Project Description

Acidophilus has shown to inhibit growth of breast cancer cells, and positive effects on chemotherapy patients. It has bacteria that helps in human digestion. Acidophilus is one of the most common bacteria found in these mixtures, and as a result is one of the most commonly used probiotics, or “good germs.” (See Probiotic Acidophilus) These are microorganisms that help to maintain a healthy intestinal tract and aid digestion.

Wikipedia:

Because of its relation to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), L. acidophilus LA-5 has been associated with positive effects on the immune system such as increased cytokine, phagocytic activity and antibody production, as well as phagocytosis of Salmonella, andL. acidophilus NCFM has even been shown to reduce incidence of symptoms of fever, cough and runny nose. Anti-inflammatory effects have also been observed in people consuming L. acidophilus NCFM. Additionally L. acidophilus LA-5 has shown to inhibit growth of breast cancer cells, and positive effects on chemotherapy patients. An improvement of lipid metabolism has also been linked to L. acidophilus LA-5.

Probiotic Acidophilus:

Modification Date: 26 Nov, 2012 MedGen UID: 397008 Concept ID: C2698882 • Pharmacologic Substance

Definition:

A probiotic containing the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus with potential antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. As a dietary supplement, Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), a naturally-occurring bacteria, may improve digestion and help maintain adequate colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by modulating the composition of the normal microflora. Because it produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide and other substances during fermentation, this bacterium creates an acidic environment unfavorable to pathogens such as Candida albicans. In addition, during colonization of the GI tract, L. acidophilus may form a protective barrier, preventing attachment of pathogens. Dietary supplementation with this bacterium has been shown to enhance natural and acquired immunity in mice.

Randomized controlled trial of live lactobacillus acidophilus plus bifidobacterium bifidum in prophylaxis of diarrhea during radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients

A review of research on the effects of acidophilus and other closely related bacteria found that they lowered cholesterol in some, but not all, studies. It also found that a related bacterium (Lactobacillus GG) may shorten the duration of diarrhea due to viral or bacterial infections, but other health effects of these types of bacteria are not clear.

A few recent studies suggest that acidophilus or related Lactobacillus species may reduce the severity of diarrhea occurring with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer or with radiation therapy for colorectal or cervical cancer. On study suggest that adding Lactobacillus to chemotherapy instilled into the bladder might help prevent recurrence of bladder cancer after surgery.

The difference in the severity of diarrhea was significant . The patients who received lactobacillus acidophilus plus bifidobacterium bifidum also had a significantly improved stool consistency .

For the full text http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/medgen/?term=acidophilus