GABA-Producing Capabilities of Lactococcus lactis PL186 in Murine and Human.

2026-03-20
Journal of microbiology and biotechnology 36

PubMed: 41866909
DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2512.12040

Study Design

Methods: The novel strain Lactococcus lactis PL186 exhibits high GABA productivity in vitro and has demonstrated proven safety as a probiotic. In mice, this strain adheres to the intestinal mucosa, resulting in increased GABA levels in both serum and brain tissue. Additionally, L. lactis PL186 effectively colonizes the human gut and elevates GABA concentration in urine.

The novel strain Lactococcus lactis PL186 exhibits high GABA productivity in vitro and has demonstrated proven safety as a probiotic. In mice, this strain adheres to the intestinal mucosa, resulting in increased GABA levels in both serum and brain tissue. Additionally, L. lactis PL186 effectively colonizes the human gut and elevates GABA concentration in urine, highlighting its potential for systemic GABA enhancement. Oral administration of GABA-producing probiotics such as L. lactis PL186 therefore supports persistent endogenous GABA biosynthesis, helps maintain relatively stable systemic concentrations, and enables prolonged functional benefits. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that L. lactis can produce GABA that circulates within the human body.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactococcus lactis	—	Increased Brain GABA Levels	Beneficial	Moderate	View source In mice, this strain adheres to the intestinal mucosa, resulting in increased GABA levels in both serum and brain tissue.
Lactococcus lactis	—	Increased Systemic GABA Levels	Beneficial	Moderate	View source In mice, this strain adheres to the intestinal mucosa, resulting in increased GABA levels in both serum and brain tissue. Additionally, L. lactis PL186 effectively colonizes the human gut and elevates GABA concentration in urine, highlighting its potential for systemic GABA enhancement.