# Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/saccharomyces-cerevisiae-jcm-4937
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** S. cerevisiae JCM 4937, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain JCM 4937, JCM 4937 yeast strain, Probiotic yeast JCM 4937, Japan Collection Microorganisms 4937

## Overview

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 is a specific yeast strain whose bioactive components include [beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s and mannoproteins that interact with immune pattern-recognition receptors. No direct clinical trials have been published for this strain, though closely related S. cerevisiae strains demonstrate antifungal and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity via modulation of toll-like receptor signaling.

## Health Benefits

• No direct clinical evidence exists for JCM 4937 specifically (Preliminary evidence)
• Related S. cerevisiae strain CNCM I-3856 reduced Candida albicans load and prevented vulvovaginal candidiasis recurrence in women (Limited clinical evidence)
• S. cerevisiae 28-7 showed anti-inflammatory effects in mouse colitis models, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s IL-1β, TGF-β, and IFN-γ (Animal studies only)
• Related strains demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties through enhanced immune cell ROS production and pathogen interference mechanisms (In vitro evidence)
• Similar S. cerevisiae strains may support [gut barrier](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) function by restoring proteins like mucin 2/3, ZO-1, and occludin (Preclinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

S. cerevisiae strains including JCM 4937 contain cell-wall beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and mannoproteins that activate Dectin-1 receptors and TLR-2 on macrophages and dendritic cells, triggering NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades to upregulate pro-inflammatory and antifungal cytokines. The mannoprotein fraction competitively inhibits Candida albicans adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells by blocking lectin-carbohydrate binding sites. Related strain S. cerevisiae 28-7 suppresses inflammatory mediators including TNF-α and IL-6, suggesting shared [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) enzyme modulation pathways across the species.

## Clinical Summary

No published randomized controlled trials exist specifically for the JCM 4937 strain, making direct efficacy claims unsupported at this time. The closely related strain CNCM I-3856 was studied in a clinical trial of women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, where oral supplementation significantly reduced Candida albicans vaginal load and decreased recurrence rates compared to placebo. S. cerevisiae 28-7 demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in preclinical models, reducing key cytokine markers, but human trial data remain absent. Overall evidence for the JCM 4937 strain specifically is preliminary and extrapolated from related strains, requiring independent clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937, as a yeast strain, contains a nutritional composition consistent with S. cerevisiae species broadly, though strain-specific quantitative data for JCM 4937 is not independently published. General S. cerevisiae cell composition (dry weight basis): Protein: 40–50% (rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, and lysine; complete amino acid profile present). Carbohydrates: 30–40% (primarily cell wall beta-glucans ~15–30% of dry weight, mannoproteins, and trehalose ~1–5%). Lipids: 4–7% (ergosterol as primary sterol, ~1–2% of dry weight; phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine). B-vitamins: Thiamine (B1) ~0.1–0.5 mg/g dry weight; Riboflavin (B2) ~0.04–0.08 mg/g; Niacin (B3) ~0.3–0.5 mg/g; Pantothenic acid (B5) ~0.1–0.2 mg/g; Pyridoxine (B6) ~0.02–0.05 mg/g; Folate (B9) ~0.01–0.02 mg/g; Biotin (B7) trace amounts. Minerals: Zinc ~0.5–1.0 mg/g dry weight; Selenium (when selenium-enriched media used); Phosphorus ~15–20 mg/g; Potassium ~15–25 mg/g; Magnesium ~1–2 mg/g; Iron ~0.1–0.3 mg/g. Key bioactive compounds: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans ([immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), estimated 150–300 mg/g dry weight); Mannans and mannoproteins (cell wall adhesion and immune interaction); [Glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) ~5–10 mg/g dry weight ([antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)); Coenzyme Q6 (ubiquinone homolog); Ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor). Bioavailability notes: Whole yeast cell wall limits direct nutrient absorption unless cells are lysed or autolyzed; beta-glucans are poorly digested by human enzymes but interact with intestinal immune receptors (Dectin-1); protein bioavailability improves with autolysis or hydrolysis processing. No strain-specific JCM 4937 nutritional quantification has been published in peer-reviewed literature as of available data.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages are available for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937. Comparable S. cerevisiae strain CNCM I-3856 was studied at 500 mg (5 × 10⁹ CFU/mL) daily for 56 days in vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

