The Health Benefits of Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum: A systematic review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

To ensure effective implementation of probiotics in clinical practice, it is crucial to comprehend the specific strains and their association with human health. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence on the impact of Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic consumption on human health. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library in March 2022. Out of 11831 records, 135 studies were assessed qualitatively, and 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. This systematic review provided evidence that probiotic supplementation, either in combination with L. plantarum or L. plantarum alone, can significantly benefit patients with specific pre-existing medical conditions by improving test results or alleviating symptoms, in the field of periodontal health, gastroenterological health, Mental health, Cardiovascular health, Endocrine health and Dermatological health. Understanding the strain-specific function and effect of probiotics is crucial to comprehending their potential therapeutic benefits for specific medical conditions. Our study's clinical significance highlights the importance of considering probiotic strain and their application to specific diseases when planning future studies and clinical interventions, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.