The present invention relates to probiotic bacteria strains having a high anti-inflammatory activity. The presentinvention relates to bacteria strains as strongly inducers of Interleukin-10(IL-10) production. In particular, the present inventionrelates to the anti-inflammatory activity shown by said bacteria strains dueto its enhancement of IL-10 production in peripheralblood mononuclear cells, with on the other hand a low capability to stimulatethe production of the pro-inflammatory 11-12, thusleading to a high IL-10/IL-12 ratio. Further, the present invention relates tothe use of at least one bacterium strain for thepreparation of a composition for the prevention or treatment of theinflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Finally, the present invention relates to food products, such asprobiotic dietary supplements containing at least oneprobiotic bacterium strain, as an active ingredient.
