Science & Research
Narine: A Long History of Research
Discovered in Armenia in 1953, Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2 strain 317/402 (Narine) has been studied across generations and countries.
Research has explored its microbiological characteristics, biological activities, and potential applications in areas including gastrointestinal health, immunology, dermatology, pediatric health, oral health, and other fields.
Research & Areas of Study
From Armenia to Japan:
A Continuing Scientific Journey
Dr. Miyazawa — Research in Japan
Dr. Masaaki Miyazawa, Professor at Kindai University School of Medicine, has conducted a series of research studies investigating the biological and immune effects of Narine and related lactic acid bacteria.
Dr. Miyazawa and his collaborators at Kindai University published a series of reports examining Narine in relation to natural resistance to viral infection, immune responses including interferon activity, and changes in intestinal microbiota. Additional studies investigated the relationship between intestinal bacteria and resistance to bacterial infection. Together, these reports form part of the scientific research conducted in Japan on Narine and its interaction with immune and intestinal environments.
Four Research Reports on Narine
Selected Japanese Research
1987 — Exploring Interferon Responses
Japanese researchers investigated Narine in relation to interferon induction and interferon-producing activity.
1994 — Investigating Immune Functions
Researchers at Gifu Pharmaceutical University and Gifu University School of Medicine investigated the effects of BON-NARINE on immune-related functions in mice, including macrophage activity, phagocytosis, and splenocyte responses.
2000 — Studying Macrophage and Lymphocyte Functions
Researchers at Gifu Pharmaceutical University and Gifu University investigated BON-NARINE in female BALB/c mice, examining macrophage function and lymphocyte responses, including cytokine production.
2004 — Reviewing the Characteristics of the Narine Strain
A Japanese-published review examined Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2 strain 317/402 (Narine), discussing its microbiological characteristics and reported biological properties.
2005 — Clinical Study in Chronic Hepatitis C
A Japanese clinical study investigated a food containing Narine and an Auricularia extract in people with chronic hepatitis C, evaluating HCV-RNA, immune markers, and liver-function parameters over eight weeks.
Related Experimental Research
Additional experimental research investigated BON-NARINE in combination with hyperthermia in tumor-bearing mice, representing a separate line of laboratory research.
A Continuing Scientific Conversation
From early investigations of interferon responses to studies of immune-cell function, microbiological characteristics, intestinal environments, and human clinical research, Japanese researchers have contributed to the scientific exploration of Narine over several decades.
These studies represent selected chapters in a broader research history connecting Narine’s Armenian origins with scientific interest in Japan and beyond.
Explore the Research Library →
The following references represent selected scientific publications, research reports, patents, theses, and other materials related to Narine and Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2 strain 317/402.