Source Of Probiotics Research Articles

Biochemical, functional and genomic characterization of a new probiotic Ligilactobacillus salivarius F14 from the gut of tribes of Odisha.

Characterization of new potential probiotics is desirable in the field of research on probiotics for their extensive use in health and disease. Tribes could be an unusual source of probiotics due to their unique food habits and least dependence on medications and consumption of antibiotics. The aim of the present study is to isolate lactic acid bacteria from tribal fecal samples of Odisha, India, and characterize their genetic and probiotic attributes. In this context one of the catalase-negative and Gram-positive isolates, identified using 16S rRNA sequencing as Ligilactobacillus salivarius, was characterized in vitro for its acid and bile tolerance, cell adhesion and antimicrobial properties. The whole genome sequence was obtained and analyzed for strain level identification, presence of genomic determinants for probiotic-specific features, and safety. Genes responsible for its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions were detected. The secreted metabolites were analyzed using high resolution mass spectroscopy; the results indicated that the antimicrobial potential could be due to the presence of pyroglutamic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, homoserine, and glutathione, and the immuno-modulating activity, contributed by the presence of short chain fatty acids such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. So, to conclude we have successfully characterized a Ligilactobacillus salivarius species with potential antimicrobial and immunomodulatory ability. The health-promoting effects of this probiotic strain and/or its derivatives will be investigated in future.

Bacteriocin potency test of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from rumen of Bali cattle against low pH and bile salt

Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of probiotic bacteria, which are not at risk and can even have a positive impact on human and animal health. As a source of probiotics, the application of these bacteria must be resistant to environmental conditions such as resistance to low pH and gastrointestinal bile acids. This study aimed to determine the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the rumen and colon of Bali cattle by testing their resistance to low pH and bile salts. Methods: The study began with the cultivation of isolates from the rumen and colon of Bali cattle including growth on liquid MRS media, catalase test, and Gram staining. The second stage involved testing the isolate's resistance to low pH (pH 2, 3, and 4) and testing NaDC with concentrations of 0.2 mM, 0.4 mM, and 0.6 mM. Results: Tests showed that of the 10 isolates from Bali cattle rumen tested, it was found that all had high tolerance at low pH, namely growing well at pH 2 and NaDC levels up to 0.6 mM. The results obtained corroborate the results of previous studies on the resistance of lactic acid bacteria isolates from the gastrointestinal tract of Bali cattle to low pH and bile salt levels as a condition for application as a probiotic. Conclusion: The resistance of the isolate to low pH and NaDC shows that LAB isolates from the rumen of Bali cattle have the potential to be used as a reliable source of probiotics.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect of Bacteriocin-Producing Pediococcus inopinatus K35 Isolated from Kimchi against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Recently, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics has attracted attention as a global public health problem. Many studies have found that fermented foods are good sources of probiotics that are beneficial to the human immune system. Therefore, in this study, we tried to find a substance for the safe alternative treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection in kimchi, a traditional fermented food from Korea. Antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm activity were assessed against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa using cell-free supernatants of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from kimchi. Then, UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis was performed to detect the substances responsible for the antimicrobial effect. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) of strain K35 isolated from kimchi effectively inhibited the growth of MDR P. aeruginosa. Similarly, CFS from strain K35 combined with P. aeruginosa co-cultures produced significant inhibition of biofilm formation upon testing. On the basis of 16s rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain K35 was identified as Pediococcus inopinatus. As a result of UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis of the CFS of P. inopinatus K35, curacin A and pediocin A were detected. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that P. inopinatus isolated from kimchi significantly reduced MDR P. aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation. Therefore, kimchi may emerge as a potential source of bacteria able to help manage diseases associated with antibiotic-resistant infections.

Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review Article.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a persistent set of symptoms that reduces one's goodness of life. The treatment of these people is usually focused on reducing the symptoms caused by the condition. This article examines the function of probiotics in alleviating symptoms in IBS patients. The goal of studying the impact of probiotics on IBS patients is to research the changes they cause to the gut microbiota, which may be beneficial in preventing and treating such diseases over time. This article also discusses the pathophysiology, diagnostic standards, therapeutic modalities, probiotic sources, and therapeutic relevance for IBS patients.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat untuk Pengolahan Produk Gelato dengan Penambahan Dadih sebagai Pangan Sumber Probiotik

One of West Sumatra's popular dairy products is Dadih, a traditional food made from buffalo milk and processed by natural fermentation in a bamboo tube. Dadih could be a local food enriched by a natural probiotic source. However, the Dadih is rarely processed into other food products due to a need for more information for farmers and the community. The innovation can be done by using it as an additional ingredient in a product, such as Gelato. Making Gelato has simple steps mixing all the ingredients with the addition of curd. This community engagement activity started with education on the good of Dadih's nutrition, followed by direct assistance in making Gelato, and then counselling groups of farmers in the district of 50 Kota. The activities were conducted on July 24, 2022, and were well responded to by the groups of farmers. Gelato processing that was carried out could produce with Dadih.

Recovery of Potential Starter Cultures and Probiotics from Fermented Sorghum (Ting) Slurries.

Fermented foods are thought to provide a source of probiotics that promote gut health. Consequently, isolation and characterization of fermented food strains and their applications in a controlled fermentation process or as probiotics present a new facet in this area of research. Therefore, the current study sought to identify dominant strains in sorghum-fermented foods (ting) and characterize their probiotic potential in vitro. Recovered isolates were identified as Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus amylolyticus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp paracasei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis, Loigolactobacillus coryniformis and Loigolactobacillus coryniformis subsp torquens based on the their 16S rRNA sequences. Increased biomass was noted in seven out of nine under a low pH of 3 and a high bile concentration of 2% in vitro. Bactericidal activities of isolated LABs presented varying degrees of resistance against selected pathogenic bacteria ranging between (1.57 to 41 mm), (10 to 41 mm), and (11.26 to 42 mm) for Salmonella typhimurium ATTC 14028, Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATTC8739, respectively. Ampicillin, erythromycin, mupirocin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol were able to inhibit growth of all selected LABs. Thus, isolates recovered from ting partially satisfy the potential candidacy for probiotics by virtue of being more tolerant to acid and bile, antibacterial activity and antibiotic resistance.

LACTOBACILLUS STRAINS FROM APPLE AND FERMENTED MILK AND THEIR PROBIOTIC PROPERTIES

In this study, twenty isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from different apple varieties were obtained. Their probiotic properties together with those of 12 strains, isolated by us earlier from fermented milk, Levilactobacillus brevis (10, 15, 18, 49, 51), Lactiplantibacillus pentosus (40, 57, 63, 85, 88, 92) and Lactobacillus fermentum (44) were studied. Apple Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 52, 53, 74, and 76 were found to be pH 2-resistant during incubation for 30, 60 and 90 min. Overall, exposure to bile salts (0.3%; 0.5%; 1%; and 1.5%) had no effect on the growth of Lactobacillus sp. Antimicrobial activity and antibiotic resistance/susceptibility studies were performed on ten pathogenic microorganisms and nine antibiotics, respectively. Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum 52, 53, and 74 from apple samples had susceptibility to oxytetracycline, tetracycline, and rifampicin, Lpb. plantarum 52, 74 and 76 were susceptible to erythromycin. Almost all strains of lactobacillus showed antimicrobial activity to Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, except Lpb. plantarum 76 and L. brevis 51. Lpb. plantarum 76 had inhibitory activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 (16.3±0.52), Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13833 (16.4±0.4), Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 21059 (16.3±0.3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (16.3±0.4), Escherichia coli ATCCB322 (16.3±0.5), Proteus mirabilis ATCC 12453 (12.4±0.4), and Shigella flexneri ATCC 12022 (12.3±0.3). Based on the studied probiotic properties, apple Lpb. plantarum 52, Lpb. plantarum 53, Lpb. plantarum 74, Lpb. plantarum 76, identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing, were selected as potential candidates for the fermentation of apple juices. Fermented apple juices could be a new source of probiotics for lactose intolerant and vegetarian consumers.

