefits. We used the UPLC-CAD to quantitatively analyze isolated compounds (1–11) between 15 cultivars of oat seedlings and their harvest time. Maximum average amount of total contents of isolated compounds was observed after the harvest time of 5 days (4711.3 mg/100 g), while the minimum was observed after the harvest time of 7 days (4184.8 mg/100 g). We demonstrated that all isolated compounds (1–11) showed neuraminidase inhibitory effects, with 6 and 7 being the most active with IC50 values of 3.7 and 20.5 µM, respectively. High content of compounds 6 and 7 was observed (2306.6 mg/100 g) in the Dahan cultivar at 9 days, indicating potential good cultivars with a high content of active compounds and neuraminidase inhibition activity.

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to hepatic lipid accumulation and alcoholic fatty liver disease. Previously, we demonstrated that barley sprout extract, which contains saponarin as an active compound, reduces hepatic steatosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of barley sprout extracts (BSE) on hepatic lipid accumulation in a mouse model of alcoholic fatty liver disease. Seven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed an alcohol-containing diet (5% ethanol) and a low or high dose of BSE (100 or 200mg/kg body weight, respectively) for 10days. The high dose of BSE significantly decreased hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the ethanol-only control group. In the second animal study, mice were fed an alcohol-containing diet for 10days, followed by a 45% high-fat diet with oral administration of BSE (100 or 200mg/day/kg body weight) for 4weeks. Mice in both BSE-fed groups showed reduced hepatic steatosis. In the livers of mice fed BSE, phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was increased, and expression of hepatic autophagy markers was elevated. In cultured hepatocytes, BSE (200μg/mL) increased the rate of fatty acid oxidation and reduced that of fatty acid synthesis. Taken together, these findings suggest that BSE promotes degradation of lipid droplets and subsequent activation of fat oxidation by activating AMPK in the liver, thus protecting against development of hepatic steatosis in alcohol-fed mice. Saponarin, a major flavonoid in BSE and an activator of AMPK, increased the activity of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, which suggests that the reduction in hepatic triglyceride levels was mediated by this component of BSE. In conclusion, BSE ameliorated hepatic steatosis in a mouse model of ethanol-induced fatty liver by activating AMPK, an effect possibly mediated by the saponarin component.

This is the first study to investigate antioxidant capacities of isoflavones prepared using microwave-assisted hydrolysis method from different parts (seeds, leaves, leafstalks, pods, stems and roots) of soybean at growth stages. In addition, the fluctuations in the isoflavone, protein, fatty acid, and oil contents in R6-R8 (R6: beginning; R7: beginning maturity; R8: full maturity) seeds were confirmed. The R7 seeds exhibited the most predominant contents of isoflavones (1218.1±7.3 μg/g) in the following order: daidzein (48%)>genistein (35%)>glycitein (17%). The second highest isoflavone content was found in the leaves (1052.1±10.4 μg/g), followed by R8 seeds>roots>R6 seeds>leafstalks> pods; the stems exhibited the lowest isoflavone content (57.2±1.7 μg/g). Interestingly, daidzein showed the highest individual isoflavone content with remarkable variations (57.2-766.8 μg/g), representing 46-100% of the total isoflavone content. R8 exhibited higher protein, fatty acid, and oil contents than R6 or R7. Moreover, the antioxidant capacities against two radicals in different parts of soybean plant showed considerable differences depending upon the isoflavone content. Our results suggested that soybean leaves and seeds might be useful materials for functional foods.

