The present invention relates to probiotic bacteria strains having a high anti-inflammatory activity. The present invention relates to bacteria strains as strongly inducers of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. In particular, the present invention relates to the anti-inflammatory activity shown by said bacteria strains due to its enhancement of IL-10 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with on the other hand a low capability to stimulate the production of the pro-inflammatory Il-12, thus leading to a high IL-10/IL-12 ratio. Further, the present invention relates to the use of at least one bacterium strain for the preparation of a composition for the prevention or treatment of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Finally, the present invention relates to food products, such as probiotic dietary supplements containing at least one probiotic bacterium strain, as an active ingredient.
