Allergen degradation of bee pollen by lactic acid bacteria fermentation and its alleviatory effects on allergic reactions in BALB/c mice

Food allergy as a global health problem threatens food industry.Bee pollen(BP)is a typical food with allergenic potentials,although it performs various nutritional/pharmacological functions to humans.In this study,lactic acid bacteria(LAB)were used to ferment Brassica napus BP for alleviating its allergenicity.Four novel allergens(glutaredoxin,oleosin-B2,catalase and lipase)were identified with significant decreases in LAB-fermented BP(FBP)than natural BP by proteomics.Meanwhile,metabolomics analysis showed significant increases of 28 characteristic oligopeptides and amino acids in FBP versus BP,indicating the degradation of LAB on allergens.Moreover,FBP showed alleviatory effects in BALB/c mice,which relieved pathological symptoms and lowered production of allergic mediators.Microbial high-throughput sequencing analysis showed that FBP could regulate gut microbiota and metabolism to strengthen immunity,which were closely correlated with the alleviation of allergic reactivity.These findings could contribute to the development and utilization of hypoallergenic BP products.

Screening of glucosinolates degrading lactic acid bacteria and their utilization in rapeseed meal fermentation

Rapeseed meal is a promising food ingredient, but its utilization is limited by the presence of some potentially harmful ingredients, such as glucosinolates. Fermentation is a cost-effective method of detoxication but a food-grade starter culture with glucosinolates degradation capacity is required. In this study, 46 strains of lactic acid bacteria from traditional paocai brines were screened for their ability to glucosinolate degradation. The results showed that more than 50% of the strains significantly degraded glucosinolates. Two strains of Lactiplantibacillus(p7 and s7) with high capacity of glucosinolates degradation through producing enzymes were identified. Then,an optimized condition for rapeseed meal fermentation by p7 was established to degrade glucosinolates, which can achieve about 80% degradation. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that the degradation rate of individual glucosinolates was different and the degradation rate of gluconapin and progoitrin in rapeseed meal can reach more than 90%. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can improve safety of rapeseed meal by inhibiting the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and improve its nutritional properties by degrading phytic acid. The in vitro digestion experiments showed that the content of glucosinolates in rapeseed meal decreased significantly during gastric digestion. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can greatly improve the release of soluble protein and increase the contents of free essential amino acids, such as lysine(increased by 12 folds) and methionine(increased by 10 folds).

Antimicrobial Profile of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Vegetables and Indigenous Fermented Foods of India against Clinical Pathogens Using Microdilution Method

In dairy and food industries lactic acid bacteria （LAB） have been used in form of starter culture that plays vital role in fermentation; as flavouring and texturizing or as preservative agents. There is increasing evidence that lactobacilli which inhabit the gastrointestinal tract develop antimicrobial activities and participate in the host＇s defence system[1]. During fermentation, most of the LAB produces a number of different compounds like organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl, acetaldehyde, carbon dioxide, polysaccharides, and proteinaceous compounds called bacteriocins or bacteriocinogenic peptides.

Lactic acid bacteria mediated fermented soybean as a potent nutraceutical candidate

Objective: To study some soybean cultivars commonly used in Northern Thailand that exhibit high nutritional profile and to investigate the changes in bioactive principles and antioxidant capacity of the fermented soy broth that was prepared using the selected soybean cultivar and Lactobacillus paracasei HII02 mediated fermentation process.Methods: The best soybean cultivar was subjected to fermentation, and then analyzed the phytochemical, antioxidant and nutritional changes by high performance liquid chromatography and spectrophotometric analysis.Results: Sor Jor 2 soybean cultivar showed rich nutritional profile and was subjected to fermentation process. Lactobacillus paracasei HII02 mediated fermentation of Sor Jor 2 soybean exhibited stable physical and chemical characteristics. Lactic acid bacteria mediated fermentation also increased the aglycone forms of isoflavone content, exhibited antioxidant capacity and thereby enhanced the quality of the fermented soy broth. It also prevented the growth of coliforms in fermented soybean.Conclusions: The study results suggest that fermented soybean is rich in nutrition and considered to be safe for consumption for the improvement of health and to treat the malnutrition.

