Black Tea Kombucha Research Articles

Investigation of the Antioxidant Potential of Kombucha Prepared Using Salvia officinalis L.

Kombucha is a slightly acidic sugary drink made by fermenting sweetened tea. It is known for its numerous health advantages. The objective of this study is to explore the possible effects of Salvia officinalis on enhancing the biochemical characteristics of kombucha. The present investigation compared traditional kombucha, produced using green and black tea, with kombucha derived from S. officinalis, examining their antioxidant properties, total phenolic, and total flavonoid content. The fermentation process lasted for a duration of 14 days. The present study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of fermented S. officinalis. The antioxidant potential was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and copper (II) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) techniques. The DPPH radical reduction percentages were determined to be 93.5±1.65% for kombucha of green tea, 90.6±1.51% for kombucha of black tea, and 88.5±1.68% for kombucha of S. officinalis. According to the CUPRAC results, green tea kombucha was found to have 321.58±2.12 mg TE/g, black tea kombucha 305.91±1.98 mg TE/g and S. officinalis kombucha 301.97±1.78 mg TE/g. Total phenolic content was 154.15±1.22 mg GAE/g for kombucha of green tea, 145.41±1.31 mg GAE/g for kombucha of black tea, and 124.52±1.25 mg GAE/g for kombucha of S. officinalis. The determined value for the total flavonoid content was 101.12±0.98 mg QE/g for kombucha of green tea, 99.41±0.97 mg QE/g for kombucha of black tea, and 92.73±0.78 mg QE/g for kombucha of S. officinalis. The findings indicate that S. officinalis can serve as a substitute medium for kombucha fermentation, resulting in the development of a novel kind of kombucha with similar chemical characteristics.

Regular Consumption of Black Tea Kombucha Modulates the Gut Microbiota in Individuals with and without Obesity.

Kombucha, a fermented beverage obtained from a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, has shown potential in modulating gut microbiota, although no clinical trials have been done. We aimed to evaluate the effects of regular black tea kombucha consumption on intestinal health in individuals with and without obesity. A pre-post clinical intervention study was conducted lasting 8 wk. Forty-six participants were allocated into 2 groups: normal weight + black tea kombucha (n = 23); and obese + black tea kombucha (n = 23). Blood, urine, and stool samples were collected at baseline (T0) and after 8 wk of intervention (T8). A total of 145 phenolic compounds were identified in the kombucha, primarily flavonoids (81%) and phenolic acids (19%). Kombucha favored commensal bacteria such as Bacteroidota and Akkermanciaceae, especially in the obese group. Subdoligranulum, a butyrate producer, also increased in the obese group after kombucha consumption (P = 0.031). Obesity-associated genera Ruminococcus and Dorea were elevated in the obese group at baseline (P < 0.05) and reduced after kombucha consumption, becoming similar to the normal weight group (Ruminococcus: obese T8 × normal weight T8: P = 0.27; Dorea: obese T8 × normal weight T0: P = 0.57; obese T8 × normal weight T8: P = 0.32). Fungal diversity increased, with a greater abundance of Saccharomyces in both groups and reductions in Exophiala and Rhodotorula, particularly in the obese group. Pichia and Dekkera, key microorganisms in kombucha, were identified as biomarkers after the intervention. Regular kombucha consumption positively influenced gut microbiota in both normal and obese groups, with more pronounced effects in the obese group, suggesting that it may be especially beneficial for those individuals. This trial was registered at Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry - ReBEC as UTN code U1111-1263-9550 (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9832wsx).

ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A MICRO-INDUSTRY PRODUCING KOMBUCHA FLAVORED WITH PASSION FRUIT FROM THE CAATINGA.

