Scientists found a special type of bacteria called Pediococcus inopinatus in kimchi that might help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition where the digestive system gets inflamed and causes pain. In laboratory and animal tests, this bacteria reduced inflammation and helped the immune system work better. The bacteria appears safe to eat and could potentially be added to foods as a natural health booster. While these early results are promising, more research in humans is needed before doctors can recommend it as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a specific bacteria found in kimchi could reduce inflammation and help the immune system in people with inflammatory bowel disease
  • Who participated: The study used 100 different bacteria strains isolated from kimchi, plus laboratory cells and mice with artificially-induced gut inflammation (no human participants in this phase)
  • Key finding: A bacteria strain called WiKim0108 successfully reduced inflammatory markers and improved immune function in both lab tests and mice with gut inflammation, without causing harm
  • What it means for you: This bacteria might eventually become a natural food ingredient to help with gut health, but it’s still in early testing stages and shouldn’t replace medical treatment for IBD without doctor approval

The Research Details

Researchers started by collecting 100 different bacteria strains from various types of skate kimchi (a Korean fermented food). They tested each strain to see which ones had the strongest anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory cell cultures. The most promising strain, called WiKim0108, was then identified and studied more deeply. They tested it in multiple ways: first in isolated immune cells in a dish, then in living mice that had been given a chemical to create gut inflammation similar to IBD. This step-by-step approach helps scientists understand how something works before testing it in humans.

The researchers also checked whether this bacteria was safe by testing if it could survive common antibiotics and examining its behavior in lab cultures. They looked at what enzymes (special proteins) the bacteria could produce, which tells us what it might do in the digestive system. This safety testing is crucial before any food ingredient can be considered for human use.

Finally, they measured specific immune markers and inflammation signals in the mice to see if the bacteria actually made a difference. They looked at both the physical symptoms (like weight loss and stool consistency) and what was happening inside the gut tissue under a microscope.

This research approach matters because it combines multiple types of testing—from simple lab dishes to living organisms—which gives us confidence that the results are real and not just laboratory artifacts. Testing in mice is important because their digestive systems work similarly to humans, but it’s still not the same as testing in people. The safety testing is critical because we need to know that any food ingredient won’t cause harm before it’s used widely.

Strengths: The study used multiple testing methods (in vitro and in vivo), included proper safety checks for antibiotic resistance, and identified the bacteria species using standard genetic methods. The researchers measured multiple markers of inflammation and immune function, not just one. Limitations: This study did not include human participants, so we don’t know if these results will work the same way in people. The sample size of mice used wasn’t specified in the abstract. The study was conducted by researchers who may have financial interest in promoting this bacteria as a product.

What the Results Show

When WiKim0108 bacteria was added to immune cells in a dish, it reduced the production of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines (specifically IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and a molecule called nitric oxide. These are the same inflammatory signals that are too high in people with IBD. Importantly, the bacteria didn’t kill or damage the immune cells—it just helped them work better.

In mice with artificially-induced gut inflammation (similar to IBD), giving the bacteria by mouth improved their symptoms. The mice had less weight loss, better stool consistency, and their gut tissue looked healthier under the microscope. The bacteria also helped restore the normal population of immune cells in the gut that fight infection and control inflammation.

The bacteria was identified as Pediococcus inopinatus, which is a type of lactic acid bacteria already used safely in food fermentation around the world. It was susceptible to common antibiotics, meaning it won’t create antibiotic-resistant infections, and it showed a safety profile called γ-hemolysis, which is a good sign for food safety.

The bacteria produced an enzyme called β-galactosidase, which helps break down milk sugars and is beneficial for digestion. Importantly, it did NOT produce β-glucuronidase, an enzyme that can sometimes be harmful in high amounts. The bacteria also enhanced immune cell activity and increased the expression of immune-related genes, suggesting it helps train the immune system to respond appropriately to threats.

This research builds on previous studies showing that lactic acid bacteria (the ‘good bacteria’ in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi) can help with gut health. However, this is one of the first detailed studies of this specific strain from kimchi. Other lactic acid bacteria have shown promise for IBD, but each strain is different, so finding one that works well is valuable. The dual effect—both reducing excessive inflammation AND boosting appropriate immune responses—is particularly interesting and somewhat unique.

The biggest limitation is that this study was done in animals and lab cells, not in humans with actual IBD. What works in mice doesn’t always work the same way in people. The study didn’t compare this bacteria to other known treatments or probiotics, so we don’t know if it’s better or just similar to existing options. The long-term effects of taking this bacteria regularly weren’t studied. We also don’t know the optimal dose or how long someone would need to take it to see benefits. The study was relatively small in scope and would need to be repeated by other research groups to confirm the findings.

The Bottom Line

At this stage, this bacteria cannot be recommended as a treatment for IBD because human studies haven’t been done yet. However, it’s a promising candidate for future research. If you have IBD, continue following your doctor’s treatment plan. If this bacteria becomes available as a food ingredient or supplement in the future, discuss it with your gastroenterologist before using it, especially if you’re on medications. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (early-stage research)

People with inflammatory bowel disease or other inflammatory gut conditions should pay attention to this research as it develops. People interested in fermented foods and gut health may find this interesting. Researchers and food companies developing functional foods should follow this work. People without gut issues don’t need to make any changes based on this study. Those with compromised immune systems should wait for more safety data before using any new probiotics.

In the mice studied, improvements were seen relatively quickly, but the exact timeline wasn’t specified in the abstract. If this bacteria eventually becomes available for humans, benefits would likely take weeks to months to appear, similar to other probiotics. This is not a quick fix—it would be a long-term dietary approach if it proves effective in humans.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If this bacteria becomes available and you use it with doctor approval, track your digestive symptoms daily: note any changes in bloating, abdominal pain (rate 1-10), stool consistency, and energy levels. Use a simple scale (worse/same/better) to monitor trends over 4-week periods.
  • Once human studies confirm safety and efficacy, users could add fermented foods containing this bacteria to their diet (if available) and track how their gut feels. Start with small amounts and gradually increase while monitoring symptoms. Keep a food and symptom diary to identify patterns.
  • Establish a baseline of your current symptoms before starting any new probiotic. Then measure the same symptoms weekly for at least 8-12 weeks to see if there’s a real change. Share results with your doctor. If available in the future, look for products that specifically list this strain (Pediococcus inopinatus WiKim0108) and track consistency of use alongside symptom improvement.

This research is in early stages and has not been tested in humans. It should not be used to replace medical treatment for inflammatory bowel disease or any other condition. If you have IBD or digestive issues, consult your doctor before trying any new supplements or dietary changes, especially if you’re taking medications. This bacteria is not currently approved as a medical treatment. Always discuss new health interventions with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have a compromised immune system or are taking immunosuppressive medications.