BN-202M is derived from humans and consists of two strains, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BEPC22 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BELP53. Body fat reduction effect and safety of BN-202M were assessed in overweight participants. A total of 150 participants were randomly assigned to the BN-202M and placebo groups at a 1:1 ratio. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to objectively measure body fat. After 12 weeks of oral administration, the body fat percentage (−0.10 ± 1.32% vs. 0.48 ± 1.10%; p = 0.009) and body fat mass (−0.24 ± 1.19 kg vs. 0.23 ± 1.05 kg; p = 0.023) of the BN-202M group decreased significantly compared to those of the placebo group. The body weight (−0.58 kg, p = 0.004) and body mass index (BMI; −0.23, p = 0.003) was found to decrease significantly at 12 weeks in the BN-202M group, but not in the placebo group. Metabolome analysis revealed that β-alanine, 3-aminoisobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and octopamine decreased in the weight-decreased BN-202M post-intake group. In the gut microbiota analysis, Akkermansia showed a statistically significant increase in the BN-202M group post-intake compared to the placebo group. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. These results suggest that BN-202M is safe and effective for reducing body fat and weight.

This study investigates the combined effects of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids on blood and liver function biomarkers, as well as gut microbiota diversity, in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model in male mice. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), often linked to obesity, are major global health issues driven by abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Omega-3 fatty acids, known to lower triglycerides and prevent CVD, and probiotics, which enhance gut microbiota balance and nutrient absorption, were evaluated for their combined effects. The experiment involved five groups of male C57BL/6J mice: a normal diet group, an HFD group, an HFD + probiotics group, an HFD + omega-3 group, and an HFD + combined probiotics and omega-3 group. Over six weeks, the combined treatment group showed significant reductions in body weight gain, a significant improvement in ALT levels (a key liver function biomarker), and enhanced anticoagulation markers, such as prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, compared to the HFD group. Gut microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing also revealed significant increases in microbial diversity in the combined treatment group. These findings suggest that co-administration of probiotics and omega-3 offers potential therapeutic benefits in reducing obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions by improving lipid metabolism, liver health, and blood circulation.

Lactobacillus, a genus of lactic acid bacteria, is known to coexist symbiotically in the female vaginal microbiota and has gained attention as a potential probiotic with benefits for female reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus gasseri BELG74(BELG74), isolated from the vaginal microbiota of Korean women, in promoting vaginal health through growth ability, pH reduction, lactic acid production, and antimicrobial activity. Among 36 Lactobacillus gasseri strains, BELG74 demonstrated the highest growth capacity at 1.84 × 10⁹ CFU/mL and the lowest pH of 3.84. BELG74 produced the most lactic acid at a concentration of 20.12 g/L, which correlated with anti-pathogenic activity against Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, and Candida albicans of more than 90%. It also showed high acid resistance (92.2%) and bile resistance (25.3%), ensuring its survival through the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, BELG74 exhibited strong biofilm formation and adhesion capacity of 28.7% to HeLa cells, making it effective in colonizing the vaginal environment and suppressing pathogenic bacteria. The reduction of IL-1β by 63% suggested anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, BELG74 effectively neutralized trimethylamine and ammonia by over 99.9%, suggesting its ability to reduce unpleasant vaginal odors. These findings indicate that BELG74 could be a promising probiotic for improving vaginal health, with further clinical studies needed to confirm these benefits.