Predominant Lactic Acid Bacteria Involved in the Traditional Fermentation of <i>Fufu</i>and <i>Ogi</i>, Two Nigerian Fermented Food Products

Traditional methods of preparation were simulated in the laboratory fermentations of cassava and maize to produce fufu and ogi respectively. Changes in pH, temperature and titratable acidity, as well as the diversity of lactic acid bacteria species were investigated during both fermentations. Lactic acid bacteria strains involved in the fermentation processes were isolated at twelve hourly intervals, characterized and identified using phenotypic and biochemical methods. A rapid decrease in pH, 5.6 to 3.7 in fufu and 5.9 to 3.8 in ogi, were observed with temperature increasing from 26℃?to 30℃and 25℃?to 31℃?in fufu and ogi respectively. Most of the lactic acid bacteria strains isolated were homofermentative and heterofermentative Lactobacillus species and heterofermentative Leuconostoc species. Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were the dominant lactic acid bacteria species in fufu while L. cellobiosus, L. plantarum and Lc. lactis were dominant in ogi fermentation. An ecological succession pattern in which Leuconostoc species were mostly isolated during early stages of fermentation with the final stages populated with Lactobacillus species was observed in both cases and is attributable to differential acid tolerance of the two genera. The frequencies of dominance of the strains in fufu were L. plantarum (56.25%), Lc. mesenteroides (18.75%), L. lactis (6.25%), L. coprophillus (6.25%), L. acidophilus (6.25%) and L. brevis (6.25%). The frequencies of dominance in ogi were L. cellobiosus (26.6%), Lc. lactis (26.6%), L. plantarum (20.0%), L. acidophilus (13.33%) and Lc. paramesenteroides (13.33%). The dominant strains can serve as potential starter cultures for fufu and ogi production.

Application of Metabonomics in the Research of Lactic Acid Bacteria-fermented Foods

Lactic acid bacteria have been important industrial floras in the food fermentation production industry since ancient times.Their metabonomics technology has been widely used in the process monitoring,product classification and flavor formation mechanism of lactic acid bacteria-fermented foods.In this study,we discussed the application status of metabonomics technology in lactic acid bacteria-fermented food industry and scientific research,including dairy products,soy products,beverages and some pickled foods.Metabolomics will be applied in the research fields of lactic acid bacteria metabolism mechanism of lactic acid bacteria-fermented foods,lactic acid bacteria metabolomics database construction and expansion,metabolomics and genomics,and proteomics.In particular,the metabolomics technology will be introduced into product development and quality monitoring of traditional Chinese lactic acid bacteria-fermented foods,such as fermented bean curd and suancai,thereby perfecting industry norms and improving the level of industry development.

Fermented Goat Milk and Cow Milk Produced by Different Starters of Lactic Acid Bacteria： Quality Studies

Lactic acid bacteria （LAB） is widely used as culture starters in dairy fermentation. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of fermented goat milk and cow milk, as well as the viability of LAB in the same products. Fermentations were performed with pasteurized goat milk or cow milk added with skim milk （18% of solids） using three separately different starters; yoghurt starter （a combination of Streptococcus thermophilus FNCC-0040 and Lactobacillus bulgaricus FNCC-0041）, single starter of Lactobacillus acidophilus FNCC-0029 and Lactobacillus casei FNCC-0051. The parameters observed were pH, acidity, nutritional quality including protein, fat and lactose content and product＇s viscosity. Acidity, pH and viability of LAB were also monitored during storage at refrigerated temperature （4 ℃） for 28 days. Results show that the different LAB starters did not affect the pH, acidity, lactose and protein content. Differences on LAB starters affected fat content and viscosity. The highest score of viscosity （30.00 Pa.s ± 7.02 Pa.s） was observed on products fermented by yoghurt starters, followed by products obtained using starter of L. acidophilus （17.7 ±11.4） and L. casei （8.62 ±0.35）. Protein content, acidity, pH and viscosity were not significantly different between products obtained from goat milk and cow milk. Fat content in fermented goat milk was higher （5.03% ±0.62%） than in fermented cow milk （3.52% ±0.37%）, however, lactose content was higher in fermented cow milk （5.16% ±0.40%） than in fermented goat milk （4.53% ±0.35%）. Total LAB concentration in fermented cow milk during storage was 8.03± 0.52 logt0 cfu/mL, while in fermented goat milk was 7.81 loglo cfu/mL ± 0.67 loglo cfu/mL. There was a 10.83% decrease in LAB viability in fermented cow milk and 11.40% in fermented goat milk after 28 days of storage. In conclusion, quality of fermented milk is affected by the starters applied, raw milk source and storage period.

