The Beneficial Gut-Brain Axis Probiotic L. plantarum DR7 is Safe and Effective
Pasadena, TX (October 13, 2021) — Already known as an innovator in the probiotics market category, Kaneka Probiotics is excited to announce it has completed the self-affirmation process to qualify its newest entry into the field of gut-brain axis probiotics Floradapt Brain (Lactobacillus plantarum DR7®) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), in accordance with FDA guidance regarding independent GRAS conclusions. The GRAS Panel concluded that DR7® is not harmful under the conditions of its intended use after reviewing a combination of published clinical trials, phenotypic data, and genotypic analysis. Published clinical trials for the strain and species were evaluated for evidence of safety and the absence of adverse effects.
Gut-Brain Axis Benefits
Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 promotes healthy brain metabolism by upregulating the Tryptophan-Serotonin pathway by driving the tryptophan metabolic pathway towards Serotonin, instead of the kyneurine degradation pathway. By upregulating the tryptophanserotonin pathway, there is a de-emphasis of the tryptophan-kyneurine pathway, which is associated with a weaker immunity.1
This tryptophan-serotonin modulation may be one of several mechanisms involved in a study demonstrating that DR7 lowered symptoms of stress and anxiety, as well as the stress biomarker cortisol.2 Another advantage of the TPH upregulation is that tryptophan is shunted away from Kyneurine synthesis, which is associated with immunosuppression. Thus, DR7 impacts not only brain metabolism through the serotonin pathway, but also has established mechanisms for enhanced immunity.
Mike Kolifrath, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of the Probiotics Division at Kaneka, commented, “The neurochemistry of the brain is one of the most exciting new playgrounds of probiotics. We have the most competent strain in the gut-brain axis field with L. Plantarum DR7, based on its unique ability to impact the biosynthesis of serotonin. The conclusion of the GRAS panel that Lactobacillus plantarum DR7® is GRAS under the conditions of its intended use is confirmation of the quality, safety and scientific rigor behind our proprietary DR7 strain.”
In addition to its clinical foundation (comprised of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical research tested in several age groups), L. plantarum DR7 is not genetically engineered, GlutenFree, and approved by EFSA (Qualified Presumption of Safety, QPS).
About Kaneka
Floradapt Brain (Lactobacillus plantarum DR7) is part of the Kaneka Probiotics Portfolio, which are products based on a mechanistic approach to identify optimal strains for specific health applications. Our strain library collection has over 1,000+ strains strategically sourced from populations around the world with conserved microbiomes. The Kaneka Probiotics portfolio includes formulations for Immune, Upper Respiratory Tract, Digestion, GI Challenges, Oral-Gum Health, Colic, Women’s, Gut-Brain Axis, Cardiovascular, and Stress/Mood/Anxiety. We are committed to quality, innovation & science and have 20+ studies that are ongoing for areas in Sports Nutrition, Leaky Gut, Nutrition Absorption, Migraine, Halitosis, and many other disciplines.
References
1 Liu G, et al, Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 Modulated Bowel Movement and Gut Microbiota
Associated with Dopamine and Serotonin Pathways in Stressed Adults. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(13):4608. doi: 10.3390/ijms21134608.
2 Chong, HX et al, Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 alleviates stress and anxiety in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Benef Microbes. 2019 Apr 19;10(4):355-373
