Evidence-Based Compendium
Comprehensive Probiotic Strain Reference Guide
A synthesis of clinical research on probiotic strains with documented effects on mood, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular health, cancer immunotherapy, oral health, and longevity.
75+
Strains Documented
200+
Clinical Studies
14
Health Categories
How to Read This Guide
Evidence Levels
Strong
Moderate
Emerging
Preclinical
Benefit Categories
Psychobiotic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-cancer
Cardiovascular
Oral Health
Skin Health
Athletic
Part 1
Psychobiotic Strains
Mood, Anxiety, Cognition, and Sleep
Psychobiotic Strains
11 strains
Bifidobacterium longum 1714
Strong
Psychobiotic
Stress
Anxiety
Sleep
Reduced cortisol levels and anxiety during stress testing; improved sleep quality. Altered theta/alpha brain waves observed.
HPA axis modulation, altered theta/alpha brain waves, tryptophan metabolism
Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 + Bifidobacterium longum R0175
Moderate
Psychobiotic
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced HSCL-90 distress scores and urinary cortisol. Note: No effect in clinical depression.
GABA production, cortisol reduction, decreased TNF-alpha, increased IL-10
Lactobacillus casei Shirota
Strong
Psychobiotic
Anti-cancer
Stress
Anxiety
Suppressed cortisol elevation in exam stress (140 students); reduced anxiety in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Vagal afferent activation, reduced CRF expression
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128
Strong
Psychobiotic
ASD behaviors
Depression
17% reduction in opposition/defiance in ASD boys; improved anxious/depressed scores in clinical trials.
Modulates dopamine/serotonin in prefrontal cortex and striatum
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DR7
Strong
Psychobiotic
Stress
Anxiety
Cognition
Reduced stress, anxiety, and cortisol; improved attention in adults over 30 years old.
Enhanced serotonin pathway (increased TPH-2, 5-HT6), decreased kynurenine
Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274
Strong
Psychobiotic
Cognitive decline
MCI
RBANS cognitive score +11.3 points vs placebo; suppressed brain atrophy on MRI imaging.
Decreased tau hyperphosphorylation, reduced amyloid-beta neuroinflammation
Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025
Moderate
Psychobiotic
Depression
Superior antidepressant effect (d=0.640) in major depressive disorder patients.
Decreased serotonin turnover, improved GI symptoms
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001
Strong
Psychobiotic
Postpartum depression
Anxiety
56% reduced anxiety odds (OR=0.44) in 423 pregnant women.
Microbiome-gut-brain axis modulation
Levilactobacillus gasseri CP2305
Strong
Psychobiotic
Sleep
Anxiety
Stress
Reduced trait anxiety, improved sleep quality, reduced depression. Works heat-killed (paraprobiotic).
Autonomic nervous system balance, increased BDNF/NGF
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v
Moderate
Psychobiotic
Anti-inflammatory
Cognition
Depression
Improved cognitive function; first evidence of decreased kynurenine in major depressive disorder.
Propionate production, Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37
Moderate
Psychobiotic
Stress
Reduced perceived stress, normalized evening cortisol (sex-dependent effects observed).
HPA axis modulation
Part 2
Anti-Inflammatory & Gut Health
IBD, Systemic Inflammation, and Gut Barrier Function
Anti-Inflammatory Strains
10 strains
Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis 35624
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
Systemic inflammation
Reduced CRP, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 across UC, chronic fatigue syndrome, and psoriasis (3 RCTs).
Induces Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells, retinoic acid pathway
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
Gut inflammation
48% reduced TNF-alpha, 40% reduced IL-17 in ulcerative colitis; 30+ years of clinical evidence.
Soluble proteins p40/p75 activate EGFR; NF-kappaB modulation
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation
Reduced TLR-2 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines; 300+ publications supporting efficacy.
M2 macrophage polarization, TLR2 pathway
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
Ulcerative colitis
Equivalent to mesalazine for UC maintenance (327 patients). German UC guideline recommended.
TLR-2/TLR-4 activation, antimicrobial peptides, tight junctions
VSL#3 (8-strain formulation)
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
UC
Pouchitis
42.9% remission vs 15.7% placebo in UC; guideline-recommended for pouchitis.
TLR4-NF-kappaB pathway inhibition via IkappaB-alpha stabilization
Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-cancer
Gut health
Cancer
Japan-approved since 1970 for GI infections; potent butyrate producer.
Butyrate production, bifidogenic (increases Bifidobacterium)
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
C. difficile
AAD
Standard of care for antibiotic-associated diarrhea; reduced C. diff recurrence.
