Lacticaseibacillus zeae

Lacticaseibacillus zeae (formerly Lactobacillus zeae, reclassified via whole-genome sequencing in 2020) is a member of the L. casei species group found in dairy and fermented plant matrices. In vitro characterization of various strains has examined ACE-inhibiting peptide production, anti-Salmonella activity, propionic acid co-production with other bacteria, and starter-culture suitability for fermented foods. Animal studies using L. zeae in C. elegans models have examined interactions with bacterial pathogen resistance pathways, and a 2024 multi-strain probiotic study that included L. zeae examined fatty liver markers in a rodent model, though isolating this strain's contribution from a blend is not possible. No strain-specific human clinical data were identified; the evidence base is primarily microbial characterization and early preclinical research. These are research topics, not findings; the papers do not establish that this strain treats or prevents any condition.