Numerous studies have examined the complex mechanisms by which the beneficial effects of probiotics occur. Bacteria help create a protective lining on the walls of the intestine by stimulating the production of mucus and regulating adherence by certain bacteria [Bermudez-Brito et al 2012]. Dobson et al 2012 reviewed the role of antimicrobial peptides, or bacteriocins, produced by bacteria in establishing competitive exclusion of pathogenic strains. Bai et al 2006 showed that bacteria can exert an anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed tissues of ulcerative colitis by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Some bacteria seem to be able to communicate with the host and modulate key signaling pathways to enhance or suppress certain types of reactions [Bermudez-Brito et al 2012]. In vitro experiments with Lactobacillus rhamnosus showed it can inhibit cytokine-induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells [Yan and Polk 2002]. Lactobacillus paracasei was effective against Staphalococcus aureus injury to the intestinal mucosa of rabbits [Bendali et al 2011].
Bravo Europe Probiotic Suppositories contain a combination of high quality, organic, whole pasteurized cow’s milk and colostrum, fermented with a proprietary blend of probiotic bacteria made in Switzerland. The bacterial strains are commonly used in Europe and the US for making yogurt and kefir. Colostrum is the first milk produced after giving birth, and is especially important for development of the infant immune system, because it is rich in immunoglobulins, antibodies, antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules [Khan et al 2002]. Some studies suggest that fermented milks containing Bifidobacterium strains may be able to inhibit colonic carcinogenesis [Picard et al 2005]. Experiments with dogs fed bovine colostrum showed an increase in the diversity and stability of gut microbiota, as well as immune response [Satyaraj et al 2013]. The stability, healing properties, and synergistic bioactivity of whole, naturally derived colostrum, offers potential advantages over isolated extracts [Khan et al 2002].
The potent probiotics and healthful milk products are molded into sleek, convenient suppositories with creamy cocoa butter. BioPure’s cocoa butter is 100% organic, undeodorized, unbleached, and naturally contains vitamins, minerals, and bioflavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [Katz et al 2011]. Cocoa butter has been used for centuries to soothe and moisturize the skin, help in the healing of wounds, irritations, and burns [Lamuela-Raventós 2005], and to treat vaginal, respiratory, and bowel disorders [Dillinger et al 2000]. It is stable and solid at room temperature, but melts easily in the body.
References:
Amit-Romach E, Uni Z, Friedman M, Aizenberg I, Berkovich Z, Reifen R. A new mode of probiotic therapy: Specific targeting. Journal of Functional Foods. June 2015, Vol 16:386-392.
Bai AP, Ouyang Q, Xiao XR, Li SF. Probiotics modulate inflammatory cytokine secretion from inflamed mucosa in active ulcerative colitis. Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Mar;60(3):284-8.
Bendali F, Madi N, Sadoun D. Beneficial effects of a strain of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei in Staphylococcus aureus-induced intestinal and colonic injury. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 15 (2011) 787–794.
Bermudez-Brito M, Plaza-Diaz, J, Muñoz-Quezada S, Gómez-Llorente C, Gil A. Probiotic Mechanisms of Action. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2012;61:160-174.
Choonara IA. Giving drugs per rectum for systemic effect. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 1987, 62(8), 771-772.
Daliri E B-M and Lee BH. New Perspectives on Probiotics in Health and Disease. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2015 (4):56-65.
Dillinger TL, Barriga P, Escárcega S, Jimenez M, Lowe DS, and Grivetti LE. Food of the Gods: Cure for Humanity? A Cultural History of the Medicinal and Ritual Use of Chocolate. J. Nutr. August 1, 2000. Vol. 130(8):2057-2072.
Dobson A, Cotter PD, Ross RP Hill C. Bacteriocin production: a probiotic trait? Appl Environ Microbiol. 2012. Jan;78(1):1-6.
Fedorak RN. Probiotics in the Management of Ulcerative Colitis. Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2010 Nov; 6(11):688-690.
Forrest BD, Shearman DJC, LaBrooy JT. Specific immune response in humans following rectal delivery of live typhoid vaccine. Vaccine. June 1990, Vol 8, Issue 3:209-212.
Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. The causes of intestinal dysbiosis: a review. Altern Med Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):180-97.
Katz DL, Doughty K, and Ali A. Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. Nov 15, 2011, 15(10): 2779-2811.
Khan Z, MacDonald C, Wicks AC, Holt MP, Floyd D, Ghosh S, Wright NA, Playford RJ. Use of the ‘nutriceutical’, bovine colostrum, for the treatment of distal colitis: results from an initial study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2002; 16:1917-1922.
Konturek PC, Brzozowski T, Konturek SJ. Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011 Dec;62(6):591-9.
Lamuela-Raventós RM et al. Review: Health Effects of Cocoa Flavonoids. Food Science and Technology International. June 2005 Vol. 11 no. 3 159-176.
Picard C, Fioramonti J, Francois A, Robinson T, Neant F, Matuchansky C. Review article: Bifidobacteria as probiotic agents — physiological effects and clinical benefits. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Sep 15; 22(6):495-512.
Satyaraj E, Reynolds A, Pelker R, Labuda J, Zhang P, Sun P. Supplementation of diets with bovine colostrum influences immune function in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition. December 2013. Vol 110; Issue 12. Pp 2216-2221.
Sekirov I, Russell SL, Antunes CM, and Finlay BB. Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease. Physiol Rev. July 1, 2010 vol. 90 no. 3 859-904.
Upreti, RK, Richa S, Chaturvedi UC. Gut microflora & toxic metals: chromium as a model. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2004, 119. pp. 49-59.
van Hoogdalem E, de Boer AG, Breimer DD. Pharmacokinetics of rectal drug administration, Part I. General considerations and clinical applications of centrally acting drugs. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1991 Jul;21(1):11-26.
Yan F, Polk DB. Probiotic bacterium prevents cytokine-induced apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells. J Biol Chem. 2002 Dec 27;277(52):50959-65.
The full list of microorganisms of the starter used for the fermentation of Bravo is the following:
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Streptococcus thermophilus
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
Kefir grains
At the end of the freeze drying process a blend of eight strains of freeze dried gastro-resistant bacteria is added at the product:
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus lactis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium lactis
Please notice that: None of the above listed microorganisms is considered to be pathogenic for livestock or poultry.
All of them are considered safe for human consumption.
The product contains cow’s milk and cow’s colostrum.
The product is nonGMO.
Contains no: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, egg, shellfish, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, synthetic growth hormones.
**The use of suppositories as a delivery system for nutritional supplements has not been approved by the FDA