Efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus plantarum GCWB1001 on respiratory health: A double-blind randomized placebo control trial

Respiratory symptoms like prolonged cough and breathlessness have increased post-COVID-19, even in those with normal chest X-rays and FEV1/FVC ratios. This study assessed the benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum GCWB1001 on such symptoms in individuals without asthma or COPD. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 126 participants aged 19–70 were included. Exclusions were for asthma, COPD, abnormal chest X-rays, or recent antibiotic use. The primary outcome was BCSS, with secondary outcomes including VAS scores for respiratory function. No significant differences were found in total BCSS scores between groups. However, sputum and breathlessness improved significantly after 12 weeks of GCWB1001, especially in men and those over 40. No serious adverse events were reported, indicating safety. This study highlights the potential of GCWB1001 for managing prolonged respiratory symptoms in non-asthmatic, non-COPD individuals, meriting further research to confirm these findings.