Probiotic lactobacilli in formulas and hygiene products for the health of the urogenital tract.

2021-10
Pharmacology research & perspectives 9(5)
- María Elena Fátima Nader-Macías
- Priscilla Romina De Gregorio
- Jessica Alejandra Silva

PubMed: 34609059
DOI: 10.1002/prp2.787

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: women under different conditions
Methods: This review aims to resume the requirements, probiotic characteristics, and clinical trial applied to determine the effect of probiotic and potentially probiotic strains on different woman's physiological and pathological conditions, and in preterm birth prevention.

Lactobacilli are the predominant microorganisms of the healthy human vagina. A novel alternative for the prevention and treatment of female urogenital tract infections (UGTI) is the inclusion of these microorganisms as active pharmaceutical ingredients in probiotic formulas, and more recently in female hygienic products. Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." A list of requirements must be considered during the development of probiotic product/formula for the female urogenital tract (UGT). This review aims to resume the requirements, probiotic characteristics, and clinical trial applied to determine the effect of probiotic and potentially probiotic strains on different woman's physiological and pathological conditions, and in preterm birth prevention. A revision of female hygienic products available in the world market is included, together with novel studies applying nanotechnology for Lactobacillus incorporation in hygienic products. Further studies and well-designed clinical trials are urgently required to complement the current knowledge and applications of probiotics in the female UGT. The use of probiotic formulas and products will improve and restore the ecological equilibrium of the UGT microbiome to prevent and treat UGTI in women under different conditions.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus crispatus LBV 88→Improved Urogenital Tract Health
The use of probiotic formulas and products will improve and restore the ecological equilibrium of the UGT microbiome to prevent and treat UGTI in women under different conditions.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus jensenii LBV 116→Reduced Urogenital Infections
A novel alternative for the prevention and treatment of female urogenital tract infections (UGTI) is the inclusion of these microorganisms as active pharmaceutical ingredients in probiotic formulas, and more recently in female hygienic products.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus jensenii LBV 116→Restored Urogenital Tract Microbiome
The use of probiotic formulas and products will improve and restore the ecological equilibrium of the UGT microbiome to prevent and treat UGTI in women under different conditions.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBV96→Improved Gut Microbiota Balance
The use of probiotic formulas and products will improve and restore the ecological equilibrium of the UGT microbiome to prevent and treat UGTI in women under different conditions.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small