Kombucha is a fermented beverage of Chinese origin produced from the infusion of black or green tea from the Camelia sinensis plant, sugar and a symbiotic culture known as SCOBY. After fermentation, the drink becomes rich in natural nutrients with functions that are beneficial to health such as organic acids, amino acids, vitamin C, polyphenols and antibiotic substances. The present work aims at carrying out a study of the economic feasibility of opening a micro-industry for the production of a black tea kombucha flavored with passion fruit from the caatinga. The caatinga passion fruit is a species native to the dry areas of northeastern Brazil. This fruit is rich in flavonoids, vitamin C and carotenoids, which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. For the development of the study, specifications of processes, equipment and analysis of financial and economic indicators were carried out. The evaluation of the investments was carried out using the internal rate of return (IRR), minimum attractiveness rate (TAM), net present value (NPV), simple payback and discounted payback methods. The initial investment for the production of 2,000 L of kombucha flavored with passion fruit from the caatinga was R$ 187,199.78. The economic indicators obtained resulted in NPV of R$ 253,154.68, IRR of 22%, TAM of 13.34% p.a. and simple payback of 3.9 years considering a useful life of 10 years. The positive IRR reflects that the enterprise is economically viable and profitable, making it possible to invest and generate income for cooperatives and family farmers.

Application of scoby bacterial cellulose as hydrocolloids on physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics of mango jam.

The scoby pellicle of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast is a by-product from kombucha fermentation. While a portion is used as starter culture, the remainder is often discarded, yet it can be a valuable source of bacterial cellulose. Scoby from black, green and oolong tea kombucha fermentation was assessed for its hydrocolloid effects in mango jam-making through evaluation of physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics. Quality of jam was significantly improved with water activity reduction up to 22.22% to 0.679, moisture content reduction up to 37.06% to 19.92%, and a pH drop up to 5.9% to 3.19 with the use of 20 to 100 g kg-1 scoby. In colour analysis, presence of scoby led to a brighter jam due to higher values from 30.98 to a range of 31.82 to 40.83. Texture of jam with scoby gave higher gel strength and adhesiveness, with the most prominent effects from the black tea kombucha. Overall acceptability in sensory test scoring was above 70% on a nine-point hedonic scale with the 40 g kg-1 green tea kombucha scoby jam chosen as the most preferred. Scoby gave significant contributions to jam stability, appearance and texture, showing potential as a clean-label food ingredient. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical Profile, Antioxidants, and Enzymatic Activity of the Kombucha Tea Beverages as a Potential Anti-obesity Beverage

This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition of black tea kombucha and kombucha without tea, as well as the relationship between these three parameters. Both kombuchas of different fermentation times (1, 7, 14, 21 days) were analysed. The pH and total soluble solids (TSS) of both samples decreased gradually with fermentation time. The scavenging activity (DPPH), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of black tea kombucha were significantly higher than kombucha without tea. The porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) inhibition of both samples increased gradually with fermentation time. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in pH, TSS, and PPL inhibition from the beginning to the end of fermentation in black tea kombucha, while for kombucha without tea, significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in pH, TFC, and PPL inhibition. Moreover, significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in all parameters except pH between the two samples at the end of fermentation. The Pearson correlation revealed kombucha's lipase inhibition was correlated with its chemical profile, not with antioxidant activity. These findings indicate the anti-obesity potential of kombucha, highly associated with kombucha’s chemical profile.

Black Tea Kombucha Consumption: Effect on Cardiometabolic Parameters and Diet Quality of Individuals with and without Obesity

Background: Kombucha, a fermented tea, has been suggested as an adjuvant in the treatment of obesity. Although animal and in vitro studies indicate its promising benefits, exploring kombucha’s impact on human health is necessary. Methods: This quasi-experimental pre–post-intervention assessed the effect of black tea kombucha consumption on cardiometabolic parameters for 8 weeks, considering the quality of the diet of individuals with and without obesity. Diet quality was assessed through the Dietary Inflammatory Index® and Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity. Paired t-test/Wilcoxon was applied to compare differences between pre- and post-intervention (α = 0.05). Results: After the intervention, individuals with obesity showed a decrease in insulin, HOMA-IR, and GGT; those without obesity showed an increase in total cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase, but this was only observed in those with a worsened diet quality. Conclusion: kombucha intake demonstrated positive impacts on the metabolic health of individuals with obesity beyond the importance of combining it with healthy eating patterns.

