BIFICOL

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a widespread functional bowel disorder, affecting approximately 5% of the global population at any given time, with variations in prevalence across different countries [1]. Characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and alterations in bowel function, the exact causes and mechanisms of IBS are not fully understood. However, current studies suggest that IBS is linked to changes in the gut microbiota, chronic low-grade mucosal inflammation, immune function disturbances, visceral hypersensitivity, altered gut-brain axis regulation, and psychosocial factors [2]. The gut-brain axis, particularly the GABAergic system, is a critical element in IBS, and due to diminished levels of GABA in IBS patients, GABA-analogous medications are being explored for reducing visceral pain [3].

BIFICOL® incorporates two of Probiotical’s leading anti-inflammatory bacterial strains, chosen for their impact on immune function, mucosal inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and GABA production : Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 [4-6]. These strains have shown significant effectiveness in supporting the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders and reducing bacterial overgrowth in IBS by promoting a Th2- and counteracting Th1-immune response [6-12].

• LP01 and BR03 can directly antagonize specific potential nosocomial pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [8].
• LP01 has demonstrated protection of epithelial cells against inflammation-induced barrier dysfunction [6].
• In an in vitro study, LP01 was found capable of producing GABA [9].

BIFICOL® is supported by three distinct clinical studies:

• In the first trial, BIFICOL® significantly alleviated pain and the primary symptoms typically associated with IBS [10].
• The other two clinical studies showed BIFICOL®'s effectiveness in improving evacuation disorders and abdominal bloating, as well as constipation and related symptoms, intestinal motility, and the frequency of bowel movements [11, 12].