Description:

Probiotic nutraceutical supplement for enhancing gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates to nutraceutical formulations, more particularly, to probiotic nutraceutical supplements designed to enhance gut microbiota composition and alleviate symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients.
Background
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel habits, and impaired quality of life. The condition affects a significant portion of the global population, yet conventional treatments provide limited efficacy due to heterogeneous pathophysiology and absence of curative therapies. Pharmacological approaches, including antispasmodics, laxatives, and serotonin modulators, address only symptom relief and often present adverse side effects. Dietary modifications, including low-FODMAP diets, may provide partial benefit but are difficult to sustain long term.
[0004] Gut microbiota has emerged as a critical factor in irritable bowel syndrome pathogenesis. Dysbiosis, defined as imbalance in microbial composition, contributes to mucosal inflammation, visceral hypersensitivity, and altered motility. Clinical studies indicate that restoration of microbial diversity and enrichment of beneficial bacterial populations may reduce symptom severity. Probiotics, particularly strains from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, demonstrate potential in improving gut ecology. However, commercial probiotic supplements often face limitations, including poor survivability through gastric acid, inadequate colonization, and inconsistent clinical outcomes.
[0005] Furthermore, many formulations lack synbiotic integration with prebiotic substrates that selectively stimulate endogenous beneficial bacteria. Encapsulation technologies to preserve viability are often underutilized, leading to significant loss of probiotic potency during storage and gastrointestinal transit. Nutraceutical supplements intended for irritable bowel syndrome management are often generic, not tailored to address specific microbial imbalances and inflammatory pathways observed in such patients.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a probiotic nutraceutical supplement specifically designed for irritable bowel syndrome management. Such a formulation should integrate carefully selected probiotic strains with complementary prebiotic carriers, employ encapsulation technologies to enhance viability, and incorporate adjunctive nutraceutical additives for anti-inflammatory and gut-soothing effects. The disclosed formulation addresses these unmet needs by providing a stable, synergistic, and clinically relevant supplement capable of modulating gut microbiota and improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Summary
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
[0008] The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application.
[0009] The disclosure pertains to a probiotic nutraceutical supplement for enhancing gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients is disclosed. The supplement comprises multiple probiotic strains including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These strains are combined with a prebiotic carrier matrix such as inulin or fructooligosaccharides to promote synergistic microbial balance. Encapsulation systems employing alginate, chitosan, or pectin polymers protect probiotic viability against gastric acid degradation, ensuring delivery to the small intestine and colon.
[00010] The formulation is further supported by excipient bases including stabilizers, fillers, and antioxidants to maintain shelf stability. In certain embodiments, bioactive additives such as herbal extracts, polyphenols, or omega-3 fatty acids are included to provide anti-inflammatory benefits and symptom relief. The supplement may be administered as capsules, sachets, or functional food additives for daily use.
[00011] The method of operation includes oral administration, survival through gastric and bile environments via encapsulation, colonization of intestinal regions, and modulation of dysbiotic microbiota. The synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics enhances diversity, restores beneficial populations, and reduces symptomatic manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating, abdominal discomfort, and irregular bowel habits.
[00012] The disclosed formulation provides a comprehensive therapeutic nutraceutical platform integrating probiotics, prebiotics, encapsulation technology, and bioactive additives to deliver reliable clinical outcomes for irritable bowel syndrome patients.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[00013] The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[00014] FIG. 1 illustrates a system architecture diagram of the probiotic nutraceutical supplement showing integration of probiotic strains, prebiotic carriers, encapsulation technologies, bioactive additives, and excipient bases within a unified nutraceutical formulation platform, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] FIG. 2 illustrates a method flow diagram depicting the stepwise formulation process beginning with probiotic strain selection, prebiotic incorporation, encapsulation, stabilization, and final product delivery, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00016] FIG. 3 illustrates a data flow diagram showing interactions between probiotic viability testing, prebiotic synergy analysis, encapsulation validation, and clinical efficacy data streams feeding into a quality assurance framework for supplement optimization, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
[00017] In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to claim those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
[00018] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[00019] Pursuant to the "Detailed Description" section herein, whenever an element is explicitly associated with a specific numeral for the first time, such association shall be deemed consistent and applicable throughout the entirety of the "Detailed Description" section, unless otherwise expressly stated or contradicted by the context.
