Vol. 9, Special Issue 1, Part K (2025)

The strain Weissella cibaria MTCC 5948, isolated from fermented idli batter was evaluated for its probiotic potential based on its acid and bile tolerance, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, antimicrobial activity, and bile salt hydrolase activity. Additionally, its biofunctional attributes, including antioxidant activity, anticancer potential, and cholesterol assimilation, were assessed. The strain demonstrated a viability of 3.92 log CFU/mL after 3 h at pH 2.0 and 5.23 log CFU/mL at 1% bile salt after 4 h of incubation. Further, the strain showed an auto-aggregation of 35.49% and the highest co-aggregation of 34.18% with Escherichia coli. It exhibited notable antimicrobial activity, particularly against S. typhimurium, with an inhibition zone of 11.66 mm. Furthermore, W. cibaria MTCC 5948 showed antioxidant activity of 28% and higher nitrite release compared to the control strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, indicating potential anticarcinogenic effects. Its cholesterol assimilation of 53.11% highlights its potential in managing hypercholesterolemia. These results suggest that W. cibaria MTCC 5948 holds promise as a probiotic.