Regular Intake of Black Tea Kombucha Modulated the Gut Microbiota of Individuals With and Without Obesity

Regular Intake of Black Tea Kombucha Modulated the Gut Microbiota of Individuals With and Without Obesity

3D printed kombucha biomaterial as a tissue scaffold and L929 cell cytotoxicity assay

AbstractTissue engineering includes the construction of tissue‐organ scaffold. The advantage of three‐dimensional scaffolds over two‐dimensional scaffolds is that they provide homeostasis for a longer time. The microbial community in Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) can be a source for kombucha (kombu tea) production. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the usage of SCOBY, which produces bacterial cellulose, as a biomaterial and 3D scaffold material. 3D printable biomaterial was obtained by partial hydrolysis of oolong tea and black tea kombucha biofilms. In order to investigate the usage of 3D kombucha biomaterial as a tissue scaffold, “L929 cell line 3D cell culture” was created and cell viability was tested in the biomaterial. At the end of the 21st day, black tea showed 51% and oolong tea 73% viability. The cytotoxicity of the materials prepared by lyophilizing oolong and black tea kombucha beverages in fibroblast cell culture was determined. Black tea IC50 value: 7.53 mg, oolong tea IC50 value is found as 6.05 mg. Fibroblast viability in 3D biomaterial + lyophilized oolong and black tea kombucha beverages, which were created using the amounts determined to these values, were investigated by cell culture Fibroblasts in lyophilized and 3D biomaterial showed viability of 58% in black tea and 78% in oolong tea at the end of the 7th day. In SEM analysis, it was concluded that fibroblast cells created adhesion to the biomaterial. 3D biomaterial from kombucha mushroom culture can be used as tissue scaffold and biomaterial.

Characterization of kombucha prepared from black tea and coffee leaves: A comparative analysis of physiochemical properties, bioactive components, and bioactivities.

The utilization of coffee leaves in kombucha production has intrigued researchers; however, the lack of understanding regarding the characteristics of coffee leaf kombucha (CK) and its differentiation from black tea kombucha (BK) has impeded its application in the beverage industry. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize and compare the physiochemical properties, phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory ability of kombucha prepared from the leaves of Coffea arabica (CK) and black tea (Camellia sinensis, BK) and their extracts (CT and BT). After fermentation, pH and the contents of total sugars, reducing sugars, and free amino acids of BK and CK were decreased, whereas the levels of total acids and organic acids, such as gluconic, lactic, and acetic acid were increased. Notably, the concentration of vitamin C in CK was 48.9% higher than that in BK. HPLC analysis exhibited that 5-caffeoylquinic acid in CT was significantly decreased by 48.0% in CK, whereas the levels of 3-caffeoylquinic acid and 4-caffeoylquinic acid were significantly increased after fermentation. The content of caffeine was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by 9.5% and 22.0% in BK and CK, respectively, whereas thetheobromine level was significantly increased in CK. Notably, CK has superior total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity than BK, whereas BK possesses higher α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity. Electronic nose analysis demonstrated that sulfur-containing organics were the main volatiles in both kombuchas, and fermentation significantly increased their levels. Our study indicates that coffee leaves are a promising resource for preparing kombucha. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This article investigates the differences in physicochemical properties, bioactive constituents, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of kombucha preparation from black tea and coffee leaves. We have found that after fermentation BK had brighter soup color and higher α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity, whereas CK had higher levels of total phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidants and lower contents of sugars. This study provides valuable information for the preparation of CK with high-quality attributes and antioxidant activity.

