Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG 905

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG 905 is a probiotic yeast strain whose cell wall components, including beta-glucans and mannoproteins, modulate immune responses via pattern recognition receptors. It has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects in preclinical models by suppressing myeloperoxidase activity and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling.

Origin & History

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG 905 is a specific probiotic yeast strain isolated by researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Brazil, originating from baker's yeast. The strain is produced through culture methods and can be used in viable, heat-killed, or supernatant forms for research applications.

Historical & Cultural Context

S. cerevisiae UFMG 905 has no documented traditional medicinal use or presence in historical systems like Ayurveda, TCM, or folk medicine. It is strictly a research-isolated strain developed at UFMG for scientific investigation of probiotic properties.

Health Benefits

• May reduce intestinal inflammation markers in preclinical colitis models by decreasing myeloperoxidase activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines (animal evidence only, PMID: 26322540)
• Potentially supports respiratory health by reducing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eosinophils at 10⁹ CFU/mL doses (preliminary mouse studies, PMID: 36445686)
• Could improve intestinal barrier function by reducing permeability and bacterial translocation while increasing IL-10 (preclinical evidence, PMID: 20437166)
• May modulate immune responses by increasing regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory fatty acids like dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (animal models only, PMC12918630)
• Potentially attenuates food allergy-related tissue injury and IL-17 levels in dose-dependent manner (preliminary evidence from mice, PMID: 32264688)

How It Works

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG 905 cell wall beta-1,3/1,6-glucans engage Dectin-1 receptors on innate immune cells, suppressing NF-κB-driven transcription of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β while promoting regulatory cytokine profiles. In colitis models, the strain reduces myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in colonic tissue, indicating attenuation of neutrophil infiltration. In respiratory models, it appears to shift Th2-skewed immune responses, reducing eosinophil recruitment and IL-5 signaling at doses of approximately 10⁹ CFU/mL.

Scientific Research

All available evidence for S. cerevisiae UFMG 905 comes exclusively from murine (mouse) models with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. Key preclinical studies include DSS-induced colitis models (PMID: 26322540), ovalbumin-induced asthma models (PMC12918630, PMID: 36445686), and intestinal obstruction models (PMID: 20437166) using groups of 4-6 Balb/c mice.

Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG 905 derives exclusively from preclinical animal studies, with no published human clinical trials identified as of 2024. In murine colitis models (PMID: 26322540), oral administration significantly decreased colonic MPO activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to controls. Respiratory studies in animal models demonstrated reductions in bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eosinophil counts at a dose of 10⁹ CFU/mL. Evidence strength is rated low; human trials are required before efficacy claims can be substantiated.

Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG 905 is a yeast strain with a nutritional composition typical of Saccharomyces cerevisiae species, though strain-specific quantitative data remains limited in published literature. As a yeast-based organism, the cell biomass contains approximately 40-50% protein by dry weight, rich in all essential amino acids including lysine and threonine. Carbohydrates constitute approximately 30-40% of dry weight, primarily as beta-glucans (notably β-1,3/1,6-glucan, estimated 10-20% dry weight) and mannan polysaccharides forming the cell wall; these beta-glucans are considered key immunomodulatory bioactive compounds. Lipid content is approximately 5-10% dry weight, including ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D2). B-vitamin content is characteristic of S. cerevisiae: thiamine (B1) ~1-2 mg/100g dry weight, riboflavin (B2) ~4-6 mg/100g, niacin (B3) ~30-50 mg/100g, pantothenic acid (B5) ~10-15 mg/100g, pyridoxine (B6) ~3-5 mg/100g, and folate ~1-2 mg/100g. Minerals present include zinc (~5-10 mg/100g), selenium (variable, strain-dependent), chromium, iron (~2-5 mg/100g), and potassium (~1500-2000 mg/100g). As a probiotic/fermented ingredient administered in CFU-based doses (studies reference 10⁹ CFU/mL), the nutritional contribution per dose is minimal; bioactive effects are primarily mediated through cell wall components (beta-glucans, mannoproteins) and metabolic byproducts including short-chain organic acids. Bioavailability of minerals may be reduced by phytate content inherent to yeast cell walls; however, cell wall beta-glucans and mannoproteins retain biological activity in the gastrointestinal tract, interacting with Dectin-1 and Toll-like receptors on immune cells. No strain-specific UFMG 905 nutritional quantification has been independently published as of available literature.

Preparation & Dosage

In animal studies, oral doses ranged from 10⁷ to 10⁹ CFU/mL daily or alternate-day, with highest efficacy at 10⁹ CFU/mL for respiratory inflammation. Viable yeast showed superior effects compared to heat-killed or supernatant forms. No human dosing data is available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Other Saccharomyces strains, Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species, prebiotic fibers, vitamin D

Safety & Interactions

As a Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived strain, UFMG 905 is generally expected to carry the safety profile typical of probiotic yeasts, but no dedicated human safety studies have been published for this specific strain. Individuals with yeast allergies, Crohn's disease with anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), or severely immunocompromised status should exercise caution, as fungal probiotic strains carry a rare risk of fungemia in these populations. No formal drug interaction data exist for UFMG 905, though concurrent antifungal medications such as fluconazole would likely reduce its viability and efficacy. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid use until human safety data are available.