Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lactobacillus johnsonii has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or treating colitis, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Several preclinical studies, primarily in animal models, have demonstrated that L. johnsonii administration can reduce inflammation, improve intestinal barrier function, and modulate the gut microbiota in ways that may be beneficial for colitis. For example, research published in Gut Microbes (2018) and Scientific Reports (2016) found that supplementation with L. johnsonii attenuated colonic inflammation and reduced disease severity in mouse models of colitis. Mechanistically, these effects are attributed to the probiotic’s ability to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance mucosal healing.

However, direct evidence in humans is currently limited. Some small clinical trials and pilot studies have examined the use of L. johnsonii as part of probiotic formulations in IBD patients, with mixed results. While safety is generally supported, efficacy in reducing disease activity or maintaining remission has not been definitively established. Thus, while there is a reasonable scientific rationale and encouraging preclinical data, robust human clinical evidence is still lacking. As a result, L. johnsonii can be considered scientifically justified with moderate evidence (3/5) for supporting colitis, but further high-quality clinical trials are needed to clarify its therapeutic potential.

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