The extracts and pure saponins from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) are reported to have a wide range of health benefits. Platycosides (saponins) from the roots of PG are characterized by a structure containing a triterpenoid aglycone and two sugar chains. Saponins are of commercial significance, and their applications are increasing with increasing evidence of their health benefits. The biological effects of saponins include cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, neuroprotective activity, antiviral activity, and cholesterol lowering effects. Saponins with commercial value range from crude plant extracts, which can be used for their foaming properties, to high purity saponins such as platycodin D, which can be used for its health applications (e.g., as a vaccine adjuvant). This review reveals that platycosides have many health benefits and have the potential to be used as a remedy against many of the major health hazards (e.g., cancer, obesity, alzheimer’s) faced by populations around the world. Methods of platycoside purification and analysis are also covered in this review.

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This study sought to identify a new strain of microorganism from a natural source, nuruk, for use in the production of platycodin D (PD) from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG). A non-Saccharomyces yeast capable of producing PD was isolated from nuruk and identified as Cyberlindnera fabianii. The enzyme responsible for PD production was traced with partially purified crude enzyme extracts (CEE) from yeast C. fabianii 48. The best enzyme fraction responsible for production of PD was the >100 kDa CEE. In addition, the bioconversion pathway for production of PD by the >100 kDa CEE with PD, platycodin D2 (PD2) and platycodin D3 (PD3) substrates was investigated. The >100 kDa CEE was able to degrade PD3 to PD and had no effect on PD and PD2. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSPlatycodin D, the most superior saponin in Platycodon grandiflorum (PG), has been reported to have numerous biological effects including prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia, obesity, inflammation and cancer. This study will contribute to future research in drug development, health benefits and applications by searching for potent fermenting microorganisms and developing an improved bioprocess for use in large-scale production of value-added PG saponins.