Pre-formulation test: Impact of Thymus serpyllum L botanical extract (360GUT®) on probiotic viability

A proprietary ingredient developed from the aerial parts of Thymus serpyllum L called 360GUT ®​ has significantly improved gastrointestinal symptoms and positively modulated the microbiota in healthy volunteers [ 1 ]. Its benefits have been attributed to the presence of a specific polyphenol profile, which are prebiotics that feed the beneficial gut microbiome. Otherwise, probiotic drinks such as yoghurts and fermented milk are widely consumed, as probiotics are live microorganisms that also confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. Prebiotics and probiotics can be combined for optimal effect, but it is essential for any product to ensure that the probiotic strains remain viable and metabolically active during product storage. The aim of this study was to assess whether the probiotic strains remain are unaffected in the presence of 360GUT ®​ . Two commercial probiotic drinks, containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota or Bifidobacterium lactis , were separately dosed with 600 mg of 360GUT ®​ per serving and stored at 4-8°C for up to 14 days. Culturability and viability were assessed by plate counting and flow cytometry, respectively, and statistical differences were considered with a 95% confidence interval (p