Probiotic and microbial modulation of polyamine production: an emerging avenue for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative disorders.

2026-02-21
Amino acids 58(1)
- Tushar Adhikari
- Prerona Saha

PubMed: 41721117
DOI: 10.1007/s00726-026-03505-5

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: This review consolidates the current understanding of polyamine biology and microbial influences

Neurodegenerative disorders are an Critical worldwide issue, characterized by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline with limited effective therapies. A central problem in these conditions is chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted cellular homeostasis. Polyamines, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine-small molecules-play vital roles in maintaining neuronal function, regulating autophagy, and protecting against cellular stress. Notably, spermidine-induced autophagy has emerged as a key mechanism linking polyamine metabolism to neuronal longevity and cognitive resilience. Recent studies highlight that probiotics and specific gut microbes can effectively modulate host polyamine production through the gut-brain axis, influencing neural health. This microbial modulation has been shown to restore polyamine balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and reduce neuroinflammatory responses. Targeting microbiota-driven polyamine synthesis is emerging as a promising, non-invasive approach for neuroprotection. This review consolidates the current understanding of polyamine biology and microbial influences, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Exploring these interactions offers new avenues for innovation in combatting neurodegenerative disorders.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium plantarum	—	Improved Antioxidant Defense	Beneficial	Moderate	View source restore polyamine balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and reduce neuroinflammatory responses
Bifidobacterium plantarum	—	Improved Neuroprotection	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Targeting microbiota-driven polyamine synthesis is emerging as a promising, non-invasive approach for neuroprotection
Bifidobacterium plantarum	—	Increased Polyamine Production	Beneficial	Moderate	View source probiotics and specific gut microbes can effectively modulate host polyamine production through the gut-brain axis, influencing neural health
Bifidobacterium plantarum	—	Reduced Neuroinflammation	Beneficial	Moderate	View source This microbial modulation has been shown to restore polyamine balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and reduce neuroinflammatory responses
Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3	—	Improved Antioxidant Defense	Beneficial	Moderate	View source restore polyamine balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and reduce neuroinflammatory responses
Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3	—	Increased Polyamine Levels	Beneficial	Moderate	View source This microbial modulation has been shown to restore polyamine balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and reduce neuroinflammatory responses.
Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3	—	Reduced Neuroinflammatory Markers	Beneficial	Moderate	View source This microbial modulation has been shown to restore polyamine balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and reduce neuroinflammatory responses.