Alleviating premenstrual depression with lactic acid bacteria: Joint patent application filed for the Femtech effects of the KB-1 strain.

LAB Biotech Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sapporo, Hokkaido; CEO: Mutsumi Murakami; hereinafter "LAB Biotech") has conducted joint research with Cosmo Bio Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Norihiko Shibayama; hereinafter "Cosmo Bio"), a leading company in research reagents, regarding the effects of their proprietary lactic acid bacteria strain, Pediococcus sp. KB-1, on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). As a result of this joint research, it was confirmed that the KB-1 strain improves female-specific physical and mental discomforts such as depression and lethargy associated with PMS, and a joint patent application has been filed for this new application.

Background of the Research

It is reported that 70-80% of Japanese women experience some form of discomfort before menstruation, and approximately 5.3%—or one in 20 women in their 20s to 40s—suffer from PMS symptoms severe enough to hinder their daily lives. In particular, those whose physical and mental health (depression, irritability, loss of motivation, etc.) is affected to the point of interfering with daily life may be diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

In modern society, where women's participation in the workforce has become the norm, this represents a significant loss of human resources. While medical visits and medication such as SSRIs are generally recommended for PMDD patients, there is a growing need for a "non-pharmacological approach" that can be incorporated into daily life from the pre-illness stage.

About Lactic Acid Bacteria Pediococcus sp. KB-1

This strain is a Pediococcus lactic acid bacterium isolated from white turnips in Hokkaido. It is a strain that LAB Biotech has been researching for many years and is known to possess immunostimulatory, anti-allergic, and gastric acid-resistant properties.

Prior to this joint research and patent application, it was revealed that live KB-1 bacteria have a very high activity in metabolizing soy isoflavones into an aglycone form that can be efficiently absorbed (a separate patent is pending for this). Soy isoflavones are known for their estrogen-like effects and are expected to improve PMS symptoms by acting as a supplement to female hormones, but it is known that they are difficult for the body to absorb in their natural state.

Joint Research Results

Based on preliminary research, we decided to examine the improvement of PMS symptoms by soy isoflavones efficiently absorbed into the body, as the KB-1 strain converts them into a highly absorbable form. The study involved 12 women between the ages of 20 and 49 with PMS symptoms who took live KB-1 strain capsules for one month, and they completed questionnaires during the late luteal phase before and after intake.

As a result, improvements were observed in symptoms primarily related to mental health, such as "feeling depressed/down," "lack of interest," "lethargy," and "feeling overwhelmed."