Studie
Human Clinical Studies
on Fermented Vegetable Extract OM-X
“OM-X” is a fermented vegetable extract that combines dozens of different kinds of plants fermented with a mixture of 12 kinds of probiotic strains. We performed many human clinical studies not only in Japan, but also in foreign countries. The data from the studies have gained worldwide recognition.
Improvement of the Balance of Bacteria Responsible for Gaining or Losing Weight
Collaborative research with Hokkaido University of Science (2018)
The intake of OM-X capsules improved the balance of bacteria responsible for gaining or losing weight in the intestines of healthy people.
Objective
We examined whether the capsules filled with OM-X extract (OM-X capsules) can improve the balance of gut microbiota in healthy people who tend to be constipated.
Methods
The test subjects were twenty healthy male and female who tend to be constipated and were divided into two groups: taking placebo or OM-X capsules three times a day. After 10 days of ingestion, one month of non administration period was set. Then, a complete cross-over of OM-X or placebo materials were provided to the subjects. Their fecal matter was collected before and after the test material ingestion. The analysis of their gut microbiota was conducted on the fecal matter.
Results
Many research papers have suggested that there are increased bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes and decreased numbers from the phylum Bacteroidetes in the intestines of obese people. The phylum Firmicutes is often considered as the bacteria responsible for weight gain. Through this experiment, the number of phylum Bacteroidetes was significantly increased and the phylum Firmicutes was significantly reduced after ingesting OM-X. Based on these results, OM-X can improve the balance of gut microbiota
Increase of VO2 max
Journal of Appleid Nutrition 53, 1-6 (2003)
The OM-X capsule is effective in increasing the level of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max).
Objective
We examined the influence of the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max: an index which shows the maximum oxygen consumption capacity per minute of a person) after taking the OM-X capsules.
Methods
The study subjects were six adult male athletes. We measured their VO2 max before taking the OM-X capsules. The subjects took the OM-X capsules every day for two weeks. After the ingestion periods were concluded, we measured their VO2 max, hemoglobin levels in blood and blood lactate levels. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of the OM-X capsules toward VO2 max by comparing it with the levels that were measured before starting the ingestion.
Results
The intake of the OM-X capsules for 2 weeks increased the VO2 max of the six adult male subjects being tested. The increment of VO2 max was by an average of 30% per weight.
There was not much change in the blood lactate levels and the hemoglobin levels in blood increased approximately 8.4 % after the intake of the OM-X capsules.
This study has revealed that the OM-X capsules can increase the VO2 max of athletes.
Constipation Improvement
The 69th Annual Meeting of Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science (2015)
The OM-X capsule is effective in reducing constipation and improving the stool condition among female college students having a tendency toward constipation.
Objective
We evaluated the influence on bowel movement and the properties of stools by the intake of an encapsulated OM-X extract (OM-X capsule) among female college students having a tendency to be constipated.
Methods
The subjects for the study were selected from 54 female college students with either a normal bowel movement or a tendency toward constipation. We examined the habits of bowel movement of each subject for 2 weeks before, during and after taking the OM-X capsules. The statistics on both groups were reviewed along the test items of defecation frequency, stool output, color, form, smell, and relief the subjects feel.
Results
The female college students having a tendency to be constipated showed a significant increase in defecation frequency and stool output in comparison with their conditions before taking the OM-X capsules. According to the other index of stool including color, form, smell, and relief the subjects feel, the frequency of stools with the ideal conditions also increased during the intake periods.
These results suggested that an intake of the OM-X capsules help to relieve constipation for people who tend to
experience hard bowel movements.
Allevation of Pneumonia
3rd Asian Congress of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and 13th Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of The Philippines Annual Convention (2006)
The OM-X capsule is effective in reducing the length of hospital stay of infants with pneumonia.
Objective
We examined the improvements of pneumonia symptoms by ingestion of OM-X capsules among infants with severe pneumonia.
