Investigation and Characterization of Biologically Active Compounds Recovered from Kefir (A Probiotic Fermented Milk)

Abstract

Fermented milk is considered as a good source of nutrition for many people. One of the most important substances that could be used in milk fermentation is kefir grains. Kefir fermented milk is very important in many health conditions such as bacterial infections, high blood pressure and some hepatic conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of kefir fermented milk against some pathogenic microorganisms as Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp and Candida albicans by using disc diffusion method. The efficacy of kefir fermented milk was investigated as a hepato-protective against CCl4 inducing liver toxicity and as a protective agent against kidney and spleen damages using laboratory animal model. The results revealed that the kefir fermented milk had a potent antibacterial activity against all tested pathogenic isolates and it also showed high significant protection in mice against CCl4 toxicity. In conclusion, kefir milk can be used as an antibacterial supplement and as a protective agent against liver toxicity.