{"id":27041,"date":"2019-11-20T04:13:27","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T12:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/?p=27041"},"modified":"2021-09-20T09:18:21","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T16:18:21","slug":"b-subtilis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/blog\/b-subtilis\/","title":{"rendered":"5+ Promising Potential Benefits of the Probiotic B. subtilis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Probiotics containing the antioxidant-producing B. subtilis<\/em> have produced promising results in studies of constipation and H. pylori<\/em> infections. They may also help support the immune system, liver function, and dental health. What is the latest science on this previously popular probiotic? Find out here.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/a>What is Bacillus subtilis<\/em>?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Bacillus subtilis <\/em>is a spore creating Gram-positive bacterium, found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, such as cattle, goats, and sheep. It is also found in the human GI tract.<\/p>\n

Bacillus subtilis<\/em> can survive in harsh environmental conditions. Its spores can survive up to 6 years in space if coated by dust particles protecting it from solar UV<\/a> rays [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

This bacterium is widely used on an industrial scale by biotechnology companies, for the production of enzymes, pharmaceutical components, and GMOs. As a human probiotic, however, Bacillus subtilis<\/em> has been somewhat neglected.<\/p>\n

Bacillus subtilis<\/em> cultures were popular worldwide before the introduction of antibiotics when Bacillus subtilis<\/em> was used as an immunostimulatory agent to aid the treatment of gastrointestinal and urinary tract diseases. After the 1950s, with the introduction of antibiotics, this probiotic declined in popularity.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Bacillus subtilis<\/em> has been extensively used in the livestock and poultry industries as antibiotic alternatives [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Bacillus subtilis<\/em> is used in the commercial production of the Japanese food natto<\/em>, as well as the similar Korean food cheonggukjang<\/em>. Furthermore, a formulation containing a combination of Enterococcus faecium<\/em> and Bacillus subtilis<\/em> has been available and widely used in Asia since 1994 [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

<\/a>Antioxidant Activity<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

B. subtilis<\/em> has demonstrated DNA protective and antioxidant (superoxide scavenging) activity in a laboratory setting [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

A B. subtilis<\/em> signal molecule induces the heat shock protein Hsp<\/a>27 in mammalian cells, which protects intestinal cells against oxidant-mediated tissue damage<\/strong> and loss of barrier function [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

<\/a>Potential Benefits of B. subtilis<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

B. subtilis <\/em>probiotic supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Possibly Effective For<\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/a>1) Gut Health<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Gut Microbiota<\/h5>\n

Ingestion of significant quantities of B. subtilis<\/em> spores is thought to restore the normal<\/strong> gut microbiota<\/strong><\/a> in humans following extensive antibiotic usage or illness [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

B. subtilis<\/em> increases Bifidobacteria, decreases some Clostridium<\/em> groups [R<\/a>], and enhances the growth of L. reuteri<\/em><\/a> and L. acidophilus<\/em><\/a> in laboratory experiments [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

<\/a>Constipation<\/h5>\n

A combined regimen of lactulose and live binary B. subtilis<\/em> is an effective and safe therapeutic method for elderly with functional constipation<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n