Prospects of red passion fruit seeds (Passiflora edulis Sims.) as a source of halal probiotics

Indonesia is the most biodiversity country in the world, with a majority Muslim population, so halal issues are a priority. Natural resources are abundant, especially the tropical fruit that Allah SWT bestowed with a wide variety. Red Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) is one of the tropical fruits widely consumed because of its delicious taste, rich in vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients. The research reported that probiotics of Bacillus spp. Isolated from the red passion fruit seeds was proven to inhibit pathogenic microbes. Extended Strain Beta-Lactamase and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The isolates also showed the ability to increase gamma interferon levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells in adult TB patients. Halal critical points for products containing probiotics can derive from raw material sources, especially those from animals. The Red passion fruit is classified as a safe, halal category. The process of isolating probiotics from red passion fruit seeds using fermentation technology in De man Rogose Sharp media, using simple materials, tools, and steps that are guaranteed to be halal. The compatibility of two probiotic isolates is the potential to be developed into a probiotic consortium for health supplement preparations and therapeutic complements.

Towards improving the corrosion resistance using a novel eco-friendly bioflocculant polymer produced from Bacillus sp.

This research study reveals the anti-corrosive efficiency of a bacterial polymer derived from Bacillus sp.isolated from a probiotic source. The optimum growth of Bacillus sp.was noted at 48 h, and the bioflocculant was produced at a maximum level of 0.9 g/L. The biomass produced from the fermentation broth was 4.4 g/L. The purified bioflocculant polymer was identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The presence of amino and carboxyl groups in the molecule was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of bioflocculant polymer was analyzed by electrochemical techniques, including open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies. The corrosion protection efficiency of bioflocculant polymer was found to be 79.3% after a period of 21 days. The corrosion inhibition efficiency was calculated based on polarization resistance (Rp) and was estimated as 93.69%. The morphology of SS304 exposed to corrosive environment was visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This study's scientific results proved the bioflocculant polymer's success as an efficient and effective green corrosion inhibitor that leads to reduced environmental toxic effects, highly biodegradable abilities and can be used as a viable substitute for synthetic polymers.

Effects of a Diet Containing Sources of Prebiotics and Probiotics and Modification of the Gut Microbiota on the Reduction of Body Fat.

In 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the WHO European Region, affecting almost 60% of adults. Based on the assessment of BMI (Body Mass Index), a group of 56 women aged 25-45 years (31 women group A average BMI 34.9 ± 4.86 kg/m2 and 25 women group B average BMI 33.4 ± 4.02 kg/m2) were qualified for the study. In a multi-center, two-arm, parallel, non-randomized study, two types of weight-reduction diets (A and B) were used over a 3-month period. In group A, a standard low-energy diet was used with individually adjusted caloric intake of 1100-1300 kcal, with an increase in the amount and frequency of consumption of sauerkraut and groats and a daily intake of fermented milk drinks (300-400 g), fermented cucumbers (100 g), mineral water (1 L) and cod liver oil (5 mL). In group B, a standard low-energy diet with individually adjusted caloric intake of 1100-1300 kcal with daily intake of fermented milk products (150 g), highly mineralized water (0.5 L), once a week fermented cucumbers, and once a week buckwheat groats was used. The following measurements were taken: body weight, body fat mass, water content, body height, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Body weight and body composition were measured using the Tanita MC-780 MA and TANITA BC-601 analyzer using the bioelectric bioimpedance method. The stool samples were analyzed in the microbiology laboratory where quantification of Bifidobcaterium spp., Bacteroides spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii species, Akkermansia muciniphila and total bacterial count (TBC) was performed. Under the influence of the introduced nutritional intervention, a statistically significant reduction in body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference was demonstrated after 3 months. Under the influence of weight reduction, as well as dietary changes, there was an increase in the number of Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria in the women studied. The low-energy diet containing sources of natural prebiotics and probiotics had a more favorable effect on the number of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii bacteria compared to the standard diet.

Effect of Storage Time and Bacterial Strain on the Quality of Probiotic Goat's Milk Using Different Types and Doses of Collagens.

