Probiotic potential of noni juice fermented with lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria

Effect of mixed fermentation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus on phytochemical and flavor characteristics of Wallace melon juice

BACKGROUND

Melons (Cucumis melo L.) are among the most commonly consumed fruits but they are highly susceptible to mechanical damage and rot during storage and transportation. New processed products are needed to avoid postharvest fruit loss and to increase health benefits. Fermentation is an effective means of utilizing the nutrients and improving flavor.

RESULTS

Fermented melon juice (MJ) was prepared using three potential probiotics Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CICC21824 (LP), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GB3-2 (LG), and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus XZ-34 (LX). The nutrition, flavor characteristics, and digestive properties of different fermented MJs were compared. The results demonstrated that, in comparison with mono-fermentation, mixed fermentation by LG and LX could increase the level of organic acids and phenolic acids. Correspondingly, antioxidant capacity was improved significantly and positively correlated with p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid content. The production of alcohols and acids was more strongly enhanced by mixed culture fermentation, whereas mono-fermentation reduced the content of esters, especially ethyl acetate and isopropyl acetate. Aldehydes and ketones increased significantly in fermented MJ, and damascenone and heptanal could be the characteristic aroma compounds.

CONCLUSION

Mixed fermented MJ provides more beneficial phytochemicals, better flavor, and stronger antioxidant properties than mono-fermentation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fermented Carica papaya and Morinda citrifolia as Perspective Food Supplements for the Treatment of Post-COVID Symptoms: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Laboratory Study

Food supplements based on fermented Carica papaya and Morinda citrifolia, known for their immune modulating, redox balancing, and anti-inflammatory effects, were added to conventional treatment protocols prescribed to patients recovering after severe and moderate COVID-19 disease in order to alleviate long-lasting post-COVID symptoms. A randomized single-center placebo-controlled clinical laboratory study was designed and performed (total number of participants 188, with delta variant of virus 157, with omicron 31). Clinical statuses were assessed using computer tomography, electrocardiography, a questionnaire, and physical endurance. Plasma cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and INF-gamma), nitrate/nitrite ratio, antioxidant activity (AOA), and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) ATP levels were determined before and 20 days following the addition of 28 g of fermented supplements twice per day. The capacity of PMN to phagocyte and the oral-nasal-pharyngeal microbiota were assessed. Clinical symptoms, IL-6, IL-8, and nitric oxide metabolites diminished significantly compared to the placebo group and their background expression. The PMN capacity to phagocyte, AOA, and ATP content remarkably increased. The oral-nasal-pharyngeal microbiota were unchanged. On these grounds, we suggest that fermented tropical fruits could efficiently diminish post-COVID clinical symptoms through several immune-modulating, redox balancing, and pro-energy mechanisms.

Evaluation of probiotics in vegetable juices: tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) and beetroot juice (Beta vulgaris)

Probiotics are known to human kind since ages as they are important component in fermented milk products, however the use of probiotics in non-dairy product is a novel method for the delivery of probiotics. Delivery of probiotics through non-dairy products will be beneficial for consumers who are lactose intolerant who are deprived of benefits of probiotics by dairy products. This studies aim at developing novel vegetable juices containing probiotic bacteria. Three different strains of bacteria have been used, i.e. Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii in carrot, beetroot and tomato juice. The viability of the bacteria has been checked after a specific duration of time of fermentation by Koch's plate count method. The vegetable used for juices (carrot, beetroot, tomato) consist of high amount of antioxidants like carotenoids in carrot, betaxanthins and betacyanins in beetroot, lycopene in tomato. These antioxidant provide numerous health benefits to human body. The antioxidant activity in the juices has been checked before and after fermentation by HPLC and spectroscopic methods. The three bacterial strains Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii used in three types of juices including tomato juice, carrot juice and beetroot juice showed good growth except Lactobacillus acidophilus due to reasons like insufficient nutrients. The amount of sugars and acids of the three juices indicated that the fermentation process takes place at a good and satisfying rate. This product will be especially useful for the people who are lactose intolerant who cannot intake probiotics via milk and milk products. Vegetable juices also have almost zero fat content and high in fiber so the people who are on a fat free diet can consume this product.

