JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) News
A Guest Lecture on 'Current Perspective and Applications of Probiotics'
As a part of Words of Wisdom series, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be University) organized a guest lecture on ‘Current Perspective and Applications of Probiotics’ on 17 August, 2017. The guest speaker of the day was Dr. Suvarna V.C, Professor, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus.
In her talk, highlighting the importance of consumption of probiotics, the speaker said that, probiotics are the latest foods that are becoming immensely popular. These are generally beneficial microorganisms which can be consumed in the form of foods or drugs, and are scientifically proven to have multiple health benefits and are available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels, etc. She also named a few available brands in the market such as Amul, Yakult, Nestle etc.
Dr. Suvarna talking about the possible mode of action of probiotics against the pathogens said that probiotics are non-pathogenic microbes which are of human origin and are resistant to bile and gastric acid. They produce antimicrobial substances and are able to influence the metabolic activities of consumers. She also discussed the in vitro tests for the study of probiotics in the industrial manufacture which include antimicrobial activity, reduction of adhesion of pathogens etc. Emphasizing on a probiotic food label she said that it should include genus, species and strain designation, effective dose, proper storage conditions etc.
Further explaining about various applications of probiotics, she stated that it includes disease control, treatment of antibody associated diarrhea, infectious diarrhea, and Traveller’s diarrhea. Some probiotics alleviate lactose intolerance which plagues 70-75% of human population. Probiotics have also shown anti-cancer properties which were extensively discussed along with its use in the treatment of different atopic, urogenital and vascular diseases.
The talk was embellished with examples of probiotic organisms and case studies for promoting public awareness and acceptance of probiotics.
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