• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.406-411
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• 2008

This study was conducted to examine the quality enhancement of fermented soybean pastes (cheonggukjang) using microorganisms with high enzyme activities and proper experimental design. The microorganisms for soybean paste fermentation were selected from a specific area of Gyeonggi and were idenlified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. To prepare the cheonggukjang, an optimum mixing ratio of selected microorganisms was determined using contour plots and numerical optimization methods. A total of 39 microorganisms were isolated from the soybean paste, consisting primarily of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, and no mold was found. Three microorganisms showing high enzyme activities were selected and used to formulate an optimum mixing ratio for cheonggukjang preparation. Based on levels of amino-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, antioxidant activity values, and sensory preference results, the optimum mixing ratio of 50% of Bacillus sp. SC-1 and 50% SC-3 was suggested for the manufacture of high quality of cheonggukjang.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.959-968
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• 2014

The changes in the ${\beta}$-glucosidase activity, total phenolic contents, isoflavone contents, and antioxidant activities during the fermentation of cheonggukjang by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MJ1-4 with and without garlic were investigated. The levels of total phenolic and isoflavone-malonylglycoside, -acetylglycoside, and -aglycone contents increased, whereas the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay results increased, but isoflavone-glycoside levels decreased during cheonggukjang fermentation. The levels of total phenolic and total isoflavone contents and the antioxidant activities were higher in cheonggukjang fermented without garlic (CFWOG) than in cheonggukjang fermented with garlic (CFWG) after 24 h of fermentation, but they were lower in CFWOG than in CFWG after 72 h of fermentation. In particular, the highest levels of total phenolic, daidzein, glycitein, and genistein were present at concentrations of 15.18 mg/g, $264.4{\mu}g/g$, $16.4{\mu}g/g$, and $31.1{\mu}g/g$ after 72 h of fermentation in CFWG, showing 82.89% in DPPH radical scavenging activity, 106.32% in ABTS radical scavenging activity, and 1.47 ($OD_{593nm}$) in FRAP assay, respectively. From these results, we suggest that the high antioxidant activity of CFWG might be related to the markedly higher levels of total phenolic contents, isoflavone-malonylglycosides, -acetylglycosides, and -aglycones achieved during fermentation.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.513-520
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Cheonggukjang pills with aronia and blueberries on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. There have been several reports that Cheonggukjang is effective for intestinal health, but the efficacy of Cheonggukjang containing fruits has not yet been reported. In this study, we showed the effect of cheonggukjang pills with blueberries and aronia (CPBA) on DSS-induced colitis in BALB/c mice. CPBA was obtained from Soonchang Moonokae foods and orally administered once a day for 2 weeks before DSS treatment. Colitis was induced in mice by feeding 5% (w/v) DSS drinking water for 7 days. The results showed that CPBA treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced disease activity index associated with a decrease in colon length. CPBA improved DSS-induced histological changes and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in mice colon. In addition, CPBA administration significantly reduced the levels of DSS-mediated interferon-γ and interleukin-6 in serum and tumor necrosis factor-α in colon tissue. Moreover, the gene expression of COX-2 and iNOS, which are factors involved in inflammatory signaling, was significantly reduced by CPBA treatment. These results suggest that CPBA have a protective effect against DSS-induced mice colitis and may be a candidate for colitis treatment.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.435-449
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cheonggukjang is a traditional fermented soybean paste with significant health-promoting effects. On the other hand, there have been insufficient studies on the safety and efficacy of Cheonggukjang, which is produced using traditional methods containing toxins and biogenic amines (BAs). This study compared the laxative effect of Cheonggukjang, containing high or low levels of toxins and BAs (HTBC or LTBC) in a loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: To induce constipation, Lop (5 mg/kg) was administered orally to ICR mice twice a day for 4 days, and the dose was increased to 8 mg/kg after a 3-day rest period. Cheonggukjang (500 mg/kg, HTBC, or LTBC respectively) was administered for four weeks before the Lop treatment. RESULTS: The number of stools, fecal weight, water contents, gastrointestinal transit, and histological alterations were recovered significantly in the HTBC or LTBC groups. HTBC and LTBC administration did not induce significant changes in body weight, dietary intake, and behavior. The opioid-receptor downstream signaling pathway in colon tissues was also evaluated. The c-Kit, stem cell kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinases subfamilies, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38, were all downregulated in the HTBC or LTBC-administered mice colon compared to the Lop group. CONCLUSION: These results show that Cheonggukjang, containing high levels of toxins and BAs, have a similar laxative effect in a mouse model of Lop-induced constipation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.522-532
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• 2022

