Arabic coffee infusion based kombucha: Characterization and biological activity during fermentation, and in vivo toxicity.

ABSTRACT

In this study, arabic coffee infusion was used to produce a fermented beverage known as kombucha. The physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as in vivo toxicity were evaluate throughout 21 days of fermentation. Reduction in pH and sugar levels were observed throughout the fermentation period. There was no significant difference in the content of total phenolic compounds between the unfermented and fermented beverage, nor between the fermentation times, as well as in the antioxidant activity. The 5-caffeoylquinic acid was identified at all fermentation times evaluated, and no significant difference was observed regarding its concentration. It showed antibacterial and antifungal activity against all strains tested. No toxic effect of the beverages was observed in the in vivo model (Galleria mellonella) studied. These results demonstrated that coffee infusion is a possible alternative for kombucha production since the physicochemical changes prove the metabolic activity of Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast.