Probiotics, gut microbiota, and brain health: Exploring therapeutic pathways.

2025-07-08
AIMS microbiology 11(3)

PubMed: 41078543
DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2025022

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: critically examines recent advances in applications of psychobiotics for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism spectrum disorder; integrating evidence from microbiome research, neuroimmunology, and clinical studies

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) function and modulating the gut-brain axis, which describes the bidirectional communication between the GI tract and the central nervous system (CNS). Its involvement in digestion, immunity, and neurophysiology is well recognized. This study offers novel insights by focusing on psychobiotics, a class of probiotics with targeted neuroactive properties. These microorganisms influence brain function through defined mechanisms, including modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter production (GABA, serotonin), regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and vagus nerve signaling. Our work critically examines recent advances in applications of psychobiotics for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism spectrum disorder. By integrating evidence from microbiome research, neuroimmunology, and clinical studies, we identify promising microbial strains and mechanistic pathways with therapeutic potential. This study contributes original perspectives by highlighting underexplored microbe-host interactions and proposing targeted microbial interventions as adjuncts to conventional neurotherapies. Further research is needed to validate strain-specific effects, long-term efficacy, and safety profiles in clinical settings.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71	—	Improved Brain Health	Beneficial	Small	View source psychobiotics... influence brain function through defined mechanisms, including modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter production (GABA, serotonin), regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and vagus nerve signaling
Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52	—	Improved Neurobehavioral Function	Beneficial	Small	View source psychobiotics... influence brain function through defined mechanisms, including modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter production (GABA, serotonin), regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and vagus nerve signaling
Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52	—	Improved Neurological Health	Beneficial	Small	View source This study offers novel insights by focusing on psychobiotics, a class of probiotics with targeted neuroactive properties. These microorganisms influence brain function through defined mechanisms, including modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter production (GABA, serotonin), regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and vagus nerve signaling.
Lactobacillus plantarum R1012	—	Improved Neurological Health	Beneficial	Small	View source This study offers novel insights by focusing on psychobiotics, a class of probiotics with targeted neuroactive properties. These microorganisms influence brain function through defined mechanisms, including modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter production (GABA, serotonin), regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and vagus nerve signaling.