Influence of Galvanized Steel on Kombucha Fermentation: Weight Loss Measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis, Corrosion Activity, and Phytochemical Study

This study aimed to investigate the influence of galvanized steel coupons on black tea kombucha fermentation. As a secondary objective, the corrosion activity of the fermented medium at different stages of fermentation was investigated. The results revealed significant interactions among microorganisms, the metal, and the fermented medium. On one hand, mass loss measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and released zinc and iron ion analysis showed the deterioration of galvanized steel coupons. On the other hand, HPLC-RI analysis showed that the presence of steel coupons improved the kinetics of fermentation. The chemical composition and bioactivity of kombucha were also influenced by the presence of galvanized steel. The results showed the detection of eleven phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD, including trihydroxyethylrutin, methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, and ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-cinamate, which were found only in kombucha in the presence of galvanized steel (K+GS). In addition, a total of 53 volatile compounds were detected by GC-MS before and after derivatization, including eleven constituents identified for the first time in K+GS. Concerning antioxidant activity, a higher percentage of inhibition against the DPPH radical was attributed to the ethyl acetate extract found in K+GS (IC50 = 8.6 µg/mL), which could suggest the formation of inhibitors. However, according to the electrochemical findings, the corrosion current density increased threefold during the fermentation process compared to acidified black tea, indicating that corrosion activity was promoted in the kombucha medium and suggesting several competing phenomena between corrosion and inhibition.

Redefining the hepatoprotective potential of Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) Kombucha towards the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatotoxicity of mice

PurposeThis research intended the utilization of Javanese turmeric (0.4% w/v) as a kombucha substrate and analysis of its hepatoprotective activity, in comparison against nonfermented Javanese turmeric beverage (JTB) and black tea kombucha.Design/methodology/approachForty-two healthy male Balb/c mice (two- to three-week-old, 20–30 g) were divided into six groups with seven replicates each. The treatments were normal diet, normal diet + Javanese turmeric kombucha (JTK), normal diet + diethylnitrosamine (DEN), DEN + JTB, DEN + JTK, DEN + black tea kombucha. Kombuchas and JTB were given at 0.3 mL/20 g BW/d. DEN was induced intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Observed biomarkers were blood serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) activity, serum malonaldehyde (MDA), as well as liver histology. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance.FindingsAmong DEN-induced groups, JTK significantly (p < 0.05) diminished the level of blood SGPT, SGOT and serum MDA. JTK also had lower blood SGPT (8.604 ± 2.195 U/L) and serum MDA levels (2.884 ± 0.083 nM/mL) compared to the normal group (8.604 ± 2.195 U/L and 5.050 ± 0.998 nM/mL, respectively). JTK also produced the least damaged liver-cell numbers.Originality/valueJTK demonstrated better hepatoprotective activity compared to JTB.

Volatilome, Microbial, and Sensory Profiles of Coffee Leaf and Coffee Leaf-Toasted Maté Kombuchas.

Kombucha is a fermented beverage traditionally made from the leaves of Camelia sinensis. The market has drastically expanded recently, and the beverage has become more elaborated with new, healthy food materials and flavors. Pruning and harvesting during coffee production may generate tons of coffee leaves that are discarded although they contain substantial amounts of bioactive compounds, including those found in maté tea and coffee seeds. This study characterized the changes in volatilome, microbial, and sensory profiles of pure and blended arabica coffee leaf tea kombuchas between 3-9 days of fermentation. Acceptance was also evaluated by consumers from Rio de Janeiro (n = 103). Kombuchas (K) were prepared using black tea kombucha starter (BTKS) (10%), sucrose (10%), a symbiotic culture of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY) (2.5%), and a pure coffee leaf infusion (CL) or a 50:50 blend with toasted maté infusion (CL-TM) at 2.5%. The RATA test was chosen for sensory profile characterization. One hundred volatile organic compounds were identified when all infusions and kombucha samples were considered. The potential impact compounds identified in CL K and CL-TM K were: methyl salicylate, benzaldehyde, hexanal, nonanal, pentadecanal, phenylethyl-alcohol, cedrol, 3,5-octadien-2-one, β-damascenone, α-ionone, β-ionone, acetic acid, caproic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, isovaleric acid, linalool, (S)-dihydroactinidiolide, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl hexanoate, and geranyl acetone. Aroma and flavor descriptors with higher intensities in CL K included fruity, peach, sweet, and herbal, while CL-TM K included additional toasted mate notes. The highest mean acceptance score was given to CL-TM K and CL K on day 3 (6.6 and 6.4, respectively, on a nine-point scale). Arabica coffee leaf can be a co-product with similar fingerprinting to maté and black tea, which can be explored for the elaboration of potentially healthy fermented beverages in food industries.

