Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
08:15
Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
Published on: June 6, 2025
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Psychobiotics in Depression: Sources, Metabolites, and Treatment-A Systematic Review
Angelika Śliwka1, Magdalena Polak-Berecka1, Kinga Zdybel1
1Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland.
Nutrients
|July 12, 2025
Summary
Psychobiotics, beneficial microbes, show promise for treating depression by positively influencing the gut-brain axis. Key strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium modulate neurotransmitters and inflammation, offering therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a leading global cause of disability.
- Stress-related mental disorders pose a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding novel therapeutic avenues for depression is crucial.
Approach:
- Systematic review of publications from 2020-2024.
- Searched Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases.
- Included human and animal studies on psychobiotics and mental health.
Key Points:
- Predominant psychobiotic genera: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
- Mechanisms include neurotransmitter regulation, gut microbiota modulation, SCFA production, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Akkermansia muciniphila show notable efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Psychobiotics modulate the gut-brain axis.
- These microorganisms demonstrate potential as adjunctive therapies for depression.
- Further research into psychobiotic mechanisms and applications is warranted.
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