Components of Taru-Sake and Their Physiological Activity

Abstract

Esters, higher alcohols and sesquiterpenoids in Taru-Sake (sake stored in a cedar cask) stored in Akamidaru and Kotsukidaru for various length of time were analyzed by gas chromatography. Glucose and the absorbance at 490 nm were also analyzed. The storage of sake in a cedar cask increased the sesquiterpenoids and the absorbance at 490 nm, but esters, higher alcohols, and glucose were not affected by the storage. Sake caused the response of GABA_A receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes, suggesting the presence of GABA in the sake. However, the extract of cask storaged sake with pentane did not potentiate the GABA_A receptor response, though that of whiskey did. The storage of sake in a cedar cask increased the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and the total polyphenol.