ABSTRACT
Probiotics, derived from the Greek word meaning “supporting or favoring life,” are commonly defi ned as live microorganisms (bacteria or yeasts) that exert a benefi cial effect on the health of the host, when ingested (33). Probiotics have gained wide spread acceptance as viable therapeutic options in a variety of gastrointestinal and liver conditions. In addition, they are also undergoing active investigation for their possible role in a variety of other disease conditions. For organisms to be considered as a probiotic, the following criteria need to be fulfi lled (15): • It should be isolated from the same species as its intended host • It should have a demonstrable benefi cial effect on the host • It should be non-pathogenic • It should be able to survive transit through the gastrointestinal tract • On storage, large number of viable bacteria must be able to survive prolonged periods.
