The frequency of sister chromatid exchange and micronuclei in evaluation of cytogenetic activity of Kombucha on human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Kombucha is a refreshing beverage obtained by the fermentation of sweetened black tea with a „tea fungus“ (symbiotic culture of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts). It is consumed due to its potential beneficial effects on human health. The aim of this study was to investigate activity of Kombucha on human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. We analyzed Kombucha made from different substrates: Camellia sinensis and Satureja montana, and effects of substrates alone. The frequencies of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronuclei (MN) were scored as genetic endpoints and mitomycin C was used as model mutagen. Kombucha from Camellia sinensis and Camellia sinensis substrate increased frequency of MN and SCE on mitomycin C-treated and -untreated peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, Kombucha from Satureja montana reduced incidence of MN on mitomycin C-treated and -untreated peripheral blood lymphocytes, while SCE frequency was higher than control value. In our pilot study we showed for the first time that Kombucha from different substrates induced different effects on mitomycin C-treated and -untreated peripheral blood lymphocytes.