Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 is a specific yeast strain whose bioactive components include beta-glucans and mannoproteins that interact with immune pattern-recognition receptors. No direct clinical trials have been published for this strain, though closely related S. cerevisiae strains demonstrate antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity via modulation of toll-like receptor signaling.

Origin & History

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 is a specific yeast strain cataloged in the Japan Collection of Microorganisms database, originating from natural yeast isolates used in fermentation processes. As a clinical probiotic strain, it is typically cultured, harvested, and formulated as live cells without chemical extraction, belonging to the fungal kingdom Saccharomycetaceae family.

Historical & Cultural Context

No traditional medicine use is recorded for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 specifically. Related strain SC28-7 derives from Korean nuruk, a traditional fermentation starter for brewing, but lacks historical medicinal context. The well-known probiotic S. boulardii (a S. cerevisiae variant) has been used since the 1950s for diarrhea, but this history is not applicable to JCM 4937.

Health Benefits

• No direct clinical evidence exists for JCM 4937 specifically (Preliminary evidence)
• Related S. cerevisiae strain CNCM I-3856 reduced Candida albicans load and prevented vulvovaginal candidiasis recurrence in women (Limited clinical evidence)
• S. cerevisiae 28-7 showed anti-inflammatory effects in mouse colitis models, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TGF-β, and IFN-γ (Animal studies only)
• Related strains demonstrate antimicrobial properties through enhanced immune cell ROS production and pathogen interference mechanisms (In vitro evidence)
• Similar S. cerevisiae strains may support gut barrier function by restoring proteins like mucin 2/3, ZO-1, and occludin (Preclinical evidence)

How It Works

S. cerevisiae strains including JCM 4937 contain cell-wall beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and mannoproteins that activate Dectin-1 receptors and TLR-2 on macrophages and dendritic cells, triggering NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades to upregulate pro-inflammatory and antifungal cytokines. The mannoprotein fraction competitively inhibits Candida albicans adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells by blocking lectin-carbohydrate binding sites. Related strain S. cerevisiae 28-7 suppresses inflammatory mediators including TNF-α and IL-6, suggesting shared anti-inflammatory enzyme modulation pathways across the species.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 were identified in available sources. Related strain CNCM I-3856 showed efficacy in an open-label study for vulvovaginal candidiasis prevention, while SC28-7 demonstrated benefits only in DSS-induced colitis mouse models. A clinical trial (NCT02345096) examined unspecified S. cerevisiae effects but lacks detailed outcomes on JCM 4937.

Clinical Summary

No published randomized controlled trials exist specifically for the JCM 4937 strain, making direct efficacy claims unsupported at this time. The closely related strain CNCM I-3856 was studied in a clinical trial of women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, where oral supplementation significantly reduced Candida albicans vaginal load and decreased recurrence rates compared to placebo. S. cerevisiae 28-7 demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models, reducing key cytokine markers, but human trial data remain absent. Overall evidence for the JCM 4937 strain specifically is preliminary and extrapolated from related strains, requiring independent clinical validation.

Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937, as a yeast strain, contains a nutritional composition consistent with S. cerevisiae species broadly, though strain-specific quantitative data for JCM 4937 is not independently published. General S. cerevisiae cell composition (dry weight basis): Protein: 40–50% (rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, and lysine; complete amino acid profile present). Carbohydrates: 30–40% (primarily cell wall beta-glucans ~15–30% of dry weight, mannoproteins, and trehalose ~1–5%). Lipids: 4–7% (ergosterol as primary sterol, ~1–2% of dry weight; phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine). B-vitamins: Thiamine (B1) ~0.1–0.5 mg/g dry weight; Riboflavin (B2) ~0.04–0.08 mg/g; Niacin (B3) ~0.3–0.5 mg/g; Pantothenic acid (B5) ~0.1–0.2 mg/g; Pyridoxine (B6) ~0.02–0.05 mg/g; Folate (B9) ~0.01–0.02 mg/g; Biotin (B7) trace amounts. Minerals: Zinc ~0.5–1.0 mg/g dry weight; Selenium (when selenium-enriched media used); Phosphorus ~15–20 mg/g; Potassium ~15–25 mg/g; Magnesium ~1–2 mg/g; Iron ~0.1–0.3 mg/g. Key bioactive compounds: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans (immunomodulatory, estimated 150–300 mg/g dry weight); Mannans and mannoproteins (cell wall adhesion and immune interaction); Glutathione ~5–10 mg/g dry weight (antioxidant); Coenzyme Q6 (ubiquinone homolog); Ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor). Bioavailability notes: Whole yeast cell wall limits direct nutrient absorption unless cells are lysed or autolyzed; beta-glucans are poorly digested by human enzymes but interact with intestinal immune receptors (Dectin-1); protein bioavailability improves with autolysis or hydrolysis processing. No strain-specific JCM 4937 nutritional quantification has been published in peer-reviewed literature as of available data.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosages are available for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937. Comparable S. cerevisiae strain CNCM I-3856 was studied at 500 mg (5 × 10⁹ CFU/mL) daily for 56 days in vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamin D3

Safety & Interactions

S. cerevisiae-based supplements are generally regarded as safe for healthy adults, with the most common adverse effects being mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. Individuals with Saccharomyces or yeast allergies should avoid this strain due to risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Immunocompromised individuals, including those on immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus, should consult a physician before use, as live yeast strains carry a theoretical risk of fungemia in severely immunosuppressed patients. Safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient for JCM 4937 specifically, and use during these periods is not recommended without medical supervision.