The main objective of this study was to enhance the nutritional properties, including branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), through the solid-state fermentation (SSF) of wheat bran (WB) using lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The physicochemical properties, amino acid profiles, bioactive components, and antioxidant properties of raw and sterilized WB were compared with those of WB fermented with five different LAB strains. The highest level of BCAAs, isoleucine (Ile; 2.557 ± 0.05 mg/100 g), leucine (Leu; 7.703 ± 0.40 mg/100 g), and valine (Val; 7.207 ± 0.37 mg/100 g), was displayed in the WB fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (L.A WB). In addition, L.A WB showed the highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents (2.80 mg GAE/g and 1.01 mg CE/g, respectively), and the highest Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (9.88 mM TE/g). Statistical analysis clearly revealed that L.A WB presented the highest abundance of branched chain amino acids as well as bioactive components. Overall, this study distinctly implemented the possibility of fermented WB with enhanced BCAAs for application in future functional food through experimental and statistical observations.

Quercus salicina Blume (QS) is an oak species that is indigenous to Japan and Korea. Historically, extracts of leaves, stems, barks and buds from the QS tree had been extensively utilized as herbal medicines. As rich sources of natural antioxidants, QS extracts could prevent oxidative stress and the occurrence of related neurodegenerative diseases. In pharmaceutical applications, decoction or infusion of comminuted QS powder is prepared as an herbal tea for oral use. Various extraction methods and extracting mediums showed the potential antioxidant activities of QS extracts, as well as the different types and levels of bioactive compounds found in them. Due to their functional properties and possibly low-level of cytotoxicity, the potential application of QS extracts as a novel food ingredient could be considered. In this review paper, a brief overview about QS extracts and their bioactive components, antioxidant activities, toxicity and technological applications is described based on previous works.