Acteria Capsule

Pharmacology

Acteria capsule is a type of probiotics herbal medicine. Studies of probiotic activity in recent years provide evidence that probiotics counter experimental and human gastrointestinal inflammation (human inflammatory bowel disease) by their effects on epithelial cell function, including epithelial cell barrier function, epithelial cytokine secretion and their antibacterial effects relating to colonization of the epithelial layer. It reduces gastrointestinal pH through the stimulation of lactic-acid-producing bacteria; provides a direct antagonistic action on gastrointestinal pathogens. Moreover, it competes with pathogens for binding and receptor sites. In addition, there is emerging evidence that probiotics induce regulatory T cells that act as a break on the effector T cells that would otherwise cause inflammation.

Lactobacilli are effective in preventing the enteropathogen-mediated infection by competing for nutrients and binding sites, by secreting antimicrobial substances such as organic acids, bacteriocins and hydrogen peroxide, and by reducing gut pH and producing biosurfactants. 

Bifidobacteria work by adhesion to the gut epithelium followed by colonization, production of metabolites and lowering of pH and release of bacteriocins.

History of Probiotics

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, including Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacteriun species and yeasts, which may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the several bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus. It gets its name from lacto meaning milk, bacillus meaning rod-like in shape and acidophilus meaning acid loving. L.acidophilus occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including daily, grain, meat and fish. It is also present in human (and animal) intestine, mouth and vagina. These types of healthy bacteria inhabit in the intestine, vagina and protect against some unhealthy organisms.

 Bifidobacteria are normal inhabitants of the human and animal colon. Newborns, especially those that are breast-fed, are colonized with bifidobacteria within days after birth. Bifidobacteria were first isolated from the feces of breast fed infants. They are gram positive anaerobes, non motile, non-spore forming and catalase-negative. Their name is derived from the observation that they often exist in a ‘Y’-shaped or bifid form. To date 30 species of bifidobacteria have been isolated. 

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is one of the several bacteria used for the production of yogurt. First defined in 1905 by the Bulgarian doctor stamen Girgorov, it is named after Bulgaria. Morphologically it is a gram positive rod that may appear long and filamentous. It is also non motile and it does not form spores. The bacterium feeds on milk and produces lactic acid which also helps to preserve the milk. It breaks down lactose and is often helpful to sufferers of lactose to simpler sugars.

Composition

Each capsule contains-

• Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 billion)
• Bifidobacterium bifidum (1 billion)
• Lactobacillus bulgaricus (1 billion) and 
• Fructo-Oligosaccharides (100mg).

Uses of Acteria

Acteria is used specially for treatment of weak immune system and indigestion. It is indicated for-

• Prevention and treatment of diarrhea
• Alleviation of lactose intolerance
• Prevention and treatment of vaginal infections
• Enhancement of the immune system
• Treatment of allergic conditions
• Digestive problems 
• Antibiotic-associated illness 

Dosage and Administration 

For Adults: 1-2 Capsules, 3 times daily or as directed by the physician. 

Use in  & Adolescents: Patients from 1-12 years of age, one capsule daily.

Children: one sachet daily Capsules or powder can be emptied and mixed with food, milk or drink.

Price in Bangladesh

The maximum retail price per packet of acteria powder is 42 tk  and each capsule is 40 tk.

Interaction 

No further information of interaction is available.

Contradiction 

There are no absolute contra-indications to probiotics.

Side Effects of Acteria Capsule

There are No side effects of using probiotics. 

Pregnancy and Lactation

Probiotics are unlikely to reach the systemic circulation of the fetus, therefore are unlikely to cause harm. As probiotics are rarely systemically absorbed, they are not expected to transfer into breast milk.

Storage

Store below 25°C, keep in a dry place and protect from light. To maintain optimum shelf-life and potency, store in the refrigerator. Keep out of the reach of children.