Does anyone have any scientific information on a fermented drink called
Kombucha, Kargasok tea or Kvass tea? It's some sort of culture that's
grown on the surface of highly sugared tea. Users then strain and drink
the tea. Of course, it's supposed to cure cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's,
alcoholism, etc., etc, as well as prevent infections, increase sex drive,
provide boundless energy, unclog drains, etc., etc. mad nauseum.
I suspect that a major constituent of the culture is Acetobacter xylinum,
but of course the users of the tea claim that scientists can't figure out
exactly what it is: bacteria, fungi, yeasts or a symbiotic combination of
the above. I'm not a microbiologist, but I can't imagine that anyone with
a microscope couldn't tell between these genera just by looking at it.
So, what I'd like to know is:
1. What are the major constituents of the culture?
2. Are there any _verifiable_, peer-reviewed scientific studies to
support any of the health claims?
3. If this stuff is good (bad?) for you, what is active metabolite
and/or mechanism of action involved?
No flames or testimonials, please.
THANKS!!
- Clay Malinak (MALINAK at U.WASHINGTON.EDU)
