Lactobacillus plantarum strain No. 14 suppresses human allergic reaction

Abstract

We conducted a placebo-controlled, double blind study to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum strain No. 14 (No. 14) on the Japanese cedar pollen allergy. The study was carried out between January and March 2005 during the Japanese cedar pollination season. A total of 28 female students were given 0.5 g (2.0 × 10 10CFU) of No. 14 for 3 weeks. We observed no significant differences in blood constituents between the placebo and No. 14 groups. However, the total serum IgE level significantly decreased due to No. 14 intake. After the 3-week duration, increases in the total serum IgE level and the eosinophil counts were also observed in the placebo group, but were suppressed in the No.14 group. The occurrence of the subjective symptom (a runny nose) was significantly less for the No. 14 group than for the placebo group between week 1 and week 3. Moreover, percent body fat was significantly decreased after No. 14 intake. These results show that a daily oral intake of No. 14 suppresses Japanese cedar pollinosis and decreases percent body fat.