Harnessing The Gut-Brain Axis: Can Probiotics Be Used As An Alternative Treatment In Clinical Depression By Modulating The Gut Microbiota?

Harnessing The Gut-Brain Axis: Can Probiotics Be Used As An Alternative Treatment In Clinical Depression By Modulating The Gut Microbiota?

Warwick Medical School

Naeem Ahmed

Emerging evidence suggests a significant bidirectional interaction between the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system, known as the gut–brain axis. This systematic review evaluates whether probiotics can serve as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for clinical depression through modulation of the gut microbiota. Current literature indicates that specific probiotic strains may influence neurotransmitter production, reduce systemic inflammation and improve gut barrier integrity. These mechanisms have been found to be implicated in depressive pathology. While several clinical trials demonstrate modest but promising antidepressant effects, heterogeneity in probiotic formulations, study durations and patient populations limit definitive conclusions. Overall, probiotic therapy represents a potential low-risk intervention with biological plausibility, but further high-quality, standardised trials are needed to determine efficacy, optimal strains and dosage for depressive disorders.

medicine, probiotics, depression, gut-brain axis, antidepressant