Protease degrades C. diff toxins; secretory IgA stimulation
Lactobacillus casei ATCC334
Moderate
Anti-inflammatory
Rheumatoid arthritis
Reduced joint swelling, pain, TNF-alpha; improved DAS-28 scores, reduced hs-CRP.
Immune modulation
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii A2-165
Moderate
Anti-inflammatory
IBD marker
Depletion correlates with IBD; produces MAM protein with anti-inflammatory properties.
Butyrate production, NF-kappaB blockade
Blautia hydrogenotrophica MRx1234
Moderate
Anti-inflammatory
IBS
Phase II completed (353 patients); improved bowel habits in IBS-C and IBS-D.
Acetate production, microbiome modulation
Part 3
Metabolic & Weight Management
Glucose Control, Insulin Sensitivity, and Body Composition
Metabolic Strains
8 strains
Akkermansia muciniphila WB-STR-0001
Strong
Anti-cancer
Glucose
Insulin
Immunotherapy
+30% insulin sensitivity, -34% insulin, reduced cholesterol. Pasteurized version works.
Amuc_1100 protein activates TLR2, increases GLP-1
Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055
Moderate
Visceral fat
-4.6% visceral fat, -3.3% subcutaneous fat, -1.4% body weight.
Increased fat droplet size, pancreatic lipase inhibition
Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17
Moderate
Visceral fat
-21.6 cm2 visceral adipose tissue reduction.
Increased fatty acid oxidation genes, decreased lipogenic genes
Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301
Moderate
Body fat
Triglycerides
2.6x greater fat loss, 7x greater trunk fat loss, reduced triglycerides.
Adipokine modulation
Bifidobacterium breve B-3
Moderate
Body fat
Reduced body fat mass and waist circumference in pre-obese individuals.
Fat metabolism regulation
Anaerobutyricum soehngenii L2-7
Moderate
Glucose
6% reduced net glycemic action, reduced HbA1c in prediabetics.
Converts lactate/acetate to butyrate (unique pathway)
Christensenella minuta DSM 33407
Emerging
Cholesterol
Obesity
Reduced LDL cholesterol in obese patients (Phase I trial).
Bile salt hydrolase, AMPK activation
Pendulum Glucose Control (5-strain)
Strong
T2D glucose control
-0.6% HbA1c, -33% post-meal glucose spikes.
Combined butyrate + GLP-1 stimulation
Part 4
Cardiovascular & Cholesterol
LDL Reduction, Blood Pressure, and Heart Health
Cardiovascular Strains
5 strains
Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242
Strong
Cardiovascular
Cholesterol
-11.6% LDL, -9.1% total cholesterol, reduced CRP and fibrinogen.
High bile salt hydrolase activity
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 7527/7528/7529
Moderate
Cardiovascular
Cholesterol
-13.6% total cholesterol reduction.
Bile salt hydrolase activity
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ECGC 13110402
Moderate
Cardiovascular
Cholesterol
Blood pressure
-34.6% total cholesterol, -28.4% LDL-C, -6.6% systolic BP (pilot study).
Bile acid modulation
Lactobacillus helveticus (fermented milk)
Strong
Cardiovascular
Blood pressure
Meta-analyses: -3.0 to -3.6 mmHg SBP, -1.5 to -2.4 mmHg DBP.
ACE-inhibitory tripeptides (IPP, VPP)
Multi-strain probiotics (general)
Strong
Cardiovascular
Blood pressure
Optimal: 10^11+ CFU/day, 8+ weeks, multiple strains for best BP effects.
Various mechanisms
Part 5
Anti-Cancer & Immunotherapy
Cancer Prevention and Immunotherapy Response Enhancement
Critical Warning for Cancer Immunotherapy
Generic OTC probiotics have been associated with up to 70% reduced response to immunotherapy. Only use characterized strains (e.g., CBM588) with clinical evidence. Consult oncologist before supplementing.
Anti-Cancer Strains
6 strains
Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588
BREAKTHROUGH FINDING
Strong
Anti-cancer
Immunotherapy
Response rate 58% vs 20% with nivolumab/ipilimumab in metastatic RCC; PFS 12.7 vs 2.5 months (HR 0.15).
Bifidogenic, butyrate production, increased IL-17A+ gamma-delta T cells
Akkermansia muciniphila
Strong
Anti-cancer
Immunotherapy biomarker
28% vs 18% response in NSCLC (338 patients). Note: U-shaped relationship observed.