Dominant Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Antimicrobial Profile from Three Fermented Milk Products from Northern Namibia

The present study focused on the isolation, identification and antimicrobial profile of the dominant lactic acid bacteria from three traditional fermented milk products namely: Omashikwa, Mabisi and Mashini Ghamushikwa from the north-central and north-eastern parts of Namibia. The microbiological and antimicrobial activities of these products fluctuate from one region to another depending on the local indigenous microflora. Omashikwa and Mashini Ghamushikwa fermentation processes involves the addition of Boscia albitrunca root (Omunkuzi) and butter churning. The root contributes to the flavor of the product, increasing the milk fermentation rate and churning. Mabisi is produced by letting the milk to ferment naturally until the water is separated from the whey. The water is then decanted, and the whey is shaken until it is smooth without removal of fat. A total of 180 isolates of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were obtained and identified based on their phenotypical characterization. Cell free supernatants (CFS) of the 180 LAB isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial activities against selected food borne pathogens;Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923, Bacillus cereus ATTC 10,876, Candida famata and Geotrichum klebahnii using the well diffusion assay. Twenty LAB isolates having the highest inhibitory effects were selected for biochemical identification using API 50 kit and these were identified as being;Lactobacillus plantarum (53%), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (29%), Pediococcus pentosaceus (6%), Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei (6%) and Lactococcus lactic ssp. lactis (6%). Pediococcus pentosaceus showed the highest inhibitory effect on all the indicator strains. This study provides an insight into LAB diversity of unstudied Namibian fermented milk products and reports a potential production of antimicrobial compounds which is significant in the standardization of protective starter cultures which can be used to control fermentation process and shelf life extension of dairy products in Namibia.

Isolation, Characterisation and Evaluation of Antiulcerogenic Potentials of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Milk and Palm Wine against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Background: Gastric ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases with a worldwide prevalence of about 40% in the developed countries and 80% in Africa. Acid inhibitors, anticholinergics, histamine H2-antagonists and antibiotics are commonly used to treat gastric ulcer. However, the accumulating evidence for resistance to antibiotics and the side effects of antibiotics and acid inhibitors, anticholinergics and histamine H2-antagonists. Therefore, there is an urgent need for approaches to treat and prevent gastric ulcer. One alternative strategy is the use of probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Aim of the study: This study aimed to isolate and characterised probiotic lactic acid bacteria from palm wine and fermented milk, and to evaluate their antiulcerogenic potentials on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice. Methods: Probiotic lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the fermented milk and palm wine using pour plate technique on MRS agar and identified using the 16S r RNA gene sequencing. For functional properties and selection, acid and bile salt tolerance were evaluated based on viable colony count on MRS agar. Two probiotic lactic acid bacteria were selected for in vivo studies. Fifty-four healthy young adult Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 9 groups of 6 mice each. Gastric ulcer was induced in mice using one oral dose of absolute ethanol (10 mL/kg body weight). The probiotic lactic acid bacteria (F1 and F2) at different doses (MF3 = 9 × 108 CFU/mL, MF6 = 1.8 × 109 CFU/mL and MF9 = 2.7 × 109 CFU/mL) and omeprazole (20 mg/kg) (a reference drug) were orally administrated daily for 14 days before ulcer induction. These mice were sacrificed 1hour after induction and the stomach contents were collected for volume and pH determination. The stomachs were subjected to macroscopic, biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: Among the isolates obtained, two were considered to have the best acid and bile tolerance capacity (viable count > 7.5 logCFU/ml) and were identified as Limosilactobacillus fermentum strain BB101 (F1) and Lactobacillus casei strain 02 (F2). Oral administration of probiotics Lactic acid bacteria F1 and F2 significantly attenuated gastric ulcer as revealed by significant reduction (P Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that palm wine and fermented milk are sources of potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria, that is lactobacillus fermentum strain BB101 and Lactobacillus casei 02 with excellent bile and acid tolerance capacity. Also, these probiotic lactic acid bacteria exhibit gastroprotective effect on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer via antioxidant, enhance gastric ulcer healing, antacids, and anti-secretary effects.

