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Lactobacillus salivarius (Multi-Strain)

Ligilactobacillus salivarius (formerly Lactobacillus salivarius) — multiple strains
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Probiotic species (recently reclassified as Ligilactobacillus salivarius) with multiple strain-specific clinical applications: WB21 (oral health, caries reduction), CP3365 (heat-killed periodontal health), UCC118 (gut barrier, fermented milk), CECT5713 (immune support), Ls-33 (obesity/gut barrier), LS01/DSM 22775 (atopic dermatitis), LI01 (intestinal inflammation), PS2 (metabolic health). Strain specificity essential — generic L. salivarius supplements may not deliver evidence-based clinical effects. WB21 at 2.0×10⁹ CFU/day decreased mutans streptococci; heat-killed CP3365 inhibited increases in plaque control record, bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth; UCC118 in fermented milk increased fecal enterococci and lactobacilli in healthy adults.

Studied Dose Oral health (WB21): 2.0×10⁹ CFU/day. Periodontal (heat-killed CP3365): daily tablet. Strain selection essential — match strain to indication.
Active Compound Ligilactobacillus salivarius (formerly Lactobacillus salivarius); strains WB21, CP3365 (heat-killed), UCC118, CECT5713, Ls-33, LS01/DSM 22775, LI01, PS2.

Benefits

Caries risk reduction (WB21)

Caries risk reduction (WB21): 2.0×10⁹ CFU/day for 2 weeks significantly decreased mutans streptococci (P=0.039) — the primary cariogenic bacteria. A comparison vs TI 2711, Ovalgen® DC, and xylitol showed WB21 and TI 2711 lactobacilli increases. Foundational caries-prevention evidence for the WB21 strain.

Supported by Trial 1

Periodontal health heat-killed CP3365

Periodontal health (heat-killed CP3365): a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial significantly inhibited increases in plaque control record, bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth (P<0.05). 16S rRNA showed Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Haemophilus relative abundance significantly decreased. Postbiotic application — non-viable bacteria carrying clinical activity.

Supported by Trial 2

Gut barrier UCC118

Gut barrier (UCC118): fermented milk-borne L. salivarius UCC118 in healthy adults significantly increased fecal enterococci and lactobacilli, while bifidobacteria, coliforms, and bacteroides remained unchanged. Selective microbiota modulation evidence supporting gut barrier and probiotic ecology applications.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

CECT5713 immune support (Sierra et al.)

CECT5713 immune support: L. salivarius CECT5713 increased fecal bifidobacteria with stability of bacteroidetes, clostridia, and enterobacteria. Immune support strain with a selective microbiota modulation profile.

Supported by Trial 3

Ls-33 obesity / gut barrier

Ls-33 obesity / gut barrier: an Ls-33 fecal microbiota study in obese adolescents supports an obesity and gut barrier indication; strain-specific application distinct from oral health and immune strains.

Supported by Trial 3

Strain-specific clinical evidence

L. salivarius shows distinct strain-specific evidence across indications — WB21 (oral health), CP3365 (periodontal heat-killed postbiotic), UCC118 (gut), CECT5713 (immune), Ls-33 (metabolic), LS01/DSM 22775 (atopic dermatitis), LI01 (liver/intestinal inflammation), PS2 (metabolic). Generic L. salivarius supplements are not equivalent to evidence-based strains.

Supported by Trial 2

Surface protein gut adherence

L. salivarius has surface proteins supporting gut adherence and sustained colonization. Distinguishes from transient-transit probiotics — supports persistence in the gut beyond intake duration.

Mechanism of action

1

Strain-specific bioactivity

Different L. salivarius strains exhibit distinct clinical evidence and bioactivity profiles. Foundation principle: L. salivarius is not monolithic — strain-specific selection determines clinical relevance for any given indication.

2

Surface protein gut adherence + colonization

Surface proteins enable gut adherence and sustained colonization — moves beyond transient-transit probiotic ecology.

3

Mutans streptococci reduction (oral)

WB21 and related oral-health strains directly reduce S. mutans (the primary cariogenic bacterium) and other oral pathogenic bacteria.

4

Lactic acid + bacteriocin production

Lactic acid production lowers local pH; bacteriocin production provides targeted antimicrobial activity. Multi-mechanism antimicrobial activity profile.

5

Anti-inflammatory immunomodulation (Ls-33)

Ls-33 murine models — gut barrier improvement and anti-inflammatory immunomodulation. Mechanistic basis for the metabolic and obesity applications.

