Health Promoting and Disease Preventing Properties of Probiotics with Special Reference to Lactobacillus : A Review

During the last two decades, the knowledge about the proper use of probiotics has been significantly improved. By definition, probiotics are “live microorganisms which when applied in specific amounts by following a proper way can improve the host health”. These beneficial bacteria follow different mechanisms to improve the host health and protect it from the harmful effects of different pathogenic microorganisms. There are different types of microorganisms that are considered as probiotics. This review specially focuses on the probiotic properties of different species of the genus of Lactobacillus. Here we have highlighted different aspects of Lactobacilli for improving animal health such as, their role in immunity, dairy industry, fermentation and their antimicrobial activity. Although, much work has been done in the field of probiotics, still a large part of it needs to be investigated. Currently research has been focused on these probiotic organisms in order to find out their beneficial aspects that are associated with food and health. Scientists are trying to prepare such foods that can provide health benefits along with overcoming nutrient deficiencies. Such kind of food known as functional food can provide better health benefits along with safe nutrient provision. However there is some uncertainty about their role regarding some diseases like their anti-carcinogenic effect, anti-cholesterolaemic effects, anti-oxidative properties, antiulcer properties, anti-inflammatory activity, prevention of genital and urinary tract infections and their potential protective effects against inflammatory bowel diseases. The present review will provide an understanding of the health promoting and disease preventing properties of probiotics in general and Lactobacilli in special.