Methods
The test subjects were 76 infants between 6-24 months old with severe pneumonia at the hospital in the Philippines. We divided the infants into a group that was administrated only antibiotics and a group with OM-X + antibiotic (low amount). Then, we compared the subject groups with respect to the average number of days taken until the alleviation of coughing and fever, which are an index of the pneumonia symptoms. We cut a capsule and gave its contents to the infants who could not swallow the OM-X capsule.
Results
In the OM-X + antibiotic (low amount) group, the average number of days taken until alleviation of coughing was remarkably reduced compared to the other group. The average number of days taken until alleviation of fever also became shorter in the OM-X + antibiotic (low amount) group. These results showed that the OM-X capsule is effective in reducing and improving pneumonia symptoms, and possibly contributing to diminish the use of antibiotics.
Improvement in Diarrhea
1st Congress of Asian Society for Pediatric Research (2005)
The OM-X capsule is effective in reducing diarrheal symptoms among infants.
Objective
We examined about improvement in diarrheal symptoms by ingestion of the OM-X capsules among infants with acute non-bloody diarrhea.
Methods
The test subjects were 70 infants between 3-24 months of age with acute non-bloody diarrhea at the hospital in the Philippines. We divided infants into the OM-X administered group and the OM-X non-administration group. Then, we compared subject groups with respect to the following range of items: the number of days with diarrhea, the frequency of defecation per day and the degree of weight restoration during episodes of diarrhea. We cut a capsule and gave its contents to the infants who could not swallow the OM-X capsule.
Results
The infants in the OM-X administered group showed a shortened duration of diarrhea (the average number of days for stool to be formed). The frequency of daily defecation of the infants in the OM-X administered group decreased in comparison with the group without the OM-X capsules.
Furthermore, the group that was administered the OM-X capsules recovered significantly from the weight loss caused by diarrhea. These results showed that the OM-X capsules are effective for improving diarrheal symptoms.
Increase in Bone Density
Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts. 3, 131-144 (1998)
The OM-X capsule is effective in an increment of bone density among adult males and females.
Objective
We examined an increment of bone density by ingestion of the OM-X capsules in healthy adult males and females.
Methods
We divided test subjects into two groups: a group with an intake of the OM-X capsules and the other without the OM-X capsules. After a certain period of time, we measured the bone densities of subjects in each group. The bone density measurements were analyzed based on the volume of bone mineral content in the humerus and ulna at the test subjectsʼ non-dominant hand, bone mass, and the ratio of bone areas and bone mass.
Results
Overall, male subjects in the group given the OM-X capsules showed about 20% higher scores in bone density compared to those without the OM-X capsules. Female subjects with the OM-X capsules showed 12% higher scores than those without the OM-X capsules. The same tendency was observed in every aging group.
In the aspect of bone areas, the group with the OM-X capsule also showed higher values.
These results suggested that an intake of the OM-X capsules is effective in an increment of bone density and bone area regardless of age or gender.
Alleviation of Dengue Fever
Asian Conference on Dirrhoeal Diseases and Nutrition (2006)
The OM-X capsule is effective in reducing symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Objective
We examined the improvements of dengue hemorrhagic fever symptoms among child patients ingesting OM-X capsules.
Methods
The test subjects were 36 patients between 4-18 years old with symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever (grade I and II) at the hospital in the Philippines. We divided the patients into the OM-X administered group and the placebo group. Then, we compared the subject groups with following index: recovery from the fever, restoration of appetite, abdominal pain, bleeding, blood cell count and platelet count.
Results
The number of days taken until fever abatement was significantly shortened in the group with OM-X capsule compared to the placebo group. The number of days taken until restoration of appetite was also significantly shortened.
These results showed that an intake of the OM-X capsule during an infectious episode of dengue hemorrhagic fever hastened recovery from the febrile symptoms and loss of appetite.
The blood cell counts tended to increase at an early point in the group with OM-X capsule compared to the placebo group.
Improvement in Urinary Tract Infection
The OM-X capsule showed a preventive effect against urinary tract infection.