Fermented Tea as a Food with Functional Value-Its Microbiological Profile, Antioxidant Potential and Phytochemical Composition.

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink produced by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, known as SCOBY. Its base has traditionally been black tea, which has been recognized for its health-promoting properties, particularly its antioxidant activity based on its high content of pol-yphenolic compounds. A number of previous studies have demonstrated the equally favourable biochemical and phytochemical composition of green tea. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the basic biochemical composition, microbiological composition and antioxidant properties of black and green tea-based Kombucha. The green tea-based Kombucha showed a quantitatively more abundant microbial composition (Lactic Acid Bacteria, Acetobacter sp., Yeast), a higher reducing potential (FRAP-4326.58 Fe(II)µM/L) and a higher content of total polyphenols (23.84 mg GAE/100 mL, reducing sugars (3212.00 mg/100 mL) as well as free amino acids (849.00 mg GLY/mL). Kombucha made from black tea, on the other hand, showed a higher anti-oxidant potential (1.17 Trolox (mM) TEAC), neutralising the DPPH radical at 94.33% and ABTS at 97.74%. It also had a higher level of acetic acid (0.08 g/100 mL). Green tea kombucha had a higher scavenging capacity of 90.6% for superoxide radical (O2-) and 69.28% for hydroxyl radical (·OH) than black tea kombucha. In the present study, both kombucha drinks tested were shown to be source of potent antioxidants. In addition, green tea, as a kombucha base, has proven to be as beneficial a raw material that will provide full nutritional and health-promoting values as traditional kombucha.

Research progress on alternative kombucha substrate transformation and the resulting active components.

Kombucha is a customary tea-based beverage that is produced through the process of fermenting a mixture of tea and sugar water with symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Traditional kombucha has various beneficial effects and can improve immunity. The significant market share of Kombucha can be attributed to the growing consumer inclination towards healthy foods within the functional beverage industry. The research focus has recently expanded from the probiotics of traditional black tea kombucha to encompass other teas, Chinese herbs, plant materials, and alternative substrates. There is a lack of comprehensive literature reviews focusing on substance transformation, functional, active substances, and efficacy mechanisms of alternative kombucha substrates. This article aimed to bridge this gap by providing an in-depth review of the biological transformation pathways of kombucha metabolites and alternative substrates. The review offers valuable insights into kombucha research, including substance metabolism and transformation, efficacy, pharmacological mechanism, and the purification of active components, offering direction and focus for further studies in this field.

Kombuchas from black tea, green tea, and yerba-mate decocts: Perceived sensory map, emotions, and physicochemical parameters

The aim of the present work was to compare kombuchas made of green and black teas and yerba-mate. Physicochemical properties, total polyphenols, condensed tannin content, antioxidant and anti-hypertensive activities were evaluated. Check-all-that-apply was used for sensory characterization of the samples and the emotions evoked. Green tea kombucha presented higher values of acetic acid and anti-hypertensive activity and lower values of ethanol. Black tea kombucha presented higher polyphenol content. Yerba-mate kombucha presented lower values of anti-hypertensive activity. Green tea kombucha presented sourness and acid aroma and flavors; black tea beverage, yellow color, and intense flavor; yerba-mate kombucha presented bright color. Ideal kombucha should present smooth smell and flavors and to be sweet. Awareness that kombucha was made of yerba-mate evoked the emotions of peaceful, loving, and quiet; consumers evoked aggressive, worried and good emotions for black tea beverage and green tea consumers evoked to be pleased. Different tea leaves performed differently for physiochemical features, perceived sensory attributes and emotions evoked.

Volatile, Microbial, and Sensory Profiles and Consumer Acceptance of Coffee Cascara Kombuchas.

