Lactobacillus formulations with improved stability and efficacy

Abstract

A composition is provided herein directed to a mixture of one or more Lactobacillus sp. and a phenolic compound. In a specific embodiment, disclosed is a Lactobacillus /phenol mixture that has been lyophilized to form a Lactobacillus /phenol lyophilized mixture. The Lactobacillus /phenol mixture of Lactobacillus /phenol lyophilized mixture may be packaged in a capsule, emulsion, or tablet such that the Lactobacillus are protected in a gastrointestinal tract for transport to an intestine of a subject. In another embodiment, a method for treating indigestion, abdominal pain or cephalic syndrome in a subject including orally administering to the subject a composition comprising an effective amount of Lactobacillus /phenol mixture or lyophilized mixture. In still a further embodiment, of improving immune function in a subject, comprising administering to the subject, the composition comprising an effective amount of Lactobacillus /phenol mixture or lyophilized mixture.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating or alleviating symptoms of indigestion, abdominal pain or cephalic syndrome in a subject, a composition comprising an effective amount of comprising at least one  Lactobacillus  sp. and at least one phenolic compound. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one  Lactobacillus  sp. comprises  Lactobacillus johnsonii.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein  Lactobacillus johnsonii  comprises  Lactobacillus johnsonii  N6.2. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one  Lactobacillus  sp. and at least one phenolic compound are combined as mixture, and, optionally, wherein the mixture is lyophilized. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein administering comprises oral administration. 
     
     
         6 . A method of improving immune function in a subject, comprising administering to the subject, a composition comprising an effective amount of comprising at least one  Lactobacillus  sp. and at least one phenolic compound. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one  Lactobacillus  sp. comprises  Lactobacillus johnsonii.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein  Lactobacillus johnsonii  comprises  Lactobacillus johnsonii  N6.2. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein administering the composition increases expression of Toll like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Toll like receptor 9 (TLR9) in the subject. 
     
     
         10 . A composition comprising at least one  Lactobacillus  sp. and at least one phenolic compound, the composition being produced by:
 mixing the at least one at least one  Lactobacillus  sp. and at least one phenolic compound to form a  Lactobacillus /phenol mixture; and   lyophilizing the  Lactobacillus /phenol mixture to form a  Lactobacillus /phenol lyophilized mixture.   
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one phenolic compound is present in a plant extract. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the plant extract is a berry extract. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the berry extract is a dried powder that reconstituted in an aqueous solution prior to the mixing step. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein administering comprises oral, intravenous or rectal administration. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled)