Next-Generation probiotic developed by Indian scientists for healthy aging

IndiGlobal Media Bureau

For healthy aging the gut bacteria must be strong and Indian scientists from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati have developed the next-generation probiotic for it.

This next-generation probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus Plantarum LPJBC5 has been developed from a dairy product.

Nobel laurate Dr Elie Metchnikoff hypothesis that fermented dairy products extend the lifespan and there are different features of healthy aging. This hypothesis inspired Indian Scientists from IASST who took up the study of fermented dairy products.

In search of healthy bacteria, fermented dairy products were studied. Scientists found LPJBC5 which improves longevity and healthy aging by modulating antioxidative and the innate immune system. LPJBC5 is from an organism called Caenorhabditis Elegans which is a free-living, transparent nematode living in temperate soil environments.

The team of scientists Director of IASST Prof Ashish K Mukherjee, Associate Professor Dr Mojibur R Khan, Prof M C Kalita of Guwahati University and research scholars Arun Kumar and Tulsi Joishy carried out the study which was published in the journal ‘Antioxidant’.

Scientists have developed yogurt using this LPJBC5 which aids in healthy aging in elderly population and improve their life-span.

Dr Mojibur R Khan in conversation with IndiGlobal Media Network stated that the Yogurt will be launched as early as possible following the Government of India norms. There are many other companies selling yogurt as probiotics in the market and they all claim that it is good for the gut bacteria and improves the flora and fauna in the stomach.

How different is LPJBC5?

Dr Khan says, “Most probiotics available in the market do not appear to be scientifically validated. They are very general probiotics. We are talking about next-generation probiotics which are well characterized by research to address specific health issues. Lactobacillus bacteria promotes health invariably in diverse human populations.”

This yogurt will be addressing specific health problems and can be used in all age groups.

Professor Mukherjee, Director of IASST opined that the probiotic promises to delay the onset of age-associated diseases and provides immunity in the elderly.

IT has been found that the healthy LPJBC5 is anti-inflammatory and can also withstand the high gastric and bile acids which help to reduce the death of cells. This mechanism affects longevity, fat accumulation, learning and memory, stress response, innate immunity, and intestinal integrity.

With advances in medical science there is increased life expectancy and there is bound to be rapid growth of the aging population.

The United Nations forecasts that one in every eleven people will be older than 65 by 2050.

With aging there is a higher risk of age-related issues like obesity, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. To promote healthy aging scientific ways of improving the gut flora and fauna are important as they play a key role in the overall health and well-being.