Lactic fermentation and antioxidant activity of Zingiberaceae plants in Taiwan

Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2009:60 Suppl 2:57-66. doi: 10.1080/09637480802375531. Epub 2008 Oct 22.

Abstract

The present study evaluated functional properties of lactic-fermented ginger products. Three Zingiberaceae species were used as the substrate for fermentation using three lactic acid bacteria. The fermentation process ended 35-40 h after inoculation and reached a pH value of 3.5-4.0. Total antioxidant performances were 68-75%, and were best observed using Bifidobacterium longum as the starter in three ginger samples. DPPH scavenging was on average 70%, with free radical anion scavenging and peroxide removal effects of 30.6% and 43.7%, respectively. The product acceptance survey showed that the 100% fermented juice without a mixture with non-fermented ginger juice obtained the highest score in overall performance. The lactic-fermented Vanoverberghia and Hedychium ginger species retained an antioxidant activity and DPPH scavenging activity of on average 70%. This study may suggest a new way of ginger food processing with high functionality. Also, it may help to popularize the growing and processing of endemic ginger plants in Taiwan.

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Biphenyl Compounds / metabolism
  • Fermentation
  • Food Handling / methods
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Functional Food
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lactobacillus*
  • Peroxides / metabolism
  • Picrates / metabolism
  • Plant Preparations / chemistry
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology*
  • Species Specificity
  • Taiwan
  • Zingiberaceae / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Peroxides
  • Picrates
  • Plant Preparations
  • 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl