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The composition and diversity of gut microbiota significantly influence the immune system and are linked to various diseases, including inflammatory and allergy disorders. While considerable research has focused on exploring single bacterial species or consortia, the optimal strategies for microbiota-based therapeutics remain underexplored. Specifically, the comparative effectiveness of bacterial consortia versus individual species warrants further investigation. In our study, we assessed the impact of the bacterial consortium MPRO, comprising Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7712, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HY8002, and Lacticaseibacillus casei HY2782, in comparison to its individual components. The administration of MPRO demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy in experimental models of atopic dermatitis and inflammatory colitis when compared to single strains. MPRO exhibited the ability to dampen inflammatory responses and alter the gut microbial landscape significantly. Notably, MPRO administration led to an increase in intestinal CD103+CD11b+ dendritic cells, promoting the induction of regulatory T cells and the robust suppression of inflammation in experimental disease settings. Our findings advocate the preference for bacterial consortia over single strains in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, carrying potential clinical relevance.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory airway disease (IAD) that is characterized by itching, nasal obstruction, and sneezing. AR is induced by Th-2 inflammatory responses such as those mediated by IgE and IL-4. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of an herbal concoction, which is a combination of Cinnamomum cassia and Artemisa annua extracts (CIAR) against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis in a Balb/C mouse model. The effect of CIAR on the Th-2 mediated inflammatory response in the AR mouse model was studied by analyzing blood or nasal fluid samples. Experimental results revealed that OVA inhalation increased IgE, IL-4, IL-33, and TSLP levels, leading to Th2-type cytokine response. CIAR was found to significantly reduce the Th-2 response and levels of cytokines, including IL-4, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). CIAR also down-regulated eosinophil (EOS) and basophil (BASO) levels in the blood. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased OVA-induced thickness of the respiratory epithelium in the CIAR-treated group. Collectively, our results suggest that the herbal concoction CIAR can effectively ameliorate the development of allergic rhinitis through the inhibition of Th-2 mediated responses.

Human gut microbiota are involved in different metabolic processes, such as digestion and nutrient synthesis, among others. For the elderly, supplements are a major means of maintaining health and improving intestinal homeostasis. In this study, 51 elderly women were administered MPRO3 (n = 17), a placebo (n = 16), or both (MPRO3: 1 week, placebo: 3 weeks; n = 18) for 4 weeks. The fecal microbiota were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 super-variable region. The dietary fiber intake increased, and glucose levels decreased with 4-week MPRO3 intake. Reflux, indigestion, and diarrhea syndromes gradually improved with MPRO3 intake, whereas constipation was maintained. The stool shape also improved. Bifidobacterium animalis, B. pseudolongum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and L. paracasei were relatively more abundant after 4 weeks of MPRO3 intake than in those subjects after a 1-week intake. Bifidobacterium and B. longum abundances increased after 1 week of MPRO3 intake but decreased when the intake was discontinued. Among different modules and pathways, all 10 modules analyzed showed a relatively high association with 4-week MPRO3 intake. The mineral absorption pathway and cortisol biosynthesis and secretion pathways correlated with the B. animalis and B. pseudolongum abundances at 4 weeks. Therefore, 4-week MPRO3 intake decreased the fasting blood glucose level and improved intestinal health and metabolism.