Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 and use thereof in preventing or treating inflammation of the vagina in women

By taking Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 orally, the systemic immune system is regulated, which solves the problem of the temporary effect of topical probiotics and achieves long-term improvement in women's reproductive health, especially the treatment of recurrent vaginitis.

CN122104501APending Publication Date: 2026-05-29ZHEJIANG WEIYUAN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG WEIYUAN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-02-25
Publication Date
2026-05-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, antibiotic treatment for vaginal inflammation in women has problems such as increased bacterial resistance, disruption of the host's microecological balance, and allergic reactions. Furthermore, the effects of topical probiotics are temporary and require frequent use.

Method used

Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 are administered orally to colonize the intestines, regulate the systemic immune system, remotely influence the vaginal microenvironment, inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, and alleviate reproductive tract inflammation.

Benefits of technology

Oral probiotics can enhance overall and mucosal immunity in the long term, maintain vaginal microecological balance, effectively prevent and treat recurrent vaginitis, and reduce the release of inflammatory factors.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of microorganisms, and particularly relates to two strains of lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 and application thereof in preventing or treating female vaginitis. lactiplantibacillus plantarum The application discloses two strains of lactobacillus plantarum (Lactobacillus plantarum), namely lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and lactobacillus plantarum PB14. The application also discloses application of the two strains of lactobacillus plantarum in preparing medicines or products for preventing and / or treating female vaginitis, including inhibiting growth of Candida albicans and relieving inflammation of a genital tract.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of microbial technology, specifically relating to two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, PB12 and PB14, and their application in the prevention or treatment of vaginal inflammation in women (improving women's reproductive health). Background Technology

[0002] Reproductive system infections are a common type of vaginal inflammation in women, usually caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. Antibiotics are currently the main treatment method; however, inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to increased bacterial resistance, disruption of the host's microecological balance, and potential discomfort and allergic reactions. Therefore, establishing a safe and effective treatment plan is crucial. In recent years, probiotics have received widespread attention as a novel method for treating infectious vaginitis.

[0003] Under normal circumstances, the female reproductive tract maintains a slightly acidic environment. This slightly acidic environment helps maintain normal reproductive tract health and inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms. Lactic acid is one of the key substances regulating the acid-base balance of the reproductive tract. Lactic acid bacteria in a healthy vagina and intestines produce natural substances such as lactic acid by fermenting sugars. The production of lactic acid can lower the pH value of the reproductive tract, thus maintaining it within a suitable acidic range. When the acid-base balance of the reproductive tract is disrupted, harmful bacteria have the opportunity to grow and multiply, leading to infections and related diseases. Therefore, maintaining a proper acidic environment is one of the important factors in maintaining reproductive tract health.

[0004] According to research, firstly, oral administration of certain probiotics can promote lactic acid production through interaction with the host microbiota, regulating vaginal pH and maintaining it within a healthy acidic range, thus inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Secondly, it can stimulate the immune system, enhance the vaginal mucosal barrier function, and improve the resistance of the vaginal area, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Furthermore, oral administration of certain probiotics can also regulate inflammatory responses, alleviating symptoms and discomfort associated with vaginitis. The combined effect of these mechanisms may contribute to the relief and prevention of vaginitis. Therefore, probiotics may be a promising approach to improving reproductive health; however, current research on *Lactobacillus plantarum* primarily demonstrates only topical effects. For example: The invention CN114869917B, "Use of Lactobacillus plantarum N13 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of vaginitis or the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria," demonstrates in vitro that Lactobacillus plantarum N13 has an antagonistic effect on Candida albicans.

[0005] The invention CN112313325B, "A novel strain of *Lactobacillus plantarum* and a composition comprising said strain for the prevention or treatment of vaginitis," demonstrates in vitro that *Lactobacillus plantarum* strains ATG-K2, ATG-K6, or ATG-K8 exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against a variety of pathogenic strains, as well as *Candida albicans* and *Gardnerella vaginalis* (which are pathogens of vaginitis).

