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Bifilac Strains & Benefits PDF
Bifilac Strains & Benefits PDF
INTRODUCTION
intestine12 and these belong to as many as 400 different species, and anaerobic
bacteria outnumber aerobic bacteria by a factor of 1000:1. Anaerobic flora is
dominated by bacteroides spp., bifidobacteria, lactobacillus, propionibacteria and
clostridia. Among aerobic and anaerobic bacteria enterobacteria, mainly E. coli,
and enterococci predominate.
The predominant microflora in the GI tract is as follows.
Proximal small intestine Lactobacilli + Enterococcus faecalis (10 5 - 107 / ml of
fluid)
Distal small intestine Lactobacilli + Enterococcus faecalis + Coliforms +
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Bacteroides (10 bacteria / ml of fluid)
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Bacteria of the normal gut flora produce a variety of substances that are inhibitory to
both gram - positive and gram - negative bacteria. They produce antimicrobial
compounds (bacteriocins), volatile fatty acids, organic acids, and lactic acid, which
reduces the intestinal pH. These compounds reduce the number of viable pathogenic
organisms in the gastrointestinal tract.
2.
The gut microflora compete directly with gut pathogenic organisms for epithelial
attachment sites in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing attachment and
colonization of the GI tract by the potentially pathogenic organisms.
3.
The gut microflora compete directly with gut pathogenic organisms for the essential
nutrients necessary for survival and multiplication, thereby inhibiting the growth
and multiplication of potentially pathogenic organisms.
4.
Stimulation of immunity
The underlying mechanisms of immune stimulation by the gut microflora are not
well understood. However, local gut immunity enhancement by the gut microflora
may be one possible mechanism of inhibiting growth of potentially pathogenic
microorganisms.
PROBIOTICS
What are Probiotics?
The word probiotic is derived from the Greek meaning for life. A probiotic by
general definition is a Live microbial feed supplement, which beneficially affects
the host by improving the host's intestinal microbial balance. Probiotics are
generally mono or mixed cultures of live microorganisms which otherwise form
the major component of the gut microflora (e.g. lactobacilli, bifidobacteria).
Probiotics, when ingested, beneficially affect the host by improving the
properties of the indigenous microflora12.
Ingestion of probiotics beneficially affects the host by
a.
b.
Replenishing the depleted gut microflora, which may have occurred due
to use of antibiotics, illness, stress, travel or lifestyle changes.
Improving the properties of the indigenous microflora.
Probiotic bacteria are generally, though not exclusively, lactic acid bacteria and include
1.
2.
3.
4.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Must be of human origin and be able to inhabit the small and large
intestine
Exert a beneficial effect on the host by helping in proper digestion and
assimilation of nutrients and synthesis nutrients like B complex Vitamins,
and Vitamin K for the host (man)
Be nonpathogenic and nontoxic
Contain a large number of viable cells
Be capable of surviving (should not be killed by gastric juice and bile
acids) and metabolizing in the gut
Remain viable during storage and use
Be antagonistic to pathogens
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Bifidobacteria are nonmotile, non - spore forming, Gram - positive rods with varying
appearance. Most strains are strictly anaerobic. B. longum may be considered as the
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most common species of bifidobacteria, being found both in infant and adult feces .
They constitute a major part of the normal intestinal microflora in humans
throughout life. Their number tends to decrease with age. They predominantly
colonize the large intestine.
Saccharomyces Boulardii belongs to the yeast species. It is non - pathogenic and
non - colonizing. It is considered a transient yeast in the human intestines, which
means that it does not set up residence in the mucosal membrane of the intestinal
tract like the lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. As it travels to the intestines, this
yeast has the ability to aggressively displace species of pathogenic yeast and
bacteria and at the same time it does not harm the normal intestinal flora. S.
boulardii is described as a probiotic which has the ability to beneficially affect the
delicate balance of the intestinal bacteria, and also has the capacity to prevent or
reduce the effects of harmful pathogenic organisms. The mechanism of probiotic
action is probably by production of acetic and lactic acid, which lower the intestinal
pH and thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogenic yeast and bacteria. This also
encourages a good environment for the intestinal resident bacteria (lactobacillus
and bifidobacteria). There are some reports in medical literature of infections
(septicemia) in immnuocompromised patients after treatment with S. boulardii.
Streptococcus Thermophilus are lactic acid producing aerobic gram-positive cocci.
They are mainly found in the upper and lower small intestine and produce lactase
enzyme, which is helpful in digestion of lactose, a sugar found in milk.
PREBIOTICS
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are range of non-digestible dietary supplements, which modify the balance
of the intestinal micro flora, stimulating the growth and / or activity of beneficial
organisms and suppressing potentially deleterious bacteria.
These supplements include lactulose, lactitol, a variety of oligosaccharides (especially
fructo-oligosaccharides or FOS), and inulin. In particular, prebiotics promote the
proliferation of bifidobacteria in the colon. Some of them also help in promoting the
proliferation of lactobacilli in the small intestine to a certain extent.
To be effective, prebiotics should escape digestion in the upper gut, and reach the
large bowel, and be utilized selectively by a restricted group of microorganisms that
have been clearly identified to a health promoting properties (e.g. lactobacillus,
bifidobacteria).
Three live bacteria that act as prebiotic and probiotic agents
The three live bacteria that act as pre and probiotic are
a.
