Identification and characterization of a novel Terrabacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. [beta]-glucosidase that transforms ginsenoside Rb1 into the rare gypenosides XVII and LXXV

The cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of a gene (bgpA) encoding a new ginsenoside-hydrolyzing [beta]-glucosidase from a novel bacterial strain, Terrabacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. Gsoil 3082, isolated from a ginseng farm in Korea is described. The studies have shown that BgpA is effective in the biotransformation of ginsenoside Rb1 to gypenoside (Gyp).