[0006] The invention CN109908185B, entitled "A Method for Inhibiting Biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans," is used to reduce the production of extracellular polysaccharides in oral care and to prevent dental caries and oral candidiasis. In vitro experiments have shown that the number of pathogenic bacteria in the biofilm of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans was reduced by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude after being mediated by the supernatant of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8724.

[0007] The invention CN117535172A, entitled "A strain of *Lactobacillus plantarum* and its application in the prevention and treatment of female vaginitis," discloses that *Lactobacillus plantarum* VHProbi O19 can inhibit the growth of *Candida albicans* under in vitro pre-culture and mixed culture conditions, thus it can be used to prevent the occurrence of fungal vaginitis; and it also has inhibitory functions against *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella enteritidis*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, or *Propionibacterium acnes*.

[0008] The invention CN118726155A, entitled "A plant lactobacillus Lp769 for the prevention and treatment of fungal vaginitis and its application", demonstrates in vitro experiments that plant lactobacillus Lp769 (including plant lactobacillus Lp769 fermentation supernatant) exhibits inhibitory ability against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis.

[0009] The invention CN116004457A, entitled "A human-derived Lactobacillus plantarum and its application", demonstrates in vitro that Lactobacillus plantarum SQ1631 has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans.

[0010] The invention CN119736217A, entitled "Lactobacillus plantarum with antibacterial effects and its application", demonstrates in vitro that Lactobacillus plantarum (CGMCC No. 33151) has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans.

[0011] The invention CN113699071A, entitled "A plant-based Lactobacillus and its application in the preparation of drugs for the treatment of infectious vaginal diseases," demonstrates in vitro that Lactobacillus plantarum O21 has antibacterial ability against Candida albicans. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB12 and PB14 and their application in improving women's reproductive health (prevention and treatment of vaginal inflammation).

[0013] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides *Lactobacillus plantarum*, which is any one of the following: Lactobacillus plantarum PB12, its taxonomic name is lactiplantibacillus plantarum The accession number is GDMCC.No: 67087; Lactobacillus plantarum PB14, its taxonomic name is lactiplantibacillus plantarum Accession number GDMCC.No: 67089.

[0014] The present invention also provides the application of the above-mentioned *Lactobacillus plantarum* in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of vaginal inflammation in women.

[0015] As an improvement to the application of this invention: inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans and relieving genital tract inflammation (prevention and treatment of vaginitis, especially recurrent vaginitis).

[0016] As a further improvement to the application of the present invention: alleviating reproductive tract inflammation includes at least one of the following: reducing the number of fungi in the vagina, reducing the degree of inflammation, and reducing the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α inflammatory factors.

[0017] It should be noted that vaginitis (especially recurrent vaginitis) is often related to low systemic or local immunity and poor microecological regulation. Oral administration of the probiotics of this invention enhances systemic and mucosal immunity, fundamentally improving the body's defense and regulatory capabilities, and can more effectively prevent recurrence. The immunomodulatory effect produced by intestinal colonization is continuous; once a balance is established, the protective effect can last for a long time. In contrast, the colonization of probiotics applied topically in the vagina is often temporary, easily flushed away or disappearing with the menstrual cycle, requiring frequent use.

[0018] In the treatment of vaginitis, the main advantage of oral probiotics lies in their systemic immune-regulating effect through the gut-vaginal axis, aiming to fundamentally restore the vaginal microecological balance and its own defense capabilities. This may result in more lasting efficacy and is closer to future clinical applications in humans. Topical application, on the other hand, is more like a direct "alternative" treatment.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are mainly reflected in the following aspects: After oral ingestion, probiotics primarily colonize the intestines; by regulating systemic immunity and endocrine function, they remotely influence the vaginal microenvironment. Specifically, improved intestinal flora → regulation of the systemic immune system → immune cells and immune factors reach the vagina via the circulatory system → enhancing local vaginal immunity, inhibiting pathogens, and promoting the recovery of beneficial bacteria. This is a systemic and holistic regulation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a colony diagram; Figure 1 middle: a: Colony diagram of PB12; b: Colony diagram of PB14.

