Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplement Enhances Gut Microbiota Composition in Rats: Evidence for Functional Food Potential

Citation: Tzu-Chin Wu, Hui-Yu Huang, Yu Syuan Jhang, Yu-Jou Chien, "Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplement Enhances Gut Microbiota Composition in Rats: Evidence for Functional Food Potential", Universal Library of Medical and Health Sciences, Volume 03, Issue 04.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Background: Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, are widely recognized for their beneficial effects on gut microbiota balance and host health. Alterations in gut microbial composition are associated with gastrointestinal disorders and the development of colorectal cancer. Functional probiotic formulations are increasingly investigated for their ability to enhance beneficial bacteria and suppress harmful strains. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a compound probiotic powder on gut microbiota composition in Sprague–Dawley rats, with a focus on changes in total anaerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens populations. Methods: Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each): control, low dose (1×), medium dose (2×), and high dose (5×). The probiotic powder was administered by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8, and cecal contents were collected at week 8. Microbial populations were quantified by colony-forming unit (CFU) counts using selective culture media under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, following established methods for gut microbiota enumeration (Matsumoto et al., 2006; Yang & Li, 2010; Yeo & Liong, 2010). Physiological parameters, including body weight, feed intake, water intake, and organ weights, were also assessed. Results: Probiotic supplementation significantly increased total anaerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium counts in fecal and cecal samples at weeks 4 and 8 compared with the control group (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in Escherichia coli or Clostridium perfringens populations across groups. Body weight, feed intake, water intake, and organ weights showed no significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The compound probiotic powder promoted the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria—particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium—without altering harmful bacterial populations or physiological parameters in rats. These findings support its potential as a functional probiotic supplement for maintaining gut microbiota balance.

Keywords: Probiotics/ Gut Microbiota Modulation/ Intestinal health/ Lactobacillus/ Bifidobacterium.

https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ulmhs.2025.0304005