Policosanols is a health promoting aliphatic alcohol known as lipid-lowing agent. To enable maximising the functional properties of wheat, this research investigates the policosanol profiles and adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation potential of Korean wheat seedlings according to cultivars and growth times. GC-MS revealed six policosanols that differed markedly in content between 17 cultivars, especially, octacosanol (8) showed the most predominant component (49–83%), varying significantly in average concentrations with growth times as 361.4 (3 days) → 613.0 (6 days) → 203.1 (9 days) → 196.5 (12 days) → 50.9 mg/100 g (19 days). The highest average policosanol (738.7 mg/100 g) exhibited after 6 days, while the lowest was 104.4 mg/100 g on 19 days. Moreover, the wheat cultivars including Shinmichal 1, Anbaek, Namhae, and Joah at 6 days may be recommended as potential sources because of high policosanols (921.7–990.6 mg/100 g). Western blot analysis revealed markedly higher AMPK activation in cells treated with the hexane extracts (150–370% at 100 μg/ml) and octacosanol (8) possessed potent AMPK activator (control; 100 → 280% at 200 μg/ml). It is confirmed that the AMPK activation by wheat seedlings are positively related to the highest policosanol content at the 6 days of growth time, independent of the cultivar. Our results may be contributed to enhance the wheat value regarding development of new cultivars and functional foods.

Seed germination occur as a result of cross-talk between embryo and embryo-surrounding tissues, however, the underlying mechanisms, especially during initial germination stage, are still not fully understood. Here, we utilized a gel based proteomics approach to investigate the changes in proteome during seed germination and early stages of seedlings growth. Proteins from different stages of germination and growing seedlings were isolated using Tris-Mg/NP-40 buffer and resolved using high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A total of 63 differentially modulated spots were identified in 2 to 4 days germinated seeds compared to that of 1 day germinated seeds. Among those proteins, 21 and 42 proteins showed increased and decreased abundances respectively. Gene ontology analysis revealed that proteins involved in methionine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and defense response were up regulated; while more than half of down regulated proteins were associated with the metabolic processes, and cell division. H2 O2 concentration was more than two fold higher in 4 days germinating seeds in comparison with the 1 day germinating seeds, suggesting the involvement of ROS signaling during seed germination. Taken together, these results enriched our knowledge of the biological process in seed germination and seedlings growth in barley.

To identify nutritional and therapeutic properties of the new Korean red waxy sorghum cultivar ‘Hwanggeumchalsusu (HGC)’, we assayed the antioxidative effects and neuraminidase inhibitory activity. A methanol and 70% ethanol extract of HGC exhibited strong antioxidative effects (IC 50 values of 83.2±2.7 for DPPH) and 85.6±2.4 μg/ml for ABTS) and neuraminidase (ND) inhibitory activity (IC 50 values of 1.8±0.1 from extracted with methanol and 3.4±0.1 μg/ml from extracted with 70% ethanol) compared with that of the control, noncolored sorghum cultivar ‘Huinchalsusu (HC)’ (IC 50 > 200μg/ml). We isolated nine polyphenols, Gallic acid (1), Protocatecuic acid (2), p-Hydroxy benzoic acid (3), Vanillic acid (4), Caffeic acid (5), Ferulic acid (6), Luteolinidin (7), Apigeninidin (8), Luteolin (9), from the HGC?methanol extract, to determine whether they were the active components Luteolinidin of one kind of polyphenols from the HGC, exhibited significant antioxidative effects (IC 50 values of 10.9±0.5 μM for DPPH and 8.6 0.6 μM for ABTS) and neuraminidase (ND) inhibitory activity (IC 50 values of 26.3±0.6) showed noncompetitive inhibition model. The binding affinity of the ND inhibitors in molecular docking experiments correlated with their ND inhibitory activities. These results suggest that HGC may be utilized to serve as a potential effective antioxidant and inhibitor of ND.