[0022] Figure 2 Results of adhesion between PB12 and PB14; Figure 2 middle: a: Results of PB12 adhesion; b: Results of PB14 adhesion.

[0023] Figure 3 The results show the inhibitory effects of PB12 and PB14 on the growth of Candida albicans.

[0024] Figure 4 The results were obtained from mouse reproductive tract tissues; three cases were presented for each group.

[0025] Figure 5 The results of Candida albicans count in the genital tract irrigation fluid.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram of mouse reproductive tract tissue.

[0027] Figure 7 This is the result of fungal count.

[0028] Figure 8 The levels of inflammatory factors in the mouse reproductive tract.

[0029] In the figure, ** indicates p < 0.01, and **** indicates p < 0.0001. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto: Example 1: Isolation, culture and identification of Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 Fermented milk samples from Xinjiang were serially diluted with physiological saline and spread on MRS medium. After incubation at 37°C, single colonies were picked and expanded. Strains exhibiting superior performance in acid and bile salt tolerance tests and in vitro antibacterial experiments were selected. Sequencing and homology comparisons were then performed to obtain *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB12. Its 16S rDNA sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:1.

[0031] Morphological identification of *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB12: Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, short rod-shaped or elliptical cylindrical, with blunt, rounded ends. Colonies are milky white to pale yellow, opaque, with a smooth, moist surface, regular edges, and slightly papillary margins. Figure 1 As shown in a.

[0032] The preservation information of *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB12 of the present invention is as follows: Collection Name: lactiplantibacillus plantarum Depository: Guangdong Provincial Center for Microbial Culture Collection, Address: 5th Floor, Building 59, No. 100 Xianlie Middle Road, Guangzhou, Date of Deposit: October 13, 2025, Accession Number: GDMCC.No: GDMCC 67087.

[0033] Example 2: Isolation, culture and identification of Lactobacillus plantarum PB14 Pickled cabbage from Guizhou was used as a sample. After serial dilution with physiological saline, it was spread on MRS medium and incubated at 37°C. Single colonies were picked and expanded. Strains exhibiting excellent performance in acid and bile salt tolerance tests and in vitro antibacterial experiments were selected. Sequencing and homology comparisons were then performed to obtain *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB14. Its 16S rDNA sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:2.

[0034] Morphological identification of *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB14: Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, short rod-shaped or elliptical cylindrical, with blunt, rounded ends. Colonies are milky white to pale yellow, opaque, with a smooth, moist surface, regular edges, and a slightly papillary appearance. Figure 1 As shown in b.

[0035] The preservation information of *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB14 of the present invention is as follows: Collection Name: lactiplantibacillus plantarum Depository: Guangdong Provincial Center for Microbial Culture Collection, Address: 5th Floor, Building 59, No. 100 Xianlie Middle Road, Guangzhou, Date of Deposit: October 13, 2025, Accession Number: GDMCC.No: GDMCC 67089.

[0036] Example 3: Determination of the acid and bile salt tolerance of Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 The specific method for activating and expanding the culture of Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 is as follows: one inoculation loop of the strain is placed in 10 ml of MRS culture medium and cultured at 37°C for 24 hours to obtain the activated and expanded bacterial suspension.

[0037] I. Determination of acid resistance: The pH of the MRS liquid culture medium was adjusted using hydrochloric acid, thereby obtaining MRS liquid culture medium with pH 3.0 and MRS liquid culture medium with pH 1.0 respectively.

[0038] The activated and expanded bacterial suspension was inoculated into MRS liquid medium at a rate of 1% (v / v). After incubation at 37°C until the logarithmic growth phase, the cells were collected by centrifugation for 5 min. The cells were washed twice with phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), and then resuspended in MRS liquid medium at pH 3.0 and pH 1.0. The initial viable count was corrected to approximately 10⁻⁶ cells / mL. 8 CFU / mL, incubated at 37℃ for 3 h. Viable bacteria in the 0 h and 3 h samples were counted using the plating method (note: incubation at 37℃ for 48 h was used to achieve plate counting), and the survival rate was determined. The survival rate calculation formula is as follows: N0 represents the viable count (CFU / mL) of the test strain at 0h; Nt represents the viable count (CFU / mL) of the test strain at 3h.

