Suncheon Godeulppaegi Kimchi Proven Highly Effective for Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Hypertension

Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency Functional Efficacy Evaluation

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Godeulppaegi kimchi, processed using godeulppaegi, a representative specialty of Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do, showed anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects in a functional efficacy evaluation.

Suncheon Godeulppaegi Agricultural Cooperative Corporation requested the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency Food Industry Research Center to evaluate the functional efficacy of cold-fermented godeulppaegi kimchi. The experiment showed anti-inflammatory activity by reducing NO (nitric oxide) content and confirmed antihypertensive activity by inhibiting ACE (Angiotensin I converting enzyme), which is related to blood pressure elevation.

In a comparison experiment with Cheonggukjang, known to be effective for hypertension, the ACE inhibitory activity of commercially available Cheonggukjang was 17.8%, while that of godeulppaegi kimchi was 80.9%, confirming that godeulppaegi kimchi has about 4.5 times higher antihypertensive activity, suggesting the need for more in-depth research.

Yoo Sung-jin, CEO of Suncheon Godeulppaegi Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, said, “Godeulppaegi has been used as a medicinal herb with various effects since ancient times. It is natural that it showed anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activities this time. We will conduct deeper experiments to promote the excellence of Suncheon’s representative specialty, godeulppaegi, and produce high value-added products.”

Meanwhile, Suncheon Godeulppaegi Agricultural Cooperative Corporation is a company formed by residents that processes, sells, and offers experiences with godeulppaegi-related products such as kimchi, pickles, pills, tea, and cosmetics.