Mulbiotic (capsules)

Active ingredients per 3 capsules:
Proprietary Blend Mulberry Leaf Extract(>11mg DNJ) (Mulberry Leaf Full Spectrum Extract, Mulberry Leaf DNJ Extract) 1500mg, LactoSpore Probiotic (1 Billion Bacillus coagulans spores) 10mg, Fenumannan Soluble Fibre 400mg

Daily Maintenance

Take 3 capsules before the heaviest meal of the day.

Intensive Needs

Take 3 capsules before each meal, three times a day, for a duration of 3 to 6 months for optimal results. Improvement may be noticeable after 3 months, but the most evident and substantial outcomes will be achieved by consistently consuming 3 capsules before every meal for at least 6 months.

Q: What is Mulbiotic?
A: Mulbiotic is a natural sugar blocker which helps to regulate blood glucose levels. Formulated with 3 superfoods - Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract enhanced with a proprietary synbiotic blend of shelf-stable LactoSpore® Probiotic and Fenumannan® prebiotic, Mulbiotic helps reduce sugar absorption after a high-carb meal and accelerates glucose metabolism to keep blood glucose levels within the healthy zone. It is free of refined sugar, caffeine, preservatives, coloring and flavoring, 100% pure & organic. Mulbiotic is a keto- and vegan- friendly formula, highly recommended for anyone who has a sweet tooth or must have carbohydrate in every meal, as well as for those with blood glucose concerns. With daily intake of Mulbiotic, you can enjoy your favourite foods with peace of mind knowing your blood glucose would not spike erratically after a carbo-rich or sugary meal. 

In addition, Mulbiotic is packed with many vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, iron and modest amounts of potassium, vitamins E and K. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for skin, blood vessels, cartilage and muscles. Iron is a crucial mineral for transporting oxygen throughout the body, while potassium is imperative for lowering blood pressure and risks of heart disease. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress and vitamin K is indispensable for blood clotting and bone building. On top of these, Mulbiotic is also rich in various types of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, cyanidin, chlorogenic acid, rutin and myricetin, which collectively help suppress oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart diseases and other chronic conditions. 

Q: How does Mulbiotic help regulate healthy blood glucose levels?
A: Mulbiotic supports healthy blood glucose levels via 3 main mechanisms – blocking glucose absorption, accelerating glucose metabolism as well as slowing digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. In the intestines, dietary carbohydrates must be broken down into simple glucose by a digestive enzyme, α-glucosidase before the glucose can be absorbed into the bloodstream. DNJ (1-deoxynojirimycin) in Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract intercepts α-glucosidase enzyme from breaking down carbohydrate and hence reduces the amount of glucose from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This in turn helps suppress a spike in blood glucose after a high-carb or sugary meal. In addition, Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract is also rich in Q3MG (quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside)) flavonoids, which helps decrease blood glucose levels. Besides Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract, LactoSpore® Probiotic reacts with Fernumannan® Prebiotic to form short-chain fatty acids which help to modulate glucose metabolism to support healthy blood glucose levels. Furthermore, Fenumannan® Prebiotic, a water-soluble fiber, helps slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrate, thereby delaying a sudden spike in the blood glucose level after meal.

Q: What are the health benefits of taking Mulbiotic?
A: In addition to regulating blood glucose levels, Mulbiotic supports healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure and circulation, thereby maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. This formula also supports healthy digestive system, gut flora, bowel regularity and healthy weight loss by controlling appetite and promoting metabolism. Furthermore, Mulbiotic also supports strong immunity, vitality, healthy aging and premature skin aging. In a nutshell, Mulbiotic is beneficial to blood glucose levels, cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal health, weight management, skin health and overall wellness. 

