Nuruk, a Traditional Korean Fermentation Starter, Contains the Bioactive Compound 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ)

Nuruk, a traditional Korean fermentation starter, contains 2,6-dimethoxy-ρ-benzoquinoe (2,6-DMBQ), also found in fermented wheat germ extract, and has anti-cancer and immune supporting effects. The presence of 2,6-DMBQ was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Among the five traditional nuruks tested, the highest 2,6-DMBQ content of 1.16±0.07 mg/50 g was obtained from nuruk purchased in Hwaseong. The results of this study may explain the health-promoting functions of traditional Korean alcoholic beverages that employ nuruk as a fermentation starter.