Modulating the microbial landscape: A probiotic odyssey from ancient wisdom to modern medicine

Abstract

The historical journey of probiotics is fascinating, from their ancient roots in fermented foods to their potential as personalized medicine. This paper honors the pioneers who paved the path to current advancements. Significant progress has been made in understanding probiotics, including their mechanisms of action, such as competitive exclusion and immune modulation. For example, Lactobacillus plantarum has been shown to improve eczema and the common cold, whereas Bifidobacterium longum aids in nutrient absorption and fights off harmful organisms. In addition, Saccharomyces boulardii has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics are applied in various fields, including digestive health, immunity enhancement, and chronic condition management. This review discusses the applications of probiotics and addresses challenges such as strain specificity, safety considerations, and regulatory oversights. The future of probiotics lies in precision medicine, with personalized interventions combined with prebiotics (food for probiotics) to unlock their full potential for enhancing human health and well-being. The paper serves as a valuable resource and a gateway for further research.

Keywords

Gut health / Microbiome / Microbiota / Flora / Digestion / Yoghurt / Sauerkraut / Kimchi

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflicts of interest.