Evaluation of probiotic potential, anticancer, antioxidant, and cholesterol assimilation activity of Weissella cibaria strain isolated from fermented Idli batter

Abstract

The strain Weissella cibaria MTCC 5948, isolated from fermented idli batter was evaluated for its probiotic potential based on its acid and bile tolerance, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, antimicrobial activity, and bile salt hydrolase activity. Additionally, its biofunctional attributes, including antioxidant activity, anticancer potential, and cholesterol assimilation, were assessed. The strain demonstrated a viability of 3.92 log CFU/mL after 3 h at pH 2.0 and 5.23 log CFU/mL at 1% bile salt after 4 h of incubation. Further, the strain showed an auto-aggregation of 35.49% and the highest co-aggregation of 34.18% with Escherichia coli. It exhibited notable antimicrobial activity, particularly against S. typhimurium, with an inhibition zone of 11.66 mm. Furthermore, W. cibaria MTCC 5948 showed antioxidant activity of 28% and higher nitrite release compared to the control strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, indicating potential anticarcinogenic effects. Its cholesterol assimilation of 53.11% highlights its potential in managing hypercholesterolemia. These results suggest that W. cibaria MTCC 5948 holds promise as a probiotic.