Recently, increasing attention has been focused on developing new products based on goat’s milk. Consumers positively perceive fermented goat’s milk products as health-promoting due to their nutritional value, digestibility, and potential source of probiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using different doses of collagen and collagen hydrolysate in the production of probiotic goat’s milk fermented by four monocultures: Lacticaseibacillus casei 431® Lactobacillus acidophilus LA- 5®, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LP26, and Lacticaseibicillus rhamnosus Lr- 32®. A total of 20 experimental groups were prepared, including control groups (without additives), and due to the added probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus), various collagen doses (1.5% and 3.0%) and collagen types (hydrolysate and bovine collagen). Physicochemical, organoleptic, and microbiological characteristics were evaluated after 1 and 21 days of cold storage. The applied additives increased the acidity of the milk even before fermentation. However, milk with bovine collagen and hydrolysate had a higher pH value after fermentation than control milk. The study showed higher than 8 log cfu g−1 viability of probiotic bacteria in goat’s milk products during storage due to the proper pH, high buffering capacity, and rich nutrient content of goat’s milk. The best survival rate was shown for the L. casei strain after 21 days in milk with collagen protein hydrolysate. Moreover, collagen in milk fermented by L. rhamnosus decreased syneresis compared to its control counterpart. The addition of collagen, especially the hydrolysate, increased the gel hardness of the fermented milk. The collagen additives used in the milk, both in the form of hydrolysate and bovine collagen, caused a darkening of the color of the milk and increased the intensity of the milky-creamy and sweet taste.

An alternative source of probiotics: Water kefir

AbstractThe aim of this review was to compile the origin and distribution of water kefir, its production, microbial diversity, fermentation dynamics, health effects, and its place in national/international food legislation. Water kefir is a traditional, slightly carbonated fermented beverage with a lactic acid content of up to 2%. It is obtained by fermenting sugar by kefir grains, which are white or yellowish in color and translucent in appearance. The types of microorganisms in the water kefir differ depending on the sugar, carbon sources, and fermentation conditions. It has a complex microbiota mainly consisting of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeasts. In addition, fermented water kefir contains various metabolites, including sugar, fruit‐derived components, lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, carbon dioxide, mannitol, vitamins, and amino acids such as arginine. As a non‐dairy fermented beverage, water kefir emerges as an alternative source of probiotics for individuals with lactose intolerance, people with dairy allergic reactions, and vegan consumers. However, although consumer demands have driven the food industry to increase the production of water kefir, the most common production still relies on the traditional method due to some difficulties in the industrial‐scale production process. On the other hand, more in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to reveal the health benefits of water kefir.

Assessing the Safety and Probiotic Characteristics of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus X253 via Complete Genome and Phenotype Analysis.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is a generalist that can adapt to different ecological niches, serving as a valuable source of probiotics. The genome of L. rhamnosus X253 contains one chromosome and no plasmids, with a size of 2.99 Mb. Both single-copy orthologous gene-based phylogenetic analysis and average nucleotide identity indicated that dairy-derived L. rhamnosus X253 was most closely related to the human-intestine-derived strain L. rhamnosus LOCK908, rather than other dairy strains. The adaptation of L. rhamnosus X253 and the human-intestine-derived strain L. rhamnosus GG to different ecological niches was explained by structural variation analysis and COG annotation. Hemolytic assays, API ZYM assays, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed to validate risk-related sequences such as virulence factors, toxin-encoding genes, and antibiotic-resistance genes in the genomes of L. rhamnosus X253 and GG. The results showed that L. rhamnosus GG was able to use L-fucose, had a higher tolerance to bile salt, and adhered better to CaCo-2 cells. In contrast, L. rhamnosus X253 was capable of utilizing D-lactose, withstood larger quantities of hydrogen peroxide, and possessed excellent antioxidant properties. This study confirmed the safety and probiotic properties of L. rhamnosus X253 via complete genome and phenotype analysis, suggesting its potential as a probiotic.

Parents' Perspective on Probiotics in Preschool Children: A Cross-sectional Survey.

