• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.67-76
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• 2023

Background: Kombucha, known domestically as black tea mushroom, is a traditional fermented beverage from Northeast Asia made by fermenting a mixture of black tea extract and fungus. It is known for its high detoxifying, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, as well as its effects on relieving arthritis pain, reducing blood pressure, and addressing gastrointestinal or metabolic diseases. Purpose: This study aims to identify the main microbial system of Kombucha fermentation. Methods: The 16sRNA sequencing method was applied to analyze the microbial composition of Kombucha fermentation. Results: Bacterial, yeast, and fungi groups were identified. Through the identification of commercial Kombucha strains, it was confirmed that the bacteria in the Kombucha fermentation liquid and the pellicle were predominantly microbes from the Gluconacetobacter and Gluconobactor, which are involved in the fermentation of Kombucha. Among the yeasts, Sacchromycetes class, Starmerella bacillaris were identified with the highest expression rate. It was confirmed that the main microbial system fermenting Kombucha is SCOBY(Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), and that different strains are prominently expressed compared to the foreign Kombucha, which is mainly composed of Acetobacter acetic bacteria and Zygosaccharomyces yeast commonly. Conclusions: This study highlights the complexity and diversity of the microbial ecosystem in Kombucha fermentation, and comparative analysis with commercial strains reveals the potential for diversification of SCOBY to improve the functional properties of Kombucha. Future studies will investigate microbial interactions within the SCOBY and their impact on the health-promoting properties of Kombucha.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.10
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• pp.1422-1429
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• 2016

Kombucha is a slightly sour beverage fermented by symbiotic micro-organisms, including bacteria and yeasts. In this study, we examined the biological activities of citrus Kombucha (CK) produced by addition of citrus extract to original Kombucha (K). After fermentation for 10 days, radical scavenging activity examined by ABTS and DPPH assays increased by approximately 20% compared to that of K. Moreover, content of total phenolic compounds significantly increased by 60% compared to that of K. Cell proliferation assays utilizing MTT showed that CK treatment significantly inhibited growth of bladder cancer cells, T-24 and 5637, in a dose-dependent manner with $IC_{50}$ values of 4 and 7 mg/mL, respectively. Annexin V staining showed that CK treatment led to apoptosis of cells in a dose-dependent manner. T-24 cells were more sensitive to CK treatment than 5637 cells, as 8 mg/mL of CK resulted in 97% apoptosis of T-24 cells. Western blotting showed that CK treatment led to up-regulation of apoptotic proteins, including caspases-3, -8, -9, and PARP, in bladder cells not in K-treated cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CK may be developed as a functional beverage.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.455-461
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• 2022

In this study, kombucha was prepared using saccharified rice solution to assess this possible means of increasing rice consumption. Chucheong rice yielded the highest starch content (80.40±1.33%) when used to produce saccharified rice solution. The resultant saccharified rice solution showed the highest 10.42 °Brix at 90 min of saccharification. Chamdream rice yielded the highest acidity at 0.38%, and Kawaji No.1 yielded the lowest at 0.24%. Organic acid analysis on the 15th day of fermenting kombucha made with different rice varieties indicated an acetic acid content of 111.70±1.09 ppm in Chamdream, and 46.86±1.00 ppm in Dongjinchal. Comparison of enzymes used in saccharified rice kombucha fermentation revealed that α-amylase resulted in the highest acidity (1.06%), and β-amylase yielded the lowest acidity (0.58%). Kombucha with green tea yielded the highest acidity (1.09%), and kombucha with rooibos tea yielded the lowest (0.37%). Polyphenol analysis indicated that the amount of polyphenol increased the most (1,623.75 ppm to 3,989.00 ppm) on day 0 of fermentation with green tea. Organic acid analysis revealed that the acetic acid content of kombucha supplemented with green tea increased from 172.89 ppm on day 0 of fermentation to 2,649.11 ppm on day 15. Kombucha with 2.0% added alcohol had the highest acidity (1.32%), and kombucha with 0.5% alcohol had the lowest (0.97%). Taken together, these results confirm that it is possible to make kombucha using saccharified rice solutions.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.645-659
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• 2024

In this study, the physicochemical properties, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities of kombucha containing ginseng sprouts (control kombucha, CT; strawberry kombucha, ST ; strawberry kombucha with 2% ginseng sprout, ST+GS) were analyzed for comparison of quality characteristics. The total content of free amino acids in ST+GS (273.38 mg/100 mL) was 3.2-14.5 times higher than in CT (18.9 mg/100 mL) and ST (84.9 mg/100 mL). The total mineral content in ST+GS (63.99 mg/100 mL) was 3.3-4.1 times higher than those of CT and ST (15.45 and 19.28 mg/100 mL). The contents of soluble phenolic and soluble flavonoid were 1.2 mg GAE/mL and 0.14 mg RE/mL in ST+GS. Several ginsenosides were detected only in ST+GS; ginsenoside Rg2 (2.4 mg/100 mL), Rh1 (4.5 mg/100 mL), F2 (9.0 mg/100 mL), Rg3 (4.6 mg/100 mL), and compound K (7.8 mg/100 mL) were detected. The content of phenolic acids was 1.2-1.5 times higher in ST+GS than in CT and ST. The amount of flavonol of ST+GS was not significantly different from CT but was 1.4 times higher than in ST. In terms of antioxidant activities, the values of ST+GS were significantly higher in comparison to other kombucha samples. These results confirmed that incorporating ginseng sprouts amplifies the advantages of kombucha.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.673-681
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• 2024

