Maintaining the balance of vaginal microbiota is always a concern for women, as it dramatically affects reproductive functions and daily activities.
Among the beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus gasseri is considered the "hero" in protecting vaginal health and may prevent the development of pathogens.
This article will discuss the benefits of Lactobacillus gasseri for vaginal health and address the question: How Does Lactobacillus Gasseri Benefit For Vaginal Health?
Key Takeaways
- Lactobacillus gasseri helps balance the pH and acidity in the vaginal environment.
- L. gasseri produces natural antibiotics, Bacteriocin and Lectin, which inhibit the growth of pathogens and may prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the vaginal wall.
- L. gasseri releases extracellular vesicles (EVs) that help balance the internal environment and enhance the adhesion of other strains to the vaginal mucous membrane.
- L. gasseri stimulates the formation of biofilms of the same species while inhibiting the biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria.
- L. gasseri offers other health benefits such as reducing stress, regulating immune function, extending lifespan, reducing fat accumulation, and alleviating sleep disorders.
What are the Benefits of Lactobacillus Gasseri for Vaginal Health?
Lactobacillus gasseri benefits vaginal health mainly by maintaining the stability of the vaginal microbiome and inhibiting harmful bacteria:
Maintain the Vaginal Microbiome Stability
The stability of the microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the typical physiological environment in the host body. It is indispensable for successful reproductive function [1], especially in females.
For optimal activity, the pH and acidity of the vaginal environment need to be maintained at a stable level.
When the pH and acidity levels increase or decrease compared to the healthy level, the beneficial bacteria will face difficulties in growth and may prevent harmful bacteria.
Lactobacillus gasseri acts against pathogens related to the vagina, such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344 and Gardnerella vagis DSM 4944, by secreting lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, two metabolic substances that work together to kill bacteria at high concentrations [2].
Furthermore, among the Lactobacillus species residing in the vagina, L. gassers's production of lactic acid ranks second, just after L. Cristatus [3].
Hence they function well in maintaining ideal pH levels in the vaginal environment.
Other studies also indicate that the vaginal microbiome is a dynamic microenvironment affected by pregnancy, menstrual cycles, age, contraception, and sexual activity [1], so changes in the vaginal environment can occur in bodies without inflammation or excessive infection.
Inhibit Harmful Microbes
The body's bacteria are always in a state of competition for nutrients and living space.
Lactobacillus is no exception, secreting antibiotic molecules that inhibit and kill other bacteria species, maintaining a balanced, healthy ecosystem within the body [4].
Lactobacillus gasseri produces two molecules that act as natural antibiotics in the body, Bacteriocin and Lectin.
Bacteriocin, through fermentation, inhibits the growth of genital pathogens like G. vagus, S. agalactiae, and P. aeruginosa [5].
Lectin ultimately kills harmful bacteria through its bactericidal activity [6].
Lactobacillus gasseri also produces substances capable of forming natural surfactants (otherwise known as biosurfactants).
These substances can isolate adjacent molecules from one another, potentially prevent disease-causing bacteria from adhering to the vaginal wall, notably the culprit behind yeast infections, Candida [7].
How Does Lactobacillus Gasseri Benefit For Vaginal Health?
In addition to releasing beneficial bacteria and compounds for vaginal health, L. gasseri also releases extracellular molecules that may help to prevent harmful agents such as :
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)
EV - Extracellular Vesicles represent legitimate postbiotics with the potential to maintain the balance of the vaginal microbiome and enhance reproductive health in women.
The EV "bubbles" released from Lactobacillus may help to prevent pathogens from adhering to the vaginal mucosa (such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis), balancing the microbiome by supporting the invasion of beneficial bacteria and hindering the growth of harmful factors [8].
Research on the potential of extracellular vesicles also shows that EVs enhance the adhesion of different Lactobacillus strains to the vaginal mucosa, such as L. Crisatus BC5 and L. gasseri BC12, helping to stabilize and balance the vaginal microbiome more effectively [8].
Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS)
EPS are high-molecular-weight natural polymers produced by various microorganisms during their metabolic processes.
They possess a biofilm's full functionality and structure, providing structural support and shielding the microbial community from harsh environments [9].
EPS produced by Lactobacillus promotes biofilm formation while inhibiting pathogens' growth.
In particular, EPS stimulates biofilm formation of the same or different Lactobacillus strains.
Conversely, EPS also inhibits the formation of biofilms by pathogenic bacteria such as E.coli, E. spp, and S. agalactiae [10].
These activities suggest that EPS is utilized as a postbiotic in medicine to reduce infections, and alleviate external stress in the vaginal area.
Other Benefits of Lactobacillus Gasseri
In addition to the benefits above for vaginal health, Lactobacillus gasseri offers numerous other health effects, such as:
- Reducing stress, and sleep disorders [11].
- It regulates the immune system, minimizing Helicobacter pylori infections [12].
- Supports irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, promoting intestinal comfort [13].
- It plays a role in regulating stress-resistant genes and extending lifespan [14].
- Enhances the immune response in the elderly, increasing natural protective mechanisms and combating infectious diseases [15].
- Reduces visceral fat, suitable for overweight or obese individuals [16].
Conclusion
Although research is ongoing, the remarkable benefits of Lactobacillus gasseri for vaginal health cannot be denied. It helps stabilize and balance the microbiota and brings many other health values. Hopefully, this article has helped you address the question: How Does Lactobacillus Gasseri Benefit For Vaginal Health?
