Summary of Brazilian Cachaça Yeast Can Prevent Asthma:
Researchers in Brazil have found that a daily dose of yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905, used in the production of cachaça, a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice, could act as a preventive measure against asthma. The yeast strain used in the study is a well-known probiotic and can attenuate the symptoms of asthma in animal models. In preclinical trials on lab mice, high daily doses of the probiotic were required to obtain its benefits. The researchers have patented a bread containing yeast, which will soon be reported on in scientific journals.
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Daily Serving of Yeast Strain Found in Cachaça Prevents Asthma, Study Finds
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects over 334 million individuals worldwide. While this condition has no cure, recent studies have shown promising results in using probiotics to prevent and treat allergies and various diseases. A new study conducted in Brazil has found that a daily serving of the yeast strain used in the production of cachaça, a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice, can be a preventive measure against asthma. The specific yeast strain used in the study was Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905.
Preclinical Trials Show High Daily Doses of Probiotic Required for Optimal Benefits
Brazilian scientists conducted preclinical trials to determine the optimal dose and method of probiotic administration. The findings indicate that high daily doses of the probiotic are required to obtain its benefits. The ideal daily dose was 10 billion (10^9) colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), equivalent to 16 billion CFUs in 65 mL of Yakult fermented milk.
Probiotic Reduces Bronchial Hypersensitivity and Inflammation in Mice
In the study, male laboratory mice were intraperitoneally sensitized and nasally challenged with ovalbumin to induce allergic airway inflammation. They were fed the yeast via a tube leading down the throat to the stomach (gavage). The researchers discovered that daily administration of the probiotic and administration on alternate days significantly reduced bronchial hypersensitivity compared to the control group, which was given only saline solution. However, only daily administration of the highest dose reduced airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. The researchers concluded that S. cerevisiae isolated from artisanal cachaça has significant potential to prevent asthma only if a high amount is taken daily.
Researchers Plan to Investigate Mechanisms Involved in Humans
Following the trial in an animal model, the researchers plan to determine whether the probiotic has the same beneficial effects in humans. If so, investigate the mechanisms involved in using fermented food products rather than a simple capsule with the solution. Bread containing yeast has been developed and found to have a similar preventive effect in master’s research. The product has been patented and will soon be reported on in scientific journals.
Probiotics as a Natural Preventive Measure for Asthma
While more research is needed to determine the ideal dose and administration regime to ensure the desired benefits, the findings of this study offer a good preventive measure for asthma using a naturally occurring probiotic. Having a natural product like a probiotic, which has practically no side effects with the potential to prevent a health problem as widespread as asthma, is very important from the public policy standpoint. As with any new treatment, speaking with a doctor before starting a probiotic regimen is important.
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