Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is a specific probiotic yeast strain studied for skin and gastrointestinal applications, with bioactive beta-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides modulating immune function and gut barrier integrity. It exerts its effects primarily through Toll-like receptor 2 and Dectin-1 activation, driving anti-inflammatory cytokine regulation and competitive exclusion of pathogenic organisms.

Origin & History

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is a specific strain of probiotic yeast, also known as Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, isolated and deposited in the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures collection. It is produced through lyophilization (freeze-drying) of viable yeast cells and is used in commercial formulations like Perenterol, containing ≥2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g dried yeast.

Historical & Cultural Context

CBS 5926 has no traditional medicine history, being a modern strain isolated and deposited in the 20th century for use in probiotics like Perenterol. Saccharomyces boulardii strains were generally developed post-1950s specifically for diarrhea prevention and treatment, without roots in traditional medicine systems.

Health Benefits

• Improves acne symptoms with 74.3% showing very good/good outcomes vs. 21.7% placebo in a 5-month RCT (PMID: 2530145)
• Supports gastrointestinal health in acute diarrhea based on controlled studies with objective parameters
• May help prevent Clostridium difficile diarrhea recurrence according to broader probiotic reviews
• Shows safety in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients on long-term antibiotics (PMID: 7477086)
• Demonstrates immunomodulatory effects through enhanced polymorphonuclear cell activity in preclinical studies

How It Works

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 contains beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides that bind Dectin-1 and Toll-like receptor 2 on dendritic cells and macrophages, promoting regulatory T-cell responses and reducing pro-inflammatory IL-17 and TNF-alpha signaling implicated in acne pathogenesis. In the gut, the strain competitively excludes Clostridioides difficile and enteropathogenic bacteria by occupying intestinal binding sites and secreting proteases that degrade bacterial toxins. Additionally, it upregulates secretory IgA production and reinforces tight-junction proteins such as occludin and ZO-1, strengthening the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Scientific Research

A double-blind RCT (PMID: 2530145) in 139 acne patients showed >80% improvement with CBS 5926 vs. 26% placebo over 5 months. A controlled trial in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients (PMID: 7477086) confirmed safety at 750 mg/day for 21 days, though it did not reduce Candida albicans counts.

Clinical Summary

A 5-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PMID: 2530145) in acne patients demonstrated that 74.3% of subjects receiving Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 achieved very good or good outcomes versus only 21.7% in the placebo group, representing a clinically meaningful difference. Controlled studies using objective parameters such as stool frequency and consistency have supported its use in acute infectious diarrhea, though sample sizes in individual trials have been modest. Evidence also suggests a potential role in reducing Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea recurrence, consistent with data observed for other Saccharomyces strains, but strain-specific large-scale RCTs remain limited. Overall, evidence quality is moderate for acne and preliminary for gastrointestinal indications, warranting further adequately powered trials.

Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is a non-pathogenic yeast strain with a complex cellular composition. Protein content is high, comprising approximately 40-50% of dry cell weight, containing all essential amino acids including lysine (~5.8g/100g protein) and threonine (~4.9g/100g protein). Carbohydrates account for 35-45% of dry weight, predominantly as cell wall beta-glucans (1,3- and 1,6-linkages, ~25-30% of dry weight) and mannan/mannoproteins (~15-20% of dry weight), with intracellular trehalose and glycogen as storage carbohydrates. Lipid content is low at 4-7% dry weight, primarily phospholipids and ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor, ~2-5mg/g dry weight). B-vitamin content is notable: thiamine (B1) ~10-15 mcg/g, riboflavin (B2) ~40-60 mcg/g, niacin (B3) ~300-500 mcg/g, pantothenic acid (B5) ~100-150 mcg/g, pyridoxine (B6) ~30-50 mcg/g, folate (B9) ~10-15 mcg/g, and biotin (B7) ~0.6-1.0 mcg/g. Mineral content includes zinc (~3-5 mg/g dry weight), selenium (naturally low but strain-dependent, ~0.1-0.5 mcg/g), chromium (~0.2-0.4 mcg/g as glucose tolerance factor complex), iron (~0.2-0.3 mg/g), magnesium (~1.5-2.5 mg/g), and phosphorus (~14-18 mg/g predominantly as phytate). Key bioactive compounds include cell wall beta-1,3/1,6-glucans with immunomodulatory properties, mannans functioning as receptor analogs competitively inhibiting pathogen adhesion to intestinal epithelium, and secreted factors including caprylic acid with antimicrobial properties. As a whole yeast preparation, bioavailability of intracellular nutrients is dependent on cell wall disruption during digestion; intact cells deliver beta-glucans and mannans to the colon as prebiotic/structural components, while autolyzed or disrupted preparations improve intracellular nutrient bioavailability. The strain is administered as live cells in clinical studies (typically 250mg capsules ~3x10^9 CFU), and does not colonize the gut permanently, exerting transient probiotic effects during transit.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinically studied doses range from 250-750 mg/day in lyophilized capsules or powder sachets (250 mg each). For acute diarrhea: 250 mg three times daily; for chronic acne: 750 mg/day; for traveler's/tube-feeding diarrhea: 250-750 mg/day. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Zinc, Vitamin D3, Prebiotic fibers

Safety & Interactions

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is generally well tolerated in healthy adults, with adverse events in clinical trials typically limited to mild bloating or flatulence during the initial weeks of use. Because it is a live yeast, it is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals, those with central venous catheters, and patients with systemic fungal infections, due to rare but documented risk of fungemia in vulnerable populations. Concurrent use of antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole will inhibit yeast viability and should be avoided to preserve efficacy. Safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women is insufficient to make a definitive recommendation, so use during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.