Biotransformation of ginsenoside Rb1 to ginsenoside C-K by endophytic fungus Arthrinium sp GE 17-18 isolated from Panax ginseng

This research aimed to isolate -glycosidase-producing endophytic fungus in Panax ginseng to achieve biotransformation of ginsenoside Rb1 to ginsenoside C-K. Of these 15 -glucosidase-producing endophytic fungus isolated from ginseng roots, a -glucosidase-producing endophytic fungi GE 17-18 could hydrolyse major ginsenosides Rb1 to minor ginsenoside C-K with metabolic pathways: ginsenoside Rb1ginsenoside Rdginsenoside F2ginsenoside C-K. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS gene sequences indicated that the strain GE 17-18 belongs to the genus Arthrinium and is most closely related to Arthrinium sp. . Significance and Impact of the StudyThis is the first study to provide information of cultivable -glycosidase-producing Endophytic fungus in Panax ginseng. The strain GE 17-18 has potential to be applied on the preparation for minor ginsenoside C-K in pharmaceutical industry.