Three Characterized Probiotics from Dairy Sources-Weissella confusa (ProY 5.1), Enterococcus lactis (ProY 5.3), and Leuconostoc lactis (RM 2.1)-Exhibit Potential for Antidiarrheal Effects.

Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that may provide secure management of several diseases, such as diarrhea. The current research aims to assess the antidiarrheal activity of potential probiotics by utilizing in vitro and in vivo approaches. Bacterial strains were isolated from dairy products and screened for probiotic characterization, with four strains, viz., Weissella confusa (ProY 5.1), Enterococcus lactis (ProY 5.3), Leuconostoc lactis (RM 2.1), and Bacillus subtilis (ProY 11.3), selected based on in vitro approaches. These strains demonstrated non-hemolytic properties, acidic resistance, tolerance to bile salt and phenol, strong adherence rate, probiotic activity, and antimicrobial activity against six enteric pathogens. Potential strains were identified by applying molecular techniques: MALDI-TOF and whole genome sequencing. In vivo experiments on castor oil-induced diarrheal Swiss albino mice showed a positive impact when compared to loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate as positive controls, whereas the PBS + MRS broth was used as a negative control. Screened ProY 5.1, ProY 5.3, and RM 2.1 significantly lengthened latency periods and reduced diarrheal symptoms (p < 0.005). Comparatively low antidiarrheal activity was found in the ProY 11.3 isolate. The combination of candidate probiotics exhibited stronger activity compared to the individual ones. In conclusion, the three strains might be potential probiotic candidates for managing diarrhea.