Screening of Some Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Selected Nigerian Fermented Foods for Vitamin Production

Human vitamin de?ciencies still occur in many countries although most vitamins are present in a variety of foods, mainly because of malnutrition not only as a result of insuf?cient food intake but also because of unbalanced diets;this work screens some Lactic acid bacteria isolated from selected Nigerian fermented foods for vitamin (thiamine, riboflavin and niacin) production. Five lactic acid bacteria were isolated from selected Nigerian fermented foods (yoghurt, ogi, ogiri, ugba). The isolated lactic acid bacteria were identified based on cultural and biochemical characteristics. All the isolates were screened for thiamine, riboflavin and niacin production using microbiological assay. Thiamine, riboflavin and niacin produced were quantified. The five lactic acid bacteria isolated were Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei and Lactococcus lactis. The most frequent isolate was Lactobacillus plantarum (100%) followed by Lactobacillus caesi (75%). Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus lactis were the least isolates having (50%) occurrence each. Lactobacillus plantarum produced the highest amount of thiamine (5.8833 μg/100ml) and riboflavin (5.0400 μg/100ml) while Lactobacillus lactis had the least thiamine (5.2267 μg/100ml) and Lactobacillus caesi had the least riboflavin (4.8300 μg/100ml). Lactobacillus casei produced the highest niacin (1.6433 μg/100ml) while Lactobacillus fermentum had the least (1.2900 μg/100ml). This study reveals Lactobacillus plantarum as the most efficient thiamine and riboflavin producer while Lactobacillus casei produced the most niacin.

Influence of lactic acid bacteria, cellulase, cellulase-producing Bacillus pumilus and their combinations on alfalfa silage quality

This study assessed the effects of lactic acid bacteria(LAB), cellulase, cellulase-producing Bacillus pumilus and their combinations on the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, bacterial community and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silage. A completely randomized design involving a 8(silage additives)×3 or 2(silage days) factorial arrangement of treatments was adopted in the present study. The 8 silage additive treatments were: untreated alfalfa(control); two commercial additives(GFJ and Chikuso-1); an originally selected LAB(Lactobacillus plantarum a214) isolated from alfalfa silage; a cellulase-producing Bacillus(CB) isolated from fresh alfalfa; cellulase(C); and the combined additives(a214+C and a214+CB). Silage fermentation characteristics, chemical composition and microorganism populations were analysed after 30, 60 and 65 days(60 days followed by exposure to air for five additional days). In vitro digestibility was analysed for 30 and 60 days. Compared with the other treatments, selected LAB a214, a214 combined with either C or CB, and Chikuso-1 had the decreased(P<0.001) pH and increased(P<0.001) lactic acid concentrations during the ensiling process, and there were no differences(P>0.05) among them. Fiber degradation was not significant(P≥0.054) in any C or CB treatments. The a214 treatment showed the highest(P=0.009) in vitro digestibility of dry matter(595.0 g kg–1DM) after ensiling and the highest abundance of Lactobacillus(69.42 and 79.81%, respectively) on days 60 and 65, compared to all of other treatments. Overall, the silage quality of alfalfa was improved with the addition of a214, which indicates its potential as an alfalfa silage inoculant.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on conservation characteristics,aerobic stability and in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility of whole-crop corn based total mixed ration silage

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on the fermentation quality, aer- obic stability and in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility of whole-crop corn based totalmixed ration （TMR） silage. Total mixed ration was ensiled with four treatments： （1） no additives （control）; （2） an inoculant （Lactobacillus plantarum） （L）; （3） propionicacid （P）; （4） propionic acid＋lactic acid bacteria （PL）. All treatments were ensiled in laboratory-scale silos for 45 days, and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for12 days. Further, four TMR silages were incubated in vitro with buffered rumen fluid to study in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility. The results indicated that all TMR silages had good fermentation characteristics with low pH （〈3.80） and ammonia nitrogen （NH3-N） contents, and high lactic acid contents as well as Flieg points. Addition of L further improved TMR silage quality with more lactic acid production. Addition of P and PL decreased lactic acid and NH3-N contents of TMR silage compared to the control （P〈0.05）. After 12 days aerobic exposure, P and PL silages remained stable, but L and the control silages deteriorated as indicated by a reduction in lactic acid and an increase in pH, and numbers of yeast. Compared to the control, addition of L had no effects on TMR silage in terms of 72 h cumulative gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, metabolizable energy, net energy for lactation and short chain fatty acids, whereas addition of PL significantly （P〈0.05） increased them. L silage had higher （P〈0.05） in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility than the control silage. The results of our study suggested that TMR silage prepared with whole-crop corn can be well preserved with or without additives. Furthermore, the findings of this study suggested that propionic acid is compatible with lactic acid bacteria inoculants, and when used together, although they reduced lactic acid production of TMR silage, they improved aerobic stability and in vitro nutrients digestibility of TMR silage.

