Role of Probiotics in Management of Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Depression: An Updated Analysis of Trials.

2025-11-29
Brain and behavior 15(12)
- Syed Ali Arsal
- Aashish Kumar
- Umer Iqbal
- Shafin Bin Amin
- Muhammad Aniq Amir
- Muhammad Abrar Amir
- Muhammad Ashir Shafique
- Suhaib Ahmed
- Laksh Kumar
- Oluwatobiloba Israel Popoola
- Inibehe Ime Okon

PubMed: 41319022
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.71108

Background and objective

Depression is a global burden that causes mortality and morbidity in patients and affects millions of people worldwide. Conventional treatment of depression has limited efficacy in addressing cognitive symptoms. Probiotics, particularly psychobiotics, offer promise by modulating the gut-brain axis and improving both depressive symptoms and cognitive function. This meta-analysis provides insights into the potential of probiotics in alleviating depression-related symptoms and cognitive deficits in comparison with placebo.

Method

A thorough literature search was performed using online resources such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The seven randomized control trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. The study was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Result

Patients receiving probiotics had significant alleviation of cognitive symptoms (p = 0.01; SMD, -0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.59 to -0.21; I² = 82%) in comparison to placebo. Likewise, the probiotic group had a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group (p = 0.03; SMD, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.06; I² = 79%). Both results favored the probiotic group over the placebo group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research has demonstrated that probiotic supplementation can be a highly effective supplementary treatment for depression by effectively addressing psychological symptoms and cognitive problems. Its therapeutic potential in clinical settings should be explored by additional research to better understand its mechanisms.

Research Insights

Supplement	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size
Bifidobacterium plantarum	Improved Cognitive Function	Beneficial	Large
Bifidobacterium plantarum	Reduced Depression Symptoms	Beneficial	Moderate