Production of high quality pigmented rice contained with high content of anthocyanin, and polyphenol was significantly influenced by cultivation environments like transplanting date and cultivation location. This study was carried out to establish an optimum transplanting date and cultivation region to produce maximum content of anthocyanin, polyphenol and antioxidant activity of pigmented rice varieties (black, red colored). Three transplanting times (May 20, June 5, June 20) and four different sites (Miryang, Uiseong, Sangju, Bonghwa) were evaluated with five pigmented rice cultivars. Anthocyanin and total polyphenol index to average temperature during 30 days after heading (DAH) of black, red pigmented rice varieties showed that anthocyanin and total polyphenol contents were decreased by 10% and 9%, respectively, with increasing average temperature of . The optimum ripening temperature of the 30 DAH for the production of high anthocyanin and total polyphenol was 22 to for early maturity black rice, 21 to for mid-late maturity of black and red rices, respectively. On the other hand, an estimated heading date of pigmented rices in return according to the optimum ripening temperature of the 30 DAH was ranged Aug. 11 to 17 for early maturity black rice, Aug. 25 for mid-late maturity black, red rice variety in Jecheon, Aug. 27 to Sep. 2 for early maturity type, Sep. 3 to 6 for mid-late type in Daegu. It seemed that Jecheon, Boeun, Mungyeong, and Yeongju were optimum regions for cultivation of pigmented rices. The estimated sowing date of pigmented rices for high anthocyanin and total polyphenol production based on the optimum heading date was May 18 to 26 for early maturity black rice variety, April 11 for mid-late black, red variety in Jecheon, May 23 to 28 for early type, April 9 to 26 for mid-late type in Boeun, respectively.

The extracts and chemical compounds isolated from barnyard millet (Echinochloa utilis) grains were investigated as part of a search for naturally derived anti-hyperglycemic medicinal plants. Among the five different solvent extracts, the ethyl acetate extract showed the lowest IC50 value against Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-glucosidase (70.2 μg/mL). Chromatography yielded eight phenolic compounds that may have been responsible for this effect. Among them, N-p-coumaroyl serotonin (1, CS), feruloyl serotonin (2, FS), and luteolin (5) potently inhibited α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 1.3–17.8 μM compared with those of deoxynojirimycin (DNJ, IC50 = 2.5 ± 0.1 μM) and acarbose (IC50 = 255.1 ± 15.6 μM). Additionally, for the first time, we found that CS and FS were significantly inhibited mammalian rat intestinal sucrase (IC50 of 3.0 and 8.2 μM) and reduced glucose content (73 and 52 % at 0.1 mg/wells) in Caco-2 (human intestinal epithelial) cells. Furthermore, oral glucose tolerance test revealed improved glucose tolerance following treatment with the barnyard millet grains extract by retarding the postprandial rise in blood glucose in vivo. These results suggest that barnyard millet grain can be used as a natural functional medicine to prevent and alleviate type-2 diabetes.

Research and Development Bureau, RDA, Jeonju 560-500, KoreaReceived October 17, 2014/Revised November 23, 2014/Accepted November 26, 2014Recently developed black waxy rice with a giant embryo (‘Nunkeunheukchal’, BGE) was selected and processed to produce high quality nutritional food. BGE contains high levels of several phytochem-icals with antioxidant activities, as well as other reported health beneficial properties. In addition, the giant embryo has high protein, lipid, and amino acids contents. Within the free amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, has long been used for treating the aftereffects of brain injuries and stroke. A method for manufacturing pop-rice and black rice tea by popping process in BGE is provided to increase a taste, nutrition and functionality. The produced ‘pop-rice’ showed increased protein (11.3%) and lipid (3.7%) contents compared with control variety, IB (‘Ilmibyeo’). In addition, melanoidin related products, polyphenol and functional amino acid con-tents were increased by the popping process. Pop-rice tea made of BGE showed the highest extraction of total sugar, glucose, raffinose and sucrose (4 times higher than brown rice) by hot water. Scavenging activity (SC

The number of patients with osteoporosis is increasing worldwide, and a decrease in bone mass is a main risk factor for fracture. The prevention of bone loss is critical for improving the quality of life for patients. However, the long-term use of antiosteoporotic agents is limited due to their side effects. Barley has been traditionally ingested for thousands of years as a safe, natural food with pharmaceutical properties, and its seedling can enhance the biological activity of the medicinal components found in food. This study aimed to clarify the antiresorptive activity of barley seedling and its mode of action. Barley seedling extracts (BSE) dose-dependently inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation with alteration of IκB degradation, c-Fos, and NFATc1 molecules in the early-to-middle stages of osteoclastogenesis. In the late phase of osteoclastogenesis, BSE also prevented DC-STAMP and cathepsin K, which are required for cell fusion and bone degradation, such as osteoclast function. In conclusion, barley seedling from natural foods may provide long-term safety and be useful for the prevention or treatment of osteoclast-mediated bone metabolic diseases, including osteoporosis.

