lactobacillus brevis cd2

Lactobacillus brevis CD2 lozenges are a probiotic-based oral therapy containing the Lactobacillus brevis CD2 strain, which is a normal inhabitant of the mouth and intestinal flora. The primary mechanism of action involves high levels of arginine deiminase (AD) produced by this strain, which catalyzes the conversion of arginine to citrulline and ammonia in the oral cavity[1][2][6]. This reduces local arginine availability, thereby decreasing production of polyamines and nitric oxide—both implicated in inflammation. As a result, inflammatory markers such as interleukin-1 alpha, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, interferon-gamma, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and matrix metalloproteinases are attenuated[2]. Additionally, bacterial sphingomyelinase from L. brevis CD2 hydrolyzes platelet-activating factor—a mediator involved in mucositis-related tissue injury[2]. The lozenges have been studied primarily for prevention and management of oral mucositis in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer (especially head and neck cancers), as well as for adjunctive management in periodontal disease and recurrent aphthous ulcers[5][4][3]. Clinical trials have shown mixed results regarding efficacy against radiation-induced mucositis but some benefit has been observed particularly during chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation[3][6].

Brand names

Inersan

Other names

lactobacillus brevis cd2 lozenges