| Benefits of Lactobacillus sporogenes as a
probiotic Clinical studies have revealed that L. sporogenes can be
successfully implanted in the intestine. As explained in an earlier section, L.
sporogenes satisfies the essential requirements of an efficient probiotic.
Preparations of L. sporogenes in pharmaceutical dosage forms such as tablets,
capsules, dried granules or powder have the following characteristics:
- Contain
a large number of viable lactobacilli that retain viability during preparation in
pharmaceutical dosage forms and during storage before consumption. The spores are
thermostable as against viable L. acidophilus cells which may not withstand
lyophilization.
Survive in
gastric secretions and bile of the upper digestive tract and reach the intestine safely.
Settle in the
digestive tract and produce enough lactic acid and other antagonistic substances to
inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Being sporulated,
they germinate under favorable conditions and produce sufficient viable cells which
proliferate and perform vital healthful functions as described earlier. In addition, L.
sporogenes spores are semi-resident and are slowly excreted out of the body (7 days
after discontinuation of administration).
L. sporogenes
is effective in the form of dietary supplements as well as when added to food products. Natto
is a traditional fermented product from soya bean, consumed widely in Japan as a rich
source of protein. Its flavor is improved by the incorporation of lactic acid bacteria
such as L. sporogenes, L. acidophilus or Pediococcus acidilactiti to
the starter culture (Bacillus natto), to yield a product called yogurunatto
having superior flavor and storage characteristics as well as improved nutritional and
therapeutic properties. A nutritive medium (homogenized mushroom, Lentinus edodus)
is mixed with soya beans and fermented to yield this health food product. The requirement
of availability of a number of viable lactic acid bacteria is fulfilled by using L.
sporogenes. |