Mediogen, a leading probiotic company, revealed on Thursday that a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods (Volume 140, 2026) demonstrates the efficacy of two oral-derived lactic acid bacteria strains they developed in improving periodontal disease and protecting alveolar bone.
The research focused on Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4717 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri MG4722, strains previously shown to reduce bad breath and tongue coating in human trials.
This study aimed to investigate whether these probiotic strains could impede the progression of gingivitis, characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, into periodontal disease with alveolar bone loss.
When administered to an animal model of periodontal disease for four weeks, both MG4717 and MG4722 strains demonstrated a protective effect, reducing gum collagen tissue damage and alveolar bone loss, thereby stabilizing tooth-supporting structures.
The researchers attributed this effect to a host response modulation mechanism, which inhibits enzymes that break down gum tissue (MMP-3, MMP-8) and lowers the RANKL/OPG ratio, a key signal for osteoclast activity responsible for bone resorption.
Moreover, the study found that these strains reduced harmful oral bacteria, addressing the root cause of inflammation and promoting a healthier oral microbiome.
Hong Jun-ho, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mediogen, stated that this research provides compelling scientific evidence that these probiotic strains can benefit overall gum health, beyond just combating bad breath. They’re making steady progress in human trials to secure approval for these as individually recognized functional ingredients, and they’re confident in the ability to compete effectively in the global oral health market.
In related news, Mediogen recently entered into a four-year exclusive licensing agreement with Smart Ingredient Company Limited (SMI), a Vietnam-based business-to-business (B2B) raw material distributor, for four heat-killed probiotic strains.
The agreement guarantees a total volume of 3 tons over four years and covers four strains: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, Lactiplantibacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.
The two companies have agreed on exclusive sales rights for these strains in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, with plans to collaborate on local market development and business expansion in these regions.
This deal marks a significant milestone in Mediogen’s international commercialization of its postbiotics portfolio. The company is now focusing on tailored overseas business strategies that align with specific market demands and regulatory environments, moving beyond simple strain exports.
With this agreement, Mediogen has established a strong foothold in the Southeast Asian market, following its earlier expansion into Latin America.