Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bacillus licheniformis and Inflammatory Bowel Disorders: Synopsis of Evidence

Bacillus licheniformis is a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium that is increasingly included in probiotic formulations for gut health. Its purported use for inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is based on its ability to modulate the gut microbiota and enhance intestinal barrier function. Scientific studies have examined its effects, but the body of evidence remains limited, especially in humans.

Some animal studies suggest that B. licheniformis can reduce inflammation in chemically induced colitis models. For example, a 2017 study in Frontiers in Microbiology reported that oral administration of B. licheniformis improved gut barrier integrity and reduced inflammatory cytokines in mice with colitis. In vitro studies also indicate potential anti-inflammatory effects via modulation of immune signaling pathways.

However, clinical trials in humans with IBD are scarce. Most available research involves animal models or in vitro systems, and evidence from human studies is not sufficient to draw strong conclusions about its efficacy or safety for IBD. Some small human studies suggest probiotics containing B. licheniformis may help with general gut symptoms, but these are not IBD-specific and often include multiple probiotic strains.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and early-stage evidence supporting the use of B. licheniformis for inflammatory bowel disorders, robust clinical validation is lacking. Thus, the evidence rating remains modest (2/5), reflecting a need for larger and more rigorous human trials.

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