Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect8 studies · 7 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 8 studies, 7 reported beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium plantarum on reduced inflammation, with effect sizes ranging from small to large and a predominant moderate effect. The highest-quality evidence comes from a meta-analysis of 413 athletes showing a statistically significant moderate reduction in TNF-α (ES = -0.59, 95% CI [-0.94 to -0.24], P = 0.001). One neutral systematic review in adults with alcoholic liver disease found no significant effect on inflammatory markers. Doses and study durations were not consistently reported, so no dose range or treatment timeline can be established.
- Studied populations: athletes (largest and highest-quality study), adults with alcoholic liver disease (neutral finding), animal models (rats and mice, multiple studies)
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Only 1 of 8 studies reported a statistically significant finding, and the neutral study (systematic review in ALD) did not reach significance. Most studies had small sample sizes or were animal/preclinical reviews with low evidence scores. Evidence base is small (only 8 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary.
Generated May 12, 2026