PA5051™ - Clinical Research Data Summary

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PA5051™ Pediococcus acidilactici Probiotic Strain

PA5051™ is a clinically studied ingredient used in the following Silver Fern™ Brand product:

Introduction

Pediococcus acidilactici PA5051 is a robust, acid-tolerant lactic acid–producing probiotic strain selected for its ability to withstand harsh gastrointestinal conditions while delivering meaningful functional support. Preclinical and in vitro research on P. acidilactici strains demonstrates strong resistance to low pH and bile salts, effective survival through simulated gastric and intestinal transit, and favorable adhesion-related properties that support temporary intestinal persistence. These characteristics help address a common limitation of many non-spore probiotics — poor survivability — making PA5051 well suited for oral supplementation where reliable delivery to the gut is important.*

Beyond survivability, research suggests P. acidilactici supports key physiological processes associated with cellular resilience. Preclinical studies indicate this strain may help support antioxidant activity, maintain redox balance, and promote normal cellular function under conditions of environmental and metabolic stress. Additional findings suggest a role in supporting gut barrier integrity and normal cellular function, while demonstrating a strong safety profile even at higher intake levels.*

Together, this evidence positions PA5051 as more than a basic digestive probiotic — it is a functionally active organism designed to support gut integrity, microbial balance, and overall physiological resilience.*

These are the studies for PA5051™. Below, we provided a summary of each key data for each study, along with a link to the complete clinical research.

  1. Summary of Study 1 – Full Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7498756/
  2. Summary of Study 2 – Full Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S181808761600012X

Ingredient Manufacturer Link: https://abingredients.com/ingredients/pa5051-plant-based-probiotics



Study 1 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7498756/

Probiotic Characterization and Survivability of Pediococcus acidilactici
Olajugbagbe, T.E. et al. Heliyon. 2020;6:e04889.

This in vitro probiotic characterization study evaluated whether a strain of Pediococcus acidilactici (identified by 16S rRNA sequencing; 99.16% similarity), isolated from a traditional fermented dairy food, meets established criteria for probiotic viability, safety, and functional performance under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Study Design Highlights

  • Study type: In vitro probiotic screening and survivability assessment
  • Organism: Pediococcus acidilactici (16S rRNA sequencing; 99.16% similarity)
  • Key test conditions: Acid tolerance (pH 2–4), bile salt tolerance (up to 1.5%), simulated gastric conditions (pepsin, pH 2–3), simulated intestinal conditions (trypsin, pH 8), osmotic stress (up to 8% NaCl)
  • Functional markers: Auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity, EPS production, production of compounds associated with microbial balance, hemolytic activity (safety marker)

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

1. Strong Acid and Bile Tolerance

P. acidilactici maintained viability under highly acidic conditions relevant to stomach transit and tolerated bile salt concentrations exceeding typical physiological levels, supporting its ability to remain viable during upper gastrointestinal tract passage.

2. Survival Through Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions

The strain demonstrated survivability in simulated gastric conditions and maintained stable viable counts following transfer to simulated intestinal conditions, indicating it can remain intact across multiple phases of digestion.

3. Adhesion-Related Properties

  • Auto-aggregation: ~70%
  • Cell surface hydrophobicity: ~72%
  • These characteristics are associated with the ability of probiotic organisms to interact with the intestinal environment and support temporary persistence

4. Production of Antimicrobial Compounds

The strain demonstrated inhibitory activity against selected microorganisms in vitro, likely through the production of organic acids and related metabolites — properties associated with supporting a balanced microbial environment.

5. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) Production

The strain produced exopolysaccharides, associated with enhanced environmental stability, support for microbial viability, and potential interactions with the gut environment.

6. Safety Profile

No hemolytic activity was observed, supporting the strain's classification as safe for probiotic use under the conditions studied.

Benefits of PA5051™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the in vitro findings, P. acidilactici was shown to:
✓ Survive under highly acidic conditions (pH 2–4) relevant to stomach transit
✓ Tolerate bile salts at concentrations exceeding typical physiological levels
✓ Maintain viability through simulated gastric and intestinal phases
✓ Demonstrate adhesion-related characteristics (~70% auto-aggregation, ~72% hydrophobicity)
✓ Produce EPS and antimicrobial metabolites supporting a balanced microbial environment
✓ Show a favorable safety profile with no hemolytic activity

Why This Study Matters

This research supports the classification of Pediococcus acidilactici as a resilient lactic acid bacterium with characteristics relevant to probiotic applications. Its demonstrated stability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions helps address a common challenge for many non-spore-forming probiotics — maintaining viability during digestion — highlighting the strain's suitability for probiotic formulations designed to deliver viable organisms to the gut.*

Reference Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7498756/



Study 2 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S181808761600012X

Pediococcus acidilactici and Markers of Oxidative Balance and Cellular Integrity in an Animal Model
Abdellatef, A.A. & Khalil, A.A. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2016;11:326–336.

