Health beneficial properties of a novel plant-based probiotic drink produced by fermentation of brown rice milk with GABA-producing Lactobacillus pentosus isolated from Thai pickled weed

This study aimed to develop a GABA drink by probiotic fermentation of brown rice milk (BRM). The drink was prepared from GABA-rich brown rice and fermented by a GABA-producing probiotic Lactobacillus pentosus 9D3 isolated from Thai pickled weed. The strain considerably enhanced the GABA content in BRM fortified with yeast extract, isolated soy protein and pyridoxine hydrochloride, rendering a drink with high GABA content (14.3 mg/ 100 mL) and a high number of probiotic cells (8.6 log CFU/mL). The drink contained phenolic compounds and exhibited antioxidant activities. The drink could inhibit key enzymes related to obesity and diabetes. The drink flavored with lychee juice showed good sensory acceptance, provided around 100 kcal/100 mL, and it could be refrigerated for up to 30 days. In conclusion, the developed probiotic GABA drink has great potential to be commercialized as a plant-based functional drink with health benefits that may prevent some chronic diseases.

Automated summary

This study developed a GABA drink by probiotic fermentation of brown rice milk, which contained high levels of GABA and probiotic cells, exhibited antioxidant activities, inhibited key enzymes related to obesity and diabetes, had good sensory acceptance with moderate calorie content, and could be refrigerated for up to 30 days. It has the potential to be commercialized as a plant-based functional drink with health benefits that may prevent chronic diseases.