Sorghum has been consumed as one of the important staple food in the semiarid tropics of Africa and Asia. Sorghum is rich in starch, protein, essential vitamins and minerals and grows relatively well in dry climate regions when it compared with other staple food crops. Sorghum has taken an increased interest due to several studies that report about the beneficial effects of sorghum on human health. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidative and activity of extract of milling by-products (hull and bran) of Korean sorghum cultivar, `Hwanggeaumchal` as well as its grain. Hull extract showed the highest total polyphenol contents () and major four pigments content (). From results of 2,2`-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, hull extract (, ) was also showed the strongest antioxidative effects. Bran and grain showed similar polyphenol, pigments contents and antioxidative effects. We determined cell viability by MTT assay and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity by measuring nitric oxide (NO) of hull, bran and grain methanol extract (0.5% HCl v/v) on RAW 264.7 cells. Hull extract treatment was significantly decreased NO production with dose-dependant manner. Apigeninidin as one of the major pigment of hull was showed inhibitory activity against NO production without cytotoxicitiy. Therefore, sorghum milling by-products can be used as a good source of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agents.

Saponarin (SA), a natural flavonoid, is known for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. SA is the predominant compound (1142.7 ± 0.9 mg per 100 g) in barley sprouts, constituting 72% of the total polyphenol content. We investigated, for the first time, the effects of SA from barley sprouts on cellular anti-inflammatory responses. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, SA suppressed the activation of NF-κB, as evidenced by the inhibition of NF-κB DNA binding, nuclear translocation, IκBα phosphorylation, and reporter gene expression, and it downregulated the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-6. Furthermore, SA reduced the transcription of NF-κB target molecules COX2 and FLIP inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK and p38. These results suggest that SA isolated from barley sprouts exerts anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages via inhibition of NF-κB, ERK and p38 signaling. Thus, SA may be a promising natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Red yeast rice (RYR) is the product of fermented yeast by Monascus strains on rice, and has recently become a popular dietary supplement as a traditional food in Asia. RYR contains monacolin K substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis as efficiently as statin drugs. To determine the optimal rice cultivar for manufacturing RYR, 7 rice cultivars (Goami, Goami2, Sangjuchalbyeo, Seolgaeng, Saegyejinmi, Yeonghojinmi and Chilbo) were fermented using two Monascus strains ( M. ruber KCTC6122 and KCCM60141 of M. ruber ) in this study. The monacolin K content of Sangjuchalbyeo were 47.24 ppm on KCTC6122 cultures and 117.03 ppm on KCCM60141 cultures, respectively. Other cultivars, especially Goami and Goami2, which had less content of monacolin K could not seem to ferment normally because those didn’t show red color. These results imply that Sangjuchalbyeo can be optimal rice cultivar as a commercial RYR which is well fermented rice and has high content of monacolin K. Keywords

This research was the first to investigate nutritional components, including soluble phenolics (isoflavones and anthocyanins), protein, oil, and fatty acid as well as antioxidant activities in different coloured seed coat soybeans (yellow, black, brown, and green) for two crop years. The soluble phenolics differed significantly with cultivars, crop years, and seed coat colours, while protein, oil, and fatty acid exhibited only slight variations. Especially, malonylgenistin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside compositions had the most remarkable variations. Green soybeans had the highest average isoflavone content (3079.42 μg/g), followed by yellow (2393.41 μg/g), and black soybeans (2373.97 μg/g), with brown soybeans showing the lowest value (1821.82 μg/g). Anthocyanins showed only in black soybeans, with the average contents of the primary anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidine-3-O-glucoside, and petunidin-3-O-glucoside, quantified at 11.046, 1.971, and 0.557 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, Nogchae of green soybean and Geomjeongkong 2 of black soybean may be recommended as potential cultivars owing to the highest average isoflavone (4411.10 μg/g) and anthocyanin (21.537 mg/g) contents. The scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals also differed remarkably, depending upon isoflavone and anthocyanin contents, with black soybeans exhibiting the highest antioxidant effects.

