Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

Probiotics are living bacteria that provide health benefits to the host when consumed in sufficient quantity according to WHO. The most-studied species include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces which may restore normal microbiota and effect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract by a variety of mechanisms. Their efficacy, either as a single strain or a combination of probiotics, has been tested in IBD, IBS, colorectal cancer and diarrheas, among other disorders. Results of these studies are reviewed in this article, although several questions regarding use of probiotics in GI disorders remain to be answered in future studies. It should be noted that cautions are advised in immunologically vulnerable populations.