Press Release - 24 Sep 2024

New study strengthens Probi®'s L. plantarum HEAL9® strain in cognitive function

This is the fifth study highlighting the effects of the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 on the Gut-Brain axis, adding valuable insights into its potential for supporting everyday health. Conducted in collaboration with the University of Pisa, Italy, the study further solidifies Probi’s commitment to advancing gut-brain research and new product offerings.

"This is a significant milestone for Probi, as this newest study further elucidates our probiotic solution’s potential for individuals wanting to support their brain health throughout life. The commercial traction in this health area has been strong, and we are excited to further attract attention to our Gut-Brain offering. We remain dedicated to making the health-enhancing benefits of probiotics available to people everywhere and will continue to invest in research and development to support everyday health”, says Anita Johansen, CEO Probi AB.

Three earlier studies demonstrated significant improvements in coping with stress, cognitive function, mood, sleep, and inflammation in individuals with mild depression or moderate to high stress. A fourth study, published earlier this year, showed that LPHEAL9 reduces inflammaging and enhances cognitive function in older adults.

Interest in the gut-brain axis has surged in recent years due to its role in health and potential treatments for conditions like neurodegenerative diseases and mental health issues. This rise is fueled by studies on how gut microbes impact brain function and the potential therapies like probiotics and dietary changes have.1

About the study

The new study was conducted on mice predisposed to develop Alzheimer's disease at 8 months of age. The findings showed that an 8-week intake of LPHEAL9, starting at two months of age, significantly reduced cognitive impairment, decreased plaque formation in the brain, and normalized intestinal barrier properties and pro-inflammatory markers, at the stage where the mice are defined as having mild cognitive impairment. The study proposed intake of LPHEAL9 could represent a suitable therapeutic option for alleviating mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

The study “Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 attenuates cognitive impairment and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related bowel symptoms in SAMP8 mice by modulating microbiota-gut-inflammasome-brain axis” was published in the journal Food and Function (September024) and can be found here: LÄNK

1 https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214631

For further information, please contact:

Christina Vegge, VP R&D Probi, Tel: +46 733 00 43 56, Mail: christina.vegge@probi.com

Martina Pettersson, Global Marketing Director Probi, Tel: +46 766 33 11 66, Mail: martina.pettersson@probi.com

ABOUT PROBI

Probi® is a global company focused exclusively on researching, manufacturing, and delivering probiotics for
supplements and functional food. We are experts at managing stable, live bacteria from R&D through every
stage of the manufacturing process and are dedicated to making the health-enhancing benefits of probiotics
available to people everywhere. Our health concepts, formulations, and formats are supported by robust clinical documentation. Since our founding in 1991 at Sweden’s Lund University, Probi has expanded its operations to more than 40 markets. We hold more than 400 patents globally. Probi had sales of 628 MSEK in 2023. Probi's shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Mid-cap, and there were around 3,400 shareholders on December 31, 2023.

PDF