Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Lactobacillus is a genus of probiotic bacteria that has been investigated for its potential to reduce certain side effects of chemotherapy, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and mucositis. Chemotherapy can disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to inflammation, infection, and impaired gut function. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have explored the use of probiotics, including Lactobacillus strains, to mitigate these adverse effects.
Evidence suggests that specific Lactobacillus strains (often combined with other probiotic species) can decrease the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, especially in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing fluorouracil-based regimens. Some studies also report reduced risk of severe oral mucositis. The proposed mechanisms include restoration of gut microbial balance, strengthening of the intestinal barrier, and modulation of the immune response.
However, results are not universally consistent across all studies. The efficacy appears to depend on the specific strain(s), dosage, and patient population. Safety is generally good, but there are rare case reports of infections in severely immunocompromised patients.
In summary, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of Lactobacillus-containing probiotics to reduce certain chemotherapy side effects, primarily diarrhea. Guidelines from some oncology societies cautiously acknowledge their potential benefit, while calling for further high-quality research.
More about Lactobacillus
More about Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acidAcemannan
AHCC
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
Alpha Glucans
Alpha lactalbumin
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
anthocyanins
Antrodia camphorata
astaxanthin
astragalus
Baikal Skullcap
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
Boswellic Acid
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caryophyllene
chamomile
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coix
colostrum
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
dithiolthiones
ergothioneine
fish oil
folinic acid
fucoidan
ginger
Glutamine
Glutathione
grape
green tea
Haematococcus pluvialis
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Honokiol
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Hyphomycetes
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-carnosine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glutathione
L-glycine
L-taurine
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinan
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
Marine lipid
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesima
Methylselenocysteine
Milk Protein
Milk thistle
Mistletoe
Mushroom
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Oldenlandia diffusa
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peptides
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)
phytocannabinoids
polysaccharides
pomegranate
probiotics
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
selenium
Selenomethionine
shiitake mushroom
Silychristin
soy isoflavones
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Sulforaphane
Thymidine
Thymoquinone
tributyrin
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Typhonium flagelliforme
Verbascoside
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
Whey protein
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Lactobacillus
Acid IndigestionAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety Disorders
Bladder Infection
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose Intolerance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Oral Surgery
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Thrush
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Wounds and Sores
