Hypertension, high cholesterol, abnormal lipid levels, obesity, and diabetes are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Probiotics from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may play a role in reducing these risks. Seven LAB strains, including Lactobacillus helveticus MTCC 5463 (V3), Streptococcus thermophilus MTCC 5460 (MD2), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MTCC 5462 (I4), Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains BM15 and BM24; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains F7 and F11, were screened for bile deconjugation, antioxidant activity, lipase inhibition, cholesterol assimilation, ACE inhibition, proteolytic activity, and antidiabetic potential. Strain V3 demonstrated superior bile deconjugation, while BM24 exhibited the highest antioxidant and lipase inhibition activities. F7 showed the strongest ACE inhibition, while I4 excelled in α-glucosidase inhibition. MD2 and BM24 had the highest α-amylase inhibition. Viability studies revealed strong survival under acidic (pH 2.0) and bile (0.5%) conditions, with log CFU/mL values of 4.11–5.41. Autoaggregation ranged from 31–66%, and coaggregation from 10–36% with various pathogens, highlighting strain-specific probiotic potential. Strains V3, MD2, I4, and BM24 were particularly effective across key parameters, including bile deconjugation (309–350 μg/mL), antioxidant activity (54–73%), and antidiabetic effects (α-amylase inhibition 80–94%, α-glucosidase inhibition 26–58%). Their antimicrobial effects further underscore their cardioprotective potential. This study emphasizes the strain-specific mechanisms of LAB in mitigating CVD risks, offering insights into developing multi-strain probiotics for cardioprotection and advancing probiotic research

Probiotics, Bile deconjugation, Antioxidant activity, ACE and Lipase inhibition, Cholesterol assimilation, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition

Among the seven LAB strains evaluated for cardioprotective potential, Lactobacillus helveticus MTCC 5463 (V3), Streptococcus thermophilus MTCC 5460 (MD2), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MTCC 5462 (I4), and Limosilactobacillus fermentum (BM24) stood out for their superior performance across a range of bio-functional properties. These strains showed the most effective bile deconjugation, potent antioxidant and lipase inhibition, significant cholesterol assimilation, strong ACE inhibition, notable proteolytic activity, and antidiabetic potential. As a result, they have been identified as promising candidates for use as a multi-strain probiotic. The observed variation in biological activities among LAB strains highlights the importance of selecting specific strains based on their unique properties to address targeted health issues. Leveraging the unique capabilities of individual LAB strains will be key to optimizing therapeutic efficacy and expanding their use in health-promoting and disease-preventing products

Heena Parmar, Urmila Parmar, Sreeja V., Saroj Chaudhary and Kiran S. (2025). Cardioprotective Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria: An in vitro screening Study. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 17(1): 14-26