Bacteria found in a traditional Japanese pickle have displayed immune boosting effects that can prevent flu and scientists have taken up human clinical trials to confirm if this is the next superfood.
The research, which assesses the immune-boosting powers of Lactobacillus brevis from Suguki - a pickled turnip, popular in Japan - in mice that have been exposed to a flu virus, is published today (06 November) in the SfAM journal, Letters in Applied Microbiology.
Probiotics - Support System for the Gut
Probiotics are live microorganisms that resemble the "good bacteria" in our gut. Science is yet to fully explore the healing potential of probiotics; meanwhile some studies have ruled in their favor.
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Lead researcher, Ms Naoko Waki of KAGOME CO., LTD. in Japan said: "Our results show that when a particular strain of Lactobacillus brevis is eaten by mice, it has protective effects against influenza virus infection."
Suguki enthusiasts have often cited its protective powers but it is not known yet whether the same effects will be seen in humans. Human clinical trials using a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus brevis KB290 bacteria are underway and scientists are hopeful that, given a suitable quantity of bacteria, foods containing them may turn out to be the next superfood.
![Your Guide to a Good Gut]( "Your Guide to a Good Gut")
Bothered by digestive problems? Try adding prebiotics and probiotics in your diet for a good gut and better digestive health.
What it is about the bacteria that gives them this amazing property is not known, but it is remarkably tolerant to stomach juices, which are too acidic for many bacteria. This is largely due to a protective layer of sugars called exopolysaccharides.
"We know that exopolysaccharides have immune boosting effects in other similar bacteria, so we wonder if the exopolysaccharides of KB290 are responsible for the effects we see," said Ms Waki. Further studies will be undertaken to investigate this.
The effect of the bacteria is to increase the production of immune system molecules in the body - IFN-α and flu-specific antibodies - and to enhance activity to eradicate virus infected cells. In this study these effects were sufficient to prevent infection by the H1N1 flu and the scientists think that there could also be protection against other viral infections, including the deadly H7N9 flu, which has recently emerged in China.
Source: Eurekalert
Your Guide to a Good Gut
Bothered by digestive problems? Try adding prebiotics and probiotics in your diet for a good gut and better digestive health.
Advertisement
What it is about the bacteria that gives them this amazing property is not known, but it is remarkably tolerant to stomach juices, which are too acidic for many bacteria. This is largely due to a protective layer of sugars called exopolysaccharides.
"We know that exopolysaccharides have immune boosting effects in other similar bacteria, so we wonder if the exopolysaccharides of KB290 are responsible for the effects we see," said Ms Waki. Further studies will be undertaken to investigate this.
The effect of the bacteria is to increase the production of immune system molecules in the body - IFN-α and flu-specific antibodies - and to enhance activity to eradicate virus infected cells. In this study these effects were sufficient to prevent infection by the H1N1 flu and the scientists think that there could also be protection against other viral infections, including the deadly H7N9 flu, which has recently emerged in China.
Source: Eurekalert
Probiotics Mixture Can Help Treat Pregnancy Related Constipation
Pregnant women can get rid of their problem of constipation through probiotics. Probiotics are the live micro-organisms that help and support the digestion of foods and prevent constipation.
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 Role of Probiotics in Treating Antibiotic-Associated DiarrheaHuman digestive tract consists of millions of both harmful and beneficial microbes. A recent study analyzed the efficiency of probiotics in treating Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. | Advertisement
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