This study aimed to produce and optimize a Cordyceps militaris-based oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion (NE) encapsulated in sea buckthorn oil (SBT) using an ultrasonication process. Herein, a nonionic surfactant (Tween 80) and chitosan cosurfactant were used as emulsifying agents. The Cordyceps nanoemulsion (COR-NE) was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field-emission transmission electron microscope (FE-TEM). The DLS analyses revealed that the NE droplets were 87.0 ± 2.1 nm in diameter, with a PDI value of 0.089 ± 0.023, and zeta potential of −26.20 ± 2. The small size, low PDI, and stable zeta potential highlighted the excellent stability of the NE. The NE was tested for stability under different temperature (4 °C, 25 °C, and 60 °C) and storage conditions for 3 months where 4 °C did not affect the stability. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were assessed. The results suggested that the NE was not toxic to RAW 264.7 or HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cell lines at up to 100 µL/mL. Anti-inflammatory activity in liposaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells was evident at 50 µg/mL and showed inhibition of NO production and downregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression. Further, the NE exhibited good antioxidant (2.96 ± 0.10 mg/mL) activity and inhibited E. coli and S. aureus bacterial growth. Overall, the COR-NE had greater efficacy than the free extract and added significant value for future biomedical and cosmetics applications.

Ginseng is an ancient herb widely consumed due to its healing property of active ginsenosides. Recent researchers were explored to increase its absorption and bioavailability of ginsenosides at the metabolic sites, due to its pharmacological activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the isolation and characteristics of components obtained by a shorter steaming cycle (seven cycles) of white ginseng to fermented black ginseng, using a novel strain of Aspergillus niger KHNT-1 isolated from fermented soybean. The degree of bioactive of Rg3 increased effectively during the steaming process, and biotransformation converted the color towards black along active ginsenosides. Glycol moiety associated with C-3, C-6, or C-20 underwent rapid biotransformation and hydrolysis, such as Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd → Rg3, F2, and was converted to CK. Dehydration produces Rg3 → Rk1, Rg5. Rh2 → Rk2; thus, converted fermented black ginseng was solvent-extracted, and the isolated components were identified by TLC, HPLC, and quantification by LCMS. The unique composition obtained during this process with Rk1, Rg3, Rg5, and CK is nontoxic to HaCaT cell line up to 200 ug/mL for 24 h and was found to be effective in B16BL6 cell lines, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Thus, it is a suitable candidate for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

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