In vitro assessment of antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-modulating abilities of lactic acid bacteria: Implications for metabolic health and functional foods

This study aimed to demonstrate Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NWAFU334 (L. paracasei NWAFU334) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum NWAFU0035 (L. fermentum NWAFU0035) industrial applicability as functional agents with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The research unveiled their remarkable potential in cholesterol removal under challenging intestinal and gastric conditions. Notably, both strains demonstrated a spectrum of potent antioxidant activities, including scavenging of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and DPPH free radicals, along with resistance to ABTS•+ radical cations. Similarly, they showed remarkable simulated gastric and intestinal fluid resistance, lipid peroxidation inhibition, notable inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, and α-amylase, as well as exhibited exopolysaccharide production. The study highlighted the significance of L. paracasei NWAFU334 and L. fermentum NWAFU0035 in managing metabolic disorders and the exopolysaccharides production ability in enhancing human health and the food industry. This research provides a compelling foundation for advancing microbiology and functional foods as therapeutic supplements for metabolic disorders.