[0039] Table 1 Results of acid tolerance of the strains

[0040] II. Determination of tolerance to bile salts (sodium taurocholate) Add 0.3g / 0.5g of ox bile salt to 100ml of MRS liquid culture to obtain MRS liquid cultures containing 0.3% and 0.5% (m / v) ox bile salt respectively.

[0041] The activated and expanded bacterial suspension was inoculated into MRS liquid medium at a rate of 1%, and cultured at 37°C until the logarithmic growth phase. After vortexing, the initial viable count was corrected to approximately 10⁻⁶. 8 CFU / mL. 10% of the sample was inoculated into MRS liquid medium containing 0.3% and 0.5% (m / v) ox bile salts, with MRS liquid medium without ox bile salts as a control. The samples were incubated at 37°C for 3 hours. The viable bacterial count was then determined using the spread plate method. The samples were incubated at 37°C for 3 hours. The survival rate was determined using the following formula: N0 represents the viable count (CFU / mL) of the test strain at 0h; Nt represents the viable count (CFU / mL) of the test strain at 3h.

[0042] Table 2 Results of strain tolerance to bile salts

[0043] Example 4: Determination of the adhesion ability between Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 Caco-2 cells were passaged to the third generation and digested with 0.25% trypsin-EDTA (ThermoFisher-Gibco, catalog number 25200-072). After centrifugation at 1000 rpm for 5 min, the cells were resuspended in 5 mL of DMEM medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (100 U / mL penicillin and 100 mg / mL streptomycin) until a single-cell suspension was achieved. A suitable amount of cells was counted using a hemocytometer, and the cells were diluted to a concentration of 1 × 10⁻⁶ cells / mL using DMEM medium containing 10% (v / v) fetal bovine serum (100 U / mL penicillin and 100 mg / mL streptomycin). 6 1 mL of the culture medium was seeded into a 24-well cell culture plate containing cell spreaders and cultured at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 2 days.

[0044] After the test strains (Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14) were activated for three generations, 3 mL of bacterial solution was taken and the OD of the bacterial solution was measured. 600 Collect bacterial cells by centrifugation at 4000 g for 10 min at room temperature, culture in 5 mL of DMEM complete medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (without antibiotics), resuspend, and dilute to a bacterial concentration of 2 × 10⁻⁶. 8 CFU / mL.

[0045] 1 mL of the bacterial strain dilution was inoculated into a 24-well cell culture plate containing cell slides and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 for 2 h. At least two replicates were performed for each sample. After incubation, the culture medium was slowly aspirated, and the sample was washed three times with PBS buffer (pH 7.2) and fixed with 100% methanol for 8 min. The cell slides were then removed and allowed to stand for 20 min. After Gram staining, the slides were mounted with neutral resin. Observation was performed under a light microscope, selecting at least 20 fields of view for each bacterial species, counting the cells, and taking the average value. Results are as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0046] The above results indicate that PB12 and PB14 can survive in the extreme environment of the intestine with a high survival rate and have strong adhesion and colonization ability in the intestine.

[0047] Example 5: Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of culture supernatants of *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB12 and PB14 on the growth of *Candida albicans*. Activated PB12 and PB14 were inoculated at 2% in fresh MRS medium and incubated overnight (12 h) at 37°C. The supernatant was collected by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. Activated Candida albicans (CA) was inoculated at 2% in modified Bengal red medium. Then, 100 μL of CA inoculum was mixed with 100 μL of supernatant, and the mixture was placed on a growth curve analyzer. The absorbance at 600 nm was measured every half hour, the incubation temperature was 30°C, and the incubation time was 24 hours. Simultaneously, a mixture of CA inoculum and fresh MRS medium served as a control, and a mixture of CA inoculum and LGG fermentation supernatant served as a positive control. Each sample was measured in triplicate. After the experiment, growth curves were plotted to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria fermentation supernatant on the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The results are as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0048] according to Figure 3 The following conclusions can be drawn: Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 have a good ability to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, indicating that PB12 and PB14 have the potential to improve women's reproductive health.

