Kombucha microbiome as a probiotic: a view from the perspective of post-genomics and synthetic ecology

Abstract

Probiotics are essential for establishing and maintaining optimal immune health. The probiotic therapy is known from alternative medicine for ages; however, the recent demonstration of the normal microflora to induce innate immunity has introduced the science-based concept of therapeutic application of potentially beneficial probiotic microorganisms for a treatment of functional disorders. Traditionally, probiotics are associated with dairy products, however, novel formulations are needed, first of all, originated from naturally occurring symbiotic microbial communities as the most robust assemblages. Especially, safe and robust probiotics are needed for long-term expeditions, outposts, extraterrestrial permanently-manned bases, where humans are exposed to adverse environmental factors. Kombucha beverage is Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) and associated with health-promoting effects. Kombucha tea/mat is being in use in human livings within millennia as a probiotic drink for healing and health prophylaxis effects, however, new research opportunities promise its «renaissance», going to be used pharmacologically

Evaluation of the Stability of the Total Antioxidant Capacity, Polyphenol Contents, and Starch Hydrolase Inhibitory Activities of Kombucha Teas Using anIn VitroModel of Digestion

“…The presence of both Gluconacetobacter and Lactobacillus spp. may also contribute to the fact that the antioxidant activity of the beverages was primarily imparted due to the metabolic activities of these two microbial genera as shown by previous studies [12,21,22]. Figure 1 shows the pH values of the samples on days 0, 1, and 7 as well as the results when the fermented samples are subjected to pancreatic and duodenal digestion.…”

“…present in all three pellicles may possess potential therapeutic properties including acting as a probiotic organism. Such microorganisms are known to provide a balance in intestinal microbiota, normalizing processes in gut and boosting the immune system [21]. The presence of both Gluconacetobacter and Lactobacillus spp.…”

The Importance of Yeasts on Fermentation Quality and Human Health-Promoting Compounds

“…Milk fermentation in colder climates promotes the growth of mesophilic bacteria such as Lactococcus and Leuconostoc, whereas beverages produced at higher temperatures usually have greater counts of thermophilic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus [66,67]. Most often the probiotic bacteria come from Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium or a cocktail of both [68].…”

DNA metabarcoding of microbial communities for healthcare

“…Kombucha beverage is becoming increasingly popular around the world today as a prophylactic probiotic and healing agent [26], and both the kombucha brewed drink and processed pellicles may be promising probiotic/synbiotic formulations [27]. The presence of tea polyphenols, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, lactic acid, vitamins, minerals in the brewed drink and cellulose pellicle was reported [26].…”

“…Kombucha culture is an example of a multi-microbial community with strong mutualistic relationships between its members -bacteria and yeasts. The studies on cultures have revealed that Kombucha Microbial Community (KMC) may include a variety of yeast species and acetobacteria (reviewed in [27]). During the fermentation of sugar in the tea extract the community members produce a big variety of organic molecules, which prevent KMC from colonization by other microorganisms.…”