The use of Lactobacillus species (unspecified) in the management of diverticulitis is primarily supported by modest scientific evidence rather than tradition. Probiotics, including Lactobacillus strains, have been investigated for their potential to modulate the gut microbiota and reduce inflammation in various gastrointestinal disorders. A few small clinical trials and observational studies suggest that probiotics may help decrease symptoms, reduce recurrence, and improve quality of life in patients with diverticular disease, particularly in the chronic or uncomplicated phase. However, evidence for their effectiveness specifically in acute diverticulitis is limited and inconsistent.

A 2011 review in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics noted that probiotics might have a role in preventing recurrence and managing symptoms in uncomplicated diverticular disease, but robust, high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking. The 2022 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines currently do not recommend probiotics as standard therapy for acute diverticulitis, citing insufficient evidence. Traditional use of probiotics in diverticulitis is minimal, with most interest arising from recent scientific exploration of the gut microbiome's role in gastrointestinal health.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence supporting Lactobacillus use in diverticular disease, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are low (rated 2 out of 5), and further high-quality research is needed to clarify efficacy and optimal strains/doses.