S. cerevisiae-based supplements are generally regarded as safe for healthy adults, with the most common adverse effects being mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. Individuals with Saccharomyces or yeast allergies should avoid this strain due to risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Immunocompromised individuals, including those on immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus, should consult a physician before use, as live yeast strains carry a theoretical risk of fungemia in severely immunosuppressed patients. Safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient for JCM 4937 specifically, and use during these periods is not recommended without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 were identified in available sources. Related strain CNCM I-3856 showed efficacy in an open-label study for vulvovaginal candidiasis prevention, while SC28-7 demonstrated benefits only in DSS-induced colitis mouse models. A clinical trial (NCT02345096) examined unspecified S. cerevisiae effects but lacks detailed outcomes on JCM 4937.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No traditional medicine use is recorded for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 specifically. Related strain SC28-7 derives from Korean nuruk, a traditional fermentation starter for brewing, but lacks historical medicinal context. The well-known [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) S. boulardii (a S. cerevisiae variant) has been used since the 1950s for diarrhea, but this history is not applicable to JCM 4937.

## Synergistic Combinations

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamin D3

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 is a specific catalogued strain of baker's yeast registered in the Japan Collection of Microorganisms. Like other S. cerevisiae strains, it contains cell-wall beta-glucans and mannoproteins that may modulate immune function, though no published clinical trials have been conducted on this particular strain.

### Can Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 help with Candida infections?

There is no direct clinical evidence for JCM 4937 against Candida infections, but the related strain CNCM I-3856 demonstrated measurable reductions in Candida albicans vaginal load in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in a published clinical trial. The proposed mechanism involves mannoproteins blocking C. albicans adhesion to epithelial surfaces, but this has not been confirmed specifically for the JCM 4937 strain.

### How does Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 differ from Saccharomyces boulardii?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 is a strain of baker's yeast with potential immune-modulating properties, whereas Saccharomyces boulardii is a distinct tropical yeast subspecies with an extensive clinical evidence base for treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridioides difficile infection. S. boulardii produces protease enzymes that cleave bacterial toxins and has well-documented safety profiles, while JCM 4937 lacks independent clinical research to make equivalent evidence-based claims.

### What is the recommended dosage of Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937?

No established clinical dosage exists specifically for the JCM 4937 strain due to the absence of published human trials. Related S. cerevisiae strains in clinical studies, such as CNCM I-3856, have typically been used at doses in the range of 1–5 billion CFU per day in oral supplement form. Any dosage recommendation for JCM 4937 should be guided by manufacturer specifications and a qualified healthcare provider.

### Is Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 safe for people with yeast allergies?

Individuals with confirmed yeast or Saccharomyces allergies should avoid Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937, as cross-reactivity between S. cerevisiae strains and common yeast allergens including enolase and alcohol dehydrogenase has been documented. Allergic reactions may range from mild urticaria to more severe systemic responses depending on sensitivity. Those with inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease should also exercise caution, as elevated anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) are associated with these conditions.

### What does the research evidence show specifically for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 currently lacks direct human clinical trials, making it preliminary evidence at best. However, a closely related S. cerevisiae strain (CNCM I-3856) demonstrated clinically significant results in reducing Candida albicans load and preventing vulvovaginal candidiasis recurrence in women. Animal studies on other S. cerevisiae strains show promising anti-inflammatory effects, though human efficacy for JCM 4937 specifically remains unproven.

### Is Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 suitable for people with inflammatory bowel conditions?

While animal studies using related S. cerevisiae strains (specifically strain 28-7) showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in colitis models by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, TGF-β, and IFN-γ, no human clinical data exists for JCM 4937 in this context. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing, as responses may vary and clinical evidence is currently limited to animal models.

### How does Saccharomyces cerevisiae JCM 4937 work against pathogenic yeasts?

JCM 4937 is theorized to work through competitive exclusion and immune modulation mechanisms similar to other S. cerevisiae strains, though its exact mechanism in humans remains uncharacterized. Evidence from related strains suggests it may reduce pathogenic Candida load through both direct competition for nutrients and support of local immune responses. The lack of strain-specific mechanistic studies means the exact action pathway for JCM 4937 is currently unknown.

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