Q: How long does Mulbiotic take to reduce blood glucose levels?
A: Mulbiotic has both short- and long-term effects on blood glucose levels. When taken together with carbohydrate, the Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract in Mulbiotic helps reduce blood glucose levels on the day of intake. Study suggests that mulberry leaf extract could reduce the total blood glucose increment after the ingestion of carbohydrate 120 minutes later. Another study showed that long-term consumption (3 months) of mulberry leaf extract helps reduce postprandial (after meal) blood glucose as well as A1C levels, which is a blood test that provides information about the average blood glucose level for the past 3 months, with higher A1C percentage corresponding to higher average blood glucose levels. As we tend to consume staple carbo-rich daily, it is highly recommended to take Mulbiotic every day. This is not only beneficial for blood glucose but also good for gastrointestinal health and weight management.

Q: What is unique about Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract?
A: Mulberry leaf is one of the oldest healing herbs with a rich source of nutrients and minerals that help to restore health and wellness. Mulbiotic is developed by the Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University in Japan, its key ingredient – an organic mulberry leaf extract contains exceptionally high percentage of 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside) (Q3MG), the markers of superior mulberry. DNJ reduces glucose absorption and accelerates glucose metabolism to delay glucose spikes, while Q3MG flavonoids reduces blood glucose & cholesterol levels and suppresses the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) to prevent plaque build-up in the arteries. This proprietary extract is harvested from organic young mulberry trees in Japan, away from industrial pollution. Employing a low temperature processing, the extract retains the maximum amounts of essential phenolic acids and flavonols in the mulberry leaf.

Q: There are a wide variety of mulberry leaf extracts in the market. What are the key criteria to look out for good quality extract?
A: A good quality mulberry leaf extract can be distinguished by its colour, processing technology as well as species and origins. In terms of colour, premium mulberry leaf extract is bright green in colour; mulberry leaf extract that is brown in colour is of a lower quality. In addition to colour, appropriate processing technology is crucial to the nutritional value of mulberry leaf extract. Low temperature processing is the key to retaining the precious nutrients and active compounds of the mulberry leaf. Lastly, the species and origin of mulberry tree would also make a difference to the quality of mulberry leaf extract. Mulberry trees grown on the coastal regions are sturdier from having to withstand the harsh conditions and the fruits they bear are richer in nutrients. 

Fulfilling the above 3 key criteria, the Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract in Mulbiotic would be considered as one of the best mulberry extracts available in the market. It is bright green in colour, processed under low temperature without chemicals and made from the leaves of white mulberry trees grown along the coastal regions of Japan. Mulbiotic delivers exceptionally high amounts of nutrients, including phenolic acids and flavonols. 

Q: What is LactoSpore® probiotic and what makes it superior to other probiotics? 
A: LactoSpore® is a spore of probiotic bacterium known as Bacillus coagulans. Supported by many research studies, Bacillus coagulans is known to promote strong immune system, maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system, suppress growth of harmful bacteria, mitigate gastrointestinal discomforts such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain as well as regulate bowel movements, modulate glucose metabolism and maintain overall wellness. 
Due to spore-forming nature, LactoSpore® is resistant to adverse environment, including high temperature, gastric acid, UV radiation, freezing and desiccation. Unlike typical probiotics, LactoSpore® probiotic does not require refrigeration. In the human body, LactoSpore® is able to withstand destruction by the stomach acid, bile acid and digestive enzymes. Upon reaching the small intestine, Bacillus coagulans spore is reactivated to germinate and proliferate rapidly to exert beneficial effects. Its superior ability to adhere to the intestinal wall enables LactoSpore® to effectively improves gut flora and boost the immune system. This proprietary probiotic produces lactic acid and other antimicrobial compounds which create an acidic environment to prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria such as Clostridia which are responsible for abdominal bloating. LactoSpore® is granted a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, it is highly recommended for anyone who wish to improve his/her gastrointestinal health and blood glucose levels. 

Q: What is Fenumannan prebiotic?
A: Fenumannans® is a natural extract from the seeds of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), it contains a minimum of 60% of galactomannan, a water-soluble dietary fiber that is resistant to being broken down by gastric acid and pancreatic enzymes. This proprietary dietary fiber serves as a prebiotic and is fermented and utilized by LactoSpore® B. coagulans, to result in a significant amount of short-chain fatty acids being produced. Short-chain fatty acids are the main source of nutrient for the cells lining the colon. They also help support healthy blood glucose, reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes, obesity, inflammatory diseases, heart disease and many other conditions. Furthermore, Fenumannan® prebiotic slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrate to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels. 

