LAUSR

Abstract Here, the multi-functional properties of Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKSR (MKSR), newly isolated from the Korean fermented vegetable product, kimchi, were evaluated. The survival rate of MKSR was 98% in 0.1% pepsin solution (pH 2.0) after 3 h, and 93% in 0.1% bile salt solution after 4 h. MKSR possessed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Bacillus cereus and Listeria innocua, and antibiotic susceptibility to chloramphenicol. The organism lacked β-glucuronidase catalytic activity and was non-hemolytic on sheep blood agar. MKSR, a potentially useful probiotic, exhibited high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (87%), but it did not affect α-amylase activity. It showed strong antioxidant activity such as DPPH radical-scavenging ability (82%) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (3.4 FeSO4·7H2O eq. mmol·L−1). MKSR also showed bile salt hydrolase activity and cholesterol assimilation (59%). Overall, L. mesenteroides MKSR that has been newly isolated from kimchi possesses great potential as a beneficial strain for functional food.