The main objectives of this study were to investigate physicochemicals and antioxidant activities of new red rice (Oryza sativa cv. Gunganghongmi (GH)) by comparing normal brown (Nampyeongbyeo, NB) and reported red rice (Jukjinjubyeo, JB) in Korea. The nutritional constituents, including protein, oil, sugar, fatty acid, GABA, and γ-oryzanol were not significantly different between normal brown and colored rice. However, the ethanol extract of GH showed the highest phenolic content (24.7 ± 1.3 mg g−1). The ethanol extracts of GH showed higher scavenging activities against DPPH (0.2 mg mL−1 = 62.1 ± 2.5%) and ABTS (0.2 mg mL−1 = 63.2 ± 3.5%) radicals. Moreover, GH more inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production (13.2 ± 1.4 μM) than JB (18.3 ± 2.3 μM) and NB (22.1 ± 1.4 μM) at the same concentration (0.2 mg mL−1) without cytotoxicity. These results suggest that new red rice (GH) would be considered to be new functional rice due to its anti-oxidative effect and high nutrition.

The concentration of nutrients in brown rice is mainly associated with embryo size. Various beneficial components have been purified from rice bran. Recently developed black waxy rice with a giant embryo (‘Milyang 263’, BGE), which is the ge t mutant of the GE gene, was selected and analyzed to produce high quality nutritional components. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in BGE rice bran, one of the most important nutritional compounds in rice, showed a 10.6-fold increase (2.66±0.48 mg/g) compared to that of BGE brown rice (0.25±0.01 mg/g). In addition, brown rice and BGE rice bran showed enriched amylopectin (94.5±0.5 and 97.0±0.0%) and bioactive anthocyanin [Cy-3-G: 75.15±4.18 (brown rice), 82.97±0.81 (rice bran) and Pn-3-G: 1.52±0.50 (brown rice), 4.33±0.20 (rice bran); mg/100 g] contents. These results suggest that BGE rice bran can be used as an excellent raw material to efficiently produce high quality essential amino acids, cyanidin-3 glycoside-enriched anthocyanins, and GABA.

This is the first study to investigate antioxidant capacities of isoflavones prepared using microwave-assisted hydrolysis method from different parts (seeds, leaves, leafstalks, pods, stems and roots) of soybean at growth stages. In addition, the fluctuations in the isoflavone, protein, fatty acid, and oil contents in R6-R8 (R6: beginning; R7: beginning maturity; R8: full maturity) seeds were confirmed. The R7 seeds exhibited the most predominant contents of isoflavones (1218.1±7.3 μg/g) in the following order: daidzein (48%)>genistein (35%)>glycitein (17%). The second highest isoflavone content was found in the leaves (1052.1±10.4 μg/g), followed by R8 seeds>roots>R6 seeds>leafstalks> pods; the stems exhibited the lowest isoflavone content (57.2±1.7 μg/g). Interestingly, daidzein showed the highest individual isoflavone content with remarkable variations (57.2-766.8 μg/g), representing 46-100% of the total isoflavone content. R8 exhibited higher protein, fatty acid, and oil contents than R6 or R7. Moreover, the antioxidant capacities against two radicals in different parts of soybean plant showed considerable differences depending upon the isoflavone content. Our results suggested that soybean leaves and seeds might be useful materials for functional foods.