Q: I consume carbo-rich foods in every meal, can I take more than 1 sachet a day?
A: Yes, you are encouraged to do so. For the best results, it is best to take 1 sachet before each meal, instead of taking multiple sachets at the same time. As Mulbiotic naturally blocks the excessive glucose absorption into the bloodstream, taking Mulbiotic before each carbohydrate-rich or sugary meal would effectively prevent sharp spike and sudden fall in blood glucose levels after the meal. In the short term, blood glucose spikes can lead to lethargy and hunger. In the long-term, the body may not be able to lower blood glucose effectively, this can lead to type-2 diabetes and other complications of diabetes. 

Q: Why is excessive sugar intake bad for my skin?
A: With excessive sugar intake, the blood glucose levels may spike beyond what can be regulated by insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels. The elevated blood glucose can lead to glycation, a process where sugar molecules attach themselves to other molecules including proteins. Protein glycation reactions that lead to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are thought to be one of the causes of skin aging. When collagen and elastin, the two crucial proteins that maintain skin firmness are linked to sugars, they become weaker, and the signs of aging become more apparent. The skin loses elasticity which leads to the appearance of wrinkles, sagging and dull skin appearance. 

Q: How does one’s blood glucose level affect the weight?
A: Excessive carbohydrate intake leads to high blood glucose, which in turn leads to excessive insulin secretion. Oversecretion of insulin promotes fat storage and results in weight gain. In addition, certain types of dietary carbohydrates can cause imbalance to the gut flora, this a another contributing factor to weight gain.

Mulbiotic is a comprehensive formula that supports healthy weight management via multiple approaches. By blocking excessive glucose absorption into bloodstream, Mulbiotic helps to control blood glucose spikes which would otherwise lead to excess insulin secretion and insulin resistance. In addition, the LactoSpore® probiotic and Fenumannan® prebiotic in Mulbiotic promote healthy gut flora balance which has an influence on weight loss. 

Q: When is the best time to take Mulbiotic?
A: Mulbiotic is best taken before a meal. This is because DNJ in Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract regulates blood glucose levels by blocking α-glucosidase activity, which catalyses the breakdown of complex carbohydrates to glucose. This in turn helps reduce glucose absorption into bloodstream to support healthy blood glucose levels. 

Q: Does Mulbiotic require a prescription?
A: No, Mulbiotic is a natural supplement and not a medicine. Hence, no prescription is required. Nonetheless, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider if you have a medical condition.
 

Research Proven Benefits of Key Ingredients

The following are extracted from published clinical studies, in-house studies, and/or case studies and are for reference purposes only. This does not imply that the product from Lifestream Group Pte Ltd is claimed to replicate the same results produced in the studies. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about a medical condition, please consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Any statements or claims made have not been evaluated by the relevant regulatory bodies and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Mulbiotic – A Natural Sugar Blocker
Mulbiotic is a nutritional supplement that is composed of functional dosage Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract, LactoSpore^®probiotics, and Fenumannan^® prebiotics, which work synergistically to help regulate blood glucose levels.

Organic Mulberry Leaf Extract:
Derived from the leaves of the mulberry tree (Morus species), organic mulberry leaf extract contains 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which inhibits the activity of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down complex sugars into simple sugars, resulting in a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream. This helps lower blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in glucose levels after meals (Chen et al. 2016).

LactoSpore^® Probiotics:
LactoSpore^® is a trademarked probiotic ingredient that contains the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus coagulans. Certain strains of probiotics, including Bacillus coagulans may help improve glycemic control (Longo et al. 2023). They can enhance insulin sensitivity, increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut, which can influence glucose metabolism and improve the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, probiotics may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to impaired glucose metabolism (Rondanelli et al. 2018).