Given the substantial world coffee production, tons of coffee fruit cascara rich in bioactive compounds are discarded annually. Using this by-product to produce potentially healthy and acceptable foods is a sustainable practice that aggregates value to coffee production and may help improve people's lives. This study aimed to elaborate kombuchas from coffee cascara tea, evaluate their microbial profile, and monitor the changes in the volatile profile during fermentation, together with sensory attributes and acceptance by consumers from Rio de Janeiro (n = 113). Arabica coffee cascaras from Brazil and Nicaragua were used to make infusions, to which black tea kombucha, a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY), and sucrose were added. Fermentation of plain black tea kombucha was also monitored for comparison. The volatile profile was analyzed after 0, 3, 6, and 9 days of fermentation via headspace solid phase microextraction GC-MS. A total of 81 compounds were identified considering all beverages, 59 in coffee cascara kombuchas and 59 in the black tea kombucha, with 37 common compounds for both. An increase mainly in acids and esters occurred during fermentation. Despite the similarity to black tea kombucha, some aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and ketones in coffee cascara kombucha were not identified in black tea kombucha. Potential impact compounds in CC were linalool, decanal, nonanal, octanal, dodecanal, ethanol, 2-ethylhexanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, β-damascenone, γ-nonalactone, linalool oxide, phenylethyl alcohol, geranyl acetone, phenylacetaldehyde, isoamyl alcohol, acetic acid, octanoic acid, isovaleric acid, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl hexanoate, and limonene. The mean acceptance scores for cascara kombuchas varied between 5.7 ± 0.53 and 7.4 ± 0.53 on a nine-point hedonic scale, with coffee cascara from three-day Nicaragua kombucha showing the highest score, associated with sweetness and berry, honey, woody, and herbal aromas and flavors. The present results indicate that coffee cascara is a promising by-product for elaboration of fermented beverages, exhibiting exotic and singular fingerprinting that can be explored for applications in the food industry.

Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Black Tea Kombucha Fermented with a New Zealand Starter Culture.

Kombucha is a popular sparkling sugared tea, fermented by a symbiotic culture of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and yeast. The demand for kombucha continues to increase worldwide, mainly due to its perceived health benefits and appealing sensory properties. This study isolated and characterised the dominant AAB and yeast from a starter culture and kombucha broth after 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14 days of fermentation at ambient temperature (22 °C). Yeast and AAB were isolated from the Kombucha samples using glucose yeast extract mannitol ethanol acetic acid (GYMEA) and yeast extract glucose chloramphenicol (YGC) media, respectively. The phenotypic and taxonomic identification of AAB and yeast were determined by morphological and biochemical characterisation, followed by a sequence analysis of the ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA for AAB and ITS for yeast). The changes in the microbial composition were associated with variations in the physico-chemical characteristics of kombucha tea, such as pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids (TSS). During fermentation, the acidity increased and the TSS decreased. The yield, moisture content, and water activity of the cellulosic pellicles which had developed at the end of fermentation were attributed to the presence of AAB. The dominant AAB species in the cellulosic pellicles and kombucha broth were identified as Komagataeibacter rhaeticus. The yeast isolates belonged to Debaryomyces prosopidis and Zygosaccharomyces lentus.

Development of Kombucha Tea with Gac and Mango Fruits: Sensory, Nutritional, Phytochemical, Physicochemical and Antioxidant Evaluation

Kombucha tea is a sweetened black tea beverage that undergoes fermentation with a starter culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). In this study, gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) and mango (Mangifera indica) fruits were primarily chosen for infusion into kombucha due to their health benefits. Thus, this research aims to develop kombucha black tea with gac and mango, evaluate the sensory evaluation of the kombucha tea, and analyse the nutritional composition, physicochemical, phytochemical, and antioxidant activity of the kombucha tea. In this study, kombucha was prepared by fermenting black tea with sugar at different concentrations (70, 80, and 100 g) and SCOBY for 10 days before infusing it with gac and mango fruits. The sensory evaluation was evaluated using a hedonic 9-scale and another while using the standard methods. The result showed that kombucha gac and mango fruit with100 g of sugar (KGM100) represents the highest score on all attributes with a value of colour 7.5±1.55, aroma 6.47±1.74, taste 6.6±1.77, and overall, of 6.6±1.77. The nutrient of KGM 100 was higher than other concentrations with a value content of carbohydrates 6.9% and vitamin C of 2.70 mg/kg. The phytochemical of all samples showed increment during fermentation time and the antioxidant activity is higher in KGM100 (95.88%) while the physicochemical properties showed an increase in acidity and a decrease in colour. These findings show that kombucha black tea with gac and mango may impact health when consume and future investigation is worthy to determine its potential health benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp

Intracellular Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Bioactive Profiles of Coffee Cascara and Black Tea Kombucha Beverages.

