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Fecal microbiota transplantation in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review

Negin Eissazade1, Hesam Mosavari1, Shayan Eghdami1

  • 1Brain and Cognition Clinic, Institute for Cognitive Sciences Studies, Tehran, Iran.

Neurodegenerative Disease Management
|August 10, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows potential safety and short-term benefits for Parkinson's disease (PD) motor and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, more rigorous trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and long-term effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Current Parkinson's disease (PD) treatments provide limited symptomatic relief.
  • Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging therapeutic strategy for various conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases.
  • The safety and efficacy of FMT in PD patients require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the existing literature on the safety and efficacy of FMT in Parkinson's disease.
  • To evaluate the impact of FMT on both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.
  • To assess the changes in gut microbiota composition following FMT in PD.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.
  • Studies involving adult PD patients undergoing FMT were included, reporting motor and non-motor outcomes.
  • Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane RoB 2 tools, with narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity.

Main Results:

  • Fourteen studies (369 participants) were included, with varied FMT protocols.
  • Four trials reported modest, short-term motor improvements; non-motor benefits (GI, sleep, mood) were inconsistent.
  • FMT was generally safe with mild, transient adverse events; microbiota showed partial, temporary restoration.

Conclusions:

  • Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) appears safe and may offer short-term benefits for select motor and gastrointestinal outcomes in Parkinson's disease.
  • Current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, and methodological weaknesses.
  • Well-designed, adequately powered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with standardized protocols are essential to establish the therapeutic potential of FMT in PD.
Keywords:
FMTPDParkinson diseasefecal microbiota transplantfecal transplantsystematic review

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