Lactobacillus plantarum: Uses, Benefits, and Contraindications of L. plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum is a bacterium that belongs to the Lactobacillaceae family. Its characteristics allow it to produce lactic fermentation (glucose is partially oxidized to ferment). This produces energy for bacterial metabolism resulting in lactic acid as a waste product (homolactic fermentation).

Through fermentation, L. plantarum transforms sugars like glucose, galactose, and fructose into lactic acid. This prevents food decomposition, triggering metabolic processes that can extend food preservation and prevent digestive disorders such as meteorism, caused by increased gas in the digestive tract.

Lactobacillus plantarum

Since it can convert sugar molecules into lactic acid, Lactobacillus plantarum belongs to the species of lactic bacteria, identified as gram-positive bacteria. This group of lactic microorganisms cannot breathe oxygen but can easily live in an oxygen-rich environment.

However, it is not the only bacterium considered as a lactic bacterium; others belong to the genera Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus, and Leuconostoc. They are all related by homolactic fermentation, a process by which six-carbon molecules are metabolized, or colloquially, because they produce lactic acid by processing glucose, fructose, galactose, and similar molecules that, when metabolized, provide quick and effective energy for the assimilating organism.

Applications

L. plantarum is a naturally occurring microorganism, but it can also be used in medicine and the food industry.

In medicine, plantarum is used as a probiotic since it can resist bile acids and reach the intestine, where it can adhere and colonize tissues, thereby reducing the growth of harmful microbes as it competes for the same space and nutrients.

In food, Lactobacillus plantarum has preservative properties. It prevents food spoilage and decay. It is used as a product to promote fermentation, so it is commonly found in foods like sauerkraut, to which it is intentionally added along with vinegar to promote the transformation of white cabbage into this well-known food.

It can also be used as a biological agent for liquefying gelatin.

Uses as a Probiotic

The same European Union recognizes in its publications that this bacterium is beneficial for health and can be advertised and sold as one of the best probiotic foods. The strain used for dietary supplements is Lactobacillus plantarum 3547 (LP3547).

But in addition to this strain, there are currently more subclasses being used for different food purposes or to promote well-being. Many are in the study phase, and others can already be found in the composition of probiotic capsules or as a food ingredient.

Strains of Lactobacillus plantarum

• 299V.
• P 17630.
• 3547 or Lp3547.
• CECT 7484.
• R1012.
• LP01.
• LP-115.
• L-137.
• TWK10.

299V

It is a strain known for its benefits for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Administering Lactobacillus plantarum 299v eliminates intestinal inflammation and mitigates the pain caused by this condition.

A study presented at the Digestive Disease Week congress held in New Orleans (USA) involved administering L. plantarum 299v to over 200 patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The results showed less abdominal pain and reduced bloating. About 80% of the patients treated with Lp299v showed improvement in the symptoms of the disease.

The study data were presented by Professor Phillippe Ducrotté of the University Hospital of Rouen (France), Prabha D. Sawant, and Jayanthi Venkatraman. This sample of analysis results was made available to over 10,000 specialists in the digestive system (gastroenterologists and gastroenterology experts).

P 17630

This lactobacillus has properties to combat vaginal infections caused by Candida albicans, Trichomonas, and other germs that cause vaginitis and vaginosis.

It restores vaginal flora, preventing the recurrence of infectious episodes and helping the growth of beneficial bacteria for the body.

When there is a decrease in microbiota due to vaginal douching or the use of soaps with inappropriate pH, probiotics with P 17630 help restore the balance of intimate flora.

CECT 7484

Another variation of Lactobacillus plantarum is the CECT 7484 strain, which has been developed to treat patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

It is generally administered along with other probiotics (CECT 7316, 7484) to reinforce its results and increase its adherence to the intestinal mucosa.

The benefits of plantarum CECT 7484 include relief from abdominal pain, reduced intestinal inflammation, and increased defensive colonies in the digestive tract.

Other Strains of L. plantarum

The development of probiotics and lactic bacteria is constantly evolving. As new variants related to the original Lactobacillus species appear, studies are conducted to understand their mechanism of action in the body and how the symbiosis between bacteria and humans can be beneficial.

Currently, new probiotics are being developed and reports on the results are being prepared. As these become available, we will publish them so you can have all this information.

Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v, Benefits for Candida and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is a variation of the lactobacilli of the plantarum class. This strain has properties and benefits for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Lactobacillus plantarum 299v

Known as L. 299V, this strain of lactobacillus reduces intestinal inflammation. In tested cases, it eliminates some of the pain caused by IBS.

