In this study, solid state fermentation of mung beans by Cordyceps militaris SN-18 (C. militaris-fermented mung
beans, CFMB) was performed. The effects of fermentation on phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and DNA
damage protection of mung beans through various polarities solvent extracts were determined. Results showed
that phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and DNA damage protection of mung beans were significantly enhanced
by fermentation. The water extract of CFMB exhibited the highest phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging
activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, reducing power, and DNA damage protection. During
fermentation, shikimic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, rutin, sinapic acid, and luteolin of mung beans were
significantly increased. A clear correlation was found between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Thus,
CFMB with enhanced phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and DNA damage protection may be effective
in the prevention of oxidative damage-induced disease, and it can serve as a novel nutraceutical and functional
food in health promotion.