Molecules isolated from probiotic-packed yogurt could prove to be ideal drug candidates that address a range of inflammatory conditions that include the immune response seen in COVID-19 patients.
Writing in the journal
Microbiome, researchers successfully isolated molecules secreted by a yeast contained in kefir yoghurt that has proved efficacious against the causative agent of cholera.
Further research highlighted the molecules’ anti-inflammatory effect in tackling the so-called cytokine storm – the extreme immune response responsible for the deaths of so many COVID-19 patients.
Commenting on the molecule’s apparent ability to restore balance to the immune system, Professor Raz Jelinek, the Vice President and Dean for Research & Development at Ben-Gurion University (BGU) said,
Israeli researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has identified novel drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic yogurt for combating pathogenic bacteria and for treating various inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and COVID-19-related cytokine storms.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have for the first time identified new drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic Kefir yogurt for combating pathogenic bacteria and treating various inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and COVID-19 related cytokine storms.
Researchers developing probiotic yogurt-based drugs
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have for the first time identified new drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic Kefir yogurt for combating pathogenic bacteria and treating various inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and COVID-19 related cytokine storms.
The research, published in
Microbiome, a leading peer-reviewed publication was led by Orit Malka, a Ph.D. student of Prof. Raz Jelinek, GU vice president and dean for research and development.
“These results are notable, since this is the first demonstration that virulence of human pathogenic bacteria can be mitigated by molecules secreted in probiotic milk products, such as yogurt or kefir,” said Prof. Jelinek. “Our research illuminates the mechanism by which milk fermented probiotics can protect against pathogenic infections and aid the immune system. Following promising results in animal models,
This is the first demonstration that virulence of human pathogenic bacteria can be mitigated by molecules secreted in probiotic milk products, such as yogurt or kefir, said BGU Prof. Jelinek. Our research illuminates the mechanism by which milk fermented probiotics can protect against pathogenic infections and aid the immune system. We look forward to administering these drug candidates to patients who are experiencing a cytokine storm due to COVID-19 infection, or people suffering from acute inflammatory bowel pathologies, such as Crohn s disease.