Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 5926

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 5926 is a specific probiotic yeast strain that produces beneficial metabolites and strengthens intestinal barrier function. Clinical studies demonstrate significant efficacy for treating acne and various forms of diarrhea through gut-skin axis modulation.

Category: Fermented/Probiotic Evidence: 2/10 Tier: Moderate
Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 5926 — Hermetica Encyclopedia

Origin & History

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 5926 is a specific strain of probiotic yeast, also known as S. boulardii Hansen CBS 5926, commercially available as Perenterol. It is produced through fermentation and lyophilization into powder or capsule forms containing viable yeast cells, standardized to ≥2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g dried yeast. Unlike probiotics with plant origins, this strain is cultivated from yeast cultures specifically isolated for therapeutic use.

Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine use is documented for CBS 5926. It is a modern isolated strain developed specifically for clinical probiotic applications like Perenterol, without any referenced traditional context in Ayurveda, TCM, or other traditional medicine systems.

Health Benefits

• Reduces acne severity with 74.3% achieving good/very good outcomes vs 21.7% placebo in 5-month RCT (Strong evidence, PMID: 2530145)
• Effective for acute diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, and tube-feeding diarrhea based on controlled studies (Moderate evidence)
• Safe in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients on antibiotics with no fungemia or adverse events (Moderate evidence, PMID: 7477086)
• Meta-analysis of 27 RCTs (5029 adults) showed 84% efficacy in placebo-controlled arms for various gastrointestinal conditions (Strong evidence)
• Protects against bacterial infections through immune modulation and pathogen antagonism in animal models (Preliminary evidence)

How It Works

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 5926 produces bioactive compounds including B-vitamins, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids that strengthen intestinal barrier integrity. The strain modulates the gut-skin axis by reducing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing beneficial microbiota populations. It also competitively excludes pathogenic bacteria and stimulates secretory IgA production for enhanced immune function.

Scientific Research

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 139 acne patients demonstrated 74.3% achieving very good/good outcomes with CBS 5926 vs 21.7% placebo over 5 months (PMID: 2530145). In pediatric cystic fibrosis patients, 750 mg/day for 21 days proved safe without fungemia (PMID: 7477086). Broader meta-analyses of S. boulardii including CBS 5926 encompassing 27 RCTs with 5029 adults showed significant efficacy in 84% of placebo-controlled arms.

Clinical Summary

A 5-month randomized controlled trial demonstrated that 74.3% of participants achieved good to very good acne improvement versus 21.7% with placebo (PMID: 2530145). Multiple controlled studies show effectiveness for acute diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, and tube-feeding-associated diarrhea, though specific effect sizes vary by condition. The strain has been safely tested in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients. Evidence quality ranges from moderate to strong depending on the specific indication studied.

Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 5926 (the specific probiotic strain used in Perenterol/Hansen CBS 5926) is a non-pathogenic yeast delivered in lyophilized or dried form, typically in 250mg capsules/sachets. As a yeast-based organism, its compositional profile includes: Protein: ~40-50% dry weight, comprising all essential amino acids including lysine, threonine, and tryptophan. Carbohydrates: ~35-45% dry weight, predominantly as cell wall polysaccharides including beta-1,3/1,6-glucans (~30-35% of cell wall) and mannoproteins/mannans (~40-50% of cell wall), which are key bioactive structural components. Chitin contributes ~1-3% of cell wall. Lipids: ~4-7% dry weight, including phospholipids and ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor). B-vitamins are naturally present: thiamine (B1) ~1-10 mcg/g, riboflavin (B2) ~4-8 mcg/g, niacin (B3) ~40-60 mcg/g, pantothenic acid (B5) ~10-20 mcg/g, pyridoxine (B6) ~2-5 mcg/g, folate ~1-3 mcg/g, and biotin ~0.1-0.5 mcg/g. Minerals include zinc (~50-100 mcg/g), selenium (variable, strain-dependent), chromium, iron, and potassium. Key bioactive compounds relevant to its probiotic activity include secretory IgA-stimulating mannoproteins, beta-glucans (immune-modulating), and caprylic acid. As a live probiotic yeast, bioavailability of its structural components is limited by resistance to digestion; the intact cells exert effects primarily through luminal and mucosal interactions rather than systemic nutrient absorption. Typical therapeutic dose is 250-500mg (approximately 1-5 billion CFU equivalent) per day; caloric contribution is negligible at therapeutic doses.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinically studied forms include lyophilized powder or capsules standardized to ≥2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g. For diarrhea: 250 mg capsule or powder, typically 750 mg/day (250 mg three times daily). For acne: dosage aligned with 250 mg forms used in other studies. Duration ranges from 21 days to 5 months depending on indication. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Zinc, Vitamin D3, Prebiotics (FOS/Inulin), Glutamine

Safety & Interactions

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 5926 is generally well-tolerated with minimal reported adverse effects in clinical trials. Individuals with compromised immune systems or central venous catheters should avoid use due to rare risk of fungemia. No significant drug interactions have been reported, though antifungal medications may reduce probiotic viability. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through controlled studies.