Produces inosine which increases tumor immunogenicity
Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Bladder Cancer)
Strong
Anti-cancer
Bladder cancer prevention
Longer relapse-free survival in superficial bladder tumors (2 RCTs); increased NK cell activity.
Increased NK cell activity, increased IL-12
Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Polyp Prevention)
Strong
Anti-cancer
Polyp prevention
Significantly reduced recurrence of atypical colorectal polyps (4-year follow-up).
NK cell activation
Bifidobacterium longum
Strong
Anti-cancer
Immunotherapy response
Responders to anti-PD-1 have higher levels; FMT from responders improves outcomes.
Increased CD8 T-cell anti-tumor activity
Colon Dophilus (8-strain)
Moderate
Anti-cancer
Chemo side effects
Reduced irinotecan-induced diarrhea; no grade 3/4 diarrhea in probiotic arm.
Microbiome restoration
Part 6
Oral Health
Caries Prevention, Periodontitis, Halitosis, and Nitric Oxide
Antiseptic Mouthwash & Blood Pressure
Mouthwash use 2x/day doubles hypertension risk over 3 years. Chlorhexidine reduces oral nitrite by 90%, plasma nitrite by 25%, and increases systolic BP by 2-3.5 mmHg. Exercise-induced BP reduction is abolished at 2 hours post-mouthwash.
Oral Health Strains
4 strains
Streptococcus salivarius M18
Strong
Oral Health
Caries
Periodontitis
Reduced S. mutans counts (7-day); improved periodontal indices.
Salivaricin A2/B bacteriocins
Streptococcus salivarius K12
Strong
Oral Health
Pharyngitis
Halitosis
Candidiasis
Reduced streptococcal pharyngitis recurrence; reduced halitosis.
Salivaricin A2 and B production
Weissella cibaria CMU
Strong
Oral Health
Halitosis
Biofilm
95.4% S. mutans biofilm inhibition; -97% H2S and CH3SH.
Low acid production; hydrogen peroxide
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 + ATCC PTA 5289
Moderate
Oral Health
Gingivitis
Reduced plaque index and gingival inflammation.
Reuterin production, competitive exclusion
Part 7
Skin Health
Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis, and Skin Barrier Function
Skin Health Strains
5 strains
Roseomonas mucosa
Moderate
Skin Health
Eczema
>75% improvement persisting 8 months (NIAID Phase 1/2).
Produces lipids restoring skin barrier (ceramides)
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP55
Moderate
Skin Health
Acne
Reduced acne lesions, sebum triglycerides; increased ceramide 2 and hydration.
Gut-skin axis modulation
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CECT 30031
Moderate
Skin Health
Acne
50% vs 29% improvement in Acne Global Severity Scale.
Anti-inflammatory, gut-skin axis
B. longum CECT 7347 + B. lactis CECT 8145 + L. rhamnosus CECT 8361
Moderate
Skin Health
Psoriasis
66.7% PASI 75 vs 41.9% placebo; lower relapse at 6 months.
Immune modulation, reduced systemic inflammation
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 (heat-killed)
Strong
Skin Health
Skin hydration
Immune
Increased skin hydration, reduced TEWL, reduced URTI. Works heat-killed.
IL-12 induction via lipoteichoic acid
Part 8
Spore-Forming (Bacillus) Strains
Heat-Stable, Shelf-Stable, and High-Survival Probiotics
Superior Survival Characteristics
Bacillus spores survive gastric acid (>95% survival), room temperature storage, and temperatures up to 235C. Ideal for travel, cooking applications, and long-term storage.
Bacillus Strains
7 strains
Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
Strong
Athletic
Anti-inflammatory
Protein absorption
IBS
Immune
Increased BCAA absorption; increased F. prausnitzii in elderly; reduced muscle soreness.
Lactic acid, digestive enzyme secretion
Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856
Strong
Psychobiotic
Anti-inflammatory
Depression + IBS
IBS
Reduced Hamilton Depression Scale in MDD+IBS; 90-100% IBS response.
Immune modulation, serotonin pathway
Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
IBS
Immune
90-100% IBS response (60-day RCT); increased NK cell activity in elderly.
Immunomodulation
Bacillus subtilis DE111
Moderate
Anti-inflammatory
Immune
Pediatric GI
Confirmed spore germination 3-6h (ileostomy); increased regulatory T cells.
Immunomodulation, antimicrobials
Bacillus subtilis HU58
Moderate
Anti-inflammatory
Hepatic encephalopathy
26.5% reduced ammonia (baseline >60 ug/dL) vs 35% increase in placebo.
