Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 237-243 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 239 high survival rates under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, with survival rates exceeding 90% (Unban et al., 2021). Additionally, the co-culturing of probiotics with yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, has been shown to enhance the viability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in fermented beverages, maintaining high bacterial counts over extended storage periods (Chan et al., 2021). These findings suggest that the formulation and storage conditions of tea-based probiotic products are critical for maintaining their probiotic benefits. 4 Health Benefits of Tea-Derived Probiotics 4.1 Gastrointestinal health improvements Tea-derived probiotics have shown significant potential in improving gastrointestinal health. Probiotics can enhance the gut microbial population, increase mucus secretion, and prevent the destruction of tight junction proteins, thereby reducing gut dysbiosis and intestinal leakage (Cristofori et al., 2021). For instance, Eurotium cristatum, a probiotic fungus from Fuzhuan brick tea, has been demonstrated to ameliorate ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating gut microbiota, reducing intestinal inflammation, and improving tight junction protein levels (Lu et al., 2022). Additionally, probiotics have been shown to prevent and ameliorate digestive disorders such as diarrhea and inflammatory bowel diseases. 4.2 Immune system modulation Probiotics derived from tea fermentation can modulate the immune system, contributing to overall health. These probiotics interact with intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells through Toll-like receptors, inducing an immune response by releasing various cytokines and chemokines (Kaur and Ali, 2022). This interaction helps in maintaining immune homeostasis and reducing unnecessary activation of the immune system. Probiotics have been shown to improve the differentiation of T-cells and the development of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10, which are crucial for immune regulation. Furthermore, probiotics can influence gene expression related to immunity and inflammation, leading to an anti-inflammatory response (Plaza-Díaz et al., 2014). 4.3 Potential roles in metabolic health (e.g., anti-obesity, anti-diabetes effects) Tea-derived probiotics also play a role in metabolic health, including anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. For example, fermented celery juice has been shown to prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity and related metabolic syndromes by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing the active ingredients in celery. Probiotics can also improve host metabolic health by modulating the gut microbiota, leading to changes in serum metabolite profiles associated with decreased inflammation and positive effects on body weight (Crovesy et al., 2021). Additionally, probiotics have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (Plaza-Díaz et al., 2019). 4.4 Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties Probiotics from tea fermentation exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These probiotics can reduce the levels of inflammatory biomarkers and modulate cytokine expression, which helps in managing inflammation and improving health outcomes (Kwok et al., 2022). For instance, Eurotium cristatum and its polysaccharides have been shown to act as potent anti-inflammatory agents by regulating gut dysbiosis and reducing intestinal inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Moreover, probiotics can enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids, which have wide-ranging effects, including anti-inflammatory actions in the intestine and peripheral tissues. The antioxidant properties of probiotics also contribute to their health benefits by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress (Zhao et al., 2021). 5 Potential Applications in Health Products 5.1 Integration of tea-derived probiotics in dietary supplements Tea-derived probiotics, such as those isolated from fermented tea leaves like Miang, have shown promising potential for integration into dietary supplements. These probiotics, including strains like Lactobacillus pentosus and L. plantarum, exhibit high tolerance to bile and acidic conditions, making them suitable for oral consumption. Their ability to inhibit human pathogens and survive gastrointestinal conditions further supports their use in dietary supplements aimed at enhancing gut health and providing antioxidant benefits (Unban et al., 2021).
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