Scientists found special bacteria living on ginseng plants that could help lower cholesterol levels. These new probiotics, called Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, were 30% better at reducing cholesterol compared to regular probiotic supplements you can buy in stores. The researchers tested 485 different bacteria from ginseng sprouts and picked the five best ones. These bacteria survived stomach acid well and showed strong abilities to fight harmful germs while also acting as powerful antioxidants. This discovery could lead to better probiotic supplements for people trying to manage their cholesterol naturally.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether bacteria found on ginseng plants could work as probiotics to lower cholesterol levels
  • Who participated: Laboratory study testing 485 different bacterial strains isolated from ginseng sprouts grown in controlled farming conditions
  • Key finding: Five special bacteria strains reduced cholesterol by 30% more than the popular probiotic strain L. rhamnosus GG
  • What it means for you: These findings may lead to more effective probiotic supplements for cholesterol management, though human studies are still needed

The Research Details

Researchers collected 485 different bacteria from ginseng sprouts grown in smart-farming conditions. They tested each bacteria’s ability to survive stomach acid and bile salts, fight harmful germs, and reduce cholesterol levels in laboratory conditions. The scientists used genetic testing to identify the bacteria and selected the five best performers for detailed analysis. They measured how well these bacteria could break down cholesterol and produce enzymes that help process bile salts, which are important for cholesterol management.

This laboratory approach allowed researchers to screen hundreds of potential probiotic candidates quickly and identify the most promising ones. By testing survival in simulated stomach conditions, they ensured the bacteria could actually reach the intestines where they need to work.

The study was published in Scientific Reports, a respected journal. The researchers used proper genetic identification methods and tested multiple important characteristics. However, this was only a laboratory study, so results in real people might be different.

What the Results Show

The five selected ginseng bacteria showed remarkable survival rates of 98-99% when exposed to harsh stomach acid and bile conditions that would kill many other bacteria. Most importantly, these strains reduced cholesterol levels by 30% compared to L. rhamnosus GG, which is considered the gold standard probiotic strain. The bacteria also produced high levels of bile salt hydrolase, an enzyme that helps break down bile salts and may contribute to cholesterol reduction. Additionally, they released significant amounts of taurine (15 mg/mL), a compound that supports heart health.

The ginseng probiotics showed strong antibacterial activity against harmful germs and demonstrated notable antioxidant properties, which could provide additional health benefits. They were sensitive to some antibiotics (erythromycin and clindamycin) but resistant to others (tetracycline and vancomycin), which is important for safety considerations.

While L. rhamnosus strains are well-known probiotics, these ginseng-derived versions appear to be significantly more effective at cholesterol reduction than existing commercial strains. This represents a potential advancement in probiotic effectiveness.

This study was conducted entirely in laboratory conditions using bacterial cultures. The cholesterol-lowering effects haven’t been tested in animals or humans yet. The long-term safety and effectiveness of these specific strains in real-world conditions remains unknown.

The Bottom Line

While promising, these results are preliminary and limited to laboratory testing. People interested in cholesterol management should continue following their doctor’s advice and proven strategies like diet and exercise. These new probiotics may become available in the future pending further research.

People with high cholesterol, those interested in natural health approaches, and anyone currently using probiotic supplements should follow this research. However, these specific strains aren’t available as supplements yet.

It typically takes several years of additional research, including animal studies and human clinical trials, before new probiotic strains become available as commercial supplements.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Monitor current probiotic intake and cholesterol levels if you’re already taking supplements or managing cholesterol
  • Continue tracking existing probiotic use and note any digestive or health changes while staying informed about new probiotic research
  • Log daily probiotic intake, digestive symptoms, and any cholesterol-related health metrics to establish baseline data for when new options become available

This research was conducted in laboratory conditions only and has not been tested in humans. Do not change your current cholesterol management plan without consulting your healthcare provider. These specific probiotic strains are not yet available as commercial supplements.