Antioxidant activity and blood alcohol concentration lowering effect of fermented Hovenia dulcis fruit vinegar

In this study, Hovenia dulcis fruit fermented vinegar (HFV) was produced by the two-step fermentation of the H. dulcis fruit. The bioactivities before and after fermentation were compared. During the two-stage fermentation, the highest total acidity (4.99%) in the H. dulcis fruit extract juice was determined to be 16°Bx. During fermentation, the acetic acid content increased from 54.45 to 5404.30 mg%, and the fructose level in the HFV decreased from 130.68 to 54.91 mg%. The levels of DPPH and ABTS^·+ free radicals scavenging activities, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and β-carotene bleaching activities were found to be increased in HFV as compared to before fermentation. Furthermore, the serum alcohol and acetaldehyde levels were reduced significantly in HFV compared to before fermentation. This study shows that HFV enhances the antioxidant and alcohol degradation activities and can potentially be used as a functional drink to prevent hangovers.