Lactobacillus salivarius is a probiotic bacteria strain found naturally in the intestinal tract. As a probiotic organism, it confers health benefits on the host when it is present in the gut in sufficient quantities.
Probiotics are said to promote immunity, digestive heath and overall well-being.
This probiotic is used to treat asthma and allergic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis eczema. Lactobacillus salivarius is useful for treating IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) as an anti-inflammatory and for relieving flatulence.
This probiotic is able to suppress a wide spectrum of pathogenic organisms that translocate from the gastrointestinal tract. This is beneficial in the treatment of pancreatic necrosis which is a serious infection where the pancreatic tissue dies and becomes infected.
In clinical studies Lactobacillus salivarius was shown to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins) and suppress bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. This action leads to a reduction in bacterial translocation.
Lactobacillus salivarius is also being studied for its anti-tumor properties.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
Lactobacillus Salivarius Benefits
Related Topics
- What are Probiotics?
- Probiotic Benefits
- Best Probiotic Strains
- Probiotic Side Effects
- Probiotic Supplements
- Probiotic Foods
- Best Probiotic Yogurt
- Probiotics for Children
- Probiotics for Women
- Yeast Infections
- What are Prebotics?
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidus Regularis
Research shows that Lactobacillus salivarius had a good bile tolerance rating for survival of the GI tract. This is important as it means that this probiotic bacteria is robust enough to reach the gut to improve a healthy probiotic bacteria level.
Probiotic supplements are used to “seed” the gut with good bacteria that help to prevent bad bacteria from gaining a foothold.
While there is always some amount of pathogenic bacteria present in the intestinal tract, it is important to ensure the ratio of beneficial to pathogenic bacteria stays in the appropriate range.
Probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus salivarius can compete with bad bacteria to colonize the walls of the gut. This can help to support digestive function and can also prevent infections from taking hold.
Lactobacillus salivarius also helps to break down proteins during digestion and produces B and K Vitamins, enzymes and lactic acid.
Lactobacillus Salivarius Research
A clinical study published in the Journal of Immunology Research in February 2015 showed using probiotic strains Bifidobacterium breve PS12929 and Lactobacillus salivarius PS12934 on pre-term infants helped reduce the fecal calprotectin levels. This is an indicator for inflammatory bowel disease.
A clinical study published in BMC Oral Health in September 2014 showed tablets (Ovalgen DC®) containing the probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) L. salivarius WB21 and TI 2711 improved dental health.
This probiotic combination reduced the amount of the mutans streptococci bacteria present in the mouth.
This bacteria has been shown to causes dental cavities. L. salivarius WB21 and TI 2711 were also found to be safe for use for plaque control, periodontal health (gingivitis, gum disease), and oral halitosis (bad breath).
Effects on Yeast Infections and Inflammation
Lactobacillus salivarius also inhibits the growth of Candida – a fungus yeast infection that can affect the urogenital tract as well as the mouth. Some women may benefit from regular supplementation with this probiotic as a prevention for vaginal yeast infections.
This probiotic has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in the treatment of mastitis – a painful infection of the breast that may occur during breast feeding. It is also used in the treatment of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Ulcerative Colitis.
This probiotic also helps prevent strep throat caused by the bacteria S. pyogenes. It may also inhibits the growth of the pathogenic bacteria E. Coli. and Samonella spp. which can cause infections in the stomach. Furthermore, Lactobacillus salivarius helps inhibit the H. pylori bacteria that is associated with ulcers.
Lactobacillus Salivarius for Asthma
An animal study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology in July 2015 showed Lactobacillus salivarius may have benefits for asthma patients.
This probiotic supplement improve the imbalance of Th1 (which produces a pro-inflammatory responses) and Th2 (which produces an anti-inflammatory response) in asthmatic mice.
This is thought to be achieved through increasing the expression of T-bet mRNA (messenger RNA) at the transcriptional level and inhibiting the expression of GATA-3 mRNA at the same time.
It was also concluded from this study that the CD4(+) cell CD25(+) cell and Foxp3(+) Treg cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. This may be the regulatory mechanism of the improvement of Th1 and Th2 imbalance in the Lactobacillus salivarius supplement treatment.
In one clinical study, L. salivarius LS01 and B. breve BR03 combined together showed beneficial immunomodulatory activity on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of allergic asthmatics.
The use of this probiotic treatment decreased the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines by PBMCs and lead to an intense increase in IL-10 (Interleukin-10) an anti-inflammatory cytokine, production
Lactobacillus Salivarius and Cancer
There have been some preliminary studies looking at the anti-cancer effects of this probiotic strain. While it has not been approved as a treatment or preventative measure for cancer, these initial results do warrant further study.
A clinical study published in the Journal of Biotechnology in September 2015 showed the Lactobacillus salivarius Ren (LsR) (CGMCC No. 3606) probiotic strain suppresses 4-NQO-induced oral carcinogenesis.
Oral malignancy that includes tongue cancer is associated with severe morbidity and a long-term survival of less than 50% of cases. The low survival rate is because of the high risk of developing a second type of cancer.
This probiotic strain also suppresses 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colorectal carcinogenesis. This type of cancer is the third most common type of cancer world-wide, with 65 percent of cases occurring in developed countries.
The clinical study concluded that the Lactobacillus salivarius probiotic strain would be a beneficial adjuvant therapeutic agent for cancer.
Side Effects of Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactobacillus salivarius is generally considered to be safe, but side effects may occur in a small number of users. It may cause a rash or digestive discomfort such as bloating and intestinal gas as the body adjusts to the introduction of probiotics into the diet.
People with impaired immune systems such as organ donors or those using a catheter should avoid probiotics. People with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) should also avoid probiotics.
Unless otherwise directed by a medical professional, probiotics should not be taken during pregnancy. Antibiotics do interact with probiotics and should be taken at least two hours apart from Lactobacillus salivarius supplements.
- Yun X, Effect of Lactobacillus salivarius on Th1/Th2 cytokines and the number of spleen CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg in asthma Balb/c mouse. Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2015 Jul 1;8(7):7661-74. eCollection 2015.
- Sun E, Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus salivarius Ren, a probiotic strain with anti-tumor activity. J Biotechnol 2015 Sep 20;210:57-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.06.399. Epub 2015 Jun 29.
- Wang G, Functional role of oppA encoding an oligopeptide-binding protein from Lactobacillus salivarius Ren in bile tolerance. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2015 Aug;42(8):1167-74. doi: 10.1007/s10295-015-1634-5. Epub 2015 May 22.
- Moles L, Administration of Bifidobacterium breve PS12929 and Lactobacillus salivarius PS12934, two strains isolated from human milk, to very low and extremely low birth weight preterm infants: a pilot study. J Immunol Res 2015;2015:538171. doi: 10.1155/2015/538171. Epub 2015 Feb 22.
- Drago L, Allergy Asthma Immunol Res 2015 Jul;7(4):409-13. doi: 10.4168/aair.2015.7.4.409. Epub 2015 Mar 5.
- Drago L, Treatment of atopic dermatitis eczema with a high concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 associated with an innovative gelling complex: a pilot study on adults. J Clin Gastroenterol 2014 Nov-Dec;48 Suppl 1:S47-51. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000249.
Article last updated on: April 6th, 2018 by Nootriment