Conclusions
The study was able to identify the enhancement of the antioxidant
and α-amylase inhibitory potential of five types of teas
by the incorporation of the tea fungus and the preparation of
Kombucha beverages. Fermented SLBT and RT were discovered
to be the better of the five Kombucha beverages, having
the highest antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities
at the end of the fermentation period. Although the mechanisms
of action of these beverages in the human physiology
is yet to be elucidated, this study serves as a platform for the
identification and promotion of Kombucha as a functional food
product which can be easily prepared in households. Its
α-amylase inhibitory property is also an indication of its usage
as a beverage to be consumed for the maintenance of health
and wellness. It would also be a novelty to investigate the therapeutic
potential of Kombucha beverages prepared from other
types of teas, not simply limited to teas originating from
C. sinensis and A. linearis. A myriad of teas exist throughout the
world which are consumed either for pleasure or therapeutic
purposes whose sensory properties and medicinal benefits
might increase with a simple fermentation process such as the
addition of the Kombucha tea fungus.