This controlled preclinical study evaluated the effects of Pediococcus acidilactici NNRL B-5627 on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in 80 male Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to a compound known to induce oxidative stress under experimental conditions over 4 weeks.

Study Design Highlights

  • Study type: Controlled preclinical animal study
  • Subjects: 80 male Sprague–Dawley rats
  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Groups: Control (standard diet), experimental diet containing test compound, P. acidilactici supplementation alone, combined P. acidilactici + experimental exposure
  • Primary outcomes: Oxidative stress markers (MDA, nitric oxide, TOS, OSI), antioxidant activity (glutathione, SOD, total antioxidant capacity), cellular integrity markers in liver and kidney tissues

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

1. Reduction in Markers of Oxidative Stress

Supplementation with P. acidilactici was associated with lower levels of lipid peroxidation markers, reduced total oxidant status, and improved overall oxidative balance in animals exposed to the experimental stressor.

2. Support for Antioxidant Activity

  • Increased glutathione levels
  • Increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity
  • Improved total antioxidant capacity

3. Support for Cellular Integrity Markers

Animals receiving P. acidilactici alongside the stressor demonstrated lower levels of DNA fragmentation markers and improved cellular stability indicators compared to untreated groups, suggesting support for normal cellular integrity under conditions of oxidative stress in this preclinical model.

Benefits of PA5051™ Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the preclinical findings, P. acidilactici supplementation was associated with:
✓ Support for reduced oxidative stress markers under experimental stress conditions
✓ Support for endogenous antioxidant systems including glutathione and SOD
✓ Improved total antioxidant capacity
✓ Maintenance of cellular integrity markers under stress conditions
✓ A favorable safety profile at the tested dose

Why This Study Matters

Although conducted in an animal model, this research provides mechanistic insight into how Pediococcus acidilactici may support physiological processes related to oxidative balance and cellular resilience. These findings contribute to a broader body of evidence suggesting that certain probiotic strains may play a role in supporting antioxidant activity, cellular health, and overall physiological resilience under stress. These results are based on preclinical data and are not intended to represent outcomes in humans.*

Reference Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S181808761600012X

Big-Picture Integration with Other Studies

  • Study 1: Demonstrated acid stability, bile tolerance, survivability through simulated gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion-related properties (~70% auto-aggregation, ~72% hydrophobicity), antimicrobial activity, and a favorable safety profile of Pediococcus acidilactici in an in vitro probiotic characterization study.
  • Study 2: Demonstrated support for oxidative balance, antioxidant activity (glutathione, SOD, total antioxidant capacity), and cellular integrity markers under conditions of elevated oxidative stress in a preclinical animal model.

Together, these studies support Pediococcus acidilactici PA5051 as a durable, acid-stable lactic acid–producing probiotic with strong gastrointestinal survivability and functional activity in response to normal physiological stress.*

PA5051™ Ingredient Summary & Real-World Relevance

Pediococcus acidilactici PA5051 is a highly resilient probiotic strain designed to address a common limitation of traditional lactic acid bacteria: poor survival through the digestive tract. In vitro research demonstrates that P. acidilactici maintains viability under acidic conditions, tolerates bile exposure, survives simulated gastric and intestinal environments, and exhibits adhesion-related properties associated with temporary intestinal persistence. These characteristics support the effective delivery of live organisms to the gut, making PA5051 a dependable option for oral supplementation.*

Beyond survivability, preclinical research suggests that Pediococcus acidilactici supports key physiological processes related to oxidative balance and cellular function. In animal models, supplementation has been associated with improved antioxidant activity, maintenance of redox balance, and support for markers associated with normal cellular integrity under stress conditions, while demonstrating a favorable safety profile.*

Taken together, these findings position PA5051 as more than a basic digestive probiotic — it is a functionally active organism that supports microbial balance and normal physiological resilience, including antioxidant activity and cellular health.*

Ingredient Manufacturer Link: https://abingredients.com/ingredients/pa5051-plant-based-probiotics

PA5051™ is a clinically studied ingredient used in the following Silver Fern™ Brand product:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.