Development of a synbiotic formulation based on germinated brown rice and probiotics suitable to support women's well-being

The aim of the present study was to develop a synbiotic formulation based on germinated brown rice (GBR) and probiotics with health-promoting benefits. The GBR was selected based on its well-known role as a prebiotic substrate rich in bioactive compounds, particularly γ-oryzanol and γ-aminobutyric acid, able to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Four probiotic strains ( Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CA15, Limosilactibacillus fermentum CS57, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC510, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLC1) were selected and in vitro tested, single and as a blend, for the ability to survive in the simulated gastrointestinal tract. Simultaneously, the GBR was investigated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glycogen release, and cell proliferation abilities. Synbiotic formulations, based on a blend of the four selected probiotics and GBR at three different concentrations (GBR1, 40%; GBR2, 30%; GBR3, 20%), were set up to evaluate the survivability of the probiotics and the antagonistic activity against pathogens. Results revealed a good survivability of the probiotic strains under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal transit and in presence of different GBR concentrations. The synbiotic formulation containing the lowest GBR concentration (GBR3) showed the broadest spectrum of antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. The GBR exerted cell proliferation, glycogen release, and anti-inflammatory effect, confirmed by the decrease of IL-6 and the increase of both IL-10 and SIRT-1 expression levels. In conclusion, the present study provides new insight into developing a synbiotic formulation that could represent a promising supplement with health-promoting benefits suitable to support women’s well-being. • Germinated brown rice is a healthy cereal-derived prebiotic • Germinated brown rice showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities • A valuable antimicrobial activity was exhibited by synbiotic formulations • Synbiotic formulation showed synergistic effect for vaginal cell proliferation • Synbiotic formulation could be a promising supplement for women health