In recent years, the use of soil-based organisms (SBOs) as probiotics has garnered significant attention in microbial research. These organisms, found naturally in soil, offer a host of potential benefits such as balancing gut bacteria, reducing inflammation, maintaining gut integrity, and modulating immune responses. Among these beneficial SBOs, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) stands out for its robust characteristics and therapeutic potential.
Understanding Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus subtilis is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium commonly found in soil. Historically, it has been utilized by industrial biotechnology for its ability to produce various enzymes, pharmaceutical compounds, and amino acids. Interestingly, before the advent of antibiotics, B. subtilis was employed to treat gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections in both humans and animals. Although its use declined with the rise of antibiotics, it remains prevalent in agriculture, notably as an antibiotic alternative in livestock and poultry.
Bacillus subtilis as a Probiotic
In recent years, Bacillus subtilis has reemerged as a potent player in probiotic research, particularly for human health. It is now recognized as one of the most popular soil-based probiotics due to its numerous potential benefits supported by contemporary studies. This has led to its inclusion in comprehensive proprietary blends of soil-based probiotics.
5 Ways Bacillus subtilis Benefits Health
1. Combatting “Staph” Infections:
Recent studies highlight B. subtilis’s ability to produce molecules that inhibit the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This bacterium is notorious for its antibiotic resistance, making B. subtilis a promising alternative for treating “staph” infections while preserving the diversity of the microbiome. [6]
2. Providing Antioxidant Activity:
Beyond its enzymatic prowess, B. subtilis produces antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, along with antioxidant metabolites such as carotenoids and riboflavin. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage. [1, 8]
3. Promoting a Healthy Microbiome:
Research indicates that B. subtilis supports the growth of beneficial probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Studies have shown significant increases in Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus acidophilus populations with B. subtilis supplementation. [2, 3]
4. Protecting Against Bacterial Infections:
While promoting beneficial bacteria, B. subtilis also exhibits antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), Escherichia-shigella, and certain Clostridium species. This dual action helps maintain gastrointestinal health by inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes. [2, 5, 7]
5. Alleviating Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
Studies suggest that B. subtilis supplementation may alleviate symptoms associated with gastrointestinal conditions like constipation, diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, and abdominal pain. This is achieved through its role in balancing gut microbiota, modulating inflammatory responses, enhancing gut barrier integrity, and regulating water absorption in the colon. [4, 7]
Conclusion
Bacillus subtilis represents a promising avenue in probiotic research, offering diverse health benefits rooted in its robust nature and historical usage. From combating antibiotic-resistant infections to supporting gut health and providing antioxidant protection, B. subtilis continues to prove its worth as a versatile soil-based probiotic. As research progresses, its role in promoting overall health and well-being is expected to expand, making it a valuable addition to the realm of microbial therapeutics.
References
- Arias Padró MD, Caboni E, Salazar Morin KA, Meraz Mercado MA, Olalde-Portugal V. Effect of Bacillus subtilis on antioxidant enzyme activities in tomato grafting. PeerJ. 2021;9:e10984. Published 2021 Mar 12. doi:10.7717/peerj.10984
- Hatanaka M, Nakamura Y, Maathuis AJ, Venema K, Murota I, Yamamoto N. Influence of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 on microbiota in a dynamic in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract simulating human conditions. Benef Microbes. 2012;3(3):229-236. doi:10.3920/BM2012.0016
- Hosoi T, Ametani A, Kiuchi K, Kaminogawa S. Improved growth and viability of lactobacilli in the presence of Bacillus subtilis (natto), catalase, or subtilisin. Can J Microbiol. 2000;46(10):892-897. doi:10.1139/w00-070
- Liu Y, Yin F, Huang L, Teng H, Shen T, Qin H. Long-term and continuous administration of Bacillus subtilis during remission effectively maintains the remission of inflammatory bowel disease by protecting intestinal integrity, regulating epithelial proliferation, and reshaping microbial structure and function. Food Funct. 2021;12(5):2201-2210. doi:10.1039/d0fo02786c
- Pi X, Teng W, Fei D, Zhao G, Liu W. Effects of Live Combined Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium on Gut Microbiota Composition in C57BL/6 Mice and in Humans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022;12:821662. Published 2022 Feb 10. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.821662
- Piewngam P, Khongthong S, Roekngam N, et al. Probiotic for pathogen-specific Staphylococcus aureus decolonisation in Thailand: a phase 2, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Microbe. 2023;4(2):e75-e83. doi:10.1016/S2666-5247(22)00322-6
- Pinchuk IV, Bressollier P, Verneuil B, et al. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of the probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis 3 is due to secretion of antibiotics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2001;45(11):3156-3161. doi:10.1128/AAC.45.11.3156-3161.2001
- Prazdnova EV, Chistyakov VA, Churilov MN, et al. DNA-protection and antioxidant properties of fermentates from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B-1895 and Bacillus subtilis KATMIRA1933. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2015;61(6):549-554. doi:10.1111/lam.12491