It has been reported that barley leaves possess beneficial properties such as antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antidepressant, and antidiabetic. Interestingly, barley sprouts contain a high content of saponarin, which showed both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In this study, we evaluated the effect of barley sprouts on alcohol-induced liver injury mediated by inflammation and oxidative stress. Raw barley sprouts were extracted, and quantitative and qualitative analyses of its components were performed. The mice were fed a liquid alcohol diet with or without barley sprouts for four weeks. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were used to study the effect of barley sprouts on inflammation. Alcohol intake for four weeks caused liver injury, evidenced by an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels. The accumulation of lipid in the liver was also significantly induced, whereas the glutathione (GSH) level was reduced. Moreover, the inflammation-related gene expression was dramatically increased. All these alcohol-induced changes were effectively prevented by barley sprouts treatment. In particular, pretreatment with barley sprouts significantly blocked inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7. This study suggests that the protective effect of barley sprouts against alcohol-induced liver injury is potentially attributable to its inhibition of the inflammatory response induced by alcohol.

The effects of barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp.) content (10~30%) on wheat flour dough and noodle properties were investigated. As the amount of barnyard millet increased, the particle size and ash content of mixed flour increased, while lightness tended to decrease. The gelatinization characteristics of millet flour showed higher peak viscosity, holding strength, final viscosity, and setback compared with wheat flour. There was significant positive correlation between protein content and sedimentation volume, as well as between protein content and water absorption. As the amount of barnyard millet increased, hardness, springiness and cohesiveness of wet noodles tended to decrease. From the results of sensory evaluation, composite flours (addition up to 20% barnyard millet) were rated with a quality score for taste and overall acceptance which was comparable with the control flour.

The main challenges for the development of agricultural bio-degradable mulching film concern the degradation during the lifetime of cultivated crops. A set of rice by-product (rice-hull and rice-bran) based bio-degradable mulching films was developed and tested, following the measurement of standard bio-degradability rate and adaptability in a large scale field experiment. The standard bio-degradability of bio-film passed the KS (Korea standard) regulation. The result of mechanical analysis of bio-degradable mulching film presented a higher mechanical strength and elongation rate compared with polyethylene film. In addition, bio-film could be degraded into fragments within 4 months under the field condition of several upland crops. Bio-degradable mulching film indicated great potential as a new source of agricultural bio-degradable material.

Total polyphenolic, protein, lipid, and anthocyanin contents in grains of 12 Korean colored rice varieties were evaluated for their 2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH) and 2,2- Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium (ABTS) radical- scavenging activities. Three anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy-3-G), petunidin-3-O-glucoside (Pt-3-G), and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pn-3-G), were also characterized by ultra performance liquid chromatography. Among the rice varieties, ‘Heugjinju’, ‘Heugseol’, and ‘Sintoheugmi’ contained high total phenolic contents compared to other varieties. Anthocyanin content was highest in ‘Heugjinju’; no anthocyanins were detected in ‘Hongjinju’ and ‘Jeogjinju’. Highest antioxidant activity was observed in ‘Heugjinju’ and ‘Jeogjinju’ exhibited the lowest activity. To determine the correlation of total polyphenolic and anthocyanin contents to antioxidant activity, linear regression analysis was carried out. The results showed total polyphenolic content was strongly correlated with antioxidant activity, suggesting total phenolic content as key factor in antioxidant activity of colored rice. ‘Heugjinju’, ‘Heugseol’, and ‘Sintoheugmi’ could have important nutritional value.

This study was aimed to develop blend films by rice by-product (rice-hull and rice-bran) and bio-degradable materials. The rice by-product was firstly prepared from the pulverizing for making fine powder. Bio-degradable materials could be prepared by melting at high temperature. The mixture of the fine powder of rice by-product and melted bio-degradable materials was then blended and cast into films. The obtained films were investigated on their morphology, secondary structures and properties by using SEM, ICP and ASTM, respectively. Mechanical properties and degradability of these films were measured and compared to those of the PE films. Mechanical strength of bio-films was higher than that of PE films, however elongation ratio showed lower percent than that of PE film. In addition, bio-film could be degraded into fragments within 3 months under the field condition of normal upland crop cultivation. Bio-degradable mulching film indicated great potential for agronomic use as a new source of bio-degradable material.