This study was conducted to develop kombucha with better functionality. The developed kombucha (CK) was prepared using the sugar extracts from fruits of Cudrania tricuspidata (Carrière) Bureau ex Lavallée instead of the sugar, which is used as a substrate for SCOBY in conventional kombucha (K). During fermentation, the soluble solids content significantly decreased in CK compared to K, and the pH change decreased rapidly in CK compared to K. On the 14^th day of fermentation, the weight of the SCOBY in CK was higher than that in K. Immediately after preparation, K contained only sucrose, but CK contained sucrose, glucose, and fructose. SCOBY appears to use glucose and fructose preferentially during fermentation. K contained acetic acid and citric acid right after preparation. However, as fermentation progressed, the composition changed to acetic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid. At the same time, CK initially consisted of citric acid, lactic acid, and acetic acid. However, acetic acid and citric acid increased but lactic acid decreased significantly on the 14^th day of fermentation. In the cytotoxicity studies, the CK showed a proliferation-promoting effect on normal lung cells (MRC-5) and strong cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cells (A549). These results suggest that the kombucha made from sugar extracts of C. tricuspidata fruits can be used as a more functional beverage than regular kombucha.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2003

Kombucha fermentation broth has been used as a popular health beverage and an alternative therapy with prophylactic and therapeutic benefit. We tried to establish optimal culture conditions for Kombucha fermentation in milk and to investigate cytotoxicity and antioxidative enzyme activity of Kombucha broth against normal human fibroblasts. The optimal conditions of Kombuch culture were established to 3$0^{\circ}C$, 20∼23 hours by DPPH radical scavenging test. There were positive effects on cell growth while no cytotoxicity against primary normal human diploid fibroblasts was found. The activites of glutathione peroxide and catalase in the cells treated by hydrogen peroxide (1 mM) alone and by hydrogen peroxide with Kombucha broth (1 mg/mι) were significantly different (p＜0.05). These results suggest that Kombucha broth could be developed as an antioxidant agent for a new cosmetic material.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.42-50
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• 2024

Background: Kombucha, originating from Northeast Asia, is a fermented beverage produced by fermenting black tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, renowned for its myriad health benefits. The augmentation of its health-promoting attributes, particularly antioxidant properties, through the integration of medicinal herb extracts, has gained attention in recent research. Purpose: The objective of this research was to explore the potential enhancement of the antioxidant properties of kombucha through the addition of hot water extracts from selected 7 medicinal herbs native to Jeju Island. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the successful transfer of active herbal ingredients into the kombucha. Methods: The methodology entailed the hot water extraction of the aforementioned medicinal herbs followed by their incorporation into the kombucha during a secondary fermentation phase. The assessment criteria included the analysis of the kombucha's physical characteristics post-fermentation, the quantification of sugar content, and the evaluation of antioxidant using DPPH, ABTS assays. The presence of specific active compounds(EGCG, 2,5-DHAP) was verified using HPLC and SDS-Gel Electrophoresis. Results: The findings indicated a successful fermentation process, as evidenced by an increase in reducing sugars. Moreover, the kombucha exhibited notable antioxidant activities post-fermentation, which implies the effective infusion of the herbal extracts' properties into the beverage. HPLC and electrophoresis analysis confirmed the assimilation of key active ingredients from the herbs into the kombucha. Conclusions: This study substantiates the premise that the enrichment of kombucha with hot water extracts from Jeju Island's medicinal herbs enhances its antioxidant properties. The successful integration of these herbal components into kombucha not only amplifies its health benefits but also contributes to the expansion of the functional beverage sector within the domains of health and alternative medicine.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.213-218
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• 2021

In this study, Kombucha, a fermented drink by adding beneficial bacteria to green tea or black tea with sugar, was classified using column chromatography, and the presence or absence of quercetin glycoside, a type of flavonoids, was confirmed through TLC. In addition, the anti-pollution effect of protecting and improving the skin from pollution was confirmed using the fraction. Keratinocytes were treated with K-QG to confirm the cell viability, showing a survival rate of 90% or more up to a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL, and the cell viability by benzo[e]pyrene and fine dust stimulation to see the anti-pollution effect was measured. At 100 ㎍/mL, the improvement rates were about 68.79% and 50.68%, respectively. In addition, as a result of confirming the expression of AhR activated by benzo[a]pyrene through Western blot, it showed an inhibition rate of about 31.08% at 100 ㎍/mL compared to the control group. Through the results of this study, K-QG is thought to be valuable as an anti-pollution functional material, protecting and improving skin irritated from benzopyrene and fine dust.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.442-448
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• 2023

This study aimed to prepare kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, containing Dendropanax morbiferus (DM) leaves and roots, and analyze its antioxidant and intracellular activities. We compared the pH change, total acidity, radical scavenging activity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of kombucha fermented with black tea alone and that with added DM leaves or roots during fermentation. Using RAW 264.7, we evaluated the effects of kombucha containing different DM parts on nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammation-related cytokine content in cells. Kombucha containing ethanol extracts of DM leaves (BTK-E-DML) and roots (BTK-E-DMR) showed higher radical scavenging activity and ORAC 3 d after fermentation than that prepared from black tea alone (BTK-Ori). In an in vitro experiment using RAW 264.7, samples were treated with 8 mg/mL kombucha considering cytotoxicity; the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO content significantly reduced after BTK-E-DML and BTK-EDMR treatments compared with that after BTK-Ori treatment. Additionally, the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which were LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokines, significantly decreased in cells treated with BTK-E-DML and BTK-E-DMR 15 d after fermentation compared with those treated with BTK-Ori. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that kombucha fermented with the leaves and roots of DM increases antioxidant activity and can significantly regulate inflammatory responses at the cellular level.