Isolation of probiotic bacteria from turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) and its application in enriched beverages

The purpose of this study is to obtain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fresh turmeric rhizomes that could be used as starter culture with the ability to ferment turmeric and to investigate its influence on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Three LAB strains, namely Enterococcus faecium, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum, were isolated from turmeric rhizomes. These microorganisms showed similar characteristics as probiotic organisms. The TPC of fermented turmeric beverages was measured using the Folin–Denis reagent method, while the antioxidant activity assays were quantified by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. This study confirms that bacteria isolated from turmeric can be used as starter. Moreover, fermentation time and LAB lead to dominant amount of TPC and that they have high levels of antioxidant activities.     

Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats

Lactobacillus plantarum, used as starter culture to produce turmeric beverages, was isolated and screened from the turmeric rhizomes. Fermented turmeric beverages were evaluated for its antioxidant activity using 2‐2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The fermentative process resulted in an increase in antioxidant activity. The absorption of turmeric powder, turmeric powder‐mixed encapsulated probiotic (TP) and encapsulated fermented turmeric beverage (TB) in rats was measured in terms of antioxidant activity in the plasma. Plasma antioxidant concentration was higher in rats administrated fermented turmeric beverage than other turmeric products, at all the time points. The maximum concentration (C_max) value and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) were higher in the rat administered with TB. The value was lower in the plasma of rats administered with turmeric powder and TP. The results indicated that the fermentative turmeric possesses better bioavailability and in accordance with the concentrations of polyphenolic compounds in the rat plasma.