Black tea kombucha: Physicochemical, microbiological and comprehensive phenolic profile changes during fermentation,
Marcel Cardoso de Noronha1, Rodrigo Rezende Cardoso1, Carolina Thomaz Dos Santos D'Almeida2
1Department of Food Technology, Federal University of Vicosa, Vicosa, MG, Brazil.
Food Chemistry
|February 27, 2022
Summary
Black tea kombucha fermentation alters its phenolic compounds, increasing beneficial phenolic acids and demonstrating anti-malarial properties. This research enhances understanding of kombucha
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Kombucha, a fermented tea, possesses a complex biochemical profile.
- Understanding fermentation-driven changes is crucial for optimizing its health benefits.
- Black tea kombucha's phenolic composition and bioactivity require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the physicochemical and microbiological changes in black tea kombucha during fermentation.
- To characterize the evolving phenolic profile using advanced analytical techniques.
- To evaluate the antimalarial (antiplasmodic) potential of fermented black tea kombucha.
Main Methods:
- Fermentation of black tea kombucha.
- Physicochemical and microbiological analyses.
- Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSE) for phenolic profiling.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in total phenolics (1.7 log2 fold-change) with fermentation time.
- Shift in phenolic composition, with increased phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid, cinnamic acid) and decreased flavonoids (e.g., nepetin, hesperidin).
- Demonstrated antiplasmodic activity against both chloroquine-sensitive and resistant *Plasmodium falciparum* strains.
Conclusions:
- Black tea kombucha fermentation significantly modifies its phenolic profile, enhancing bioactive compounds.
- The observed phenolic acid increase correlates with antiplasmodic activity, suggesting therapeutic potential.
- This study provides insights into optimizing kombucha fermentation for enhanced bioactive properties and understanding its health implications.
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