ß-Glucan fragmentation by microfluidization and TNF-α-immunostimulating activity of fragmented ß-glucans.

Fragmentation of ß-glucans secreted by the fungus Ophiocordyceps dipterigena BCC 2073 achieved by microfluidization was investigated. The degree of ß-glucan fragmentation was evaluated based on the average number of chain scissions (α). The effects on the α value of experimental variables like solid concentration of the ß-glucan suspension, interaction chamber pressure, and number of passes through the microfluidizer were examined. Kinetic studies were conducted using the relationships of the α and suspension viscosity values with the number of passes. Evidence indicated that α increases with the interaction chamber pressure and the number of passes, whereas the solid concentration shows the inverted effect. Kinetic data indicated that the fragmentation rate increases with ß-glucan solid concentration and interaction chamber pressure. Furthermore, since ß-glucan molecular weight is a key factor determining its biological activity, the effect of ß-glucans of different molecular weights produced by fragmentation on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulating activity in THP-1 human macrophage cells was investigated. Evidence suggested that ß-glucans have an immunostimulating effect on macrophage function, in the absence of cytotoxic effects. Indeed, ß-glucans characterized by a range of molecular weights produced via microfluidization exhibited promise as immunostimulatory agents.

Exploring of gut microbiota features in dyslipidemia and chronic coronary syndrome patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) has a high mortality rate, and dyslipidemia is a major risk factor. Atherosclerosis, a cause of CCS, is influenced by gut microbiota dysbiosis and its metabolites. The objective of this study was to study the diversity and composition of gut microbiota and related clinical parameters among CCS patients undergoing coronary angiography and dyslipidemia patients in comparison to healthy volunteers in Thailand. CCS patients had more risk factors and higher inflammatory markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) than others. The alpha diversity was lower in dyslipidemia and CCS patients than in the healthy group. A significant difference in the composition of gut microbiota was observed among the three groups. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Prevotella, and Streptococcus was significantly increased while Roseburia, Ruminococcus, and Faecalibacterium were lower in CCS patients. In CCS patients, Lachnospiraceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Pediococcus were positively correlated with hs-CRP. In dyslipidemia patients, Megasphaera was strongly positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) level and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The modification of gut microbiota was associated with changes in clinical parameters involved in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in CCS patients.

Beneficial Effects of Indigenous Probiotics in High-Cholesterol Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Probiotics are the essential constituents of the gastrointestinal microbiota that provide health-promoting effects. Cholesterol-lowering activity is a specific property of probiotics, improving the cholesterol metabolism without adverse effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effect of single and mixed cholesterol-lowering probiotic strains (including Limosilactobacillus reuteri TF-7, Enterococcus faecium TF-18, and Bifidobacterium animalis TA-1) in high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. The results showed that the administration of single probiotics contributed to a reduction in the body weight gain, visceral organ indexes, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis and also an improvement in the gastrointestinal microbiota. Besides the effect of single cholesterol-lowering probiotics, three probiotics strains could also synergize their hypocholesterolemic effect when administered simultaneously. These findings indicate that three cholesterol-lowering probiotic strains are suitable for development as probiotic supplements to reduce the risk of diseases caused by cholesterol and exert health benefits with synergistic effect when administered simultaneously.

Anti-Inflammatory and Gut Microbiota Modulating Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei MSMC39-1 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Rats.

Probiotics have been shown to possess several properties, depending on the strain. Some probiotics have important roles in preventing infection and balancing the immune system due to the interaction between the intestinal mucosa and cells in the immune system. This study aimed to examine the properties of three probiotic strains using the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibition test in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells). It was revealed that the viable cells and heat-killed cells of the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 dramatically suppressed TNF-α secretion in Caco-2 cells. The strongest strains were then chosen to treat rats with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Viable cells of the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 reduced aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in the serum and significantly inhibited TNF-α secretion in the colon and liver tissues. Treatment with the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 alleviated the colon and liver histopathology in DSS-induced colitis rats. Furthermore, supplementation with probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 increased the genus Lactobacillus and boosted the other beneficial bacteria in the gut. Thus, the probiotic L. paracasei strain MSMC39-1 exhibited an anti-inflammation effect in the colon and modulated the gut microbiota.

Bifidobacterium animalis MSMC83 Improves Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota in D-Galactose-Induced Rats.

