According to a study published in the ‘Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journal’, usage of spore-forming probiotics was found to be safe and effective in patients with functional dyspepsia, showing better clinical responses. The common species found in spore-forming probiotics include Bacillus indicus (HU36), Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus lichenformis, Bacillus megaterium.

The study was an exploratory, placebo-controlled, pilot trial which included 68 patients with functional dyspepsia, to assess the effectiveness of spore-forming probiotics as monotherapy or add on therapy.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

• Greater proportion of clinical responses were identified in the probiotics group than the placebo group.
• Number of patients with adverse events was similar in both probiotics and placebo groups.
• Serious adverse events were evaluated as unlikely to be related to study product

In conclusion, the results of the study confirmed that spore forming probiotics are safe and efficacious as monotherapy or add on therapy for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. This treatment method showed potentially beneficial immune and microbial changes, which could possibly provide insights for future treatment targets.