6

Postbiotic heat-killed activity (CP3365)

Heat-killed CP3365 retains clinical activity without live bacteria — postbiotic application. Useful in immunocompromised populations or where live probiotics are not desired.

Clinical trials

1
WB21 Caries Risk Reduction Trial

WB21 randomized open-label trial plus short-term 8-volunteer administration (UMIN000013160). 2.0×10⁹ CFU/day for 2 weeks significantly decreased mutans streptococci (P=0.039).

Clinical population described in trial publication.

WB21 randomized open-label trial plus short-term 8-volunteer administration (UMIN000013160). 2.0×10⁹ CFU/day for 2 weeks significantly decreased mutans streptococci (P=0.039). Earlier comparison vs TI 2711, Ovalgen® DC, and xylitol — WB21 and TI 2711 lactobacilli increases. Foundational caries-prevention evidence.

2
CP3365 Heat-Killed Periodontal Health 8-Week Clinical Trial

Heat-killed CP3365 (UMIN000045656) double-blind clinical trial (n=64) × 8 weeks.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Heat-killed CP3365 (UMIN000045656) double-blind clinical trial (n=64) × 8 weeks. Significantly inhibited increases in plaque control record, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth (P<0.05). 16S rRNA: Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Haemophilus relative abundance decreased. Postbiotic application.

3
Ls-33 Obese Adolescents Fecal Microbiota Study

Ls-33 fecal microbiota study in obese adolescents.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Ls-33 fecal microbiota study in obese adolescents. Obesity and gut barrier indication evidence; metabolic-strain application.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; food-grade probiotic origin.
Mild GI upset, bloating (rare; transient).
Pregnancy/lactation: food-grade origin supports general safety; specific data limited.
Long-term safety: multiple multi-week trials supportive.
Allergic reactions in milk-derived ingredient sensitivities (rare for fermented milk forms).
Strain identity verification important — generic 'L. salivarius' not equivalent.
Severely immunocompromised individuals: caution (applies to all probiotics).

Important Drug interactions

Antibiotics: take 2-3 hours apart from probiotic dose.
Most medications: well-tolerated combination profile.
Immunosuppressants: caution (applies to all probiotics).
Other probiotics: compatible.
Anticoagulants: no interactions documented.
Toothpaste/oral hygiene products: compatible (oral applications).

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Frequently asked questions about Lactobacillus salivarius (Multi-Strain)

What is Lactobacillus salivarius used for?

L. salivarius is studied for oral and gum health, immune support, and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, as well as general gut balance. It naturally inhabits the mouth and gut.

How much L. salivarius should I take?

Common doses provide about 1 to 10 billion CFU per day. For oral-health goals, lozenge forms are used. Strain identity matters, so check the label.

When should I take L. salivarius?

Once daily, with or before a meal for gut goals; for oral health, lozenges are used after brushing. Consistency over several weeks is key for most benefits.

Is L. salivarius safe?

It is generally very safe and well tolerated. Severely immunocompromised or critically ill people should consult a doctor before taking live probiotics.

What is Lactobacillus salivarius?

Probiotic species (recently reclassified as Ligilactobacillus salivarius) with multiple strain-specific clinical applications: WB21 (oral health, caries reduction), CP3365 (heat-killed periodontal health), UCC118 (gut barrier, fermented milk), CECT5713 (immune support), Ls-33 (obesity/gut barrier), LS01/DSM 22775 (atop…

What is the recommended dosage of Lactobacillus salivarius?

The clinically studied dose is Oral health (WB21): 2.0×10⁹ CFU/day. Periodontal (heat-killed CP3365): daily tablet. Strain selection essential — match strain to indication. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Lactobacillus salivarius safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Lactobacillus salivarius is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; food-grade probiotic origin. Mild GI upset, bloating (rare; transient). It may also interact with some medications. Lactobacillus salivarius is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Lactobacillus salivarius interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antibiotics: take 2-3 hours apart from probiotic dose. Most medications: well-tolerated combination profile. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Lactobacillus salivarius?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Lactobacillus salivarius as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Drago L, De Vecchi E, Toscano M, et al. Treatment of atopic dermatitis eczema with a high concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 associated with an innovative gelling complex: a pilot study on adults. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2014;48 Suppl 1:S47-51..PubMedUsed to support: Pilot randomized trial of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 for atopic dermatitis in adults.