[00020] The disclosed probiotic nutraceutical supplement is designed as an integrated formulation capable of addressing gut dysbiosis in irritable bowel syndrome patients. The formulation is based on selected probiotic strains combined with supportive prebiotics, encapsulation systems, excipients, and bioactive additives, resulting in enhanced survivability, colonization, and therapeutic efficacy.
[00021] The operational flow begins with selection of probiotic strains. Strains are selected for their proven efficacy in modulating gut microbiota and clinical relevance to irritable bowel syndrome. Lactobacillus plantarum is chosen for its ability to reduce inflammation and enhance epithelial barrier integrity. Bifidobacterium longum is selected for its role in modulating immune responses and producing short-chain fatty acids. Lactobacillus rhamnosus contributes to reduction of bloating and abdominal pain, while Bifidobacterium bifidum improves bowel regularity. Each strain is cultured under controlled fermentation conditions, harvested, and stabilized.
[00022] The formulation incorporates prebiotic substrates to enhance synbiotic efficacy. Inulin and fructooligosaccharides are chosen for their selective stimulation of endogenous beneficial bacteria. Resistant starch may also be included to prolong fermentation and enhance butyrate production. Prebiotic carriers are blended with probiotics during encapsulation or post-processing to maximize interaction in the gastrointestinal environment.
[00023] Encapsulation systems are employed to protect probiotic viability. Alginate beads encapsulate bacterial cells within cross-linked hydrogels. Chitosan coatings provide additional resistance against gastric acid. Pectin-based microspheres release probiotics preferentially in the colon. Lyophilization or spray-drying processes may be employed to enhance storage stability. These systems ensure that probiotics maintain viability during manufacturing, transportation, and administration.
[00024] The nutraceutical excipient base is formulated to stabilize the supplement. Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or tocopherols protect against oxidative stress. Fillers provide uniform dosage, while stabilizers prevent clumping and moisture degradation. Packaging is designed to be moisture-resistant and compliant with regulatory standards.
[00025] The supplement may further comprise bioactive additives. Peppermint extract provides antispasmodic effects that alleviate cramping. Chamomile extract offers mild anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin reduces mucosal inflammation and supports microbiota diversity. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to anti-inflammatory modulation of immune responses. These adjuncts complement the probiotic action, offering broader symptom relief.
[00026] In a first embodiment, the supplement is manufactured as a capsule containing freeze-dried probiotic strains, prebiotic carriers, and encapsulation matrices. The capsule provides delayed release, ensuring probiotic delivery to the small intestine and colon. This embodiment benefits patients requiring high precision in dosing and targeted delivery.
[00027] In a second embodiment, the supplement is provided as a powder sachet. The sachet can be mixed with water, juice, or food, allowing flexible administration. This embodiment benefits patient compliance and suitability for pediatric or elderly populations.
[00028] In a third embodiment, the supplement is incorporated into functional food matrices such as yogurts, nutrition bars, or beverages. Encapsulated probiotics remain viable during food processing. This embodiment benefits from consumer acceptability and routine dietary integration.
[00029] Operational flows are reiterated across scenarios. In clinical administration, the supplement is provided daily, with effects monitored through patient symptom diaries and stool microbiota analysis. In consumer wellness applications, regular consumption improves gut health and reduces irritable bowel syndrome severity over time. In research trials, microbiota sequencing validates the supplement’s ability to restore microbial diversity.

[00030] The disclosed formulation provides multiple technical benefits. Encapsulation ensures probiotic survival through harsh gastric environments. Prebiotic integration enhances colonization and synbiotic synergy. Bioactive additives provide adjunctive anti-inflammatory and gut-calming effects. Nutraceutical excipients ensure stability and long shelf life.
