Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditionally fermented legume products of Western Kenya

Fermentation as a processing technique has been used for a long time by people of Western Kenya to improve the quality of raw food material. During fermentation, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) synthesize vitamins and minerals, produce biologically active peptides with enzymes such as proteinase and peptidase, and remove some ant-nutrients. The medicinal and flavor enhancing properties of fermented foods are due to the presence of probiotics. This study aims at isolating and biochemically characterizing potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria from spontaneously fermented legume-based products from two locations in Vihiga County; Emuhaya and Mbale, Kenya. The results from the findings are presumptive indicator of probiotic bacteria in fermented legumes. RC0PU2, SB0PU3 and CP0PU1 isolated form Emuhaya can survive at low pH of 2 while SB0PU3 and CP0PU1 in addition can survive a salt concentration of 3%. SB0PU3 and CPOPU2 and RC0PU2, SB0PU2 and CPOPU3 can grow at high temperature of 45°C. RC0PU2, SB0PU2, GG0PU1, CP0PU1 and CPOPU2 can tolerate a salt concentration of 3%. Only two isolates RCOPU2 and CPOPU2 isolated from Mbale samples survived at the pH of 2. The findings from this study indicated that fermented legumes are potential sources of probiotics with unique characteristics.    Key words: Probiotic potential, legumes, lactic acid bacteria.