The human gut microbiome contains over 100 trillion microorganisms that produce neuroactive compounds, including neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. Clinical studies have shown that disruptions in gut bacterial populations correlate with mood disorders, while specific probiotic strains can modulate neurotransmitter levels and influence behavior through the gut-brain axis.

The challenge lies in identifying and delivering viable probiotic strains that can survive gastric conditions while producing therapeutic levels of neuroactive compounds at their site of action.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including nano-encapsulated GABA-producing probiotics, engineered microorganisms for serotonin production, specific Lactobacillus strains for behavioral disorders, and combination approaches using probiotics with mood-regulating compounds. These and other approaches focus on developing stable formulations that can effectively influence mood and behavior through gut-brain pathways.

1. Composition of Lyophilized Bacterial Strains for Cognitive Function Enhancement and Mood Regulation

PROBIONOVA SA, 2024

Using specific strains of bacteria, like Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus paracasei, to improve mood disorders and cognitive function. The bacteria strains can be used in supplements for treating brain disorders like anxiety, depression, and dementia. The strains can also be used to improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline. The supplements can contain the strains alone or in combinations. The bacteria strains may be lyophilized for convenient dosing.

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2. Nutrient Composition Containing Stachyose, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Walnut Peptide, Cistanche Deserticola, Casein Hydrolysate, and Theanine

INNER MONGOLIA DAIRY TECH RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD, INNER MONGOLIA DAIRY TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD, INNER MONGOLIA YILI IND GROUP CO LTD, 2024

Nutrient composition for improving brain health and reducing neurological disorders like anxiety, oxidative stress, memory issues, and nerve protection. The composition contains specific natural compounds like stachyose, lactobacillus plantarum, walnut peptide, cistanche deserticola, casein hydrolysate, and theanine.

3. Probiotic Compositions with Lactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium Strains

SYNBALANCE SRL, 2024

Probiotic compositions for preventing and treating stress-related conditions like impaired cognitive function, anxiety, insomnia, baby blues, postpartum depression, menopausal depression, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, panic attacks, attention deficit disorder. The compositions contain a combination of probiotic strains, Lactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077 or Bifidobacterium lactis BL050.

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4. Lactobacillus Brevis KU15152 Strain with Metabolite Production for Interaction with Intestinal Cells

KONKUK UNIV INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION CORP, KONKUK UNIVERSITY INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION CORP, 2024

Lactobacillus brevis KU15152 strain, isolated from kimchi, for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and depression. The strain has a protective effect against nerve cell death caused by oxidative stress. The protection is due to metabolites produced when the strain interacts with intestinal cells. The strain, dead cells, and metabolites can be used in pharmaceuticals, health supplements, and probiotics to prevent/treat neurodegenerative diseases and depression.

5. Composition Containing Lactobacillus Buchneri 200793 Strain with Specific Cellular Concentration

KONKUK UNIV INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION CORP, KONKUK UNIVERSITY INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION CORP, WITHBIO INC, 2023

Preventing or treating depression containing Lactobacillus Buchneri 200793 strain (KCCM 12593P) or a culture of the strain as an active ingredient. The composition includes live or dead cells of the strain, a concentration of 10 8 to 10 11 CFU/ml, preferably at a concentration of 10 10 CFU/ml, and a human feed additive composition for preventing or improving depression.

6. Probiotic Composition with Specific Bacterial Strains

CHINA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, UNIV CHINA AGRICULTURAL, 2023

Probiotic composition for treating depression with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). The composition contains specific strains of Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. These strains were found to effectively relieve depressive symptoms and diarrhea in people with depression and IBS-D compared to placebo.

7. Solid Oral Composition with S-Adenosyl Methionine and Probiotics in Stable Form

Montefarmaco OTC S.p.A., Graal S.r.l., 2023

An oral composition containing S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) and probiotics for treating and preventing mood disorders like anxiety and depression. The composition can be in stable solid forms like orosoluble granulates or tablets. The composition improves patient adherence to therapy by combining the mood regulating SAMe with live probiotics that reach the gut intact.

8. Compositions of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains with Catechols, Guaiacols, and 4-Methoxyphenols for Nervous System Modulation

IBARAKI UNIV, NAT AGRICULTURE & FOOD RES ORG, NATIONAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, 2023

Compositions containing specific lactic acid bacteria strains for treating or preventing conditions related to the nervous system or body. The bacteria strains contain compounds like catechols, guaiacols, and 4-methoxyphenols that increase proliferation. This provides a natural approach to support mental development, memory, and alleviate disorders like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The bacteria strains are from lactic acid bacteria genera like Lactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, and Lactipplantibacillus.

9. Composition Containing Lactobacillus paracasei Strain KW3110 with Specific Depression-Related Properties

KIRIN HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA, 2023

Composition and agents containing Lactobacillus paracasei to suppress and improve depression. Lactobacillus paracasei strain KW3110 was found to effectively suppress and improve depression when ingested. The strain can be used in a composition, agent, or method for depression relief.