The composition of the human gut microbiota, which can also be regulated by the consumption of probiotics, has a significant impact on host health. The main source of probiotics can be foods such as fermented foods, yogurts, fermented drinks and/or probiotic supplements. While parents play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of their children, this cross-sectional study is focused on parents' perspectives regarding the use of probiotics in the preschool period. The self-administered online survey consisted of 24 questions arranged across two thematic sections. The final data analysis included 102 parents (96% F; 4% M), aged between 22 and 47. Their children were aged up to 6 years. The majority (52%) of the parents were familiar with the term 'probiotics' and 86.3% were including probiotics in their children's diet at the time of the survey. The main source was probiotic food (36.3%), of which yoghurt was the most commonly consumed (87.2%). The inclusion of probiotic supplements in a child's diet was positively correlated with parents' consumption and level of knowledge about the term 'probiotics'. Digestive tract-related disorders were the most frequently reported motive for the initial introduction of probiotics into children's diet. Based on our study results, parents are familiar with probiotics and include them in their children's diet. However, an attempt should be made to close the gaps in parents' knowledge that our research identified. Further studies are needed to determine the recommended amount of probiotic foods, as well as strategies to educate parents about the benefits of including probiotic foods in their children's diet.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF A DIET OF WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGES, INCLUDING THE CONSUMPTION OF DAIRY PRODUCTS, A SOURCE OF PROBIOTICS – PILOT STUDIES

Background. Dairy products, including fermented beverages, are a valuable source of nutrients and probiotics. The aim of the study was to assess a diet of women and assess the consumption of dairy products with a diet, with particular emphasis on fermented beverages, which are a source of probiotics. The study involved 60 women aged between 28 and 82, divided into two groups: before 60 years of age and 60 years of age or older. The assessment of the diet was carried out using the current recording method for three days and anthropometric measurements were made. Results and conclusion. Younger women showed statistically significantly higher intake of energy, saturated fatty acids, sucrose, assimilable carbohydrates, as well as body weight and BMI. In both groups, the share of energy from mono- and disaccharides was too high. The diets were deficient in calcium, iodine, folates, vitamin D and in vitamin B1 and potassium in older women. The total consumption of dairy products, expressed in milk, including cottage cheese, was higher in women over 60 years of age. Younger women had higher consumption of cheeses in containers and hard rennet cheeses. Daily consumption of fermented milk beverages was very low. Nutritional errors were found in both groups of women. Serious calcium, iodine, folates, vitamin D, potassium and vitamin B1 deficiencies were found in older women. The consumption of sugars, sodium and salt was not in line with recommendations. The amount of dairy products consumed was insufficient to cover the demand for calcium and vitamin D, and the low consumption of fermented beverages was insufficient to allow women to benefit from prophylactic and therapeutic effects. Further research intothe preferences of consumption of products that are a source of probiotics and their impact on human health is recommended.

Improving the Quality of Tofu Waste by Mixing it with Carrots and Probiotics as a Feed Source of Probiotics and β-Carotene

The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutritional content of tofu waste mixed with carrot juice and fermented with Saccharomyces spp. (TWCF), so that it has potential as a feed supplement that is rich in β-carotene, high in protein and lysine, and contains probiotics. The laying hens (n=192, 70 weeks old) were randomly allotted into 4 diets groups. The hens were fed diets i) without TWCF as a control diets (TF0), ii) supplemented with 2% TWCF (B); iii) supplemented with 4% TWCF (C); and iv) supplemented with 6% TWCF (D). Inclusion of TWCF in diets increased nutrient digestibility (DM, OM, and CP) significantly (P≤0.05). Fermentation of TWC with YC (TWCF) can increase (P≤0.05) nutrient of TWC especially: CP, Lysine, and BC. Inclusion up to 2% TWCF can be used in laying hen diets to improve (P≤0.05) feed digestibility (DM, OM, CP), egg production, eggshell thickness, yolk color, BC, and yolk cholesterol. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of laying hens with TWCF can increase hen-day production, egg shell thickness, BC, and egg yolk color.