The bio-degradable transplanting pot containing rice by-product (rice-hull and rice-bran) were developed, and tested their ability for agronomic use. Rice by-products were crosslinked with biodegradable aliphatic ally aromatic copolyesters or urea resin for making transplanting pot. Mechanical properties and degradability of these pots were measured and compared to those of the Jiffy pot (commercially used bio-degradable pot). Mechanical strength was higher than that of Jippy pot, and bio-degradability was excellent under the actual field condition. In addition, the pot could be degraded within 3 months under the ground. Our result indicated bio-degradable pot containing rice by-products has a great potential for such agronomic use.

The azuki bean in Korea consists of seven domestic varieties which have been developed and registered for the public during last 25 years. Here, we present a simple but reliable method to screen and identify Korean azuki bean varieties. A method based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers is widely used for prominent gene identification and variety discrimination. In molecular biology, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique based on the polymerase chain reaction that is used to amplify and simultaneously quantify a targeted DNA molecule. It enables easy detection of a specific sequence in a DNA sample without performing electrophoresis and further processes. For separation of seven Korean azuki bean varieties, 110 unique azuki bean SSR markers from an (AG)n-enriched library were selected, synthesized and used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were taken through acrylamide gel electrophoresis and automated multi-capillary electrophoresis system for selection of specific markers and then changed into proper formats for data mining analysis. Ten primer pairs that showed high polymorphism were chosen for the indepth study. These ten primers were re-amplified with real-time PCR and checked the cycle threshold (Ct) and temperature (Tm) for comparison of amplification sequence in seven varieties. Consequently, a total of 20 alleles and 6 SSR primers were detected from the standard PCR amplification. Within these 6 primers, 7 alleles of 3 SSR primers were isolated for variety identification. From real-time PCR results, 3 SSR primers were selected as efficient markers for discrimination of seven Korean azuki bean varieties. The approach described here could be applied in monitoring our varieties and can be adapted in the azuki bean breeding program.

Young barley leaves (YLB) have been no studies comparing the antioxidant activities of various cultivars, or differences the antioxidant activity at different harvest times. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in the antioxidant activities of YLB by different cultivars and growth stages. The 4 Korean YLB, Nakyoung, Dahyang, Saegang, and Boanchal, were sprouted, and their total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and ABTS radical cation (ABTS.+) scavenging activity were measured. The 4 cultivars exhibited high total polyphenol contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), with a range of 1047.8-1263.2 GAE mg.100 g-1 and 443.7-550.7 CE mg.100 g-1, DW, respectively. In addition, they exhibited high levels of ABTS.+ (RC50 value range of 41.8-80.8 ug.mL-1) scavenging activity. After sprouting, the antioxidant activity of the 4 cultivars increased. That is, in these YLB, the TPC, TFC and radical scavenging ability were enhanced by sprouting. Lutonarin (LN) and saponarin (SN) are the major compounds of YLB. LN exhibited stronger radical scavenging activity than SN. Over time, LN contents increased and SN contents decreased. As a result, the antioxidant ability of YLB was improved with increased growing time.

A novel liver X receptor (LXR) modulator, iristectorigenin B isolated from Belamcanda chinensis, stimulated the transcriptional activity of both LXR-α and LXR-β. In macrophages, iristectorigenin B suppressed cholesterol accumulation in a dose-dependent manner and induced the transcriptional activation of LXR-α/-β-responsive genes, ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 and G1. It did not induce hepatic lipid accumulation nor the expression of the lipogenesis genes sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1. Iristectorigenin B thus is a dual-LXR agonist that regulates the expression of key genes in cholesterol homeostasis in macrophage cells without inducing hepatic lipid accumulation.