Belinal® and Gut Health
A balanced gut microbiota plays a central role in nutrient metabolism, immune regulation, and the maintenance of intestinal barrier function. Disruptions in microbial composition are increasingly associated with metabolic imbalance, low-grade inflammation, and reduced physiological resilience.
Prebiotic Activity and Microbiota Modulation
Belinal® Silver Fir Branch Extract has a unique profile of polyphenols and non-starch polysaccharides. This uncommon composition makes Belinal® highly attractive for developers working on microbiota-focused and synbiotic concepts.
Clinical Evidence
We demonstrated that Belinal® is compatible with all tested bacterial strains and promotes their growth. Furthermore, the extract acted as a prebiotic for specific bacteria, including L. paracasei, L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. gasseri, L. crispatus, and L. bulgaricus, suggesting that its compounds can stimulate their proliferation. Furthermore Belinal® exhibits bacterial compatibility and displays prebiotic properties. These findings suggest that the combined use of Lactobacillus probiotics with Belinal® may have a positive impact on gut health.
Increased growth rate of selected Lactobacillus strains
Growth rate of ten Lactobacillus species cultured with and without Belinal® Silver Fir Branch Extract.
Diagram 1: Growth rate of different Lactobacillus species with and without silver fir extract. *(p<0.05), **(p<0.01), ***(p<0.001).
A statistically significant increase in growth rate was observed for L. gasseri and L. rhamnosus when cultured in the presence of the extract.
Effect of Belinal® on bacterial lag time
Lag time duration of Lactobacillus species cultured with and without Belinal® Silver Fir Branch Extract. Reduction in lag time enables bacteria to reach the exponential and stationary growth phases faster, promoting earlier bacterial activity.
DIagram 2: Lag time of different Lactobacillus species with and without silver fir extract. *(p<0.05), **(p<0.01), ***(p<0.001).
Belinal® reduced lag time by 3.0 h in L. gasseri and 1.6 h in L. bulgaricus, enabling faster bacterial activation, while only L. rhamnosus showed a modest lag time increase (+1.1 h).
Mechanisms of Action
Microbiota interaction and modulation:
Silver fir polyphenols, including the lignans secoisolariciresinol, resinol, and matairesinol, interact with gut microbiota and influence strain-specific bacterial growth behaviour, as demonstrated by selective responses observed in vitro.
Prebiotic activity:
Polysaccharides in Belinal® act as prebiotics, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. This promotes a balanced gut microbiome, which is crucial for optimal digestion and immune function.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Belinal® polyphenols exhibit antioxidant activity and are associated with modulation of inflammatory processes within the gastrointestinal environment. These effects contribute to maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and prevent disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Support of Gut Barrier Function
Polyphenols influence tight junction function, supporting intestinal barrier integrity and controlled permeability, a key factor in maintaining gut homeostasis and limiting systemic inflammatory burden.
Suggested Dose of Belinal® in Your Formula
90 mg Daily
Directions:
1-2 dosages daily, preferably with a meal. Suitable for continuous use.
References
- Stojanov S, Ravnikar M, Berlec A, Kreft S. Interaction between silver fir (Abies alba) wood water extract Belinal® and lactobacilli. Pharmazie 76 (2021)
- Daria Ciupei, Alexandru Colişar, Loredana Leopold, Andreea Stănilă, Zorița M. Diaconeasa;
- Polyphenols: From Classification to Therapeutic Potential and Bioavailability; Foods 2024, 13(24), 4131;
- Simone Baldi, Marta Tristán Asensi, Marco Pallecchi, Francesco Sofi, Gianluca Bartolucci, Amedeo Amede. Interplay between Lignans and Gut Microbiota: Nutritional, Functional and Methodological Aspects. Molecules 2023, 28(1), 343