Objective
We compared the effect of the OM-X capsules and an antibiotic (nitrofurantoin) against recurrent urinary tract infection among children with urinary tract abnormalities.
Methods
The test subjects were 56 patients with urinary tract infection at the hospital in the Philippines. We divided the patients into a group that was administrated OM-X capsules and a group that was administrated antibiotic (nitrofurantoin). Then, we compared the subject groups regarding their potential level of to prevent a relapse of urinary tract infection.
Results
Regarding the potential to prevent a relapse of urinary tract infection among children with urinary tract abnormalities, the group that was administrated OM-X capsules showed a similar high defense rate against infection as the group that was administrated with the antibiotic. In late years, we are amid growing concerns over the emergence of drug-resistant strains of bacteria from overuse of antibiotics. The fact that the OM-X capsules showed the same effectiveness as antibiotics allow us to expect them to be an alternative to antibiotics.
Human Safety Test
The product safety at human level has been demonstrated through a collaborative research with Harvard University.
Objective
We conducted a collaborative research with Harvard University in the United States in order to demonstrate that the ingestion of OM-X capsules has no adverse effect on the human body.
Methods
At a hospital affiliated with Harvard University, 46 test subjects were divided into two groups: taking placebo or OM-X capsules. We confirmed whether there were abnormalities two weeks after the start of this test and when the test was completed (30 days later).
Results
No adverse effects were observed in blood biochemistry data or medical diagnoses in the group who ingested OM-X capsules. Based on these results, we demonstrated that the OM-X capsules do not adversely affect the human body and are a safe food when people take them on a daily basis.
Malnutrition Improvement
The OM-X capsule is effective in increasing the weight of malnourished children.
Objective
We examined the improvements in immune markers and symptoms of malnutrition by ingestion of the OM-X capsules among malnourished children.
Methods
The test subjects were 29 children with malnutrition at the hospital in the Philippines. We observed the OM-X capsules adinistrated malnourished children group with following index: immune markers, weights, incidence rate and duration of infection, and measured the effect of the OM-X capsules.
Results
The weight of malnourished children significantly increased in the group that was administrated OM-X capsules compared with the other group. The incidence rates of infection were the same level in both groups. However, the duration of infection was significantly shortened in the group with the OM-X capsules. This result suggested that an intake of the OM-X capsules contributed to improve the nutritional status of malnourished children.
Human Test For Overdose
A high level of safety was confirmed under the condition of ingesting an amount 5 times greater than the normal dosage.
Objective
We conducted a collaborative clinical study in order to demonstrate that there is no adverse effect on the human body even when people ingest a dosage five times greater (15 capsules) of OM-X capsules than the ordinary dosage (3 capsules) on a daily basis.
Methods
Ten test subjects ingested 15 OM-X capsules daily for one month. Their blood samples were collected before and after the ingestion period and blood biochemistry data was investigated.
Results
No adverse effects were observed in blood biochemistry data even in cases of an intake of 15 capsules. Based on this result, we confirmed that there was no adverse effect on the human body even when people ingest more OM-X capsules than the recommended dosage of 3 capsules per day.
In vitro Studies
related to Fermented Vegetable Extract OM-X
We perform in vitro studies (test tube experiments) with the fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract). These studies are absolutely imperative to understand the potential functions that the OM-X extract may contain. Continuing these ordinary studies holds the potential to make a major discovery.
Metabolome Analysis
In-house study data
We discovered that the fermented vegetable extract OM-X contains over 400 kinds of various nutrients.
Objective
We predicted that a large number of fermented metabolic compounds, which were produced by fermenting dozens of vegetable materials with lactic acid bacteria, are contained in OM-X extract. We performed metabolome analysis in order to find these compounds exhaustively.
Methods
Metabolome analysis is a method to analyze in-depth water-soluble and fat-soluble low molecular weight compounds with the combination of different methods. This method conclusively detects various nutritional components present in OM-X extract.
