Potential application of the probiotic Bacillus licheniformis as an adjuvant in the treatment of diseases in humans and animals: A systematic review

Abstract

The use of Bacillus licheniformis as a probiotic has increased significantly in recent years. Published reports demonstrate that it provides multiple benefits for health. Although there are already studies in humans and is marketed, it is mostly used in the veterinary industry still. However, its benefits could be extrapolated to humans in future. This review addresses the application of B. licheniformis, its sporulation, mechanisms of action, and its role in the resolution, treatment, and prevention of different conditions and diseases. It focuses on scientific advances from 2016 to mid-2022 and emphasizes the most common diseases in the general population. Most of the 70% of published studies about the health benefits of B. licheniformis have been published from 2016 until now. The intake of B. licheniformis has been related to the effects of modulation of the intestinal microbiota, antimicrobial activity, growth promotion, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects, promotion of the regulation of the lipid profile, increase of neurotransmitters, and stress reduction, among others. These results provide novel possible applications of this and other probiotics in general. Although many benefits can be reported on a microorganism, the combination with others could provide a better effect. Further studies like this need to be done to understand the specific advantages of each probiotic and its strains and therefore achieve a better selection of them for a specific disease or disorder.

Characterization of Bacillus Strains from Natural Honeybee Products with High Keratinolytic Activity and Antimicrobial Potential

“…The possession of PKS genes is very common in Bacillus species, including in B. subtilis and B. licheniformis . In this study, and others, it has been shown that B. licheniformis is able to synthesize different antimicrobial compounds that can inhibit the growth of specific bacteria, which could be useful to tackle certain diseases associated with animals and plants in downstream applications with the strain [ 55 ]. The B. licheniformis CG1 isolate was predicted to have secondary metabolite clusters associated with the synthesis of lichenysin and lichenicidin, which is consistent with the literature [ 56 , 57 ].…”

Molecular identification and safety assessment of the potential probiotic strain Bacillus paralicheniformis HMPM220325 isolated from artisanal fruit dairy products

“…B. paralicheniformis exhibits the closest phylogenetic relationship to B. licheniformis , 19 a probiotic extensively employed in human health, veterinary practices, and aquaculture. 20 There is a paucity of research conducted on B. paralicheniformis ; however, the existing evidence indicates that it exhibits the ability to synthesize cholesterol oxidase and lipase, enabling efficient degradation of cholesterol. 21 Additionally, it demonstrates a protective effect on porcine jejunum epithelial cells against oxidative damage induced by H 2 O 2 through the activation of the MAPK pathway.…”

Molecular dynamics and simulation analysis against superoxide dismutase (SOD) target of Micrococcus luteus with secondary metabolites from Bacillus licheniformis recognized by genome mining approach

“…It is generally found in soil, water and various natural environments ( Parkinson 2019 ). B. licheniformis has gained substantial attention due to its versatile metabolic capabilities and potential applications in industry and biotechnology ( Muras et al, 2021 , Ramirez-Olea et al, 2022 ). It is recognized to produce an array of secondary metabolites including certain antibiotics with antimicrobial activity ( Mondol et al, 2013 , Muras et al, 2021 ).…”