The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Feverfew Plant (Tanacetum partheniumL.) on the Growth of Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Bifidum Bacteria in Probiotic Milk and Yogurt

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) is a medicinal plant used in a wide range of diseases. However, the effect of this plant on the growth of probiotic bacteria has not been investigated yet. In this research, the possibility of producing food based on milk and probiotic yogurt with aqueous extract of feverfew plant was evaluated.

In order to determine the effect of different doses of aqueous extract of feverfew plant on the growth of probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus in the first stage (milk) and in the second stage (yogurt), 0.33 grams of lyophilized bacteria Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus were added separately to one liter of sterilized low-fat milk. Acidity, pH and microbial growth during greenhouse storage and shelf life were investigated and sensory evaluation was performed at the seventh day after the production of the products. Also, at the end of the study, cholesterol and triglyceride levels of rats were measured.

In the samples containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum bacteria was observed that increasing the concentration of aqueous extract of feverfew plant gave a favorable taste to the yogurt, and in all the samples, the yogurt had a very good consistency, and the yogurt with 0.1% feverfew plant had the best taste. In the evaluation of microbial culture, Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic bacteria did not grow well on MRS Agar medium compared to Lactobacillus acidophilus. By examining the results, it was found that increasing the concentration of aqueous extract of Feverfew plant had a positive effect on the growth of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum in probiotic milk and yogurt. Further, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic milk products with different concentrations of aqueous extract of feverfew plant on the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of rats, investigations and experimental tests were carried out that the probiotic milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and also the probiotic milk containing Bifidobacterium bifidum containing 0.1% aqueous extract of feverfew plant had the greatest effect in reducing cholesterol. Lactobacillus acidophilus milk containing 0.1% aqueous extract of feverfew and Bifidobacterium bifidum milk containing 0.3% extract of feverfew plant had the greatest effect in reducing triglycerides in rats.

Aqueous extract of feverfew plant has a positive effect on the growth of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum in probiotic milk and yogurt. Also, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic milk containing aqueous extract of feverfew has a positive effect on reducing cholesterol and triglyceride in rats.