Improved Bioactivity of 3-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl Platycosides in Biotransformed Platycodon grandiflorum Root Extract by Pectinase from Aspergillus aculeatus

Platycodon grandiflorum (balloon flower) root (Platycodi radix, PR) is used as a health supplement owing to its beneficial bioactive properties. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and whitening effects of deglycosylated platycosides (saponins) from PR bio-transformed by pectinase from Aspergillus aculeatus were investigated. The bio-activities of the platycosides improved when the number of sugar moieties attached to the aglycone platycosides was decreased. The deglycosylated saponins exhibited higher lipoxygenase inhibitory activities (anti-inflammatory activities) than the precursor platycosides and the anti-inflammatory compound baicalein. The 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the pectinasetreated PR extract was higher than that of the non-treated PR extract. The trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity ( TEAC) assay showed improved values as the saponins were hydrolyzed. The tyrosinase inhibitory activities (whitening effects) of deglycosylated platycosides were higher than those of the precursor platycosides. Furthermore, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl platycosides showed higher anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and whitening activities than their precursor glycosylated platycosides. Therefore, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl platycosides may improve the beneficial effects of nutritional supplements and cosmetic products.

Automated summary

Deglycosylated platycosides from Platycodon grandiflorum root treated with pectinase exhibit enhanced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and whitening effects compared to precursor platycosides, indicating improved bioactivities through sugar moieties reduction.