The Science Behind Q-Shield® L. Plantarum
In this article, we explore the science-backed benefits of the L. plantarum probiotic strain, more specifically, the patented Q-Shield® L. plantarum strain that we use in our REM+ Nighttime Recovery formula.
This patented strain of L. plantarum probiotic is backed by rigorous clinical research, proven to uniquely influence the gut-brain axis, helping improve sleep quality, reduce harmful inflammation, and accelerate recovery from intense exercise—all while strengthening digestive health and immune function.
What Is Lactobacillus plantarum?
Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) is a species of beneficial bacteria known for its wide-ranging health benefits.
While many probiotics primarily target gut health and digestion, Q-Shield’s patented L. plantarum strain has been clinically optimized to resist breakdown from our harsh digestive environment, meaning that the active beneficial bacteria survives the acidic and thermal stress of digestion, providing benefits that extend to the brain and central nervous system.
This results in its unique effect at regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a critical role in mood, cognitive function, physical performance, stress resilience, and sleep cycles—especially deep sleep and REM cycles.
What are the Benefits?
Sleep & Neurological Benefits
Q-Shield® patented L. plantarum has been shown to positively influence the gut-brain axis, improving sleep quality and supporting cognitive and emotional well-being.
It helps modulate neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin-melatonin conversion, which plays a key role in promoting relaxation and deep sleep.
Additionally, by reducing gut inflammation and supporting microbiome balance, L. plantarum indirectly enhances melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation, potentially leading to improved long-term sleep quality.¹
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Q-Shield® patented L. plantarum modulates immune responses and reduces systemic inflammation through several mechanisms.
It enhances the intestinal barrier function, which prevents endotoxins from leaking into the bloodstream—one of the primary causes of chronic low-grade inflammation (“inflammaging”).²
It also promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, L. plantarum reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, making it highly effective at combatting harmful and chronic inflammation.³
Athletic Performance & Recovery
Q-Shield® patented L. plantarum supports athletic performance by reducing exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, which speeds up recovery and reduces muscle soreness.
It also enhances muscle glycogen storage and protein absorption via improved gut barrier integrity and enzyme activity.⁴
In a recent 2020 clinical study, L. plantarum was shown to increase VO₂ max and endurance, proven through a randomized controlled trial.
This study showed improved muscle mass and endurance in both animal and human subjects after supplementation.
A 2024 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated L. plantarum supplementation combined with resistance training in healthy adults. After six weeks, the group taking L. plantarum showed:
- Measurable increases in lean muscle mass
- Greater explosive strength and endurance (e.g., countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, anaerobic power metrics)
- Improved VO₂ max (maximal oxygen consumption), with ~9% gains (p < 0.001)
- Faster recovery post-exercise—inflammatory markers (CK, IL-6) rose less and returned to baseline more quickly
Benefits this significant to athletic performance and body composition are unmatched with any other probiotic strain, making L. plantarum the king of probiotics for athletes and anyone seeking to improve physical performance and enhance recovery.⁵ ⁶
Longevity & Anti-Aging Benefits
L. plantarum benefits youthful aging through the gut-skin axis, influencing dermal health in a variety of ways.
It reduces skin inflammation and irritation symptoms by balancing gut flora and calming systemic inflammation.
It enhances skin hydration and elasticity by supporting the production of ceramides and regulating transepidermal water loss.
It may also protect against UV-induced oxidative damage, which contributes to premature aging.
In a recent clinical study, L. plantarum supplementation improved skin barrier function, reduced wrinkle depth, and increased collagen density in 100% of the participants.
In Summary
Modern research continues to validate what ancient healing systems have known for centuries — the gut is central to every aspect of health, performance, and longevity.
Clinically shown to reduce gut inflammation, strengthen the intestinal barrier, modulate immune function, enhance athletic performance and positively influence neurotransmitter production, Q-Shield’s L. plantarum, one of the premium patented ingredients in our REM+ Night Time Recovery formula, is more than just a probiotic—it’s a key to unlocking your peak state for higher performance and optimal longevity.
References
Park et al. (2020). Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on sleep disorders in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This study demonstrated improved sleep patterns and behavioral regulation via microbiome and neurological modulation.
Wang et al. (2021). Lactobacillus plantarum attenuates inflammation of colitis via modulation of the gut microbiota and suppression of inflammatory cytokines.
Huang et al. (2020). Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation improves exercise performance and muscle mass in humans. Nutrients.
Lee et al. (2015). Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 improves skin hydration and elasticity in human subjects. J Microbiol Biotechnol.