[0049] Example 6: Preparation of *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB12 and PB14 bacterial cultures: To ensure consistency in drug delivery formulations, the preparation methods for *Lactobacillus plantarum* PB12 and PB14 are as follows: Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 / PB14 was inoculated into MRS liquid medium and incubated statically at 37°C for 24 h. The bacterial cells were collected by centrifugation at 3000 rpm and 4°C for 10 min, washed with PBS buffer (pH 7.2), resuspended in physiological saline, and diluted 5-fold. The absorbance (OD) was measured at 600 nm. 600 Approximately 1.0 g of the solution was used to prepare Lactobacillus PB12 and PB14 for animal experiments in mice with a reproductive tract inflammation model, and to evaluate its effect on improving reproductive tract inflammation.

[0050] Example 7

[0051] (1) Establishment of a mouse model of genital tract inflammation This study used 7-week-old female BALB / c mice as the research subjects. The mice were housed in a clean environment with a room temperature of 24±0.5℃, humidity of 50-60%, and a day / night cycle (12 / 12h). During the housing period, the mice had free access to food and water. The experiment was divided into a control group and a model group, with 10 mice in each group.

[0052] Except for the control group, mice in the model group received intraperitoneal injections of β-estradiol (0.5 mg / 100 μL / mouse, using sterile saline as the solvent) daily for 3 consecutive days, while mice in the control group received sterile saline. On the 4th day of the experiment, 20 μL of Candida albicans suspension (1×10⁻⁶ in the high-dose group) was inoculated into the reproductive tract. 9 CFU / mL, medium-dose group 5×10 8 CFU / mL, low-dose group 1×10 8 (CFU / mL) for 4 consecutive days. On day 8, each mouse's reproductive tract was irrigated 5 times with 50 μL of physiological saline, and the irrigated fluid was collected for counting (Sabbar's glucose medium) and microscopic examination. After sacrifice, intact reproductive tract tissue was removed from the mice, and its morphology was observed for redness, swelling, congestion, etc., and compared.

[0053] Compared with the control group, mice infected with Candida albicans in all three dose groups (high, medium, and low doses) showed varying degrees of redness and congestion in their reproductive tract tissues. The high-dose group exhibited the most severe inflammatory symptoms, while the low-dose group showed milder inflammation. The results are as follows... Figure 4 As shown.

[0054] Microscopic observation of mouse genital tract lavage fluid revealed that the lavage fluid in the blank control group showed no Candida albicans hyphae and sparse particulate matter. However, Candida albicans hyphae were detected in the lavage fluid of infected mice, with abundant particulate matter. Further analysis showed that the high-dose group had the highest number of hyphae, followed by the medium-dose group, and the low-dose group had the lowest number of hyphae. Colony counting of the genital tract lavage fluid was performed using Sabouraud dextrose agar. No Candida albicans was detected in the lavage fluid of the control group. The high-dose group had the highest colony count, reaching 3.66 × 10⁻⁶. 5 CFU / mL; the medium-dose group had the second highest count, at 1.85 × 10⁻⁶. 4 CFU / mL; the lowest count was observed in the low-dose group, at 1.17 × 10⁻⁶. 4 CFU / mL, results as follows Figure 5 As shown.

[0055] Based on the above results, Candida albicans infection caused redness and congestion in the mouse reproductive tract, inducing inflammation and an increase in fungal count, indicating the successful establishment of a mouse model for reproductive tract inflammation. Combined with the colony count results, a medium dose of pathogenic bacteria was determined, with a pathogenic concentration of 5 × 10⁻⁶. 8 CFU / mL.

[0056] (2) Grouping and intervention with Lactobacillus plantarum PB12 and PB14 This experiment employed a randomized controlled trial design. Forty healthy SPF-grade female BALB / c mice (7 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (control group, model group, and two experimental groups) with a 7-day acclimatization period, each group consisting of 10 mice. The animals were housed at an ambient temperature of 21±2℃ and humidity of 40-60%, with 12-hour light and shadow cycles. They had free access to water and food. Bedding was changed every three days, and body weight and food intake were recorded at fixed times weekly.

