Production of the Rare Ginsenoside Rh2-MIX (20()-Rh2, 20()-Rh2, Rk2, and Rh3) by Enzymatic Conversion Combined with Acid Treatment and Evaluation of Its Anti-Cancer Activity.

The ginsenoside Rh2 has strong anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. However, the application of ginsenoside Rh2 is restricted because of the small amounts found in Korean white and red ginsengs. To enhance the production of ginsenoside Rh2-MIX (comprising 20()-Rh2, 20()-Rh2, Rk2, and Rh3 as a 10-g unit) with high specificity, yield, and purity, a new combination of enzymatic conversion using the commercial enzyme Viscozyme L followed by acid treatment was developed.

Sphingosinicella ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., with ginsenoside converting activity.

The Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, nonspore-forming, and rod-shaped bacterial strain designated BS11(T) was isolated from the compost and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain BS11(T) grew optimally at 30-37°C and at pH 7.0 in the absence of NaCl on nutrient agar.