Efficacy of different probiotic regimens for allergic rhinitis: A network meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#probiotics #humans #rhinitis-allergic #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #quality-of-life

Efficacy of different probiotic regimens for allergic rhinitis: A network meta-analysis

Lu et al., 2025 | Complement Ther Clin Pract | Narrative Review

Citation

Lu Chang, Gao Yuan, ... Li Minhui. Efficacy of different probiotic regimens for allergic rhinitis: A network meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2025-May;59:101954. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.101954

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of different probiotic species in the treatment of Allergic rhinitis (AR), we used network meta-analysis (NMA), which provides a foundation for evidence-based therapeutic selection. METHODS: Nine databases were searched from their inception until April 30, 2024. Stata 17.0 and Review Manager 5.4 were used to conduct the NMA. The main outcomes included total nasal symptom score (TNSS), Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQLQ) global scores, total and specific IgE levels, blood eosinophil count, efficacy rate, and adverse events. RESULTS: 31 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, involving 2544 patients with AR. In the NMA, in terms of reducing TNSS: Saccharomyces > Mix > Bifidobacterium > Enterococcus faecalis > Lactobacillus > Bacillus > conventional therapy; in terms of reducing RQLQ: Mix > Lactobacillus > Enterococcus faecalis > conventional therapy; in terms of reducing Total IgE: Mix > Bifidobacterium > Lactobacillus > Tetragenococcus halophilus > conventional therapy; in terms of reducing Special IgE: Mix > conventional therapy > Bifidobacterium > Lactobacillus > Leuconostoc; in terms of reducing blood eosinophil count: Lactobacillus > conventional therapy > Mix; in terms of improving the efficacy rate: Saccharomyces > Mix > conventional therapy. No serious adverse events were reported regarding safety. CONCLUSION: Probiotic mixtures may be the most effective in reducing RQLQ, Total IgE, and Special IgE; Saccharomyces may be the most efficacious in reducing TNSS and improving the efficacy rate; and Lactobacillus may be the most effective in reducing blood eosinophil count. Overall, probiotic mixtures demonstrated better combined efficacy.

Key Findings

31 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, involving 2544 patients with AR. In the NMA, in terms of reducing TNSS: Saccharomyces > Mix > Bifidobacterium > Enterococcus faecalis > Lactobacillus > Bacillus > conventional therapy; in terms of reducing RQLQ: Mix > Lactobacillus > Enterococcus faecalis > conventional therapy; in terms of reducing Total IgE: Mix > Bifidobacterium > Lactobacillus > Tetragenococcus halophilus > conventional therapy; in terms of reducing Special IgE: Mix > con

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population ar
Sample Size 2544
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Probiotics
  • Humans
  • Rhinitis, Allergic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Quality of Life
  • Immunoglobulin E

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Narrative Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Review, Network Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09