Effect of a Tablet Containing Probiotic Bacteria and Stomachic Herbs on Human Fecal Microbiota

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of a tablet containing Bacillus natto and Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics supplemented with three stomachic herbs on human fecal microbiota. Six healthy subjects ingested 3 tablets, 3 times a day after meals for 10 days. Fecal samples were collected before and after the administration period, and 1 week post administration. As shown by the TGGE images, the density of the bands identified with Bifidobacterium increased in four cases. This increase was confirmed by real-time PCR. It was observed that the densities of the bands identified with Haemophilus decreased, Ruminococcus decreased, Clostridium colinum decreased, Acidaminococcus increased and Megamonas increased individually.