Potentially probiotic NPL 1334 strain of Enterococcus durans benefits rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Purpose: To study the potential of a candidate probiotic strain belonging to the Enterococcus durans species in alleviating hypercholesterolemia and improving the microbial milieu of rat gut.

Methods: A previously isolated and characterized E. durans strain NPL 1334 was further screened in vitro for its bile salt hydrolyzation and cholesterol assimilation ability.

Compositional Quality and Possible Gastrointestinal Performance of Marketed Probiotic Supplements.

The local pharmacies and shops are brimming with various probiotic products that herald a range of health benefits. The poor quality of probiotic products in both dosage and species is symptomatic of this multi-billion-dollar market making it difficult for consumers to single out reliable ones. This study aims to fill the potential gap in the labeling accuracy of probiotic products intended for human consumption.