Produces 12+ antimicrobials
Bacillus indicus HU36
Emerging
Antioxidant delivery
Produces carotenoids at 4.5x bioavailability (lycopene, astaxanthin).
In-situ carotenoid production
Bacillus clausii (4-strain)
Strong
Anti-inflammatory
Pediatric diarrhea
H. pylori
Reduced diarrhea duration; improves H. pylori eradication.
Antibiotic-resistant; persists >10 days
Quick Reference
Best Strains by Health Goal
Ranked recommendations based on clinical evidence
Anxiety / Stress
1
B. longum 1714
Allen 2016
2
L. helveticus R0052 + B. longum R0175
Messaoudi 2011
3
L. gasseri CP2305
Nishida 2019
Depression
Cognitive Decline
IBD / Gut Inflammation
Metabolic / Diabetes
1
Pendulum Glucose Control
Perraudeau 2020
2
A. muciniphila
Depommier 2019
3
A. soehngenii L2-7
2025 Gut Microbes
Weight Loss
Cholesterol
1
L. reuteri NCIMB 30242
Jones 2012
2
L. plantarum CECT 7527/7528/7529
Fuentes 2013
Cancer Immunotherapy
1
C. butyricum CBM588
Dizman 2022
2
A. muciniphila + B. longum
Routy 2018
Avoid generic OTC probiotics
Oral Health
1
S. salivarius M18 + K12
Burton 2013
2
W. cibaria CMU
Lee 2018
Practical Guidance
Minimum Effective Doses
Evidence-based dosing recommendations from clinical trials
| Strain | Dose | Duration | Indication | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B. longum 1714 | 10^9 CFU/day | 4-8 weeks | Stress/anxiety | Allen 2016 |
| L. casei Shirota | 10^10 CFU/day | 8+ weeks | Stress, cancer prevention | Takada 2016 |
| L. rhamnosus GG | 10^9-10^10 CFU/day | 4-12 weeks | Gut health | Capurso 2019 |
| B. infantis 35624 | 10^8-10^9 CFU/day | 4-8 weeks | Inflammation | Whorwell 2006 |
| VSL#3 | 3.6x10^12 CFU/day | 8-12 weeks | Active UC | Sood 2009 |
| A. muciniphila | 10^10 CFU/day | 12 weeks | Metabolic health | Depommier 2019 |
| CBM588 | 2-3 sachets/day | Ongoing w/ immunotherapy | Cancer | Dizman 2022 |
| B. breve MCC1274 | 2x10^10 CFU/day | 16-24 weeks | Cognitive decline | Asaoka 2022 |
| L. plantarum PS128 | 3x10^10 CFU/day | 4-8 weeks | ASD behaviors | Liu 2019 |
| L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 | 2x10^9 CFU/day | 9 weeks | Cholesterol | Jones 2012 |
Delivery Methods
Delivery Format Comparison
Choosing the right format for different strains and applications
| Format | Best For | Survival | Storage | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoghurt / Fermented Milk | LGG, BB-12, L. casei Shirota | Good (14-30 days, 4C) | Refrigerated | Daily maintenance |
| Standard Capsule | Most Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium | Variable (1-50%) | Refrigerated preferred | Targeted supplementation |
| Spore Capsule | All Bacillus strains | Excellent (>95%) | Room temp, years stable | Travel, convenience |
| Specialized Anaerobic | Akkermansia, F. prausnitzii | Special manufacturing | Refrigerated, short shelf | Next-gen therapeutics |
| Postbiotic / Heat-Killed | CP2305, L-137, pasteurized Akkermansia | N/A | Room temp, stable | Immunocompromised, stability |
| Lozenge | Oral probiotics (S. salivarius) | Direct mucosal | Room temp | Dental health |
| Topical | Roseomonas mucosa | Direct skin | Refrigerated | Eczema |
| Sachet (High-Dose) | VSL#3, CBM588 | High CFU | Refrigerated | IBD, cancer support |
Important
Safety Considerations
Special populations and contraindications
Immunocompromised
Live strains generally
Consider heat-killed (CP2305, L-137)
SIBO
High-FODMAP fermenters
Spore-formers may be better tolerated
Histamine intolerance
L. casei, L. bulgaricus, some L. reuteri
L. rhamnosus, B. infantis, B. longum usually safe
Cancer immunotherapy
Generic OTC probiotics (70% reduced response)
Use only characterized strains (CBM588)
Weight management
Some L. acidophilus, L. fermentum
Associated with weight gain; use strain-specific
Pregnancy
Most traditional strains safe
L. rhamnosus HN001 studied in pregnancy