Page 44 - MI-2-3

Microbes & Immunity Probiotics from ancient wisdom to modern days

(from the Greek words “to eat,” a process where cells • 2001 – 2002: Chaired the United Nations/World
engulf large particles), which he explored for the next Health Organization expert panel that defined the
25 years. 29 modern term “probiotics”
• Ongoing: Continues to advocate for the use
The historical progression of probiotics traces its of probiotics in health care and develop novel
origins to age-old fermentation traditions. Along this probiotic therapies.
journey, we recognize the trailblazing contributions of (b) Mary Ellen Sanders: 37
scientists, such as Louis Pasteur (Figure 5), to the cutting- • 1990s – present: A leading figure in the field,
edge field of precision medicine. In this context, probiotics focusing on the scientific substantiation of
are harnessed as microscopic allies for personalized probiotic benefits and their safe use
health. Figure 5 presents a pictorial timeline of these • Ongoing: Actively involved in research, education,
key milestones, with the photo collage highlighting the and advocacy related to probiotics.
pioneers whose contributions have shaped the field. (c) Francisco Guarner: 38

The discoveries do not end with the pioneers in Figure 5. • 1990s – present: Has extensively studied the
There is a long list of masters in the field, among whom are: mechanisms of action of probiotics and their
impact on gut health.
(a) Gregor Reid: 36 • Ongoing: Continues to contribute to the
• 1980s: Started his research on probiotics, focusing understanding of probiotics and their potential
on their role in women’s health and gut health therapeutic applications.

Figure 5. The faces of probiotics: Pioneers in microbial health. Years indicate years of main contribution to science. The public domain image of Antonie
31
30
van Leeuwenhoek was reprinted from commons.wikimedia.org. The public domain image of Louis Pasteur was reprinted from nlm.nih. The public
32
domain image of Hans Christian Gram was reprinted from commons.wikimedia.org. The public domain image of Elie Metchnikoff was reprinted from
35
34
33
loc.gov. The public domain image of Alexander Fleming was reprinted from nobelprize.org. Image of Carl Woese was reprinted from en.wikipedia.org.
CC3.0 Don Hamerman – Hansen and Weller.
Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 36 doi: 10.36922/mi.6424