Changes in yogurt fermentation characteristics, and antioxidant potential and
in vitro inhibition of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme upon the inclusion of
peppermint, dill and basil
The present study investigated the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita), dill (Anethum graveolens) and
basil (Ocimum basilicum) on yogurt formation, proteolysis and inhibition of angiotensin-1 converting
enzyme (ACE). Herbal-yogurts had faster rates of pH reduction than plain-yogurt. All herbal-yogurts had
higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activities than plain-yogurt, both at the end of fermentation and
throughout the storage period. The o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) peptides in herbal-yogurts increased by 28
e36% after 7 days of storage. All herbal-yogurts showed higher anti-ACE activity than plain-yogurt at
corresponding storage periods. M. piperita yogurt had highest inhibitory effect on ACE activity
throughout the storage period. Peppermint, dill and basil may be used to modify microbial fermentation
of milk with the intention of producing dairy products with higher antioxidant and enhanced anti-ACE
activities.