Results
Beyond our expectation, the study revealed that OM-X extract contains more than 400 types of nutrients, including compounds that are similar to neurotransmitters and hormones, as well as DHA and EPA. 60 kinds of organic acids which are important for the intestinal environment were also found.
These compounds are produced by going through a repetition of fermentation and maturation processes over a long period of time, and will work effectively when they are absorbed in the human body.
Prebiotic Effect
In-house study data
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) promotes the proliferation of various lactic acid bacteria which in turn plays a role of prebiotics.
Objective
We examined the OM-X extract to see if it stimulates the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria which are typical good bacteria (prebiotics effect).
Methods
We conducted this study on 6 different strains of lactic acid bacteria. We prepared 2 types of culture media for the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria: a medium with the application of 1% of the OM-X extract and a medium without OM-X. Then, we observed the proliferating potential of each strain.
Results
Genus lactobacillus (Lactobacillus fermentum, L. brevis, L. halveticus, L. casei and L. plantarum) and genus streptococcus (Streptococcus thermophilus) showed greater proliferation potencies in the culture medium where the OM-X extract was applied than the other medium without OM-X. In the previous study, we observed greater proliferation potencies in the culture medium where the OM-X extract was applied than other media with applying dietary fiber or oligosaccharides. These results suggested that the OM-X extract plays a role of prebiotics for good bacteria.
Accumulation of Active Ingredients
Annual Conference of the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry (2010)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) showed an increment of levels of contained polyphenols and melanoidins proportionally with the prolongation of its fermentation and maturation periods.
Objective
The OM-X extract gains more food functionalities by undergoing fermentation and maturation processes. We examined the level of polyphenols which are known to be a functional ingredient from plants and melanoidins which are known to be a functional ingredient from fermented foods including Miso and Soy sauce.
Methods
Melanoidins are a functional ingredient that is formed when sugars and amino acids combine through the Maillard reaction. We refined the OM-X extract in order to remain the absorption wavelength in A450nm and measured it with a spectrophotometer. We measured polyphenols with Folin-Denis assay.
Results
The contained amount of melanoidins in the OM-X extract increased drastically over time, especially an increment level after the second year was prominent. The contained amount of polyphenols also increased drastically over time. These results suggested that the OM-X extract gains more functional ingredients like melanoidins and polyphenols by undergoing a prolonged unheated fermentation process.
Antioxidant Property, ACE-Inhibiting Activity
Annual Conference of the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry (2010)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) showed an increment of its antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity of blood pressure elevation that is proportional to its fermentation and maturation periods.
Objective
The OM-X extract undergoes fermentation and maturation processes for a maximum of 5 years. We examined a shift of its antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity of blood pressure through its fermentation and maturation periods.
Methods
We measured the level of DPPH radical-scavenging activity in order to examine the potential level of the antioxidant activity of the OM-X extract. Subsequently, we measured the level of angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibiting activity (ACE-inhibiting activity) as an index of inhibitory activity of blood pressure elevation.
Results
The OM-X extract undergoes unheated processes for fermentation and maturation for a long time. The extract was sampled immediately after the start of fermentation, after 6 months, 2 years and 5 years to see its food functionality. The level of DPPH radical-scavenging activity, the index of the antioxidant activity, was increased in process of time. The ACE-inhibiting activity which is the index of inhibitory activity of blood pressure elevation also increased over time. These results suggested that the OM-X extract gains more food functionalities by undergoing prolonged unheated fermentation processes.
Antibacterial Activity (Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
In-house study data
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X showed an antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa that causes green nails.
Objective
When nails turn green, one of the reasons is a type of bacterial infection that causes this condition. The green discoloration occurs when Pseudomonas aeruginosa infects the nails. We examined the antimicrobial activity of OM-X extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Methods
Pseudomonas aeruginosa was grown on a petri dish. A paper disk soaked with OM-X extract was placed in the center of the petri dish and cultured. If an antibacterial reaction occurs, an inhibition ring against bacteria is formed. We examined the antibacterial activity by measuring the size of the inhibition ring
Results
OM-X extract formed a large inhibition ring against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This means that it showed an antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. OM-X also showed a high antibacterial activity against various other bacteria causing food poisoning and in-hospital infection such as Clostridium difficile during similar examinations.
