Beneficial flora / probiotics have at least 30 known pharmacological actions

Anti-infective.    Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal

Immune system-supportive.   Upregulates glutathione (GPX) and certain glycoproteins that help regulate immune responses, including IL-4 (Interleukin-4), IL-10, IL-12; more than 60% of your I.S. is in your gut.

Anti-proliferative.   Apoptopic (promotes natural self-destruction of cells); Inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitor, NF-kappaB, epidermal growth factor receptor, +++

Protective.   Antioxidant, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, radio- and chemo-protective

Anti-allergenic

Anti-depressive.   The vagus nerve (10^th cranial nerve) connects your gut to your brain, each affecting the other, explaining the link between neurological disorders and GI dysfunction (E.g. ADHD, autism). Intestinal health has been found to profoundly influence mental health.

Detoxifying.   probiotics appear to have a role in detoxing harmful chemicals.

How do beneficial flora /probiotics work against pathogens?

Antagonistic / Competitive towards pathogenic bacteria

-    Probiotics help normalize acid/alkali balance in the intestine -"Friendly"bacteria decrease colonization of pathogenic organisms in the gut by secreting acids that are toxic to local pathogenic bacteria -by liberating hydrogen peroxide and organic acids (E.g. Lactic, butyric and acetic acids) in the intestines, the local luminal pH is shifted downward to create an unfavorable environment for growth of pathogenic flora

Williams NT. Probiotics. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2010;67:449-458.

Alvarez-Olmos MI, Oberhelman RA. Probiotic agents and infectious diseases: a modern perspective on a traditional therapy. Clin Infect Dis. 2001;32:1567-1576.

-    Compete with pathogens for adhesion sites on intestinal wall (epithelium)

Macintyre A, Cymet TC. Probiotics: the benefits of bacterial cultures. Compr Ther. 2005;31:181-185.

-   Compete with pathogens for nutrients

-   Produce bacteriocins (protein toxins) to inhibit pathogens

-   Modify pathogen-derived toxins

Stimulate immune mechanisms of intestinal mucosa

-   Increase cytokine activity

-   Increase lymphocyte activity / intestinal macrophage phagocytosis - by causing local macrophages to increase antigen presentation to B-lymphocytes and increase secretory antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) production both locally and systemically;

-   Reduce immune system reaction to food antigens

-    Help stimulate the production of the protective mucus layer lining the GI tract - they can also line the mucus layer to add an extra level of defense keeping out pathogenic bacteria

Produce beneficial metabolic enzymes

•  Digest undigested polysaccarides/mucin/fiber - E.g. starch, glycogen, cellulose and chitin.

•  Produce the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose - thereby benefiting those who are lactose-intolerant;

Induce synthesis of B vitamins.    B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, also folic acid and biotin;

Improve uptake and absorption of calcium

Help reduce cholesterol

•  Regulating levels of an enzyme that is involved in production of cholesterol within body

•  Acting directly on cholesterol in the GI tract