Search

It is tempting to look at bacteria from our human egocentric point of view and label them as either 'good' or 'bad'. However, a microbial society has its own system of government -- 'microcracy' -- and its own rules of play. Lactic acid bacteria are often referred to as representatives of the good ones, and there is little doubt that those belonging to the normal intestinal flora are beneficial for human health. But we should stop thinking of lactic acid bacteria as always being 'friendly' -- they may instead behave like fledgling cuckoos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of spore-bearing lactic acid-forming bacteria (Bacillus coagulans SANK 70258) on intestinal flora and decomposition products in the intestine, as well as on various dermal characteristics were determined in healthy humans and rats. Improvement of fecal shape, change of fecal color from dark brown to yellowish brown, decrease of fecal odor and fecal pH and an increase in defecation frequency in persons whose defecation frequency was relatively low were observed after administration. The number of intestinal bifidobacteria significantly (p <0.05) increased, whereas the number of intestinal Clostridium perfringens significantly (p <0.05) decreased after administration compared with the values before the intake. The concentrations of intestinal ammonia, indole and p-cresol decreased. The activities of β-glucuronidase and tryptophanase decreased significantly compared with the levels during the control period (p <0.05). The spore-bearing lactic acid-forming bacilli group was given B. coagulans SANK 70258, while kept on a basic diet adjusted to 60% protein. Protein was supplied by casein. After removing back hair, the rats were exposed to radiation of UV-B 0.5 MED once a day. Two weeks after the start of radiation, measurements were made for the number of exanthema (the number of flare and papula). The number of exanthema decreased as constipation alleviated as a result of the intake of B. coagulans SANK 70258. In experiment 2, improvement of fecal shape, change of fecal color from dark brown to yellowish brown, decrease of fecal odor, the fecal pH and increase in defecation frequency of persons whose frequency was relatively low were observed after administration. The number of intestinal bifidobacteria significantly (p <0.05) increased, whereas the number of intestinal C. perfringens significantly (p <0.05) decreased after administration compared with the values before the intake. The concentrations of intestinal ammonia, indole and p-cresol content decreased. The activity of β-glucuronidase and tryptophanase decreased significantly (p <0.05) compared with the levels during the control period. The number of comedones decreased as constipation was alleviated as a result of the intake of B. coagulans SANK 70258. These results indicate that the administration of B. coagulans SANK 70258 improves the intestinal environment, defecation frequency, fecal characteristics and dermal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]