The development of many chronic diseases is associated with an excess of free radicals leading to harmful oxidative stress. Certain probiotic strains have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-aging properties and are an important resource for development of microbial antioxidants. The present study aimed to explore the protection offered by Bifidobacterium animalis strain MSMC83 in a model of oxidative stress induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups: a control group injected with saline, a group injected subcutaneously with D-galactose, a probiotic group injected with D-galactose and administered B. animalis MSMC83 (109 CFU/mL) via daily oral gavage, and an ascorbic acid group. The probiotics significantly increased the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and significantly decreased the malondialdehyde in the plasma and livers of D-galactose-treated rats. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha level in the liver was significantly decreased. Furthermore, the treatment with B. animalis MSMC83 restored the microbiota diversity after D-galactose injection. Therefore, our results supported a beneficial role of B. animalis MSMC83 in alleviating oxidative stress through the increased expression of antioxidant enzymes and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats. Our study suggests that B. animalis MSMC83 may be part of a healthy diet to prevent oxidative stress-associated diseases.

Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei on tumor necrosis factor-alpha level in gingival crevicular fluid of patients undergoing impacted third molar removal.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei in patients undergoing removal of impacted mandibular third molars, focusing on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels in gingival crevicular fluid, pain, swelling, trismus, and interincisal distance. METHODS: Thirty patients were divided into two groups: (1) wound irrigation with the probiotic, and (2) irrigation with 0.9% normal saline. The data were collected at the baseline, and at 24 h and 7 days after the operation. The TNF-α level in gingival crevicular fluid was determined using the ELISA technique. RESULTS: In the experimental group, the probiotic L. paracasei MSMC39 reduced the TNF-α level in gingival crevicular fluid to a significantly greater degree than in the control group (P < 0.05). Pain, swelling and trismus evaluated in terms of a visual analog scale (VAS) score were lower in the experimental group than in the control group, but not to a statistically significant degree (P > 0.05). The mean interincisal distance in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: The probiotic L. paracasei is able to reduce the level of TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid and can ameliorate postoperative complications after mandibular molar removal.

Efficacy of probiotic-derived lotion from Lactobacillus paracasei MSMC 39-1 in mild to moderate acne vulgaris, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics provide benefits for reducing acne. Previous studies showed an anti-inflammatory effect of Lactobacillus paracasei. However, the clinical evidence of topical probiotic lotion and acne treatment is still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotic-derived lotion compared with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. METHODS: Topical probiotic-derived lotion was formulated from cell-free supernatant of L. paracasei MSMC 39-1. In vitro study showed the ability of the supernatant to inhibit both antibiotic-resistance and-susceptibility strains of C. acnes and inhibit tumor necrosis factor-α. The patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris on the face were randomized to receive topical probiotic-derived lotion or 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Acne lesion counts, erythema index, and side effects were assessed after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and four acne vulgaris patients were enrolled. After four weeks of treatment, the inflammatory acne lesion counts and erythema index significantly decreased compared with the baseline in both the probiotic-derived lotion group and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide group (p < 0.001 in both groups) without statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the comedones were not affected in both groups. Four patients (7.69%) treated with probiotic-derived lotion and 14 patients (26.92%) treated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide reported treatment-associated side effects. CONCLUSION: Probiotic-derived lotion is safe and effective for treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris, a comparable outcome with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. It could be an alternative treatment of acne with more minor side effects.

Minimum Contact Time of 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% Benzoyl Peroxide for a Bactericidal Effect Against Cutibacterium acnes.

Purpose: Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is an effective acne treatment and has been used as a cleanser and short contact therapy. However, data on the minimum contact time of BPO needed to kill Cutibacterium acnes are lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the minimum contact time of commonly used BPO concentrations for bactericidal effects on C. acnes. Materials and Methods: An in vitro experimental study of clinically isolated C. acnes was performed to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BPO using the broth microdilution method. Subsequently, the minimum contact times of various concentrations of BPO were evaluated, and their bactericidal effects were assessed by the plate count method. Results: The median MIC of BPO was 9375 µg/mL, which did not significantly differ between antibiotic-resistant and nonresistant C. acnes. The minimum contact time of BPO with C. acnes was significantly different among the BPO concentrations. For bactericidal activity against all isolates, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% BPO required 60 min, 15 min, 30 sec, and 30 sec, respectively. Conclusion: BPO demonstrated bactericidal activity against both antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-susceptible C. acnes. The in vitro contact time needed to kill C. acnes was almost immediate with 5% or more BPO, but ≤ 2.5% BPO required longer contact times for bactericidal effects.

Phenolic compound profile of probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR5) fortified vegetable tablet and probiotic survival in the simulated gastrointestinal tract.

