This study was conducted in order to investigate the optimal fermentation periods of the Smilax china L. leaves as a fermented tea via Aspergillus oryzae for 0 (non-fermented), and 10, 20, and 30 days (NF, F10, F20, F30). It was also observed for its quality characteristics. In the color and spectrum (400～700nm) of 1% tea water extract, NF was light yellow, whereas fermented tea (F10～F30) was light red color, and the F10 among F10～F30 has the clearest color and spectrum. Furthermore, acceptabilities of aroma and brightness were insignificantly different between NF and F10～30, while the mouth feel and overall acceptabilities were insignificantly distinct among all of the fermented teas. Therefore, these results suggest that the appropriate fermentation period for tea fermentation is 10 days. On the other hand, the total polyphenol and flavonoid content in the NF was the highest among all of the fermented teas. In the antioxidant parameters, EDA (electron donating ability), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and LPOIA (lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity) in the NF were the highest among all fermented teas. Meanwhile, the XOI (xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity) was low, as well as insignificantly different from NF and F10～F30, whereas the AOI (aldehyde oxidase inhibitory activity) was markedly higher (38.09～41.70%) by the hot water tea extract (with or without fermentation), particularly the AOI that has increased via fermentation. In conclusion, the overall antioxidant activity tended to be reduced by fermentation; however, the EDA, FRAP and LPOIA in the fermented tea for 10 days was higher than the activities during 20～30 days of fermentation. There was a similar result in the color and acceptability of fermented tea for 10 days, which was remarkably better than those of 20-30 days. Therefore, fermented tea from the leaves of Smilax china L. could be expected to be used as a functional tea without the loss of inhibitory activity of both the XO and AO via fermentation.