Cheonggukjang is a traditional fermented food in Korea, which is known to exert beneficial effects on health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of cheonggukjang fermented by Bacillus subtilis SCGB 574 (B574) on high fat diet (HFD)-deteriorated large intestinal health. Rats were fed with HFD or HFD supplemented with 10.1% cheonggukjang (B574). Fecal microbiota was analyzed based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, and the fecal and serum metabolome were measured using GC-MS. Our results showed that SCGB574 intake significantly reduced body weight, restored tight junction components, and ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration. SCGB574 also shifted gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of short chain fatty acid producers such as Alistipes and Flintibacter, although it decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus. Serum and fecal metabolome analyses showed significantly different metabolic profiles between the groups. The top five metabolites increased by SCGB574 were i) arginine biosynthesis, ii) alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; iii) starch and sucrose metabolism; iv) neomycin, kanamycin, and gentamicin biosynthesis; and v) galactose metabolism. These results showed that cheonggukjang fermented by SCGB574 ameliorates adverse effects of HFD through improving intestinal health.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.736-745
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• 2016

Cheonggukjang, a traditional Korean fermented soy food, was prepared by inoculation of Bacillus subtilis EMD4 or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens EMD17 with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal activities into soybeans. Cheonggukjang was also prepared by co-inoculation of EMD4 and EMD17 (1:1, v/v). Control cheonggukjang was prepared by using B. subtilis KACC16450 (Natto strain). Growth of B. cereus cells spiked with starter organisms was completely inhibited by B. amyloliquefaciens EMD17 after 12 h of fermentation at $37^{\circ}C$. Growth of B. cereus was also inhibited by B. subtilis EMD4, but the degree of inhibition was weaker. After 48 h of fermentation, cheonggukjang samples were stored for 10 days at $4^{\circ}C$. B. cereus cells were not detected from cheonggukjang inoculated with EMD4, whereas significant numbers still present in control. The pH values of cheonggukjang samples were not significantly different. During fermentation, cheonggukjang fermented with EMD17 showed the highest fibrinolytic activity and during storage, cheonggukjang fermented with a Natto strain was the highest. Cheonggukjang fermented with a Natto strain also showed the highest amount of total phenolic compounds. The results show that control of B. cereus in cheonggukjang is possible by using starters such as B. amyloliquefaciens EMD17.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.1832-1838
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• 2010

The objective of this study was to improve the flavor of Cheonggukjang prepared by the culture optimization of starter with the fibrinolytic activity. After 25 strains isolated from the commercial Cheonggukjang and Doenjang in different regions were compared, 7 Bacillus strains with proteolytic and slime-producing activities were selected. When the fibrin plate method for fibrinolytic activity was applied, CJJN-4 and 5 showed the higher activity in tripticase soy broth (TSB). All Cheonggukjang prepared with CJJN-4 and 5 also had the fibrinolytic activity, regardless of culture temperature or time. Especially, Cheonggukjang prepared at $40^{\circ}C$ showed higher activity than $45^{\circ}C$, and Cheonggukjang prepared with CJJN-4 for 48 hr at $40^{\circ}C$ showed the highest fibrinolytic activity. Although there was no significant difference in pH of Cheonggukjang prepared with CJJN-4 or 5 during 72 hr at $40^{\circ}C$, Cheonggukjang prepared with CJJN-4 at $45^{\circ}C$ had lower pH until 60 hr than $40^{\circ}C$ or CJJN-5. The total amino type nitrogen contents of Cheonggukjang were 1,139.6 (CJJN-4) and 1,027.6 mg% (CJJN-5) for 72 hr at $40^{\circ}C$, and their producing rates were also higher at $40^{\circ}C$ fermentation than $45^{\circ}C$. Meanwhile, the contents of ammonia type nitrogen induced unpleasant flavor were lower in Cheonggukjang with CJJN-4 and 5 at $40^{\circ}C$ than CJJN-5 at $45^{\circ}C$. Therefore, Cheonggukjang fermented with CJJN-4 starter at $40^{\circ}C$ had the improved flavor, such as change of amino or ammonia type nitrogen production, and higher fibrinolytic activity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.889-895
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• 2007

