In this study, a solid state fermentation of chickpeas with Cordyceps militaris SN-18 was performed
for the first time.The effects of fermentation on chickpeas were investigated in terms
of total phenolic and saponin contents, antioxidant activities, and DNA damage protection
through various solvent (80% methanol, 80% ethanol,water) extracts.The results showed
compared to the unfermented samples, fermented chickpea extracts had higher total phenolic
and saponin contents, and greater antioxidant and DNA damage protective activities.
Among various extracts examined, the methanolic extracts of fermented chickpeas
showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activities, ABTS radical scavenging activities
and reducing power. Additionally, fermented chickpea extracts demonstrated significant protection
against oxidative DNA damage induced by Fenton’s reagent. HPLC analysis was performed
for determination of the specific phenolic profile, which revealed shikmic acid,
chlorogenic acid, rutin, daidzein, genistein and biochanin A were significantly increased during
fermentation. Both correlation analysis and principal component analysis indicated total
saponin and phenolic contents were closely related with antioxidant activities. The fermentation
process with Cordyceps militaris enhanced antioxidant capacities of chickpeas and
thus was considered of great potential for the food industry.