The objectives of this research were to study the changes of phenolic compounds in vegetable (yellow VS green) tablets with/without probiotics (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR5) supplementation by using high performance liquid chromatography and probiotic survivability through the simulated gastrointestinal tract. The green vegetable tablets with/without probiotics had a greater (p ≤ 0.05) phenolic content compared to the yellow ones. There were no significant differences of most phenolic compound contents between probiotic-supplemented vegetable tablets and non-probiotic supplemented ones (p > 0.05). The contents of ferulic acid, epicatechin, tannic acid and rutin for both vegetable tablets tended to decrease through passing the stomach (1 and 2 h) and small intestine (2 and 4 h), however, the content of catechin in the yellow vegetable tablets tended to increase. The results also showed that the survival of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR5 slightly decreased through the simulated gastrointestinal tract. The vibrations from FTIR appeared in the wave length of 4000-3100, 3000-2800 and 1652-1545 cm-1, which accounted for the change in the N-H bonds of the amine group, changes in the structure of fatty acids and the change of carbonyl groups, respectively. This work highlighted the opportunity of application of probiotics in food products; especially non-dairy foods for consumer with dairy allergy.

Spray-drying microencapsulation using whey protein isolate and nano-crystalline starch for enhancing the survivability and stability of Lactobacillus reuteri TF-7.

Decrease of survivability and stability is a major problem affecting probiotic functional food. Thus, in this study, Lactobacillus reuteri TF-7 producing bile salt hydrolase was microencapsulated in whey protein isolate (WPI) or whey protein isolate combined with nano-crystalline starch (WPI-NCS) using the spray-drying technique to enhance the survivability and stability of probiotics under various adverse conditions. Spherical microcapsules were generated with this microencapsulation technique. In addition, the survival of L. reuteri TF-7 loaded in WPI-NCS microcapsules was significantly higher than WPI microcapsules and free cells after exposure to heat, pH, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. During long-term storage at 4, 25, and 35 °C, WPI-NCS microcapsules could retain both survival and biological activity. These findings suggest that microcapsules fabricated from WPI-NCS provide the most robust efficiency for enhancing the survivability and stability of probiotics, in which their great potentials appropriate to develop as the cholesterol-lowering probiotic supplements.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria on Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats.

Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing response characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix. Probiotics have been used to prevent and treat various disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (mixture of Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, and Weissella confusa) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) control, (2) TAA, (3) TAA+probiotics, (4) TAA+silymarin, and (5) probiotics. Group 1 rats received a standard diet. In groups 2-4, fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of TAA (200 mg/kg BW) 3 times weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Group 4 received TAA plus 100 mg/kg BW of silymarin 2 times weekly. Groups 3 and 5 were fed 109 CFU/mL viable microbial cells daily by gavage. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks of treatment. Liver tissues were collected immediately and processed for histopathological, lipid peroxidation, and Western blot analyses of TNF-α, TGF-ß1, and α-SMA. Blood serum was collected to measure liver enzymes. Rats in the TAA groups suffered from hepatic injury (increased serum enzyme levels, liver inflammation, and increased concentration of TNF-α, TGF-ß1, and α-SMA proteins) and extensive liver fibrosis. In contrast, TAA-treated rats receiving probiotics or silymarin had significantly lower serum enzyme levels, less inflammation, and less fibrosis. Liver damage was lower in the TAA+probiotics-treated group. Consumption of a mixture of probiotic lactic acid bacteria attenuates the development of liver fibrosis.

Microencapsulation of probiotic Lactobacillus brevis ST-69 producing GABA using alginate supplemented with nanocrystalline starch.

Microencapsulation technology can be used to improve the probiotic viability under stress condition in the human gastrointestinal tract and during storage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of encapsulation materials on the survival of GABA-producing probiotics using alginate containing cassava starch nanocrystals under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and shelf storage. Lactobacillus brevis ST-69, GABA-producing probiotic strain, was isolated from kimchi and encapsulated using emulsion technique. The GABA activity, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, probiotic viability were evaluated. The encapsulation efficiency using emulsion technique was 89.72%. Probiotic encapsulated in alginate-nanocrystalline starch gel capsules showed high survival rate at 94.97% of probiotic cells under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and during long-life storage at 4 °C compared to free cells. Results showed that for improving the viability of probiotics against gastrointestinal and storage conditions, complex materials with nanocrystalline starch might be a better encapsulating matrix for the preparation of gel capsules.

Screening of Potential Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria with Anticancer Properties.

