Yogurt developed using the probiotic bacterium can promote healthy ageing in elderly population & improve longevity
A team of scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati has recently identified the next-generation probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus Plantarum JBC5 from a dairy product that showed great promise in promoting healthy ageing.
The team has also developed a yogurt using this probiotic bacterium which can be consumed to derive all these health benefits.
They hope that the probiotic will be commercialised soon so that the laboratory-generated technology reaches general people.
The scientists searched for healthy bacteria to promote healthy living in fermented dairy products following the proposal of Nobel laureate Dr Elie Metchnikoff.
The study led by Dr Mojibur R Khan, Associate Professor and Professor Ashis K Mukherjee, Director, in collaboration with Professor M C Kalita of Guwahati University and research scholars, Arun Kumar and Tulsi Joishy has shown that Lactobacillus Plantarum JBC5 improves longevity and healthy ageing by modulating antioxidative, innate immunity and serotonin-signalling pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Prof. Mukherjee, Director of IASST, opined that the probiotic promises to delay the onset of age-associated diseases, such as obesity, a decline in cognitive functions, and immunity in the elderly.