Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Also known as: Probiotic lysate from Lactococcus species, Lactococcus petauri GB97 lysate, Probiotic ferment lysate, Lactococcus ferment lysate
Overview
Lactococcus ferment lysate is a preparation derived from the lysis of Lactococcus bacteria, a genus of Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria commonly found in fermented dairy products and the gastrointestinal tract. This process releases intracellular components such as peptides, enzymes, and cell wall fragments. Primarily used in topical cosmetic and dermatological products, it aims to enhance skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and improve skin hydration. It is also being investigated as a feed additive to modulate gut inflammation and microbiota in animal models. The lysate exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier-strengthening properties, functioning through the modulation of immune signaling pathways and microbiota composition. Research is emerging, with preclinical and early clinical studies supporting its benefits, though high-quality human randomized controlled trials specifically on Lactococcus ferment lysate are still limited.
Benefits
Lactococcus ferment lysate offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for skin health and gut inflammation. Its primary effect is anti-inflammatory, as demonstrated by studies showing that Lactococcus petauri GB97 lysate reduced inflammatory markers and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling in murine macrophages and colitis mouse models, leading to improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced gut inflammation. This suggests potential for managing inflammatory conditions. For skin, topical application has been shown to significantly enhance the skin barrier, with a lotion containing probiotic ferment lysates (including Lactococcus species) decreasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improving skin hydration and redness over 30 days in human volunteers. This benefit is particularly relevant for individuals with sensitive or irritated skin. Secondary benefits include antioxidant capacity, demonstrated in vitro and in model organisms, and potential modulation of skin microbiota, contributing to reduced oxidative stress-related skin damage. While direct anti-aging claims require more research, the improvements in skin barrier function and antioxidant effects indirectly support skin health and resilience. The time course for skin benefits is relatively short, with improvements observed within 30 days of consistent topical use.
How it works
Lactococcus ferment lysate exerts its effects primarily by modulating immune responses and enhancing barrier integrity. In inflammatory contexts, it downregulates key inflammatory signaling pathways, specifically the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathways in immune cells, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. This mechanism is crucial for its anti-inflammatory effects in both gut and skin. For skin health, it enhances epithelial barrier function, possibly by modulating tight junction proteins and ceramide production, which are vital for maintaining skin integrity and preventing water loss. It also interacts with body systems by modulating the gut immune response and microbiota composition in animal models, and by enhancing skin barrier function and reducing oxidative stress in keratinocytes. The lysate's components act locally on the skin barrier and immune cells when applied topically, with minimal systemic absorption. In the gut, when used as a feed additive, it acts locally within the gut lumen and mucosa.
Side effects
Lactococcus ferment lysate is generally considered safe for topical use and as a feed additive at studied doses, with no significant adverse effects reported in available clinical or animal studies. Common side effects (>5%) have not been reported. Similarly, uncommon side effects (1-5%) have not been observed. Rare side effects (<1%) are also largely absent, with only one reported case of sensitivity to a yeast-derived ferment filtrate, which is not specific to Lactococcus ferment lysate. There are no documented drug interactions. Contraindications are limited to individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to probiotic or ferment lysate components. Due to limited data, caution is advised for special populations, such as individuals with known skin sensitivities or those who are immunocompromised, although no specific risks have been identified. Overall, its safety profile appears favorable, particularly for topical applications.
Dosage
Specific dosage guidelines for Lactococcus ferment lysate are not yet standardized, particularly for human use. In clinical studies involving topical application, lotions containing unspecified concentrations of ferment lysates were used daily over 30 days to demonstrate benefits in skin barrier function and hydration. Cosmetic formulations typically incorporate ferment lysates as part of a blend, usually at low percentages. An optimal dosage range has not been established, nor has a maximum safe dose been defined, as no adverse effects have been reported at tested topical or feed additive doses. For topical applications, daily use for at least 30 days has shown to yield observable benefits. The form of administration is typically topical, such as lotions or creams, though oral administration has been studied in animals as a feed additive. Topical absorption is likely limited, with the formulation vehicle potentially influencing skin penetration. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Lactococcus ferment lysate safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, studies indicate it can improve barrier function and reduce redness in sensitive skin, with minimal adverse effects reported, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
How long does it take to see results?
Skin barrier improvements and reductions in redness have been observed after approximately 30 days of consistent daily topical use.
Can it be used alongside other skincare ingredients?
There are no known contraindications with other skincare ingredients, but specific interaction studies have not been extensively conducted.
Is it effective for gut health in humans?
Evidence for gut health benefits is currently limited to animal models; human clinical data demonstrating efficacy in gut health is lacking.
Does it have anti-aging effects?
Indirectly, through skin barrier improvement and antioxidant effects, it may contribute to skin health. However, direct anti-aging claims require more specific research.
Research Sources
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.01334-23 – This preclinical RCT investigated Lactococcus petauri GB97 lysate in murine macrophages and DSS-induced colitis mice. It found that the lysate downregulated TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathways, reduced inflammation, and improved gut barrier integrity and microbiota composition. The study provides high-quality preclinical evidence for anti-inflammatory effects in the gut.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37803101/ – This clinical RCT involved n≥30 healthy volunteers with sensitive skin using a lotion containing probiotic ferment lysates. The study reported a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and redness, along with improved skin hydration (p<0.05) after 30 days. It offers moderate quality clinical evidence for skin barrier enhancement, despite a small sample size and proprietary blend.
- https://fi-admin.bvsalud.org/document/view/5ce75 – This systematic review on ferment filtrates in cosmetics, though not exclusively on Lactococcus ferment lysate, indicated that ferment filtrates generally reduce TEWL, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation. The review's quality is moderate, but it provides indirect support for the mechanisms of action, albeit with heterogeneity and a focus on East Asian studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10574390/ – This narrative review explored various studies on probiotic lysates in cosmetics. It concluded that probiotic lysates can improve skin barrier function, hydration, pigmentation, and possess anti-inflammatory effects. While a narrative review, it supports the proposed mechanisms and benefits of probiotic constituents like Lactococcus ferment lysate in skincare.
