Role of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043 carried by artichokes in influencing faecal bacteria and biochemical parameters in human subjects
- 2011-04-20
- Journal of Applied Microbiology 111(1)
- F. Valerio
- S. D. Candia
- S. L. Lonigro
- F. Russo
- G. Riezzo
- A. Orlando
- P. Bellis
- A. Sisto
- P. Lavermicocca
- PubMed: 21447019
- DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05019.x
Study Design
- Type
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Methods
- Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the positive influence of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043 carried by artichokes into the human gut with special reference to faecal bacterial balance, short-chain fatty acid concentrations and enzyme activities in a randomized, double-blind human trial in comparison with probiotic-free artichokes (control).
Methods: Twenty subjects were randomized into two groups, which consumed daily 180 g of the artichoke product (probiotic or control) during two 15-day study periods (periods 1 and 2) separated by a 15-day washout in a crossover manner. Faecal samples were subjected to microbiological and biochemical analyses, and a strain-specific PCR was performed to monitor the probiotic strain.
Results: The probiotic strain, transported by the vegetable matrix, transiently colonized the gut of 17/20 subjects (median 6·87 log CFU g⁻¹ faeces), antagonized Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. and increased the genetic diversity of lactic population based on REP-PCR profiles, mainly after period 1.
Conclusions: The probiotic L. paracasei LMGP22043 successfully colonized the human gut and positively influenced faecal bacteria and biochemical parameters.
Significance and impact of the study: The association of the probiotic L. paracasei with a food carrier rich in fibre can represent a new strategy for favouring a daily supply of probiotics and attracting more consumers to vegetable food fortified with probiotic strains.