Fenumannan^® Prebiotic:
Derived from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Fenumannan^®️ is a trademarked prebiotic ingredient that contains a high concentration of galactomannan, a type of soluble dietary fiber. Research suggests that galactomannan can help lower blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose in the small intestine, thus reducing postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar spikes. Additionally, galactomannan acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, which can positively impact overall gut health and glucose metabolism (Sharma et al. 1990).

References:
Chen, J., Cao, W., Zhou, Y., Zhu, H., Amakye, W. K., & Jiang, Z. (2016). Hypoglycemic activity and the potential mechanism of a polysaccharide from the roots of Morus alba L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 194, 1051-1056. Longo, M., Jericó, D., Córdoba, K. M., Riezu-Boj, J. I., Urtasun, R., Solares, I., ... & Fontanellas, A. (2023). Nutritional Interventions with Bacillus coagulans Improved Glucose Metabolism and Hyperinsulinemia in Mice with Acute Intermittent Porphyria. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), 11938. Rondanelli, M., Faliva, M. A., Miccono, A., Naso, M., Nichetti, M., Riva, A., & Guerriero, F. (2018). Gut microbiota, probiotics, and diabetes. Nutrients, 10(10), 1-15. Sharma, R. D., Raghuram, T. C., & Rao, N. S. (1990). Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 44(4), 301-306.

1) Support healthy blood glucose levels
Mulberry leaves have been used widely in Asia to treat various diseases including high blood glucose level. Many studies have showed that mulberry leaf extract is effective in supporting healthy fasting blood glucose and reducing fluctuating post-meal blood glucose level. 
High fasting blood glucose levels suggest that the body has been unable to reduce the levels of glucose in the blood. If left untreated, high glucose levels in the blood for prolonged period can lead to serious health problems such as damage to the blood vessels. This would in turn increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision and nerve problems. 

Study 1:
In this study, a total of 17 type-2 diabetic patients on single or combined therapy were orally administered either standardised 1000 mg of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) or placebo, 3 times daily with meal for 3 months.  The change in the A1c and self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) were assessed. A significant reduction of the postprandial SMBG was observed at 3 months in the MLE group compared to the baseline (16.1%, p< 0.05). When compared to placebo, the MLE has a significant improvement in the post-prandial SMBG (18.2%, p< 0.05). A decrease of A1c was observed from 7.30% at baseline to 6.94% in the MLE-treated group (p= 0.079). No difference in A1c was observed between the MLE and placebo groups. Hence, this suggests that mulberry leaf could reduce the post-meal glucose level in diabetic patients.
 

Study 2:
In a clinical study, 37 healthy adults with normal blood glucose levels were orally administered either 3 doses of mulberry-extract (ME) or placebo while being co-administered with 50g maltodextrin. The 3 doses of mulberry-extract include normal dose (12.5mg DNJ), half dose (6.75mg DNJ) and double dose (25mg DNJ). The blood glucose and insulin levels of both groups were then determined. 

Compared to the placebo group, the difference in the positive incremental Area Under the Curve (pIAUC) (glucose (mmol/L x h)) were observed for half dose ME was -6.1% (-18.2%, 5.9%; p= 0.316), normal dose ME was -14.0% (-26.0%, -2.0%; p = 0.022) and double dose ME was -22.0% (-33.9%, -10.0%; p<0.001). 

Meanwhile, the difference in the pIAUC (insulin (mIU/L x h) when compared to placebo for half dose ME was -9.7% (-25.8%, 6.3%; p = 0.234), for normal dose ME was -23.8% (-39.9%, -7.8%; p = 0.004) and double dose ME was -24.7% (-40.8%, -8.6%; p = 0.003). Hence, this study suggests that mulberry leaf extract is able to reduce the total blood glucose increment after the ingestion of maltodextrin  120 minutes later. 

Study 3:
In this animal test, mice were made to fast for 24 hours before their blood glucose levels were measured at different time points. Results showed that LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels. 

