ABSTRACT:
The term "probiotic" was first used in 1965, by Lilly and Stillwell, to explain substances secreted by one organism which stimulate the growth of one more. The use of antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy and irradiation, amongst other means of treatment, may cause alterations in the composition and have an effect on the GIT flora. Consequently, the introduction of beneficial bacterial species to GI tract may be a very attractive option to re-establish the microbial equilibrium and prevent disease. Scientific studies suggest that probiotics might be helpful in stimulation of the immune system, avoidance of allergic diseases, control of GI tract inflammatory diseases and cancer prevention. Probiotic microbial species act by altering the composition of the gut microbionta. probiotics are termed synbiotics and are able to improve the possibility of the probiotics. Present review focuses on composition and roles of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics in human health. Furthermore, additional health benefits like immune-modulation, cancer prevention, inflammatory bowel disease etc. are also discussed.