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The effects of a cell preparation of Enterococcus faecalis strain EC-12 (EC-12) on the digesta flow in a pig model and its oral administration to humans were examined for its effect on frequency of defecation and faecal consistency. Latin square model was used in the pig study. Three sows fistulated at the caecum were fed a diet supplemented with either EC-12 or yeast cell wall (10 mg/kg body weight per day) for 9 days. An untreated control (C) was also obtained. Four markers (two were liquid and others solid markers) were used to determine the transit time of the liquid and solid phases of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract. The use of a dual marker system was for the better understanding of the digesta kinetics. YbCl 3 and Co-EDTA were given with a morning meal, and CeCl 3 and Eu-EDTA were given with a night meal on day 8. Caecal digesta were sampled every 2 h for 48 h after morning dosing. The total bioavailabilities of the liquid markers were lower in the EC-12 group than in the C group (Co-EDTA, 72%; Eu-EDTA, 63%). The relative concentrations of chloride to the liquid markers were higher in the EC-12 group than in other groups. Eleven volunteers ingested EC-12 (600 mg/day) for 30 days. EC-12 administration increased the frequency of defecation on day 30 in comparison with day 0. EC-12 stimulates the inflammatory reactions that relate ion and water secretion from the intestine. Accordingly, EC-12 may aid in the recovery from constipation through an acceleration of the liquid digesta flow in the large intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the consumption (200 mg/day) of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EC-12 preparation (EC-12) for 14 days on microbiota and metabolic activity of the faeces were studied in eight healthy volunteers (22-26 years of age). During EC-12 consumption, the counts of bifidobacteria ( p <0.05 on day 7 and p <0.01 on day 14) were significantly increased, except for the numbers of bifidobacteria in one volunteer, whereas the counts and the frequency of occurrence of lecithinase-positive clostridia ( p <0.05), including Clostridium perfringens , were significantly decreased, when compared with the values before EC-12 consumption and during placebo consumption. The decreased tendency in the counts of Enterobacteriaceae and the increased tendency in the levels of lactobacilli was observed during EC-12 consumption, compared with the values before EC-12 consumption and during placebo consumption. No detectable changes occurred in the counts of other organisms throughout the experimental periods. The total faecal volatile fatty acid and acetic acid ( p <0.05 on day 7 and p <0.01 on day 14) during EC-12 consumption, and succinic acid ( p <0.05), lactic acid ( p <0.05) and propionic acid ( p <0.05) on day 14 of EC-12 consumption were significantly increased when compared with the values before EC-12 consumption and during placebo consumption. Faecal concentrations of ammonia, phenol and p-cresol ( p <0.05) were significantly decreased on day 14 of EC-12 consumption. Faecal levels of sulfide and indole ( p <0.05) were significantly decreased during EC-12 consumption. Faecal values of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP; p <0.05 on day 7 and p <0.01 on day 14) were significantly decreased during EC-12 consumption. Faecal pH values tended to decrease on day 14 of EC-12 consumption. Stool weight and water content were slightly increased during EC-12 consumption. The odour of the faeces was slightly reduced during EC-12 consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]