Background: Probiotics have shown to reduce cancer recurrence and side effects in colorectal cancer patients. Objective: To isolate the lactic acid bacteria from Thai healthy newborn feces and screen good probiotics with anticancer properties. Material and Method: Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from newborn feces and selected for the cytotoxicity property against human cancer cell lines by MTT assay and probiotics property by acid and bile tolerance tests. Results: Among 200 lactic acid bacteria isolated, 3 and 1 isolates significantly demonstrated strong and moderate antiproliferative effect against Caco-2 cells, respectively. Likewise, 4 and 5 isolates showed significant strong and moderate inhibitory effect on U937 cells, respectively. Seven candidate strains did not displayed cytotoxic to normal cells (Vero), except MSMC 112-2. All candidates showed good probiotics properties in resistance to acidic condition (pH 2-4) and to 1-4% bile concentrations, except MSMC105-3 showed intolerance at 4% bile concentration. The nucleotide sequence homology showed that MSMC95-4, MSMC104-2, MSMC111-2, MSMC112-2 and MSMC215-1 strains belong to Enterococcus faecalis (99.4%, 98.8%, 99.5%, 98.7 and 98.9%, respectively), MSMC105-3 is Lactobacillus salivarius (99.1%) and MSMC171-1 is Enterococcus faecium (99.3%). Conclusion: The authors have isolated lactic acid bacteria which have anticancer and good probiotics properties.

Preliminary Studies of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Feces of Thai Newborns.

Background: The microbiota of human plays an important role in the health improvement, and found abundant in the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, probiotics have been increasingly used in prevention of certain intestinal diseases. The most important population to study the microbiome is probably in the healthy newborns. Objective: The preliminary study aimed to isolate and identify the gut microbiota of newborns for the assessment of prevalent Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) distribution. Material and Method: Thirty eight Thai newborns, 0-5 days old of both sexes were subjected for fecal samples collection. Isolated bacteria were cultivated on the MRS selective media and further phenotypically characterized by conventional methods including Gram stain, catalase, and lactic acid production. Genotypic identification was completed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Forty five isolates of LAB and non-LAB bacteria were obtained from feces of newborns. The most prevalence LAB found in this population were 45% Enterococcus faecalis, 14% E. faecium, 11% E. hirae, 11% Lactobacillus paracasei, and 2% L. gasseri. Unusually, Gram-negative bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter hormaechei, Escherichia fergusonii, Leclercia adecarboxylata, and Shigella flexneri were isolated among LAB strains on the selective MRS media. Conclusion: The gut microbiota was a great resource of beneficial LAB which was remarkably distributed among this population of Thai newborns. Further study on individual LAB isolates for the effective probiotics development would be essentially investigated for future alternative treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial and Anti-acetylcholinesterase Activities of two Isoquinoline Alkaloids-Scoulerine and Cheilanthifoline.

Corydalis plants containing isoquinoline alkaloids are reported to possess promising phamacological properties for the treatment of important diseases including cancer, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease and microbial infections. As part of a wider program investigating Bhutanese medicinal plants,.we have previously identified eight isoquinoline alkaloids from C. dubia. Out of these, we report here on two of the major alkaloids, scoulerine (1) and cheilanthifoline (2) and their inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE),-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti TNF-α) and a bacteial strain, Helicobacterpylori. Both alkaloids showed weak anti TNF-α and antibacterial activities. However, the anti-AChE activity of scoulerine (1) was promising as it-significantly inhibited AChE with a minimum inhibitory requirement (MIR) value of 0.0015 nmol, which was two-fold better than the reference drug, galanthamine (MIR value of 0.003 nmol). As there are limited.anti-Alzheimer's chemotherapeutics, scoulerine (1) is worthy of further exploration, including lead optimization, structure-activity-relationship studies, analog development,.pharmacodynanics and in vivo animal studies.

In vitro modulation of tumor necrosis factor α production in THP-1 cells by lactic acid bacteria isolated from healthy human infants.

The human microbiota is a source of probiotics capable of modulating the host immune system. In this study, we collected fecal samples from 100 healthy infants and isolated lactic acid bacteria which were screened for immune modulating effects on tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production. Cell-free culture supernatants from 26 isolates were able to decrease TNF-α production in vitro and three of the isolates were selected as candidate probiotics (MSMC39-1, MSMC39-3, MSMC57-1). These isolates were identified using 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing as Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, and Weissella confusa respectively. All three isolates were acid tolerant and bile tolerant to pH 3.0 and 4% bile respectively. Preparations of cell-free culture supernatants were processed and tested, and revealed that cell-free culture supernatants of isolates L. paracasei MSMC39-1, L. casei MSMC39-3, and W. confusa MSMC57-1 decreased the production of TNF-α significantly and were heat resistant. Only L. paracasei MSMC39-1 supernatant was proteinase-K sensitive. The effects of viable bacteria, heat-killed bacteria, and sonicated bacteria were compared. The heat-killed preparations of isolate W. confusa MSMC57-1 decreased the production of TNF-α. Sonicated cell preparations did not significantly alter TNF-α production. For isolates L. paracasei MSMC39-1 and L. casei MSMC39-3, this suggests that a substance in the cell-free culture supernatant may be responsible for in vitro cytokine modulation.

