Here,
we define a psychobiotic as a live organism that, when ingested in
adequate amounts, produces a health benefit in patients suffering from
psychiatric illness. As a class of probiotic, these bacteria are capable
of producing and delivering neuroactive substances such as
gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin, which act on the brain-gut axis.
Preclinical evaluation in rodents suggests that certain psychobiotics
possess antidepressant or anxiolytic activity. Effects may be mediated
via the vagus nerve, spinal cord, or neuroendocrine systems. So far,
psychobiotics have been most extensively studied in a liaison
psychiatric setting in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, where
positive benefits have been reported for a number of organisms including
Bifidobacterium infantis. Evidence is emerging of benefits in
alleviating symptoms of depression and in chronic fatigue syndrome. Such
benefits may be related to the anti-inflammatory actions of certain
psychobiotics and a capacity to reduce hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
axis activity. Results from large scale placebo-controlled studies are
awaited.
Correspondence information about the author Timothy G. Dinan
Email the author Timothy G. Dinan
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