Changes in the Microbial Community and Biogenic Amine Content in Rapeseed Meal during Fermentation with an Antimicrobial Combination of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial changes and biogenic amine (BA) formation in rapeseed meal (RP) during fermentation with a bacterial starter combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-LUHS122 and -LUHS135, Lacticaseibacillus casei-LUHS210, Lentilactobacillus farraginis-LUHS206, Pediococcus acidilactici-LUHS29, and Liquorilactobacillus uvarum-LUHS245. Sampling was carried out after 12 h and 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of cultivation under conditions of constant changes to the substrate, with a change frequency of 12 h. The highest lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast/mould counts were established in RP fermented for 14 days (8.29 and 4.34 log10 CFU/g, respectively); however, the lowest total enterobacteria count was found in RP fermented for 12 h (3.52 log10 CFU/g). Further metagenomic analysis showed that Lactobacillus spp. were the most prevalent species in fermented RP. The changes in microbial community in RP led to differences in BA formation. Putrescine and phenylethylamine were found in all fermented RP samples, while the contents of some other amines increased with prolonged fermentation. Finally, the use of combined fermentation could ensure Lactobacillus spp. domination; however, other parameters should be controlled due to the formation of undesirable compounds.

Effects of Anaerobic Fermentation on Black Garlic Extract by Lactobacillus: Changes in Flavor and Functional Components

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential application of probiotics in the development of novel functional foods based on black garlic. The single-factor analysis (extraction temperatures, solid-to-liquid ratios, and extraction times) and the response surface methodology were firstly used to optimize hot water extraction of soluble solids from black garlic. The optimal extraction conditions were temperature 99.96°C, solid-to-liquid ratio 1:4.38 g/ml, and extracting 2.72 h. The effects of Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and co-culture of them) fermentation on the physicochemical properties of black garlic extract broth were studied for the first time. Artificial and electronic sensory evaluations demonstrated that fermentation significantly influenced the sensory characteristics. The variations of metabolites in different broth samples (S1, unfermented; S2, 1-day fermentation by L. plantarum; S3, 2-day fermentation by L. rhamnosus; and S4, 1-day fermentation by co-cultured Lactobacillus) were further investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis. As a result, Lactobacillus fermentation significantly reduced the pH; increased the contents of the total acid, amino nitrogen, total polyphenol, and total flavonoid; and reduced the content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (a carcinogenic component) by 25.10-40.81% in the black garlic extract. The contents of several components with unpleasant baking flavors (e.g., furfural, 2-acetylfuran, and 5-methyl furfural) were reduced, whereas the contents of components with green grass, floral, and fruit aromas were increased. More importantly, the contents of several functional components including lactic acid, Gly-Pro-Glu, sorbose, and α-CEHC (3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-propanoic acid) were increased after Lactobacillus fermentation. The results demonstrated the potential of probiotic fermentation to improve the quality of black garlic. This work will provide an insight into the strategic design of novel black garlic products and facilitate the application of black garlic in functional foods.

Changes in bitterness, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of grapefruit juice fermented by Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains

Four strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium including L. plantarum 01, L. fermentum D13, L. rhamnosus B01725, and B. bifidum B7.5 exhibiting naringinase production were applied in grapefruit juice fermentation. All investigated strains grew well in grapefruit juice without nutrition supplementation. In all cases, cell counts were 108–109 CFU ml−1 after 24 hours of fermentation. The highest lactic acid and acetic acid productions were observed in the case of strain L. plantarum 01. The L. plantarum 01 and L. fermentum D13 strains prefer glucose over fructose and sucrose, whereas fructose was the most favoured sugar for L. rhamnosus B01725 and B. bifidum B7.5. At the end of the fermentation process, antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content of grapefruit juice decreased in all cases, but the changes were not significant. Significant decrease of naringin was observed in the case of L. plantarum 01, 28% naringin in grapefruit juice was removed after fermentation. This result is promising for development of technology for production of probiotic grapefruit juice.

Review on Non-Dairy Probiotics and Their Use in Non-Dairy Based Products

Consumer demands for foods promoting health while preventing diseases have led to development of functional foods that contain probiotic bacteria. Fermented dairy products are good substrates for probiotic delivery, but the large number of lactose intolerant people, their high fat and cholesterol content and also due to the growing vegetarianism the consumers are seeking for alternatives. Therefore, researches have been widely studied the feasibility of probiotic bacteria in non-dairy products such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals. This review describes the application of probiotic cultures in non-dairy food products.

