A Lactobacillus Probiotic that Restores and Supports Gut Health
- The first human-derived probiotic in the world, with over 60 years of cited therapeutic effects in babies, children, and adults without recorded side effects
- A naturally occurring “good” bacteria that offers numerous health benefits, such as restoring intestinal microflora and neutralizing toxins in the body
- A globally recognized product from the Caucasus region of Armenia, known as the land of longevity
History of Narine Probiotic
In 1953, Dr. Levon A. Yerzinkyan at the Institute of Microbiology within Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences discovered a unique strain of lactic acid bacterium from meconium of his granddaughter, Narine. The strain was not only highly resistant to antibiotics but also to bile and acid. He named it Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2 317/402, but it is more commonly known as “Narine.”
Since its discovery, Narine has been widely used in various forms for almost 60 years in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. Notable uses of Narine include not only a nourishing substitute for breast milk and a nutritious food for children, but also a treatment for intestinal infections, among others. In addition, Narine was used as part of a treatment for dysbiosis among individuals who suffered radiation exposure during the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. Reports indicate that a majority of these individuals achieved normalization of microflora and correction of dysbiosis when Narine was incorporated into their treatment.
So why is Narine a superior probiotic? It’s because Narine possesses a number of unique characteristics, such as:
- High antibacterial activity – Narine hinders the growth of pathogenic or “harmful” bacteria and other microorganisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and helps to normalize your gut health.
- High bile- and acid-resistance – Unlike other probiotics, Narine can survive through the harsh environment of the GI tract and successfully reach the intestine to do its magic.
- High adhesive properties – Narine can stay in the GI tract for up to two weeks, which is much longer than most other probiotics.
Ability to increase the production of interferon – Research has shown that Narine stimulates the production of interferon, a natural substance that your body produces to fight infections and other diseases, thereby boosting your immune system.
Antibacterial activity of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, and Narine
(mm)
| Name of bacteria | Bifidobacteria | Lactobacillus | Narine |
|---|---|---|---|
| E.coli | 2.8-6.0 | 6.4-10.0 | 24-28 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 4.0-7.0 | 7.3 | 24-26 |
| Salmonella typhimurium | 4.0-8.0 | 7.2-13.5 | 24-26 |
| Salmonella paratyphi | 8.0-9.0 | 7.2-13.5 | 23-28 |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 8.0-9.0 | 7.0-7.2 | 23-26 |
| Mycobacterium phlei | 8.0-10.0 | 7.0-7.2 | 26-28 |
| Bacillus subtilis | 8.0-9.0 | 7.0-7.2 | 25-27 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 9.0 | 7.0-7.2 | 26-28 |
| Serratia marcescens | 9.0 | 2.5 | 26-28 |
| Mycobacterium luteum | 8.0 | 6.0-7.0 | 26-30 |
| Shigella dysenteriae | 7.0 | 4.0-14.0 | 24-25 |
| Shigella flexneri | 6.0-8.0 | 7.2 | 22-24 |
Note: A pathogen and one of the three probiotics were grown in a petri dish. Results were measured 6 hours later (unit: mm). The higher the number, the higher the resistance of the probiotic to the pathogen.
To date, there are approximately 200 clinical studies and published articles that document the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic effects of Narine. Therefore, the World Health Organization and the Russian Academy of Sciences have recommended Narine as a nutritional supplement.
While Narine has been extensively studied and utilized in Armenia for over four decades, its existence was virtually unknown to the Western world until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In Japan, a small number of researchers began to study Narine in the late 1980s. Today, applied research is being conducted in several fields of study, but Japan lags in conducting clinical studies of Narine when compared to other countries.
References:
- Yerzinkyan L.A. (1953): Domestic strains of Lactobacterium acidophilum and some products of their activity, Problems Agricultural and Industrial Microbiology, Collection of Scientific Papers, Yerevan, N1(7), p.123-139.
- Yerzinkyan L.A. (1961): Antibiotic properties of some lactic acid bacteria of the intestinal tract, problems Agricultural and Industrial Microbiology, Collection of Scientific Papers, Yerevan.
- Yeganyan G.A. (2003): Use of narine CDB for prevention and treatment of a number of diseases, Vitamax-E, Yerevan.