Analysis of D-amino Acids
In-house study data
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X contains a special D-amino acid indispensable for keeping the skin beautiful.
Objective
Besides amino acids that form proteins in the body (L-amino acids), D-amino acids are present in nature and in fermented foods. Lately, D-amino acids are being recognized as essential compounds for keeping the skin beautiful. The level of D-amino acids naturally declines as a result of aging. We performed an analysis to detect D-amino acids present in OM-X extract.
Methods
OM-X extract was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. D-amino acids were isolated under special conditions, and their types and quantities were measured.
Results
Based on this examination, we found that a total of seven kinds of D-amino acids exist in OM-X extract, especially a large amount of D-proline, D-aspartic acid, D-alanine, and D-leucine were detected.
According to other studies, intestinal bacteria produce D-amino acids through intestinal fermentation. The result from our examination suggested that during the fermentation process that takes place in production of OM-X, the same synthesis of D-amino acids occurs.
GLP-1 Stimulating Action
Integrative Molecular Medicine. 4, 1-5 (2017)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X stimulates digestive tract cells that have been extracted from rats and promotes the production of a gastrointestinal hormone GLP-1.
Objective
GLP-1 secreted from the gastrointestinal tract is one kind of gastrointestinal hormone that promotes the secretion of insulin to lower the blood glucose level. We examined the relationship between OM-X extract and secretory capacity of GLP-1.
Methods
We added OM-X extract to gastrointestinal cells extracted from rats and measured the change in the production of GLP-1, a hormone promoting insulin secretion.
Results
Once we added OM-X extract to the gastrointestinal cells derived from rats, the production of GLP-1 increased. This action was enhanced with the increase in the concentration of the added OM-X extract.
Although the data is not displayed here, in the same research paper, we showed the activation of the immune system by adding OM-X extract to macrophage-like cells. And further, an examination of genes in the liver of OM-X mice confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect and the cell protective effect.
Animal Studies
related to Fermented Vegetable Extract OM-X
We performed not only human clinical studies, but also many laboratory animal studies with the fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) and keep accumulating more data every year. The obtained study results are presented to the academy and published in academic journals. OM-X is a functional fermented extract that receives scholarly attention from foreign countries.
Anti-Allergy Action
Natural Product Communications. 10, 1597-1601 (2015)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) showed an inhibitory effect on model cells and mice with type I allergy.
Objective
We conducted a study to evaluate the anti-allergic property of the OM-X extract by using cell and mouse models which is an index of the type I allergy, including asthma and hay fever.
Methods
In order to evaluate the anti-allergic effect of the OM-X extract, we examined the action of the OM-X extract on the degranulation on rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) which is a model of mast cell and on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction (PCA) by using mouse models of the type I allergy.
Results
<The inhibitory effect against the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells>
The degranulation that provokes allergic reactions was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner of the OM-X extract.
<The inhibitory effect against the type I allergy (mice)>
In the aspect of PCA reaction in mouse models of the type I allergy, the degree of pigmentation decreased and the allergic reactions were suppressed by an ingestion of the OM-X extract.
Muscular Endurance Improvement
Annual Conference of the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry (2015)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) is effective in prolonging swimming duration and enhancing the muscle endurance of mice.
Objective
We examined mice to see if they can extend their swimming duration, which is an index of their athletic ability (muscle endurance), by giving them the OM-X extract.
Methods
We divided the test mice into 2 groups: with and without the administration of the OM-X extract, and recorded their swimming duration. The mice in the administered group received the OM-X extract for four consecutive weeks. Both groups underwent the swimming test once a week for four weeks. We set their swimming duration recorded at the first week as 100% and evaluated results of each test.