Study 4:
Recent clinical trials demonstrated that α-glucosidase inhibitor helps reduce the progression of impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes, suggesting the potential application of α-glucosidase inhibitor as a preventive and therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes and its complications. Mulberry leaf has been shown to have strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, attributed to its bioactive compound known as 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). 

In a 38-day clinical trial, the effect of DNJ-enriched (1.5%) mulberry leaf extract on postprandial glycemic control was evaluated by oral sucrose tolerance test. Administration of 0.8 g of the powder, which corresponds to 12 mg DNJ per day, resulted in significant suppression of postprandial blood glucose elevation and insulin secretion. No adverse events, including hypoglycemia, abnormal lipid profiles were observed during and after the study period. These findings suggest the potential use of DNJ-enriched mulberry leaf extract in improving postprandial glycemic control in pre-diabetic as well as mild diabetic individuals. 

*Significant difference compared to placebo group

Study 5:
Effect of Mulbiotic capsule on blood glucose control in prediabetic and type 2 diabetic adults

In this interventional study, adult (age ≥21 years) with prediabetics and type 2 diabetes with HbA1c >5.60 were orally administered 3 capsules of Mulbiotic before each meal (total 9 capsules daily) for 12 weeks. Every 3 capsules of Mulbiotic contains 1500 mg organic mulberry leaf extract with >11 mg DNJ, LactoSpore® probiotics, which contains 1 billion Bacillus coagulans spores and 400 mg Fenumannan® prebiotic soluble fibre. The effects of Mulbiotic on fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were determined at baseline and after 12-week administration. Fasting blood glucose measures the sugar levels after fasting for at least 8 hours (short-term measure of blood sugar control), while HbA1c measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months (long-term measure of blood sugar control). Compared to baseline, there was 40.52% reduction in fasting blood glucose and 0.94% reduction in HbA1c after 12 weeks of Mulbiotic intake. These preliminary findings suggest that Mulbiotic nutritional supplement could be clinically effective in reducing fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in prediabetic adults and those with type 2 diabetes.

Mulbiotic helps regulate elevated blood glucose levels in prediabetic and type 2 diabetic adults

2) Support cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the result of higher than normal serum cholesterol levels. Medicines such as statins have been widely used for the treatment of high cholesterol levels by the inhibition of de novo cholesterol synthesis. Despite being an effective medicine for hyperlipidemia, it is costly and associated with many negative side effects. 
Mulberry was found to improve the heart health by the reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure levels in some research. It helps to prevent atherosclerosis, one of the main conditions that contributes to health diseases. Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the arteries, causing blood flow in the blood vessels to be disrupted and subsequently develop into heart diseases. 

Study 1:
In this study, 23 non-diabetic patients with mild dyslipidaemia were orally administered with 3 tablets of 280mg of mulberry leaf tablet 3 times daily before meals over 12 weeks. Their blood lipid parameters and liver function tests were taken routinely every 4 weeks. Significant reductions of triglycerides from baseline were observed at week 4 was 10.2% (p<0.05) and week 8 was 12.5% (p<0.05) respectively after the mulberry leaf tablet therapy. At the end of the 12-week therapy, there was significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL from the baseline by 4.9% (p<0.05), 14.1% (p<0.05) and 5.6% (p<0.05), respectively. Meanwhile, for HDL, a significant increase by 19.7% (p<0.05) from the baseline was observed. Thus, the findings from this study suggest that mulberry leaf is capable of reducing the (bad) cholesterol but increase the HDL levels in patients with mild dyslipidaemia. 