Kombucha is a functional beverage obtained through fermentation of sweetened Camellia sinensis infusion by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts that exerts many beneficial biological effects, mostly related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Alternative raw materials have been used to create new kombucha or kombucha-like products. Coffee is the most important food commodity worldwide and generates large amounts of by-products during harvest and post-harvest processing. The main coffee by-product is the dried fruit skin and pulp, popularly known as cascara. To date, no studies have evaluated the potential bioactivity of coffee cascara kombucha. In this study, we aimed to measure and compare the effects of infusions and kombuchas made with arabica coffee cascaras (n = 2) and black tea leaves (n = 1), fermented for 0, 3, 6, and 9 days on the intracellular production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Nitric Oxide (NO) in model cells. Oxidative stress was induced in HK-2 cells with indoxyl sulfate (IS) and high glucose (G). Inflammation was induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophage. The contents of phenolic compounds, caffeine, and other physicochemical parameters were evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study providing information on the bioactive profile and on the potential biological effects of coffee cascara kombucha. Fermentation caused the release of bound phenolic compounds from the infusions, especially total chlorogenic acids, with an average increase from 5.4 to 10.7 mg/100 mL (98%) and 2.6-3.4 mg/100 mL (30%) in coffee cascara and black tea kombucha, respectively, up to day 9. All evaluated beverages reduced (p < 0.0001) similarly the intracellular ROS (41% reduction, on average) and uric acid (10-55%) concentrations in HK-2 model cells, reversing the induced oxidative stress. All beverages also reduced (p < 0.0001, 81-90%) NO formation in LPS-induced macrophages, exhibiting an anti-inflammatory effect. These potential health benefits may be mostly attributed to polyphenols and caffeine, whose contents were comparable in all beverages. Coffee cascara showed similar potential to C. sinensis to produce healthy beverages and support sustainable coffee production.

A new approach to obtain chitosan films – Characteristics of films prepared with tea and coffee kombucha as natural chitosan solvents

The environmental degradation that is currently taking place makes it important to develop new natural and biodegradable packaging for various branches of industry. Therefore, the aim of the research was to characterize films prepared from chitosan and kombucha solutions obtained from coffee and three types of tea (black, green, and white). Kombucha solutions were used as a natural solvent for the preparation of chitosan films which is a new approach in the production of chitosan films and has not been used so far. Both the kombucha and chitosan-kombucha solutions were characterized by high antioxidant activity in the DPPH test. This could be connected with the presence of phenolic compounds in kombucha solutions, which were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. In turn, chitosan-kombucha films had different physical, mechanical and biological properties depending on the type of kombucha solutions used. The highest oxygen barrier was determined for the film obtained from chitosan and green tea kombucha solution. The film consisting of chitosan and white tea kombucha solution was characterized by the highest tensile strength. In turn, microbiological studies showed that films based on chitosan and tea kombucha solutions showed higher activity against Salmonella eneterica than kombucha solutions, while film that consisted of a chitosan and black tea kombucha solution additionaly exhibited greater activity against Escherichia coli. Moreover, the analysis of sorption showed that kombucha solutions limited the accessibility of primary sorption sites. The results indicated that the type of kombucha used to prepared chitosan-kombucha films affects the properties of the obtained films. In addition, kombucha solutions can be used as a natural chitosan solvent instead of inorganic acids. The results of the study confirmed that chitosan films produced using kombucha as a solvent are better than the chitosan films commonly produced with acetic acid, so they can be a viable alternative material for food packaging.