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In the ever-evolving field of microbiome science, Seed Health stands out as a trailblazer. This company, co-founded by Ara Katz and Raja Dhir, is dedicated to pioneering innovations in probiotics and living medicines to enhance both human and planetary health. Seed’s approach is deeply rooted in rigorous scientific research and a commitment to understanding the intricate relationships between humans and their microbial inhabitants. One of the most compelling areas of their research focuses on the vaginal microbiome, a critical aspect of women’s health that has long been overlooked.
Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome
The vaginal microbiome is a complex ecosystem composed of various microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, that reside in the vaginal environment. This microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health, protecting against disruptions, and regulating pH levels. A balanced vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by beneficial bacteria, particularly those from the Lactobacillus genus.
The Role of Lactobacillus crispatus
Among the different Lactobacillus species, Lactobacillus crispatus stands out for its significant role in promoting vaginal health. L. crispatus produces lactic acid, which helps maintain the vaginal pH at an acidic level, typically around 3.8 to 4.5. This acidic environment is hostile to many unwanted microorganisms, thus helping to prevent disruptions. Additionally, L. crispatus produces hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins, which further inhibit the growth of less desirable bacteria.
Causes of an Imbalanced Vaginal Microbiome
Day-to-day life can disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. Some common causes of an imbalanced vaginal microbiome include:
- Sex
- Menstruation
- Gels and lubricants
- Certain cleansers
- Feminine hygiene products
Dr. Jacques Ravel and the Vaginal Microbiome
Dr. Jacques Ravel is a leading expert in the field of microbiome science, particularly in the study of the vaginal microbiome. As a professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Associate Director of Genomics at the Institute for Genome Sciences, Dr. Ravel has made significant contributions to our understanding of the vaginal microbiome. His research has highlighted the importance of a balanced vaginal microbiome in maintaining vaginal health and protecting against disruptions.
Dr. Ravel’s work has also shed light on the variations in the vaginal microbiome among different women, influenced by factors such as ethnicity, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. This understanding has paved the way for personalized approaches to maintaining and restoring vaginal health.
Seed Health’s VS-01™: A Revolutionary Solution
Seed Health has harnessed the insights from microbiome research to develop innovative solutions for vaginal health. One of their most promising products is VS-01™, a breakthrough in the field of probiotics designed specifically for the vaginal microbiome.
VS-01™ is a proprietary blend of three Lactobacillus crispatus strains, formulated to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. The development of VS-01™ involved extensive research and collaboration with leading scientists and researchers, including Dr. Jacques Ravel, to ensure its efficacy and safety.
Mechanism of Action
VS-01™ works by replenishing the vaginal microbiome with beneficial Lactobacillus strains, particularly L. crispatus. These probiotics help maintain the acidic pH of the vagina by producing lactic acid, in turn lowering the pH and creating an environment that favors beneficial microorganisms.
By promoting a balanced vaginal microbiome, VS-01™ helps alleviate inbalances that can cause disruptions throughout your day.
Benefits of VS-01™
VS-01™ is clinically validated to establish an optimal vaginal microbiome and protect against common vaginal pH disruptors from lifestyle and the environment.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, VS-01™:
- Restores an Optimal Vaginal Microbiome: Established an optimal vaginal microbiome dominated by L. crispatus in 9 out of 10 participants with a non-optimal starting state.
- Is 10x More Effective than Oral Probiotics: Increased beneficial L. crispatus in the vagina 10x more effectively than a leading oral probiotic for vaginal health.
- Has a Superior Delivery Technology: Proprietary SMART Tablet™ slow-release delivery technology demonstrated results that surpass oral and vaginal capsule formats.
- Is Safe for Long-term Use: Demonstrated to be safe, tolerable, and non-disruptive to the vaginal pH, surpassing existing solutions in biocompatibility and non-irritation.
- VS-01™ Promotes a Healthy Yeast Balance: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, VS-01™ maintained healthy yeast balance in the vagina.
Key Features
Evidence-Based Benefits
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, VS-01™ converted 90% of participants to an optimal vaginal microbiome with a non-optimal starting state compared to a leading oral probiotic for vaginal health, and 100% of participants experienced regulated vaginal pH.
Superior Science
VS-01™ is the culmination of over 15+ years of metagenomics research in collaboration with renowned vaginal microbiome scientist Dr. Jacques Ravel. Born from Dr. Ravel’s discovery that not all strains of L. crispatus are equally beneficial, VS-01™ is formulated with three proprietary strains of L. crispatus, meticulously selected from a pool of over 600 candidates, for their strong association with vaginal microbiome stability and resilience. VS-01™ is the first innovation to emerge from Seed’s LUCA platform, setting a new paradigm of innovation, empowerment, and care.
A New Standard of Safety
VS-01™ is extensively third-party evaluated for safety, contaminants, impurities, and all classes of allergens. It is formulated with gentle, non-irritating ingredients and tested for vaginal biocompatibility using an FDA-recognized tissue model.
The Future of Vaginal Health
Seed Health’s commitment to advancing microbiome science and developing innovative solutions like VS-01™ represents a significant step forward in the field of women’s health. By focusing on the vaginal microbiome, Seed Health is addressing a critical aspect of health that has long been neglected. Their work not only provides effective solutions for maintaining vaginal health but also contributes to a broader understanding of the importance of the microbiome in overall health and well-being.
As research in this field continues to evolve, the potential for new and improved treatments for various vaginal health issues grows. Seed Health’s pioneering efforts, combined with the expertise of scientists like Dr. Jacques Ravel, are paving the way for a future where women can take proactive steps to maintain their vaginal health through science-backed, microbiome-based solutions.
In conclusion, Seed Health’s innovative approach to microbiome science, exemplified by their development of VS-01™, offers a promising solution for better vaginal health. By harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus crispatus, Seed Health is making significant strides in supporting women’s health and well-being.