- Oganesyan N.M. et al.: Collection of the intestinal microflora in persons subject to small doses if ionizing radiation by means of lyophilizated drug Narine. Scientific-Research Institute of Medical Radiology, Ministry of Health, Armenia, 1991.
- Malikoyan S.A. et al.: Experimental study of efficiency of combined administration of Narine product and gentamycin in combined radiation-thermal injury. Materials of the V All-Union Symposium. September 28-29, 1988, Obninsk city, 1989.
- 喜多 正和: ナリネ菌によるインターフェロン誘発とインターフェロン産生能増強作用、基礎と臨床 21, 71-74, 1987.
- 湯川 進, 伊藤 秀一, 西出 巌他: 臨牀経験 慢性C型肝炎患者に対するナリネ菌(乳酸菌)およびキクラゲ抽出物配合食品の有効性, 臨牀と研究 82(4), 733-737, 2005-04.
- 加藤 俊彦、アレクサンダー カイリス、宇野 潤、百瀬 弥寿徳: 乳酸桿菌 Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2strain 317/402, 通称ナリネ菌の特徴とその生理機能. 応用薬理 66, No. 3/4. July 2004.
The Beginning of Narine
In 1953, Dr. Levon A. Yerzinkyan at the Institute of Microbiology within Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences succeeded in isolating this unique strain of lactic acid bacterium.
Although Dr. Yerzinkyan was a biologist, his passion in finding the most effective lactic acid bacterial strain for humans led him to continue his research in that area. Hence, when his granddaughter Narine was born, he analyzed 10 types of lactic acid bacteria from her meconium and discovered a strain that was highly resistant to antibiotics, bile, and acid. He named it Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2 317/402.
A few years after Narine’s birth, she suffered from a severe intestinal infection. Her condition did not respond to treatment, and her life was in danger. After consulting with her attending physician, Dr. Yerzinkyan proposed that his granddaughter’s treatment include the highly acid- and bile-resistant lactic acid bacterial strain that he isolated from her meconium. The administration of this strain miraculously worked as a treatment so that the girl fully recovered from her illness. This is the reason that Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2 317/402 is more commonly known as “Narine.” And today, Dr. Yerzinkyan’s granddaughter Narine still lives in good health in Armenia.
The Narine strain was formerly registered as Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2strain 317/402 in 1964 (Former Soviet Union Registration No. 163473 1964.04.07).
Reference：Biological features of some races of Lactic acid bacteria,Yerzinkyan, L.A.
About Raw Material Manufacturer GP Trade LLC
Narine, since its discovery in 1953, has been studied under jurisdiction of Russian government, by Armenia Science Academy Microorganism Laboratory and other medical institutions.
With Armenia’s independence in 1991, the production of Narine was transferred to Vitamax-E LLC, the predecessor of Vitaway LLC. Below is a recent history of the corporation:
- 1995：Powder method of Narine by lyophilization is established.
- 1997：Vitamax-E LLC is founded. Production of Narine begins, and 48,000 tablets of the probiotic are sold in Armenia.
- 1999：The company is registered in Russia. Distribution of capsules begins, and 120,000 Narine products are sold.
- 2003：Distribution of powder products is launched in Ukraine, Georgia, and Japan. Sales more than double as 280,000 Narine products are sold.
- 2006：The company changes its name to Vitaway LLC. Distribution routes to East Europe and Central Asia are expanded.
- 2007：Export of manufactured goods to United States begins.
- 2011：Export of manufactured goods to Korea begins.
- 2017：Established GP Trade LLC as sales base of Narine products. Sales increase to 420,000 units are sold.
A record of 420,000 Narine products are sold in 2017, and more than 7 million packages have been sold since its establishment in 1997. Exports have expanded to countries including the United States, Japan, Korea, Eastern Europe (Russian, Ukraine, Belarus), Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania), and Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan).
Pictures from left:
- The Mercury Prize from Republic of Armenia of Chamber of Commerce. Awarded for new technology of Narine product.
- Acquired ISO9001:2000 certification from German third party inspection organization (TUV) for passing the standard for product management and quality management (GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice) of medical products and quasi-pharmaceutical products.
- Narine was recommended to Olympic athletes for health management, in an article published by Republic of Belarus Physical Education and Sports Research Institute.
