Dec 23, 2025
Study on GABA-producing strain ‘IDCC 1201’ featured as cover article in RSC’s ‘Food & Function’
Ildong Bioscience, a health functional food subsidiary of Ildong Pharmaceutical Group, has unveiled significant research findings regarding sleep-related probiotics.
The company announced that its study on the effects of the probiotic strain ‘IDCC 1201’ on sleep was featured as the cover article in a recent issue of Food & Function, a journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in the UK. IDCC 1201 is a probiotic strain developed by Ildong Bioscience known for producing the neurotransmitter GABA.
According to the research results, the group administered with IDCC 1201 showed a significant increase in sleep duration compared to the control group. This study, conducted using animal models, analyzed sleep patterns using electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) data.
Following repeated administration of IDCC 1201 over three weeks, the analysis of sleep architecture revealed a gradual increase in the ratio of non-REM (NREM) sleep—which corresponds to deep sleep—and a decrease in wakefulness. This indicates a trend toward improved sleep continuity and stability.
The study also confirmed the potential for regulating sleep physiological functions. An analysis of the gut microbiome in the IDCC 1201 group showed an increase in beneficial bacteria populations previously reported to be associated with sleep and immunity. Additionally, gut metabolite analysis revealed an increase in serotonin metabolites and antioxidant-related derivatives, which are linked to sleep regulation.
"This study is significant because it confirms the scientific value and potential application of IDCC 1201 through a multi-faceted analysis involving EEG, microbiome, and metabolite data," said an official from Ildong Bioscience. "Based on follow-up research, including human application trials, we plan to accelerate commercialization efforts, such as applying for registration as an individually recognized functional ingredient and developing related materials and products."