[00031] Thus, the probiotic nutraceutical supplement integrates strain selection, synbiotic synergy, encapsulation, and bioactive support to deliver comprehensive management of irritable bowel syndrome. The formulation is adaptable across delivery forms and provides reliable modulation of gut microbiota, offering a clinically relevant nutraceutical solution for patients.
[00032] Figure 1 provides a system architecture diagram of the probiotic nutraceutical supplement. The structure begins with selected probiotic strains including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, which form the biological core of the formulation. These strains are linked to prebiotic carriers such as inulin or fructooligosaccharides, providing metabolic substrates for microbial colonization. Encapsulation technologies, including alginate and chitosan systems, interface with the probiotics to preserve viability during gastric passage. Bioactive additives such as herbal extracts and polyphenols integrate into the formulation to provide adjunctive anti-inflammatory support. Excipients including stabilizers, fillers, and antioxidants ensure consistency, dosage reliability, and long-term stability. The architectural representation demonstrates how each component functions as a distinct module while contributing synergistically to a holistic nutraceutical formulation. The technical benefit of this modular arrangement is comprehensive functionality, with survivability, colonization, and symptom relief achieved through coordinated interactions of biological and supportive components.
[00033] Figure 2 provides a method flow diagram describing sequential steps in the formulation and delivery of the supplement. The flow begins with probiotic strain selection based on efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome patients. Prebiotic carriers are introduced into the formulation to enhance synbiotic activity. The selected probiotics and prebiotics undergo encapsulation within protective polymers to ensure survival through gastrointestinal transit. Stabilization processes such as lyophilization or spray-drying are then applied to preserve potency during storage. The stabilized product is combined with excipients and bioactive additives before being packaged into capsules, sachets, or functional foods for patient administration. The method diagram emphasizes the linear and systematic nature of formulation, highlighting dependencies between biological viability, chemical stabilization, and clinical usability. The technical benefit of this flow is reproducible production of a supplement that maintains efficacy from laboratory preparation through patient ingestion.
[00034] Figure 3 provides a data flow diagram illustrating interactions between analytical modules supporting supplement optimization. Probiotic viability testing generates data regarding strain survival under simulated gastric and bile conditions. Prebiotic synergy analysis provides data on selective stimulation of beneficial microbiota. Encapsulation validation produces results regarding protective capacity and release kinetics. Clinical efficacy data collected from patient trials flows into the same framework, providing real-world feedback on symptom alleviation. All of these data streams converge within a quality assurance and optimization engine, which harmonizes laboratory and clinical findings to refine the supplement’s formulation. The diagram demonstrates how empirical data supports continuous improvement and compliance. The technical benefit lies in integration of laboratory assays with clinical outcomes, ensuring that the supplement remains optimized for efficacy, safety, and patient benefit.
[00035] Operations in accordance with a variety of aspects of the disclosure is described above would not have to be performed in the precise order described. Rather, various steps can be handled in reverse order or simultaneously or not at all.
[00036] While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein may be utilized, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.
 

Claims
I/We Claim:
1. A probiotic nutraceutical supplement for enhancing gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients, comprising: a plurality of viable probiotic strains selected from Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum; a prebiotic carrier matrix comprising inulin, fructooligosaccharides, or resistant starch; an encapsulation system configured to preserve probiotic viability through gastrointestinal passage, wherein said encapsulation system comprises microencapsulation using alginate, pectin, or chitosan-based polymers; and a nutraceutical excipient base comprising stabilizers, fillers, and protective antioxidants, wherein the supplement is formulated as a capsule, sachet, or functional food additive to modulate gut microbiota composition and alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
2. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the probiotic strains are combined in a synergistic ratio ranging from 10⁶ to 10¹¹ colony forming units per serving, thereby ensuring effective colonization within the intestinal environment.
3. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the encapsulation system further comprises lyophilization or spray-drying processes configured to maintain probiotic viability during storage and transportation under ambient conditions.
4. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the prebiotic carrier matrix is configured to selectively stimulate endogenous beneficial bacteria, thereby enhancing the combined synbiotic effect of the formulation.
5. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the supplement further comprises bioactive additives including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, or herbal extracts selected from peppermint, chamomile, or curcumin, thereby providing adjunctive anti-inflammatory and gut-soothing properties.
6. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the formulation is optimized for delayed release in the small intestine and colon, thereby maximizing probiotic survivability and functional colonization.
7. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the composition is configured to reduce bloating, abdominal pain, altered bowel frequency, and gut dysbiosis characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome.
8. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the formulation further comprises a quality assurance framework including microbial stability testing, potency retention analysis, and regulatory-compliant packaging, thereby ensuring reproducibility and consumer safety.
9. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the supplement is administered orally once or multiple times daily as part of a dietary regimen to restore gut microbial balance.
10. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein integration of probiotic strains, prebiotic carriers, encapsulation technology, nutraceutical excipients, and bioactive additives provides a comprehensive therapeutic platform for modulating gut microbiota and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Probiotic nutraceutical supplement for enhancing gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Abstract
A probiotic nutraceutical supplement for enhancing gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients is disclosed. The supplement comprises viable strains including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum combined with prebiotic carriers such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides. Encapsulation technologies comprising alginate, pectin, or chitosan-based polymers preserve viability through gastric passage and ensure delivery to intestinal regions. A nutraceutical excipient base including stabilizers and antioxidants provides formulation stability. In certain embodiments, adjunctive bioactive additives including herbal extracts or polyphenols are incorporated to reduce gut inflammation. The supplement is formulated as capsules, sachets, or functional food additives for daily administration. Integration of probiotics, prebiotics, encapsulation systems, and bioactive adjuncts provides a synergistic therapeutic platform for modulating gut microbiota and alleviating symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients.
Fig. 1

  , Claims:Claims
I/We Claim:
1. A probiotic nutraceutical supplement for enhancing gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients, comprising: a plurality of viable probiotic strains selected from Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum; a prebiotic carrier matrix comprising inulin, fructooligosaccharides, or resistant starch; an encapsulation system configured to preserve probiotic viability through gastrointestinal passage, wherein said encapsulation system comprises microencapsulation using alginate, pectin, or chitosan-based polymers; and a nutraceutical excipient base comprising stabilizers, fillers, and protective antioxidants, wherein the supplement is formulated as a capsule, sachet, or functional food additive to modulate gut microbiota composition and alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
2. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the probiotic strains are combined in a synergistic ratio ranging from 10⁶ to 10¹¹ colony forming units per serving, thereby ensuring effective colonization within the intestinal environment.
3. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the encapsulation system further comprises lyophilization or spray-drying processes configured to maintain probiotic viability during storage and transportation under ambient conditions.
4. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the prebiotic carrier matrix is configured to selectively stimulate endogenous beneficial bacteria, thereby enhancing the combined synbiotic effect of the formulation.
5. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the supplement further comprises bioactive additives including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, or herbal extracts selected from peppermint, chamomile, or curcumin, thereby providing adjunctive anti-inflammatory and gut-soothing properties.
6. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the formulation is optimized for delayed release in the small intestine and colon, thereby maximizing probiotic survivability and functional colonization.
7. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the composition is configured to reduce bloating, abdominal pain, altered bowel frequency, and gut dysbiosis characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome.
8. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the formulation further comprises a quality assurance framework including microbial stability testing, potency retention analysis, and regulatory-compliant packaging, thereby ensuring reproducibility and consumer safety.
9. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein the supplement is administered orally once or multiple times daily as part of a dietary regimen to restore gut microbial balance.
10. The probiotic nutraceutical supplement of claim 1, wherein integration of probiotic strains, prebiotic carriers, encapsulation technology, nutraceutical excipients, and bioactive additives provides a comprehensive therapeutic platform for modulating gut microbiota and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.