Navigation
From isoniazid to psychobiotics: The gut microbiome as a new antidepressant target
This 2019 article focuses on the link between gut bacteria with depression and psychological disorders (mood and anxiety). We have seen an increase in awareness of the gut-brain axis and its importance in psychiatric disorders. It has been suggested that the gut bacteria may play a causative or contributing role in the development of these disorders. The gut microbiome could represent a potential antidepressant target, as some bacteria confer mental health benefits (“psychobiotics”). Moreover, gut bacteria can be manipulated through various ways including the use of probiotics, prebiotics and dietary modification. Psychobiotics containing various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species have been shown to enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and increase cognitive function in both healthy subjects and patients. Ultimately, this paper provides an overview of the identification and development of antidepressant psychobiotics, including those in preclinical stages and those already demonstrating its potential in human trials. [NPID: gut microbiome, microbiota, microbes, bacteria, gut bacteria, depression, anxiety, mood, cognition, brain, gut]
Year: 2019