10. Synbiotic Composition with Specific Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, and Bifidobacterium Strains Combined with Inulin, Pectin, Beta-Glucan, Resistant Starch, Galacto-Oligosaccharides, and Isomalto-Oligosaccharides

SYNBIOTICS AB, 2023

Synbiotic composition containing specific bacterial strains and dietary fibers for treating neuropsychiatric disorders like ADHD, OCD, and borderline personality disorder. The synbiotic contains two or more strains from Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Bifidobacterium breve. The fibers include inulin, pectin, beta-glucan, resistant starch, galacto-oligosaccharides, and isomalto-oligosaccharides. The total bacterial dose is 10^6-10^13 CFU and fiber dose is 0.1-20 g. The synbiotic aims to improve symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders and reduce side effects of pharm

11. Nutritional Composition with Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Specific Nutrients

WENZHOU MEDICAL UNIV, WENZHOU MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, 2023

A compound nutritional composition for relieving depression-like symptoms in mammals that combines probiotics, prebiotics, and specific nutrients. The probiotics include strains like Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactococcus lactis. The nutrients include folic acid, vitamin B12, selenium, iron, and zinc. The prebiotics are fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides.

12. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus 4B15 Strain and Compositions Modulating Gene and Protein Expression Related to Stress Response and Neuroinflammation

SEOUL DAIRY CORPERATIVE, 2023

Preventing or improving stress-related diseases like anxiety and depression using a specific strain of probiotic bacteria. The strain is Lactobacillus rhamnosus 4B15 (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 4B15) and compositions containing this strain. The strain reduces symptoms of chronic stress like anxiety and depression, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction in animal models. It does this by modulating genes and proteins related to stress response, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier function, and neurodegeneration.

13. Probiotic Composition Comprising Lactobacillus plantarum GMNL-141, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GM-020, and Lactobacillus acidophilus GMNL-185 Strains

GENMONT BIOTECH INC, 2023

Composition of probiotic strains for improving anxiety caused by antibiotics. The composition includes Lactobacillus plantarum GMNL-141, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GM-020, and Lactobacillus acidophilus GMNL-185 strains. These probiotics can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions, foods, or supplements to mitigate anxiety associated with antibiotic use.

14. Composition Comprising Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 Strain

KIRIN HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KIRIN HOLDINGS KK, 2023

Composition containing Lactobacillus paracasei (Lparacasei) to suppress and/or improve depression. The composition can be used as a dietary supplement or food ingredient to alleviate depression symptoms. The specific Lparacasei strain used is KW3110. It was found that ingesting KW3110 strain improved depression levels, particularly before workloads, suggesting it could be used to manage daily life stress.

15. Compositions Containing Bacterial Metabolites for Neurological and Psychological Health

Cornell University, 2023

Compositions for promoting the neurological health, psychological health or brain health of an individual to treat behavioral or neurological disorders. The compositions contain specific bacterial metabolites, such as phenyl sulfate, pyrocatechol sulfate, 3-(3-sulfooxyphenyl)propanoic acid, and indoxyl sulfate, or bacteria that produce these metabolites. The bacterial metabolites can be formulated as dietary supplements, probiotics or pharmaceuticals to restore normal brain function and behavior in conditions like anxiety disorders.

16. Probiotic Composition with K-KLJ Probiotic Combination and Prebiotics

Wuhan Kangfude Biotechnology Co., Ltd., WUHAN COMFORT BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

Probiotic composition for relieving anxiety or depression. The composition includes prebiotics, a K-KLJ probiotic combination comprising at least one of lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus reuteri, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus helveticus and a functional substance.

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17. Probiotic Consortium with Neurotransmitter-Producing Microbes Containing Bacillus and Lactobacillus Strains

RATNA SUDHA MADEMPUDI, 2023

Probiotic formulation to reduce stress and anxiety. The formulation contains a consortium of probiotic microbes, including Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium infantis. The probiotic microbes produce neurotransmitters like GABA when metabolizing glutamine in the gut. This inhibitory neurotransmitter helps to reduce stress and anxiety when it reaches the brain.

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18. Lactic Acid Bacterium-Derived Ingredient from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis with Water-Soluble Dietary Fiber Integration

LIFE QUALITY INSTITUTE, INC., 2023

A lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies lactis, or a lactic acid bacterium-derived ingredient therefrom, as an active ingredient for preventing, treating or ameliorating stress disorders. This bacterial ingredient can be formulated into a composition with additional ingredients like water-soluble dietary fibers to enhance the effect.

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19. Composition of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains and Metabolites with Specific Fermentation Profiles

GLAC BIOTECH CO., LTD., 2023

Composition containing lactic acid bacteria strains and their metabolites to improve brain function. The strains, like Lactobacillus salivarius and Bifidobacterium longum, and their fermentation products can elevate brain function when consumed. The composition can be used as a food or pharmaceutical to boost brain ability.

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20. Composition with Specific Probiotic Strains for Inclusion in Nutritional Products

Nestlé S.A., 2022

A composition containing specific probiotic strains for preventing and treating anxiety disorders and related conditions in mammals like humans, particularly pregnant women, lactating women, and infants. The composition contains probiotics like Lactococcus lactis or a combination of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus to prevent and treat anxiety disorders. The probiotics are added to nutritional products like infant formula, breast milk substitutes, and baby foods. They can be administered during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or infancy to provide neurodevelopmental benefits for anxiety prevention and treatment.

21. Bacterial Compositions with Serotonin-Modulating Properties for Gut Colonization

22. Probiotic Composition with Lactobacillus plantarum Lp3a, Lactobacillus paracasei LPC45, and Bifidobacterium breve BB033 in Defined Ratios

23. Method for Modulating Gut Microbiota Using Neutral Human Milk Oligosaccharides to Influence Neurotransmission

24. Composition of Probiotics and Folic Acid with Maltitol and Dietary Fibers

25. Lactobacillus plantarum Strain Administration for Modulating Human Mood States

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