Traditional Japanese Pickle Called Suguki May Protect Against Flu

Bacteria found in a traditional Japanese pickle can prevent infection by the flu virus in mice, according to a new study.

AsianScientist (Nov. 18, 2013) – Bacteria found in a traditional Japanese pickle can prevent infection by the flu virus in mice, according to a study by researchers in Japan and New Zealand.

The research study assessed the immune-boosting powers of Lactobacillus brevis from Suguki – a pickled turnip, popular in Japan – in mice that have been exposed to a flu virus.

“Our results show that when a particular strain of Lactobacillus brevis is eaten by mice, it has protective effects against influenza virus infection,” said lead researcher Ms. Naoko Waki of KAGOME Co., Ltd. in Japan.

What it is about the bacteria that gives them this amazing property is not known, but it is remarkably tolerant to stomach juices, which are too acidic for many bacteria. This is largely due to a protective layer of sugars called exopolysaccharides.

“We know that exopolysaccharides have immune boosting effects in other similar bacteria, so we wonder if the exopolysaccharides of KB290 are responsible for the effects we see,” said Waki.

The effect of the bacteria is to increase the production of immune system molecules in the body – IFN-α and flu-specific antibodies – and to enhance activity to eradicate virus infected cells.

In this study, the effects were sufficient to prevent infection by the H1N1 flu and the scientists think that there could also be protection against other viral infections, including the deadly H7N9 flu that emerged recently in China.

Suguki enthusiasts have often cited its protective powers but it is not known yet whether the same effects will be seen in humans. Human clinical trials using a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus brevis KB290 bacteria are underway and scientists are hopeful that, given a suitable quantity of bacteria, foods containing them may turn out to be the next superfood.

The article can be found at: Waki N et al. (2013) Oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis KB290 to mice alleviates clinical symptoms following influenza virus infection.

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Source: KAGOME; Photo: stu_spivack/Flickr/CC.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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