**4.9 Other benefits**

The list of benefits of probiotics is not limited to the ones mentioned above. However, it includes a range of benefits that need to be explored for further human studies. Some evidences suggest that probiotics may influence cancer incidence [50]. As well as researchers are exploring various alternatives of drugs from probiotics that can be used to treat a disease like cancer and with lesser or no side effects. (i.e., L-asparaginase that is used in cancer treatment from *L. casei, L. reuteri,* etc. is being explored) [43, 65]. Furthermore, evidences suggests that food products with probiotic organisms may reduce serum cholesterol levels and control blood pressure. Probiotics may also prevent coronary heart disease [66, 67]. Several studies examined the effect of probiotics and *pre*biotics to treat allergic conditions. However, studies to prevent allergic conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis did not show a positive response. However, studies examined that when pregnant women have probiotic intake, it improves the functioning of the mother's immune system and indirectly improves the immature immune system of the infant, reducing the risk of allergies such as eczema and dermatitis [68]. But there are insufficient evidences to recommend probiotics as standard therapy to prevent allergies [44]. There is a close relationship between microbiota and the immune system of the skin. Consumption of probiotics has provided some protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. *Vitreoscilla filiformis* showed a beneficial effect on a patient with seborrhoeic dermatitis and atopic eczema [69]. As described earlier, LAB, especially lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, exert a beneficial effect in infants with atopic eczema. A *pre*biotic cream has been developed with encouraging results in controlling acne-associated organism *Propionibacterium acne.* However, much more exploration and research are needed to use probiotics routinely for the skin.