This study investigated the quality characteristics of red ginseng cheonggukjang development by a various of concentration of red ginseng extract and powder to enhance its acceptability and functional properties. In the cheonggukjang added with red ginseng extract, viscous substances, reducing sugars, and fibrinolytic activity showed higher values by the addition of red ginseng extract. The standard crude saponin content of products containing red ginseng was evaluated, and found to be suitable in cheonggukjang added with 4% red ginseng extract. In the cheonggukjang added with red ginseng powder, viscous substances, reducing sugars, and fibrinolytic activity showed a similar tendency to the cheonggukjang added with red ginseng extract. Amino type nitrogen and ammonia type nitrogen decreased by increasing the addition of red ginseng powder, and the crude saponin content of cheonggukjang with the addition of 14% red ginseng powder was suitable, in terms of manufacturing standards for products containing red ginseng. Dependent on the addition time of red ginseng in cheonggukjang, viscous substances, reducing sugars, fibrinolytic activity, amino type nitrogen, and ammonia type nitrogen showed no differences based on the addition time; however, for crude saponin content, the cheonggukjang with red ginseng added before fermentation showed a higher saponin content than the cheonggukjang with red ginseng added after fermentation. The ginsenosides $Rg_{1}$, Re, Rf, $Rh_{1}$, $Rg_{2}$, $Rb_{1}$, Rc, $Rb_{2}$, Rd and $Rg_{3}$ were detected, but ginsenoside content did not show significant difference according to addition time. In conclusion, the addition amount of red ginseng in cheonggukjang for optimum fermentation was concentration of 4% (w/w), which showed the best results in quality characteristics.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.10
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• pp.1420-1425
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• 2008

This study was conducted to investigate the fermentation characteristics of cheonggukjang prepared with soybean germinated under light condition. The moisture content and pH of cheonggukjang made with soybean germinated under light condition (CGL) were higher than that of cheonggukjang made with non-germinated soybean (CNG). The color of CGL was darker than that of CNG and cheonggukjang made with soybean germinated under dark condition (CGD). The number of live bacteria in the CGL ($10.7{\pm}0.3\;\log\;CFU/g$) and CGD ($10.7{\pm}0.4\;\log\;CFU/g$) was higher than that of CNG ($9.7{\pm}0.4\;\log\;CFU/g$). The levels of isoflavone in CGL, CGD and CNG were 2,038.0, 1,993.6 and 1,747.0 ug/g, respectively. There were no significant differences in the appearance, aroma, taste and overall acceptability of the cheonggukjang made with different germination conditions. Therefore, it was expected that the cheonggukjang prepared with soybean germinated under light condition could be practically used as a new fermented food.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.262-269
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• 2013

The object of this study was to improve the quality of Cheonggukjang with new starter, Bacillus subtilis BC-P1. Twenty strains were isolated from the commercial cheonggukjang and 1 Bacillus strain (BC-P1) with protease activity was selected. The 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the BC-P1 was closely related to B. subtilis with 99% homology. The quality characteristics of chunggukjang fermented with B. subtilis BC-P1, Bacillus nato (PC) and commercial chunggukjang (NC) were investigated. The characteristics of fermentation were determined by protease, lipase, xylanase, chitinase, and fibrinolytic activities, reducing sugar, nutrient composition and amino acid contents of cheonggukjang sample. Cheonggukjang fermented with B. subtilis BC-P1 showed the strongest fibrinolytic, xylanase, and chitinase activities. Reducung sugar contents of Cheonggukjang samples were $30.16{\pm}2.11$ mg/g (NC), $28.56{\pm}1.52$ mg/g (PC), $32.39{\pm}1.87$ mg/g (BC-P1). And their total amino acid contents were 338.99 mg% (NC), 445.19 mg% (PC), 741.35 mg% (BC-P1). These results suggested that B. subtilis BC-P1 was suitable to be used as a starter to enhance the quality and effects of cheonggukjang.