The network of connections involving multiple biological systems that allow bidirectional communication between gut bacteria and brain. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in brain physiology and myelination, in which major depressive disorder is associated with abnormalities in brain myelin content. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

Psychobiotics are beneficial bacteria (probiotics) or support for such bacteria (prebiotics) that influence bactera-brain relationships and have great therapeutic potential for the treatment of psychiatric diseases. 

Psychobiotics 

Zhu, H., Tian, P., Zhao, J., Zhang, H., Wang, G., & Chen, W. (2022). A psychobiotic approach to the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Functional Foods, 91, 104999.

A psychobiotic approach to the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Many microorganisms have been proposed as potential psychotropic agents including: 
- Streptococcus thermophiles
- Bifidobacterium animalis
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus helveticus
- Bacillus coagulans

Beneficial microorganisms in psychobiotics 

Ingestion of moderate amounts of the microorganisms in psychobiotics can assist in the production of neuroactive substances, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, glutamate, and may also regulate proteins such as brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which are important in the regulation of functions and behaviors related to the central nervous system (CNS). Research has suggested that the administration of psychobiotics can be effective in treating depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Physiological effects of psychobiotics 

According to research, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of depressive disorders in women are different than those with men. Therefore, the composition of gut microbiota in men and women suffering from major depressive disorder differ from one another, which might stand for different psychobiotic efficacy. In a study examining the effects of psychobiotics on major depressive disorder, there was less efficacy in women compared to men. 

Gender difference in the efficacy of psychobiotics

The antidepressant efficacy of probiotics and improved cognition is demonstrated in recent research. Multiple studies have reported improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognition along with somatic components. 

Antidepressant Efficacy of Psychobiotics

Microbiota-gut-brain axis 

Research has shown that the occurrence and development of depression are often accompanied by gut microbial changes, such as the reduced abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. 

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