Study 2:
In this animal test, animals were fed a cholesterol-rich diet and cholesterol measurement taken after 14 days of feeding was used as positive control. Subsequently, LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans was administered for 40 days and the cholesterol levels were measured at various time points. Administration of LactoSpore(R) reduced blood cholesterol levels.This suggests that LactoSpore® helps mitigate the diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Study 3:
To evaluate the in vitro cholesterol-lowering activity of LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans, the probiotics were cultured in a media supplemented with cholesterol. The remaining cholesterol levels were assessed after 24 hours. LactoSpore® B. coagulans significantly reduced cholesterol levels in the culture media regardless whether they were in growing, resting and even heat-killed states. In addition, this probiotic also significantly reduced the cholesterol levels in cholesterol-rich foods – egg yolk, chicken liver and butter, when incubated for 24 hours in conditions mimicking the in vivo environment. It is worth noting that B. coagulans also produced significant amounts of propionic acid and butyric acid, while fermenting the cholesterol-rich foods. These major short-chain fatty acids provide colon cells with energy, enhance mineral absorption, reduce inflammation and improve intestinal health.

3) Support gastrointestinal health
a) Manage diarrhoea
Diarrhoea refers to a condition of passing loose or watery stools 3 or more times in a day, or more frequently than usual. It can cause one to lose fluids quickly and increase the risk of dehydration and fatigue. A chronic bout of diarrhoea could be attributed to an imbalanced gut flora. When bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria in the gut, the digestive tract is no longer able to function normally, this could result in diarrhoea. Research has shown that taking probiotics may help prevent and treat diarrhoea, by repopulating good bacteria in the gut and modulating an imbalanced gut microbiota. Diarrhoea could also be due to rapid movement of food through the intestines (hypermotility), resulting in inadequate time for sufficient nutrients and water to be absorbed. LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans has been research proven to have anti-diarrhoeal activity and reduce intestinal motility in subjects experiencing diarrhoea.

In this animal test, male rats were orally given castor oil (1 ml / animal) to induce diarrhoea,  followed by oral administration of 40, 80 and 160 x 106 cfu / kg body weight of LactoSpore® B. coagulans spores respectively. The weight of faecal samples collected from the castor-oil induced diarrhoea was recorded at 4, 8 and 12 hours and gastrointestinal motility of fasting rats was assessed by calculating the distance covered by the charcoal meal in the intestine. LactoSpore® B. coagulans demonstrated dose-dependent anti-diarrhoeal activity and suppression of gastrointestinal motility in the rats. This suggests that LactoSpore® B. coagulans could be a potential agent in the management of diarrhoea. 

b) Manage diarrhoea-predominant IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the digestive tract. The symptoms include diarrhoea, constipation and stomach cramps which recur over time and can last for days, weeks or even months at a time. IBS is a lifelong problem without any cure but it can be managed with a healthy, balanced diet. Restoring balance of gut flora via probiotic supplementation helps relieve IBS symptoms by suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation. LactoSpore® B. coagulans is a versatile probiotic strain which can withstand acidity in the stomach and is activated in the intestines to modulate the gut microbiota. 

In this clinical trial, patients receiving standard care of treatment for diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were orally administered with a placebo or LactoSpore® (containing 2 x 109 cfu B. coagulans) as a dietary supplement in addition to standard treatment for 90 days. An interval of at least 4 hours was kept between the placebo or LactoSpore® and standard care of treatment. Clinical symptoms of IBS were evaluated using Physician Global Assessment and IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaires. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate abdominal pain. 

The group which was administered LactoSpore® showed a significant decrease in the clinical symptoms, including diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting and stool frequency compared to the placebo group. The LactoSpore® group also showed a decrease in severity of IBS via Physician Global Assessment and better quality of life via IBS-QOL. Both placebo and LactoSpore® groups showed normal clinical range of laboratory parameters, anthropometric and vital signs, suggesting that LactoSpore® is safe for human consumption as a dietary supplement. It also demonstrates significant efficacy in the management of diarrhoea-predominant IBS. 

c) Manage depression associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or gas, these can cause distress that is similar to depression. Some patients are worried about a flare-up of diarrhoea or constipation and would avoid going to work, school or socialising with friends and gradually lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. They also tend to feel irritable and restless. These emotional distress could worsen the IBS symptoms as patients may feel it is hopeless to improve their diet to ease gastrointestinal symptoms. 

