Deep Dive into the Keystone Strains: the Science
Materia Medica Restorative Herbalism Center
Our Keystone Strains Custom Blend uses targeted, food-based probiotic support prepared in a cultured yogurt. Each of the strains below has been selected for a specific reason. This page goes deeper into the research and mechanisms behind each one so you can understand what is happening in the body and why.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and reflects the science behind the strains used in our formulations. Our offerings are designed to support and nourish the body, not to diagnose or treat any condition. Questions? Reach out to us directly.
Lactobacillus Plantarum
Digestive Health
Helps clear the digestive tract and soothe intestinal walls, alleviating bloating, gas, and abdominal pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Strengthens the mucosal lining of the intestines, making it more difficult for harmful bacteria and pathogens to thrive.
Produces lactic acid to create a slightly acidic environment that discourages the growth of harmful bacteria.
Nutrient Absorption
Can significantly boost absorption of non-heme iron, the type found in plants, which is highly beneficial for preventing anemia.
Some strains produce B-vitamins including riboflavin (B2) and folate (B9).
Immunity and Inflammation
Interacts with immune cells to modulate the body's inflammatory response, helping prevent overreactions like allergies or autoimmune flares.
Produces natural antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins that directly inhibit harmful, disease-causing bacteria.
Metabolic and Heart Health
Clinical trials suggest certain strains can help significantly lower total cholesterol and keep LDL cholesterol in check.
Mental Wellbeing and the Gut-Brain Axis
Emerging research suggests certain strains positively influence the gut-brain connection, potentially reducing perceived stress, fatigue, and improving sleep quality.
Skin Health
Suppresses the overgrowth of the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts and reduces excessive sebum production.
Oral supplementation shifts the body's immune response away from the allergic pathway that causes eczema, reducing redness, swelling, and itching.
Clinical trials have shown it can reduce wrinkle depth, boost skin elasticity, and improve natural glow after 12 weeks.
Encourages the synthesis of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, locking in epidermal moisture and reducing water loss.
Bifidobacterium Longum
Digestive Health
Breaks down dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which nourish colon cells, regulate pH, and help alleviate bloating, diarrhea, and chronic constipation.
Reinforces the tight junctions in the gut lining, protecting against leaky gut and preventing pathogens from crossing the intestinal mucosa.
Gut-Brain Axis and Stress
Certain specialized strains have been shown to modulate brain activity, helping to lower perceived psychological stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mood.
Works particularly well when paired with L. Helveticus for stress and mood support.
Immunity and Inflammation
Interacts directly with immune cells, boosting the body's defense against respiratory infections.
Helps regulate the gut barrier to reduce low-grade chronic inflammation.
Lactobacillus Helveticus
Mental Health and Stress Reduction
Functioning as a psychobiotic, specific strains help regulate the gut-brain axis. Clinical trials demonstrate that when combined with Bifidobacterium Longum, it significantly reduces anxiety, depression scores, and perceived psychological distress.
Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Support
Produces specific bioactive peptides that act as natural ACE inhibitors, helping to lower high blood pressure.
Nutrient Absorption and Digestion
Strong ability to digest proteins enhances absorption of essential nutrients, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Efficiently metabolizes lactose and galactose, making it highly effective at reducing digestive discomfort for those with lactose intolerance.
Immune and Sleep Support
Studies indicate it can stimulate the immune response to shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections and improve sleep efficiency, particularly in older adults.
Bifidobacterium Infantis
Infant Gut Microbiome
Specifically adapted to metabolize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), complex carbohydrates in breast milk that human cells cannot digest on their own.
Quickly colonizes the infant gut, reducing pathogens and establishing a healthy microbial environment.
Immune System Development
Aids in training the developing immune system, leading to better immune regulation and potentially improved responses to vaccinations.
Digestive Health
Supplementation has been shown to reduce symptoms of colic, alleviate IBS symptoms such as pain and bloating, and decrease the risk of digestive issues in premature babies.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Produces short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which strengthen the gut barrier and reduce intestinal inflammation.
Particularly beneficial for infants with severe acute malnutrition or high levels of intestinal inflammation.
Lactobacillus Casei
Digestive Health and Regularity
Aids in breaking down nutrients, maintaining gut barrier function, and relieving constipation.
Has been shown to reduce symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation.
Can reduce the incidence of diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.
Immune System Modulation
Helps boost the immune system by stimulating immune cells and fighting off pathogenic bacteria, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health
May help modulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, potentially improving mood and reducing anxiety.
Inflammation and Chronic Illness
Has shown potential in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing blood pressure, and managing dyslipidemia.
Skin Health
Some evidence suggests it may improve skin hydration and reduce eczema symptoms.
Lactobacillus Gasseri
Weight Management and Fat Loss
Studies indicate that specific strains help reduce abdominal fat, body weight, and waist circumference in as little as 12 weeks by modulating gut microbiota, reducing fat absorption, and influencing metabolism.
Digestive Health and IBS
Effective at improving gut health, reducing bloating, managing constipation, and relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially abdominal pain.
Vaginal Health
As a core component of the vaginal microbiota, helps prevent bacterial vaginosis, fights infections, and may help lower the risk of HPV.
Immune System Modulation
Helps boost immunity by increasing T-cell production, reducing inflammation, and potentially improving allergic symptoms.
Metabolic Health and Stress Reduction
Some studies suggest it can reduce cholesterol levels and alleviate stress-related physical and mental symptoms.
Lactobacillus Crispatus
Vaginal Microbiome Protection
Considered a dominant and protective member of a healthy vaginal microbiome.
Produces lactic acid to maintain a vaginal pH typically below 4.5, helping prevent the growth and attachment of vaginal pathogens including Gardnerella vaginalis, the primary cause of bacterial vaginosis.
Produces hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins, natural antimicrobial agents that inhibit both bacteria and fungi including Candida albicans.
Vaginal Epithelial Health
Forms its own protective biofilm on the vaginal wall, preventing pathogenic biofilms from forming.
Maintains a strong mucosal barrier by producing metabolites that promote vaginal epithelial health and integrity.
Prevents pathogens from adhering to vaginal cells, a critical first step in preventing infection.
Immune Modulation
Has been shown to enhance gene expression related to immune defense while simultaneously calming inflammation.
Reduces the activation of immune cells like dendritic cells, helping to avoid overreaction to normal stimuli and keeping the vaginal environment in a more balanced, less inflamed state.
Bacillus Coagulans
Digestive Health
A hardy, spore-forming probiotic that survives stomach acid to deliver benefit where it is needed.
Clinical studies show it significantly improves IBS symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, and is effective in normalizing bowel movements and stool consistency.
Immune System Support
Acts as an immune modulator, aiding the body's defense against infections.
Has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Produces digestive enzymes that assist in breaking down food, increasing the absorption of nutrients and amino acids, specifically when taken with protein.
Anti-Inflammatory and Joint Health
Has demonstrated potential in reducing disability and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Vaginal and Oral Health
When used in specific applications, may assist in treating non-specific vaginitis.
Being researched for its potential to improve oral health by reducing gingivitis.
A Note on Sources
The information on this page is drawn from clinical research and Karen's professional training in restorative herbalism and functional nutrition. It is intended for educational purposes and reflects the science behind the strains used in our formulations. As always, our offerings are designed to support and nourish the body, not to diagnose or treat any condition.
Have questions about which blend might be right for you? We would love to hear from you.