Lactic Fermented Fruit or Vegetable Juices: Past, Present and Future

Numerous traditional low-alcohol fermented beverages produced from fruit or vegetables are described around the world. Fruit and vegetables and lactic fermented products both present nutritional benefits, which give reasons for the recent expansion of non-dairy lactic fermented juices on the market. In addition, fruit and vegetable juices are new carriers for probiotic bacteria. Specific phenotypic traits of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are required so that LAB can effectively grow in fruit or vegetable juices, increase their safety and improve their sensory and nutritional quality. From the diversity of microbiota of spontaneous fermentations, autochthonous starters can be selected, and their higher performance than allochthonous LAB was demonstrated. Achieving long-term storage and constant high quality of these beverages requires additional processing steps, such as heat treatment. Alternatives to conventional treatments are investigated as they can better preserve nutritional properties, extract bioactive compounds and promote the growth and metabolism of LAB. Specific processing approaches were shown to increase probiotic viability of fruit and vegetable juices. More knowledge on the metabolic activity of lactic acid bacterium consortium in fruit or vegetable juices has become a bottleneck for the understanding and the prediction of changes in bioactive compounds for functional beverages development. Hopefully, the recent developments of metabolomics and methods to describe enzymatic machinery can result in the reconstruction of fermentative pathways.

Effect of Green Tea Extract During Lactic Acid Bacteria Mediated Fermentation of <i>Morinda citrifolia </i>Linn. (Noni) Fruit Juice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Fermented noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice is considered as one of the health-promoting beverage. The food industries are working on further improvement of fermented noni juice. The objective of the current study was to assess the impact of green tea (GT) extract during the lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum SK15) mediated fermentation of noni fruit juice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clean-diced noni fruits were blended with sugar, water, 10% SK15 and GT extract. The mixture was kept at 30°C for 25 days. During fermentation, samples were collected. The changes in pH, acidity, alcohol, sugar, pectin content, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC), pectin methylesterase (PME) activity and microbial load were assessed.

RESULTS

The fermented noni fruit juice exhibited significantly low pH, sugar and pectin content. TPC and AC were increased after fermentation. The alcohol content, especially methanol volume was increased in all the samples but not exceed the lethal level. The samples with GT extract exhibited superior quality in all measured aspects. Notably, PME activity was suppressed by GT extract, which was reflected in the methanol content of the respective samples when compared to control.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that GT extract could be used in the production of fermented plant beverages to prevent the indigenous PME activity (to reduce the methanol formation) and to improve the AC of the product. Further studies are required to know the fate of other phytochemicals and volatile compounds in noni fruit juice during fermentation.

Properties and Applications of Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Review

Morinda citrifolia commonly known as noni is a perennial plant originating in Southeast Asia, consumed over 2000 years. Due to its versatility of adaptation and use of the structures of the plant for different therapeutic purposes, noni attracted the attention of researchers from the pharmaceutical and food industry. Chemical and nutritional analyzes already performed in M. citrifolia reveal the existence of more than 200 phytochemical substances with bioactive properties such as acids, alcohols, phenols, saccharides, anthraquinones, carotenoids, esters, triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, lactones, iridoids, ketones, lactones, lignans, nucleosides, triterpenides, sterols, and aromatic compounds. The high nutritional value of M. citrifolia may induce therapeutic effects, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The main industrial products from this plant are beverages (juice drinks), powders (from dried fruits), oil (from seeds), and leaf powders. Biological and phytotherapeutic applications of M. citrifolia are promising, but more extensive studies are still required. Thus, this review aims to gather updated and comprehensive information on Morinda citrifolia, discussing its traditional use, biochemical, phytotherapics, and toxicological properties, as well as the recent advances in the processing and standardization of products derived from noni fruit.

Potential of three probiotic lactobacilli in transforming star fruit juice into functional beverages

The star fruit is popularly cultivated and consumed in Southeast Asia due to its high antioxidant capacity and various nutrients. In this study, three commercial probiotic strains (Lactobacillus helveticus L10, Lactobacillus paracasei L26, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001) were evaluated in star fruit juice fermentation and all strains grew well with the final cell counts of around 108 CFU/ml. The star fruit juice fermented by L. rhamnosus produced the highest amount of lactic acid, resulting in a significant lower pH (4.41) than that of L. helveticus (4.76) and L. paracasei (4.71). Most of aldehydes and esters endogenous in star fruit juice decreased to low or undetectable levels, while ketones, alcohols, and fatty acids were produced at varying levels that could impart different aroma notes to the beverages. Therefore, the selection of appropriate probiotics can be an alternative way to develop new functional beverages from star fruit juice with specific aroma notes.