[0057] Except for the control group, mice in other groups received intraperitoneal injections of β-estradiol (0.5 mg / 100 μL / mouse) daily for 3 consecutive days, while the control group received sterile saline injections. On day 4, except for the control group, mice in other groups received genital inoculation with 20 μL of Candida albicans suspension (5 × 10⁻⁶). 8 (CFU / mL), for 4 days. Starting from day 8, the control and model groups were administered 0.2 mL of physiological saline by gavage daily, while the two experimental groups were administered 0.2 mL of PB12 and PB14 solutions by gavage, respectively, with a total gavage volume of 1×10⁻⁶. 9 CFU / d.

[0058] The experiment ended on day 21. Mice were anesthetized and euthanized, and reproductive tract tissue was collected. After dissection, the presence of redness, swelling, or congestion in the mouse reproductive tract was recorded and compared. Figure 6 Then, the reproductive tract was completely removed and placed into a sterile centrifuge tube. Subsequently, physiological saline was added at a weight-to-volume ratio of 1:5, the mixture was thoroughly broken up and vortexed, and a portion of the solution was collected for fungal counting to assess the level of pathogenic bacteria. Figure 7 The remaining sample was centrifuged at 3500 g for 20 minutes at 4°C, and the supernatant was collected. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α inflammatory factors were measured using an ELISA kit to assess the level of mucosal inflammation. Figure 8 ).

[0059] (3) Conclusion Based on the above results, the inflammation of the reproductive tract in mice was alleviated to varying degrees after treatment with PB12 and PB14 groups.

[0060] Note: Experiments were conducted using the existing *Lactobacillus plantarum* N13, *Lactobacillus plantarum* strains ATG-K2, ATG-K6 or ATG-K8, *Lactobacillus plantarum* CCFM8724, *Lactobacillus plantarum* VHProbi O19, *Lactobacillus plantarum* Lp769, *Lactobacillus plantarum* SQ1631, *Lactobacillus plantarum*, and *Lactobacillus plantarum* O21 via gavage as described in Example 7 above. The results showed that the total number of fungi and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α inflammatory factors were almost not significantly different from the model group, indicating that the above strains could not effectively alleviate reproductive tract inflammation.

[0061] After oral ingestion, PB12 and PB14 of this invention primarily colonize the intestines. They can influence the vaginal microenvironment by regulating systemic immunity and endocrine function. Specifically: improved gut microbiota → regulation of the systemic immune system → immune cells and immune factors reach the vagina via the circulatory system → enhanced local vaginal immunity, inhibition of pathogens, and promotion of beneficial bacteria recovery. This is a systemic and holistic regulation. In contrast, the strains described in the background art are topical probiotics, whose effects are limited to the vagina and have weaker systemic immune regulation and ability to regulate inflammatory factor levels in the blood. This invention, by orally administering PB12 and PB14, enhances systemic and mucosal immunity, fundamentally improving the body's defense and regulatory capabilities, and can more effectively prevent recurrence.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above examples are merely some specific embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and many variations are possible. All variations that can be directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present invention should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. Lactobacillus plantarum, characterized in that... For any of the following: Lactobacillus plantarum PB12, its taxonomic name is lactiplantibacillus plantarum The accession number is GDMCC.No: 67087; Lactobacillus plantarum PB14, its taxonomic name is lactiplantibacillus plantarum Accession number GDMCC.No: 67089.

2. The use of *Lactobacillus plantarum* as described in claim 1 in the preparation of a drug for the prevention and treatment of vaginal inflammation in women.

3. The application according to claim 2, characterized in that: It inhibits the growth of Candida albicans and relieves inflammation of the reproductive tract.

4. The application according to claim 3, characterized in that... The relief of reproductive tract inflammation includes at least one of the following: reducing the number of fungi in the vagina, reducing the degree of inflammation, and reducing the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α inflammatory factors.