Health Benefits and Therapeutic Potential of Yogurt-Derived Lactobacilli: A Review of Probiotic Mechanisms and Safety Profiles

Biomedical Sciences | Review article | https://doi.org/10.47262/SL/12.3.132024360

Muhammad Zakria Rehman¹, Mehak Ali², Mubashra Murtaza³, Hassan Mushtaq³, Muhammad Ali Abdullah Shah¹*

¹Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

²Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

³Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Govt. College University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Dairy products are considered nature's most perfect food for men. The fact that dairy products have many health benefits and are associated with the existence of valuable bacteria is securing scientific credibility at a precipitous pace. Numerous health advantages have been ascribed to meals containing living microorganisms, most notably Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus species can be isolated from yogurt, which has been a popular milk-based commodity in the world since the dawn of time. Probiotic Lactobacilli are gaining utmost importance not only because of their nutritional value but also due to their therapeutic potential towards multifarious diseases such as gastrointestinal infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea and respiratory and genitourinary infections. Additionally, adequate probiotic use may help suppress lactose intolerance, cardiovascular diseases, Helicobacter pylori infection and Crohn's disease, as well as ameliorate inflammatory bowel illness and prevent cancer. Despite being well popularized, there are conflicting clinical results of using probiotic Lactobacilli strains so ensuring the safety of probiotics for people is very crucial. This review article discusses the general features and characterization of Lactobacilli found in yogurt and the possible therapeutic applications, mechanism of action and adverse effects.