11.09.23
Treatment with a probiotic strain called Saccharomyces boulardii may reduce the severity of symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, according to emerging evidence gathered in a study published in Scientific Reports.
MS, a chronic demyelination disease of the central nervous system, currently impacts 2.5 million people globally, and there is no conclusive cure – treatments mainly consist of managing symptoms such as neuropathic pain and fatigue.
“Recent research has shown a link between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system as the gut-brain axis, which involves communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Furthermore, studies have suggested that modifications to the gut microbiota can influence the inflammatory responses of individuals and animals with MS,” the authors wrote.
To date, no available research has been done on outcomes of S. boulardii treatment in MS patients.
Study Details
In the four month study, a prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial, 40 patients diagnosed with Relapsing-remitting MS were administered either a placebo or a supplement containing 1,010 colony forming units (CFU) of a branded S. boulardii supplement called BioDigestdaily.
All patients were instructed to continue their routine treatment throughout the study duration. They were also advised to avoid any supplements or foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt.
Over the course of treatment, the participants took part in several questionnaires. Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic treatment group saw a significant decrease in pain intensity as measured by the Visual Analog Scale, and fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale).
In a 36-item short form survey, the treatment group also had significantly improved quality of life scores. General Health Questionnaire scores also indicated significant improvements were achieved in somatic and social dysfunction subscales.
In the biomarker analysis, it was found that S. boulardii significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and increased serum antioxidant capacity.
“The findings of this study suggest that SB may be a valuable adjunct therapy for controlling clinical symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress in MS patients,” the authors of the study concluded. “The probiotic’s potential to improve mental health, fatigue, quality of life, and pain also highlights its valuable role in managing MS neuropsychological symptoms. Further studies are to understand the probiotics’ thorough mechanisms of action and their long-term effects.”
MS, a chronic demyelination disease of the central nervous system, currently impacts 2.5 million people globally, and there is no conclusive cure – treatments mainly consist of managing symptoms such as neuropathic pain and fatigue.
“Recent research has shown a link between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system as the gut-brain axis, which involves communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Furthermore, studies have suggested that modifications to the gut microbiota can influence the inflammatory responses of individuals and animals with MS,” the authors wrote.
To date, no available research has been done on outcomes of S. boulardii treatment in MS patients.
Study Details
In the four month study, a prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial, 40 patients diagnosed with Relapsing-remitting MS were administered either a placebo or a supplement containing 1,010 colony forming units (CFU) of a branded S. boulardii supplement called BioDigestdaily.
All patients were instructed to continue their routine treatment throughout the study duration. They were also advised to avoid any supplements or foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt.
Over the course of treatment, the participants took part in several questionnaires. Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic treatment group saw a significant decrease in pain intensity as measured by the Visual Analog Scale, and fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale).
In a 36-item short form survey, the treatment group also had significantly improved quality of life scores. General Health Questionnaire scores also indicated significant improvements were achieved in somatic and social dysfunction subscales.
In the biomarker analysis, it was found that S. boulardii significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and increased serum antioxidant capacity.
“The findings of this study suggest that SB may be a valuable adjunct therapy for controlling clinical symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress in MS patients,” the authors of the study concluded. “The probiotic’s potential to improve mental health, fatigue, quality of life, and pain also highlights its valuable role in managing MS neuropsychological symptoms. Further studies are to understand the probiotics’ thorough mechanisms of action and their long-term effects.”