The effects of fermentation and adsorption using lactic acid bacteria culture broth on the feed quality of rice straw

To improve the nutritional value and the palatability of air-dried rice straw, culture broth of the lactic acid bacteria community SFC-2 was used to examine the effects of two different treatments, fermentation and adsorption. Air-dried and chopped rice straw was treated with either fermentation for 30 d after adding 1.5 L nutrient solution（50 m L inocula L–1, 1.2×1012 CFU m L–1 inocula） kg–1 straw dry matter, or spraying a large amount of culture broth（1.5 L kg–1 straw dry matter, 1.5×1011 CFU m L–1 culture broth） on the straw and allowing it to adsorb for 30 min. The feed quality and aerobic stability of the resulting forage were examined. Both treatments improved the feed quality of rice straw, and adsorption was better than fermentation for preserving nutrients and improving digestibility, as evidenced by higher dry matter（DM） and crude protein（CP） concentrations, lower neutral detergent fiber（NDF）, acid detergent fiber（ADF） and NH3-N concentrations, as well as higher lactic acid production and in vitro digestibility of DM（IVDMD）. The aerobic stability of the adsorbed straw and the fermented straw was 392 and 480 h, respectively. After being exposed to air, chemical components and microbial community of the fermented straw were more stable than the adsorbed straw.

The Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Milk Fermentation

Species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represent as potential microorganisms and have been widely applied in food fermentation worldwide. Milk fermentation process has been relied on the activity of LAB, where transformation of milk to good quality of fermented milk products made possible. The presence of LAB in milk fermentation can be either as spontaneous or inoculated starter cultures. Both of them are promising cultures to be explored in fermented milk manufacture. LAB have a role in milk fermentation to produce acid which is important as preservative agents and generating flavour of the products. They also produce exopolysaccharides which are essential as texture formation. Considering the existing reports on several health-promoting properties as well as their generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status of LAB, they can be widely used in the developing of new fermented milk products.

Effect of Cellulase and Lactic Acid Bacteria on Fermentation Quality and Chemical Composition of Wheat Straw Silage

The object of this study was to determine the effect of cellulase and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on fermentation quality and chemical composition of wheat straw silage. Silages were prepared using a small-scale fermentation system and the moisture level was adjusted to 60% of fresh matter (FM) with deionized water. Treatments were designed as: control silage without additives, LAB inoculant Lactobacillus casei Z3-1 (1.0 × 106 cfu·g-1 of FM), commercial inoculant L. plantarum FG 1 (1.0 × 106 cfu·g-1 of FM), Z3-1 + cellulase and FG 1 + cellulase. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) contents of the wheat straw prior to ensiling were 76.93%, 48.52% and 4.63% of dry matter (DM), respectively. After 30 days of fermentation, the silages treated with LAB and LAB + cellulase had a lower (P < 0.05) pH and higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid content than the control, and the coliform bacteria, yeast and mold were inhibited at the early stage of fermentation. Besides, silages treated with cellulase had lower (P < 0.05) values of ADF and NDF than the control. The results confirmed that the addition of cellulase and LAB contributed to improving the fermentation quality of wheat straw silage.

Inhibitory Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Salmonella

[Objectives]To explore the inhibitory effect of lactic acid bacteria(LAB)on the growth of Salmonella.[Methods]The inhibitory effect of lactic acid bacteria on Salmonella was investigated by Oxford cup agar diffusion test from the aspects of lactic acid bacteria body,metabolites,pH,thermal stability and acid resistance.[Results]The growth of Salmonella was disturbed by the inhibition of lactic acid bacteria.The mechanism of inhibitory effect may be:simple low pH and lactic acid bacteria have no inhibitory effect on Salmonella;however,there are active substances in the metabolites of lactic acid bacteria,which have high thermal stability and a wide range of acid resistance,and are effective substances for inhibiting the growth of Salmonella.[Conclusions]This study is helpful for screening more natural preservative substances,reducing the contamination rate of Salmonella to food,and is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the preservation and preservation of food.