Fermented Astragalus in diet altered the composition of fecal microbiota in broiler chickens

The composition and function of the intestinal microbiota play important roles in digestion and degradation of herbal medicines (HMs). However, few studies have examined the relationship between the fecal microbiota and HMs. In this study the effect of unfermented Astragalus (UA) and fermented Astragalus (FA) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and fecal microbiota was evaluated in broiler chickens. In total, 180 one-day-old broiler chickens (Avian breeds) were randomly assigned to a control (C) group fed a basal diet, an unfermented (U) group fed a basal diet containing 0.5% UA, or a fermented (F) group fed a basal diet containing 0.5% FA, for 42 days. The F/G ratio was lower in F and U groups than in C group from 22 to 42 days (P < 0.05). Glutathione superoxide dismutase, antioxidant capacity, and total superoxide dismutase were higher, whereas malondialdehyde was lower in F group than in C and U groups from 1 to 21 days and from 22 to 42 days (P < 0.05). Fecal microbiota were profiled on an Illumina MiSeq platform following PCR amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. At the genus level Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus on day 7 in F group. Importantly, a potentially pathogenic genus, Enterococcus, was less abundant in the U and F groups than in the C group on day 35 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 0.5% FA has beneficial effects on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and fecal microbiota of broiler chickens.

Impact of fermentation conditions on the quality and sensory properties of a probiotic cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) beverage

The aim of the study was to evaluate the conditions of fermentation pH and temperature and also the fermentation time of Lactobacillus casei in the cupuassu (tropical fruit native to the Brazilian Amazon) beverage. The sugars, organic acids, and antioxidant activity during the fermentation also were investigated. The sensory characteristics were also evaluated. Moreover, the effect of expectation on the acceptability of probiotic and symbiotic cupuassu beverages was rated under three conditions. The blind (consumers were informed that the samples were probiotic and symbiotic beverages and they tasted them); expected (only nutritional claims in short text were informed) and informed (consumers were asked to evaluate the product when they had nutritional information). The conditions for probiotic beverage production were initial pH5.8, the temperature of 30°C, and 18h of fermentation. L. casei had viability higher than 9.34LogCFU/mL with 18h of fermentation. The fructose was the most consumed sugar (84.76%), followed by sucrose (62.10%) and glucose (34.52%). The antioxidant activity increased during the fermentation. The organic acids present in the cupuassu (citric, ascorbic and quinic acids) also supported L. casei growth, being consumed during the fermentation improving the nutritional value of the beverage. The acceptance of the probiotic drink increased when the juice was presented to the informed tasters. Therefore, the nutrition claims were effective in increasing the acceptance. The probiotic cupuassu beverage was well accepted as an alternative functional food.

Chemometric evaluation of the volatile profile of probiotic melon and probiotic cashew juice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lactic acid fermentation on volatile compounds of melon and cashew apple juices. The effect of the fermentation processing on the volatile profile of probiotic juices was assessed by HS-SPME/GC-MS coupled to chemometrics with 67.9% and 81.0% of the variance in the first principal component for melon and cashew juices, respectively. The Lactobacillus casei fermentation imparted a reduction of ethyl butanoate, ethyl-2-methylbutirate, and ethyl hexanoate for melon juice; and of ethyl acetate, ethyl-2-methyl butanoate, ethyl crotonate, ethyl isovalerate, benzaldehyde, and ethyl hexanoate for cashew juice. Measurements of the stability of these compounds and the formation of the component 3-methyl-2-butenyl in melon juice may be used as a volatile marker to follow the juice fermentation. These findings suggested that even though it is not a dairy product the lactic acid fermentation of fruits developed a volatile profile combining the fruit and lactic acid fermentation volatiles with mildly formation or degradation of aroma compounds.

Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) and Its Potential in Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction

Cultural and economic shifts in the early 19th century led to the rapid development of companies that made good profits from technologically-produced commodities. In this way, some habits changed in society, such as the overconsumption of processed and micronutrient-poor foods and devices that gave rise to a sedentary lifestyle. These factors influenced host-microbiome interactions which, in turn, mediated the etiopathogenesis of “new-era” disorders and diseases, which are closely related, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and inflammatory bowel disease, which are characterized by chronic dysregulation of metabolic and immune processes. These pathological conditions require novel and effective therapeutic approaches. Morindacitrifolia (noni) is well known as a traditional healing plant due to its medicinal properties. Thus, many studies have been conducted to understand its bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. However, in obesity and obesity-related metabolic (dysfunction) syndrome, other studies are necessary to better elucidate noni’s mechanisms of action, mainly due to the complexity of the pathophysiology of obesity and its metabolic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize not only the clinical effects, but also important cell signaling pathways in in vivo and in vitro assays of potent bioactive compounds present in the noni plant which have been reported in studies of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction.