It is a live microorganism and, according to Professor Phillippe Ducrotté of the University Hospital of Rouen in France, the results of administering Lactobacillus plantarum 299v to patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome showed reduced inflammation, data confirmed by following the Rome III criteria.

Approximately 80% of them benefited from using Lactobacillus. From this point on, the probiotic variant began to be marketed under various names.

Benefits

• Relief of gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Increase in intestinal flora.
• Reduction of inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Improvement in bacterial colonization of the gastric walls.
• Greater adhesion of the microbiota in the body.
• Improves bowel movements (quantity and form).
• Provides a sense of well-being by facilitating rectal evacuation.
• Eliminates diarrhea caused by IBS.
• Relieves chronic constipation due to irritable bowel.

The benefits of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v are for gastrointestinal symptoms. It is effective in relieving abdominal pain and bloating. Patients treated with the Lp299v strain have indicated an 80% improvement, increasing the effectiveness of conventional treatment.

Most patient reviews are good or very good, even rating this probiotic as excellent. In all these cases, no side effects or contraindications have been reported.

Uses

• At least for 4 weeks.
• Daily administration.

It works for both men and women, with the recommendation being one capsule daily. The dose of L. plantarum is sufficient to complement IBS therapy, always continuing it and never stopping it.

It is advisable to speak with a specialist before starting to take it and follow their instructions.

The recommended dose is 10 billion live bacteria. Each probiotic capsule contains this amount of live microorganisms.

L. Plantarum for Candida

• Has greater adhesion than L. gasseri and L. rhamnosus.
• Has greater affinity with vaginal epithelial cells.

The greater affinity with vaginal epithelial cells compared to the microorganism called Candida albicans makes it ideal for treating candidiasis since, having a greater predisposition to attach to vaginal tissue, it better colonizes surfaces and prevents candida from proliferating. This, in turn, causes the growth of Candida albicans to be lower. It also interferes with the development of other pathogens like E. coli and S. aureus thanks to the formation of bacteriocins (toxins synthesized by bacteria that inhibit the growth of nearby bacteria).

Plantarum 299v has demonstrated in studies a good capacity as an adjuvant to prevent pathological bacterial growth, resisting different pH values and enduring gastric acids and salts secreted during the digestion process, making it an effective probiotic.

Brand Name

• Protransitus (marketed in Spain).

As a probiotic, it is a resource that can relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in about 6 million people in Spain alone. Globally, it could be revolutionary. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of the world population suffers from IBS.

Lactobacillus 299 normalizes gastrointestinal function, maintaining it even after stopping use.

It is manufactured by Laboratorios Salvat under the name Protransitus Lp^®. It can be purchased in packs of 10 and 30 capsules, with the recommendation to take 1 per day for at least 4 weeks. However, the duration of administration should always be guided by a gastroenterologist or the specialist treating gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in the field of Gastroenterology.

Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630 is a live microorganism with properties to eliminate candidiasis by Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginitis by Trichomonas. It is a probiotic with the ability to inhibit the growth of pathogens and harmful microorganisms in vaginal flora.

Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630

Descended from the main strain Lactobacillus, it is known as P17630. This lactobacillus is indicated for the prophylaxis of recurrences, to restore the vaginal microbiota affected by the use of antibiotics, antifungals, and the practice of vaginal douching, as well as the use of soaps with inappropriate pH.

1. L. plantarum P17630 helps restore intimate flora, controlling infections through a biological element.

How to Use

• Through vaginal tablets (suppositories).

The use of vaginal capsules with Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630 should be continued for 3 months following a vaginal yeast infection.

For good results, it is important not to interrupt the treatment.

Effects and Properties

• Elimination of pruritus (constant and difficult-to-control itching).
• Control of leukorrhea or whitish vaginal discharge.
• Relief of burning sensation.
• Reduction of pain.

In many cases of candidiasis, a thicker-than-normal, white, foul-smelling vaginal discharge can be detected. By using L. plantarum, genital secretion returns to normal, restoring the balance of flora when the inflammation of the uterine and vaginal mucosa returns to normal.

Is It Effective for Vaginitis, Vaginosis, and Candidiasis?

About 20% of all gynecological consultations are due to vulvovaginal discomfort. In this regard, vaginitis is one of the most common causes of medical consultation. Women often report itching, burning, and pain in the genital area.

The use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630 for Candida as well as conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis, disorders caused by Trichomonas, has been shown to restore the colonization of beneficial bacteria for vaginal health.

Vulvovaginitis has different procedures for treatment, always under medical supervision, which, in many cases, will recommend taking lactobacilli to complement traditional treatment.