Effect of Application of a Bacteria Inoculant and Wheat Bran on Fermentation Quality of Peanut Vine Ensiled Alone or with Corn Stover

To find an effective method for ensiling peanut vine （PV）, fermentation characteristics and nutritional values of PV silage and the mixture of PV with corn stover （CS） silage in a ratio of 1 ： 1 fresh weight, prepared by adding lactic acid bacteria （LAB）, 10% wheat bran （WB） and LAB＋WB at ensiling were evaluated in 2009 and 2010. The fermentation qualities of PV silage ensiled with the LAB and WB additives were improved compared with those of the control （PV ensiled alone）. However, the pH did not decline to the critical level of 4.2, and the nutritional values of the silage were not protected against losses in the LAB and WB addition silages. Ensiling PV in mixture with CS generated optimal moisture content and buffering capacity （BC） of ensiled materials. After adding the LAB and WB additives to mixture silage, especially adding LAB＋WB, the fermentation qualities and nutritional values of the mixture silage were improved significantly （P〈0.05）, and the Flieg＇s score reached to 99. The result suggested that it is a feasible method to ensile the mixed materials of PV with CS by adding LAB and high concentration of water soluble-carbohydrate materials for providing a good fermentation quality of PV silage.

Lactic Acid Fermentation of Peppers

Different peppers fermentations (Capsicum annum, grossum variety) were assayed: spontaneous, native microflora supplemented individually with Lactobacillus plantarum N8, Leuconostoc mesentereroides L. or Pediococcus pentosaceus 12p and by pure or combined cultures of these lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In order to eliminate the native flora, different kinds of heat treatment were assayed. The treatment selected was heating in autoclaved after research 3/4 atmosphere and to turn off. Fermentations were carried out at 22?C and 30?C and the culture media contained 2% or 0.2% glucose and 4% NaCl. Sugar consumption, pH reduction and acid production were higher at 30℃ than at 22℃. At both temperatures, spontaneous fermentation showed a slower rate reduction in pH than inoculated samples. Diminution in pH in presence of 2% glucose was faster than at 0.2%, but minimum pH was in both case lower than 3.0. Maximum growth was reached between 2 and 5 days of fermentation in all the samples assayed. After 30 days of incubation in presence of 2% glucose the survival of LAB was nearly 5 log ufc/ml. The survival was higher at the lower temperature assayed for both glucose concentrations. Organoleptic properties of peppers fermented with a mixed culture of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Pediococcus pentosaceus were found best by a human panel. This sample has a relation lactic acid/acetic acid of nearly 3 in the conditions assayed.

Selected fermented indigenous vegetables and fruits from Malaysia as potential sources of natural probiotics for improving gut health

In the Peninsular Malaysia and Northern Borneo island of Malaysia, various rich indigenous leafy vegetables and fruits grow and contribute to the nutritional and dietary values of the population. They have high water contents, thus, naturally vulnerable to rapid food spoilage. Food preservation and processing play a vital role in the inhibition of food pathogens in fruits and vegetables that are prevalent in Malaysia. Lactic acid fermentation is generally a local-based bioprocess, among the oldest form and well-known for food-processing techniques among indigenous people there. The long shelf life of fermented vegetables and fruits improves their nutritional values and antioxidant potentials. Fermented leaves and vegetables can be utilized as a potential source of probiotics as they are host for several lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus confusus, Weissella paramesenteroides, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These strains may be more viable in metabolic systems whereby they can contribute to a substantial increase in essential biologically active element than industrial starter cultures. This review is aimed to address some essential fermented fruits and vegetables in Malaysia and their remarkable reputations as a potential sources of natural probiotics.

Beneficial effects of fermented jujube pulp in relieving loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation in male ICR mice

Unfermented jujube pulp(UFJP),fermented jujube pulp(FJP)in high and low doses were fed to constipated ICR mice.Defecation function,serum gastrointestinal regulatory peptide,fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)and gut microbial composition were assessed.Results showed that high-dose FJP could protect intestinal mucosa tissue,shorten the first black feces defecating time by 17%and increase the number and wet weights of black feces by 72%and 71%,respectively,within 6 h.High-dose FJP signifi cantly down-regulated the somatostatin level and up-regulated gastrin level in constipated mice,compared with low-dose FJP and UFJP.The high-dose FJP intervention regulated the microbiota profi le,which afterwards restored microbiota,like Bacteroidetes,Bifi dobacterium and Lactobacillus,to a less unhealthy state.This study provides convincing in vivo evidence that high-dose FJP supplementation through daily diet could be a promising approach to effectively alleviate constipation and modulate gut health.