From the Guidelines
Bacillus subtilis does not have sufficient evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) 1. The current evidence on the use of probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, in reducing inflammation is limited and inconsistent.
- A 2017 review of existing meta-analyses on the use of probiotics in clinical practice found that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of probiotics in maintaining remission in patients with IBD 1.
- The review cited two Cochrane reviews, one from 2011 on ulcerative colitis and another from 2006 on Crohn’s disease, which both reported insufficient evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of probiotics in maintaining remission in patients with IBD 1.
- A more recent meta-analysis from 2014 found that treatment with probiotics may be a useful therapeutic option for adult and pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis, but not for those with Crohn’s disease 1. To manage inflammation, it is essential to consider other evidence-based treatments and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
- Patients with IBD should work with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, lifestyle modifications, and other therapies.
- While probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, may have potential benefits, the current evidence does not support their use as a primary treatment for reducing inflammation in patients with IBD 1.
From the Research
Bacillus subtilis and Inflammation Reduction
- Bacillus subtilis has been shown to reduce inflammation in various studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The mechanisms by which Bacillus subtilis reduces inflammation include:
- Inducing anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages or inhibitory dendritic cells (DCs) 2
- Inhibiting excessive T cell responses 2
- Inducing expression of the inhibitory molecule IDO in bone marrow-derived DCs 2
- Utilizing the kynurenine/aryl hydrocarbon receptor circuit to inhibit T cell proliferation 2
- Reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines 4, 5, 6
- Strengthening intestinal barrier integrity and limiting inflammatory responses 6
Specific Strains and Their Effects
- Different strains of Bacillus subtilis have been shown to have varying effects on inflammation reduction, including:
- Bacillus subtilis SF106 and Bacillus clausii SF174, which reduced inflammation and modulated the gut microbiota in a colitis model 3
- Bacillus subtilis PB6, which suppressed colitis and improved colon morphology and plasma cytokine levels in a rat model of TNBS-induced colitis 4
- Competence and sporulation factor (CSF) derived from Bacillus subtilis, which improved epithelial cell injury in intestinal inflammation via immunomodulation and cytoprotection 5
- Bacillus subtilis strain Bs 29784, which reinforced intestinal barrier integrity and limited inflammatory responses in Caco-2 cells 6