Effects of Loganic Acid isolated from Vinca soneri on Surface Hydrophobicity and AutoAggregation of Probiotic Bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Abstract

Loganic acid is an ridoid glycoside found in various plants, having anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, loganic acid was isolated from Vinca soneri, used in folk medicine due to laxative, diuretic and antipyretic effects. Probiotics, a group of functional foods, are microorganisms that have positive effects on human health when taken into the body in the required amounts. The most studied and known probiotics are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. These bacteria are used as “starters” in various foods or for different formulations, as well as food supplements. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of loganic acid on Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Surface hydrophobicity and autoaggregation are important functions for a probiotic bacterium and the results indicated that loganic acid can modulate the probiotic functions, thus there is a potential for beneficial health benefits of combinations of loganic acid and probiotic strains.