The Effects of Oral Vitamin D Supplement on Atopic Dermatitis: A Clinical Trial with Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Determination.

BACKGROUND: An increase in Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization in atopic dermatitis patients resulted from the reduction of cathelicidin production in these patients. Recently, an in vivo study demonstrated that vitamin D could stimulate cathelicidin production. Oral supplements of vitamin D might be beneficial in atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of oral vitamin D supplements on clinical impact including Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization evaluation in atopic dermatitis patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-four atopic dermatitis patients were included in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They were randomly assigned into 2 groups for oral 2,000 IUs/day of vitamin D, supplement and placebo. The lesional swab culture for S. aureus was done at week 0, 2 and 4. Clinical outcomes were assessed by SCORAD score, mexameter for erythema index and konometer for conductance were done at week 0, 2 and 4. Serum vitamin D levels were also determined at week 0 and 4. RESULTS: Twenty patients completed the protocol. S. aureus skin colonization, SCORAD score and erythema index were significantly reduced from baseline to week 4for vitamin D treated group comparing with placebo (p = 0.022, 0.028 and 0.014, respectively). There was an inverse correlation between serum vitamin D levels with S. aureus skin colonization and SCORAD score (r = -1.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Oral vitamin D supplement could reduce skin colonization of S. aureus and demonstrated the clinical improvement of patients with atopic dermatitis.

Antimicrobial Properties of a Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus from Thai Newborn Feces.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are increasingly used to treat infectious diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Many probiotic bacteria are classified in general such as Lactobacillus and are able to colonize the gastrointestinal tracts of infants. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to detect antimicrobial substances and activity in 200 Lactobacillus isolates obtained from healthy Thai newborn feces. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Reuterin production was detected by the spot overlay technique and colorimetric assay. Antimicrobial activity was tested by using a well diffusion, agar method. RESULTS: Lactobacillus strain MSMC64-1 produced reuterin and demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against seven pathogenic indicator strains with very strong inhibitory activities against Salmonella typhi DMST 5784 and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) DMST 20651. There was strong inhibitory activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) DMST20654, Vibrio parahaemolyticus DMST 5665 and Shigella dysenteriae DMST 15111. There was moderate to weak inhibitory activities against Vibrio cholerae DMST 2873 and Helicobacter pylori (H40). The Lactobacillus strain MSMC 64-1 showed resistance to acidic pH (pH 2, 3, 4) and tolerance to 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% bile concentrations. Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal DNA identified the candidate's strain as Lactobacillus reuteri with 98% sequence homology. CONCLUSION: The active isolate could potentially be used as a probiotic to prevent and treat enteric infections.

Phenylpropanoids and furanocoumarins as antibacterial and antimalarial constituents of the Bhutanese medicinal plant Pleurospermum amabile.

With the objective of determining safety and verifying the traditional uses of the Bhutanese medicinal plant, Pleurospermum amabile Craib & W. W. Smith, we investigated its crude extracts and the isolated phytochemicals for their biological activities. Four phenylpropanoids [(E)-isomyristicin (1), (E)-isoapiol (2), methyl eugenol (3) and (E)-isoelemicin (4)] and six furanocoumarins [psoralen (5), bergapten (6), isoimperatorin (7), isopimpinellin (8), oxypeucedanin hydrate (9) and oxypeucedanin methanolate (10)] were isolated from this plant. Among the test samples, compound 10 showed weak antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and best antimalarial activity against the Plasmodium falciparum strains, TM4/8.2 (chloroquine and antifolate sensitive) and K1CB1 (multidrug resistant). None of the test samples showed cytotoxicity. This study generated scientific data that support the traditional medical uses of the plant.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori xanthones of Garcinia fusca.

A new geranylated xanthone derivative, fuscaxanthone I (1), along with nine xanthones (2-9 and 11), a biphenyl (10) and three biflavonoids (12-14) were isolated from the roots of Garcinia fusca Pierre. Compounds 8, 10 and 11-14 were reported from this plant species for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS. The isolated compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori. Cowaxanthone (5) and fukugiside (14) exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against H. pylori DMST reference strain at MICs 4.6 and 10.8 µM, respectively, than that of the control metronidazole. Isojacareubin (8) displayed the most potent activity against H. pylori HP40 clinical isolate with MIC 23.9 µM, which was approximately two times greater than that of the standard drug amoxicillin.