Illustration of friendly bacteria calming an inflamed colon.

Gut Health Heroes: How These Probiotics Can Calm Your Colitis

"Discover the power of Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 in easing colitis symptoms and promoting gut health."


In recent years, probiotics have surged in popularity as a natural approach to enhance gut health. Among the vast array of probiotic options, lactobacilli strains stand out due to their extensive history of safe consumption and potential health benefits. While generally regarded as safe, concerns have arisen regarding the potential for certain Lactobacillus strains to cause infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. This has led to rigorous screening processes for new strains to ensure their safety and efficacy, especially in vulnerable populations.

Colitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon, poses a significant challenge for many. Characterized by inflammation, ulceration, and discomfort, colitis can severely impact an individual's quality of life. As such, researchers are constantly exploring novel strategies to manage colitis symptoms and promote gut healing. Probiotics, with their ability to modulate the gut microbiota and reduce inflammation, have emerged as a promising avenue for colitis management.

This article explores the potential of two specific Lactobacillus strains, Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689, in alleviating colitis symptoms and promoting gut health. Drawing upon a recent study published in Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, we delve into the findings of a colitis mouse model, shedding light on the safety and efficacy of these probiotic strains in managing inflammatory conditions.

Unlocking the Potential: Lactobacillus Strains in Colitis Management

Illustration of friendly bacteria calming an inflamed colon.

The study, conducted by Pradhan et al. (2019), investigated the impact of Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. DSS is a chemical compound commonly used to induce colitis-like symptoms in animal models, mimicking the inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction observed in human colitis.

The researchers aimed to assess both the safety and therapeutic efficacy of these probiotic strains in a controlled experimental setting. The mice were divided into four groups: a colitis control group (receiving DSS only), a PBS control group (receiving normal drinking water), and two probiotic-treated groups (receiving DSS along with either Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 or Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689).

The study closely monitored several key indicators of gut health and inflammation, including:
  • Colon and cecum length: These measurements provide insights into the overall health and integrity of the colon.
  • Blood biochemistry and hematology: These tests assess various blood parameters to detect any signs of inflammation or adverse effects.
  • Intestinal permeability: This measures the ability of substances to pass through the intestinal lining, indicating gut barrier function.
  • Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity: MPO is an enzyme released by immune cells during inflammation, serving as a marker of inflammatory activity.
The results of the study revealed promising findings regarding the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 in managing colitis symptoms. Both probiotic strains demonstrated the ability to improve gut health and alleviate inflammation without causing any detrimental effects on the mice. Probiotic supplementation led to improved intestinal permeability and reduced MPO activity, indicating a restoration of gut barrier function and a decrease in inflammation. These interventions improved the overall health and growth of mice with colitis, showcasing the therapeutic potential of these probiotic strains.

Embracing the Future: Probiotics as a Promising Colitis Solution

In conclusion, the study by Pradhan et al. (2019) highlights the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 as safe and effective biotherapeutics for alleviating inflammatory conditions, such as colitis. These probiotic strains demonstrated the ability to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and restore gut barrier function in a colitis mouse model. While further research is needed to validate these findings in human clinical trials, the results offer hope for individuals seeking natural and effective strategies to manage colitis symptoms and improve their overall well-being. As the understanding of the gut microbiota and its role in health and disease continues to evolve, probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 may play an increasingly important role in promoting gut health and preventing inflammatory conditions.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s12602-018-9489-5, Alternate LINK

Title: Assessing The Safety And Efficacy Of Lactobacillus Plantarum Mtcc 5690 And Lactobacillus Fermentum Mtcc 5689 In Colitis Mouse Model

Subject: Molecular Biology

Journal: Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Diwas Pradhan, Rajbir Singh, Ashish Tyagi, Rashmi H.M., Virender K. Batish, Sunita Grover

Published: 2018-11-27

Everything You Need To Know

1

How might Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 help with colitis?

Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 are two specific strains of lactobacilli probiotics. Research suggests they can help alleviate colitis symptoms by reducing inflammation and restoring gut balance. While generally considered safe, careful screening is essential to ensure safety and efficacy, especially for vulnerable populations. These strains were tested on mice.

2

What is DSS and how was it used in the study involving Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689?

The study used a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) is a chemical compound used to induce colitis-like symptoms in animal models, mimicking the inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction observed in human colitis. Mice were divided into groups receiving DSS alone, normal drinking water, or DSS along with either Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 or Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689.

3

What specific factors related to gut health and inflammation were monitored in the study examining Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689?

The study monitored several key indicators: Colon and cecum length (overall colon health), blood biochemistry and hematology (signs of inflammation or adverse effects), intestinal permeability (gut barrier function), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (a marker of inflammatory activity). Improved outcomes in these areas indicated the probiotics' positive effects.

4

What were the main findings of the study regarding the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 on colitis symptoms in mice?

The research indicated that both Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 improved gut health and reduced inflammation in mice with colitis. Probiotic supplementation led to improved intestinal permeability and reduced MPO activity, suggesting a restoration of gut barrier function and a decrease in inflammation. Further studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.

5

Are Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689 the only probiotics that could potentially help with colitis, and what other factors should be considered?

While the study focused on Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 5690 and Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5689, many other probiotic strains exist, each with unique properties. Research into other strains could uncover additional options for managing colitis and other inflammatory conditions. It's also important to consider personalized approaches, as the effectiveness of specific probiotics can vary among individuals depending on their unique gut microbiota composition and health status.

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