Streptococcus faecalis T-110 (lactic acid bacteria)
b.
Clostridium butyricum TO-A (butyric acid bacteria)
c.
Bacillius mesentericus TO-A (amylolytic bacteria)
Streptococcus faecalis T-110 are live gram-positive, aerobic, non-spore forming
cocci. They proliferate actively through the symbiotic action with B. mesentericus TOA and C. butyricum TO-A to yield lactic acid with inhibition of growth of harmful
bacteria. This lactic acid bacteria is found in the region from the upper to lower part of
small intestine.
Clostridium butyricum TO-A are live gram-positive, anaerobic, spore forming
bacilli. They proliferate actively through the symbiotic action with streptococcus
faecalis T-110 to yield short chain fatty acids such as butyric acid and acetic acid with a
resultant decrease in intestinal pH and inhibition of growth of harmful bacteria. The
short chain fatty acids, in addition, help to regularize abnormal bowel movements.
The short chain fatty acids also help in adjustment of water and electrolyte
concentration of the intestinal tract. They also serve as source of nutrient for intestinal
mucosal cells. It is found predominantly in the region from the upper small intestine
to the colon.
Bacillius mesentericus TO-A are live gram-positive, aerobic, spore forming bacilli.
They proliferate actively through the symbiotic action with streptococcus faecalis T110. It is a spore forming bacteria and produces an amylolytic enzyme (amylase) and
protease to activate proliferation of streptococcus TO-A. It is also
colonize in the lower GI tract (upper and small intestine and colon), when
taken orally.
It has been shown that these live bacteria help in normalizing the intestinal
flora by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and preventing the
growth of harmful bacteria. In cases of intestinal infection with pathogenic
bacteria, intake of these three live bacteria can lower the counts of the
pathogenic bacteria, while simultaneously increasing the count of beneficial
bacteria. This is shown by a reversal of ratio of predominant aerobic :
anaerobic bacteria to a predominant anaerobic : aerobic bacterial ratio. Here
the aerobic bacteria signify the potentially pathogenic organisms whereas,
the anaerobic bacteria signify the beneficial resident bacteria in the intestine.
The increased count of bifidobacteria, generated in the intestine through the
action of the three live bacteria, produces Glutamine from NH4 + and
glutamic acid in the intestine. Glutamine is the fuel for the intestinal cells
and helps in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. In
this manner, the colonization by potentially pathogenic microorganisms in
the intestine is inhibited.
What is synbiotic?
Synbiotic is a combination of prebiotic and probiotic. So, when a preparation
contains both prebiotic and probiotic, it is known as synbiotic.
What is bacteriotherapy?
Bacteriotherapy by general definition is using harmless and beneficial bacteria to
displace pathogenic organisms. It is an alternative and promising way of
combating infections.
Indications
1.
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9.
Safety
The three live bacteria along with Lactobacillus sporogenes in Bifilac colonize in
the intestinal tract and do not enter into systemic circulation. Bifilac is therefore
safe to use, as the ingredients of Bifilac confine themselves only to the lumen of the
gastrointestinal tract.
Bifilac must not be administered to infants less than 3 months of age.
Safety of Bifilac in pregnancy and lactation has not been estabilished.
Bifilac
Lactobacillus
Species
Saccharomyces
boulardii
1. Prebiotic +
Probiotic
Yes
Probiotic only
Probiotic only
2. Natural gut
flora
Helps in
supplementing
& in proliferation
of predominant
natural gut flora
organisms like
lactobacilli and
bifidobacteria.
Helps in
supplementing
lactobacilli only.
It is a noncolonizing yeast.
Does not alter
normal bowel
flora. Does not
colonize in the
intestinal tract.
3. Extent of
colonization
of beneficial
bacteria in
GI tract.
Helps in
proliferation of
both lactobacilli
(small intestine)
and bifidobacteria
(large intestine)&
thereby provides
beneficial effects
to the whole gut.
Supplements
lactobacilli only
which
predominantly
colonize
the small
intestine.
Has
predominant
action in large
intestine.
4. Possible side
effects
None
None
Danger of
Septicemia
when used in
immunocompromised
patients
5. Maintenance
of intestinal
mucosal
integrity
Intestinal mucosal
integrity is
strengthened and
maintained by
production of
butyrates and
acetates by the
three live bacteria
and through
glutamine
produced by
bifidobacteria.
No action.
No action.
6. Correction of
abnormal
bowel
movements
regulation
of bowel
movements.
No action on
abnormal bowel
movements.
No action on
abnormal bowel
movements.
7. Action on
potentially
pathogenic
bacteria in
intestine.
Lactobacillus
species has some
action on
inhibiting growth
of potentially
pathogenic
intestinal
microorganisms.
8. Nutritional
benefit to
host
Lactobacilli and
bifidobacteria
benefit the host by
producing
B complex
vitamins and
Vitamin K.
Lactobacilli
species
to a certain extent
produce
B complex
vitamins and
Vitamin K.
No such
nutritional
benefit to host.
9. Dietary
intolerance /
Malabsorption
states
Both lactobacilli
and bifidobacteria
have been shown
to beneficially
affect dietary
intolerance or
malabsorption
states by helping
better digestion of
food and
assimilation
of nutrients.
Lactobacilli to a
No such role
certain extent
identified.
help in better
digestion of food a
nd assimilation
of nutrients.
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