Anyone has a hundred great doctors in the body
This is a famous quote from Hippocrates, a Greek doctor from 2500 years ago who’s considered to be the founding father of modern medical science. Many of Hippocrates’ proverbs have been passed down over centuries as Hippocratic Oath, and widely recognized as the origin of medical ethics we have today.
The quote “a hundred great doctors” refers to natural healing power humans inherent in the body. Hence, you can maintain a healthy condition by having a strong immune system. Recently, the intestine is drawing attention from researchers around the world in pursuit of a better understanding of these vital organs.
It has been discovered that the intestines play a hidden and important function as “in charge of immune system of the whole body”. We came to understand that enterobacteria and immune cells in the intestines function reciprocally to protect the body from diseases and controls the immune system as a whole.
It is believed that there are more than 1,000 types of enterobacterias that exist in the human intestines, and the total number exceeds 100 trillion. This intestinal microorganism unfolds battle of survival in the internal digestive track, forming equilibrium condition by maintaining a certain amount of balance by mutualism. It is said that 70% of immunological capacity is governed by the intestine.
However, it is becoming a concern that the abnormality of immune cells amongst modern people is rapidly increasing. Autoimmune diseases occur when immune cells attack their own cells in the body. It has become evident by the latest study that the immunity running out of control is caused by the irregularity of the enterobacterias.
Our health is being threatened without being realized today. The intestine is an essential organ not because it digests the food we eat, but it protects our body from outside harm. It improves the immune system, and is crucial to live a healthy life. Thus, it is important to regulate your intestinal environment to maintain your health conditions.
References:
- FAO/WHO: Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Powder Milk with Live Lactic Add Bacteria, 2001.
- FAO/WHO: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Working Group on Drafting Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food, 2002.
- Guarino A, Quigley EMM, Walker WA (eds): Probiotic Bacteria and Their Effect on Human Health and Well-Being. World Review of Nutrition Dietetics. Basel, Karger, 2013, vol 107, pp 1-8.
- NHKスペシャル「人体」万病撃退！”腸”が免疫の鍵だった 2018年1月14日
The birth place of Narine, Armenia
Armenia, the birthplace of Narine, is located in Southern Caucasus, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is a landlocked country with Georgia to the north, Azerbaijin to the east, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the west. The country gained independence from Soviet Union in 1991.
Armenia is famous for being the first country to make Christianity its national religion in 301. Today, its capital Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. The area is about 30,000 square kilometers, and 90% of the country is a plateau, which ranges in altitude from 1,000m to 3,000m. Approximately 3 million people live in this region.
While Armenia is not large in size, but it is a mystical country with rich, ancient history. “Noah’s Ark” from the Old Testament book of Genesis is believed to land after the flood recedes at Ararat Mountain at an altitude 5165m. For this reason, the mountain has become one of Armenia’s national symbols. Many Armenians believed they were the direct descendants of Noah and worship Ararat mountain as the ethnic symbol.
Armenia’s location in Caucasus made it a key point in the silk road that connected Asia and Europe. Since ancient times, it has been a place where various people, supplies, religions, and cultures crossed paths.
A highland region Armenia is rich in fruits. Apricots, grapes, mulberries and raspberries, persimmons, figs, and cherries can be found growing in the wild and it is not uncommon to see people picking the wild fruit and eating them. Natural springs flow from the mountains, and there are numerous water fountains throughout the capital city.
Armenia is a country that places high value on traditional culture and customs. As part of this, Armenian food is an integral part of the culture of the country. Staple foods consist of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and sour cream.
Armenian traditional bread “Lavash” was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. “Lavash” is a very thin bread that is made by stretching the dough with a rolling pin, then stretching it again with both hands until it is as thin as paper. Once it reaches the right consistency, the dough is then baked in a traditional underground pot called “toner.” Generally, in Armenia, meat (kebabs, barbecued meat) or fish is wrapped in “lavash” and eaten with vegetables.
Because of the importance of “Lavash” it has become a symbol of family and wealth dating back to ancient times. During wedding ceremonies, a common tradition involves the bridegroom’s mother praying for the bride and groom to be blessed. Their shoulders are placed on the bread to consecrate the blessing.
In addition, Armenia has a long history with wine and other liquors. The country is considered to be one of the birthplaces of wines. It is believed to have been crafted here since the 8th century BC. In 2011, the world’s oldest winery tracing back 6,100 years ago was found inside the Areni 1 cave in the Vayots Dzor region.