The Therapeutic Potential of Probiotics in Modulating Depressive Symptoms

Depression is a complex and chronic mental health disorder that significantly affects individuals’ quality of life. Recent research shows that there is a significant link between the gut microbiota and the regulation of mood, suggesting that the gut-brain axis may play a crucial role in the development and progression of depressive symptoms. The composition of gut microbiota has been found to differ between individuals with depression and healthy controls, leading to growing interest in how the gut-brain axis might influence mental health. The gut microbiota has proven that it can influence inflammatory responses, immune system regulation, and neurotransmitter production, all of which are associated with depression. Probiotics have gained attention as potential adjunctive therapy for depression to alter the composition of the gut microbiota, regulate neurotransmitters, and reduce inflammation. Even though human studies have shown encouraging results, more research is necessary to better understand the effectiveness and therapeutic use of this intervention as the precise mechanisms are still unclear. The purpose of this Systematic review is to explore whether probiotic supplements can be used as a treatment for depression and their therapeutic potential in modulating depressive symptoms.