Therapeutic Role of Probiotics in Regulating Mental Health: Gut-Brain Cross-Talk.

The gastrointestinal tract harbors a diverse microbial community, including bacteria, archaea, and protozoa, which play pivotal roles in maintaining host gut health. Probiotics, comprising nonpathogenic microorganisms administered in appropriate doses, have garnered attention for their therapeutic potential in promoting overall human health. They bolster antipathogenic defenses, enhance immune function, and ameliorate gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. The intricate interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and mental health is well-documented, with numerous studies highlighting the impact of food consumption on stress levels and cognitive function. Preclinical and clinical investigations have elucidated the therapeutic effects of probiotics and prebiotics in managing various mental disorders, including depression, autism spectrum disorders, and fibromyalgia syndrome. Emerging research underscores the role of psychobiotics, a class of probiotic microbes with psychotropic properties, in alleviating psychiatric distress. Furthermore, synbiotics, combining live microorganisms with substrates, hold promise in modulating gut microbiota and mitigating stress, depression, and anxiety. This review aims to explore the intricate communication pathways between the gut and brain and their implications for disease pathology.