Microbiological and chemical characterization of water kefir: An innovative source of potential probiotics for bee nutrition

We evaluated the microbial composition of water kefir grains and beverage over the course of one year to determine whether the number and type of microorganisms changed over the time. Bacteria and yeast colonies with different morphologies were isolated from water kefir and their antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Paenibacillus larvae and Ascosphaera apis. A chemical characterization of kefir was also carried out. Our results confirmed that bacteria and yeasts were more numerous in kefir grains compared with those in the beverage. The counts of microorganisms declined, although an important microbial community was still present in kefir after the long storage period. Eleven strains which inhibited bee pathogens were isolated from kefir. Genotypic results demonstrated that these isolates included Lentilactobacillus hilgardii, Lentilactobacillus buchneri and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Thus, water kefir may be an innovative source of potential probiotic strains for bee nutrition in order to control honeybee diseases.

Growth kinetics, metabolomics changes, and antioxidant activity of probiotics in fermented highland barley-based yogurt

Fermenting yogurt with plant-based ingredients for nutritional and health benefits is an emerging trend. The growth kinetics, metabolomics changes, and antioxidant activity of probiotics in fermented highland barley-based yogurt were investigated in this study. Highland barley (HB) (Hordeum vulgare, Poaceae) enzyme hydrolyte was mixed with soy protein concentrate as ingredients for preparation of HB-based yogurt fermented by Lactobacillus bulgaricus VHProbi R03 and Streptococcus thermophilus VHProbi R08. After 4 h of fermentation, both strains grew to the stationary phase with the viable counts of 1.9 × 108 CFU/mL for each strain. The viable bacterial count in HB-based yogurt was approximately 9.3 × 107 CFU/mL after 21 days of storage at 4 °C. Compared with the control yogurt made using white sugar (as a substitute for HB enzyme hydrolyte) and soy protein concentrate, HB-based yogurt had higher concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, glycerophosphocholine, hypoxanthine and arginyl-proline, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, greater antioxidant activity, and higher sensory scores. In conclusion, HB-based yogurt is a potential novel food product that provides a good source of probiotics and antioxidants.

Pembuatan Minuman Fermentasi sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Imunitas di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 di Desa Rasau Jaya II, Kalimantan Barat

This Community Service Activity (PPM) collaborates with the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) of Rasau Jaya II Village as a partner. Partners have not used local food, namely sweet corn and sweet potatoes, into fermented beverage products that can increase immunity during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is necessary to increase the mindset of partners in utilizing local food ingredients as strategic potentials in an effort to increase family immunity, science and technology insights, skills and expertise of partners. The purpose of this PPM activity is to increase the insight, understanding, and awareness of partners regarding preventive efforts during the pandemic by increasing immunity through the consumption of local food. In addition, providing science and technology transfer in the form of appropriate technology (TTG) for processing fermented drinks as an effort to increase the added value of local food ingredients through diversification of their processed products. The implementation method in achieving goals and targets is in the form of socializing information on local potential, science and technology, and preventive efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, transferring science and technology in the form of TTG training in processing fermented drinks, and conducting monitoring and evaluation. The results of the activity are increased insight and understanding of community groups about local food ingredients as a source of fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics; increasing awareness of community groups regarding preventive efforts during the pandemic by increasing immunity through consumption of local food; increased skills of community groups after simple TTG training in fermented beverage processing, and increasing the added value of local food ingredients through diversification of their processed products into fermented drinks.

New insights into immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria fermented herbal medicines.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought more attention to the immune system, the body's defense against infectious diseases. The immunomodulatory ability of traditional herbal medicine has been confirmed through clinical trial research, and has obvious advantages over prescription drugs due to its high number of potential targets and low toxicity. The active compounds of herbal drugs primarily include polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolics and can be modified to produce new active compounds after lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation. LAB, primary source of probiotics, can produce additional immunomodulatory metabolites such as exopolysaccharides, short-chain fatty acids, and bacteriocins. Moreover, several compounds from herbal medicines can promote the growth and production of LAB-based immune active metabolites. Thus, LAB-mediated fermentation of herbal medicines has become a novel strategy for regulating human immune responses. The current review discusses the immunomodulatory properties and active compounds of LAB fermented herbal drugs, the interaction between LAB and herbal medicines, and changes in immunoregulatory components that occur during fermentation. This study also discusses the mechanisms by which LAB-fermented herbal medicines regulate the immune response, including activation of the innate or adaptive immune system and the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis.