Metabolomic kinetics investigation of Camellia sinensis kombucha using mass spectrometry and bioinformatics approaches.

Kombucha is created through the fermentation of Camellia sinensis tea leaves, along with sucrose, utilizing a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeast cultures. Nonetheless, there exists a dearth of comprehensive information regarding the spectrum of metabolites that constitute this beverage. To explore this intricate system, metabolomics was used to investigate fermentation kinetics of Kombucha. For that, an experimental framework was devised to assess the impact of varying sucrose concentrations and fermentation temperatures over a ten-day period of kombucha fermentation. Following fermentation, samples were analyzed using an LC-QTOF-MS system and a distinctive metabolomic profile was observed. Principal component analysis was used to discriminate between metabolite profiles. Moreover, the identified compounds were subjected to classification using the GNPS platform. The findings underscore notable differences in compound class concentrations attributable to distinct fermentation conditions. Furthermore, distinct metabolic pathways were identified, specially some related to the biotransformation of flavonoids. This comprehensive investigation offers valuable insights into the pivotal role of SCOBY in driving metabolite production and underscores the potential bioactivity harbored within Kombucha.

Green tea and kombucha characterization: Phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and enzymatic inhibition potential.

The present study aimed to carry out the physical-chemical, antioxidant, and enzymatic characterization of green tea and kombucha. It was observed that kombucha had lower pH, higher acidity, and solids content compared to green tea. As for the concentration of total phenolic compounds by the Folin Ciocalteu method, there was no significant difference between the beverages. In the antioxidant analysis by the DPPH assay, it was observed that both green tea and kombucha presented significant antioxidant capacity. In the TBARS analysis with the pH of the beverages neutralized, both showed a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation; however, kombucha exhibited pro-oxidant activity when evaluated in its natural form by this method. The beverages also showed significant inhibitory activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme, however, green tea presented superior inhibitory potential.

Bioactive compounds in kombucha: A review of substrate effect and fermentation conditions.

Plant bioactive compounds have been studied mainly for their beneficial antioxidant properties. Kombucha is a fermented beverage traditionally obtained from fermentation of sweetened black or green tea by a characteristic consortium of yeasts and bacteria. The beverage naturally contains bioactive compounds from teas and their synthesis can be increased during fermentation. This review aims to explore the different bioactive compounds found in kombucha from different substrates, as well as the factors that influence on their synthesis and their amount in the final product. The results suggest phenolic compounds are the main bioactive compounds in kombucha. The substrate type contributes the most to increasing the content of bioactive compounds in the final product; fermentation time and type of sugar also increase the amount of these compounds. Further research suggestions include the combination of strategies to increase bioactive compounds in kombucha, quantification and characterization of the isolated compounds.

Kombucha: Formulation, chemical composition, and therapeutic potentialities.

Kombucha is a millennial beverage with great potential due to its functional claims. The infusion of black or green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and sugar is fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY) resulting in an acidic and lightly carbonated beverage, kombucha. It offers in its composition phytoconstituents with relevant nutritional valor, among these, flavonoids that stand out for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory characteristics and their association with decreasing the risks of various diseases. Previous studies in vivo and in vitro have shown promising results using kombucha as a functional beverage. Those studies promote the search for alternative raw materials for the production of kombucha, in addition, new ingredients interfere in the production, constitution, and nutritional potentialities of the beverage, as well as its functionality in the face of diseases. Thus, this graphical review compiles relevant scientific data on kombucha involving its origin, production, nutritional potential, and possible health benefits associated with its consumption.