As a suitable measure, for vaginal infections it is recommended to use:

• Medical treatment with topical azoles (suppositories for the internal area and creams for the external area such as the vulva, vaginal lips, etc.).
• Oral azole treatment such as miconazole, fenticonazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, etc.
• Administration of probiotics with lactobacilli to restore vaginal microflora, generally with Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630 vi.
• Eliminate triggers that reduce beneficial microorganisms in the intimate area. Avoid vaginal douching, using soap with aggressive pH, etc.

For Candida

When the vaginal microenvironment loses balance, it is possible for the bacterial microflora formed by Döderlein bacilli to decrease. This allows harmful microorganisms or germs to colonize vaginal tissues.

Fungi and yeasts can take advantage of the space left by the bacilli, increasing their presence and causing vaginitis, cervicitis, and even candidal vulvovaginitis.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen when there is an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Naturally, it is present without showing symptoms, but when the Candida colony evolves in the space left by lactobacilli, it begins to cause discomfort and changes in discharge, increasing the virulence of the fungus in the carrier.

The reservoir, the area where Candida albicans resides, is in the vagina, colon, and gastrointestinal tract. When it is no longer in balance with the lactobacilli, vaginal defense loses its effectiveness. At this point, candidal vulvovaginitis can develop, causing burning, itching, pain during intercourse, and whitish discharge, often with a bad odor.

Additionally, when vulvovaginitis becomes severe, redness (erythema) and inflammation can occur, even reaching the perineum. This infection has a high likelihood of recurring in the patient, requiring appropriate measures to eliminate subsequent infections.

Fortunately, one of the prophylactic measures that work well is administering lactobacilli of the Plantarum P 17630 class. The majority of women affected by recurrent episodes, after taking probiotics with lactobacilli, experience fewer episodes of candidiasis or these disappear completely.

Brands

• Isadin alfa barcilus ®.
• Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630.
• Woman ISDIN.

We recommend that you always seek the opinion of a gynecologist before using vaginal suppositories to correctly diagnose the type of germ and the appropriate type of lactobacillus to help in its elimination.

The strains of Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 7484 and CECT 7316 are indicated to combat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) according to data provided by Jordi Espadaler of AB-Biotics, a Catalan biotechnology company, and the analysis results by Miguel Mínguez Pérez of the Valencia Clinical Hospital.

This study and the formula developed with various lactobacilli aim to alleviate IBS symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. The results were presented at the annual congress of the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology (SEPD).

Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 7484

The latest data indicates that this class of lactobacteria can be used to relieve the symptoms and discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Generally, a cocktail of several strains of lactobacilli is administered to increase its effectiveness, with the most recommended being L. plantarum CECT 7484, 7485, and in some cases, including CECT 7316.

These bacteria are beneficial for health. They colonize the intestine and inhibit the growth of fungi and yeasts that cause common gastrointestinal problems.

CECT 7484

It has great survival in the intestine. It can resist pH changes, gastric acids, and bile salts, reaching the target in large numbers.

When it passes through the digestive tract, the CECT 7484 strain is capable of adhering to the intestinal mucosa to populate much of the surface. Through this mechanism, it leaves less space for germs, preventing their proliferation.

Along with the CECT 745 and 7316 strains, the probiotic formula I3.1 showed better results in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, reducing loose stools and improving the feeling of relief by normally evacuating stool.

Other Plantarum Strains

As mentioned, there are several classes of Lactobacillus plantarum that can be beneficial for gastrointestinal health. The most well-known and effective strains are:

• CECT 7484.
• CECT 7485.
• CECT 7316.
• Pediococcus acidilactici CECT 7483.

When the results of administering the probiotic formula are analyzed, a significantly positive evolution can be detected, improving the quality of life for patients with IBS compared to the placebo used in the clinical trial.
The adherence to the intestinal mucosa of different strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (CECT 7484 and 7485) is greater than that of other yeasts and fungi, so these lactobacteria cover the intestine, significantly reducing the colony of germs.

Dosage of CECT 7484

• 1 capsule per day after breakfast.

To achieve benefits with Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 7484, the dose included in one capsule should be administered over a period of 6 weeks. Prolonging the use of this probiotic for the indicated time yields better results.
The benefits of plantarum in IBS are:

• Decrease in visceral hypersensitivity.
• Increase in mucus production.
• Greater intestinal motility (physiological movement of the digestive tract to move ingested food from the mouth to the anus).
• Enhancement of the intestinal defensive barrier.
• Reduction of intestinal inflammation.
• Restoration of digestive flora.

All these benefits of probiotics with lactobacilli contribute to improving the symptoms caused by IBS, reducing the production of intestinal gases and abdominal pain.

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