Results
The group without the OM-X extract decreased their swimming duration to approx 40% at the second week and the duration became around 50% at the fourth week. In contrast, the swimming duration of the group with the OM-X extract became about 65% at the second week which was significantly extended compared with the group without the OM-X extract. At the fourth week, the swimming duration of the group with the OM-X extract extended 2 times longer than the other group. This record showed a longer swimming duration than their records measured at the first week. On the basis of these results, the OM-X extract contributed to enhance the muscle endurance of mice.
Anti-Fatigue Action
Annual Conference of the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry (2015)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) is effective in the reduction of substances causing fatigue among mouse models for fatigue test.
Objective
We measured the levels of the substances causing fatigue and the gene expression that is involved in the metabolism of ammonia by ingestion of the OM-X extract among mouse models for fatigue test.
Methods
We divided test mice into 2 groups: with and without the OM-X extract, and both groups were given a forced swimming in order to make them be a model for fatigue test. Then, we examined the capacity of lipid metabolism in their blood and liver, and the gene expression of ammonia metabolism in their ornithine cycle.
Results
The results from the examination on the capacity of lipid metabolism in the liver of both groups showed that the level of triglycerides in the blood and the liver of the OM-X group has significantly decreased. There was no change in the level of glucose in the blood and glycogen in the muscles and the liver. In the ornithine cycle, the gene expression (Cps1,Arg1) that is involved in metabolism of ammonia, which is know as a fatigue-causing substance, was significantly increased in the OM-X group. These results suggested that the OM-X extract is effective against the fatigue factors.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
J Functional Foods. 10, 117-127 (2014)
The anti-inflammatory effect of the fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) suppressed the inflammatory reaction in the intestinal tract
on a mouse model of Citrobacter rodentium infection.
Objective
We examined the anti-inflammatory effect of the OM-X extract by using mouse models with bowel inflammation induced by the infection with Citrobacter rodentium which is a mouse pathogen.
Methods
We prepared mouse models with bowel inflammation induced by Citrobacter rodentium in both groups with and without administration of the OM-X extract in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the OM-X extract. After completion of the dosing period, we observed the subject groups with respect to enteritis scores and gene expressions of immune cells which are involved in inflammation and anti-inflammatory activities.
Results
The group given the OM-X extract and infected with the pathogen showed a tendency to reduce the inflammation scores.
Once the subjects are infected with pathogens, they trigger overactive immune responses which in turn invoke inflammation. The group given the OM-X extract before the infection of the pathogen showed a significant increment in FoxP3 expression: the index of Treg cells which play an important role in anti-inflammatory activities.
Moreover, the expression of IL-10 which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine significantly increased.
Improvement of Leaky Gut Symptom
J Functional Foods. 10, 117-127 (2014)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) is effective for the recovery of tight junctions and epithelial cells in the intestine of the infected mice with the pathogen.
Objective
We examined the contribution of the OM-X extract for the recovery of epithelial cells in the intestine of mouse models with a leaky gut symptom induced by the infection with mouse pathogen.
Methods
We destroyed the epithelial cells in the mice intestines and orally administered Citrobacter rodentium in order to prepare the mouse models with a leaky gut symptom. Then, we confirmed the conditions of the epithelial cells through the examinations on the gene expression that is involved in the tight junctions and the cellular proliferative potential by pigmenting the epithelial cells.
Results
The group that was given the OM-X extract showed a significant increment of the gene expression of ZO-1 and ZO-2 proteins associated with tight junctions where they join two cells together in the intestines. At the time of infection with the pathogen, the control group showed little pigmentation on the cells indicating the cellular proliferative potential, but the group that was given the OM-X extract showed a lot of pigmentation on the cells. These results suggested that the destructed epithelial cells in the intestines recovered over the active cellular proliferation.
Prevention of the Deterioration of Liver Functions
The 138th Annual Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (2018)
The deterioration of the liver function of the mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C within their body was prevented by the administration of the fermented vegetable extract OM-X.
Objective
We examined the protective effect of OM-X extract on liver function by using mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C within their bodies (SMP 30/GNL knockout mice), which are known to have functional liver deterioration.
