Enhancement of the bioactive compounds and biological activities of maca () via solid-state fermentation with .

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Maca ( Walp) is renowned for its phytochemicals, including amino acids, saponins, and macamides, confer nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study analyzed the bioactive constituents of maca via solid-state fermentation with for 0-15 days. After fermentation, the l-carnitine content reached 157.3 μg/g. A 93% increase in macamide B was recorded after 7-day fermentation. Total flavonoid and saponin contents increased by 88.2% and 110.3%, respectively. The fermentation process significantly enhanced the physicochemical attributes of maca; in particular, its water retention and cholesterol-binding capacities increased by 1.73- and 4.30-fold, respectively, compared with the non-fermented maca. Moreover, fermented maca exhibited stronger antioxidant and α-glucosidase-inhibiting effects than non-fermented maca. Finally, the neuroprotective effect of maca on HT-22 cells increased by 23% after 5-day fermentation. These findings demonstrate the potential of fermented maca as a novel ingredient for foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01508-6.