In a clinical trial, 40 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) with IBS were orally administered either a placebo or LactoSpore® B. coagulans, at a daily dose of 2 x 109 cfu (2 billion spores) for 90 days. The changes from baseline in clinical symptoms of MDD and IBS were evaluated using questionnaire which includes Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life questionnaire (IBS-QOL) and Gastrointestinal Discomfort Questionnaire (GI-DQ). 

Oral administration of LactoSpore® B. coagulans resulted in significant improvement to HAM-D, IBS-QQL and GI-DQ sores in the group which were administered LactoSpore® B. coagulans, compared to the placebo group. In addition, it was also observed that the serum myeloperoxidase, an inflammatory biomarker for inflammatory bowel disease also significantly decreased at the end of the study, compared to baseline. All the safety parameters are within normal clinical range and there is no clinically significant difference between baseline and at the end of the study. These findings suggest the safety and efficacy of LactoSpore® B. coagulans for major depressive disorder in IBS patients. 

d) Reduce colon inflammation (colitis)
Colitis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, which is typically manifested as abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhoea with or without blood in the stool. There is no known cure to date. Colitis is believed to be caused by an imbalance between intestinal microbiota and mucosal immunity, which results in excessive intestinal inflammation. 

In this animal test, mice were given Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) (3.5%) in drinking water for 20 days to induce colitis. Oral administration of LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans reducing colonic shortening. This is shown by longer colon length in the LactoSpore® group,  compared to the Control group. Shortening of colon length in DSS-induced mice is one of the biological markers in the assessment of colonic inflammation. In addition, administration of LactoSpore® also increased the survival rate of the mice with DSS-induced colitis. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of LactoSpore® on individuals suffering from colitis or colon inflammation.

4) Support healthy weight management
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), worldwide obesity rate has approximately tripled since 1975. In 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 years and above were overweight and 13% were obese. In obesity, triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol tend to be high and HDL (good) cholesterol tends to be low. This would increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. 

Obesity is preventable, restricting carbohydrate intake is an option for persons seeking to lose weight and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. A study has shown that a low-carbohydrate diet was more effective than low-fat diet in lowering body weight and cardiovascular risk. In addition to dietary modifications, probiotics also has significant beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and weight loss. LactoSpore®, a resilient probiotic has been research proven to support healthy weight and lipid profile.

Study 1:
In this clinical trial, 49 participants received freshly prepared mostly vegan meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) that included 1200 to 1400 daily calories for women and 1600 to 1800 (daily calories for men. In this 21-day weight loss programme, nutritional supplements containing enzymes and cleanse supplementation and probiotic supplementation with LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans were orally administered to the participants. It was observed that post-intervention resulted in clinically meaningful reductions in body weight, total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, suggesting LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans’ potential to be included into weight loss regimen. 

Study 2:
In this study, high-fat-diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were treated with mulberry leaves for over 13 weeks. Six mice respectively were fed a low-fat diet (LFD consisting of 10% calories from fat), high fat diet (HFD consisting of 60% calories from fat) and mulberry leaf diet (M + HFD consisting of 20% mulberry leaf powder (w/w) added into a balanced HFD with 60% calories from fat). Over 13 weeks, significant weight loss (p<0.01) was observed in the DIO mice with mulberry leaves from the 8th week. However, no significant difference in the energy intake was observed between the HFD group and the  M + HFD groups. Mulberry leaves were also found to reduce the fat accumulation and fat/body weight ratio (p < 0.05) significantly. Thus, it can be said that mulberry leaves can effectively reduce weight. 

5) Support strong immunity
Probiotics protect against pathogens by inducing their direct killing, improving gut barrier function that keeps out harmful microorganisms and stimulating the response of the gut-associated immune repertoire. Phagocytosis, a process by which immune cells ingest or engulf pathogens, is a major mechanism used to remove pathogens. 

In this in vitro study, the phagocytic activity was determined by adopting a model of synthetic microspheres based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate using peripheral blood cells. LactoSpore® Bacillus coagulans demonstrates a higher percentage of phagocytosis cells, suggesting its beneficial effect in enhancing immune system.
LactoSpore® B. coagulans supports healthy immune system.