Effects of Yogurt Containing <i>Lactobacillus gasseri</i> OLL2716 on Autonomic Nerve Activities and Physiological Functions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of yogurt containing Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21) on autonomic nerve activities, peripheral blood flow, skin condition (skin pig-mentations and moisture), saliva s-IgA and examination of quality of life (QOL). 20 healthy female volunteers (yogurt containing LG21 group: 10 people, yogurt containing Bifidobacterium (Bif) group: 10 people) were examined. The subjects ingested 100 g of yogurt twice daily for 4 weeks. Analysis was before and after 4 weeks dosage. By the effects for the autonomic nervous activity, parasympathetic increase was observed in the LG21 yogurt group, but was not significant increase. The LG21 yogurt was significantly increased on the peripheral blood flow. The LG21 yogurt was significantly increased on saliva s-IgA. The LG21 yogurt and Bif yogurt were significantly decrease on skin pigmentation. Also, LG21 yogurt was significantly increased on skin moisture. As a result of QOL questionnaire, incomplete evacuation, lower abdominal fullness, cold extremities and pimply or rough skin improved in LG21 yogurt and Bif yogurt after the administration period. These results suggest that the improvement effects of LG21 yogurt may be related to the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.