Methods
The antioxidant activity in the body of the mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C was reduced and the level of their liver function worsened. The liver function markers in the blood were measured in the group with OM-X. A metabolome analysis for the liver was also performed and an encompassing analysis was performed on the genes related to liver function.
Results
The mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C internally showed a significant increase in transaminases (AST, ALT), which are indicators of the deterioration of liver function. On the other hand, the rise of both levels of AST and ALT were significantly suppressed among the mice administrated with OM-X. Although, it is not shown in this graph, the result of the metabolome analysis of the liver proved that the administration of OM-X can prevent the reduction of antioxidant capacity and the ATP production in the body of the mice.
Prevention of the Reduction of Collagen Levels
Collaborative research with Hokkaido University of Scienc (2018)
Functional decline in the synthesis of type 1 and 17 collagens was prevented as a result of administering the fermented vegetable extract OM-X to the test mice.
Objective
When collagen is synthesized in the body, vitamin C takes an essential role. Therefore, this study used mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C within their bodies and examined the influence of the administration of OM-X on the synthesis of collagen.
Methods
We used the mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C within their bodies. Vitamin C was removed from their feed and OM-X was given to them for 8 weeks. Thereafter, the levels of type 1 and 17 collagen were measure and verified how the administration of OM-X influences the production of collagen in the mice.
Results
Type 1 collagen is mainly related to the elasticity of the skin. Type 17 collagen becomes a core of roots of hair and its insufficiency makes hairs thin or gray. Production of both type 1 and type 17 collagen decreased among the mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C.
On the other hand, the decrease of type 1 collagen tended to be suppressed and the reduction of type 17 collagen was significantly prevented among the mice administrated with OM-X.
Improvement of Candidiasis
Joint research with The University of Lille, France (2014)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) showed the capability to defend against Candida albicans in a mouse model.
Objective
We examined the property of the OM-X extract to defend against candidiasis by using mouse models which are inoculated with Candida albicans, a type of fungus causes an intestinal infection.
Methods
Candida albicans was orally administered in order to prepare the mouse models with candidiasis. Then, we set a group which was given the OM-X extract continuously before and after the inoculation with Candida (preventive treatment model) and a group which was given OM-X only after the inoculation with Candida (curative treatment model). We confirmed that the number of Candida infection and inflammatory scores in the miceʼs intestines.
Results
The inoculated group which did not receive the OM-X extract showed an increment of the number of Candida, but the inoculated groups that were given the OM-X extract for both preventive and curative treatments showed a reduction of the number of Candida. According to the result from the measurement of inflammatory scores in the intestines, the inoculated group with no administration of the OM-X extract showed high scores. On the other hand, both inoculated groups with the administration of OM-X extract showed significantly low scores. These results suggested that the levels of inflammation in the intestines of mice from the inoculated group with the administration of OM-X extract have been improved.
Improvement in Balance of Gut Microbiota
Joint research with Kinki University (2012)
The fermented vegetable extract OM-X (OM-X extract) is effective for the increase of the bifidobacteria and Butyrate-producing Clostridium ratio in feces of mice.
Objective
The study was conducted to see how the administration of the OM-X extract would alter the microbiota of mice by T-RFLP analysis which assesses microbial community.
Methods
DNA was extracted from mice feces for T-RFLP analysis to see the changes in their microbiota. We assessed the effect of the OM-X extract by the comparison of microbiota before and after the administration.
Results
Compared with the data prior to the administration of the OM-X extract, the increase of Clostridium cluster XIVa was observed after the administration. Clostridium cluster XIVa is known as a butyrate-producing species, and it is predicted that the bacteria are involved in butyrate production which is one of important organic acids and responsible for cell proliferation, the anti-inflammatory action in the intestine etc. The study also showed an increase with bifidobacterium, which is known as good bacteria in the gut, after the OM-X administration. The result indicates that the administration of the OM-X extract altered the balance of gut microbiota.