Next-generation sequencing approaches for improvement of lactic acid bacteria-fermented plant-based beverages

Plant-based beverages and milk alternatives produced from cereals and legumes have grown in popularity in recent years due to a range of consumer concerns over dairy products. These plant-based products can often have undesirable physiochemical properties related to flavour, texture, and nutrient availability and/or deficiencies. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation offers potential remediation for many of these issues, and allows consumers to retain their perception of the resultant products as natural and additive-free. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) or omics approaches to characterize LAB isolates to find those that will improve properties of plant-based beverages is the most direct way to product improvement. Although NGS/omics approaches have been extensively used for selection of LAB for use in the dairy industry, a comparable effort has not occurred for selecting LAB for fermenting plant raw substrates, save those used in producing wine and certain types of beer. Here we review the few and recent applications of NGS/omics to profile and improve LAB fermentation of various plant-based substrates for beverage production. We also identify specific issues in the production of various LAB fermented plant-based beverages that such NGS/omics applications have the power to resolve.

Trends in dairy and non-dairy probiotic products - a review

Health awareness has grown to a greater extent among consumers and they are looking for healthy probiotic counterparts. Keeping in this view, the present review focuses recent developments in dairy and non-dairy probiotic products. All over the world, dairy probiotics are being commercialized in many different forms. However, the allergy and lactose intolerance are the major set-backs to dairy probiotics. Whereas, flavor and refreshing nature are the major advantages of non-dairy drinks, especially fruit juices. Phenotypic and genotypic similarities between dairy and non-dairy probiotics along with the matrix dependency of cell viability and cell functionality are reviewed. The heterogeneous food matrices of non-dairy food carriers are the major constraints for the survival of the probiotics, while the probiotic strains from non-dairy sources are satisfactory. Technological and functional properties, besides the viability of the probiotics used in fermented products of non-dairy origin are extremely important to get a competitive advantage in the world market. The functional attributes of dairy and non-dairy probiotic products are further enhanced by adding prebiotics such as galacto-oligosaccharide, fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin.

Non-dairy probiotic beverages: the next step into human health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. The two main genera of microorganisms indicated as sources of probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Historically used to produce fermented dairy products, certain strains of both genera are increasingly utilised to formulate other functional foods. As the consumers’ understanding of the role of probiotics in health grows, so does the popularity of food containing them. The result of this phenomenon is an increase in the number of probiotic foods available for public consumption, including a rapidly-emerging variety of probiotic-containing non-dairy beverages, which provide a convenient way to improve and maintain health. However, the composition of non-dairy probiotic beverages can pose specific challenges to the survival of the health conferring microorganisms. To overcome these challenges, strain selection and protection techniques play an integral part in formulating a stable product. This review discusses non-dairy probiotic beverages, characteristics of an optimal beverage, and commonly used probiotic strains, including spore-forming bacteria. It also examines the most recent developments in probiotic encapsulation technology with focus on nano-fibre formation as a means of protecting viable cells. Utilising bacteria's natural armour or creating barrier mechanisms via encapsulation technology will fuel development of stable non-dairy probiotic beverages.

Lactic acid bacterial fermentation on the production of functional antioxidant herbal Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata

This study evaluated a novel use of the traditional Asian herb Anoectochilus formosanus. This plant is a traditional food item, generally used for the treatment of liver disorder, hepatitis, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disorder, etc. In this study, the root, stem, and leaf of A. formosanus were used as substrates for lactic fermentation. The fermentation products were analyzed for their total antioxidant activity, reducing power, and scavenging effect on superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide. The pH of the fermentation medium reached its lowest value, 3.5, at the 35th hour of fermentation. Antioxidant activity of A. formosanus was found to be 61-78%. Lactobacillus longum-led fermentation exhibited the greatest reducing power with an average of 0.3. The products of fermentations utilizing the three plant parts as substrates exhibited a similar scavenging activity (27-30%) on free radicals. This study may suggest a novel use of lactic-fermenting A. formosanus in the production of functional food.