Ação probiótica da levedura Saccharomyces boulardii

Abstract

The microorganisms which when administered in sufficient amounts, confer health benefits of the host are called probiotics. These microorganisms are used in pharmaceutical preparations or fermented products. Saccharomyces boulardii, a nonpathogenic yeast, was isolated from lychee fruit in Indochina, and grows at 37 °C. It has been used to treat different kinds of diarrhea, like: antibiotics associated diarrhea, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea and diarrhea in HIV-infected patients. In the present study, was assessed the current knowledge about the beneficial effects of S. boulardii in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the mechanisms of action of this probiotic. It has been shown that this yeast has proven clinical efficacy and presents different mechanisms of action, which can be classified into three main areas: action in the lumen, trophic actions and effects of anti-inflammatory signaling in the mucosa. However, although yeast have proven clinical effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea, the claim that probiotics have a beneficial effect on the host, requires rigorous evaluation and their mechanisms of action need to be better understood before any final statement on the clinical value of these products in the pharmaceutical and food industries.