Strains Isolated from Carrots Show Probiotic Features.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share several beneficial effects on human organisms, such as bioactive metabolites' release, pathogens' competition and immune stimulation. This study aimed at determining the probiotic potential of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from carrots. In particular, the work reported the characterization at the species level of four LAB strains deriving from carrots harvested in Fucino highland, Abruzzo (Italy). Ribosomal 16S DNA analysis allowed identification of three strains belonging to   and a   strain. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the probiotic potential of the different isolates. Among them,   C2 and   C7 showed high survival percentages under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, antibiotic susceptibly and the ability to inhibit in vitro growth against   serovar ,  ,   and   pathogens. In parallel, the simple model   was used for in vivo screenings.   C2 and   C7 strains significantly induced pro-longevity effects, protection from pathogens' infection and innate immunity stimulation. Overall, these results showed that some autochthonous LAB from vegetables such as carrots have functional features to be considered as novel probiotic candidates.